|
|
  - AFL OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES FORMER WWE STAR
Monday, June 02, 2008 - Press Release courtesy of American Fight League
The American Fight League has signed former WWE wrestling star Bobby Lashley to a multi-fight contract, demarking the beginning of his mixed martial arts (MMA) career. The official announcement was made in front of a full crowd in Atlanta during the AFL: BulletProof event held at Philips Arena on Friday, May 30.
Since announcing his exit from professional wrestling there have been murmurs that the goliath-like Bobby Lashley would be making a move into MMA. Long anticipated and much speculated, the signing of Bobby Lashley to fight in the American Fight League will finally put all the rumors to rest. He will compete in the heavyweight division.
“I’ve been looking to switch to MMA for quite some time but wanted to make sure the move was with the right organization. It wasn’t until I started talking with the American Fight League that I found where I wanted to begin the next chapter in my career,” said Lashley. “I love the AFL’s vision. They aren’t interested in running a circus but rather want to produce quality MMA events with legitimate athletes. The more I spoke with BJ Santiago and Jon Hatton, the more I knew that the AFL would be the best outlet for me to show the world what I can do in the ring. I think we are going to be a great fit, and I am excited about my first fight.”
American Fight League CEO BJ Santiago could not be more pleased with the Lashley signing. “There’s no question that this is an enormous signing for the AFL,” said Santiago. “Bringing athletes like Bobby Lashley on board shows the world that we are very serious about signing top talent to our roster.”
Santiago added, “Bobby is an incredible competitor with a lot of star power and charisma. Fans love him. I believe he will be a great ambassador for the AFL and the sport of mixed martial arts.”
Joining the AFL will mark Lashley’s entrance into the sport of competitive MMA. With a long history in competitive wrestling, MMA is a natural progression for the championship level athlete. He attended Missouri Valley College where he was a three-time National Amateur Wrestling Champion and four-time All-American. Lashley went on to join the United States Army where he continued to wrestle and was a two-time Armed Forces Champion and a 2002 Silver Medalist at the Military World Championships.
In November 2003, Lashley began a career with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) where he stayed until early 2008. Lashley’s athleticism, magnetic personality and commanding presence quickly placed him as one of the WWE’s most popular wrestlers, garnering him a loyal worldwide fan base. He defeated numerous wrestling stars and earned two pro wrestling heavyweight titles.
BACK TO THE NEWS
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
Related Articles :
- - AFL SIGNS TOP FEMALE FIGHTER, TARA LAROSA (Sunday, June 01, 2008)
The American Fight League made the announcement at Philips Arena in Atlanta during their "Bullet Proof" event over the weekend that the mixed martial arts promotion has signed Tara LaRosa, widely regarded as the top female fighter in the world.
- - AFL REVIEW: THREE TITLES AND TWO BIG SIGNINGS (Saturday, May 31, 2008)
Three title belts were on the line as the American Fight League stormed into Atlanta. The promotion also announced the signing of top female fighter Tara Larosa and former WWE star Bobby Lashley...
- - THREE TITLE BOUTS HEAD AFL IN ATLANTA (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)
The American Fight League has released the full fight card for it’s foray to the Philips Arena on May 30 in Atlanta. AFL “Bulletproof” will be the first ever mixed martial arts event held in the arena, which has a capacity of 21,000.
- - DIEGO SARAIVA TO DEFEND AS AFL ENTERS ATLANTA (Wednesday, May 07, 2008)
AFL champion and UFC veteran Diego Saraiva will defend his lightweight title as the AFL enters Atlanta's 21,000-seat Philips Arena on May 30 ...
- - AFL TO GO BIG INTO ATLANTA (Friday, April 11, 2008)
The American Fight League will be the first MMA event to operate at Philips Arena in Atlanta on May 30. The arena is the largest, with a capacity of 21,000, in the state of Georgia...
Copyright 2009 MMA Weekly LLC. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of MMA Weekly content is expressly prohibited without expressed written consent of MMA Weekly. MMA Weekly will not be liable for any errors in content or any action taken in reliance thereof.
|
|
|
|
