Bellator MMA continues to take steps to expand its reach further into Europe, as it announced Wednesday that it has hired former British Association of Mixed Martial Arts matchmaker Jude Samuel.
The move coincides with the California-based organization’s plans to launch a western Europe based fight series. Samuel will head Bellator’s “European fighter relations, talent development and matchmaking efforts,” according to a release.
Bellator has co-promoted several European cards with BAMMA in the past. Samuel will be based in London, where he has worked for more than 15 years. Prior to his work with BAMMA, Samuel owned European Fight Network Sports, a site that covered MMA and grappling in the U.K.
“Sometimes you have to follow what you are genuinely passionate about and let that guide you to your deserving destination,” Samuel said in a release. “Bellator is extremely passionate about the grass roots development of our beloved sport. My appointment as a U.K. and Western Europe-based matchmaker clearly states that. This is not only my opportunity, but something that will benefit the high-level athletes in Europe, and the generations of the cream of the crop athletes to follow. As a matchmaker and avid martial artist, nothing could excite me more.”
Bellator recently signed more than 20 European fighters to its roster, including notable names such as Norman Parke, Jim Wallhead and Richie Smullen. In 2018, Bellator has held European events in Italy, England and Hungary.