BREAKING! Former champ Robbie Lawler set to return in January against Stephen Thompson

Former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler will return to action this January against perennial division contender Stephen Thompson.

MMAJunkie‘s Mike Bohn was first to report the key welterweight matchup.

The unannounced January 18 event is expected to serve as the first under the UFC’s new agreement with ESPN.

Robbie Lawler (28-12 MMA) has not competed inside the octagon since suffering a lopsided loss to former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on FOX 26 in Winnipeg.

Prior to the setback, “Ruthless” was coming off a win over Donald Cerrone.

As for Stephen Thompson (14-3-1 MMA), “Wonderboy” was last seen in action this past May where he suffered a controversial split-decision loss to Darren Till.

Thompson has gone 7-2-1 over his past ten fights, with his lone losses in that time coming to current champ Tyron Woodley and the aforementioned “Gorilla” Darren Till.

Who are you picking to win this exciting welterweight matchup between Robbie Lawler and Stephen Thompson? Sound off in the comments section PENN Nation!