UFC 189: Predicting Lawler vs. MacDonald II

Thanks to all the hype surrounding UFC 189’s (now-aborted) main event you’d be forgiven for forgetting that the card also features this, a massive welterweight title showdown between two of the division’s finest competitors. Hoping to defend his title for the first time is the longtime MMA veteran Robbie Lawler, but he faces a tough challenge in the shape of a destiny-seeking young Canadian.

Beginning his training at just 13 years of age, Rory MacDonald is the leader of a new generation of pure-breed mixed martial artists well-versed in almost every conceivable facet of the sport. Fighting out of Montreal’s acclaimed Tristar gym under the excellent tutelage of Firas Zahabi, MacDonald has long been groomed as the successor to the immortal Georges St-Pierre, a daunting label that he will finally be able to live up to should he end up with his hand raised on Saturday night.

‘Ares’, ‘Waterboy’, ‘The Canadian Psycho’, ‘Red King’. It really doesn’t matter how many times MacDonald has changed his nickname, his in-ring performances do all the talking. Exceptionally well rounded due to his exhaustive approach to the sport, MacDonald is as comfortable trading on the feet as he is scrambling on the ground. His total balance is also reflected in his 20-fight professional MMA record; 5 victories by decision, 6 by submission, and 7 by the way of strikes.

The talent is undeniably there, the training is near-perfect, and he boasts one of the finest supporting corners in the game today, but MacDonald’s biggest flaw might be mental. Still only 25, the Canadian has put a tremendous amount of pressure on himself in his quest to become a champion. Underestimating his opponents has also been a serious issue, something MacDonald painfully discovered in his second career defeat; ironically a split decision loss to the current champion himself.

If MacDonald has expunged these mental demons, he could be on the cusp of greatness.

One of the last remaining old school fighters still slugging it out, Robbie Lawler amazingly made his debut with the UFC back in 2002. Defeating Johny Hendricks at the second time of asking to capture the title at last year’s UFC 181, Lawler’s remarkable career resurgence is one of the sport’s greatest career turnarounds. Leaving the UFC initially in 2004, the veteran inconsistently middled around the smaller promotions for years until returning to the organisation in 2013.

A favourite among fans of the more violent side of the sport, Lawler is a master of the pugilistic art, boasting an excellent finishing record consisting of 20 finishes out of his 25 professional victories with all but 1 of these due to strikes. If presented an opportunity, Lawler will seek to end the fight with his power-striking style, and given his track record he’ll likely succeed. Lawler also possess an excellent chin, having only been knockout once in his 14-year career.

Prediction: While Lawler has improved dramatically in recent years, he does remain susceptible to those with a strong wrestling background, but his solid chin, iron will, and penchant for violence should be all the reasons MacDonald needs to take the fight to the ground. Expect MacDonald to take advantage of his ground superiority from the get go. If Lawler is able to withstand the takedown attempts however he might be able to repeat his previous success against the Canadian.

Something tells me however that this won’t happen. MacDonald possesses height and reach advantages, is far younger and considerably more technical than the champion. the ‘Red King’ should employ an intelligent strategy and fulfil his destiny by taking the crown by decision.

UFC 189 Main Card Predictions - Picks in bold:

Bantamweight - Brad Pickett vs. Thomas Almeida
Welterweight - Gunnar Nelson vs. Brandon Thatch
Featherweight - Dennis Bermudez vs. Jeremy Stephens
Welterweight Championship - Robbie Lawler © vs. Rory MacDonald
Interim Featherweight Championship - Chad Mendes vs. Conor McGregor

UFC Fight Picks 2015 Record: 44-22

What do you think will happen at UFC 189? Leave your predictions below!



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