In a surprise move, Bellator MMA announced on Tuesday morning that it has signed English former rugby star James Haskell, and expects him to make his professional debut next year. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Haskell is projected to compete at heavyweight.
After a 17-year career in which he represented England, Wales and the United Kingdom in international competition as well as distinguishing himself in league play, the 34-year-old flanker said goodbye to professional rugby via an Instagram post on May 7, citing a recent rash of ankle and toe injuries. Haskell spent the majority of his career with Wasps RFC in the Premiership League, England's top division, winning the English Premiership and European Heineken Cup in 2007 and 2008.