The 5 greatest UFC Welterweights of the decade (2010-2019)

#3 Robbie Lawler

Robbie Lawler's UFC title reign was incredibly exciting

For sheer excitement in his fights, no other Welterweight this decade can touch Robbie Lawler. ‘Ruthless Robbie’ had a UFC Welterweight title reign that lasted only for 18 months, but during that period of time he put on three of the greatest title fights in promotional history – winning them all – and that alone grants him a spot as one of the best 170lbers of the past decade.

Lawler actually started the decade competing as a Middleweight in StrikeForce, where he went 3-4 following the dawning of 2010. But once he moved back to the UFC in 2013, he cut back down to his more natural 170lbs, and instantly went on a tear, defeating Josh Koscheck, Bobby Voelker and Rory MacDonald to position himself as a top contender in the division.

‘Ruthless Robbie’ faced Johny Hendricks for the vacant Welterweight title in March 2014, and although Hendricks edged him on the judges’ scorecards, Lawler wasn’t willing to stop in his quest for gold. He took out Jake Ellenberger and Matt Brown to earn a rematch with Hendricks, and then defeated ‘Bigg Rigg’ in a five round thriller to finally claim his first UFC title.

Next came arguably the greatest title fight in UFC history, as Lawler defended his crown in a toe-to-toe war with MacDonald, both men taking insane amounts of damage before Lawler – who was on the verge of being finished in the fourth round – broke the Canadian’s nose in the fifth to secure a remarkable victory. His next defence, against Carlos Condit, was an equally incredible fight that saw Lawler again come away with his hand raised after taking crazy amounts of punishment.

‘The Ruthless One’ saw his run ended in his next fight, as he was knocked out by Tyron Woodley and lost his title, but after a year away from the sport, he was able to return and beat Donald Cerrone. Now on a three-fight losing streak, it appears we’re reaching the end of Lawler’s storied career – but his title reign remains unforgettable and cements his spot in UFC history as a great.