Matt Mitrione is jumping ship.
The popular heavyweight fighter is leaving the UFC for Bellator MMA after a period of free agency, he announced Monday on The MMA Hourwith Ariel Helwani. Mitrione is the latest in a number of well-known Bellator signings recently, including former UFC champion Benson Henderson and legend Wanderlei Silva.
Mitrione had an offer on the table from Bellator and the UFC chose not to match, he said. Mitrione called his free-agent period "lovely" and said he was excited about a new start with Bellator. He added that his Bellator contract is a four-fight deal and every fight is a guaranteed six-figure purse. Mitrione said he's now "making double" what the UFC offered him as show and win money.
"I was really interested in the options that Bellator was offering and I was really interested in the conversation they were willing to have. I think that they're making the rights moves," Mitrione said. "I think sometimes you get into a spot where the things you fall in love about one organization don't necessarily seem to be anymore and greener pastures seem to be somewhere else."
Also part of Mitrione's deal is a color commentary gig with Bellator Kickboxing. He'll be debuting on the inaugural show April 16.
"This is something I've wanted to do all my life," Mitrione said.
LINK: Former UFC heavyweight Matt Mitrione signs with Bellator MMA
Last edited by a moderator: