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Is Mo Lawal Prepared For Roger Gracie's Jiu-Jitsu?

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Roger Gracie will risk his undefeated MMA record against former Strikeforce light-heavyweight champ Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal at Strikeforce Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov, on Sept. 10 at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati.

Both men have been talking about the upcoming match. I thought it would be fun to compare and contrast their comments.

Gracie:

"I think if he can be slippery and keep the fight standing, he'll have a chance not to get submitted," Gracie said. "But I think if we fight on the ground, his chances are not very good."

"I think that I train less ... in jiu-jitsu because he's not a great jiu-jitsu player, and I'm sure I won't have to worry about him trying to submit me," he said.

Lawal:

"[His standup is] better than what I expected it to be," said Lawal, having seen tape on Gracie. "I thought it was going to be terrible. He came out throwing jabs and one-twos and teeps and some leg kicks. He's solid."

"Maybe if I slip (he can take me down)," Lawal said. "I don't know. I don't think so, but I can take him down. I'm not afraid of his jiu-jitsu at all. He has a great closed guard, but sometimes when you get hit, that guard opens up.

"I'm not worried about nothing. I'm just worried about making weight and getting to the fight. That's all."