Icon Sports President T. Jay Thompson announced at a press conference on Saturday that "Ruthless" Robby Lawler, member of Matt Hughes H.I.T. Squad, was being stripped of the ICON Sport Middleweight title for "failing to adequately defend."

“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.”

Robbie fought three times last year but only twice in ICON. Once against Frank Trigg to win the title and the second time against Murilo "Ninja" Rua as a title defense.

Lawler responded in a statement, saying, “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.”

Phil Baroni and Kala Kolohe Hose will now compete for the vacant title. Baroni, when asked about his Kala, had this response, “Kala is like a young version of me. I like him. It is too bad Lawler was afraid to fight him, but I’m not. I’ve been fighting top guys my entire career and I’m going to show the Hawaiian fans what a real middleweight champ looks like. On March 15, I’m going home with the Icon belt.”