Strikeforce has a busy month of June planned with two events, including the return of Fedor Emelianenko facing Fabricio Werdum on June 26. Word is now coming out that the organization’s new light-heavyweight champion will be making his return to the cage at an August event in Houston, Texas.
Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal won the belt from former champion Gegard Mousasi in April at Strikeforce: Nashville. The former collegiate wrestling champion took the fight to Mousasi and came out victorious with a unanimous decision.
Since that time, Lawal has become as visible a face for the company as any other fighter. The champion confirmed to MMA Fighting that he has been offered a spot on the card, although no opponent has been offered up to him yet.
The most obvious opponent likely to be thrown out by fans and pundits would be Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante. Feijao was dominant in his knock out victory over Antwain Britt last month at Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery in St. Louis.
Lawal has also stated he would like to move up in weight to face heavyweight fighter Andrei Arlovski. Although that fight might have more name appeal to the casual fan, it would do little to build Lawal up as a top 205-pound fighter.
With the possible impending departures of Jake Shields and Fedor Emelianenko, Strikeforce needs to build up Lawal as the promotion’s premiere fighter. It would benefit them most to have him stay as a light-heavyweight and improve on his 7-0 record before looking at a move up to the heavyweight division.
Is Lawal the best 205-pound fighter in Strikeforce or did he just get lucky against Mousasi? Would Lawal versus Feijao be the best match-up for the promotion, or do you think there is another fighter that deserves a title shot?
