UFC, Rizin, Pancrase Veteran Kiichi Kunimoto Signs with Bellator MMA

Japanese veteran Kiichi Kunimoto has signed with Bellator MMA.

Sherdog.com confirmed the deal with a promotion official on Monday following an initial report from the Japan-based Gong Magazine. A date and opponent for Kunimoto’s debut are currently unknown, but Bellator’s upcoming European Series card in Birmingham as well as its London event are under consideration. Kunimoto will fight in the welterweight division.

The 37-year-old Osaka, Japan native has compiled a 20-7-2 record with one no contest while competing for organizations such as the UFC, Pancrase and most recently, Rizin.

Kunimoto began his Octagon tenure with three consecutive victories but was released on the heels on back-to-back losses against Neil Magny and Zak Ottow. “Strasser” has since signed with Rizin, where he outpointed Satoru Kitaoka in his debut before submitting Ryuichiro Sumimura in the opening round at Rizin 12 last August.