VIDEO: All Time Greatest Fights From the Vault – Robbie Lawler vs Rory MacDonald 2

Robbie Lawler is all set to compete in his 45th professional MMA fight at UFC 266. The MMA veteran is all set to face Nick Diaz in a rematch of their UFC 47 clash. Back then, both Diaz and Lawler were newcomers in the UFC and were trying to make a name for themselves. Diaz had won that fight via a 2nd round KO.

‘Ruthless’ has not been in the best of forms of late and has lost his 4 UFC fights. However, Lawler was one of the best MMA fighters in his prime and has competed in some brilliant matches. Some of Lawler’s best performances came against the incredibly talented Rory MacDonald.

The pair first faced each other at the UFC 167 event back in November 2013. Both fighters performed admirably during the fight and in the end, Lawler won the fight via split decision. While this fight between Lawler and MacDonald was entertaining, the 2nd fight between the pair was truly something special.

The Greatest fight in UFC history: Robbie Lawler vs Rory MacDonald

Lawler and MacDonald met for a rematch at the UFC 189 event. The fight began slowly, with both fighters taking their time to get into the stride. MacDonald tried to establish his jab and fight outside the pocket, and even Lawler did not do much to close the gap.

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The second round was much more entertaining, and both fighters started engaging more. Both Lawler and MacDonald got some good shots in, with Lawler even opening up a cut on MacDonald. Therefore, many believed that Lawler had gained momentum after this round and would win easily.

That proved true, as even though both fighters threw shots, Lawler caught the challenger with some devastating combinations. At that time, it felt like ‘Ruthless’ would completely dominate the fight and defend his title successfully.

However, everything changed as MacDonald landed a big head kick that changed the fortune of the fight. ‘Red King’ started the 4th round like a champion and seemed to believe he was just a few shots away from the title. However, Lawler showed the champion spirit as he continued to survive and hit a few punches of his own.

The fight changed course again as, from the start of the 5th round, Lawler was ruthless and went for the KO. Eventually, a huge left hand from ‘Ruthless’ sent MacDonald to the canvas and Lawler defended his title. The back-and-forth fight earned the Fight of the Night Bonus and everyone applauded the fighters’ performance.

Robbie Lawler vs Rory MacDonald 2 voted the best fight in UFC history

The fight became an instant classic as fans from all over the world touted this to be one of the best MMA fights ever. In 2017, a poll was done by ESPN to determine the best UFC fight in history. And fans from all around the world voted the Lawler vs MacDonald 2 fight to be the best ever.

At the end of the fight, both fighters were left and bruised and battered, and that showed the effort they put into the fight. And while Lawler and MacDonald went on to compete in various fights throughout their respective careers. The UFC 189 clash between these two fighters is certainly one of the greatest MMA fights ever.

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