Jay Hieron signs with Bellator

[Nastycrow]

Originally posted by: JonnyRico
Date: November 16, 2010 at 08:44 AM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/jay-hieron-signs-with-bellator.32406/

The questions about Jay Hieron's future finally have been answered.
After spinning his wheels in Strikeforce and never getting a title shot that always seemed within arm's reach, the UFC veteran and former IFL champion has joined Bellator Fighting Championships.
He's one of eight competitors who compete in the upcoming season-four welterweight tournament, which commences in early 2011.
Other confirmed participants include Dan Hornbuckle, Rick Hawn, Steve Carl, Chris Lozano, Jim Wallhead and Brent Weedman. The winner of the 12-week tournament gets a shot at current Bellator welterweight champ Ben Askren.
"It's just a great fit for me," stated Hieron, who hasn't fought since January. "At this point in my career, I want to stay as active as possible, and the tournament format allows me to do that. It's a great organization, and it's just the perfect fit."
Hieron (19-4 MMA, 0-0 BFC) enters Bellator with a seven-fight win streak and nine wins in his past 10 fights. Most recently, he scored decision wins over Strikeforce fighters Jesse Taylor and Joe Riggs, but the former state high-school wrestling champion and JUCO national champ never was booked for the highly anticipated title fight with champion Nick Diaz.
"Jay Hieron is a fantastic signing for us at 170 pounds," Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney stated. "Jay is a world-class fighter with serious talent. I can't wait to see him back on national television competing against other top fighters where he belongs. He is a spectacular addition to our upcoming season-four welterweight tournament."
The New Yorker currently lives in Las Vegas and trains with Xtreme Couture.
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[Nastycrow]

Originally posted by: casas
Date: November 16, 2010 at 09:11 AM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/jay-hieron-signs-with-bellator.32406/

good news, definity a great decision for Hieron so he can stay active and get fights more often in bellator tournament
on another note lately i staring to see alot of bad decisions by SF, the release of alot of figthers that has some use in his roster, Walker oponent, hieron now someone that they let diaz duck him and not wanting to fight him and them let him go away for nothing. I dont know but i am a big fan of SF but this kind of decisions doesnt look good lately it seem that they are in some way of trouble because is just a bad decision after another bad

 

[Nastycrow]

Originally posted by: Noodles4-LJ4
Date: November 16, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/jay-hieron-signs-with-bellator.32406/

I don't know about this one, we all liked it he went to SF a year and half ago. Now going Bellator I hope his getting good advice last time he had a choice it didn't work out, or did the UFC didn't go after him this time?

 

[Nastycrow]

Originally posted by: JimmyCannoli
Date: November 16, 2010 at 10:42 AM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/jay-hieron-signs-with-bellator.32406/

I like the move for him. He does stay active and has a great chance to win the tournament. I still think he can make it to the UFC, but risks his chance if he loses in the first round or two.

 

[Nastycrow]

Originally posted by: jvillain
Date: November 16, 2010 at 12:08 PM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/jay-hieron-signs-with-bellator.32406/

It is definitely a risky move. If there is no season 4 and Bellator goes under or it gets delayed then this could be really bad for Jay. Time will tell.

 

[Nastycrow]

Originally posted by: EdoKaz818
Date: November 16, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/jay-hieron-signs-with-bellator.32406/

he'll definitly make more money at Bellator but if he loses he loses alot more. Hope he wins and move into the UFC

 

[Nastycrow]

Originally posted by: jvillain
Date: November 16, 2010 at 03:05 PM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/jay-hieron-signs-with-bellator.32406/

If he wins he can't move to the UFC.

 

[Nastycrow]

Originally posted by: BaconBits
Date: November 16, 2010 at 04:19 PM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/jay-hieron-signs-with-bellator.32406/

jvillain said:
It is definitely a risky move. If there is no season 4 and Bellator goes under or it gets delayed then this could be really bad for Jay. Time will tell.
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I was thinking this too. As it stands, I don't think Bellator even has a TV deal for the fourth season, so therefore, no real sponsor cash coming in. Bellator isn't looking good for the long term right now at all. If I was one of their fighters, I'd be nervous as hell.
And it sucks. I like Bellator.

 

[Nastycrow]

Originally posted by: TheLethalLefty
Date: November 16, 2010 at 07:50 PM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/jay-hieron-signs-with-bellator.32406/

BaconBits said:
jvillain said:
It is definitely a risky move. If there is no season 4 and Bellator goes under or it gets delayed then this could be really bad for Jay. Time will tell.
Click to expand...
I was thinking this too. As it stands, I don't think Bellator even has a TV deal for the fourth season, so therefore, no real sponsor cash coming in. Bellator isn't looking good for the long term right now at all. If I was one of their fighters, I'd be nervous as hell.
And it sucks. I like Bellator.
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It really does suck to see a promotion like Bellator in bad shape. I like what they have been doing, minus not getting a LHW tourney going. Good fights and how can anyone not love tournaments? If in a perfect world, Strikeforce combined with them, and the tounament format was kept, I would be happier than a kid on Christmas.

 

[Nastycrow]

Originally posted by: Hitman21
Date: November 16, 2010 at 08:52 PM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/jay-hieron-signs-with-bellator.32406/

SF was really stupid in letting him go in such a thin WW division they have. Jay is a good fighter