Robbie Lawler and Donald Cerrone, two of the most exciting welterweights on the planet, collide on Saturday night (July 29) as part of the mammoth UFC 214 card in Anaheim. Lawler’s a former champion, Cerrone’s a perennial contender, but both are renowned for their ability to produce see-it-to-believe it fights and finishes. Consequently, many are expecting a ‘Fight of the Year’ when Lawler and Cerrone touch gloves and prepare for battle this weekend.
Ahead of the war, we asked some fighters – past and present – for their take on one of the most highly-anticipated match-ups of the year.
Glover Teixeira
Hard-hitting light-heavyweight contender from Brazil
“Both are tough fighters. They both come to fight and are very exciting. But I think Robbie Lawler has the power to finish ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone. I know Cerrone has those kicks, which could do good things for him, but I think Robbie Lawler will take that fight.
“It’s very weird to say the fight will be ‘Fight of the Year’ because even though two good fighters and knockout artists are going to fight, it doesn’t matter. You can’t predict how good it is going to be. It’s very hard to expect those things from fighters. Sometimes you see a fight you don’t expect entertainment from and it turns out to be one of the greatest fighters you’ve ever watched. Then you prepare to watch a fight between two warriors and you expect a ‘Fight of the Year’ and it ends up being a disappointment. I don’t think high expectations are a good thing. I think we should just wait and see what happens.”
Darren Till
Highly-rated UFC lightweight prospect from England
“I think Robbie Lawler takes it on pure grit and determination. Donald Cerrone is a great fighter but seems to lack heart when the going gets tough. We’ve seen it many times. We saw it when a fellow training partner of mine and one of my best friends, Paul Kelly, fought him. He shot straight for the double because he didn’t want to stand with Paul. Paul was in his head and he knew it was going to be a hard fight because Paul was tough and a good striker. I feel like Robbie Lawler will take it in the later rounds.”
Cathal Pendred
Ireland’s former UFC welterweight and current star of Amazon series Lore
“That’s a great fight for the fans, a really interesting one. Cerrone’s move to welterweight has been great for him. But Robbie Lawler is a big and strong guy for the weight class. He’s a phenomenal fighter, one of the toughest you’ve ever seen. If I had to pick one, I’d go with Robbie Lawler just because of the strength, size and power. He has a bit of an edge there. He used to fight at middleweight; he’s a big welter. The real winner in that one will be the fans.”
Result…
Lawler 3-0 Cerrone
