Ben Rothwell once shared a harsh truth about the UFC, recalling a conversation with future Hall of Famer Robbie Lawler. “It wasn’t the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that we all believed and dreamed that it was.” This raises an important question: Are the grand dreams many fighters have about the UFC just illusions? For some, like Conor McGregor, that dream became a reality. According to Forbes, McGregor earned $76,000 for his UFC debut against Marcus Brimage and at his peak, banked millions! But what about legends like Robbie Lawler, who stepped into the Octagon decades earlier?
“Robbie Lawler is one of the most bad-a-s athletes to ever step inside the Octagon.” UFC CEO Dana White recently said. But did his early paychecks reflect his in-cage tenacity? For the record, in his final fight at UFC 290, Lawler made a statement, knocking out Niko Price in just 38 seconds. During his second and peak UFC run, he secured bigger paydays, earning $220,000 for his welterweight title win against Johny Hendricks at UFC 181, as reported by MMA Junkie. But what about his first-ever promotional bout at UFC 37 in 2002 against Aaron Riley?
Speaking on the JAXXON podcast, the 43-year-old legend looked back on his early days in the promotion. Host Bear Degidio asked, “What was your early first reaction when you started getting into the UFC? Were you like, ‘I am going to do this for a career,’ or like, ‘Hey, I’m going to just make some quick money?’ Like, did you have other things on your plate?”
Lawler responded with honesty. “No, there wasn’t, that was all I was going to do. I was going to go out and fight. But obviously, there wasn’t very much money back then, I think I made $2,500 for my first fight. And then maybe 1,000 bucks for a sponsor, and I was balling.”
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 11: Robbie Lawler reacts to his victory over Rory MacDonald in their UFC welterweight title fight during the UFC 189 event inside MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 11, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
After debuting in 2002, Lawler was released in 2004 after back-to-back losses to Nick Diaz and Evan Tanner and went on to fight in EliteXC—where he became middleweight champion—along with Strikeforce, PRIDE, and the IFL. The California native made his long-awaited return to the UFC in 2013, nearly a decade after his last fight for the promotion at UFC 50 in 2004. This is when he carved his legacy in the latter half of his UFC career.
And none of those milestones are more iconic than his brutal war rematch with Rory MacDonald at UFC 189. The fight for gold where two noses walked in and none walked out! Despite a modest first UFC payday and an early departure from the promotion, Lawler’s love for MMA and the UFC has never wavered. In fact, rumors are swirling that the former welterweight champion might be considering a return to the cage. If true, it would mark yet another thrilling chapter in the career of one of the sport’s most fearless warriors.
MMA ‘legend’ Matt Brown showers Robbie Lawler with praise
Amid the buzz surrounding Robbie Lawler’s possible return to MMA, former opponent Matt Brown—who went to war with Lawler in 2014—reminded the world just how much of a legend ‘Ruthless’ truly is. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Brown reflected on their fight and the lasting impact Lawler has had on the sport.
“I learned the difference between what a fighter is and what a warrior is that night. People call me a legend all the time, and I’m like, ‘That’s bulls—.’ Robbie Lawler is a f—— legend,” Brown said. He continued, “We’ve all got to love him. Never a big trash talker. Stayed true to himself the whole time. He’s one of those guys you kind of forget is there until he’s there, and you’re like, ‘Oh yeah, f—— Robbie.’ Just a savage. I’m sure he’s inspired thousands of athletes coming up for many years.”
Even Dana White couldn’t help but acknowledge Lawler’s legendary status. He praised Lawler’s contributions to the sport after being announced as the latest inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame during UFC 313 earlier this month.
“Robbie was an absolute killer, and I have a ton of respect for his toughness and fighting style, which helped grow MMA and the UFC by attracting a lot of new fans. Robbie had an amazing career, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”
Despite his immense success, Lawler has remained one of the most humble figures in the sport. He never sought the spotlight or engaged in trash talk—he simply let his fights speak for him. How do you feel about one of MMA’s very best? Let us know in the comment section below!
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