Bellator signs heavyweight Brett Rogers
Despite being just 1-4 in his past five fights and having some troubles outside of the cage, Brett Rogers is getting another chance to take a run at a title.
The former Strikeforce heavyweight has signed on with Bellator Fighting Championships and will debut later this month at Bellator 71. No opponent for his Bellator debut has been announced yet.
Rogers made a name for himself in Strikeforce where he began his career with a 10-0 run that included a surprise knockout of former UFC Heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. After the win over Arlovski, Rogers got the stiff task of welcoming Fedor Emelianenko to Strikeforce.
Rogers would put up a game fight, but ultimately lose to Emelianenko by second round knockout. Following the loss, in a bizarre move, Rogers was awarded a title shot against Alistair Overeem. Overeem manhandled Rogers and won by first round TKO. Even with two straight losses in Strikeforce, the promotion stuck behind Rogers and entered him into the Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix. Rogers would loss by submission in the opening round to eventual finalist Josh Barnett.
Rogers was last seen in action this past February at a local show in Michigan. His fight with Todd Allee was ruled a no contest due to illegal blows to the back of the head.
Rogers also had legal issues in 2011 after he was charged with domestic assault. Rogers plead guilty to third-degree assault this past September. He was released from his Strikeforce contract following his arrest.
