Former Strikeforce and UFC heavyweight Lavar Johnson has been signed by Bellator MMA and he will be one of the four fighters in the upcoming season nine heavyweight tournament.
Bellator MMA Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney confirmed the signing with TheMMAReport.com on Thursday afternoon.
Johnson (17-7) comes to Bellator after having four fights in the UFC. He went 2-2 in the organization and both of his wins in the UFC were by knockout in the first round.
He has dropped back to back fights with the most recent defeat coming at UFC 157 against Brendan Schaub. Following the fight, it was announced that Johnson failed his post fight drug test and the UFC released him from his contract.
Johnson received a suspension and fine from the California State Athletic Commission which CSAC Executive Officer Andy Foster confirmed today to TheMMAReport.com that Johnson is no longer on suspension.
He will join Cheick Kongo in the upcoming heavyweight tournament, which will begin later this fall. The other two fighters that will be in the tournament will be announced by Bellator in the near future.