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Bellator signs England's Martin Stapleton, Rob Sinclair and Paul Sass

2K views 17 replies 7 participants last post by  kantowrestler 
#1 ·
http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/...s-martin-stapleton-rob-sinclair-and-paul-sass
After a recent scouting trip to the United Kingdom, three top English fighters are heading to Bellator.

The organization today announced it has signed Martin Stapleton, Rob Sinclair and Paul Sass to long-term contracts, though terms of the deals weren't disclosed. Debut dates also haven't been announced, though tournament entries are possible.

According to the head of the company, this is likely a play to get Bellator on U.K. television.

"Our talent development team does the best job in MMA by bringing hugely talented fighters to Bellator from around the globe," Bellator CEO and Chairman Bjorn Rebney stated. "The No. 1 question I get from fans is, 'When will a U.K. television deal be completed with Bellator?' With these three signings, along with a roster already featuring the likes of Paul 'Semtex' Daley, Ronnie Mann and Michael Page, we are setting the table for making Bellator an every week televised occurrence in the U.K."

Stapleton (12-1), a recent Cage Contender fighter, is riding an eight-fight win streak that included a decision victory over notable Tommy Maguire in December. The lightweight and former Royal Marine Commando Unit member actually defeated two opponents earlier in the evening to win an eight-man single-night tournament.

Sinclair (12-2), a lightweight, is on a five-fight win streak, with four of the victories coming with the BAMMA promotion. The part-time fighter and full-time engineer owns nine knockouts in 12 career wins.

Sass (13-2), meanwhile, is perhaps the most recognizable of the group. The former UFC fighter opened his career with 13 straight wins (12 via submission, including nine via triangle choke) before losses to Matt Wiman and Danny Castillo, which resulted in his UFC release earlier this year.
 
#4 ·
Yeah but there were plenty of people that thought Sass deserved another opportunity. It's not like he was a total bust in the UFC. He had some nice wins. He was 3-2 in the UFC with 3 finishes in a row. His cut could have been pay related because his performance wasn't that bad. He actually created a little buzz on his win streak. I think it's a good move. Sass is still better then some fighters currently in the UFC.
 
#3 ·
Sass is one for the future, he's young and talented. Thought it was a bit harsh dropping him as he's only lost his last 2.

You watch... I bet a Bellator will get a TV deal that makes them more accessible than the UFC.
 
#8 ·
The way I look at this is, who cares if Bellator takes the cut guys from the UFC, it adds to their roster. Not to mention fans of the fighters can see them fight easier by going to Bellator. I' am a Paul Sass fan, so I'm happy for him.
 
#11 ·
No.

But for sure I'll be taking a more active interest in Bellator cards containing these fighters.

Bellator have had Jimmy Wallhead, Ronnie Mann, Neil Grove and Greg Loughran all fight for them in the past so it might be more to do with scouting actual unknown and cheap talent rather than looking to expand into a UK market that, honestly, doesn't exist.
 
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