UFC News, 'Bros before blows': Lawler vs Woodley finalised UFC 201 main event

For the third time, UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler is set to defend the title against Tyron Woodley on July 31 (Australian time).

Woodley tweeted the event on his account on Tuesday which triggered an outpour of wishes for good luck and support from his UFC fans. AJC confirms that the fight is set to take place at the Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta. Tickets for the event will be available at the Philips Arena box office and online at Ticketmaster.

According to Yahoo Sports, Lawler (27-10, 1 NC) first earned the title through a thrilling and narrow fight against former champion Johnny Hendricks at UFC 181 last December 2014. Since then, he has had to defend the title against Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit. “Ruthless” Lawler has won five consecutive fights since fighting out of American Top Team where he and Woodley were teammates.

On the other side of the ring, Woodley (15-3) is fresh out of a back-to-back win. ESPN reports that he hasn’t fought since UFC 183 last January 2015 where he won by split-decision against Kelvin Gastelum. He was scheduled for a fight against Hendricks at UFC 192 but because of medical complications caused by his weight cut, Lawler was slotted in instead. He holds a record of 4-1 in the past five fights, with his only loss given to him by Rory MacDonald. Woodley also works as a part-time actor.

Both are affiliated to American Top Team but didn’t train and sweat together. Lawler fights out of Florida whereas Woodley fights out of Missouri. Regardless, Woodley acknowledged his teammate and insisted that if it was “bros before blows” before, it will be the same no matter the outcome of UFC 201.

It’s expected that the fight between the welterweight hopeful and the veteran will be the most thrilling yet. Whose side are you on?

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