Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Muhammed Lawal will take part in next week’s Rizin Fighting Federation heavyweight tournament, but don’t think that’s an indication of his future intentions. In fact, he plans on going in the opposite direction.
“I think you might see a new weight class – a new addition to the moneyweight – not just 205 and heavyweight, but 185, as well,” Lawal told MMAjunkie.
Lawal (16-4 MMA, 8-3 BMMA) meets England’s Brett McDermott (5-2) in the opening round of the Rizin tourney, which takes place on Dec. 29 and Dec. 31 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, and airs in North America on Spike.
Lawal hopes to make a splash in the eight-man bracket, but the event will likely just be a one-off, and Bellator will continue to serve as his primary employer.
LINK: 'Moneyweight' Muhammed Lawal planning on adding 185 pounds to his rotation in 2016