Robbie Lawler Says He Has Moved On From Loss To Askren

Robbie Lawler’s return to the Octagon last month at UFC 235 didn’t go as planned, as he lost via submission to a bulldog choke against undefeated newcomer Ben Askren.

The end of the fight was shrouded in controversy as referee Herb Dean deemed Lawler lost consciousness after seeing his arm go limp as Askren locked in the choke. Lawler disputed Dean’s decision, claiming he was conscious and giving Dean the thumbs-up.

After the bout, both Lawler and Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White said the fight should be rebooked due to the controversial ending sequence, but Askren appeared to want no part of it. Askren has now been matched with Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239 on July 6 while Lawler takes on Tyron Woodley at UFC on ESPN 4 on June 29, in a rematch of the fight in which Lawler lost his welterweight title.

Lawler was asked what his thoughts were on not getting a rematch against Askren at the recent UFC seasonal press conference (via MMAJunkie.com):

“I’m not too worried about what happened in the past,” Lawler said. “It’s all about getting better, working on my skills. This is a big fight, main event. I’m excited to try to whoop somebody’s butt.”

Lawler’s first fight against Woodley was back at UFC 201 in July 2016 where he lost the 170-pound title after getting knocked out in the opening round.