On Wednesday, it was announced former Bellator MMA lightweight champ Will Brooks (pictured) has signed a multi-fight deal to join the UFC. Brooks will make his big league debut against Ross Pearson at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale.
MMAJunkie.com first reported Brooks’ signing, which UFC officials have since confirmed.
Despite rattling off eight consecutive victories en route to capturing the lightweight crown, Bellator willingly let Brooks walk out the cage door. Bellator president Scoot Coker had stated, “we’re not going to be in the Will Brooks business any longer.”
The UFC was more than willing to scoop up the hottest lightweight free agent on the market to add to their deepest division.