Bellator Signs World’s Top Welterweight Prospect Andrey Koreshkov

Posted on | January 9, 2012 | No Comments

For 2^nd straight year, Bellator signs long-term contract with world’s top welterweight prospect

CHICAGO, Ill. (1/9/12) — As Bellator Fighting Championships prepares for its highly anticipated sixth season, the promotion has once again added a premier talent from across the globe, this time signing undefeated Russian welterweight phenom Andrey “Spartan” Koreshkov. Last year, Bellator signed highly-touted Douglas Lima, who went on to win the Season 5 Welterweight Tournament and will face Ben Askren for the title.

Widely regarded as the top welterweight prospect in the world, Koreshkov joins Bellator under the tutelage of two-time Bellator Middleweight Tournament Champion Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko as the two dynamic strikers represent RusFighters in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Undefeated in nine professional fights, “Spartan” is a true finisher in every sense of the word. The 21-year-old prodigy has never had a fight move into the third round and is the owner of five knockout victories. While the competition will surely increase with Bellator, Koreshkov adds to an already dangerous welterweight field.

“The international market has produced some incredible talent for us, and Andrey is near the very top of that list,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Our Talent Development team, lead by Sam Caplan continues to be at the forefront of international scouting, and we’ll continue bringing the best talent from across the world to Bellator.”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator, Latin for Warrior, is partnered with entertainment industry leaders Viacom and Fremantle Entertainment, and is the world’s leading tournament-based mixed martial arts organization. Bellator’s Founder, Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.