UFC champ Robbie Lawler eyes Memorial Day return, but still open to 'whatever'

A few weeks removed from winning the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title by defeating Johny Hendricks at UFC 181 on Dec. 6, 2014, Robbie Lawler is finally getting some down time.

And some much-needed time at that, as once again "Ruthless" and "Bigg Rigg" went toe-to-toe for a full 25 minutes inside the Octagon (video replay); a sequel to their epic bout at UFC 171 earlier this year.

So what's next for Robbie?

According to the heavy-hitter, he would love nothing more than to take a break after fighting five times in the span of 13 months (four times in 2014). But if UFC officials need to him to step up and fill a void, he's down to get back into the swing of things if called upon.

His words on The MMA Hour (via MMA Fighting):

"It's been a real busy year, but pretty much I'll be ready whenever the UFC tells me. But I would prefer to fight like Memorial Day in Vegas or something like that. In May, June or July, somewhere like Vegas. But, whatever -- if the UFC needs me, I'll show up."

As far as who he'd like to in his first title defense, "Ruthless" was recently quoted as saying he'd like to settle the score against Hendricks in a trilogy fight as opposed to facing the current No. 1 contender, Rory MacDonald.

A man he's already defeated, as well.

At the end of the day, Lawler said it doesn't matter who UFC gives him, because it's not his job to pick opponents, only to show up and start punching people.

"I would prefer the UFC to make the choice and I'll just show up and fight and do my job. That's what I do. I don't really pick and choose. I'm not a matchmaker, I don't run the UFC -- I'm a fighter. So I'll stick to doing what I do best, training and punching people."

Either rematch would definitely provide fireworks, but the consensus is that completing his trilogy against Hendricks is the most popular way to go at the moment.

Something Dana White isn't opposed to.

But, if Joe Silva and Co. decide to go ahead and give Rory his long-awaited title fight,  "Ruthless" will gladly show up and punch him again, as well.