5 insane "come back from the dead" victories in UFC history

#1 Fifth-Round Lawler turns Rory Macdonald into Lord Voldemort

Lawler-Macdonald’s iconic post-4th round staredown

‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler (27-11-1) is a former UFC Welterweight champion with an MMA base of boxing and wrestling. Rory ‘Red King’ Macdonald (18-4) is a former UFC and current Bellator star, with an MMA base of kickboxing, wrestling and BJJ.

Lawler beat Macdonald by split-decision at UFC 167 in 2013. The rematch that took place a couple of years later at UFC 189 in a 5-round war that is considered by many as the greatest MMA fight of all time.

Lawler outboxed Macdonald much like their first fight, for the better part of the 15 minutes. In the 3rd round, Macdonald caught his southpaw opponent with a right head kick, putting him on jelly legs. Lawler endured an insane amount of damage for the remainder of the round, wobbling back to his corner.

Lawler ate a few more head kicks in the next round and got thoroughly outworked by his opponent. The 5th round started and Macdonald seemed to be on his way to victory on the judges’ scorecards when Lawler came out like a madman throwing bombs.

‘Ruthless’ kept ripping hooks into his Canadian foe’s damaged nose, and 1 minute into the final frame, Macdonald collapsed from the excruciating pain of his broken nose combined with Lawler’s final straight left.

Robert Glenn Lawler’s 5th round TKO of Rory Macdonald will always be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in MMA history.

From Bisping’s hometown victory to Edgar’s fight back against ‘The Bully’; Hendo’s insane chin, to Kongo knocking out Barry on pure instinct. Only Mr Robert can top such a ‘Ruthless’ list. As always, don’t forget our combat tradition. Chime in with your own favourite UFC comebacks, in the comments.

Keep training and never count out your opponent!

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