VIDEO | Robbie Lawler spars at new gym in Florida

https://www.instagram.com/p/BR6K8snhzsr/

Last July, Robbie Lawler was punched out in the first-round of a fight with Tyron Woodley. This loss marked the end of his short but violent reign as UFC welterweight champion, and though he was briefly scheduled for a UFC 205 scrap with Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, he has not been seen in the Octagon since. Given that Lawler is one of the most exciting fighters in MMA, his long absence is undeniably unfortunate.

Lately, however, we’re being given more and more reasons to believe Lawler is gearing up for a return to the cage. The latest of these reasons comes in the form of an Instagram video, which was posted to the account of the Lantana, Florida gym Combat Club. In this video, Lawler can be seen doing some light sparring – a strong indication that he’s getting himself back in fighting shape. Watch it at the top of this video.

Until recently Lawler was a member of Florida’s American Top Team. Earlier this year, however, we learned that the former champ had cut ties with this world-famous gym. He appears to have settled, at least for the moment, at Combat Club.

Combat Club now serves as the home of many former Blackzilians fighters, such as Michael Johnson, Kamaru Usman and Andre Soukhamthath, who followed coach Henri Hooft there after the Blackzilians team fell apart. Many other Blackzilians fighters followed Tyrone Spong to CSMMA in Pompano Beach, Florida.

At the moment, it is unknown when Lawler will return to the cage, or who he’ll fight in his return. Recent welterweight title challenger Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, however, recently told BJPENN.COM that he’s interested in a fight with the former champ.

Who do you want to see “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler fight in his return to the Octagon? Sound off in the comments section, PENN Nation!

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 3/22/2017.