THROWBACK: When Rory Macdonald and Robbie Lawler Put Up One of the Bloodiest UFC Fights

In 2015, the MMA community experienced one of the most blood-filled fights in the history. Rory Macdonald and Robbie Lawler fought at the UFC 189 which made the Octagon look red with blood.

The UFC event was actually hyped with a headline fight involving superstar Conor McGregor. McGregor was to fight Jose Aldo initially. However,  an injury to Aldo meant that the fight wasn’t possible.

The main event was later changed to McGregor vs Chad Mendes while McGregor and Aldo would later go on to fight at UFC 194.

In the co-main event, Welterweight champion Lawler fought Macdonald.

Robbie Lawler looking to prove he was better the Rory Macdonald for the second time

It was not the first time that the two were fighting inside a bout. Lawler had managed a split decision win the last time they met.

“As soon as I beat him and I came back to the locker room, my coach said,  ‘We’re going to see that kid again’” Lawler told FOX Sports before his fight in UFC 189.  “So my coach has always been paying attention to him. I think he’s a really good fighter and a really tough guy, he comes from a really good camp and he’s growing. He’s going to continue to grow.”

In spite of his win the first time, very few believed he would repeat his performance. Even the odds were against him for the second time. But Lawler believed he would prove himself at the end of the fight.

“That’s just the way it is. Maybe they’re seeing something that I’m not seeing. Everyone’s got an opinion and not all of them are good ones,” Lawler said. “I’m excited to showcase that I’m the better man. Plain and simple.

“It’s not more incentive, it’s just going to be more to the story of you guys didn’t believe in me again. I’m going to prove you wrong — again.”

And that is what Lawler managed to do. He won the fight via decision after five rounds of intense fight.