Robbie Lawler (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

During a press conference today, UFC President Dana White announced that welterweight champion Robbie Lawler will fight Rory MacDonald on July 11th.

The bout will be part of UFC 189, which will be hosted by the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

MacDonald was scheduled to fight Hector Lombard on April 25th, but after the latter allegedly tested positive for steroids, the fight was cancelled.

Lawler and MacDonald fought in November, 2013, and Lawler won the bout via split decision.

Since then, MacDonald (18-2) has won three straight fights, while Lawler (25-10) has gone 3-1.

The July 11th bout will mark the first time Lawler has fought since he decisioned Johny Hendricks in December to become welterweight champion.

UFC 189 will also feature featherweight champion Jose Aldo taking on Conor McGregor.