Bellator MMA Signs 2019 Professional Fighters League Heavyweight Champ Ali Isaev

Bellator MMA’s heavyweight division has a new addition.

On Wednesday, the California-based promotion announced the signing of Russian wrestling machine Ali Isaev. The 38-year-old features an eye-catching 9-0 record composed of four knockouts and five decisions. Notably, the Russian competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing as a freestyle wrestler. After transitioning to mixed martial arts, Isaev had a successful run in the Professional Fighters League that ended with him capturing the heavyweight championship following a stoppage over Jared Rosholt on Dec. 31, 2019.

“I am very pleased to have a fighter the caliber of Ali Isaev join our heavyweight division, a weight class filled with world class fighters and elite prospects alike. Isaev’s elite wrestling pedigree includes an appearance in the 2008 Olympics, and he has achieved great success in MMA as evidenced by championship run at his prior promotion,” said Bellator MMA president Scott Coker in a press release. “I expect Isaev to make an immediate impact in the division and foresee many compelling matchups for him.”

Additionally, Bellator revealed that they re-signed several fighters across different weight classes. The list includes Kana Watanabe, Tyrell Fortune, Gadzhi Rabadanov, Sullivan Cauley, Norbert Novenyi Jr. and Brian Moore.

“We take great pride in our ability to sign and develop the best available talent, but equally as important is retaining them,” added Coker. “I’m thrilled that we were able to re-sign these great fighters and look forward to watching them compete in the Bellator cage for years to come.”