James Haskell joins Bellator MMA: Former England rugby star makes shock switch

George Flood22 August 2019

Former England international James Haskell has made a surprising switch into the world of mixed martial arts after retiring from rugby union.

American MMA promotion Bellator announced on Thursday that the 34-year-old had joined their ranks as a heavyweight, with his debut in the cage expected to come in 2020.

Haskell called time on his professional rugby career at the end of last season after 17 years, 77 senior England caps and two World Cups.

The well-travelled former Wasps, Stade Francais, Ricoh Black Rams, Highlanders and Northampton Saints back-row forward - also a fitness expert - has been working in the media, featuring on the House of Rugby podcast alongside fellow former England international Mike Tindall.

An MMA enthusiast, Haskell - who stands at an imposing 6ft 4ins and 260lbs - has previously trained alongside another British fighter in Michael "Venom" Page as well as featuring as a pundit for BT Sports.

In Pictures | James Haskell joins Bellator | 22/08/2019

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He is due to address his career change in a press conference to be held in London on August 28.

Ryan Bader is the current Bellator heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, picking up the former belt with a first-round knockout of Fedor Emelianenko at Bellator 214 in California in January.

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