Bellator Debut

Hey guys, received some big news last night. Kind of torn between a decision though....

Was offered my first Bellator contract, however it is up a weight class. I typically compete at 170lbs. But was asked to fight at 185lbs. against top UK prospect Jack Hermansson (5-0). Not to concerned with the difficulty in the bout, but more in the giving up a great deal of weight. I'm 24-6-1 in my career (Pro & Ammy) with all 6 losses coming at Middleweight so that's what concerns me. I'm 24 (4-2 - Pro) and have lost both fights to 185lb. World Champions (This would be a similar scenario)

I guess why question to the board, would this be a bad career move? Coming off a loss,
do you think this is a once in a lifetime opportunity? Or will i have another shot down the road?

Step up and broker other fights into your contracts if you are doing the nego. If you tell them no you may close the door forever. Happened to a buddy of mine. Changed the path of his career not for the positive. My other buddy stepped up and fought a nasty kickboxer in the UFC and got a couple more fights out of the deal.

You'll never know until you try. Most fighters never get the opportunity to even fight for a promotion like bellator. I say fuck it and go do it. You may only get one chance, and you don't want to squander it. Chicago Norths got your back.

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Originally Posted by Josh Passini

Step up and broker other fights into your contracts if you are doing the nego. If you tell them no you may close the door forever. Happened to a buddy of mine. Changed the path of his career not for the positive. My other buddy stepped up and fought a nasty kickboxer in the UFC and got a couple more fights out of the deal.

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s

This is a great idea. If you can get them to agree to whether win lose or draw on this fight, you get at least 1 more fight @ 170 with the organisation. That would be great. :-)

all great point in previous posts. And for sure a tuff decision. Unless you walk at 195-200 I wouldn't take it. Gotta figure the opponent will be back up to nearly 200-205 at fight time. If your at 185 for fight time, that is nearly 20 lbs and a whole bunch to overcome. Are you OK with never getting another shot like this? Then don't take it. If you think you'll always kick yourself if you miss your one time chance, then take it!! Sometimes respect comes from standing up and saying no, not this time it is not right for me. Sometimes takin' a fight to help the promoter can put you in the "desperate, punching bag, sucker" bracket. The promoter could be looking for a sucka to help the other guy's record. (I've seen worse).Unless it is in writting, reviewed by your lawyer, don't take it in hopes that they will be honest and give you what you want. Some promoters can be less than honest in there intentions and commitments. They have lawyers writting contracts with their best interest in mind, and could contain stipulations that give them "outs" in their best interest. Good Luck.

Did you watch tape of Jack? He doesn't look huge. A fighter you know, Dylan Haines, has been training with us and told me you are bigger than you look in pics. Good Luck!!

That's a tough decision, I can't make that for you, good points made in previous posts tho

Good luck regardless, I know I'll be watching and cheering you on if you take it!

The two worst strategic mistakes to make are acting prematurely and letting an opportunity slip; to avoid this, the warrior treats each situation as if it were unique and never resorts to formulae, recipes or other people's opinions.
~Paulo Coelho

Super tough call.

Questions:
What's your walk around weight?
How did you lose against the bigger guys? Was it weight related like you got wreslted up? Or was it due to striking?
Are you more striker or grappler? And is the opponent more striker or grappler?


IMO, you should do it. You're only 24 and likely have another decade or more for your fight career if all goes well. Take the fight. Compose yourself professionally. Build a good rapport. That way, even if you lose (worst case scenario) , you can still rack up another streak and work your way back into the promotion. And if you make yourself look good at WW, they might take you back for WW. IMO, there's more risks to saying no and getting blackballed than there are for saying yes and losing.

Just train with heavier guys to get used to the weight. Put on some weight. And give it a go. That's my opinion. Good luck no matter what the choice.

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Originally Posted by Charles II

The two worst strategic mistakes to make are acting prematurely and letting an opportunity slip; to avoid this, the warrior treats each situation as if it were unique and never resorts to formulae, recipes or other people's opinions.
~Paulo Coelho

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Yeah, well, that's just, like, his opinion, man.

That's what he's asking for.

Brett the decision is ultimately yours. When is the fight? Is it a one off or are they offering you a contract? If there is a contract are they willing to let you change weight classes after this fight? Styles make fights, what are his strengths/weaknesses? Regardless of the decision you make, if you need help let me know. My gym and team are open to you, if you decide to take the fight and want to mix up your training camp. We can talk this weekend when you're here for the East Coast camp if you have any concerns you'd like to discuss.

