Dana White is said to have uttered "he's back" moments after Robbie Lawler KO'd Josh Koscheck in the first round of their welterweight fight at UFC 157 on Saturday night. 

It was Lawler's first fight in the UFC after he was dropped from the promotion since 2004, when he was cut after losing to Evan Tanner as a middleweight. 

Lawler is now back at 170 pounds and he looks meaner than ever. 

Having earned a reputation as a supreme knockout artist in his years outside the UFC, Lawler's performance last night demonstrated just how well-earned that reputation really is. 

His return to the UFC having got off to the best possible start, doors will now be opening for the 30-year-old veteran of the sport. 

But that's not to overstate his accomplishment. 

Koscheck, after all, is a fighter on the slide. In the last two years, he's gone 2-3 and was, before Saturday, only ranked eighth in the UFC's welterweight rankings. 

However, that still makes him a top 10 opponent and a win over him has earned Lawler another top 10 fight. 

And the UFC would want to make that fight. Lawler is an exciting fighter who is likely to deliver knockouts. He's put to sleep an incredible 17 opponents in his career and is very marketable to fans. 

There are plenty of welterweights without fights to currently train for. Mike Pierce, Tarec Saffiedine and Martin Kampmann are all without opponents and could be the next logical step for Lawler.

There are also fighters outside the UFC's current top 10 who could also make for an interesting fight for Lawler. Gunnar Nelson, Kyle Noke, Mike Pierce, Mike Pyle, Matt Riddle and Tyron Woodley are all welterweights coming off a win and without prospective opponents currently lined up for them. Any one of those fighters would be perfect for Lawler. 

But whoever Lawler faces next, he's got his return to the UFC off on the best possible start. And, even though he is a long long way from being considered a potential title hopeful, a couple of wins could easily set him on a path towards contendership.