Robbie Lawler vs. Donald Cerrone set for UFC 205 in New York

UFC 205 has its first big fight as former welterweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler will take on Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone on the main card in the UFC’s debut in New York City.

UFC president Dana White confirmed to CBS Radio’s Anthony Lima that bout agreements had been signed and that the fight is a go for the card slated for Nov. 12 at Madison Square Garden.

Cerrone has been one of the UFC’s more prolific fighters over the last three years, taking an astonishing 15 fights in that span. Even more impressive is that Cerrone won 12 of those fights, including eight by finish while securing placement in the lightweight and welterweight rankings along the way. His last win saw his put away longtime top-10 welterweight Rick Story with strikes at UFC 202.

“Cowboy” just re-signed with the promotion and it looks like his first fight under his new UFC contract will put him in prime position to challenge for the welterweight belt with a win.

Cerrone’s opponent, Lawler, is one of the most feared fighters in the history of the welterweight division with 20 KOs and back-to-back Fight of the Year candidates under his belt. “Ruthless” is coming off a first-round KO loss to Tyron Woodley at UFC 201, and told White that he wanted to get back into the Octagon as soon as possible. It doesn’t get any faster than four months later, and Lawler will be eager to put on a show so that he can earn another shot at the 170-pound strap.

The UFC has yet to confirm any other bouts for the monumental card.