Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Muhammed Lawal tested positive for the steroid Drostanolone in his most recent bout, the Nevada State Athletic Commission disclosed on Tuesday.
Lawal, better known by the ring name “King Mo,” scored a second-round knockout of previously unbeaten Lorenz Larkin at Strikeforce “Rockhold vs. Jardine,” which took place Jan. 7 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. While the win seems likely to be overturned, NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer says no ruling has been made on the issue at this time.
“The matter has been referred to the Attorney General’s office for issuance of a complaint for disciplinary action,” Kizer stated when reached for comment by Sherdog.com.
Drostanolone, also known as Drolban, is an anabolic steroid popular in the bodybuilding community and commonly used for weight-cutting. Sold under the trade name Masteron, it is also used in the treatment of certain forms of breast cancer.
A former NCAA Division II wrestling champion, 31-year-old Lawal has compiled a 9-1 record in MMA after debuting in 2008 with a shocking upset of 60-fight veteran Travis Wiuff. The Tennessee native, who recently joined the renowned American Kickboxing Academy, has knocked out Larkin and Roger Gracie since dropping his Strikeforce belt to Rafael Cavalcante in 2010.
All other fighters from the Jan. 7 Strikeforce event, including middleweight champion Luke Rockhold and challenger Keith Jardine, tested negative for prohibited substances.