Ruthless indeed.
Yesterday, Robbie Lawler, the UFC welterweight champion and number 4 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, and Tyron Woodley were in Atlanta to promote their upcoming title fight and the two sat down for an interview with WSB-TV Channel 2 sports director Zach Klein. In the interview, Klein asked Lawler if he was disappointed that the previously rumored fight with UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor didn't materialize and the two had this exchange:
Lawler: "I wasn't too worried about it. Obviously, that was a big fight. He's a big draw but it wouldn't have been good for him."
Klein: "How so?"
Lawler: "Because if I hurt him I wasn't taking his neck."
Klein: "What were you going to take?"
Lawler: "His soul. I'm a lot different than most people. He found a way out. And Diaz took his neck and was nice to him. I'm just telling it like it is and how I saw it."
Back in March, there was a rumor circulating that Lawler would fight McGregor. At the time, McGregor was set to face lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 196 and, should McGregor win, there was talk of him moving up once again to face Lawler for the welterweight title in an attempt to win 3 titles in 3 different divisions. Ultimately, the fight never came to fruition as dos Anjos withdrew from the bout with McGregor and was replaced by Nate Diaz who set fire to that particular apple cart by submitting McGregor in the second round.
Now, Lawler is set to defend his title against Woodley at UFC 201 on July 30th in Atlanta, Georgia. Woodley is riding a two-fight win streak, knocking out ninth ranked Dong Hyun Kim in the first round and then taking a split decision over 12th-ranked Kelvin Gastelum. However, Woodley is coming off an 18-month layoff. Conversely, Lawler's last fight was the presumptive Fight of the Year, a split decision victory over fifth-ranked Carlos Condit in January.
On the matter of his fight with Woodley, Lawler was only marginally less terrifying.
"We're both professional. We've been doing this a long time. It's part of the business, promoting fights. When the octagon door closes, a different business is gonna start. As soon as they say, 'let's get it on!' I'm ready to fight. I don't need to waste any energy. I'm just always ready to go so when they unleash me, it's time."
That octagon door will close on July 30th in Atlanta, Ga. Conor McGregor should be glad he's not the one inside when it does.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Bring on Barao. Anthony Pettis plans to drop to 145, hoping for an August debut.
Who does? Frank Mir believes Mark Hunt will win because Brock Lesnar 'doesn't like to be hit.'
Looking good so far. Jessica Andrade is confident she will earn more knock outs in her new weight class.
Swan song. Chuck Mindenhall discussed Dan Henderson's performance at UFC 199 and how it would be a fitting end to the legend's career.
Promotional Malpractice. Luke Thomas's Promotional Malpractice chat covered the crazy last few days in the MMA world.
EXTRA CREDIT READING
The Secret. Tim Bissell of Bloody Elbow talks about confidence and self belief in MMA.
MEDIA STEW
Rogan on Diaz-McGregor 2.
More free Fedor.
Dana saying negotiating with Mayweather starts with punches, kicks, and elbows meaning 0% chance it happens.
Untethered MMA crew got back together to talk media, if you have ever watched these gentlemen before.
LISTEN UP
Remembering Kimbo.
Media-cast.
DSM and Lorenz Larkin
TWEETS
Not unreasonable.
@RicardoLamasMMA @ufc @BlessedMMA you guys are gangsters...This woulda been me when max pointed to the ground pic.twitter.com/KLzHCPCXxL
— Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) June 9, 2016
That is a pretty impressive thing to accomplish as an MMA fighter. Good on him.
Made the Forbes 100 today.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 8, 2016
Still in the hood. #Dublin12 pic.twitter.com/hMFBzYFoi9
This could be interpreted very differently.
.@TheNotoriousMMA has a message for Nate Diaz.#NoChance https://t.co/5hjzkUAESM
— Conor McGregor Army (@McGregorArmy) June 8, 2016
Even Bisping wants it. No, Dan doesn't deserve it but what better way for him to retire?
— michael (@bisping) June 9, 2016
If true that was quick.
So @BrockLesnar was tested by @usantidoping today. It will appear on database at https://t.co/4dtvoUJPZk next week.
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) June 8, 2016
Certain to add to speculation.
TBH he isn't much bigger than his brother. 145 should be doable though I'm not sure that solves his recent struggles.
I don't speak Portuguese but it appears that Wandy is saying he has 12 of 15 symptoms for brain damage and has some memory loss. If so, that is not good.
JBJ all about the car instagraming.
Well earned indeed.
GSP getting some training in with Jake Shields.
Just saw this. It is great.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alan Jouban (13-4-0) vs. Belal Muhammad (9-0-0); UFC Fight Night 90, July 7.
Nick Hein (13-2-0) vs. Tae Hyun Bang (18-9-0); UFC Fight Night Hamburg, September 3.
TODAY IN MMA HISTORY
2000: Kevin Randleman successfully defended his UFC heavyweight championship, defeating Pedro Rizzo via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 26: Ultimate Field of Dreams. This event also featured Pat Miletich defeating John Alessio to defend his UFC welterweight championship.
2006: Gilbert Melendez became the Strikeforce lightweight champion, defeating Clay Guida by split decision at Strikeforce: Revenge. The main event that evening featured the North American debut of Alistair Overeem who won a unanimous decision over Vitor Belfort in a light heavyweight fight.
Think I missed a spot? Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @JedKMeshew and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.