Robbie Lawler. AP File photo
The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) debut at the world-famous Madison Square Garden Arena in New York just got a whole lot bigger, as former Welterweight titleholder “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler will clash against fan favorite, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.”
The potential barnburner of a match-up was confirmed by Dana White himself to Cleveland Radio host Anthony Lima on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).
According to the UFC president, Lawler (27-11, 1 NC) personally requested a quick turnaround after losing his title in devastating fashion against Tyron Woodley at UFC 201 in July.
Prior to his shocking defeat, the 34-year-old Florida native reeled off two straight title defenses against perennial contenders Rory McDonald and Carlos Condit. He won eight of his last nine bouts, while participating in several Fight of the Year-caliber fights.
Cerrone (31-7, 1 NC), meanwhile, comes into the fight on a red-hot three-win streak, after reinventing himself at the 170-lb. weight class. Since losing to former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos last December, “Cowboy” has wrecked havoc at welterweight with wins over Alex Oliveira, Patrick Cote and Rick Story—all by stoppage.
Rafael dos Anjos celebrates his first-round win over Donald Cerrone in a mixed martial arts bout at UFC Fight Night on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, in Orlando, Florida. AP
Cerrone has earned Performance of the Night bonuses in all three of his 2016 fights, while Lawler has won Fight of the Night bonuses three times over the past two years.
The bout, however, will only be part of the event’s main card and the event headliner has yet to be announced.
A match-up between ex-welterweight title challenger Thiago Alves and New Yorker Al Iaquinta was also confirmed as part of the main card.
UFC 205 marks the promotion’s long-awaited debut in New York state after a ban on MMA was lifted earlier this year.
READ: New York clears way, lifts ban on professional mixed martial arts
The event takes place on No. 12. Khristian Ibarrola