Strikeforce alum Lumumba Sayers found guilty of murder

Strikeforce and BKFC alum Lumumba Sayers has been found guilty of murder.

Sayers, 47, was found guilty of three charges Monday by an Adams County (Colo.) jury.

The charges, all felonies, include second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and attempt to commit tampering with physical evidence.

Adams & Broomfield Colorado District Attorney's Office announced the verdict shortly after it was revealed in the courtroom.

In August 2024, Sayers was arrested for the fatal shooting of Malcolm Watson, 28, at a child's birthday party in Commerce City. In the affidavit for his arrest, witnesses said Sayers shot Watson in the head. Witnesses said Sayers tried to shoot Watson again with a second gun, but it jammed. Sayers then tried to plant a gun on Watson in front of witnesses.

Since his son, Lumumba Sayers Jr., was killed in 2023, Sayers had been an outspoken anti-gun violence advocate, utilizing his platform to speak on the issue. A man named Tyrell Braxton was arrested and charged in connection with Sayers Jr.'s death. However, the case was later dismissed.

The prosecution claimed Sayers targeted Watson due to a perceived connection to his son's death.

According to Denver7, Sayers testified he did not shoot or kill Watson.

Judge Jeffrey Ruff will determine Sayers' sentencing at a hearing July 24.

Sayers competed four times in Strikeforce from 2011 to 2012. He went 2-2 with his losses against future UFC contenders Anthony Smith and Derek Brunson. He returned to combat sports competition for the first time in a decade under the BKFC banner in May 2024 when he defeated Jeremy Morrison by knockout in 12 seconds.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Strikeforce alum Lumumba Sayers found guilty of murder in revenge case