The Bellator MMA Lightweight Division has a new prospect in its ranks as Chris Gonzalez has signed a multi-fight contract with the promotion.
A newly signed Gonzalez is expected to debut sometime in 2019 according to MMA Junkie, but it is expected to happen sometime in the first quarter of next year. Gonzalez has competed once as an amateur MMA fighter, defeating Tyrese McCloud by first round submission at Gladiator Challenge: Avalanche.
Gonzalez does train out of Team Alpha Male in California, which is home to Urijah Faber, former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt, Darren Elkins and a host of others. Gonzalez has a plethora of amateur wrestling experience as a member of Team USA as a part of the Greco Roman Wrestling Team in 2016, plus he is a 6 time Greco Roman Wrestling All-American.
There is no word at this time as to whom Gonzalez will meet in this promotional debut, but the fighter is entering a division current ruled by Brent Primus, who is defending the title in a rematch against Michael Chandler later this month at Bellator 212.
Bellator MMA currently has three events scheduled for the first quarter of 2019 (Bellator 214 - Bellator 216), so Gonzalez can conceivably make his promotional debut at those times.