Bellator signs 2019 PFL heavyweight champion and Olympian Ali Isaev

There’s a new undefeated addition to the Bellator heavyweight division.

2019 PFL heavyweight champion and former Olympic wrestler Ali Isaev (9-0 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) has signed an exclusive, multifight deal with Bellator, the promotion recently announced.

Isaev, 38, competed in the 2008 Olympics and placed 13th in super heavyweight freestyle wrestling. In 2016, he debuted in MMA. After a four-fight stint with Fight Nights Global, he signed with PFL where he went 5-0 including a 2019 heavyweight championship victory over Jared Rosholt.

Since his $1 million win in December 2019, Isaev has not competed. He was scheduled for both the 2021 and 2022 PFL seasons but was forced out of each.

“I am very pleased to have a fighter the caliber of Ali Isaev join our heavyweight division, a weight class filled with world class fighters and elite prospects alike,” Bellator president Scott Coker said. “Isaev’s elite wrestling pedigree includes an appearance in the 2008 Olympics, and he has achieved great success in MMA as evidenced by championship run at his prior promotion. I expect Isaev to make an immediate impact in the division and foresee many compelling matchups for him.”

No further details of Isaev’s promotional debut have surfaced. News of Isaev’s signing was first reported by MMA Fighting.