Cage fighter.

Former England, Wasps and Northampton flanker James Haskell will make his mixed martial arts debut after signing with American MMA promotion Bellator.

Haskell, who retired from professional rugby at the end of last season, will compete in Bellator’s heavyweight division, with a press conference expected next week.

Bellator is considered the second biggest MMA promotion in the world behind industry leaders the UFC. Bellator say Haskell will continue his training this year with his first fight “expected to take place during the first half of 2020”.

Haskell has previously trained with British MMA fighter Michael ‘Venom’ Page and worked as a television pundit covering MMA.