10 UFC Stars you didn’t know fought in Bellator!

UFC star Jorge Masvidal competed in Bellator. Photo: Sarah Stier – USA TODAY Sports

Many of UFC’s biggest stars competed in Bellator before signing with Dana White & Co.

Click ”Next” to check out 10 big names that used to fight in the rival promotion!

Jack Hermansson

Jack ”The Joker” Hermansson. Photo: Miguel Tovar – USA TODAY Sports

In 2012 and 2013, the top ranked Swede fought twice in Bellator before going back to Cage Warriors to win the middleweight title. On Saturday, Hermansson faces the dangerous prospect Roman Dolidze at UFC Orlando.

Derrick Lewis

The knockout king Derrick Lewis. Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports

UFC KO machine Derrick Lewis faced Tony Johnson at Bellator 46 in 2011. However, Johnson was too much for ”The Black Beast”, who lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Holly Holm

Holly Holm is a former UFC bantamweight champion. Photo: Amber Searls – USA TODAY Sports

Former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm fought once in Bellator back in 2013. A fight she won via a second-round TKO.

Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith. Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports

Former UFC title challenger Anthony ”Lionheart” Smith competed twice in Bellator during 2014, winning both fights.

Kevin Holland

Kevin Holland will return to the Octagon on December 10. Photo: Jasen Vinlove – USA TODAY Sports

In 2018, ”Trailblazer” defeated Teagan Dooley via first-round submission at Bellator 195. That’s the only time Holland ever competed in the organization.

Volkan Oezdemir

Volkan Oezdemir (left) and Nikita Krylov (right) clashed at UFC 280. Photo via Twitter (UFC)

No. 9 ranked UFC light heavyweight Volkan Oezdemir fought twice in Bellator and holds a promotional record of 1-1.

Belal Muhammad

Belal Muhammad. Photo: Chris Unger / Zuffa LLC via USA TODAY Sports

No. 4 ranked Belal Muhammad has two decision wins in Bellator, against Quinton McCottrell in 2012 and A.J. Matthews in 2014.

Carla Esparza

Former strawweight champion Carla Esparza. Photo via Instagram (@ carlaesparza1)

In 2010, just six months and three fights into her professional career, Carla Esparza was called in by Bellator to face Megumi Fujii. Esparza later returned to Bellator to fight Jessica Aguilar in 2011.

Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal. Photo via Instagram (@gamebredfighter)

Three-time welterweight title challenger Jorge Masvidal has fought three times in Bellator back in 2009, winning two of the bouts via stoppage.

Alexander Volkov

Alexander Volkov. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Top ranked Alexander Volkov was actually the promotion’s heavyweight champion but never defended his belt successfully. He won the Bellator title in December 2012 but lost in his first title defence in November 2013.

Read more: List of all current and former undisputed UFC champions

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