Robbie Lawler (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Robbie Lawler wasn’t expected to compete at this Saturday’s UFC Vegas 8 card, but recently the welterweight champ outlined why he agreed to fight Neil Magny on short notice.

Magny was originally scheduled to fight Geoff Neal at the event, but the rising fighter had to withdraw due to a frightening medical issue. Lawler, who hasn’t fought since last August when he lost to Colby Covington, agreed to step up (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I’ve been looking to get back for a while and just couldn’t get anything together, then they just offered this one on a few weeks’ notice and I’m like, ‘All right, I guess I’m going to fight,’” Lawler told the media. “It is what it is. I’m going to fight. I haven’t fought for a while, so it’s nice to get back in there.”

“Right now I’m just competing,” Lawler said. “One step at a time. You have to get past this fight and showcase your skill and let people know who you are. … Everyone at Sanford (MMA) has done a great job with me, and I’m excited to get out there.”

The 38-year-old Lawler (28-14) is looking to end a three-fight losing skid at UFC Vegas 8. The 33-year-old Magny (23-7), on the other hand, is coming off wins over Rocco Martin and Li Jingliang.