Bellator MMA parts ways with Marcin Held, who now hopes to land UFC deal

Bellator 160 "Henderson vs. Pitbull" takes place at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., later this month (Aug. 26, 2016), featuring a main event between Benson Henderson vs. "Pitbull" Patricio Freire, the winner of which will earn a crack at Lightweight champion as the clear-cut No. 1 division contender.

One man who won't climb to the top of the 155-pound ladder again is Polish submission wizard Marcin Held. Bellator sources have confirmed what was previously reported by MMA Junkie -- the promotion let his contract expire without a renewal. Held later confirmed via social media that he wants to test the free agency waters.

"Today I terminated my contract with Bellator MMA in friendship," he said. "I fought 15 fights -- 12 wins, 3 loses. I revenge(d) for one loss against Dave Jansen. Every fight taught me something -- that's why I still improve my skills and want be better and better. What next? Frankly I don't know yet. I'll inform you when I find new employer for sure. To be honest ... I hope it will be UFC."

His prospects may be good given that UFC recently signed former champion Will Brooks, the man he challenged for the title at Bellator 145 and went full five rounds en route to a unanimous decision loss. Brooks has made the most of his new home so far, defeating Ross Pearson in his The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 23 Finale debut; therefore, if Held wants to keep pace with Brooks he'll have to win his first bout if he eventually gets a UFC deal done, too.

Who knows, perhaps we could even see a rematch inside the Octagon between the talented pair somewhere down the road.

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