Former England rugby star James Haskell thought Bellator call was to be a pundit – not a fighter
JAMES HASKELL thought an offer to swap rugby for MMA was a joke — but is now deadly serious about cage fights in Bellator.
The former Northampton and Wasps forward, 34, who played 77 times for England, retired in May after a 17-year career.
And following a decade training in martial arts, Haskell did some commentating on a handful of UK bouts.
So when fight promoters Bellator got in touch, he assumed it was for more media work — not an offer to fight.
Now he and concerned TV presenter wife Chloe Madeley are planning his assault on a new sport.
Haskell said: “I had done some presenting before and I thought that is what Bellator were ringing about.
“Once I stopped laughing about it, it made sense.
“When I told my wife, she did not think it was funny but she’s slowly got on board.
“I promised Chloe I am taking it seriously and she is sorting out my nutrition.
“I have a large element of fear, anyone who says there isn’t is lying.
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“But I have done wrestling, jiu-jitsu and boxing training for ten years. I am excited by the test.”
Haskell has the backing of his Red Rose pals.
He said: “Joe Marler has offered to be my sparring partner and Eddie Jones has messaged me for free tickets to my first fight.”
