Mo-town: Strikeforce signs Muhammed 'King Mo' Lawal
by Jesse Holland on Oct 14, 2009 9:10 AM EDT
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Strikeforce today confirmed that Sengoku's breakout star Muhammed Lawal (5-0) has signed with the San Jose-based organization and will be joining the light heavyweight roster in late 2009/early 2010.
"King Mo" is a decorated collegiate wrestling champion and Division I All-American from Oklahoma State University.
Prior to his 25-second demolition of MMA legend Mark Kerr at M-1 "Breakthrough" back on Aug. 28, Lawal had competed exclusively under the World Victory Road banner in Japan since his professional mixed martial arts debut just last year.
The 28-year-old has shown tremendous promise, defeating several veterans of the sport and stopping most of them.
His instantly made a name for himself in his debut against Travis Wiuff at Sengoku: "Fifth Battle" — Lawal needed little more than two minutes to score a convincing technical knockout win via strikes.
While veteran Kevin "The Monster" Randleman has been floated as a possible first opponent, Lawal could also return to Japan for an upcoming show via co-promotion under the newly-forged alliance of Strikeforce and DREAM.
Stay tuned.
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no doubt…time to put his money where his mouth is…to start I’d like to see Mo/Southworth followed by Mo/Babz
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Nah, the fight that makes sense is King Mo vs. Fejao!
by john G on Oct 14, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
good idea…the hype kinda died for Fejao after his recent defeat but I remember his dominance from before…
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Definately. Plus it will be considered a fair match considering thier records / experience.
by Ca$z on Oct 14, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
the LHW isn’t too bad in SF..its not the UFC but they’ve got talent incl. Gerard, Fejao, Southworth, Babz, Randleman, Mo, Soko,
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
that list of mine almost justifies Gerard staying in SF for a year or 2 no?
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Are any of those fights a true test though? Mousasi walks through all of those guys IMO. But I still wouldn’t mind seeing him beat all of them. There really isn’t a rush to get him in the UFC, he is young and I’m sure he won’t lose to these guys, so he can pad his record and build excitement for his eventual debut at the same time.
by jay on Oct 14, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I think they would all be true tests in the sense that they would provide they’re names to sell tickets but I wouldn’t bet money on any of them…realistically though I’d say there’s only a handful of LHW’s in the UFC that I would bet money on…
Did you call me last weekend jay? How was the tourney?
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
It was back to back games all weekend. I didn’t even get a chance to call my wife and give her directions. Sorry. We got second place out of 45 teams, so it went really well.
by jay on Oct 14, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
excellent move by mo. Get recognition on CBS, fight decent names but more importantly develop his game then jump over to the UFC carrying hype and ability. This guy is gonna be a giant star the level of a GSP and all the haters now will be tightly clenched on his nuts.
I wanna see him start with Mike Whitehead. See how his knee is and go against a durable guy who can last until the last round, get that cage time in. Then move on to you Feijaos, and babalus and ect…
by NameNotRequired on Oct 14, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
If he was gonna fight in the UFC he probably would have signed with them, right?
by JoePlumber on Oct 14, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
He could have signed with the UFC. But he did the smart thing. He’s gonna develop his game and build his image on a much larger platform aka CBS. With someone as charismatic and polarizing as him they’d be nuts not to market the sh!t out of him. The man is very intelligent and knows what he’s doing. If you’ve ever heard his serious interviews – he’s very sharp about the fight game from politics to money to technique.
by NameNotRequired on Oct 14, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Mo is at 205 and cut…I don’t think Robbie would come up but maybe
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
He has said that he can do it, it’s only a matter of the $$$ on the table. He also wrestled at that weight so it’s not a problem from a feasibility standpoint.
by NameNotRequired on Oct 14, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Ruthless has to eat 16 Krispy Kremes to gain 3 pounds…
by Syd on Oct 14, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
he’ll never be strikeforce LHW champ cause Gegard will destroy him. should of signed with ufc for better competition.
by real mma on Oct 14, 2009 9:46 AM EDT reply actions
I’d take Jardine over Lawal any day.
by El Mexicutioner, Formerly The Mexicutioner on Oct 14, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Not really.
