Bellator signs Nick Newell to multi-fight contract

Bellator is now Nick Newell’s home for the foreseeable future.

After MMA Junkie initially reported last week that a deal was imminent, Bellator announced on Wednesday that it has signed Newell (16-2 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) to a multi-fight, multi-year contract.

A Bellator official told MMA Junkie that the promotion is targeting his next fight for the Bellator 231/232 doubleheader on Oct. 25/26 in Newell’s home state of Connecticut. The two events take place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville.

Late last month, Newell competed at Bellator 225 in Bridgeport, Conn., on a one-fight deal that essentially served as an audition. Newell went on to make quick work of Corey Browning in front of his home fans with a submission at the 3:15 mark of the first round.

After the bout, an emotional Newell, detailed how meaningful the victory was. Additionally, the 33-year-old fighter voiced high praise for Bellator president Scott Coker and matchmaker Rich Chou and stressed his desire to sign a long-term deal with the promotion.

“I’d like to negotiate the multi-fight deal, but that’s not my job,” Newell said. “That’s my management team’s job, and they’re going to do what they think is best.”

That has been done.

Newell’s victory came on the heels of a decision loss at Dana White’s Contender Series in July 2018. The loss was Newell’s first since he was finished by strikes against Justin Gaethje under the WSOF banner in 2014.

Despite having defeated 16 of 18 pro opponents, Newell has overcome adversity. Newell was born a congenital amputee and is missing the upper half of his left arm.