Robbie Lawler to defend welterweight title at UFC 201

Robbie Lawler officially has a date and opponent for his next title defense.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight champ will put his belt on the line against Tyron Woodley at UFC 201 in Atlanta on July 30.

UFC officials confirmed the long-rumored bout Tuesday.

It will be the third time Lawler has defended the title since winning it from Johny Hendricks in December 2014.

Lawler knocked out Rory MacDonald in July and earned a split decision win over Carlos Condit in January.

Woodley, a former wrestler at Missouri, has won two straight fights and four of his last five. This will mark his first title shot in the UFC, though he did come up short in a bout against Nate Marquardt for the vacant Strikeforce title in 2012.

The event at Philips Arena will mark the organization’s first visit to Atlanta since UFC 145 in 2012. UFC 88 was also held in Atlanta in 2008.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj