Now a Free Agent, Bellator MMA Veteran Marcin Held Eyes Contract with UFC

Marcin Held will likely no longer be seen competing in the Bellator MMA cage, at least not for the foreseeable future. The Polish submission ace posted on his official Facebook page early Wednesday that his contract with the California-based MMA promotion has ended and that he’ll test free agency.

Held, who has won multiple world titles in the jiu-jitsu and submission wrestling world, was one of the most dominant fighters on the ground in Bellator, having racked up six submission wins in the promotion. He challenged Will Brooks for the lightweight title last November but came up short and then rebounded with a win over Dave Jansen in May. Now, he said on social media, he hopes to land a gig with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“Something ends, something begins...” he posted on his official Facebook page, loosely translated from Polish. “Today ended my adventure in Bellator, which started in 2010. We solved the contract by mutual consent in a friendly atmosphere. I fought for Bellator 14 heavy and valuable fights-11 wins, 3 losses. I had just fallen for one to return the favor. I met a lot of fantastic people, saw some America and after 6 years it's time to move on. Now what? (I) will inform you when I find a new employer. I can't pretend that I'm hoping that this will be the UFC.”

In his career, Held toppled such quality foes as Patricky Friere, Derek Anderson, Ryan Healy, Rich Clementi and Phillipe Nover.