Bellator MMA has been busy not just with signing prospects like Khabib’s cousin Usman Nurmagomedov, but also a paid of longtime UFC veterans.
ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported on Friday that the promotion has inked deals with lightweight Rustam Khabilov and bantamweight Brett Johns. Both men fought out their respective UFC contracts and were available as free agents.
Khabilov (24-4) went 10-3 in the UFC and is best known for his suplex KO of Vinc Pichel in his debut way back in 2012. At the height of his hype, he earned a headlining spot against Benson Henderson, losing by fourth-round submission back in 2014.