For Robbie Lawler, his upcoming fight with feared striker Melvin Manhoef this Saturday night in Sunrise, Florida represents a chance to reestablish himself within the middleweight division of the Calfornia-based Strikeforce promotion following a disappointing first round submission loss to reigning Middleweight Champion Jake Shields last June. Tapology’s Steven Kelliher recently caught up with Lawler to get some quick thoughts on his last fight against Shields, his advantages going in against Manhoef, and what he expects out of the exciting striker-versus-striker contest on Saturday night.
Strikeforce: Miami, which features a pair of title fights pitting Nick Diaz against DREAM Welterweight Champion Marius Zaromskis for the vacant Strikeforce Welterweight Championship as well as Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos against Marloes Coenen for the Women’s Lightweight Championship takes place this Saturday, January 30 from the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise Florida and airs live on Showtime.
Tapology: You were supposed to compete on the Strikeforce: Evolution card last month against Benji Radach, but he was forced out with an injury, as was his replacement, Trevor Prangley. Can you talk about that whole situation?
Lawler: I didn’t feel very good about it. I went through a training camp and didn’t get a chance to fight, and that’s all I’m really going to say about that at this point.
Tapology: Did you take some time off after that camp or did you just extend the camp up until this next fight?
Lawler: I just kept training.
Tapology: Your last fight was in June of 2009 against Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields. Can you talk about that fight and whether or not you are looking for a rematch with Shields in the future?
Lawler: I’m not really too worried about that. I made a mistake. I felt good in the fight, but I made a mistake and he took advantage.
Tapology: You are fighting Melvin Manhoef on the Strikeforce: Miami card this Saturday night. What do you think about that fight overall?
Lawler: He is a dangerous guy. He has really good stand-up, knockout power, and he’s very explosive, so at any given time he’s going to be trying to knock my head off.
Tapology: Why do you think you’re going to come out on top? Do you think you are better at the stand-up game than he is?
Lawler: I just need to not get hit by him, make him work, look for my chances and take advantage if his hands are down.
Tapology: When I spoke with Manhoef last week, he cited his K-1 kickboxing experience as his decided advantage over you in this fight. Do you think he might have an edge in stand-up technique?
Lawler: He’s got an edge because he’s been training and fighting at a higher level in kickboxing for sure, but I’ve been fighting my whole life and we’ll see what happens. I think it will be a knockout. I’m just going out there looking to win. The point is not to get hit and just to try to put it on him, so that’s what I’m going to do.
Tapology: You obviously only fought once last year. Are you looking to stay busy in 2010?
Lawler: Yeah, I’d like to stay busy. I didn’t like the long layoff and I’m looking to work on my skills and get in there and work.
Tapology: Thanks for the time, Robbie.
Lawler: Thanks.
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