Former Rugby Star James Haskell Signs With Bellator MMA
In a surprise move, Bellator MMA announced on Tuesday morning that it has
signed English former rugby star James
Haskell, and expects him to make his professional debut next
year. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Haskell is projected to compete at
heavyweight.
After a 17-year career in which he represented England, Wales and the United Kingdom in international competition as well as distinguishing himself in league play, the 34-year-old flanker said goodbye to professional rugby via an Instagram post on May 7, citing a recent rash of ankle and toe injuries. Haskell spent the majority of his career with Wasps RFC in the Premiership League, England's top division, winning the English Premiership and European Heineken Cup in 2007 and 2008.
Haskell worked as an MMA pundit for BT Sports in recent years. He is currently training at London Shootfighters alongside British standouts such as Michael Page.
Bellator will hold a press conference to introduce Haskell to international audiences in London next Wednesday.
Welcome to the team, @jameshaskell
The international rugby star is set to compete in the Bellator heavyweight division! pic.twitter.com/TWgkCgOoHH — Bellator Europe (@Bellator_Europe) August 22, 2019Advertisement
After a 17-year career in which he represented England, Wales and the United Kingdom in international competition as well as distinguishing himself in league play, the 34-year-old flanker said goodbye to professional rugby via an Instagram post on May 7, citing a recent rash of ankle and toe injuries. Haskell spent the majority of his career with Wasps RFC in the Premiership League, England's top division, winning the English Premiership and European Heineken Cup in 2007 and 2008.
Haskell worked as an MMA pundit for BT Sports in recent years. He is currently training at London Shootfighters alongside British standouts such as Michael Page.
Bellator will hold a press conference to introduce Haskell to international audiences in London next Wednesday.
