Former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler doesn't plan on walking away from the sport of mixed martial arts anytime soon.
Lawler spoke with MMA Mania's Shakiel Mahjouri ahead of his highly anticipated rematch with Nick Diaz this Saturday night at UFC 266 and said that even when his days of actively competing are over, he plans on giving back to the sport of MMA for as long as possible because of the joy it still brings him.
“I find a lot of joy. Even when I’m not competing anymore I’ll still be working out," Lawler said. "So I don’t think I’m ever going to really retire because I’m always trying to get better, strive and create more balance. Obviously, this is a huge part of my life and I’ll be giving back to the sport that gave so much to me. I’m never putting this thing down.”
Lawler is currently on a four-fight skid, dropping his latest Octagon outing to Neil Magny via a unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 8 in August 2020. He'll look to end that losing streak this weekend and avenge the first loss he suffered to Diaz back at UFC 47 in April 2004 via a second-round knockout. The 39-year old San Diego, California native continued on to tell Mahjouri that he's got nothing but respect for his former foe.
“There’s definitely respect from my side toward Nick,” Lawler says. “He’s done a lot, he’s accomplished a lot. He always comes to fight, always brings it. Looking for finishes and looking to beat somebody’s ass.”
17 years in the making!
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 21, 2021
Who else can't wait for Nick Diaz vs Robbie Lawler rematch at #UFC266?! pic.twitter.com/6Vl2JSabCn
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