Amidst all of the drama at UFC 313 on Saturday night came the announcement that former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler (30-16 MMA, 10-5 UFC) is set to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Modern Wing later this year.
'Ruthless' enjoyed a professional career that spanned more than two decades and made his final appearance inside the Octagon when he knocked out Niko Price in the opening round of their clash at UFC 290 back in 2023.
Lawler was in attendance at UFC 313 when the annoncement of his induction came, and he was asked by the media afterwards if he had ever thought something like this could happen in the long term.
"I never really thought about it", Lawler said while speaking at the post-fight press conference, "and when it happens you're kind of excited. But I just always tried to carry myself as if (and believe that) I was someone special, and that I fought a certain way and people liked it, and at the same time I was never really waiting for validation from anyone else".
Lawler Shown Respect By His Peers
The video montage the UFC played in the arena contained testimonials from some of the biggest names in the sport, something Lawler was humbled by.
"It's definitely an accomplishment, but you could be waiting your whole life to be validated by the outside world. Just as long as I was happy with who I created and who I am today, that was most important. But I think when you listen to all those fighters say those all those wonderful things they said about me, it's definitely it touches you and you realize that it was bigger than just me.
"I just think that's what sports all about, trying to push people to be better than you, and excite the fans, and. That's about it".
Lawler Had A Feeling Announcement Was Coming
Although he hadn't been told in advance about the announcement, Lawler managed to put two and two together once he was invited to sit Octagonside by the UFC at T-Mobile Arena for Saturday's event.
“I had a feel for it. I just did,” said the former welterweight champion. “I didn’t tell anybody I had a feel for it. I let my wife know. I’m like, ‘Hey …’ And then when I was sitting where I was sitting, I was (suspecting it). But still, when it happens, you’re like, ‘Oh – this is actually happening.”
Known throughout his career as somewaht of a stoic individual, Lawler was moved to tears when Saturday's announcement came, and he pointed out just how much it meant to him.
“It was going pretty good, but then once all those fighters and Dana were saying those nice things about me, I got a little choked up,” Lawler said. “I’m definitely honored – amazing accomplishment. A lot of hard work was put into it, not just me, but trainers, training partners, management team … it’s just been a long road, and just another gift.
“Probably the best part of it is all those kind words from all those fighters and my peers and guys who are coming up now, seeing what I put into the sport and how I fought. It definitely makes me feel good.”
