Not all faces will be unfamiliar for Quinton Jackson when he heads to Bellator this Fall.
According to MMA Weekly, Cheick Kongo -- "Rampage's" teammate at Wolfslair MMA -- signed on the dotted line to compete inside the Bellator cage earlier today (June 4, 2013).
The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight contender turned down a four-fight deal with the Las Vegas-based promotion just last month, debunking any rumors that the French-born fighter had been cut from the ZUFFA roster after his first round knockout loss to Roy Nelson at UFC 159.
"Don't believe he said-she said stories. I have not been cut by the UFC. I am Cheick Kongo so I know BEST what's NEXT for me. It doesn't mean that I am leaving the UFC, it doesn't mean that I am staying, it means this is my LIFE. Do not believe what we tell you. I am in the best position to know what happened to my career in the UFC. AND do not worry. For the moment, be aware that in no case the UFC not dismissed me and I am on very good terms with the American organization."
Kongo posted those comments on his Facebook page shortly after the rumor mill started working overtime.
The Parisian competed 18 times inside the Octagon, amassing an 11-6-1 record during his tenure. However, he was knocked out in two of his last three fights by the aforementioned Nelson and Mark Hunt.
The signing comes on the heels of the news that "Rampage" had bagged a contract with Bellator in an exclusive deal that will also see him compete for TNA Wrestling. The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion "guaranteed" big changes in MMA thanks to the benefits of his new contract.
Perhaps those benefits were too good for Cheick to pass up, too.
No word yet if Kongo will have the same option of pulling double duty as an MMA fighter and pro wrestler, much like Jackson and former Strikeforce 205-pound champion, Muhammed Lawal.
Anyone expect big things from Kongo inside the Bellator cage?