Scott Coker’s Bellator MMA has dipped into the free agent pool once more, snapping up heavyweight Tim Johnson, who fought out his UFC contract earlier this year.
Bellator MMA has signed another big fighter — literally. On Friday, following an initial report by MMA Fighting, it was confirmed by his management group that UFC heavyweight Tim Johnson had left the promotion, and signed a new deal with Bellator. While not the biggest name among fighters defecting to Bellator, given the relative lack of depth at heavyweight, it’s an interesting development, and a sign once again that free agency in MMA is alive and kicking.
Johnson, 33, went 4-3 during his seven fight UFC run. He fought out his contract at UFC Belem in Brazil, picking up a unanimous decision win over Marcelo Golm. Trading wins and losses his entire UFC career dating back to April 2015, Johnson (12–4), a two-time NCAA Division II All-American is an interesting addition to Bellator, whose heavyweight division is aging. With most of the talent locked into the Bellator World Heavyweight Grand Prix, where Johnson fits remains to be seen.
Johnson had spoken previously of struggling to deal with the financial burden of paying for cornermen to travel, so hopefully this deal represents a step in the right direction.
No debut has been announced for Johnson.
