Georges St. Pierre protégé and training partner Mike Ricci signs with Bellator Fighting Championships

Before the ink has even dried on the recent contract of 145-pound standout Bao Quach, Bellator Fighting Championships announced today that up-and-coming lightweight Mike Ricci (5-0) will join their growing roster and likely debut in Spring 2010.

The undefeated 23-year-old trains alongside current UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre under Firas Zahabi at the TriStar gym in Montreal. He's competed in the Ringside MMA and TKO Major League MMA banners, among others.

From Ricci:

"What’s made me improve so much in a short period of time is helping guys like Cote and GSP in their training camps. It’s also helped my confidence. When you set a goal of being a world champion, it may seem far-fetched—but not when you train alongside guys who’ve already achieved that. I really pride myself on my defense. I think I’ve only been hit like twice in my whole career. I think that really separates me from my competition. I’ve gotten to the point in my career where my coach thinks I’m ready and I think I’m ready to take the next step. I’m just very grateful for the opportunity."

Ricci is the first fighter tapped to participant in the upcoming eight-man lightweight tournament for season two. Bellator will also conduct tournaments at 145, 170 and 185 lbs. with the winners of this year’s tournaments being declared No. 1 contenders to Bellator’s current roster of champions.

Season 2 of Bellator Fighting Championships begins begins April 8, 2010.