Hieron signs with Bellator

source: mmajunkie.com

"It's just a great fit for me," stated Hieron, who hasn't fought since January. "At this point in my career, I want to stay as active as possible, and the tournament format allows me to do that. It's a great organization, and it's just the perfect fit."

Hieron (19-4 MMA, 0-0 BFC) enters Bellator with a seven-fight win streak and nine wins in his past 10 fights. Most recently, he scored decision wins over Strikeforce fighters Jesse Taylor and Joe Riggs, but the former state high-school wrestling champion and JUCO national champ never was booked for the highly anticipated title fight with champion Nick Diaz.

"Jay Hieron is a fantastic signing for us at 170 pounds," Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney stated. "Jay is a world-class fighter with serious talent. I can't wait to see him back on national television competing against other top fighters where he belongs. He is a spectacular addition to our upcoming season-four welterweight tournament."

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11/16/10 3:57 PM by MMAsurvival

Or he could try to fight the best fighter in his weight class, GSP, but I don't think Hieron wants to fight him again. At this stage in his career, Hieron could care less about his ranking or being the best.Hieron has always said he's looking to get paid. Everyone that's interviewed him has said that he's as cocky as they come, and he believes his worth is more than is being offered. He's right, as all fighters are grossly underpaid, but he has to realize he's in MMA and he has to work his way back up. Hieron thinks he's an elite Welterweight when he hasn't fought a top 10 guy in years. As for him making more in Bellator, are you joking??? Do you think fighters in Bellator even make half of what they make on a UFC main card regarding sponsors? Why do you think Roger Huerta got a huge signing bonus from Bellator when he signed? It's because Huerta knew he wouldn't make shit from sponsors.If Hieron signed for 20/20, and won a fight and earned KO of the Night award, he would have make his 100 grand in one fight, PLUS sponsor money. It's cool to be anti-UFC, but the truth is Hieron could have made way more money signing a 4-fight deal with the UFC. Hieron has to realize though that fans aren't lining up to to see his fights and has to re-establish himself as a fighter and not just a valued member of Team Couture.Plus, he's not on Joe Silva's priority list as long as he's represented by Pavia.

11/16/10 3:18 PM by sside maurice

If they stay in business and he wins the tourney, he can make more in Bellator. The tourney win alone is worth $100K.

11/16/10 2:33 PM by datdude

That just goes to show you fucking zuffa zombies everybody isn't hell bent on going to the ufc. Jay knows what he is doin & I knew he would sign with bellator from the start. I'm pretty sure he worked something out in his contract with bjorn before signing to protect him incase the organization goes belly up. Atleast he knows for sure he will fight for the title(if he wins the tourney) & the champion won't duck him & feed the media bullshit saying he is a nobody & a unworthy challenger when in essence (diaz) knew he would loss to jay.

11/16/10 2:17 PM by MMAsurvival

Actually, yes they do.Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, Dan Hardy, Martin Kampmann, Diego Sanchez, Nate Diaz, Paulo Thiago, John Hathaway, John Howard, and a few others in the UFC's welterweight division fought 3 times last year.Not all of the fighters fought more than twice, but you see by the names listed above that many do.As for Hieron signing with Bellator, I think it's a good move. As long as he's not with Strikeforce, where the entire promotion is just chaotic as far as matchmaking/title shots. Askren is going to need new challengers, and Hieron should bring a decent challenge if he makes it to the final. He's going to have to get through Hornbuckle first, which is no easy task. I expected him to sign with Bellator since his manager is Ken Pavia. Basically that means any fighter represented by Pav will not be getting inked by the UFC anytime soon.

11/16/10 1:58 PM by sparkuri

That's just a tad over the top. So you're saying UFC fighters usually fight more than twice a year ? OK

11/16/10 1:01 PM by RKing85

That Welterweight tournament is ridiculously good. Can't wait for that tournament!

11/16/10 12:59 PM by Hus

How many times has Eddie Alvarez fought for Bellator this year? That's right....twice. Twice in 1 year. That is fighting consistently? Hieron is making a huge mistake signing with Bellator, their contracts are onerous, and if he wins a belt, he is stuck there permanently. If he loses, he just lost in a minor league promotion, and will effectively kill his future in the sport. Unless the UFC flat out refused to do business with Jay, this is career suicide.

11/16/10 12:56 PM by Peckerwood

Assuming Bellator stays in business this should be nice money for Jay and consistent fights.

11/16/10 12:55 PM by standupwarrior

Sucks for Hieron

11/16/10 12:08 PM by sparkuri

I'll bet that's what Huerta thought.

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