Bellator parts ways with 18 fighters, including former champions Daniel Straus and Liam McGeary

By Mike Heck and Damon Martin Jul 11, 2021, 7:00pm EDT

Bellator’s roster is now 18 fighters lighter.

Promotional officials confirmed with MMA Fighting on Saturday that they have parted ways with several athletes, although specific details were not disclosed. MMA Junkie first reported the movement.

Among the fighters turning the page are former world champions Daniel Straus and Liam McGeary. Straus hasn’t competed since a September 2019 decision loss to Derek Campos and found himself in trouble with the law earlier this year when he was arrested and charged with a single felony count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after allegedly beating and stabbing his on-again, off-again partner.

It has been over two years since McGeary has made the walk to the Bellator cage and was forced to tap due to a jaw injury suffered in his fight with Phil Davis at Bellator 220.

Former UFC fighter Bec Rawlings will also be turning the page from her Bellator chapter after going 1-1 in the promotion. Per a source, Rawlings has been in negotiations for a return to BKFC but it hasn’t been finalized.

Other notable names on the list include former WBO featherweight boxing champion Heather Hardy, Tywan Claxton and Tyree Fortune.

Check out the full list of fighters no longer under contract with Bellator:

Daniel Straus

Liam McGeary

Bec Rawlings

Heather Hardy

Tywan Claxton

Tyree Fortune

John Teixeira

Khonry Gracie

Amanda Bell

Alessio Sakara