Bellator MMA Releases Former Title Challenger Dave Jansen, 6 Other Fighters

Bellator MMA recently trimmed its roster, and several prominent names are part of the cut list.

Included in that group is former lightweight title challenger Dave Jansen as well as 12-time Bellator veteran Mike Richman. Additionally, Mikkel Parlo, Raphael Butler, Houston Alexander, Isao Kobayashi and Thiago Jambo Goncalves, who announced his retirement via Facebook, all received their walking papers.

Sherdog.com confirmed the cuts with a promotion following an initial report from MMAjunkie.com.

Jansen, 36, ends his promotional tenure on a two-fight losing streak. He dropped a five-round verdict to then lightweight champion Will Brooks at Bellator 136 before suffering a unanimous decision loss to Marcin Held in his most recent outing at Bellator 155. Prior to that, “The Fugitive” had won seven straight contests within the California-based promotion.

Richman, meanwhile, had been with the organization since 2012 and finished six of his victories by knockout or technical knockout. After losing a unanimous decision to Eduardo Dantas at Bellator 137, “The Marine” tested positive for steroids and is in the process of serving a two-year suspension from the California State Athletic Commission.