Robbie Lawler to headline UFC 201 with cracking title defence

UFC 201 may also be the event that accommodates McGregor v Diaz II.

Robbie Lawler is going to miss out on the fun and frolics of UFC 200. That's the bad news but it gets a lot better for 'Ruthless'. The welterweight champion is set to headline UFC 201 with a title defence against No.3 ranked Tyron Woodley. The event will take place in Atlanta on July 30. The news was broken on UFC Tonight and although both fighters have spoken about the much-anticipated bout, fight contracts have yet to be signed. By all accounts, both parties are keen to get the paperwork signed and sealed in the coming days. Woodley marked the impending bout with this classy Instagram message:

'Robbie and I were #BrosBeforeBlows and nothing will change after the cage is re-opened. 'It speaks volume to the level of training at American Top Team that under one roof you breed so many champions and contenders. Excited for the chance to prove to my family, friends, fans and mostly myself I'm the best welterweight on the planet. But more importantly giving credit to God for gifting me with these talents, and choosing me for this mission that I have embarked upon. The praise goes to him. Thanks to the UFC for giving me the opportunity to prove it.'

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFAoEdlwOJB/?taken-by=twooodley&hl=en Lawler has won five straight fights, including recent wars against Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit. His ability to endure severe punishment and still come out swinging in the final rounds has been nothing short of remarkable. The July 30 event will fill up in the coming weeks and there is still a major slot open for a co-main event. That could well be Conor McGregor's rematch with Nate Diaz. UFC president Dana White told a TMZ reporter he expects McGregor to fight this summer and mentioned either 201 or 202 as likely showcases. It is unlikely that either Jose Aldo or Frankie Edgar will have recovered from their interim featherweight title match at UFC 200 to step up against outright holder McGregor. Asked about McGregor's next fight, on Sunday, John Kavanagh, his coach, replied, "201 or 202, announcement soon I'm sure." Interestingly, McGregor v Lawler [for the welterweight strap] had been discussed as a potential UFC 200 headliner before 'The Notorious' lost to Diaz in March.