Muhammad „King Mo“ Lawal’s BKFC Debut Postponed Due to Injury

Fans eager to see former MMA champion Muhammad „King Mo“ Lawal step into the bare-knuckle boxing arena will have to wait a little longer. His highly anticipated debut at BKFC 66, originally scheduled for September 13th against Dave Mundell, has been postponed due to an injury sustained during training. This setback halts Lawal’s planned return to combat sports after a significant layoff.

The Unforeseen Training Injury

Muhammad Lawal, a respected figure in mixed martial arts with a decorated past in Strikeforce and Bellator, was slated to make his bare-knuckle boxing debut at BKFC 66. The event, set to take place on September 13th, would have seen him face off against Dave Mundell. However, fate intervened as Lawal suffered an injury during a rigorous training session, forcing the cancellation of this bout. BKFC officially confirmed the unfortunate news, leaving many disappointed who were looking forward to seeing „King Mo“ showcase his skills in a new combat discipline. The exact nature and severity of the injury remain undisclosed, and it’s unclear at this time if the 43-year-old fighter will attempt a comeback once medically cleared.

Shifting Focus to the Middleweight Title

While Lawal’s debut is on hold, BKFC officials are already adapting to the situation by focusing on the middleweight division. They have announced that Dave Mundell will now be participating in a new BKFC middleweight title fight. This strategic move ensures that the event still delivers a significant championship bout for the fans, even without Lawal’s presence. Mundell, who was prepared to face a formidable opponent in Lawal, now has the opportunity to compete for a major title within the organization. The promotion is working diligently to secure a suitable opponent for Mundell, aiming to make this middleweight championship clash a highlight of the BKFC 66 card.

A Look Back at „King Mo’s“ Storied Career

Muhammad Lawal’s journey in combat sports has been extensive and impactful. His last professional fight was in November 2019 at Bellator 233, where he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Andrew Kapala, marking the end of his MMA career. This defeat extended a streak of four consecutive losses, all by stoppage, which ultimately led to his retirement from mixed martial arts. Despite this late-career slump, Lawal’s MMA record stands at an impressive 21-10, and he has faced and defeated numerous notable fighters throughout his tenure. His list of vanquished opponents includes recognizable names such as Quinton „Rampage“ Jackson and Jiří Procházka, among others like Linton Vassell and Cheick Kongo. Beyond his fighting prowess, Lawal also contributed to the sport as a part-time coach at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, and has since transitioned into a full-time role with the renowned team following his retirement from active competition.