'King Mo' Lawal pauses brief retirement, returns at Bellator 233

Muhammed Lawal (21-9 MMA, 10-6 BMMA) is going to step into a cage one more time.

Bellator officials confirmed to ESPN.com that the former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion has elected to return from a retirement he announced earlier this year to face promotional newcomer Andrew Kapel (14-5 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) in a 195-pound catchweight bout.

The matchup has been booked for Bellator 233, which takes place Nov. 8 at WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Okla.

Lawal, 38, suffered three consecutive losses before deciding to hang it up following a failed bid for the Rizin FF light heavyweight title in April. While MMA retirements rarely seem a permanent decision, Lawal told ESPN that his return will most certainly be a one-and-done.

“My last one,” Lawal told ESPN. “My final one.”

With the addition to the card, Bellator 233 now includes:

• John Salter vs. Costello van Steenis
• Andrew Kapel vs. Muhammed Lawal
• Christian Edwards vs. Cesar Gutierrez
• Kyle Crutchmer vs. Sean Clements