In the welterweight division, Donald Cerrone (31-7 MMA, 18-4 UFC) seems to be on the fast track to earning his title shot. After a championship setback at 155 pounds, the fighter moved up to the 170 pound weight class and will be facing the recently deposed champ Robbie Lawler (27-11 MMA, 12-5 UFC) at UFC 205.
UFC president Dana White confirmed to CBS Sports’ Anthony Lima that the bout agreements had been signed by Robbie Lawler and Donald Cerrone’s camps, and that the fight would be slated for a showdown at Madison Square Garden on November 12.
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UFC News: @danawhite just told me the papers are signed off on a Robbie Lawler vs. Donald Cerrone match for #UFC205 card at MSG in NYC.
— Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) September 7, 2016
In the last three years, Cerrone has been one of the most familiar faces in the UFC as he has appeared in an incredible 15 fights in that span. More impressively, he came out victorious in 12 of those matches, including eight by finish, all the while securing his placement in the rankings of both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Most recently at UFC 202, Cerrone defeated top-10 welterweight Rick Story. Cerrone is ranked No. 14 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA welterweight rankings.
Cerrone’s opponent, Robbie Lawler, was chomping at the bit for a quick return to the octagon after he lost the championship belt to Tyron Woodley at UFC 201 back in July. President Dana White’s job was made easy when Cerrone immediately volunteered on Twitter to take the fight with Lawler, who is currently ranked No. 3 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA welterweight rankings.
Before his loss, Lawler was on a bit of a hot streak as he had won five fights in a row, two of which were title defense matches.
Do you plan on watching Robbie Lawler brawl with Donald Cerrone?
[H/T Fox Sports]
