Bellator MMA’s aggressive stance at bidding on UFC free agents is starting to take it’s tole.
Rampgage Jackson, Matt Mitrione, Benson Henderson, Rory MacDonald, Tito Ortiz, Chael Sonnen, Cheick Kongo, Lorenz Larkin and more have all been highly ranked and plucked up by the Viacom owned Bellator.
And it’s not like we in the MMA world don’t feel this shift of power. The UFC’s 2017 is delivering far from spectacular fight cards, and it could be due to them continually losing depth in their roster, and allowing Bellator to outbid them on the open market.
In the latest example of this, the #4 ranked Gegard Mousasi has confirmed that he has signed on to be a Bellator fighter. “I’ve signed a six fight deal with Bellator. I’m looking forward to being champion there.” he said.
Currently riding a five-fight winning streak, Gegard’s contract was up when he defeated Chris Weidman at UFC 210 in April.
Ever since the bout, the UFC has been in what’s called a “Matching Period” where they still held exclusive rights to Gegard’s fighting career. That period ended though, without a deal being made, leaving Gegard open to taking on the Bellator roster for the remainder of his career.
Who will be next?
