The Bellator heavyweight division has added unbeaten prospect Ali Isaev.
Isaev has signed an exclusive, multi-fight contract with the promotion. The Russian is 9-0 in his career and competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
BELLATOR MMA President Scott Coker said of Isaev, “I am very pleased to have a fighter the caliber of Ali Isaev join our heavyweight division, a weight class filled with world class fighters and elite prospects alike.
“Isaev’s elite wrestling pedigree includes an appearance in the 2008 Olympics, and he has achieved great success in MMA as evidenced by championship run at his prior promotion. I expect Isaev to make an immediate impact in the division and foresee many compelling matchups for him.”
Isaev, 38, earned a reputation as a fearsome wrestler prior to transitioning to a career in mixed martial arts. Representing Azerbaijan, Isaev earned bronze and gold medals at the 2009 and 2008 FILA European Championships, respectively. He notably competed at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing as a freestyle wrestler.
As a mixed martial artist, Isaev boasts an undefeated record of 9-0 replete with four knockouts amongst his dominant performances.
The promotion also announced new contracts for flyweight Kana Watanabe (11-1), heavyweight Tyrell Fortune (12-2), lightweight Gadzhi Rabadanov (18-4-2), and light heavyweight Sullivan Cauley (4-0). Additionally, Irish fan-favorite Brian Moore (15-9) and London-based Hungarian Norbert Novenyi Jr. (5-0) have re-upped with the promotion.
“We take great pride in our ability to sign and develop the best available talent, but equally as important is retaining them,” said Coker. “I’m thrilled that we were able to re-sign these great fighters and look forward to watching them compete in the BELLATOR cage for years to come.”
