Bellator Signs Welterweight Veteran Marcus Aurelio


Bellator Fighting Championships continues to add to their ever expanding roster with the signing of dynamic welterweight Marcus Aurelio. Currently riding an impressive six fight win streak, "Lelo" becomes the newest addition to a loaded division that includes some of the best welterweights in the sport including Bellator Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren, Bellator Season 5 Tournament Champion Douglas Lima, as well as Bellator Season 6 Welterweight Tournament Finalists Karl Amoussou and Bryan Baker, plus welterweight finisher Ben "Killa B" Saunders.

"Marcus is an absolute explosive anomaly in our sport," said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. "If you have never seen him fight, you are missing something totally unique and special. Marcus brings a completely unique style and confidence to the cage that I've never seen before. It will be great to see how his explosive Capoeira translates in the Bellator cage."

"I'm really excited to have signed with Bellator," Aurelio said. "I'm happy that they see my potential. I know they have some of the best fighters in the world and I'm ready to prove my worth against top tier competition. This is a huge accomplishment for me and everyone who has helped me get to where I am."

After beginning his professional career in 2005, "Lelo" has compiled an impressive 6-1 record, including five highlight-reel knockouts. Marcus, who is a practitioner of the Brazilian martial art Capoeira, is well known for using his unpredictable and violent art to confuse and devastate opponents that choose to step in the cage with him.

"I feel that my style of fighting is very dynamic and explosive," said Aurelio. "I certainly don't enter the cage to win on points. It's instinct for me, I'm always looking to finish my opponent. I think it's exciting for the fans."

Aurelio won't have to wait too long to get his first taste of action inside the Bellator cage. He is scheduled to make his promotional debut at Bellator 73 on August 24.

"Of course my ultimate goal in Bellator is to become a champion, but I'm not looking past my next opponent," Aurelio added. "I'm thrilled to showcase what I'm capable of in August for Bellator."