I’d also take Jon Jones over this knuckle head any day as well.
by El Mexicutioner, Formerly The Mexicutioner on Oct 14, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Jardine would have been a great debut fight if he came to the UFC, but he will be competetive in Strikeforce. He isnt ready for the big time yet
by ---Caesar--- on Oct 14, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Is Dana White asleep at the wheel? He missed out on Lawal and rumor is Strikeforce is looking to sign Lashly as well?
by BJJ on Oct 14, 2009 9:52 AM EDT reply actions
I beleive Joe Silva said they didnt want another ‘Sokodoujo’ or however you spell it.
by MAC on Oct 14, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Soko would get beat my Mo fairly handily imo…Mo is an accomplished wrestler and Soko is sh*t on the ground
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Lashley is hardly a loss. He’s an overrated dry-humper who couldn’t finish Gummy Bear Guida.
by PW on Oct 14, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
yep…and at this point thats what SF needs most…ticket sales….Fejao, Mouassi and a lot of they’re guys are big names to us but not guys that the average fight fan would pay to see…good point jay
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
They don’t want another Soko, but they keep Houston Alexander on the roster? That makes a lot of sense.
by Diceman on Oct 14, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s with M1. Him, Gegard, and Fedor are all in bed together.
by tiger_style on Oct 14, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Lawal has alot to prove first before UFC need him, lashly as well. Strikeforce need to sign these guys, otherwise longevity of their organisation would be seriously in question.
Look forward to see both fight though.
by Dixon on Oct 14, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t doubt them signing lashley in the least he is a name ppl recognize. I don’t necessarily think he has pushed himself and tested greater competition as much as he should though.
Imo the only thing that could hold lashley back is him not willing to give up the TnA wrestling and focus on MMA. Can’t blame him though. Gotta keep those paychecks coming in! Even if it means having to pretend those marshmallow case punches they throw in the ring hurt.
by Steve on Oct 14, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Allowing SF to sign these guys with “names” just strengthens their competition.
by BJJ on Oct 14, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d love to see Mo vs Moussasi. But its just not gonna happen, they are gonna protect this young loudmouth until it is too late and Moussasi goes to the UFC.
Moussassi would obliterate him just as fast as he did Babalu.
by Instant_Noodle on Oct 14, 2009 9:52 AM EDT reply actions
“His instantly made a name for himself "
I think you mean “He instantly…”
by jd on Oct 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT reply actions
Who fucking cares about this jabrone?
The guy sucks. He will lose to Mousasi and Babalu, possible even Whitehead. I’m no fan of Rampage and I would bet the house on him against this knuckle head.
Aside from Gono, I’ve never seen anyone in MMA get so much hype simply for having retarded entrances, as well as sounding like a total moron every time he speaks.
by El Mexicutioner, Formerly The Mexicutioner on Oct 14, 2009 10:05 AM EDT reply actions
I care about this “jabrone.”
He’s a solid up-and-comer.
by introvert on Oct 14, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
More like a solid bowel movement
by El Mexicutioner, Formerly The Mexicutioner on Oct 14, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
nothing wrong with a solid bowel movement…they are the best kind ;)
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
How far do you really think Mo is going to go? Are you only excited because he didn’t sign with the Evil Dana? He is a glorified can.
by jay on Oct 14, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
No, if Dana signed him I’d say the same thing.
Why is he a “can”? Please explain….
by introvert on Oct 14, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
maybe not a can but he’s def getting attention via his personality as opposed to the opponents he’s beaten…although he may not be a can, I can’t argue calling him that till he beats someone decent
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
what is can anyway…imo a can is someone with a weak record and has nothing to do with experience…at this point I’d say Mo is an over-rated pre-madonna who can sell tics…
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
dam I miss being able to be on here all day, everyday…you guys must really miss me…lol
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I think “can” is someone who has proven to be a crappy fighter, and that the term is thrown around WAY too loosely on these message boards. Up-and-comers should NOT be referred to as cans because they haven’t proven themselves yet. That’s like saying any non-established fighter is a can. Rogers, Velasquez, Carwin, dos Santos, Lawal, and others can all be considered cans by some of the people on here’s criteria. And as most of us know, it’s nonsense to call all of those guys cans.
