MPO Year in Review: 10. Bellator continues to sign former UFC stars

Another year, another group of UFC fighters are testing the other league with former Zuffa indy contractors heading over to the Viacom-owned company.

Michael McDonald, Gegard Mousasi, Frank Mir, Roy Nelson, Valerie Letourneau and Ryan Bader all signed with Bellator in 2017.  Rory MacDonald made his promotional debut for Bellator in May with a successful victory over Paul Daley.

The “Red King” might be the only one from the above group that the UFC may have wanted to hold onto.  MacDonald’s defection to Bellator was the best acquisition thus far (excluding Tito Ortiz) from the UFC fighters testing free agency waters.  Mousasi may be another although it seemed as though the UFC could not capitalize on his international appeal.

For Bellator, the acquisitions help builds up their roster.  Even though most of the fighters the UFC let go are past their prime and/or deemed not entertaining, the UFC brand has pull with the casual fans.  We shall see if Scott Coker will make a push for more former UFC fighters in 2018.  For the fighters, it provides a fresh start and a chance to capitalize on earning opportunities (i.e., sponsors).