Bellator In Talks With Ex-WWE Star Alberto Del Rio, Interested In Lesnar
As well as being a former WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) star, Alberto Del Rio was once a pro MMA fighter. In a move that mirrors the UFC’s recent acquisition of CM Punk, it looks like Bellator is trying to get Del Rio, real name Jose Alberto Rodriguez, to go back to fighting.
The former WWE heavyweight champion was recently sacked by the organization for slapping one of their employees. The altercation was with a web producer that worked for the WWE, and Rodriguez was released on grounds of unprofessional conduct after confronting the employee and striking him.
ADR managed to compile a 9-5 MMA record, and his most notable opponent was Pride FC legend Mirko Cro Cop. This was actually quite unfortunate for Alberto Del Rio, ‘Dos Caras’ as he was then dubbed, as he was absolutely wrecked in one round, and became part of the Croatian’s epic highlight reel. That was back at 2003 at Pride Bushido 1, and Del Rio fought for seven more years, alongside pro wrestling in Mexico.
It’s not yet known where the talks are, in terms of being completed, with Bellator CEO Scott Coker telling MMAFighting.com the following:
“I think that we did reach out,” Coker said. “I’m not sure where that is and by no means is it in the 11th hour, but I know there’s some dialogue going on. He’s had a lot of great MMA fights and I just think that would be a fun time to see him fight some of the guys we have on our roster”
Who knows, perhaps Bellator will hope to pair Alberto Del Rio with Tito Ortiz? Aside from “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy”, I can’t really think of may other marketable names under the Viacom banner….perhaps the news that Bellator is also interested in ex-UFC heavyweight champion and WWE star Brock Lesnar will blow your mind?
I’m not sure how it would look to have to WWE stars competing against each other in a pro MMA fight, but remember that Bellator also has Bobby Lashley competing as a heavyweight. Is pro-wrestling-MMA becoming the most modern transition, or will it prove a fad?
