Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Muhammed Lawal, who continued his work for Scott Coker and Co. under the Bellator MMA banner, retired from mixed martial arts (MMA) in the wake of his technical knockout loss to Jiri Prochazka at Rizin FF 15 back in April.
While he never got the chance to compete inside the Octagon, “King Mo” was able to keep himself in the headlines with a string of impressive performances, as well as a couple of high-profile feuds against the likes of Gegard Mousasi and Quinton Jackson, among others.
Now it’s on to coaching.
“I just wanted to give King Mo a shout out and congrats for all he’s accomplished in this sport,” read the American Top Team Instagram page. “For those that aren’t aware, he’s decided to ‘hang em up’ and dedicate the next chapter of his life to coaching our pro fighters. I have to note, I’ve seen countess fighters train and walk through our doors and King Mo is hands down one of the best teammates I have ever seen. Beyond selfless. Proud to call him a teammate and even more excited to have him working and coaching full time with the squad. All the best Mo!! Congrats on a hell of a career!! Lets keep it positive and show this man some love!”
Lawal (21-9, 1 NC) turned 38 back in January.
Despite jumping out to a 7-0 start to kickoff his combat sports campaign, “King Mo” struggled to stay consistent in the second half of his career, suffering high-profile losses to Emanuel Newton and Mirko Cro Cop, just to name a few.
That said, the former NCAA Division-1 All American often put on a dazzling display of freestyle wrestling, coupled with legitimate one-punch knockout power, though his pre-fight entrances (like this one) may prove to be his most memorable highlights.
Thanks for the memories.