Ex-WWEer Lashley inks Shark Fights deal

Free-agent MMA fighter and former WWE wrestler Bobby Lashley and Shark Fights have verbally agreed to a three-fight deal. Terms were unavailable. Lashley signed with Shark Fights saying, "It's going to give me the opportunity to get some more fights under my belt." A location on his first fight is not yet determined, but it is expected to be in Missouri. It would be sort of a homecoming for Lashley, as he attended Missouri Valley College. The fight will be in November, to be aired on Fuel TV. As to why Shark Fights chose Lashley, the promotion's CEO, Bud Brutsman, said, "It's going to be big for us. When you're a little organization you need to make some noise, and Bobby is the perfect one to make some noise. There is nobody better than him right now that's out there." A signing like this solidifies Shark Fights as the No. 3 organization in mixed martial arts. "By signing Bobby were saying we're willing to put our money out there to make it happen, and bring in and sign the bigger-name talent, and not just has-beens and nobodies," Brustman said. Many will recognize Lashley from his days in the WWE, but today he is a dedicated mixed martial artist. In early July, he began a relationship with Strikeforce heavyweight Josh Barnett. Now, Barnett has taken Lashley under his wing, helping him take his game to the next level. As a professional, Lashley has a record of 6-1 and is looking to put his past behind him and "show people that I am here to fight."