Muhammed Lawal, commonly known by his ring name “King Mo,” is an American professional wrestler and retired mixed martial artist.
He is recognized for his successful stints in MMA organizations such as Bellator MMA, Strikeforce, and PRIDE, and for his post-MMA career in professional wrestling.
He held the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship and was a mainstay in Bellator’s light heavyweight division before his retirement from MMA. Here we have Muhammed Lawal’s net worth, earnings, career, biography, and more.
Muhammed Lawal’s Biography and Career
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Muhammed Lawal |
| Ring Name | King Mo |
| Date of Birth | January 11, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Weight Class | Light Heavyweight (205 lbs), Heavyweight |
| Reach | 79 in (201 cm) |
Muhammed Lawal was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and grew up excelling in various sports, especially wrestling.
He attended Oklahoma State University, where he became an NCAA Division I All-American wrestler. His amateur wrestling success later laid the foundation for his transition into mixed martial arts and professional wrestling.
MMA Career
Muhammed Lawal’s MMA career began in 2008 when he joined World Victory Road’s Sengoku promotion. His wrestling background allowed him to dominate his early fights, using his grappling skills to overpower opponents.
Lawal gained widespread recognition in 2009 when he signed with Strikeforce, an MMA organization in the U.S. Lawal quickly became a fan favorite, and in April 2010, he defeated Gegard Mousasi to win the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship.
Lawal’s MMA career was defined by his exciting fighting style and his charismatic persona inside and outside the ring.
After his Strikeforce career, Lawal transitioned to Bellator MMA, where he competed in both light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.
He secured victories over high-profile fighters like Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Cheick Kongo.
Muhammed Lawal achieved a notable victory against Jiří Procházka at the Rizin World Grand Prix 2015, on December 31, 2015. He won the fight via a knockout (KO) in the first round at 5:09, which also secured him the title of the 2015 Rizin Heavyweight Grand Prix champion.
Muhammed Lawal faced Jiří Procházka again on April 21, 2019, at Rizin 15 in Yokohama, Japan. In this bout, Lawal lost via TKO (punches) in the third round at 3:02. This fight was significant as it was for the inaugural Rizin Light Heavyweight Championship.
Wrestling Career
Following his MMA retirement, Lawal fully transitioned into professional wrestling. He signed with Impact Wrestling, where he appeared as a crossover athlete in various storylines and matches.
Lawal’s larger-than-life personality fit well with the scripted drama of professional wrestling, and he was able to bring his fighting background into his wrestling persona. He continues to make sporadic appearances in professional wrestling promotions.
Achievements
- Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion (2010): Lawal captured the title by defeating Gegard Mousasi via unanimous decision.
- Bellator Season 8 Light Heavyweight Tournament Winner (2013): Lawal claimed victory in the tournament, defeating notable competitors.
- Bellator MMA Heavyweight Grand Prix Finalist (2018): Lawal competed in Bellator’s prestigious heavyweight tournament.
Muhammed Lawal’s Net Worth Details
Muhammed Lawal’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025. His earnings came from his successful MMA career, his transition to professional wrestling, and sponsorship deals during his fighting career.
His most notable earnings in MMA came from his time in Strikeforce and Bellator, with fight purses often reaching six figures. Below is a table outlining some of his key fight purses:
Fight Purse Earnings
| Fight | Event | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship vs. Gegard Mousasi | Strikeforce: Nashville | $100,000 |
| Bellator Season 8 Light Heavyweight Tournament Winner | Bellator 90 | $50,000 (bonus included) |
| Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix vs. Ryan Bader | Bellator 199 | $80,000 |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $1.2 million |
| 2021 | $1.3 million |
| 2022 | $1.4 million |
| 2023 | $1.5 million |
Endorsements
During his MMA career, Lawal partnered with several brands, including Monster Energy and Everlast. His endorsement deals complemented his income from fighting, and he was regularly featured in advertising campaigns for these companies.
MMA Records
| 32 matches | 21 wins | 10 losses |
| By knockout | 13 | 7 |
| By decision | 8 | 3 |
| No contests | 1 | |
FAQs
1. Why is Muhammed Lawal called “King Mo”?
Muhammed Lawal adopted the nickname “King Mo” early in his combat sports career as a nod to his flamboyant personality and admiration for professional wrestling personas. The title reflects his regal confidence and showmanship, which he brought into MMA through elaborate entrances and charismatic promo skills.
2. What championships has Muhammed Lawal won in MMA?
Lawal captured the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship in 2010 by defeating Gegard Mousasi and later became the Rizin Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion in 2015. He also won Bellator’s 2013 Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament.
3. What was Muhammed Lawal’s background before MMA?
Before MMA, Lawal was an accomplished freestyle wrestler. He became a Division I All-American at Oklahoma State University, a three-time Senior U.S. National Champion, and represented the U.S. at the 2005 World Wrestling Championships.
4. Did Muhammed Lawal compete in professional wrestling?
Yes, Lawal signed a dual contract with Bellator MMA and TNA Impact Wrestling in 2013, making him one of the first fighters to actively compete in MMA and professional wrestling simultaneously. His TNA debut highlighted his crossover appeal.
5. What are some of Muhammed Lawal’s most notable MMA fights?
Key fights include his 2010 upset win over Gegard Mousasi for the Strikeforce title, his 2017 unanimous decision victory over Quinton Jackson, and his 2015 Rizin Grand Prix final knockout of Jiří Procházka. His 2018 Bellator loss to Ryan Bader in 15 seconds also stands out.
6. What is Muhammed Lawal’s fighting style?
Lawal’s style blended his elite wrestling base with evolving striking skills. Known for powerful takedowns and ground-and-pound, he later incorporated boxing techniques, earning 13 career knockout victories.
7. What health challenges has Lawal faced during his career?
In 2012, Lawal survived a life-threatening staphylococcus infection that eroded parts of his hip and leg tissue. He also underwent multiple knee surgeries, including one that sidelined him for over a year in 2011.
8. Why did Muhammed Lawal prioritize financial gains in MMA?
Lawal openly described MMA as a means to “get paid,” emphasizing his role as a prize fighter. His focus on entertainment and marketability—through flashy walkouts and promo work—aligned with his goal of maximizing earnings.
9. When did Muhammed Lawal retire from MMA?
Lawal officially retired in November 2019 after a knockout loss to Andrew Kapel at Bellator 233. Post-retirement, he transitioned to coaching and briefly ventured into bare-knuckle boxing (BKFC) in 2024.
10. What is Muhammed Lawal doing now?
Lawal coaches at American Top Team and remains involved in combat sports. He was scheduled for a BKFC debut in 2024 but withdrew. He also engages with fans via social media, reflecting his enduring presence in the martial arts community.
