Maiquel Falcao
Former UFC competitor 2-1 since being released in May
Brazilian Maiquel Falcao is the most recent addition to the Bellator middleweight division.
The organization announced the signing Saturday night.
Many fans will remember Falcao from his lone appearance in the Octagon at UFC 123. The 30-year-old defeated Gerald Harris in a bout that was memorable for all the wrong reasons.
At the close of the first round, Falcao had Harris in a deep rear naked choke when the horn to end the round sounded early. Many, including UFC President Dana White, said at the time that they felt Harris would be forced to tap if the round ended as scheduled.
The third round drew the ire of fans and White for its lack of action. Despite being down on the scorecards, Harris failed to engage or show any signs of urgency, while Falcao appeared content to cost to a victory on the scorecards. White was highly critical of the encounter after the event, and Harris was released as a result of the loss.
Falcao was originally scheduled to return to action against Alessio Sakara at UFC on Versus 4: Sanchez vs. Kampmann, but was forced off the card with an injury. He was then tabbed to meet Tom Lawlor at UFC 134, but was unexpectedly released admits legal issues stemming from a 2002 assault charge.
He’s gone 2-1 since then competing in Brazil. He’s needed just 103 seconds to secure a pair of first round victories, while being submitted by Antonio Braga Neto in between those two wins.
Of his 28 career victories, 23 have come by way of knockout, 22 of those coming in the first round. His proven power and aggressive approach is a welcome addition to the Bellator middleweight ranks, a division desperately in need of challengers for champion Hector Lombard.
No announcements have been made yet as to when Falcao will debut with the promotion.
Bellator’s next event takes place this weekend, headlined by a non-title match-up between light heavyweight champion Christian M’Pumbu and Travis Wiuff, and the semifinals of the Season 5 bantamweight tournament.
Keep checking Heavy MMA for all your Bellator news.