Nick Newell has officially found himself a new home where he can show off his mixed marital arts (MMA) skills, as he has inked a multi-fight deal to compete for Bellator MMA. If you’re asking yourself: “Hey, wasn’t Nick already under contract with Bellator?”
Yes and no.
Nick did compete for the Viacom-owned MMA promotion at Bellator 225, submitting Corey Browning in the very first round last August (see it again here). But it was only a one-fight deal.
As a result of his impressive performance, Newell earned himself an exclusive contract with the promotion that will see him take on the best Scott Coker has to offer for the foreseeable future.
Following the announcement of his signing, Newell took to social media with this statement:
Glad to officially be a part of the @bellatormma family.
Thank you @ElizaaTee @rich_chou @dannybrener @angelobodetti @AliAbdelaziz00 & everyone that helped make this happen.
Can’t wait to announce my next fight… https://t.co/xYdVwQK1Io
— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) September 18, 2019
Newell’s lifelong dream to fight for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) hit a speed bump after he suffered a loss on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series (DWTNCS), losing to Alex Munoz via unanimous decision.
A year later, Nick returned to action and defeated Antonio Castillo Jr at CES MMA 56, before getting his audition fight for Bellator MMA three months later.
All told, Nick has amassed an impressive 16-2 pro career, with his other loss coming against none other than current top UFC Lightweight contender, Justin Gaethje. An opponent or date has not been set for Nick’s promotional debut.