Bellator MMA just added another threat to its heavyweight title.
Undefeated PFL champion Ali Isaev, who claimed the 2019 season title, has inked a multi-fight deal with the Paramount-owned promotion.
“Our heavyweight division has just gotten even deeper with the addition of undefeated Ali Isaev,” Bellator President Scott Coker said in a statement to MMA Fighting.
” I know that he has not competed since 2019,, so we are looking forward to seeing him in action within the Bellator cage .”
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After tearing through the competition during his debut season as a 2019. promotion, Isaev appeared to be the dominant champion of the PFL. To win the title, Isaev won four straight victories. He also defeated UFC veteran Jared Rosholt.
Unfortunately injuries prevented Isaev’s return to defend his title in the subsequent seasons. However, his contract is now up and he has a chance to immediately make an impact on Bellator’s roster.
Prior to his mixed martial arts career, Isaev was a standout freestyle wrestler, representing Azerbaijan in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
Isaev left wrestling to pursue MMA. He quickly set a 5-0 mark with a pair knockouts and then signed with the PFL.
Now Isaev will look to keep his undefeated record intact when he debuts for Bellator MMA, with designs on eventually claiming the heavyweight title, which is currently held by Ryan Bader.
