A welterweight scrap between former champion Robbie Lawler and divisional newcomer Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone is on for UFC 205 according to UFC President Dana White.
UFC President Dana White today told CBS Cleveland radio host Anthony Lima the bout is official on paper.
Lawler (27-11, 1NC MMA, 12-5 UFC) returned to the UFC in 2013 after going 4-3 in his first stint with the promotion. The ‘Ruthless’ one won three straight before fighting for the vacant welterweight title against Johny Hendricks, a fight which he lost via unanimous decision. Lawler bounced back from the loss with victories over Jake Ellenberger and Matt Brown before facing Hendricks for a second time. The fight once again went the distance, but Lawler came out on top this time, capturing the welterweight title. Lawler defended his title twice, with a fifth round stoppage victory over Rory MacDonald and a decision victory over Carlos Condit before facing Tyron Woodley at UFC 201. Lawler was finished with strikes for only the second time in his career, losing his title at the 2:12 mark of the first round.
Cerrone (31-7 MMA, 18-4 UFC) put together an eight fight win streak with five finishes to earn himself a shot at the UFC Lightweight Championship, but after being dispatched by then champion Rafael dos Anjos in just 66-seconds, Cerrone made the decision to move up to welterweight. Cerrone, who is known as “Cowboy” came up against a lesser known “Cowboy” in his welterweight debut, facing Alex Oliveira. Proving himself as the only Cowboy in the UFC, Cerrone submitted Oliveira in the first round. In his second bout at 170lbs, Cerrone became the first man to stop Patrick Cote with strikes before decimating Rick Story at UFC 202 in August.
UFC 205 takes place live from Madison Square Garden on Nov. 12 2016.
