Cris Cyborg lauds Bellator for snapping “huge signing” from under UFC’s nose

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Saiyed Adeem Karim

Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson shocked the world by signing for Bellator despite being linked with UFC

Former UFC Light Heavyweight contender Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson shocked the world after news of him signing for rival promotion Bellator came out.

Noted journalist, Ariel Helwani, broke the news on social media. Johnson hadn’t fought since 2017 after losing to Daniel Cormier at UFC 210.

Anthony Johnson is one of the best hitters in the history of the UFC
Anthony Johnson of the United States looks on after his win by TKO against Ryan Bader (not pictured) of the United States in the first round of their light heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at the Prudential Center on January 30, 2016 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Johnson had never won a title in the UFC but had come close several times. He made a shock decision to make a return to MMA ahead of 2020 and many believed he was set to join the UFC.

However, Helwani claimed that the 36-year-old had agreed to join Bellator instead and would sign a deal soon.

Rumble would also compete in Bellator from 2021 in the Light Heavyweight division, and that got a lot of people talking.

While there was no news from the UFC on this, a legend claimed this was a huge signing for Bellator. Former UFC champion Cris Cyborg is now starring for Bellator and she was excited seeing Rumble join the roster.

UFC roster cuts to blame?

No reason has surfaced as to why Johnson swapped the UFC for Bellator but his former promotion has been on a roster cutting spree.

Dana White had let go of Yoel Romero and Anderson Silva, two of the biggest names recently since they were ageing and on losing streaks.

Yoel Romero might not be the last of the UFC roster cuts in 2020
Yoel Romero enters the ring to fight Paulo Costa during their Middleweight Bout at UFC 241 at Honda Center on August 17, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)

They also let go of some other UFC stars such as Rachael Ostovich, and that could have played on Rumble’s mind regarding his return.

White confirmed that 60 names would be cut before 2020 and some other big names could bite the dust.

Nevertheless, Rumble returning to MMA is a huge deal as he remains one of the most dangerous men on the planet.

Bellator certainly has gotten a huge name on their roster and it will be interesting to see who Johnson fights next.

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