Last night T. Jay Thompson, ICON Sport President, announced that middleweight champion Robbie Lawler had been stripped of his belt for “failing to adequately defend” his title over the course of 2007.

“Last year was a rough year. For various illnesses and injuries Robbie Lawler pulled out of three Icon events in 2007,” stated Thompson. “It’s not fair. It’s not fair to Icon Sport. Not fair to Kala Kolohe Hose who has been waiting nearly a year for his title shot. And, most importantly, it’s not fair to our fans.”

Lawler fought a total of 3 times in 2007, once in the IFL and twice in ICON. Lawler won the ICON Middleweight Championship in March by defeating Frank Trigg and successfully defended his title in September against Murilo Rua.

According to a prepared statement read by Thompson at the press conference, Lawler accepted the decision with no issue.

“I’m disappointed and upset. But I understand why this happening. In 2007, I did well when I was healthy. I took out Trigg and then I beat Ninja. I accept the decision, but I promise everyone that I will return. And I will get my belt back.”

Lawler did express his desire to regain his ICON title so it appears he may fight for the promotion again in the future.