In this March 19, 2007, file photo, then-WWE wrestler Bobby Lashley celebrates after defeating Chris Masters during a match at WWE Monday Night Raw in Indianapolis. Lashley is no Brock Lesnar. But the TNA Wrestling heavyweight champion hopes his shift to Bellator can give a boost to both second-tier promotions. Lashley has one of the featured bouts on Friday night when Bellator goes head-to-head on national TV vs. UFC. (Tom Strattman, AP file)
Former pro wrestling star Bobby Lashley continues his journey into the world of mixed martial arts when he takes on undefeated Karl Etherington at Bellator 130 on Friday in Mulvane, Kan.
For Lashley (11-2-0), who owns American Top Team Altitude in Aurora, his venture into MMA from pro wrestling echoes the career path of former UFC star and current WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar. Lesnar wrestled with WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling until 2007 before signing with UFC where he would become the heavyweight champion. He returned to the WWE earlier this year.
Lashley had reigned as the TNA World Heavyweight champion from June through Sept. 18 — two weeks after his bout at Bellator 123. Now 38, he said in an interview with MMAFighting.com that this is his last MMA run, but he sees an opportunity to climb the ladder Bellator’s heavyweight division.
“Bellator’s heavyweight division is wide open,” he said in . “I think the heavyweight division across the board is wide open. There’s a lot of room for people to step up and do something, and I think right now I could be one of those people that step up. That’s what I’d like to happen, to really step up and take that position, whether it’s holding a title or just beating the top guys.”
Bellatora 130 will play on Spike at 7 p.m. Friday.
