UFC Veteran Robbie Lawler Scores Fairytale Knockout In Retirement Fight

A highlight reel knockout fitting of a legendary career.

Robbie Lawler is a name that will live on forever with so many legendary fights that it is hard to count them all. No matter what happened against Niko Price at UFC 290, his legacy was already secure. 

On Thursday, Lawler’s all-time slugfest against Rory MacDonald at UFC 189 was enshrined into the UFC Hall of Fame. He has always been one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC and the last fight of his glorious career was no exception. 

Lawler found himself in the clinch with Price in the first round and started dropping left-handed bombs until Price crumpled to the canvas. It was a dominant performance and the fight lasted only 38 seconds. It was his first first-round finish since 2013. 

ROBBIE LAWLER GETS THE KO IN 38 SECONDS IN HIS FINAL UFC FIGHT 😳 #UFC290 pic.twitter.com/8ZV3mdUXWD

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 9, 2023

After the finish, the 41-year-old raised his hands straight into the air and soaked in the historic moment. Lawler has always been a stoic fighter, but he couldn’t help but let the emotions get the best of him. 

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UFC commentator Joe Rogan entered the ring shortly after the fight and unveiled a video montage of Lawler’s career highlights. “Ruthless” watched as he held back tears and wanted to give thanks to those that helped fuel his outstanding career. 

“It’s amazing. I’ve had a long career,” Lawler said. “I’ve had a lot of people help me get to where I am today. Without them, none of this was possible and I’m blessed. I’m grateful.”

It truly was a storybook ending for the former welterweight champion who showed the world that he still had one great knockout left in the chamber. 

Fellow UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier was calling the fight and was one of many in awe of the performance. 

“They always say that every great champion has one last performance. The problem is you usually don’t get to see that performance,” Cormier said. “This will go down as one of the greatest retirements in UFC history."

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