Bellator signs England's Martin Stapleton, Rob Sinclair and Paul Sass

http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/bellator-signs-englands-martin-stapleton-rob-sinclair-and-paul-sass

Quote :

After a recent scouting trip to the United Kingdom, three top English fighters are heading to Bellator.

The organization today announced it has signed Martin Stapleton, Rob Sinclair and Paul Sass to long-term contracts, though terms of the deals weren't disclosed. Debut dates also haven't been announced, though tournament entries are possible.

According to the head of the company, this is likely a play to get Bellator on U.K. television.

"Our talent development team does the best job in MMA by bringing hugely talented fighters to Bellator from around the globe," Bellator CEO and Chairman Bjorn Rebney stated. "The No. 1 question I get from fans is, 'When will a U.K. television deal be completed with Bellator?' With these three signings, along with a roster already featuring the likes of Paul 'Semtex' Daley, Ronnie Mann and Michael Page, we are setting the table for making Bellator an every week televised occurrence in the U.K."

Stapleton (12-1), a recent Cage Contender fighter, is riding an eight-fight win streak that included a decision victory over notable Tommy Maguire in December. The lightweight and former Royal Marine Commando Unit member actually defeated two opponents earlier in the evening to win an eight-man single-night tournament.

Sinclair (12-2), a lightweight, is on a five-fight win streak, with four of the victories coming with the BAMMA promotion. The part-time fighter and full-time engineer owns nine knockouts in 12 career wins.

Sass (13-2), meanwhile, is perhaps the most recognizable of the group. The former UFC fighter opened his career with 13 straight wins (12 via submission, including nine via triangle choke) before losses to Matt Wiman and Danny Castillo, which resulted in his UFC release earlier this year.

I think it's a smart move. All 3 seem like good prospect. Sass deserved another shot before getting cut in the UFC. 3-2 with 3 finishes. Good thing is casuals won't even remember him and hardcore fans still think he is UFC quality. Sass is a guy I could see winning a season of TUF if that was the route he chose.

Clearly Bellator is trying to move in on England since the UFC took a lesser profile TV deal and seems to be backing off any major promoting there. They probably see potential for Michael Page to be a big star, they already have Daley...might as well stock up on more.

I heard Bellator was doing very well with viewership in Russia.