AEW’s Jake Hager confirms next Bellator MMA fight for October

Jake Hager will be stepping back in the cage for Bellator in the coming months. 

During a virtual signing with Captain’s Corner earlier this week, Hager was asked how many more MMA fights he wants to have and responded that he has a fight scheduled for October and is hoping to fight again in December as well. 

“I feel like I’m still coming into my prime even though I just turned 40 years old. I have a fight in October. I’d like to fight again in December,” Hager said. “So, I think I still have plenty of MMA fights left.”

Hager also confirmed that the fight has yet to be officially announced. Bellator has an event scheduled for October 29 in Milan, Italy but it is not clear if that is the show Hager’s fight is planned for.

The Jericho Appreciation Society member listed Ryan Bader and Fedor Emelianenko as fighters he would like to face.    

“I’d like to fight Fedor still. I thought that fight was mine in 2021. We’ll see. He signed an extension for one more so hopefully, it’s me. We’re ready for it.” 

In the end, however, Hager just wants the fight that will pay him the most money. 

“I fight MMA for money so whatever pays the most amount of money. It’s the new championship, get paid.”

Hager has a 3-0-1 record in Bellator. He narrowly pulled out a split-decision victory over Brandon Calton in his last fight on October 29, 2020. He defeated J.W Kiser and T.J Jones in his first two fights. His third bout was ruled a no-contest due to Hager landing an illegal groin shot on Anthony Garrett.