Lashley, 31, will make his jump to mixed martial arts competition as a heavyweight with the American Fight League, the promotion announced Friday during its "Bulletproof" (Results) event in Atlanta, Georgia.
"I've been looking to switch to MMA for quite some time but wanted to make sure the move was with the right organization," Lashley stated. "I love the AFL's vision. They aren't interested in running a circus but rather want to produce quality MMA events with legitimate athletes."
Lashley will carry with him a strong base in amateur wrestling. The Kansas-born big man won three national amateur wrestling championships while attending Missouri Valley College from 1995-1998. He is also a former National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) wrestling champion.
Another major signee announced Friday was Tara LaRosa, the first and last Bodog Fight 135-pound women's champion.
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