Bellator Signs Renato "Babalu" Sobral; Debut Targeted For January On Spike TV

The Bellator light-heavyweight division just got a great deal deeper with the addition of UFC vet and former Strikeforce champ Renato "Babalu" Sobral (37-9).

Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney announced the signing via Twitter on Friday. 

While no exact date was announced for "Babalu's" promotional debut, a time frame is in place as the Bellator boss noted the fighter's inclusion in the Bellator light-heavyweight tournament on Spike TV this January.

A 15-year-veteran, Sobral has competed for the likes of the UFC, Affliction, Strikeforce and ONE Fighting Championship. During his lengthy career, the 36-year-old submission artist has notched notable victories over Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Chael Sonnen, Jeremy Horn and Robbie Lawler. In his most recent outing, "Babalu" submitted Japanese star Tatsuya Mizuno at June's ONE FC: "Destiny of Warriors" event.