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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Jay Hieron will finally be leaving Strikeforce, but he won't be coming to the UFC as originally expected.
Bellator Fighting Championships late on Monday revealed that Hieron has signed to compete in their season four welterweight tournament. Hieron hasn't fought since a January victory over Joe Riggs, and although he initially signed with Strikeforce to face division Champion Nick Diaz, Hieron never fought on television for the organization.
"It's just a great fit for me," said Hieron. "At this point in my career, I want to stay as active as possible, and the tournament format allows me to do that. It's a great organization, and it's just the perfect fit."
Hieron has won seven straight fights going back to 2007, and owns a 19-4 record overall in his career. He joins confirmed season four tournament participants Dan Hornbuckle, Steve Carl, Rick Hawn, Jim Wallhead, Chris Lozano and Brent Weedman.
"Jay Hieron is a fantastic signing for us at 170 pounds," Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney stated. "Jay is a world-class fighter with serious talent. I can't wait to see him back on national television competing against other top fighters where he belongs. He is a spectacular addition to our upcoming season-four welterweight tournament."
Penick's Analysis: I'm sure Hieron simply got a more lucrative offer from Bellator than the UFC was willing to pay, and with the tournament format he'll be able to stay more active than he has been recently. He can still compete in the UFC's welterweight division, so from a competition standpoint this signing is a bit curious, especially when he had expressed a desire to go to the UFC. At the same time, the UFC wasn't going to give him a large contract, so him deciding on Bellator makes sense.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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