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Originally Posted by Charles II

That's what he's asking for.

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It was a Big Lebowski reference. Not directed at you. My bad. I just pictured "the dude" saying that in response to Coelho. Never mind me.

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Originally Posted by David Rosado

It was a Big Lebowski reference. Not directed at you. My bad. I just pictured "the dude" saying that in response to Coelho. Never mind me.

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I loled when i read it. I got ya bro.

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Originally Posted by Cody Kietzman

I loled when i read it. I got ya bro.

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ha thanks. glad someone got the reference.

If it is for this Friday night in PA be careful. Because if it is they offered this fight to one of the guys in our gym. Jamie is like a big brother to me and he was tore up about not passing up a big chance like you. Jamie also fights at 170 all the time. He walks around at 185. If it's the same guy he is a BIG dude. He walks around well over 200 pounds. really good wrestler but his stand up is pretty stiff. Just didn't make since to everyone in the gym why they wanted a 170 pound fighter even if it is short notice. With 2 weeks left there are plenty of 185 guys that would have stepped up on real short camp and made weight. We even offered one other than Jamie who is not a true 185 guy. They didn't want our real 185 pound fighter. Odd don't you think?

Everyone was left with the feeling they were trying to set this guy up with a win against someone who really isn't in his weight class. My dad told him to ask for a 3 fight deal with 2 fights at his real weight. if they counter offer with something take a 2 fight deal. the one they needed him to fight and one at his real fighting weight. they refused. Only one fight deal with an offer to talk if he put in a good performance It killed Jamie put after alota thought he took a pass. His time will come. Yes it's a big oppertunity but a poor performance in a match you shouldn't be in may do serious damage to chances coming your way again.

Just my 2 cents. Just seems like something slick is going on. But in the end you have to make the choice. Anything can happen in mma. Wouldn't be the first time someone was hand picked for someone they wanted to win and some stud shows up and f@#ks up everyones plans.

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Originally Posted by David Rosado

ha thanks. glad someone got the reference.

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I am the dude or you know his dudeness..

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Originally Posted by Conner MACHINE Gibbons

If it is for this Friday night in PA be careful. Because if it is they offered this fight to one of the guys in our gym. Jamie is like a big brother to me and he was tore up about not passing up a big chance like you. Jamie also fights at 170 all the time. He walks around at 185. If it's the same guy he is a BIG dude. He walks around well over 200 pounds. really good wrestler but his stand up is pretty stiff. Just didn't make since to everyone in the gym why they wanted a 170 pound fighter even if it is short notice. With 2 weeks left there are plenty of 185 guys that would have stepped up on real short camp and made weight. We even offered one other than Jamie who is not a true 185 guy. They didn't want our real 185 pound fighter. Odd don't you think?

Everyone was left with the feeling they were trying to set this guy up with a win against someone who really isn't in his weight class. My dad told him to ask for a 3 fight deal with 2 fights at his real weight. if they counter offer with something take a 2 fight deal. the one they needed him to fight and one at his real fighting weight. they refused. Only one fight deal with an offer to talk if he put in a good performance It killed Jamie put after alota thought he took a pass. His time will come. Yes it's a big oppertunity but a poor performance in a match you shouldn't be in may do serious damage to chances coming your way again.

Just my 2 cents. Just seems like something slick is going on. But in the end you have to make the choice. Anything can happen in mma. Wouldn't be the first time someone was hand picked for someone they wanted to win and some stud shows up and f@#ks up everyones plans.

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Thats kinda what I was smellin'. Would be cool if you were the stud that screws up their plans!!

It definitely wreaks of a tune up fight stunt. Says a lot about Bjorn Rebney and Bellator. Well I can only say fuckery is a foot when they are trying to take you out of your weight class to fight a natural 185. They are basically taking advantage of your dream of making it to the bigger leagues and trying to build up the fighter you are matched with. My advice is research the guy, train your ass off and take it to their dude like you know it's you that deserves to be their. Blow their fucking minds and beat the dude and if they dont offer you a contract at your own weight it just makes you look better to other organizations, that you had success in a company like Bellator, win or lose it shows you had the caliber to be picked up by their organization in the first place. I believe it will open opportunities for you win or lose. As far as training, train your ass off and do your best to run that mother fucker over, because honestly he is in the way of your dreams. Piss all over Bjorn Rebney's plans and prove to them you belong in Bellator at what ever weight YOU want. We all support you a 100%

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Originally Posted by Chris Herzog

Brett the decision is ultimately yours. When is the fight? Is it a one off or are they offering you a contract? If there is a contract are they willing to let you change weight classes after this fight? Styles make fights, what are his strengths/weaknesses? Regardless of the decision you make, if you need help let me know. My gym and team are open to you, if you decide to take the fight and want to mix up your training camp. We can talk this weekend when you're here for the East Coast camp if you have any concerns you'd like to discuss.

