Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Muhammed Lawal is still on the mend, however may be back in action in the foreseeable future, possibly in the first quarter of 2011. The world class wrestler was last seen in action in a losing effort to current title holder Rafael Cavalcante this past August. The Brazilian striker and training partner of Anderson Silva, was able to connect on a knee in the second round that rocked “King Mo”. Additional blows would later call a halt the bout, and just as quickly as Muhammed had earned the title in April of this year in a five-round war of attrition against then champ Gegard Mousasi, he lost it just as swiftly. However, Mo may now have the opportunity to add another name to his mantle if he is successful in dispatching long time veteran, Jeff Monson. MiddleEasy.com first reported the possibility of the match up which will take place under the Strikeforce banner, and apparently in the light heavyweight division. Monson tried his hand at the 205-pound division in the past, most memorably at UFC 29 opposite of “The Iceman” Chuck Liddell, though he came over the designated weight limit. Since then, Monson has competed against some of the sports top and most notable heavyweight fighters, including Pedro Rizzo, and former UFC champions Ricco Rodriguez, Tim Sylvia, and Josh Barnett. Monson is currently riding a five-fight winning streak since dropping back-to-back fights to the likes of Travis Wiuff and Shamil Abdurahimov (respectively). Standing at 5′9 and no more than 230 pounds in his stocky frame, it’s no wonder why Monson may be thinking the path of least resistance in his career may be at light heavyweight, rather then battling Goliath’s in the heavyweight class. No official word from the Strikeforce has come about this particular bout, but if it is in the works, what do you think MMA peeps? Do you think Monson dropping down to 205 will benefit him enough in order to defeat Mo? Will his elite grappling skills (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt) stack up against Muhammed’s wrestling credentials? Great fight for Lawal. Although im VERY surprised at Monson being the opponent or even making 205lbs. Jeff was a light heavy a long time ago and has been as heavy as 245lbs. Be very interesting if this one comes off. Lawal will definitly have his hands full on the mat.
I'm suprised SF and UFC haven't called Monson to fight. He has some good wins and is the sort of fighter who has gloves and will travel. SF would do well to sign him and Sylvia.
Lawal never should have even got the gift decision over Gegard in the first place. Just another overrated wrestler who got a gift. He will not get the SF title or probably any other title again.
Monson doesn't need them. He gets fights. He's very much an independent guy and always has been. Whomever is managing him has been doing a marvellous job. As Monson fights regularly all over the place. Plus Monson left the UFC the first time because he was chasing a fight with Fedor that never happened. That said there was word of him signing with SF but that never materialised either.
Gifrt decision? Have you seen that fight? Lawal won. And CLEARLY. Gegard is my boy but he was like a beetle on his back and was thoroughly useless from guard as well as getting taken down at will. I dont see Lawal ever being a long term champ much less winning the belt again but it was still a great win over a huge name opponent and solid favourite.
I'm a huge Gegard Mousasi fan but he lost that fight. He didn't look good and looked like something was wrong but he lost it. That being said I think he will look better if a rematch happens. I'll be shocked if Jeff can make 205 as he is solid as hell at HW
