Robbie Lawler, celebrated for his legendary career filled with knockouts and championship wins, is inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, earning high praise from fellow fighter Matt Brown, who regards their 2014 bout as a pivotal learning experience despite his loss.
Robbie Lawler’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame this July is a testament to his legendary career. With a resume that boasts brutal knockouts and championship victories, he’s cemented his place in MMA history.
Back in 2014, Lawler faced off against Matt Brown in a No. 1 contender’s match on FOX. The winner would go on to challenge welterweight champion Johny Hendricks. It was an intense back-and-forth battle, but Lawler emerged victorious with a unanimous decision.
Interestingly, despite the loss, Matt Brown considers that fight his favorite. "He was definitely my favorite fight that I had," Brown shared on The Fighter vs. The Writer. For him, it wasn’t just about the fight; it was about the lessons learned.
Brown reminisced about their media tour before the bout. They spent days together, sharing meals and interviews, and he found Lawler to be incredibly cool and laid-back. Even post-fight, they remained on good terms—just two warriors respecting each other.
It’s rare for fighters to cherish a loss over a win, but Brown heaps praise on Lawler after their 25-minute cage encounter. He credits Lawler with teaching him invaluable lessons that night.
Lawler surprised Brown with his strategic prowess. "One of the most intelligent, strategic fighters out there," Brown noted. He expected a brawler but faced a tactician who outsmarted him in unexpected ways.
As a well-deserved Hall of Famer, Lawler has been in the sport since 2004. Brown started training that same year, already looking up to Lawler as a formidable fighter and an even greater person.
What truly sets Lawler apart is his warrior spirit. Brown learned from their fight the difference between being a fighter and being a warrior—a warrior remains strategic under pressure.
Despite holding records like the most knockouts in UFC welterweight history, Brown places Lawler in a league of his own due to his long list of accolades and contributions to MMA.
Having debuted in 2001 and fought through 2023, Lawler’s career is unparalleled. Brown can’t imagine anyone more deserving of Hall of Fame recognition than Robbie Lawler.
"People call me a legend all the time and I’m like ‘that’s bullshit.’ Robbie Lawler is a f*cking legend," Brown emphasized. Known for staying true to himself without trash talk, Lawler’s presence is felt when it matters most.
Brown acknowledges Lawler’s influence on countless athletes over the years. He inspired Brown early in his career, making their shared cage experience an honor filled with respect.
For those interested in more insights like these, catch new episodes of The Fighter vs. The Writer every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.