Bellator signs former UFC star Josh Koscheck

Josh Koscheck has jumped ship.

The former UFC pay-per-view headliner and The Ultimate Fighter 1 alum has signed with Bellator MMA, it was announced Friday night at Bellator 139.

Koscheck (17-10), one of the biggest "villains" in MMA history, has lost five in a row, the latest against Erick Silva via first-round submission in March. He has not won since a split decision victory over Mike Pierce in 2012.

However, there was a time when Koscheck, 37, was one of the best welterweights in the world. He fought Georges St-Pierre for the UFC 170-pound title in 2010 and owns wins over Matt Hughes, Anthony Johnson and Diego Sanchez.

Koscheck and his managers Bob Cook and DeWayne Zinkin have a long history with Bellator MMA president Scott Coker. The Fresno, Calif., resident still remains a well-known name.

Koscheck is the second former UFC star to sign with Bellator in recent months. Phil Davis penned a deal with the Viacom-owned organization in April.