Robbie Lawler
Active 2002–present · rated in 2 editions · peak overall 89.0
Scouting report
Capturing the Undisputed UFC Welterweight Championship from Johny Hendricks before prevailing in Fight of the Year fights against Rory MacDonald at UFC 189 and Carlos Condit, "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler built a reputation for fifth-round surges. Originating from San Diego, California, Lawler broke rivals with southpaw power and a durable chin, reflected in a 91 Boxing and 92 Durability, powering his 89 Overall rating.
Peak ratings
By edition
Lawler engineered a career renaissance between 2014 and 2015, stopping Jake Ellenberger, outpointing Matt Brown, and defeating Johny Hendricks at UFC 181 in Las Vegas to capture the UFC Welterweight Championship, before defending the belt against Rory MacDonald in a fifth-round TKO at UFC 189. His power boxing and sprawl defense are reflected in a 91 Boxing and 90 Cardio.
In January 2016 at UFC 195 in Las Vegas, Lawler defended his title in a five-round war against Carlos Condit, before dropping the belt to Tyron Woodley at UFC 201 and rebounding with a unanimous decision victory over Donald Cerrone at UFC 214 in Anaheim. His championship heart, power combinations, and durability anchor his 91 Boxing and 91 Durability.
Robbie Lawler, the man who came back from the wilderness
Robbie Lawler fought in the early years of the sport, drifted through several promotions, and then reached his peak in his thirties. He won the welterweight title from Johny Hendricks in 2014, then beat Rory MacDonald in a five-round war in 2015 and Carlos Condit in 2016. That was the year Tyron Woodley knocked him out in the first round. He is a fighter who is at his best when the fight gets ugly.
Lawler's ratings explained
Boxing. A point behind his chin, which tops his card. He throws a heavy left hook and a right hand that many opponents could not stand up to.
Kickboxing. Strong. He threw kicks to the legs and body with force, though he was not known for flash.
Wrestling. Good for a striker. He defended takedowns and could hold his own when pressed against the cage.
BJJ. The lowest number. He rarely hunted for submissions, and he did not need to.
Strength. He hits with weight and uses it in close exchanges.
Durability. Tied for his best. He took punishment from top opponents and kept coming forward.
Cardio. He was still dangerous in the last round against MacDonald, which is the clearest proof.
Fight IQ. High. He was patient in the fight, and knew when to pick his moment.
Boxing and durability lead his card
With boxing and durability both in the nineties, he is one of the strongest pure punchers in the pool and just as hard to hurt. That gives you someone who can trade with anybody and survive the exchange. That is the kind of profile a fight game rewards.
Ground work is where he can be cornered: BJJ
Jiu-jitsu is the lowest number on the peak card. If a good grappler can get him down and hold him there, he has less to answer with. He needs a teammate who can stop the fight from going to the floor.
Keep exploring
Closest welterweight profiles to Robbie Lawler, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Jack Della Maddalenabest boxing 93 · weakest bjj 78
- Jorge Masvidalbest boxing 91 · weakest wrestling 80
- Ian Garrybest kickboxing 90 · weakest bjj 78
- Darren Tillbest boxing 88 · weakest bjj 72
- Welterweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Protecting your streak: a guide that fits Robbie Lawler's strongest attribute, Durability.
Draft Robbie Lawler into your build
Robbie Lawler enters the pool on any spin landing on welterweight between 2014 and 2017. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.
Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Robbie Lawler is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Robbie Lawler's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.