UFC veteran John Alessio signs with Bellator MMA, expected to debut in fall tournament

After going winless in three stints with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), longtime mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran John Alessio will look for a fresh start with Bellator MMA.

The 33-year-old announced on via Twitter on Friday (May 31, 2013) that he had inked a deal with the Viacom-owned promotion and is expected to debut later this year as part of the fall lightweight tournament.

".....AND FINALLY THE NATURAL HAS COME TO @BELLATORMMA !!!," he wrote.

Alessio (34-16, 1 NC) was released from the UFC in late 2012 after his most recent stint with the organization saw him lose back-to-back decisions against Mark Bocek and Shane Roller, which dropped his overall career record inside the Octagon to 0-5.

Upon being released, the Canadian returned to his home soil for a fight against Dave Mazany under the Aggression Fighting Championship (AFC) banner, but unfortunately the contest ended prematurely due to an accidental eye poke early in the first round.

Currently in the midst of the first three-fight winless streak of his 16-plus year career, "The Natural" will look to get back to winning ways when he makes his Bellator debut against an opponent still to be determined.

With a 155-pound weight class that is top-heavy and short on recognizable names, Bellator MMA CEO Bjorn Rebney is looking forward to seeing the newest addition to his roster mix it up with the rest of Bellator MMA's talent.

"Great having you on board & part of the family," Rebney wrote to Alessio on Twitter. "Can't wait to see you fight in the fall tourney!"

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more information on a date and opponent for Alessio's Bellator MMA debut.