Bellator signs another high level wrestler who hasn't fought yet.

[Meathead Jock]

I'm not as excited for this one as the other big 3 they previously signed but I do think its a very smart move on their part.



JAROD TRICE
May 2, 2016

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 2, 2016) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of three-time All American wrestling prospectJarod Trice to an exclusive, multi-fight contract. The story was broken by Flo Combat and Flo Wrestling, who have chronicled a great deal of his wrestling career.

"We're excited to be adding yet another world-class wrestling talent to our ever-growing roster of fighters here at Bellator," said President Scott Coker. "I've always taken great pride in our ability to identify and build stars in this business, and I have great confidence that we've found a gem in Jarod Trice."

In addition to his three All-American accolades, the 27-year-old Trice has an impressive trophy case that includes a National Title at 120 kg and two Greco Roman National Titles, with one at 120 kg and another at 98 kg. The above photo features Trice after winning the Outstanding Wrestler Award alongside 2012 Olympic Coach J.J. Johnson (left) and U.S. National Greco-Roman Coach Matt Lindland (right).

"Following in the footsteps of guys like [Ed] Ruth and [Tyrell] Fortune to Bellator MMA was a no brainer for me," said Trice. "Scott Coker is a promoter that treats the fighters with so much respect, and dealing with him and his team through this signing process has been amazing. I'm really looking forward to fighting for Coker, the Bellator promotion, and for every wrestling and MMA fan out there before the end of the year. If you aren't familiar with my name yet, you will be as soon as I get in that cage."

Trice competed at Central Michigan University, where he achieved great success at both 120 kg (264.5 lbs.) and 98kg (216 lbs.) after an impressive 50 lb. weight-loss transformation. The standout wrestler will look to compete in Bellator MMA's impressive light heavyweight division, and hopes to make his professional debut before the end of the year. The jury is out on whether he will keep his nickname, "Doughboy."

Having trained literally all over the world, including stints at Iowa State University under Kevin Jackson and the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado before heading to Arizona, where he trains with other Bellator MMA stars with incredible wrestling pedigree's like Darrion Caldwell and Bubba Jenkins. Trice credits Bellator MMA bantamweight Shawn Bunchwith giving him the idea to pursue MMA.

Trice is the latest prospect from the world of wrestling to join Bellator MMA's incredible recruiting class of prospects including: Aaron Pico, Ed Ruth and Tyrell Fortune.

 

[Thesnake101]

These signings could end up with them either getting exciting ground n pounders/ sprawl n brawlers or grinders. Either way I'm happy with them signing new prospects.

 

[AGEZ909]

Bellator is investing in the future, which is a very good sign. Give bellator another 2 years, and their divisions will look solid. I mean they are already starting to fill out in the 2 short years that Coker has has been in charge. Hw went from being an absolute joke, to being decent. Lw is looking more solid as well. We could have a new fave with Andre fialho. Caldwell is the next big thing as well.

A lot of things in bellator that I don't like, but they are necessary evils imo.

Can't wait for all these powerhouse wrestlers to make their debuts

 

[Big_Chief_Stove]

Great signing! Trice could fight both LHWT and HWT, sounds like he's training with Bubba Jenkins too. Smart move for Bellator. Watch out for the new wave wrestler!

 

[LHWBelt]

He should fight at HW, easier division.

 

[invalidor]

Like bellator isn't boring enough already.

 

[skylolow]

I like the signings but at the same time many high level wrestlers with little to no experience just blanket opponents with wrestling and that doesn't come off as entertaining usually.

 

[Meathead Jock]

I like the signings but at the same time many high level wrestlers with little to no experience just blanket opponents with wrestling and that doesn't come off as entertaining usually.

They need to be assured that they will receive some cans to fight at the beginning if they want to avoid this beings they wont get the usual training warmup fights.

 

[caged_mma]

I've been saying it for months now; Bellator needs to be keeping their finger on the pulse of tomorrow instead of rehashing the fights from yesterday. I love it!

Bellator is investing in the future, which is a very good sign. Give bellator another 2 years, and their divisions will look solid. I mean they are already starting to fill out in the 2 short years that Coker has has been in charge. Hw went from being an absolute joke, to being decent. Lw is looking more solid as well. We could have a new fave with Andre fialho. Caldwell is the next big thing as well.

A lot of things in bellator that I don't like, but they are necessary evils imo.

Can't wait for all these powerhouse wrestlers to make their debuts

 

[Go Go Plata]

Caldwell and Jenkins have been good investments, why not.