‘King Mo’ Lawal Retires From MMA, Now “Coaching Full Time” at ATT

Former Strikeforce Champion ‘King Mo’ Lawal has retired from MMA.

After fighting professionally for over a decade, ‘King Mo’s time inside the cage is complete. 

The decision was announced on American Top Team’s instagram page, as Lawal now transitions to a role as full-time coach with the famed MMA team. 

 

 

 

 

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I just wanted to give @kingmofh a shout out and congrats for all he’s accomplished in this sport. 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! #americantopteam, #mma, #wrestling, #coachlife, #accomplished, #moneyweight, #kingmo, #warrior

A post shared by American Top Team (@americantopteam) on Jun 3, 2019 at 7:38am PDT

A former Strikeforce champion, Lawal retires with a 21-9 record, ending his career after three straight stoppage losses. At his best though, ‘Mo’ was a feared force, dethroning Gegard Mousasi and becoming a titleholder in just his 7th fight. Lawal’s reign as champion was short-lived but he continued to experience success, eventually overcoming a life-threatening staph infection and becoming a central piece of Bellator. 

Their marquee signing at the time, Lawal had ups and downs in the promotion but won the majority of his bouts there and in his final career victory, avenged a controversial decision defeat opposite rival Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. He also represented Bellator in Rizin, memorably winning their 2015 Heavyweight Grand Prix. Though he never stepped foot in the vaunted octagon, ‘King Mo’ fought in multiple major promotions and exits MMA with a body of work that he can be very much proud of.