Larkin Responds to Lawal Steroid Test, Calls Result ‘Disappointing’

Strikeforce light heavyweight Lorenz Larkin has responded to Tuesday’s announcement by the Nevada State Athletic Commission that his Jan. 7 opponent, Muhammed Lawal, failed a post-fight drug screen.

“It is disappointing to hear of this news since this is now the second opponent in a row that has tested positive after fighting me,” Larkin stated in a release issued by his Team Monsoon. “I respect Mo and wish him the best. If he says that he didn’t take anything then I will take his word for it and it’s up to him and his team to prove otherwise. At this point, it’s up to the Nevada State Athletic Commission how they will deal with this situation.”

The NSAC has not yet made an official ruling regarding Lawal’s positive test for the anabolic steroid drostanolone, which both the fighter and his management Tuesday denied any knowledge of. Larkin suffered the first defeat of his career in a second-round knockout to Lawal, though the result could be overturned by the commission.

Larkin’s previous opponent, Nick Rossborough, is currently serving a suspension handed down by the NSAC in October. Rossborough was flagged for elevated testosterone levels following a September decision loss to Larkin at Strikeforce Challengers 19.

The 25-year-old “Monsoon” on Tuesday also shouldered blame for the loss and affirmed that he is working diligently to avoid a repeat in his next outing.

“Regardless of steroid use or not, I don’t look at this as a win on my record, because it’s not,” said Larkin. “I have watched tape and I am back in the gym improving how I lost that fight. I will be ready for whatever Strikeforce wants to do regarding who I am fighting next and the light heavyweight division.”