Bellator Shuts Down Female Division, Releases All Women From Roster

The Bellator Fighting Championship has seen it’s fair share of changes recently. The latest of which appears to be the dissolution of their female division.

We announced yesterday that Felice Herrig, a former Bellator fighter, was signed exclusively to InvictaFC, it’s now clear that her transition was just part of a bigger play made by her former employer of Bellator.

Following her lead, the other two exclusively signed female fighters, Jessica Eye and Jessica Aquilar were also released by the promotion.

“Jessica Eye, Jessica Aguilar and Felice (Herrig) represent all that is good in women’s MMA,” said Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Both Eye and Aguilar are ranked No. 1 in the world in their respective divisions and carry themselves with class and distinction elevating the women’s game.

“I’ve said many times that fighters need to fight and fight often. Given our current focus, we are not in position to provide these very deserving women regular and recurring fights on a large platform. And, I felt it was best to let them go and secure options that did.

“I genuinely wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and will be rooting for each of them wherever they fight.”

It is unclear where these two women will end up, however, InvictaFC is the go-to promotion for the sport’s top female athletes competing out of the bantamweight division currently ruled by the UFC.