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Thx a lot Zog, much appreciated brotha. Talk to you this weekend!

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Originally Posted by Conner MACHINE Gibbons

If it is for this Friday night in PA be careful. Because if it is they offered this fight to one of the guys in our gym. Jamie is like a big brother to me and he was tore up about not passing up a big chance like you. Jamie also fights at 170 all the time. He walks around at 185. If it's the same guy he is a BIG dude. He walks around well over 200 pounds. really good wrestler but his stand up is pretty stiff. Just didn't make since to everyone in the gym why they wanted a 170 pound fighter even if it is short notice. With 2 weeks left there are plenty of 185 guys that would have stepped up on real short camp and made weight. We even offered one other than Jamie who is not a true 185 guy. They didn't want our real 185 pound fighter. Odd don't you think?

Everyone was left with the feeling they were trying to set this guy up with a win against someone who really isn't in his weight class. My dad told him to ask for a 3 fight deal with 2 fights at his real weight. if they counter offer with something take a 2 fight deal. the one they needed him to fight and one at his real fighting weight. they refused. Only one fight deal with an offer to talk if he put in a good performance It killed Jamie put after alota thought he took a pass. His time will come. Yes it's a big oppertunity but a poor performance in a match you shouldn't be in may do serious damage to chances coming your way again.

Just my 2 cents. Just seems like something slick is going on. But in the end you have to make the choice. Anything can happen in mma. Wouldn't be the first time someone was hand picked for someone they wanted to win and some stud shows up and f@#ks up everyones plans.

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The fight is actually in November (In my Hometown basically) - The guy they offered me IS a tough fight for any Middleweight, I've put a lot of thought into it and i don't think i'm going to make the same mistake for a 3rd time. I suppose if they are inquiring now, why wouldn't they when my skills have grown immensely? Hopefully this is the right move, i stepped on the scale today at a whopping 178.1 Walking weight.

I still say 55 is in your future just saying

Do steroids; get big?

Whats the date and city of the event?

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Originally Posted by DavidHamp

I still say 55 is in your future just saying

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Its a tough one. Walking at 78 and cutting to 55 isnt unheard of but may be better to pack it on and fight at 170. I walk at low 80's and would have to fight at 55 if I was fighting in a real promotion. Always a tough call.

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Originally Posted by Cody Kietzman

Do steroids; get big?

Whats the date and city of the event?

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Ha thats what every other pro does in the big leagues lol

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Originally Posted by DavidHamp

I still say 55 is in your future just saying

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Test cut went way wrong lol...I made it to like 166 and had nothing left. If i had a dietition, things might be a little different. But man...That'd be a lot of work. Haven't weighed that since i was 14 yrs old. :P

Need to get your skinny ass sponsored :) someone that will pay for that stuff and get you into the best shape of your life

Good luck

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Originally Posted by DavidHamp

Need to get your skinny ass sponsored :) someone that will pay for that stuff and get you into the best shape of your life

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:)

Brett is like 7'2"

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Originally Posted by Liquidrob

Brett is like 7'2"

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Ha you should ask bout his move called home alone on a friday night lmao

You made the right call man. Our gym has ties to bellator and even the small sister promotions we have to send guys through are known for that kind of shady biz. These fighters are worth a ton of money so they treat them as such. Padded records,easy sponsors, bigger purses. Its just the game man, once you are on the radar though, you stay on it. You may have to do something spectacular to get another call, but you can be sure they are watching you.

Seems like a differant fight but same kinda deal. If fight is in November why are they shopping for a guy below the weight class they need. There are tons of talented 185 guys who would step up make cut and fight.

Fight on your terms. You should make fights that your ready to jump in and rip the guy up. If you are spending the pre-fight time wondering if you made the wrong decision, you probably did. Tell them to keep an eye on you and come see you when they have a real 170 pound fighter they want to put to the test. again just my 2 cents.

I think you made the right choice Brett. Bellator is a great organization to have on your resume but you're only 24 so you are right that they will keep you their eye on you as you progress and keep winning.