Tom Lawlor makes his UFC return vs. Gian Villante, July 25
Tom Lawlor is set to return to the UFC's Octagon for the first time in over two years when he takes on Gian Villante at UFC Fight Night on July 25 in Chicago. The news was announced on Thursday night's episode of UFC Tonight.
Lawlor last fought and won April 6, 2013, with a submission over Michael Kuiper. The Ultimate Fighter veteran has won two out of his last three UFC fights, both by finishes.
Villante is coming off of a TKO win over Corey Anderson on April 18. The win was his second straight since losing a decision to Fabio Maldonado in 2014.
The New Yorker has won three out of his last four fights. Lawlor has campaigned at middleweight in the past, while Villante fights at light heavyweight.
Though we do not yet know for sure, it seems possible Lawlor will move up in weight to fight for the first time in over two years. We will keep you posted with updates as they occur.
In any case, the fight promises to be an evenly-matched one and adds to a Chicago card that is filling out nicely so far. The event is headlined by a bantamweight title rematch between TJ Dillashaw and former champ Renan Barao.
The card will also feature a female bantamweight contenders bout between Jessica Eye and Miesha Tate, as well as former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis returning to action against top contender Myles Jury.
