UFC on FOX 26: Robbie Lawler Refuses to Cite Injury as Playing Role in Defeat

It seems pretty clear that Robbie Lawler sustained an injury during his UFC on FOX 26 bout with Rafael dos Anjos last night, but the rugged fighter passed on citing the injury, while discussing his defeat.

Both Lawler and dos Anjos landed plenty of telling blows during the fight’s opening rounds. But, by the midway point of the scrap, the lead leg of “Ruthless” was heavily bruised from the kicks of RDA. In addition, at one point, it sounded like Lawler told his cornermen that he had injured his knee, during a scramble in the fight.

As the fight continued, Lawler’s mobility was visibly reduced, and RDA continued to outscore the former welterweight champ. After 25 minutes, there was no question that dos Anjos would be handed the unanimous decision win.

During the post-fight presser, Lawler was asked to comment on when he incurred the injury, and the veteran said this (quote via MMA Junkie):

“It doesn’t matter,” Lawler said at UFC on FOX 26’s post-fight news conference. “He did a great job out there. It just wasn’t my night. He did a great job.”

“I just wasn’t able to do the kind of things I wanted to do. He took advantage of – he did a great job out there. Landed some good knees. Landed some good punches, couple takedowns.”

This is classic Lawler; he’s never been one to make excuses for his losses. Hopefully the injury’s not serious and the popular fighter’s back in the Octagon soon.