Robbie Lawler
Dec 6, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Robbie Lawler after defeating Johnny Hendricks during UFC 181 at Madalay Bay Events Center. Lawler won via split decision. REUTERS/Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

UFC’s return to Australia will feature a welterweight title bout between Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit, giving Aussies their first experience of a live championship MMA match. Reigning welterweight champion Lawler will defend his title against No. 1 contender Condit at UFC 193 on Nov. 14 in Melbourne.

There is no final venue for the fight yet, but UFC’s first show in Australia could be a “Fight of the Year” candidate with Condit-Lawler bout triggering excitement from MMA fans. According to MMA Fighting, UFC officials confirmed on Wednesday’s “UFC Tonight” that the fighters agreed to the bout, which could possibly be the main event.

Lawler, who has a record of 26-10 and a no contest, will make his second straight title defence after taking the belt from Johny Hendricks in 2014. “Ruthless” came off an all-time classic at UFC 189 last month, knocking out Canadian fighter Rory MacDonald in the opening minutes of the final round after being down 39-37 on all three scorecards. The Filipino-American fighter has won his last four matches after losing the welterweight title against Hendricks at UFC 171.

On the other hand, Condit, who was forced to sit out for most of 2014 due to a torn ACL suffered last year against Tyron Woodley, will look to reclaim the UFC welterweight title after becoming interim champion in 2012. “The Natural Born Killer,” who has a record of 30-8, jumpstarted his return to the Octagon by beating Thiago Alves in May, which gave Condit his 28th win via finish out.

No other cards have been announced yet, but Kiwi heavyweight fighter Mark Hunt has confirmed on Twitter that he will fight an unnamed opponent at UFC 193, while Robert Whittaker, Jake Matthews, and Soa Palelei are also expected to be on the card.

UFC’s official website reported that the winner of Condit-Lawler card will likely face the victor between Johny Hendricks and Tyron Woodley at UFC 192 in Houston.

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