Bellator Fighting Championships is on a signing streak… or is it a Wand Fight Team signing streak?
The promotion on Tuesday announced that it had signed Michael Costa a second Wand Fight Team instructor in less than a week. Just a few days ago, Bellator also signed Vitor Vianna. Costa is Wand Fight Team’s Muay Thai instructor, while Vianna is the team’s jiu-jitsu instructor.
Costa, besides being a Muay Thai black belt under Chute Boxe founder Rafael Cordeiro, is also holds a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Royler Gracie. The welterweight fighter holds a 10-5-1 record and has fought across the globe, including bouts in Japan and China.
“Michael Costa has all the tools to have a breakout year and his no nonsense approach in the cage made him a perfect fit for Bellator”, said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “His addition to our welterweight division makes a strong 170-pound class that much stronger.”
Vianna’s (10-1-1) only loss is to currently No. 4 ranked Thiago Alves. He enters Bellator’s ranks on the strength of a three-fight winning streak.
“I have been watching Bellator for a long time,” said Vianna. “They are one of the best promotions in the world and they have great fighters. I’m just really excited to fight in the big show against big fighters, and to have the opportunity to show the world who I am.”
Vianna hopes to take part in Bellator’s next middleweight tournament, eyeing a shot at the gold around current champion Hector Lombard’s waist.