Bellator Brings on ‘Babysitter to the Stars’ Burt Watson as Site Coordinator

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Burt Watson is back in business with a major mixed martial arts promotion.

The former UFC site coordinator has been hired by Bellator MMA to fill a similar position on a temporary basis. The position could become permanent if Watson proves to be a good fit with the California-based organization. Sherdog.com confirmed the news with a promotion official following an initial report from MMAjunkie.com.

“I’m at Mohegan Sun, but I’m not here to have fun, baby” Watson says in a post on his Instagram account. “I’m here to work. Bellator MMA, baby. All night long.”

Affectionately known as “The Babysitter to the Stars,” Watson spent 14 years with the UFC. In addition to motivating fighters with his popular catchphrases, Watson handled tasks such as fighter ticket allotment, weight-cutting, transportation, workout space and issuing equipment.

He parted ways with the Las Vegas-based promotion in 2015 after UFC 184, claiming that he was “approached wrong” and his “integrity and work ethic were questioned” following weigh-ins for the event.

Since then, Watson launched his own MMA promotion based in South Florida in 2019. His roots in combat sports precede his UFC tenure, as he was the manager of legendary boxer Joe Frazier. He also worked with the likes of Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar De La Hoya in various capacities.

Watson’s new gig will begin at Bellator 258, which takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on Friday and is headlined by a bantamweight title clash between Juan Archuleta and Sergio Pettis. The evening’s main card will air on Showtime.