Brett Rogers Signs with Bellator, Debuts June 22 at Bellator 71

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Former Strikeforce heavyweight talent Brett Rogers has signed to compete for the Bellator Fighting Championships.

Promotion officials announced the news on Tuesday, revealing that “Da Grim” will debut for the Chicago-based promotion on June 22 during its upcoming Summer Series. Rogers will square off against a yet-to-be-named opponent at Bellator 71, which takes place at the Mountaineer Casino and Resort in Chester, W.Va.

“I am incredibly thankful to Bjorn Rebney and Bellator for giving me and my family this opportunity,” Rogers said in the official release. “I feel that I am still one of the top heavyweights in the sport, and now I have the opportunity to prove it with Bellator. I love the tournament format, as it will give me the chance to regain my top position with a lot hard work.”

Rogers vaulted himself into the heavyweight top-10 by posting 10 consecutive victories to begin his career, capping that stretch with a 22-second knockout of former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski. Rogers would go on to lose four of his next five, however, dropping bouts to Fedor Emelianenko and then-Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem before being choked out by Josh Barnett in the quarterfinals of Strikeforce’s heavyweight grand prix this past June.

Shortly thereafter, Rogers was arrested at his home following an alleged domestic disturbance and was reportedly sentenced to 60 days in jail after pleading guilty to a felony count of third degree assault. Rogers returned to competition in September, falling by split decision to onetime UFC competitor Eddie Sanchez at Titan Fighting Championship 20. Most recently, Rogers fought Todd Allee to a no-contest on Feb. 18. The bout was stopped in just 78 seconds after Rogers accidentally landed an illegal blow to the back of the head.

“Over the past year I have been challenged in my personal life, but all is now good in the Rogers family,” Rogers said. “Everyone makes mistakes in life, but it’s how you recover that really counts. I spend every day with my wife and kids and enjoy every minute of it. Fighting is my job, and I love it, but I also love my family. That’s why I made things right before returning to the cage. All I can say is get ready for a new and improved Brett Rogers.”