by Diceman on Oct 14, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought can was someone who would be thrown into a fight with a top guy to keep him sharp, like a sparring partner. Or just someone who is never going to be top 10? I don’t even know anymore. I use the term to mean someone who sucks.
by jay on Oct 14, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
A can is the guy who has to fight the true up-and-coming fighters to get them an easy win and make them look good in the process. Cans include Jonathon Goulet, Elvis Sinosic, Bill Mahood, Justin McCully and the Brooklyn Brawler.
by PW on Oct 14, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
A can is someone who gets beat up in every fight until he gets knuckled like a soda can and thrown in the thrash.
by johan-lofgren on Oct 14, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought a “can” was anyone that fought Fedor. At least that is what I learned from reading this message board. BTW, I like MO but look who he has fought. Maybe SF can sign Oleg Taktarov to fight him. I hear he is training hard right now.
by HOC on Oct 14, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
of course he signs with strikeforece. No surprise. UFC didnt want him, and if even if by chance thy would want him. he would lsoe to any top fighter in the UFC LHW. wel lexcept maybe forrest.
by manalito on Oct 14, 2009 10:44 AM EDT reply actions
Holy crap you guys are hard on new fighters.
The friggin’ guy only has 5 pro fights and all you guys can do is say “he’d lose to the top-tier UFC fighters…so he’s a ‘can’”…lmao. No shit he’d lose to top-tier fighters…he’s only 5 fights into his career. With your logic there would never be any new fighters working their way up the ranks, and all we’d ever see is the same guys fighting each other over and over until the sport fizzled out with nobody left to fight lol.
I suppose if he jerked off in someone’s salad, then beat 3 guys in the TUF house he’d be getting some props?
by introvert on Oct 14, 2009 11:00 AM EDT reply actions
I agree but it does bug me that he argues and claims he can beat up Rampage
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Everyone talks trash nowadays…that’s how you sell tickets.
Rampage would beat him IMO, but trash talking doesn’t mean that he’s a “can”.
by introvert on Oct 14, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Fair point Intro, that’s why I don’t like the bashing of Grim, Carwin, Cain or JDS as they are up and coming prospects so of course they’re going to make mistakes and haven’t beaten that many big names, not everyone can do a Lesnar at the start of their career. Look at boxing, most boxers get about 15-20 wins over journeymen before moving up to fight top contenders, they have to start off slow to improve their skills and make a name before fighting the best and prove that they have what it takes to be a successful fighter.
That being said the Kerr fight was a joke and didn’t help him at all or give him any credibility, if M-1 had any decency they wouldn’t have put a dangerous but unproven and potential draw like King Mo against a washed up Kerr who shouldn’t be fighting at all these days. That fight was hard to watch and was an embarrassment in all honesty.
by David W-S on Oct 14, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Everyone use to hang off Forrest balls but because of that loss he is now a joke. Thats is rubbish, Forrest lost to A.Silva who is the best fighter in the world. Better then Fedor, better then Machida, Better then Lesner.
so he is no joke for losing.
by Dixon on Oct 14, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions
Wow…like Forrest much?
You didn’t even discuss King Mo and slip Forrest’s name in quietly…you just went straight at it lol.
by introvert on Oct 14, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
no but he is a joke none-the-less…he’s a poor sport and shows little respect for his opponents (when he loses), his fans, and most importantly his wealth, fame, and employer…god I hope Tito knocks his teeth out…in an effort to stay on topic, Mo would beat Forest imo
by McArthur on Oct 14, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
i think machida wud KO silva..machida is very fast and knows how to use the cage
by hangover on Oct 14, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
What a fight the Machida fight would be with A.Silva. I still think A.Silva is too quick for him and if everything goes wrong for A.Silva he could take him to the ground and sub him.
I’m not the biggest Forrest fan, will be backing Tito on their next fight but i think he was more embarrassed then disrepectful. Forrest is a stand up guy that loves the sport, and up to this point showed complete class and honestly so a little slack is needed.
