Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal dominated Jacob Noe on Wednesday night at Bellator 97 to win the Summer Series light heavyweight tournament by third round stoppage.
The fight opened with Noe coming out throwing his strikes and Lawal went for a takedown in the first 30 seconds of the fight. While on the ground, Lawal had side control and looked to pass. Noe worked his way back to his feet but Lawal got the fight back to the ground.
After Noe got back to his feet, Lawal took the fight back to the ground. He landed a knee on against the fence and the fighters separated. Lawal would once again take the fight to the ground as he used a double leg takedown to get the fight on the mat.
While on the ground, Lawal worked his ground strikes and controlled the fight on the ground. The round would end in this position as Lawal controlled the opening round.
In the second round, Noe attacked Lawal with leg kicks and Lawal went for a takedown which was successful. Lawal would have top position and landed his ground strikes. Noe went for an armbar from his back but Lawal was able to escape the submission attempt.
Lawal would get back to landing his ground strikes and Noe struggling to get back to his feet. Noe would be able to make it to the bell in the second round and the fight moved into the final round.
The final round started just like the previous rounds as Lawal wasted little time in getting the fight to the ground. After Lawal landed several strikes, Noe would get back to his feet and they started to exchanged strikes. Once again, Lawal took the fight to the ground and would get the finish with strikes on the ground.
Lawal (11-2, 1NC) now has nine career wins by TKO/KO and this victory secures him a shot at the Bellator light heavyweight title and will likely get his title shot in 2014 after Emanuel Newton challenges Attila Vegh for the title during season nine.
Bellator 97 Results:
Muhammed Lawal def. Jacob Noe via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 2:51
Vitaly Minakov def. Ryan Martinez via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 4:02
Patricio Pitbull def. Jared Downing via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, :54
Bubba Jenkins def. Mike Barreras via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 1:05
Anthony Leone def. Frank Baca via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 1:07
Rafael Silva def. Rodrigo Lima via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 2:03
Will Brooks def. Cris Leyva via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 2:20