Press Release
CHICAGO, IL. (October 14, 2010) – Bellator Fighting Championships has officially signed European phenom Marcin Held to its growing list of impressive lightweight fighters. At only18 years of age, Marcin comes to Bellator with an impressive 10-1 professional record, including victories over opponents twice his age.
“We have been watching Marcin for over a year and are thrilled to be able to welcome him to Bellator,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “He is a prodigy in every sense of the word and a tremendous addition to our lightweight division.”
A native of Poland, Held began his MMA journey at the age of nine, where he first stumbled upon the gym he would eventually call home. Held began to study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and observers quickly realized the sky was the limit for the young phenom. Hype began to build for Held, even being referred to as “the prodigy of Polish MMA”. Even with the buzz, Held has kept his priorities in check.
“I train 2-3 times a day seven days a week,” said Held. “I go to school, and after school I go to train. Sometimes it’s before school as well. My mother has been very supportive, and has helped me in my training.”
Held currently trains with Team Draculino at the Gracie Barra gym in Poland where he sharpens his already highly impressive Jiu-Jitsu skills. In fact, the 18 year old is fresh off of a submission victory over 27 year-old Bojan Kosednar just five days ago in Poland. Held also holds an impressive victory over Brazilian veteran submission specialist Jean Silva. Five of Held’s 10 wins in the cage have come via submission.
Dedication and discipline have kept Held on the fast track to becoming an MMA star. The next step in that process is bringing Held to the U.S. to make his North American debut. The prospect of fighting in the U.S. and for a promotion like Bellator isn’t something lost on the young Pole.
“Bellator is very impressive,” said Held. “The tournament format is very interesting, and it will be a great start for me to show myself to the USA fans.”
Marcin will make his promotional debut in Bellator’s Season Four Lightweight Tournament.
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator
About Bellator Fighting Championships
Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.