King Mo response was above, this was a reaction to a few blogs (over time) slating Forrest. King Mo is going to be found out when he finally steps up. Too much hype at the moment.
by Dixon on Oct 14, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Silva vs. Machida would be a snooooooozefest that involved two guys dancing around the cage. Not only are they both counter strikers that almost never throw the first punch, they are friends that would make Silva vs. Leites look like Diego vs. Guida.
by Diceman on Oct 14, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
even jardine can wup “king Mo”?? lol. KING <- wat an Ahole
by hangover on Oct 14, 2009 11:33 AM EDT reply actions
Good sign for Strikeforce.. there should be some good match ups i support any thing compeptive with the UFC
by zack on Oct 14, 2009 2:02 PM EDT reply actions
Just another pointless signing in a league thats gonna tank. King Mo…..yet another middle of the pack fighter with 0 losses. Fight someone worthy. Fedor, Allistar……
by eee on Oct 14, 2009 2:16 PM EDT reply actions
Umm and how do you suppose he fights someone with a name like FEDOR etc, if he doesn’t sign with STRIKEFORCE or some organization?
“another pointless signing by a league that will tank”. Ya your right, king mo should just hang em up, & not fight anymore, stay 5 and 0, and STRIKEFORCE shouldn’t sign a recognized name now, cause they don’t need anymore fighters.
Thanks for showing no sense in ur post.
Don’t sign him, but make him fight FEDOR, than don’t sign him, then wonder why org tanks, then… Oh wait, you make no sense.
by Daniel worby on Oct 14, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
lmao…he’s only 5 fights in.
Who do you think GSP, Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddel, Lyoto Machida, Matt Hughes, etc…were fighting at the beginning of their careers?
by introvert on Oct 14, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Not the FUCKIN champ you moron, and if they were? That’s due to lack of competition, and poor match making. Some of them did yes, but that was in a day where talent pool was more shallow, there is a ton of fights now, and just cause you’ve won 5 straight (not in UFC) to start ur mma path, doesn’t mean you should be thrown in to fight FEDOR,
F*ck you really are a moron intro, no wonder every1 h8s you, your thoughtless and uneducated. I’ve never weighed in on ur ignorance until now. But you deserved it, you dunce.
Took machida 10 fights in UFC alone, before he got the title shot, but king mo should just step right past the whole line of ppl and fight for belt hey? And risk it when he hasn’t even faced top comp, nor has he called out FEDOR.
Ask the wizard for a brain next time ur in OZ lil buddy
by Daniel worby on Oct 14, 2009 4:02 PM EDT reply actions
Umm…pretty sure Intro was agreeing with you Daniel. Rant was probably not necessary.
by Diceman on Oct 14, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I really hope you didn’t take my sarcasm as reality in my post response to king month being a useless signing.
What I was saying is king mo has no reason to fight FEDOR yet, and deserves to get fights he feels comfortable in, not a can, but not the MAN.
King mo may have a bright future, but let’s let him show that to us. There is absolutely no need for a belt shot yet, nor is this in any way a bad decision for strikeforce to pick him up.
Strikeforce truly is a force. Good for them. I love watching UFC, strikeforce, and wec. So for me? November is gonna make me a happy man
by Daniel worby on Oct 14, 2009 4:22 PM EDT reply actions
Who said anything about King Mo fighting Fedor or getting a title shot?
by DL92 on Oct 14, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Well I do apologize if he was indeed agreeing. And especially for how aggressive a rant I unleashed. Just got riled up @ the ignorance of the above posters saying this is a bad signing & that he needs to fight top comp. Its early and he’s right where he should be in his career thus far.
by Daniel worby on Oct 14, 2009 6:05 PM EDT reply actions
Absolutely Daniel. And I’m almost positive Intro would agree with that.
by Diceman on Oct 14, 2009 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Congradulations to my bro I know personally “KING MO” … hes worked hard to get to this point… IM ACTUALLY the person who made the song he comes out to now called “ACK A AZZ” … i go by the Artist name of CUTTA C
if youd like to see a Video of him coming out to it then copy and paste the Link below in your browser
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGrl_Em1N_4
(SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL AS WELL to see more UPDATES)
Follow on Twitter
by Cutta C "MR. ACK A AZZ" on Oct 27, 2009 3:53 PM EDT reply actions
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