Strikeforce, Lawler Agree to Multi-Year Deal

Based at the HIT Squad camp in Illinois, Lawler (Pictured) has won two of his last three fights. The 28-year-old knocked out 2000 Olympic silver medalist Matt Lindland at Strikeforce “Henderson vs. Babalu 2” on Dec. 4 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. One of the sport’s most feared stand-up fighters, Lawler has secured 15 of his 18 career victories by knockout or technical knockout. His list of victims includes former Icon Sport middleweight champion Frank Trigg, one-time EliteXC middleweight titleholder Murilo “Ninja” Rua, Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts standout Joey Villasenor, UFC veteran Scott Smith and Dutch knockout artist Melvin Manhoef.

Lawler will meet Strikeforce middleweight king Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza in a five-round title bout on Jan. 29 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

“Strikeforce has treated me good, and I am happy to re-sign with them,” Lawler said in a release. “They have given me an opportunity to fight for the title and I’m looking forward to that and to fighting any and all of the top 185-pounders.’’