Former Light Heavyweight Champ to Fight for Bellator in 2013 And Join the Stars of TNA Wrestling This Summer

New York, NY, May 10, 2012 – In an unprecedented move – one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, “King Mo” Lawal, has signed a deal to compete in Spike TV’s two major sports properties, Bellator Fighting Championships and TNA’s IMPACT Wrestling. King Mo will join the stars of TNA this summer and resume his mixed martial arts career next year when Bellator Fighting Championships moves to Spike TV from its current television home, MTV2.  The deal was jointly announced today by Kevin Kay, President, Spike TV along with Bjorn Rebney, Chairman & CEO, Bellator Fighting Championships and Dixie Carter, President, TNA Entertainment.

“King Mo is an incredible athlete and a great addition to the Bellator family.  He immediately adds prominence and star-power to our light heavyweight division,” said Rebney.

“King Mo is the perfect athlete for this type of alliance.  He is the real deal in MMA, and his bold personality and world class wrestling accomplishments are unparalleled.  I’m confident he will have a major impact in both sports,” stated Carter.

Lawal (10-1-1) launched his mixed martial arts career in 2008, and after four straight wins, he faced off against his toughest challenge, renowned fighter Mark Kerr. King Mo knocked out Kerr in the first round, and eight months later he defeated Gegard Mousasi in a Light Heavyweight world title fight. Lawal also holds an impressive KO victory against multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Roger Gracie in September 2011.

“This deal is a dream come true for me,” Lawal said. “Bjorn and Dixie have given me the opportunity to engage in my two great loves, mixed martial arts and professional wrestling, at the same time.  And, to have it all on Spike TV is really Buttercream icing on a big ole cake – not that whipped cream stuff either!”

King Mo rose to grappling acclaim as a NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at Oklahoma State University in 2003 and a three-time U.S. National Champion (2005, 2006, and 2008) in the 84 kilogram division.  In 2007, as a member of the U.S. National team, he brought home a gold medal at the Pan American Games and a silver medal at the World Cup.

A native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Lawal lives in San Jose, Calif. and trains with the prominent American Kickboxing Academy.

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Dynamic featherweight inked for organizational debut at Bellator 69 on May 18

CHICAGO, Ill. (May 9, 2012) — Bellator Fighting Championships continues to add to its impressive roster, this time adding dynamic featherweight Shanon Slack to its growing list of talent. Slack joins a stacked talent pool that includes reigning Bellator Featherweight Champion Pat Curran, future title challenger Patricio Pitbull, and a collection of some of the top featherweights in the world including Daniel Straus, Marlon Sandro, and “Popo” Bezerra.

“The Bellator featherweight division is tough as hell, and it was a huge reason why I decided to join Bellator,” Slack said. “The tournament format is something that really stood out to me as well. There aren’t any politics involved, and like any fighter, I want my title shot. Any fighter can say they want to take things one fight at a time, but if you aren’t in this to become a champion, then you’re in the wrong sport.”

Armed with a wrestling base that earned him a spot as a U.S. Olympic alternate in 2008, Slack has trained with some of the biggest names in the sport and currently is a member of the world renowned Blackhouse fight team. Slack already boasts a spotless record of 3-0, but knows the sky is the limit with Bellator.

“I’ve been around for a while, and now I feel like I’m on a stage where I can showcase my skillset, and everything I bring to the table,” Slack said. “After talking to everyone with Bellator, the organization really seemed like the best fit for me, and I can’t wait to get into the cage.”

Slack won’t have to wait long, as the former Old Dominion standout is currently slated to take on Booker Arthur at Bellator 69 on May 18 from L’Auberge Casino Resort on Spike.com.

“When you look at the roster, you’ve seen former wrestlers have an incredible amount of success with Bellator,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Michael Chandler, Ben Askren, and Cole Konrad have all earned titles with a core wrestling base, and Shanon brings that same pedigree into the organization.”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

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