Bellator MMA announced on Friday afternoon that they have signed Bubba Jenkins to a long-term promotional agreement and he will make hi debut with the organization this summer.
Jenkins will not be thrown into a tournament immediately as he will be given a number of fights before being placed into a tournament.
“Bubba Jenkins is MMA’s top young prospect and we have the optimal developmental program to maximize that talent,” Bellator CEO & Chairman Bjorn Rebney said. “Our mission is to sign and develop the world’s best fighters. Bubba’s development will be strategic and disciplined, taking all appropriate preliminary steps prior to his facing the rigors of the toughest tournament in sports.”
Jenkins (3-0) began his college wrestling career at Penn State and transferred to Arizona State where he won the NCAA National Championship at 157 pounds in 2011. He made his mixed martial arts debut in late 2011 and all of his victories have come by submission in the first round.
“After sitting down with Bjorn, I really felt comfortable with the opportunity laid out for me, and this is where I want to be,” Jenkins said. “Bellator is doing a lot of great things right now and I want to be a part of it. I’m not here to step on any toes, I’m here to develop as an elite fighter, get my shot in the tournament and eventually compete for a world championship.”
Stay tuned to TheMMAReport.com for updates on who Jenkins will face in his Bellator debut.