Months ago, Jay Hieron said "I finally got my release from SF...Y'all know what I'm about to do!". Well I guess we all didn't, cause the #15 ranked welterweight didn't sign with the UFC. Instead, he picked Bellator and signed an exclusive contract for their season 4 welterweight tournament. Hieron talked about his decision:

"It’s just a great fit for me. At this point in my career, I want to stay as active as possible, and the tournament format allows me to do that. It’s a great organization, and it’s just the perfect fit."

He joins season 4 welterweight participants, Dan Hornbuckle, Steve Carl, Rick Hawn, Chris Lozano, Brent Weedman, and Jim Wallhead, who are all set to compete for a shot at newly crowned welterweight champ, Ben Askren. One slot is still open, possibly for recently dethroned champion, Lyman Good.

Hieron hasn't fought since being buried in the undercard of Strikeforce: Miami back in January. He's been frustrated with Strikeforce for not being active enough, and for being passed for the title shot that most pundits feel like he has more than deserved. Those could have been major factors for choosing Bellator, since politics won't be getting in the way this time. He'd most likely be the favorite going in the tourney, but as we all know, that's no guarantee he takes it. Just ask Roger Huerta.