According to The MMA Report, Bobby Lashley has pulled out of Bellator 134: ‘The British Invasion’ where he was set to face English heavyweight veteran James Thompson (pictured) for a second time.
While Lashley’s injury is currently undisclosed, the American balances his MMA career with pro-wrestling under the TNA banner as the promotion’s heavyweight champion, and may have sustained the injury during a recent performance.
Interestingly, light-heavyweight contender Muhammed ‘King Mo’ Lawal, a stablemate of Lashley’s at American Top Team, has volunteered to step in and face the 260lb Thompson; however, Bellator are yet to announce any change of opponent.
Despite having competed at heavyweight during the early stages of his career, Lawal has remained a 205lb light-heavyweight contender since 2010, and is considered to weigh approximately 210-220lbs between fights, in contrast to Thompson who likely cuts weight to be within the 265lbs limit.
36-year-old Thompson (20-14-1NC) made his Bellator debut last June with a swift knockout victory over Eric Prindle at Bellator 121. The Pride veteran has won his last four contests, including a unanimous decision win over Lashley in 2012, and appears to be rejuvenating his prominence as a heavyweight contender.
Lawal (14-4-1NC) was last defeated by Quinton Jackson at Bellator 120 last May and has since posted back-to-back TKO wins over Dustin Jacoby and Joe Vedepo.
Bellator 134: The British Invasion takes place on February 27 in Uncasville, Connecticut, USA.
Bellator 134 main card:
Douglas Lima vs. Paul Daley – Bellator welterweight championship
Emanuel Newton vs. Liam McGeary – Bellator light-heavyweight championship
??? vs. James Thompson
Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Linton Vassell
Michael Page vs. Curtis Millender
photo by Jorden Curran
