Former Strikeforce middleweight light heavyweight champion Muhammed Lawal, more affectionately known as ‘King’ Mo, once pledged to compete at ‘moneyweight’. As 2015 rolls around, the Bellator light heavyweight now has his sights set on heavyweight as he’ll face UFC veteran Cheick Kongo.
The news was made official by Bellator President Scott Coker with Ariel Helwani on Tuesday’s The MMA Hour.
This marks the fifth time Lawal has competed at heavyweight. Lawal’s first two MMA bouts took place in that division, where he secured wins against Travis Wiuff and Fabio Silva in 2008. In 2009, he also fought and defeated Mike Whitehead and Mark Kerr, both of which took place in the heavyweight division.
Lawal, 34, last competed at Bellator 131 in November, where he defeated Joe Vedepo by third-round TKO. His MMA record stands at 14-4 with 1 no-contest.
Kongo, 39, most recently fought at Bellator 123 where he choked out Lavar Johnson in September. His professional record stands at 22-9-2.
Bellator 134 takes place on February 27 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The main card will air on Spike TV.