Editor’s note: The views and opinions expressed below are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sherdog.com, its affiliates and sponsors or its parent company, Evolve Media.
Bellator MMA over the past couple years has sought to raise its stature in the sport by aggressively courting free-agent fighters. Abandoning the build-from-within approach of founder Bjorn Rebney, Bellator has become increasingly defined by fighters who rose to prominence elsewhere. The company has successfully signed a number of stars, from Josh Thomson and Phil Davis to Benson Henderson and Rory MacDonald.