Matt Mitrione signs with Bellator MMA

Former UFC heavyweight Matt Mitrione has signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.  Mitrione made the announcement on Ariel Helwani’s “MMA Hour.”  Bellator confirmed the signing in a press release Monday.

Mitrione indicated that Bellator’s offer was not countered by the UFC.

Via Bellator press release:

“There comes a time in every athlete’s life, where the scenarios change and the landscape has eroded from what made you fall in love with it initially,” said Mitrione. “It has become that time for me. After a mutually beneficial free agency period, I’ve decided to move my career to Bellator. I’ve enjoyed almost every second of my career and unlike most that switch organizations due to being cut or no longer being able to perform at the sports highest levels, I am bringing a body and skillset that are only getting better and I cannot wait to test my abilities against the best Bellator has to offer.”

The press release also takes a jab at the UFC outfitting policy:

Prior to his last fight with his former promotion, Mitrione was forced to participate in a media session barefoot, as his shoes didn’t adhere to the strict company uniform policy. He will have no such problems at Bellator, where he is free to secure his own sponsors and keep his feet warm with the footwear of his choosing.

The reference relates to Mitrione having to take off his Air Jordans for open workouts.  Mitrione has been critical of the Reebok sponsorship deal.

The signing is the latest grab by the Viacom-owned company.  Earlier this year, it signed Benson Henderson.  Last year, it signed former UFC fighters Phil Davis and Josh Koscheck.  Recently released UFC welterweight Jake Ellenberger may be the next signee to the Bellator roster.

According to his MMA Fighitng interview, Mitrione will be making six figures per fight which is more than what he made with the UFC.

Payout Perspective:

It’s clear that we are seeing more fighters willing to fight out their contract with the UFC rather than renew prior to heading into free agency.  Last week, Mitrione said he had received an offer from Bellator and also another from ONE FC although the UFC was still in the mix.  Clearly, Mitrione was offered a better deal and if he is receiving six figures and an opportunity to do broadcasting with Bellator Kickboxing, the offer is opening more doors for him as far as post-fight career.  We shall see if more fighters will test the market and if the UFC will respond.