Bellator's British Invasion

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[The Bellator Brits](https://bellator.mtvnimages.com/images/shows/bellator/episodes/2015/shoulder/countdown134_1.jpg)

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Since the demise of California-based MMA promotion Strikeforce in 2013, Bellator have made headway as the worlds #2 MMA organisation. This process has escalated since the appointment of company President Scott  Coker in 2014.
 

A part of this escalation has included an International expansion plan that has so far visited 5 different countries (Italy, the UK, Hungary, Israel and Ireland). If there was any doubt that Bellator were in these territories to stay a recent spate of local signings has now put that to bed.
 

As well as already boasting the likes of Linton Vassell, Paul Daley, Michael "MVP" Page and Liam McGeary (see image above) among others, Bellator have saw fit to ram sack the British domestic circuit of some of it's finest talent. We'll take a look at those below!

Ryan Scope (11-1) [Lightweight]

A long time prospect, Sunderland-born Ryan Scope recently won the BAMMA Lightweight Championship and rather than wait around after the expiry of his meagre 1-fight deal he has decided to strike whilst the iron is hot and sign with Bellator. A well rounded and versatile fighter capable of fighting standing or on the ground, Ryan is also a long time training partner of Ross Pearson, in fact he was seen as somewhat of a Pearson protege in the recent past. Not only would Ryan be capable of headlining (with the right opponent) an event in the UK for the promotion but he will hopefully add depth and a genuine threat to the other Bellator Lightweights.

Ryan's first test as a Bellator fighter will take place in London at Bellator 200 on May 25th against Martyn Harris (4-4).

Mike Shipman (11-1) [Middleweight]

Shipman has built his reputation on the UK domestic circuit as something of a creative striker with a penchant for spinning attacks as well as having a physically imposing top game with effective ground and pound. A former BAMMA Champion with respected names such as Yannick Bahati and Craig White listed as his victims, which no doubt has played a part in peaking Bellator's interest to finally take the 'exclusive' plunge at the third time of asking.

Mike's first bout as an exclusive Bellator athlete has yet to be confirmed however I feel recent European signings Will Fleury (4-0) or Costello van Steenis (10-1) would both make an appropriate debut opponent.

Saul Rogers (12-2) [Featherweight]

If you watched the McGregor-Faber season of TUF you'll be familiar with Saul as the genuine finalist of the season, sadly a VISA issue late on  meant he was booted from the finale and the UFC, ironically he was replaced by Artem Lobov who lost the to Ryan Hall in the finale. Saul has a strong wrestling base and has had a lot of previous success at 155 but will now drop to 145 for Bellator, if he's able to retain his strength he'll cause a lot of people  problems with his wrestling and submission game. Another excellent signing.

Likewise with Saul at the time of writing we're still awaiting an official announcement on his debut but we do know he has recently completed a training camp in Montreal with TriStar so an announcement could be due anytime. Realistic bouts could include Noad Lahat (12-3) and Adam Borics (6-0).

Daniel Crawford (10-1) [Featherweight]

Another former BAMMA Champion added to the Bellator roster. Daniel is wild striker and his mixture of powerful strikes and good take down defense he should provide an exciting test for the other Featherweights, once again another potential contender who can fight high up their UK cards from the bat.

As we're still awaiting confirmation of his first contracted bout I'd speculate that James Gallagher (7-0), Aridane Romero (7-1) or Chinzo Machida (5-3) would all make a suitable test on his debut.