Watch Swagger Talk About His Bellator 221 With C.M. Punk

Bellator 221 “Chandler vs. Pitbull” goes down this weekend (Sat., May 11, 2019) at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., streaming exclusively online via DAZN. Lightweight champion “Iron” Michael Chandler (19-4) will defend his crown against Featherweight champion “Pitbull” Patricio Freire (28-4) in the night’s main event.

Earlier in the evening, former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) wrestler Jake Hager (b/k/a Jack Swagger) will return for his second fight in Bellator MMA. He successfully debuted at Bellator 214 in January with a first round submission of J.W. Kiser, and on Saturday night he seems poised for similar success against T.J Jones (1-1). Speaking to the Sauce & Shram Show on Watch Stadium, while his former contemporary C.M. Punk fills in this week, Hager talked about his transition from professional wrestling to mixed martial arts (MMA).

“It’s been refreshing. After being on the road and traveling and having your body beaten down, it’s nice to be at home and doing something that I love. The television aspect (of pro wrestling) was very helpful. Knowing that everyone is watching, you have to prepare yourself a certain way. Having that experience, knowing when you’re going to be on, helps you prepare mentally. Being a pro wrestler helps me be a better MMA fighter because I’m comfortable in my own skin.”

Hager also predicted that T.J. Jones wouldn’t be the pushover so many are expecting.

“He’s a tall guy, good jab, strong right hand. He’s going to be heavier than me. He’s going to come hard.”

Punk appears to be keeping tabs on his fellow former WWE superstar either way.

Stadium also shared a clip from the show via social media that you can watch below.

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