Burt Watson is back in business with a major mixed martial arts
promotion.
The former UFC site coordinator has been hired by Bellator MMA to
fill a similar position on a temporary basis. The position could
become permanent if Watson proves to be a good fit with the
California-based organization. Sherdog.com confirmed the news with
a promotion official following an initial report from
MMAjunkie.com.
“I’m at Mohegan Sun, but I’m not here to have fun, baby” Watson
says in a post on his Instagram account. “I’m here to work.
Bellator MMA, baby. All night long.”
Affectionately known as “The Babysitter to the Stars,” Watson spent
14 years with the UFC. In addition to motivating fighters with his
popular catchphrases, Watson handled tasks such as fighter ticket
allotment, weight-cutting, transportation, workout space and
issuing equipment.
He parted ways with the Las Vegas-based promotion in 2015 after UFC
184, claiming that he was “approached wrong” and his “integrity and
work ethic were questioned” following weigh-ins for the event.
Since then, Watson launched his own MMA promotion based in South
Florida in 2019. His roots in combat sports precede his UFC tenure,
as he was the manager of legendary boxer Joe Frazier. He also
worked with the likes of Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar
De La Hoya in various capacities.
Watson’s new gig will begin at
Bellator 258, which takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena in
Uncasville, Conn., on Friday and is headlined by a bantamweight
title clash between Juan Archuleta and Sergio Pettis. The evening’s
main card will air on Showtime.