Scott Coker has nabbed himself another top free agent.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight contender, Matt Mitrione, recently announced that he signed with Bellator MMA — the Coker-led promotion — after what he described as a “lovely” free agency period.
“Meathead” broke the news on a recent edition of The MMA Hour:
“After a lovely free agency period, I have decided I am going to go to Bellator. I was really interested in the options that Bellator was offering and I was really interested in the conversation that they were willing to have and I think that they are making the right moves. I think sometimes you get to a spot where the things you fell in love with about one organization aren’t there anymore and greener pastures might be somewhere else. I think you get to a spot that you’re looking for more opportunities and other avenues with professionalism and that is what I got with Bellator and I am excited about it.”
Last week, Mitrione declared that UFC had a chance to bring him back if they managed to match or top what the Viacom-owned promotion was offering. But, according to “Meathead,” Dana White and Co. weren’t interested in giving him a counter offer.
There goes that “unfinished business” with Travis Browne.
The one-time TUF standout leaves UFC — the only promotion he’s ever fought for — with a 9-5 record and a two-fight losing streak against the aforementioned Browne and Ben Rothwell.
While the hard-hitter didn’t go into exact numbers, “Meathead” says he will making six figures guaranteed for every fight, more than double what he was making fighting for UFC, topping that Sage Northcutt money.
Plus, Mitrione announced that after an audition process, he will also be a commentator for Bellator Kickboxing, with his first gig coming on April 16 in Italy.
Not a bad deal at all.