The UFC has confirmed the welterweight matchup between Ben Askren and Robbie Lawler.
Earlier this month, it was reported by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that multi-promotion MMA champion Ben Askren would be making his UFC debut against Robbie Lawler at UFC 233.
The UFC confirmed the news via Twitter on Wednesday, releasing an official poster for the highly anticipated welterweight matchup.
Askren, the former Bellator and ONE FC welterweight champion, recently traded places with former UFC flyweight champ and pound-for-pound No. 1 Demetrious Johnson, who now competes under the ONE Championship banner alongside Eddie Alvarez.
His opponent, 36-year-old Robbie Lawler, is the former UFC welterweight titleholder and one of the most seasoned veterans in the game. ‘Ruthless’ last fought at UFC on FOX 26 where he dropped a unanimous decision to ex-lightweight champ Rafael dos Anjos.
UFC 233, which features a headlining flyweight championship bout between T.J. Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo, takes place next year, January 26 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.