It was reported yesterday that former UFC heavyweight Cheick Kongo had been signed by the organization but Bellator MMA Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney has denied the report.
MMA Weekly reported yesterday that he had come to terms with the organization.
Howver, Rebney denied the report during Wednesday’s media conference call announcing the signing of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
“No, he has not,” Rebney said. “Very talented fighter, great personality, fun to watch fight. I’ve watched him fight for years. But he has not signed with Bellator.”
Kongo (18-8-2) had his UFC contract expire following his knockout lost to Roy Nelson at UFC 159 and has maintained that he is still a UFC fighter even though he does not currently have a contract.
However, Kongo denied the report and sources informed TheMMAReport.com that the former UFC fighter had not agreed to a contract.
If Kongo ends up signing with Bellator, he will join former UFC fighters Jackson, Matthew Riddle, Vladimir Matyushenko and John Alessio as former UFC fighters that have signed with Bellator.