After a ten-year span within the world of Mixed Martial Arts, former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Muhammed Lawal was finally looking to hang up the gloves for good following his fight against Andrew Kapel at Bellator 233.
Early in his career, the 39-year-old took the MMA world by storm, first in M-1 Global, and then Strikeforce, where the Tennessee native defeated Mike Whitehead (via KO at Strikeforce: Evolution) before winning the prestigious Strikeforce Light Heavyweight title from Gegard Mousasi at Strikeforce: Nashville on April 17, 2010.
While Lawal would drop the belt immediately in his next fight against Rafael Cavalcante, the light heavyweight eventually moved onto Bellator MMA where he was victorious over Przemyslaw Mysiala back at Bellator 86. Lawal would see more success within the promotion as he defeated top tier fighters such as Seth Petruzelli (via KO at Bellator 96), Jacob Noe (via TKO at Bellator 97), and Cheick Kongo (via split decision at Bellator 134).
However, following his stint down at the Rizin World Grand Prix 2015, the former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion noticeably lacked the fire he had early in his run. Lawal would get a huge victory over former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton Jackson at Bellator 175; however, he would suffer three straight losses afterwards.
Lawal looked to go out of the sport with a victory over Andrew Kapel at Bellator 233; however, the light heavyweight wasn’t going to be the veteran’s punching bag and pulled off a Knockout victory in the Lawal’s final fight.
Check out the last MMA bout featuring Muhammed Lawal and Andrew Kapel below: