Last month, former Bellator two-time tournament winner Rick Hawn was released by Bellator and was quickly signed a multi-fight deal with Titan FC.
When Hawn (18-4) announced that he was no longer with Bellator, some people in the mixed martial arts community were caught by surprise that Bellator would let go a fighter that was 10-4 in the promotion.
For Hawn, he knew it was possible following his defeat to Dave Jansen at Bellator 130 but was not something he expected to happen.
“It was kind in the back of my mind that I could get cut having lost two in a row,” Hawn told The MMA Report. “The guys who beat me were top quality guys so I was not fully expecting it but in the back of my mind, it was always there.”
When one door closes there is anyways a new door that will open. That door for Hawn is Titan FC and he will have the ability to fight in the state of Massachusetts where it all started for Hawn six years ago.
“Very excited and cool to come back where it all started six years ago,” he said. “I know a lot of local fans and friends are excited about it. I know I can bring a lot of new people that otherwise would not be going to the fight.”
In his tenure in Bellator, Hawn was a lightweight and welterweight fighter. He won tournaments in both weight classes, but feel short in title fights against Michael Chandler and Douglas Lima. Many have wondered what the future holds for Hawn in terms of weight classes and while he is open to taking fights at welterweight, he would prefer to fight at lightweight.
“I have been saying I could do welterweight fights but primarily I want to stick with lightweight,” Hawn said. “I am not a tall guy and lightweight is where I got to stay unless there is another welterweight around 5’9 height wise, which there are not too many, I might consider it. For now, I want to stick with guys my size.”
At this moment, Hawn does not have an opponent for Titan FC 32 on December 19th. Titan FC officials are working on getting a fight for Hawn but he understands it’s tough for the promotion to find someone to fight him on short notice this time of the year.
“I am just waiting and I know it’s tough for them [Titan FC] because of a couple of things,” he said. “It’s the holiday season and I think a lot of people may have taken it off. If they are not training, they are not close to weight and because it’s such short notice as well. I think it’s tough to find the right opponent and I know they are working hard at it so hopefully we find out any day now.”
Who knows what the future holds for Hawn, but he is super excited to get back into the cage later this month and getting back in the winning side of a fight.
“I am just looking to get back into the cage and have good nights and puts some good wins together,” Hawn said. “Who knows what will happen. If I get a title shot with Titan or maybe a call up from the UFC. I don’t know. I am excited and looking forward to getting into the cage on December 19th. Putting a beating on someone and get back to the win column.”