THE UNCERTAINTY OVER Lorenz Lakrin’s mixed martial arts future has been resolved with the news that the 30-year-old Californian has walked away from the UFC to sign a multi-fight deal with Bellator.
Larkin’s move to the rival US-based MMA promotion was confirmed today by The Press Enterprise, who have reported that the welterweight will make his Bellator debut later this year.
Having previously fought for Strikeforce, Larkin made his UFC debut in April 2013 and fought 10 times for the promotion. His two most recent wins — against Jorge Masvidal and Neil Magny, respectively ranked fifth and sixth in the 170lbs division — made Larkin a valuable asset to the UFC.
However, when his contract expired, Larkin opted to test the market as a free agent instead of accepting a fresh UFC contract. ‘The Monsoon’ has now opted to resume his career elsewhere.
“I wanted someone to get behind me and have some faith that I can deliver and I can be an asset to wherever I go, and that’s what I felt like with Bellator. They pretty much checked off all the things that I was looking for,” Larkin told The Press Enterprise.
He added: “I didn’t fight in the UFC just to be able to say ‘I’m a UFC fighter’ — that doesn’t mean anything to me. I think a lot of guys think that way in the sport.
“But in reality that doesn’t mean anything if you’re not getting taken care of. It used to be back in the day that the UFC was a super power, but a lot of organisations are coming up and it’s not like that anymore.”
Larkin, who has a professional record of 18-5, made his MMA debut in 2009. One of his most notable wins came against former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler in a middleweight bout for Strikeforce in July 2012.
He now becomes the latest high-profile fighter to leave the UFC behind in favour of Bellator, following in the footsteps of the likes of Rory MacDonald, Benson Henderson, Phil Davis and Matt Mitrione.
Irish lightweight Joseph Duffy could be next. The Donegal native has been unable to agree terms on a new deal with the UFC ahead of Saturday’s clash with Reza Madadi in London, which is the final fight on his current contract.
To win the World Cup we’ll need our best players and as good as Stewart is Sheehan is the best hooker in the world. We need some good news on both him and Conan.
@Gearóid MacEachaidh: he’s a great hooker but for me marx is the best currently… Hope he comes through, he’s a big player for Ireland in that front row….
@Gearóid MacEachaidh: agree hope he will be ok
Let’s hope it’s not too serious. Serious drop off from kelleher and sheehan to the other hookers.
@Patrick O’Sullivan: don’t think the drop is as big as you say , we’re well stocked with Herring and Stewart is no slouch
@Patrick O’Sullivan: To be honest Kelleher has looked a shadow of the player he was a two years ago. I’d back Herring and Stewart to produce performances more consistently than him at the moment.
@Eamonn Mac Lughadha: the drop off is huge. Herring and Stewart are both fine hookers but the gap is enormous. Both statements can be true.
@Andrew Martin Farrell: Can be but they’re not.
It looked to me as if Sheehan stretched his foot when he flyhacked the ball forward. I would be surprised if it turned out to be anything very serious
Hope he is ok….the guy is a phenomenon
If injuries are going to nibble away at certain areas the front row is the area we can least afford to lose players. However if Stewart had to step up to the mark I think he would relish the chance. He may not be as big as others but he has foot skills, handling skills and speed as good as any.