Bellator Signs Wayward Heavyweight Brett Rogers
Former Strikeforce and EliteXC heavyweight Brett Rogers has signed with Bellator Fighting Championships and will debut for the promotion on June 22 at Bellator 71.
There was a time in the not so distant past that Rogers was a rising star with all the potential in the world.
Rogers knocked out former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski in just 22 seconds, and that earned him a shot at then top ranked fighter and former Pride champion Fedor Emelianenko.
The Minnesota based fighter held up well in the battle with the veteran Russian fighter, landing some nasty punches and ground and pound until a comeback from Emelianenko ended the fight in the second round.
Since that time it's all be down hill for Rogers.
The massive heavyweight was arrested for domestic violence in Minnesota, and was promptly released from Strikeforce. Rogers then went on to lose in his first bout after exiting the promotion, and also has a no-contest in another fight since that time.
Now, Rogers will get a second chance in a major promotion as Bellator will give him a shot to prove himself in the cage again.
“I am incredibly thankful to Bjorn Rebney and Bellator for giving me and my family this opportunity,” said Rogers. “I feel that I am still one of the top heavyweights in the sport and now I have the opportunity to prove it with Bellator. I love the tournament format as it will give me the chance to regain my top position, of course with a lot of hard work.”
Rogers said a big part of his return has to do with cleaning up his personal life, including the relationship he has with his wife and children, and now he's ready to get back into the fight business.
“Over the past year I have been challenged in my personal life, but all is now good in the Rogers family,” Rogers said. “Everyone makes mistakes in life, but it’s how you recover that really counts. I spend every day with my wife and kids and enjoy every minute of it. Fighting is my job and I love it, but I also love my family and that’s why I made things right before returning to the cage. All I can say is get ready for a new and improved Brett Rogers.”
There's been no word on his opponent for the upcoming Bellator show, but he is hopeful to get a win and gain entry into the next heavyweight tournament that should kick off later this year.
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