“King Mo” dismantled the striking game of Lorenz Larkin with multiple takedowns and a steady stream of ground-and-pound en route to a second-round TKO victory.
Lawal came out with his jab and then quickly earned a takedown, not giving Larkin any room to implement his dangerous striking to start the bout. “King Mo” showed off his dominating top control, punishing Larkin with right hands and grinding elbows. Larkin kicked off trying to create space, but Lawal remained relentless, diving back into Larkin’s guard and delivering more punishment as time wound down on the first round.
Larkin landed his jab to start the second, but found himself fighting off another takedown attempt after “King Mo” secured one of his legs. Larkin was able to score with several right hands as Lawal fought for the single-leg takedown, but eventually found himself on his back once again.
Once there, “King Mo” rained down powerful right hands that stunned Larkin. As the referee looked on, Lawal poured on a dozen or so more flush right hands, finally making the referee take action and stop the bout.
A frustrated Lawal voiced his opinion of the late stoppage, concerned for his defenseless opponent. After an explanation to “King Mo” from the referee, Lawal agreed with the decision to let the fight continue.
The TKO stoppage came at 1:32 of the second round. The victory moves Lawal to 9-1 overall (4-1 SF), and marks the first loss in Larkin’s career (12-1 MMA, 3-1 SF).