Former UFC Contender Phil Davis Should Emerge As Major Title Threat In Bellator

By Rick LaFitte
Phil Davis during UFC on FOX 14 clash with Ryan Bader
Getty Images

Former UFC light heavyweight contender Phil Davis will now be in search of a title in a new fighting promotion. After the UFC opted not to re-sign him to a new contract after a narrow split-decision loss to Ryan Bader in Sweden, Bellator has inked “Mr.Wonderful” to a multi-fight deal. It’ll be a fresh start for Davis, who was still in the UFC’s top-10 rankings at the time of his departure, and there are definitely some exciting potential future clashes for him in Bellator MMA.

Davis may have fallen out of favor with UFC brass because of his wrestling-dominant style, but the former Penn State All-American did enjoy major success. He compiled a 9-3 Octagon record with one no-contest. The 30-year-old Alliance MMA product faced many elite fighters during his time with the promotion, and secured wins over former champion Lyoto Machida and former title challengers Alexander Gustafsson and Glover Teixeira. He also competed against Anthony Johnson and Rashad Evans and has still never been finished in his 17-bout career. Davis has produced six wins by knockout or submission including a first-round finish of “The Mauler” back in 2010.

The signing of Davis represents a significant upgrade for Bellator’s 205-pound division. He automatically enters as a major threat to eventually win gold. Davis would be more than capable of holding his own against the likes of Tito Ortiz, Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, former champion Emanuel Newton and current titlist Liam McGeary.

There could also be the intriguing prospect of a possible future showdown with Quinton Jackson if “Rampage” should lose his current court battle against the Viacom-owned promotion. Jackson already dropped the opening round in the legal fight with Bellator when he was barred from making his Octagon return at UFC 186. Bellator is looking to have the veteran fulfill the remaining three fights left on his exclusive deal. Both sides are contending breach of contract in a dispute that could be a lengthy one.

While the UFC is still regarded as the sport’s No. 1 fighting promotion, Bellator has added a marquee name to its roster with the acquisition of Davis. Whether you like his style or not, Davis has proven that he’s one of the sport’s best light heavyweights. He may not have won UFC gold, but definitely has the chance to make a successful championship run with Bellator.

Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for RantSports

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