The Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix may have just become even more interesting.
Former two-weight GLORY Champion Robin van Roosmalen has signed with the promotion, completing his full-time transition to MMA. Roosmalen announced the move in December 2018 and now will officially return to the cage after a two-year absence. At just 2-0, Roosmalen's experience is rather slim in MMA but his Kickboxing resume speaks for itself. With a 51-18 record, Roosmalen is a decorated striker that's won GLORY gold at both Featherweight and Lightweight.
Roosmalen won the Featherweight crown in October 2016, defending the title four times before losing a unanimous decision against Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9. That fight took place on September 29th 2018 and as of right now, is Roosmalen's latest kickboxing outing. He now begins a new chapter, heading to Bellator with his official signing announced via Scott Coker's Twitter:
Pleased to announce @RobinVRoosmalen has signed with @BellatorMMA.
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) May 28, 2019
Get ready for the upcoming featherweight grand prix. -- pic.twitter.com/oLQn03NQao
Coker's reference to the Featherweight Grand Prix is interesting, especially considering Roosmalen's lack of experience in the MMA arena. Nonetheless, Roosmalen did win both of his MMA bouts via knockout and could provide the lineup with a unique factor. Either way, the tournament is supposed to begin in October and will include 16 fighters.
