Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald: A Full Head-to-Toe Breakdown

Dan Hiergesell@DHiergesellX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistJuly 7, 2015

Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald: A Full Head-to-Toe Breakdown

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    In a matchup that is certainly being overshadowed by the circus surrounding Conor McGregor's every move, UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler and top contender Rory MacDonald will settle their differences this Saturday at UFC 189.

    They met once before back at UFC 167, resulting in a close split-decision victory for Lawler, but this time it's for UFC gold.

    Not only will it be the champion's first title defense, but also a long-awaited opportunity for MacDonald, as he attempts to walk a path once blazed by current mentor and former 170-pound king Georges St-Pierre.

    Needless to say, Lawler vs. MacDonald may very well be the most exciting title fight the division has seen in years, one that will pin a heavy-handed wrecking ball against a strategic sharpshooter.

    Here is a full head-to-toe breakdown for the only true championship tilt this weekend.

Striking Precision

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    MacDonald has been sculpted into one of the most technical fighters in the UFC today.

    His ability to pick his shots and deliver on cue can be attributed to his time training under the tutelage of Firas Zahabi, who cornered former Canadian champ GSP to nine straight UFC title defenses. While MacDonald's patience sometimes skews his effectiveness overall, there's a lot to fall in love with when it comes to his execution and consistency.

    As for Lawler, who opts to brawl instead of going tit-for-tat, he incorporates just enough tactical precision to supplement his athletic strengths. Whether it's timely uppercuts, crisp head kicks or calculated offensive outbursts, Ruthless can stand and exchange with anyone.

    But when it comes down to raw exactness and the nuances of meticulous output, MacDonald is in a class of his own.

    Advantage: MacDonald

Punching Power

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    MacDonald's youth, athleticism and pinpoint striking allow him to land with succession. But unlike Lawler, the Red King does not possess the elite-level power to threaten with a knockout on a consistent basis.

    His skills are certainly strong enough to produce a finish (most likely by TKO), but there's something about the champ's punching power that eludes all others. Just look at how effective it was the first time he defeated MacDonald.

    Lawler is arguably the most powerful puncher in the division and a guy who knows how to use his innate tool at the most opportune time. That makes him a dangerous entity at any point in the fight and a persistent striker who is always one punch away from victory.

    Advantage: Lawler

Wrestling

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    As someone who represents the new breed of fighter in today's MMA, MacDonald can be seen fusing various disciplines into one athletically clad skill set. 

    But despite his acute striking and undeniable cage control, the Canadian's best weapon is his wrestling (he took Lawler down four times in their first encounter). With a strong base, big frame and extraordinary balance, MacDonald is able to dictate a fight's environment fairly easily.

    While that sort of Octagon diversity doesn't bode well for a guy like Lawler, the champion is no slouch in close quarters. His scrambling ability is well above average, and his aptitude to absorb damage allows him to remain active off his back.

    MacDonald is someone we rarely see struggle in the takedown department, but he's also the proud striker type who will keep this fight standing just to prove a point.

    Advantage: MacDonald

Grappling

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    MacDonald is a tremendous grappler.

    Blessed with elevated balance and control, the 25-year-old is truly ahead of his time when it comes to his technical ground game. Coupled with elite athleticism and raw strength, MacDonald's suffocating tendencies in top position often dictate the outcome of a fight.

    While Lawler is a strong fighter to keep down, half of his 10 career defeats have come by way of submission, suggesting he has developed a tendency to give up the transition.

    What makes MacDonald even more dangerous chest-to-chest is his aforementioned ability to secure a takedown. It's one of the most underrated aspects in his arsenal, but the Red King is capable of tapping any opponent.

    Advantage: MacDonald

Intangibles

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    Whether this accounts for something or not, MacDonald has only finished one of his five victories since the end of 2012.

    It's a statistic that most would dismiss immediately, but it is alarming considering the Canadian's world-class talent, precision and assumed killer instinct should give him ample opportunities to end a contest early.

    Needless to say, Lawler does not lack in this department. As one of the best finishers currently gracing the UFC roster, the welterweight titleholder often relies on unpredictability, perseverance and a come-from-behind approach offensively to seal his bid for victory.

    Driven by grit or pure carnage, Lawler has reaffirmed his status as one of the best in world over the past few years by pulling off the unthinkable.

    Advantage: Lawler

Verdict

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    It would be unwise to doubt Lawler at this time.

    Having beaten the likes of former UFC welterweight champion Johny Hendricks, tough guy Matt Brown and an always dangerous Jake Ellenberger, the champ has proven he's as good as advertised. Not to mention he already defeated MacDonald no more than two years ago.

    But, and this revolves around unparalleled potential and sheer athleticism, MacDonald has always been groomed as the division's next perennial champion. And given his ability to adapt mid-fight, listen to his corner and leverage positions wherever the fight may go, the Tristar standout has what it takes to fulfill his destiny.

    He's going to have to get through one of the baddest dudes on the planet, but MacDonald is clearly the more well-rounded fighter entering UFC 189.

    Verdict: MacDonald via Fourth-Round Submission

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