Douglas Lima re-signs with Bellator MMA, expects 2024 return

Former Bellator MMA Welterweight champion, Douglas Lima, has re-upped on a multi-fight, multi-year contract that will seeing him stay with the promotion for the foreseeable future. Per a press release, the promotion announced that “The Phenom” inked an extension recently, which will now likely give him the opportunity to fight on both Bellator and Professional Fighters League (PFL) events.

Lima was last seen defeating Costello van Steenis at Bellator 296 via unanimous decision in a Middleweight affair. It was a much-needed win for the former champion, who had previously lost four straight, two at Welterweight, one at Middleweight and one at a catchweight.

Lima lost his 170-pound title to Yaroslav Amosov at Bellator 260 in 2021. Prior to his four-fight skid, Lima enjoyed an excellent run that made him one of the faces of Bellator, going 6-1 and defeating the likes of Michael Page, Paul Daley and Rory MacDonald, whom he defeated at Bellator 232 in Oct. 2019 to win the Welterweight Grand Prix, as well as the division title.

The 26-year old striker — who has been signed with Bellator for 13 years now — hasn’t competed in over a year but he is expected to return to action before the end of 2024. Bellator has six events scheduled for the remainder of the year (see the schedule here), so there will not be a shortage of options for the Brazilian bomber to make his return.

Care to offer up a suggestion or three?

For all the latest PFL and Bellator MMA news and notes click here and here.