Frye Out; Lawal to Face Kerr at M-1 Global: Breakthrough by Scott White

M-1 Global has officially announced that their August 28th show titled “Breakthrough” has been moved the Los Angeles Convention Center to the historic Memorial Hall in Kansas City. The show will feature a main event of Mo Lawal vs. Mark Kerr along with an exhibition match featuring Fedor Emelianenko and Gegard Mousasi.

The show was originally set to feature a main event of Don Frye vs. Mo Lawal but unfortunately Frye has pulled out and will be replaced by Kerr. “Don Frye had a signed contract with M-1 and part of that signed commitment allowed us to change the venue if needed,” said M-1 COO Raimond. “From our perspective, Don should still be in this fight. However, for reasons that we aren’t exactly sure of, he has backed out. Don still has not provided us with a clear reason as to why he is refusing to fight.

In the press release, M-1 officials questioned Frye’s decision saying, “We’ve heard rumors that he wasn’t happy with the location change but our television partner, Mo Lawal, and every other fighter scheduled for the event are satisfied with Kansas City so why isn’t it good enough for Don? Don also fought just a few short months ago in Lubbock, Texas. It just doesn’t make sense because the old Don Frye was willing to fight anyone, anywhere, and at anytime. Perhaps the fire is gone and he underestimated the challenge that ‘King Mo’ presents?”

Emelianenko took part in an exhibition match earlier this year with top ranked lightweight Shinya Aoki and M-1 felt the was successful enough to attempt another go at it with Mousasi. “We were blown away by just how popular Fedor’s exhibition vs. Aoki in Japan was,” said Raimond. “Fedor and Gegard have sparred many times together and the sessions have always been intense. Now fight fans watching on television and those attending live in Kansas City will get a rare glimpse at two of the best fighters in the world sparring each other.”

M-1 Global: Breakthrough is scheduled for August 28 at the Memorial Hall in Kansas City. The event will feature Mo Lawal vs. Mark Kerr, Fedor Emelianenko vs. Gegard Mousasi (exhibition, and Nick Thompson vs. Karl “Psycho” Amoussou.