Dana White was impressed by Ronnie Lawrence on the Contender Series and handed him a contract
Ronnie Lawrence was one of the recent stars to sign a UFC contract after the Contender Series. Dana White’s other project helps rising MMA stars get a contract, if they put on a great show.
While Lawrence wasn’t able to finish his rival, Jose Johnson, he did get a unanimous win. The 28-year-old went to 6-1 in his professional MMA career and was speaking to WERMMA about that amazing evening.
White also said that Lawrence was “special” after the fight and was seen applauding the American. Lawrence opened up on why that might have happened and claimed it was because he went all out:
“I am assuming it was because how highly touted my opponent was. I am sure they expected him to do big things. Also, regardless of not finishing, I never slowed down and I didn’t do that thing where I held back.
“If there is a night not to freeze up that’s the night. You gotta go, even if you get finished yourself, leave it all in there.”
A win on the Contender Series doesn’t equate to a contract. White wants great finishes, knockouts and submissions, and that was something that Lawrence couldn’t get.
However, he did put on a great show and his rival was more experienced. Johnson was 11-5 coming into the fight but was handed a loss.
Even after the unanimous decision, Lawrence wasn’t sure of the contract but he still believed in himself:
“I was nervous, I didn’t get to finish, didn’t get to perform the way I would like but just something in the back of my head told me I was getting the contract.”
Lawrence also shared when he learned about getting a call on the Contender Series. He was out shopping in a supermarket and started jumping around after hearing the news.
The 28-year-old added he didn’t know how to react and was expecting another LFA fight. It will be interesting to see what is next for the American.
He doesn’t have an opponent in the top of his mind but is keen to get a ranking as quickly as possible.
Lawrence certainly didn’t leave anything out when fighting on the Contender Series and he will bring that energy again when he features on a proper UFC card.
This is an exclusive interview from WERMMA. For more exclusive interviews and content please follow the link.
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