WSOF 21 title challenger Blagoi Ivanov left Bellator for better opportunities

Blagoi Ivanov

Blagoi Ivanov hasn’t fought since a loss to Alexander Volkov in May 2014 under the Bellator MMA banner.

Recently, though, the heavyweight veteran popped up in an entirely new promotion: WSOF, which signed him to a multi-fight deal in February.

So, what happened?

“When I left Bellator, I still had a few fights on my contract, but I was looking for a better opportunity,” Ivanov told MMAjunkie. “Now, I’m with the WSOF and fighting for the world title.”

On Friday, Ivanov (11-1) vies for the promotion’s big-man belt against champ Smealinho Rama (9-1) in WSOF 21’s co-headliner, which takes place at Edmonton Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The event’s main card airs live on NBCSN following prelims on MMAjunkie.

It’s easy to see why Ivanov might want to jump ship. He was signed while Bellator was still a tournament-based promotion under the guidance of Bjorn Rebney. Now, there’s a new promoter, Scott Coker, and superfights take priority over everything else.

Although Ivanov compiled a 6-1 record under the Viacom-owned promotion, he lost to Volkov, who recently was beaten by upcoming prospect Tony Johnson. In other words, a title shot probably wasn’t coming his way any time soon.

Add a contract expiration and a generous offer from WSOF, and Ivanov probably saw the writing on the wall. Now, he just has to prove himself in a new promotion.

Thankfully, Ivanov is no stranger to bucking odds, in or outside of the cage. Two fights into his MMA career, he was stabbed in a nightclub and fought for his life in intensive care. It took him two years to get back into fighting shape, but when he did, he picked up where he left off, winning five straight.

After his stumble against Volkov, Ivanov went back to the drawing board and sought better training partners. He wound up working with the famed American Kickboxing Academy and taking residence with Xtreme Couture.

Now, he feels like he’s ready to fulfill his potential.

“I made a mistake, and now I just try to fix my mistakes,” Ivanov said. “I feel better than before and more strong mentally. I feel very excited, and I feel ready. I worked hard for a couple months, and I feel ready to get the belt.”

For the latest on WSOF 21, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.

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