By FCF Staff

Bellator has announced that it has added four time world Sambo champion and undefeated fighter Vitaly Minakov to its heavyweight roster. The RusFighters Sports Club competitor makes his way into the promotion after knocking out UFC veteran Eddie Sanchez at a Fight Nights event on June 7^th.

“Becoming a Bellator fighter means that all my hard work in the gym and training has all paid off,” Minakov was quoted saying in a press release from the promotion. “It means myself and my entire team were working in the right direction, and we did everything right.”

The 6’3, 230 pound plus heavyweight has gone 8-0 since he transitioned into pro MMA in 2010, and seven of Minakov’s wins have come via submission or stoppage.

“With my current training regimen, I feel like I am fully prepared for a future Bellator Tournament,” Minakov said. “I want everyone to know that I’m not here just to ‘take part’ in a Bellator Tournament, but to win it all and become a Bellator Champion.”

“There has been tremendous buzz about Vitaly worldwide,” sBellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney noted. “He has an incredible Sambo background and a very solid stand up game.  His potential after just eight fights is very high and we are excited to have him joining Bellator.”

No details as to when Minakov will make his Bellator debut were included, other than it is expected to take place “shortly.”