The former Jack Swagger will finally make his debut in the Bellator cage early next year at Bellator 214.
After signing on with Bellator MMA roughly a year ago, former WWE star Jake Hager (who competed under the ring name Jack Swagger) has his debut date set. During an appearance on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show, Hager announced that he’d be making his first ever trip to the cage as part of Bellator 214 in January. The show, taking place in Los Angeles, is headlined by the World Heavyweight Grand Prix finale featuring Fedor Emelianenko vs. Ryan Bader.
Hager (0-0) will be facing J.W. Kiser (1-1), a fellow unknown heavyweight with a big opportunity to make a name for himself against a WWE star. Kiser had his second pro fight just days ago, picking up his first win at a KC Fighting Alliance event on December 1.
Hager, while having no background in MMA, was a decorated wrestler in college. Similar to fellow wrestlers Bobbly Lashley and Brock Lesnar, he at least has a base discipline, which should give him an edge up on a fighter like CM Punk. Hager, 36, continues to compete in pro wrestling, but will be dedicating himself to a fight camp leading into Bellator 214.
Bellator 214, which will also feature Gegard Mousasi defending his middleweight title against Rafael Lovato Jr, takes place January 26 at The Forum in Los Angeles.
