The classic 2015 fight between welterweights Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald at UFC 189 will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame ‘Fight Wing’ as part of the class of 2023 in a ceremony that will take place on July 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In a press release on Saturday, the UFC announced that Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald’s fight at UFC 189 in 2015 will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s “Fight Wing” as part of the class of 2023. The induction ceremony will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 6, 2023, and will be exclusively streamed on UFC FIGHT PASS.
UFC President Dana White praised the bout, calling it one of the most thrilling fights in UFC history. The contest was a display of heart, grit, determination, and the will to win from both athletes. The five-round epic has always been considered one of the best fights in UFC history.
The Lawler vs. MacDonald fight took place on July 11, 2015, as the co-main event of UFC 189: MENDES vs. McGREGOR at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with both fighters entering the event on three-fight winning streaks. Lawler was the reigning UFC welterweight champion, while MacDonald was the top-ranked welterweight contender.
During the initial round, MacDonald landed jabs, while Lawler measured his opponent, cautiously matching leg kicks and responding to punches. MacDonald attempted a takedown, which Lawler defended, and the round ended with both fighters exchanging punches.
In round two, Lawler took control of the pace, connecting with more significant strikes while checking MacDonald’s leg kicks. The fighters began more exchanges midway through the round, opening and pushing forward with each attempt. Lawler broke MacDonalds’ nose, and the round ended with a final combination from the champion, evening the match.
Lawler remained patient in round three, throwing measured strikes and blocking MacDonald’s counters. Robbie defended Rory’s second takedown attempt by adding two cuts on MacDonald’s face to his broken nose. With 35 seconds left in the round, MacDonald stunned Lawler with a right head kick, but Lawler managed to survive the round.
MacDonald gained control in round four as Lawler couldn’t fully recover from the previous round’s end. Rory attacked with a series of punches, head kicks, and standing elbows, while Lawler tried to counter. The fifth and final round saw Lawler connecting with a left hook and right jab to MacDonald’s nose 56 seconds in, sending Rory to the canvas. Lawler won the fight via a stoppage by referee John McCarthy.
The fight rightfully won the Fight of the Night and was chosen as the 2015 Fight of the Year by MMAWeekly.com, Fighters Only World MMA Awards, Sherdog.com, MMA Fighting, Bleacher Report, and Wrestling Observer. Lawler continued to fight top contenders in the welterweight and middleweight divisions, whereas MacDonald lost his next fight to Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson before leaving the UFC. He continues to compete in Bellator and PFL and retired in 2022.