Robbie Lawler says he's not bothered by Covington's ordeal

R. Lawler (photo) talks about C. Covington. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC

With two days left for the fight between Robbie Lawler e Colby covington in the main fight of UFC Newark (USA), this Saturday (3), one of the protagonists stated that he does not feel uncomfortable with the provocative way in which Colby promotes his fights. In an interview with 'MMA Junkie', the former welterweight champion (under 77kg) spoke about his next fight and minimized the controversies involving his rival.

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“I pay attention to these things (provocations). It's not like me. He is doing what he thinks he needs to do to create what he thinks should be created. I’m just going to keep to myself, train and prepare for the fight,” declared Lawler.

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Colby is known for his controversies outside the octagon. The fighter became known to Brazilians after making negative statements about Brazil when he faced and defeated Demian Maia, in 2017. The athlete, at the time, was harshly criticized by the Brazilian public and some MMA athletes. Lawler, however, seems unfazed by his opponent's laid-back and arrogant style.

The fight between the fighters could guarantee one of them the possibility of becoming a potential challenger for the division title, which currently belongs to the Nigerian Kamaru Usman. The news is going around behind the scenes at Ultimate that, if Covington defeats Robbie, he will promptly be the next fighter to face Usman. According to Lawler, however, the same promise was not made to him.

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“There was no such conversation. I'm just focused on Saturday and then taking a mini-vacation. Soon after, I will return to work. It's business as usual. I'm really not worried about what's being said right now. It’s not important to me,” Lawler said.

Finally, the former champion commented on his expectations for the long-awaited duel against Colby. The welterweight stated that he already imagines the strategy that will be drawn up by Covington together with his team so that he can try to nullify Robbie's game.

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“Obviously the fight will start on the feet, but he will try to mix the fight on the feet and on the ground. I'm ready for striking and wrestling. I always look for the knockout. I always train on punching bags as if I were fighting someone. That’s always my goal,” concluded Lawler.

This Saturday's fight will mark the 42nd fight for Robbie, who is currently 37 years old. In his professional record, the North American has 28 wins, 12 losses and one fight without result.

Colby, 31, in turn, has 15 clashes, with 14 triumphs and one setback.

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