"Ruthless" Robbie Lawler

By Joshua Molina

Robbie Lawler, this is probably your last chance.

Somehow Lawler lined up a big fight against Josh Koscheck at UFC 157, on the undercard of the Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche fight.

This fight is like the best and worst thing that could ever happen to Lawler.

The heavy hitter has devastating knockout power and can put anyone’s lights out.

But he has trouble against wrestlers, and guys who can take him the distance. Lawler will have his hands full against the former Division I wrestler, who is also a good striker.

Having lost three of his last four fights, it’s now or never for Lawler. He needs a win, a win against a guy who isn’t easy to knock out.

Lawler is an impressive physical specimen, but he hasn’t shown an ability to grow as an all-around MMA fighter.

Rarely today can a fighter reach the highest level on a good left hook alone.

For Lawler, fighting Koscheck is one of the worst fights he could possibly take.  He’s fighting a guy whose greatest strength is his greatest weakness.

It’s understandable, though. UFC offers don’t come every day, especially to a guy who has lost three out of his last four fights.

Koscheck, on the other hand, doesn’t have a lot to gain, but much to lose. Koscheck has hopes of winning a championship one day. He’s fought the sport’s greats including Georges St-Pierre twice, losing both fights be decision. He’s been good for a long time, but never reached the pinnacle of the sport.

Koscheck should be able to beat Lawler and continue with hope of one more title shot. But a loss to Lawler would be tough. Koscheck doesn’t want to be the UFC guy who got knocked out by the one-dimensional Strikeforce guy.