Two surging contenders will square off this summer in a bout that will more than likely provide the next challenger to Johny Hendricks’ UFC welterweight title.
“The Immortal” Matt Brown is set to square off with “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler at UFC on FOX 12 on July 26 in San Jose, California.
UFC President Dana White tweeted the news this morning.
He also clarified that this will be a title eliminator matchup.
After going just 3-5 in eight fights contested under the Strikeforce banner, Lawler has rejuvenated his career after dropping back down to welterweight.
The American Top Team standout has compiled a 4-1 record since returning to the Octagon, with his sole setback being a razor-thin decision loss to Hendricks at UFC 171 in March.
Lawler squared off with perennial contender Jake Ellenberger at UFC 173 this weekend, simply outclassing his opponent for 13 minutes before ending the fight with a vicious knee and subsequent punches on the ground.
On the other hand, Brown has been one of the biggest surprises at 170 pounds in recent memory, rattling off seven straight convincing wins since February 2012.
At UFC Fight Night 40 earlier this month, the fan-friendly brawler scored a spectacular come-from-behind TKO victory over Erick Silva after getting dropped with a body kick early in the bout.
According to the UFC’s official rankings, Lawler is the top welterweight contender while Brown cracks the list at No. 5.
Will Brown prove he is truly an elite talent with a decisive victory over Lawler or will the 13-year fight veteran prove the Vegas oddsmakers right when he overwhelms the gritty underdog?