This weekend Strikeforce light-heayweight champion Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (7-0) will defend his title for the first time since defeating Gegard Mousasi last April at the “Strikeforce: Nashville” event. The “King” faces Brazilian Rafael Cavalcante in the main event on Saturday’s “Strikeforce: Houston” show.
Lawal talked to Tatame.com recently about the title and preparing for fight on Saturday.
“I love to be the underdog, I’ve been the underdog my whole life. I inspired myself on great wrestlers when I began my journey on MMA. I admired a lot Kevin Jackson, Mark Kerr, Mark Coleman, Kenny Mnday, Randy Couture and Renzo Gracie”.
Coming from a surprising win over the sensation Gerard Mousasi, the new champion set a “safe” strategy to win. “That was the best strategy at that point because I’m still new on this sport, I’m training for a year and a half only… To beat Gerard Mousasi was my greatest conquest.”
“The most important thing in MMA is to adapt yourself and improve in all matters… The people who train with you helps you to improve on the things you need in order to win.”
After winning Strikeforce’s belt, Lawal called in a black belt to join his camp. “Bruno (Bastos) is a monster! I’ve tapped out so many times on the trainings that I think I got a hole on my arm (laughs)… He’s helping me a lot on my positioning”, jokes Muhammad. “I want to keep on training and evolving. I won the belt, but I have a lot to improve”.