Robbie Lawler (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Colby Covington has said he’s going to beat Robbie Lawler at UFC Newark, as payback for the former champ’s decision to leave American Top Team. But, as their bout approaches, “Ruthless” isn’t saying anything negative about his former camp.

In recent weeks, Covington has claimed that Lawler was upset with ATT for hanging a picture of Tyron Woodley, and left the gym, after the latter stopped him in 2016. Covington has also accused Lawler of betraying the Florida camp.

But, while talking to the media recently about his decision to leave ATT, the former welterweight champ said this (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“Because I felt like going, like a grownup.”

“I’m cool with the road I’ve taken and I have no animosity to anybody at that gym,” Lawler said. “I’m just moving forward, growing and getting better.

“It is what it is. I’m not at that gym any more. I’m at Hard Knocks doing my thing and worried about myself.”

The 37-year-old Lawler (28-13, 1 no-contest) is coming off a controversial, technical submission loss to Ben Askren in March. The rugged vet has denied that he went out from the bulldog choke Askren was applying.