Strikeforce Winners Circle: Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal (Part 1/3)

Jake Shields, King Mo, and Gilbert Melendez scored wins for themselves this Saturday in Nashville.

However, the same might not be said for Strikeforce, as the event was marred by lackluster performances and Mayhem breaking loose (literally).

I don't know what to say about that event, I guess we'll find out more as time goes on. One thing is for sure, the fight community needs to move on and focus on what the real story was in Nashville...MMA.

Believe it or not, MMA did take place and everyone involved is going to have to move forward and put this behind us.

I am going to break down the fights, and what's next for their winners, in this three part series.

Fight One

Muhammed Lawal def. Gegard Mousasi by unanimous decision.

Coming into this fight we got what was expected. "King Mo" imposing his explosive take-downs, and starting a vicious Gnp. When it became apparent that King Mo wasn't going to finish Mousasi, I thought Mousasi would turn the tables on a tired Lawal.

He tried to, and Mousasi was looking his best in Round Three, but never got much of a offense to threaten King Mo.

After Round Three it was apparent that Mousasi was broken mentally, and wouldn't be able to handle the take-downs and the relentlessness of "King Mo."

After a point deduction it was all but over for Mousasi. "King Mo" sealed the victory in the championship rounds by take-downs to win the Strikeforce LHW title in a unanimous decision.

What's Next

In a match of highly rated prospects you would think the winner would catapult his spot in the sport.

That wasn't the case here as "King Mo" won, but the fight showcased both fighters inadequacies. Due to Strikeforce's talent depth at LHW, it makes it hard to find a fitting challenger. Almost all of fighters are coming off losses to either "King Mo" or Mousasi, which makes it even harder to sell a challenger.

Strikeforce's best bet is to put him against Roger Gracie. He is 2-0 and will be the best style matchup for Lawal. The other fighters on the roster may be more rounded and deserving, but they don't offer what a Roger Gracie could to the inexperienced ground game of Lawal, and the Gracie name is always a plus selling a fight.

What do you think?