And in the span of a year or so, the UFC welcomes a women’s division with great success, and Bellator throws it in the garbage, releasing all of their women (such as Felice Herrig who has already signed with Invicta). In that same year, Bellator also did two other things they said they wouldn’t do: sign UFC castoffs and give someone a title shot that didn’t win a tournament (Eddie Alvarez, Rampage/Tito). That’s pretty ugly, I have to admit.
But this is good for the ladies, Invicta is a quality promotion that gets a lot of eyes, and the UFC may scoop up some of the women set free as weel. Anythign to bolster the deep 115, 125 and UFC’s 135 pound divisions are a great thing. Now we just need to hope the UFC opens up a weight division outside 135 inside the Octagon, that’s what I’m hoping for.
Bjorn Rebney released this statement:
“Jessica Eye, Jessica Aguilar and Felice Herrig represent all that is good in women’s MMA, both Eye and Aguilar are ranked No. 1 in the world in their respective divisions and carry themselves with class and distinction elevating the women’s game. I’ve said many times that fighters need to fight and fight often. Given our current focus, we are not in position to provide these very deserving women regular and reoccurring fights on a large platform. And, I felt it was best to let them go and secure options that did. I genuinely wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and will be rooting for each of them wherever they fight.”
