BELLATOR MMA SIGNS ONE OF THE MOST DOMINANT COLLEGE WRESTLERS OF ALL-TIME, OLYMPIC CONTENDER ED RUTH

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 11, 2015) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of one of mixed martial art’s most sought-after prospects, Ed Ruth. A dominant and decorated collegiate wrestler, Ruth joins Bellator MMA with an exclusive, multi-fight deal.

The 25-year-old’s focus is currently set on the 2016 in Rio, where the general consensus is that he will be a shoo-in to compete in the 86kg. division.

“I’ve known for a long time now that after I get Olympic gold around my neck, I was going to go get some MMA gold for my waist,” said the phenom Ruth. “I’ve been talking with all the major organizations, and at the end of the day, I really believe in what Scott Coker is doing with Bellator. They’re signing the top talent, they’re putting on exciting fights, and they’re letting me secure my own sponsors. It will be a little while until I step into the cage for the first time — but when I do, everyone they put in front of me is in for a world of hurt.”

Ruth attended High School at Blair Academy in Susquehanna Township, PA, where he was the top-ranked recruit in Nation for his weight class. Ruth would elect to stay local and attend powerhouse Penn State University. The masterful grappler added three National Championships and four All-American accolades to his trophy room while wrestling with the Penn State University’s Nittany Lions.

The three-time national champion joins blue-chip amateur wrestling prospect Aaron Pico on the roster. Both competitors will turn their focus to MMA following the Olympic Games next year. When the time comes, Ruth will be competing in Bellator’s division alongside current title- holder , Kendall Grove, Rafael Carvalho, , Alexander Shlemenko, , amongst others.

About Bellator MMA Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the , Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

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