3. Robbie Lawler
The career of the “Ruthless” one has taken many unexpected twists and turns, but a late-career surge has pushed him to new heights from a historical standpoint. Lawler made his professional debut as a 19-year-old in April 2001 and touched down in the Ultimate Fighting Championship less than a year later. He went 4-1 with the organization before a knockout loss to Nick Diaz and a submission defeat to Evan Tanner had him looking elsewhere for work. Lawler spent the next seven-plus years competing in outside the Octagon, from the International Fight League and Pride Fighting Championships to EliteXC and Strikeforce. He returned to the UFC in February 2013, won five of his first six bouts and captured the welterweight championship in a split decision over Johny Hendricks. He then retained the title in back-to-back “Fight of the Year” contenders against Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit before surrendering the 170-pound crown in a knockout loss to Tyron Woodley.
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