Lewis ‘The Foot’ Long has become the first Welshman to put pen to paper with Bellator.
In what appears to be an aggressive round of signings of both UK and Irish available talent the news of Long’s signing, confirmed to WHOA TV by Bellator, comes on the heels of Irishmen Richard Kiely and Keifer Crosbie who have also agreed favorable terms with the promotion.
Welterweight, Long (16-5), who has wins over Bellator’s Ryan Scope and UFC vet Che Mills, will be keen to showcase his slick finishing skills in a talent rich division. Whilst many of the top echelon will be embroiled in a series of exciting clashes via the newly announced Bellator Welterweight tournament, the division still has its fair share of killers for Long to tangle with.
Long will be keen to showcase his slick submission prowess ‘The Foot’ looks set to join the ranks of what is quickly looking like the new home for UK fighters keen to make an impression, fight regularly and be suitably recompensed for their efforts.
When asked about who he possibly had his sights on, Long cut straight to the chase saying, “I don’t know who you are. I don’t know what you want. If you are looking for ransom I can tell you I don’t have money, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now that’ll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you, but if you don’t, I will look for you, I will find you and I will kill you.”
It’s clear from Bellator’s pursuit of unsigned, but talented individuals that Long will not be the last of UK based signings we see emerging under the promotions banner in the coming days. Bellator have pretty much made it clear to European based promotions, as far as acquiring talented hungry fighters keen to showcase their talent, the gloves are firmly off.