Former England rugby international James Haskell has signed a deal with MMA promoter Bellator to fight in their heavyweight division.
Haskell retired form rugby earlier this year after a 17-year career which saw him play for Wasps, Stade Francais, Ricoh Black Rams, Highlanders, Northampton and England. He also toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2017 as an injury replacement.
The 34-year-old won 77 caps for England between 2007 and 2018. He also played in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. His last cap for England was won in 2018 Six Nations defeat to Ireland at Twickenham.
Haskell is expected to make his Bellator debut next year. He will train at the London Shootfighters gym.
He has previously worked as an MMA commentator.
🏉 👊 After finishing up a stellar 17-year professional rugby career, @jameshaskell has officially made the jump to MMA!
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Who's excited for his Bellator debut? #Haskell2020 pic.twitter.com/6LdE9UFNuB— Bellator Europe (@Bellator_Europe) August 22, 2019
Meanwhile, former Ireland international Stephen Ferris was a guest on this week's epsiode of 'The Buildup,' where he detailed what he's looking out for in Ireland's performance this weekend. Listen to the interview below:
Picture: Sportsfile/Bellator
