"Ruthless" Robbie Lawler has been in the game for 13 years and counting. At the relatively ripe age of 32, the UFC veteran had his own share of struggles, peaks and valleys throughout his mixed martial arts career.
Known for his aggressive, come forward fighting approach, almost every single one of Lawler's fights has been no less than entertaining. With 19 of his total 24 victories ending by knockout, the "Ruthless" nickname certainly fits both his type of persona in the cage and his fighting style.
However, there is one aspect of prizefighting that Lawler had trouble dealing with. It is not the opponents he faces or the beatings he potentially will be receiving, but rather the media and PR obligations that it entails.
In the recent episode of the UFC's "Embedded" series wherein fans are given a peek of how fighter's deal with their respective duties during fight week, Lawler revealed that he was not used to being in front of the camera and promoting his own fight at first.
"Before, I was like 'I didn't want to do it.' Now, I see why you do it helps," Lawler said. "I'm more grown up now, I guess you could say."
For most fighters, all the physical, mental, and emotional preparations heading for the big fight can be a grueling task to handle. Which is some of them see the all the other responsibilities such as fight promotion as a form of distraction.
But this has not been the case for Lawler. Not anymore, at least.
Since his return to the UFC in 2013, "Ruthles" Robbie has demolished every opponent thrown his way, only to lose a razor-thin unanimous decision against Johny Hendricks for the then-vacant welterweight title.
Now that he gets to face Hendricks for the title once again, Lawler seemed to have lightened up on the obligations that come with being an event headliner and title contender.
"I'm used to it," Lawler says. "It's part of the sport, it's how you get sponsors, how you portray yourself, and it's just part of helping the UFC grow."
Watch the first "Embedded" episode for UFC 181 here:
