Former UFC middleweight title challenger Yoel Romero will sign with Bellator and debut in the company's light heavyweight division, sources told ESPN's Ariel Helwani.

The "Soldier of God" will get his first fight in 2021, but neither a date nor an opponent has been set.

The UFC released Romero in early December in a move that caught many by surprise. Romero was popular among fans, largely because of his physique - especially given his age - and knockout power.

Romero challenged Israel Adesanya for the middleweight belt in March in his last UFC appearance. The 43-year-old had three previous opportunities to capture the gold but lost twice to Robert Whittaker and missed weight in a win over Luke Rockhold. Romero also missed weight in his second battle with Whittaker.

Bellator's 205-pound division is headlined by champion Vadim Nemkov, and includes contenders Ryan Bader, Corey Anderson, Phil Davis, and Anthony Johnson.