The UFC has announced that the unforgettable rematch between Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald will be inducted into the Hall of Fame class of 2023. The match took place at UFC 189 in 2015, where Lawler, the former welterweight champion, defended his title against MacDonald.
Lawler and MacDonald had met before in 2013, where Lawler won the match via unanimous decision. The rematch was expected to be a heated and entertaining battle, but no one anticipated just how thrilling it would turn out to be.
During the bout, Lawler was fresh off his title win against Johnny Hendricks, while MacDonald was on a good three-win streak. The two welterweights started throwing intense punches from the first round and didn’t let up as the bout progressed.
It became a total slugfest, with both athletes eating big punches. The match went on until the 5th round, where Lawler finally dropped MacDonald, winning the bout via technical knockout. The action was so impressive that it has been regarded by many fans as the best MMA match in history.
To honor the incredible effort put forth by Lawler and MacDonald, the UFC has decided to induct their unforgettable rematch into the Hall of Fame. The announcement was made during the UFC 287 broadcast that the match would be inducted for the 2023 UFC Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place on July 6 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Even the UFC president Dana White was thrilled with the match, calling it one of the most exciting matches in history. He also added that the match was an absolute war and a complete display of heart, grit, determination, and the will to win from both athletes.
“This five-round classic will always be remembered as one of the best, and I can’t wait to induct this fight into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer,” White said.
A fight for the ages 🙌
ICYMI: Robbie Lawler vs Rory MacDonald 2 is headed to the #UFCHOF! pic.twitter.com/RlP7RdObTU
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023