LAS VEGAS – Robbie Lawler never goes into the octagon looking for a war, they just tend to happen.
Lawler (29-15 MMA, 14-9 UFC, a former UFC welterweight champion, has established a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the history of the sport. He meets fellow action-fighter Bryan Barberena (17-8 MMA, 8-6 UFC) on Saturday’s UFC 276 main card, which airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ABC/ESPN and ESPN+.
Although Lawler has a litany of thrillers on his resume, he admitted it’s never the goal to engage in a blood and guts type battle.
“I’m not trying to go back-and-forth with anybody,” Lawler told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC 276 media day. “That would be silly. I’m looking to go out there, finish people and not take any damage. But sometimes guys don’t go away, and sometimes I don’t either.”
Despite his hopes for dominance, Lawler has experienced enough to know it’s unavoidable at times. And with an opponent like Barberena, it might just happen.
“I’ve seen him fight a few times,” Lawler said. “I’m not like seasoned in watching every fighter out there, but he’s had some good fights and good stuff. He’s a guy that comes to fight, and so am I.”
Lawler vs. Barberena was originally slated for the UFC 276 prelims. There was a lot of outrage about “Ruthless” fighting outside a main card for the first time since his UFC debut in 2002, but a cancellation saw his bout elevated to the pay-per-view.
Usually not one to show much emotion, Lawler said he’s fired up to step in the cage.
“It’s nice that fans are out there supporting me still,” Lawler said. “I’ve been doing this a while and I’m excited to go out there and put on a show for everyone.”
Robbie Lawler won’t be coaxed into ‘silly’ fight with Bryan Barberena at UFC 276
