Saul Rogers signs with Bellator as wild card addition to burgeoning featherweight class

[nuraknu]

Saul Rogers calls himself 'the uncrowned TUF winner' but now joins Bellator's burgeoning featherweight roster as new fight chapter begins...

Saul Rogers makes no bones about the fact that it was a "bitter-sweet experience" when his failure to complete a USA Visa application correctly precluded him from competing in the TUF Finale a couple of years back - but the fighter from Bolton starts a new chapter in his career as the year turns having become the latest signing for Bellator MMA in its featherweight division.

Rogers, powerfully built and a genuine character, who has fashioned his own gym in Bolton in an old factory, believed to have once been a cotton mill - an environment with machinery which epitomizes embracing the grind - teaching combat sport classes to all-comers, from 5 year olds to adults, believes 2018 could be the year he reaches new levels, and the ultra-confident fighter believes he has what it takes to become Bellator's new featherweight king....

Source/more: Exclusive: Saul Rogers signs with Bellator as wild card addition to burgeoning featherweight class

 

[nuraknu]

Okay, here is my memory:
This guy hits hard and people were excited about him. Ryan Hall, whose striking as I have said before is underrated, beat him in a close fight but the decision went to Saul.

Then it came out that Saul lied on his visa application and couldn't fight in Vegas. Dana White said you can't do that, and the UFC won't work with Saul anymore. Ryan Hall got the shot, who should have had it to begin with.

Then we ended up with Ryan vs. Artem, so I believe a finale of two people who were brought back, which is awesome. And it turns out when Ryan got the call, he was in Ireland training BJJ with Artem, because they became friendly.

Ryan chokes Artem until Artem turns blue, but Artem doesn't tap or go out. That is the fight during which we learn the true amazing toughness of Artem Lobov, and the right man, Ryan Hall, was crowned the TUF winner.

Two thumbs up.

However, all that being said, I'm looking forward to Saul in Bellator. He's a good addition to the roster, and gives them more depth for UK/Ireland cards.

 

[Pitbull9]

Bellator needs depth badly. This HW tournament is a joke and some of the guys are not even HWs.

 

[Clappin'Daddys]

Seems like a solid addition in the 145 weight class. Dude seems to be in his physical prime, so he should be able to get a couple of wins and fight for the belt.

I don’t think anyone is beating pitbull anytime soon though.

Who should he debut against? I would say Straus, but Daniel just got in a motorcycle accident.

 

[Wild]

Paging @TheEmperorRises @CutmanMatt for info on this dude

 

[nuraknu]

Who should he debut against? I would say Straus, but Daniel just got in a motorcycle accident.

I think Straus is too big of a fish for Saul's debut. He needs smaller fry, imo.

 

[TheEmperorRises]

View: https://youtu.be/9LvYYFbA1W4



View: https://youtu.be/HhPE5gSfGSU



View: https://youtu.be/yqjXMLssohY

 

[TheEmperorRises]

Bellator needs depth badly. This HW tournament is a joke and some of the guys are not even HWs.

They're lacking real depth at HW and LHW, true. They're working on it, but it'll take time before those divisions will be as deep as I believe they will be. But they've got depth at 145. It's up their with WW as far as being one of Bellator's deepest divisions.

Patricio Pitbull, Daniel Weichel, Emmanuel Sanchez, Pat Curran, Daniel Straus, Joe Teixeira, A.J McKee, James Gallagher, Justin Lawrence, Chinzo Machida, Marcos Galvao, Noad Lahat, Henry Corrales, Sam Sicilia. Plus prospects like Brandon Laroco, Aaron Pico, Tywan 'Speedy' Claxton, Gaston Bolanos, Chris 'Sunshine' Williams and now Saul Rogers. They're set at FW for the next few years, easily.