Bellator MMA signs ex-UFC heavyweight Timothy Johnson

Timothy Johnson has parted ways with the UFC and is now part of the Bellator MMA heavyweight division.

After seven fights inside the Octagon, Timothy Johnson’s next bout will take place under the Bellator MMA banner.

The former UFC heavyweight officially signed with Bellator late last week, with the announcement made by fighter management company SuckerPunch Entertainment.

Johnson (12-4) is coming off a decision win over Marcelo Golm at UFC Belem in February. He alternated wins and losses for the entirety of his UFC career, topping out at a record of 4-3. Five of his bouts went the distance, including a split decision defeat to current contender Alexander Volkov. His only stoppage loss was a first-round TKO to prospect Junior Albini.

According to MMAjunkie, after the Golm fight, “the UFC waived his standard exclusive 90-day negotiating period, opening the door for him to sign with Bellator less than two months later.”

It is not yet known when Johnson will make his Bellator debut, or if he’ll be a possible alternate for the ongoing Bellator heavyweight Grand Prix tournament.