PROMOTIONAL DEBUT TO TAKE PLACE LATER THIS YEAR
LOS ANGELES — Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of heavyweight knockout artist Roy Nelson (22-14) een exclusieve, multi-gevecht contract.
Uitvechten van Las Vegas, Nelson joins the Viacom-owned promotion following an eight-year, 19-fight run under the direction of the UFC that saw him earn wins over Mirko Cro Cop, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, “Bigfoot” Silva and Cheick Kongo, while tangling in notable slugfests with former and current UFC title holders Fabricio Werdum, Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier. Met 19 zijn 22 carrière overwinningen komen door middel van een knock-out of onderwerping, Nelson should prove to be an exciting addition to the heavyweight division.
The signing sees Nelson return to Spike, where his bout with the late Kimbo Slice on season 10 van The Ultimate Fighter remains the most-watched fight in the history of the reality series. Nelson would eventually go on to win the season, defeating Brendan Schaub in the finale.
“With the direction that Bellator MMA is heading, I consider Roy an extremely valuable addition to our roster,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “When you look at Nelson’s record and some of the superstar opponents that he’s faced over the years, as well as his ability to connect with the fans, we felt he was the perfect fit for Bellator. I’ve been a fan of his for years and we are anxious to see him return to Spike inside the Bellator cage.”
“I wanted to work with Scott Coker because I have heard nothing but great things – plus I get to work with Spike and Viacom again who catapulted MMA in America,” added Nelson. “I am excited to join Bellator and to show how an All-American like myself will make new and old fans fall in love with MMA again and again!"
Nelson’s promotional debut will be determined at a later date, but the heavyweight slugger is expected to return to action at some point this year. “Big Country” joins the Bellator MMA fray with an impressive 22-14 professional record and will compete in a heavyweight class that features accomplished fighters, inclusief Fedor Emelianenko, Matt Mitrione, Cheick Kongo, Bobby Lashley en Sergei Kharitonov amongst others.
About Bellator:
Bellator is a leading mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Onder leiding van veteraan strijd promotor Scott Coker, Bellator beschikbaar bijna 500 miljoen huishoudens wereldwijd in meer dan 140 landen. In de Verenigde Staten, Bellator can be seen on SPIKE, the combat sports television leader. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live-evenement orkestratie, vechter ontwikkeling / relaties, venue inkoop, sponsoring creatie / ontwikkeling, internationale licentie, verkoop, adverteren, publiciteit en provisie relaties. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, de thuisbasis van 's werelds grootste entertainment merken die verbinding met het publiek door middel van boeiende content via televisie, film, online en mobiele platforms.