Former Strikeforce light-heavyweight champion Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal is already confirmed to make his return on an upcoming event in Texas, but he's still waiting on an opponent.According to Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker, the options are being narrowed down, with three potential matchups in mind.
Surging contenders Roger Gracie and Ovince St. Preux are possibilities, along with a potential rematch with Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante, Coker told MMA Fighting.
The 30-year-old Lawal (7-1) has been out of action since losing the belt to Cavalcante last August. Afterward, he had surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left knee, an injury he suffered during the bout.
After rehabilitating his knee, Lawal has spent time training in Holland, and more recently worked on his boxing with Floyd Mayweather, Sr.
"He's a great athlete, and greatly missed," Coker said. "I look forward to welcoming him back to Strikeforce."
Both Gracie and St. Preux are undefeated in the Strikeforce cage. Gracie is 4-0 overall, most recently defeating Trevor Prangley in January. St. Preux is 10-4 overall after four straight wins in the promotion. In January, he earned a decisive judges' nod over Abongo Humphrey.
Cavalcante, meanwhile, is coming off a championship loss to Dan Henderson on March 5.
Lawal's return would come in a June 18 event, scheduled for the American Airlines Center in Dallas. That card will also host Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix bouts pitting Alistair Overeem against Fabricio Werdum, and Josh Barnett against Brett Rogers.
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