Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald Rematch Set for UFC 189 on July 11 in Las Vegas

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Robbie Lawler will defend his UFC welterweight title for the first time against Rory MacDonald in the co-main event of UFC 189 “Aldo vs. McGregor” on July 11.

UFC President Dana White announced the fight on Wednesday during the promotion’s press conference regarding drug tests. The pay-per-view event takes place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and is the culmination of the UFC’s “International Fight Week.”

Lawler, 32, took the title from Johny Hendricks at UFC 181, where he defeated the former champion via split decision. Since returning to the Octagon in 2013, “Ruthless” has been victorious in six of his seven Octagon appearances, including a split decision victory over MacDonald at UFC 167.

MacDonald, 25, will finally receive the title shot that was promised to him following his finish of Tarec Saffiedine last October. Outside of his loss to Lawler, the “Red King” has won every fight he has been booked in since 2010. The Tristar Gym product was slated to face Hector Lombard at UFC 186, but Lombard failed a drug test and the fight was canceled.