In today’s instant-access, Twitter-driven media sphere, it’s relatively hard to keep a story under the cracks. So when word dribbled out over the weekend that former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal was caught in a medical crisis, with an ACL tear and extreme bout of staph threatening his health to a point where amputation entered the conversation, it was alarming to say the least.
Now on the mend, King Mo adressed the rumors while recounting the chilling experience that changed his life. Catch up with Lawal’s story, along with all the other MMA you may have missed on the Morning Report.
5 MUST-READ STORIES TO START YOUR DAY
‘King’ Mo Lawal discusses ACL surgery and staph infection. Lawal, for the first time, opened up about the past few weeks, during which an ACL tear and severe staph infection nearly resulted in amputation.
Nate Marquardt signs with Strikeforce. The UFC castoff surprisingly inked a deal to join Strikeforce’s welterweight division.
After Almost Two Years As Champ, Why Does Edgar Still Have To Prove Himself To Us? Frankie Edgar examined his role as the perennial underdog and the reason he is overlooked by fans and fighters alike.
Anderson Silva injury update. Silva revealed he will remain in physical therapy for the foreseeable future as lingering injuries continue to hamper him.
Dana White calls out Floyd Mayweather. The UFC president is far from pleased with Floyd Mayweather’s tweet about Knicks star Jeremy Lin (watch video below).
MEDIA STEW
Joe Rogan extensively addresses Rampage Jackson’s criticisms on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. (NSFW, ample profanity)
Check this newly released footage of Rousimar Palhares’ MMA debut. Bet you can’t guess how it ends. (HT: Middle Easy)
Some generous individual decided to animate Bas Rutten’s notorious Swedish barfight story.
A host of UFC fighters give their honest opinion of Nick Diaz.
Dana White unleashes on “racist” Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in Tuesday’s Presidential Address.
Unfortunate, but somewhat expected news for Dustin Jacoby after two straight losses.
I have recently been released from the UFC, however my career is far from over. Thanks @ufc for giving me a shot so early in my career.
— Dustin Jacoby (@dustinjacobyDJ) February 21, 2012
Derek Brunson explains his side of the failed medicals.
Failed medicals = eye exam lol . I’m blind mf-ers .
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 21, 2012
Ok here’s the deal … I’ve been fighting with contacts for 11 fights (9pro,2ams) never was an issue.Ohio won’t pass my eye exam.
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 21, 2012
and btw im bummed . I had a month to prepare for the Jacare fight . Was working a lot of stand up & td defense. Was certain to tko or ko
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 21, 2012
Stevie Wonder can play a piano blind & blind people can drive cars , but i can’t fight with contacts #doesntmakesense
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 21, 2012
Meanwhile, Luke Rockhold has no sympathy.
SO SURPRISING! The only male cheerleader in MMA backs out of his toughest fight! @DerekBrunsonMMA put down the gloves and pick ur pom pom’s!
— Luke Rockhold (@rockholdMMA) February 21, 2012
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012):
– UFC 146: Jacob Volkmann (14-2) vs. Paul Sass (12-0)
– Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey: Derek Brunson (9-0) out against Jacare Souza (14-3)
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day goes to BE reader Chris Groves: Breaking Down Paths to Victory for Edgar vs Henderson.
To Win a Decision
Benson Henderson has shown a lot of toughness when it comes to surviving submissions and recovering quickly after being rocked or dropped. Given Edgar’s higher decision rate and Henderson’s durability, a decision victory for Edgar is likely. To pull it off he essentially has to do what he always does. He needs to use his excellent footwork, his ability to sneak in sharp punches, and his talent for mixing in unexpected takedowns when his opponents are least expecting it.
He has to ‘Do what Frankie does’ for five rounds. I would suggest keeping it standing and at a distance all costs, I wouldn’t suggest trying to find out who can outmuscle who in the clinch with ‘Smooth’. Circle, punch, kick, occasional takedown, slick combination, rinse and repeat is the name of the game here.
Found something entertaining, brutal, or bizarre you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just send it to @shaunalshatti and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s post.