It’s going to be monsoon season soon in Bellator Mma as former UFC veteran Lorenz Larkin is set to compete in the Bellator cage. Bellator president Scott Coker announced on Twitter that Larkin signed with the promotion. Larkin, better known as “Da Monsoon,” confirmed the news in an interview with The Press Enterprise.

Larkin renews business relationship with Coker

Larkin had previously fought for the Bellator president under the Strikeforce banner from 2011-2013. During his Strikeforce tenure, Larkin won four of his five fights, including a victory against future UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler.

Larkin originally lost his 2012 bout against “King Mo,” Muhammed Lawal via second-round knockout, however, the fight was ruled a no contest after Lawal tested positive for drostanolone. He was scheduled to challenge Luke Rockhold for the Strikeforce middleweight title in January 2013, until the latter withdrew from the contest because of an injury.

Before he joined Strikeforce, Larkin won his first 12 fights, with eight stoppages. The new Bellator signee won his first title in November 2010, defeating Hector Carrillo in the first round to win the MEZ Sports Light Heavyweight championship.

Larkin and his UFC run

After Strikeforce folded, Larkin joined the UFC roster, losing his first bout to Francis Carmont.

His UFC middleweight run was 1-4, with his only win against Chris Camozzi. Larkin seemed to breathe new life in his UFC tenure after he dropped to welterweight in 2015, knocking out John Howard in their fight and earning a “Performance of the Night” bonus in the process. His last octagon appearance was at UFC 202 where he finished Neil Magny.

Despite his recent UFC success, Larkin chose to seek free agency. An article from MMA Junkie notes that Larkin was attracting interest from the likes of Bellator and Rizin FF.

Larkin brings good hands to Bellator's 170 division

Larkin’s first foray in the Bellator cage hasn’t been scheduled at this time. He joins a pretty stacked welterweight division that includes the likes of Paul Daley, Michael Page and Brennan Ward -- guys who have made their name in the Bellator cage -- as well as relative newcomers like Rory MacDonald and Josh Koscheck.

And of course, there’s 170 pound kingpin Douglas Lima.

Larkin’s bread and butter appears to be his striking -- 11 of his 18 wins were stoppages -- and I’m sure he’ll put on some good matches with the likes of Daley and MacDonald. He’ll also get to put his grappling to the test against some of Bellator’s best grapplers.

It's always a risk for fighters to test out new waters, but Larkin's move to Bellator gives him a chance to reach a new level in his career.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED