Report: Bellator Heavyweight Champ Cole Konrad Retires; Heavyweight Title Picture Unclear

Not only does Bellator have a vacancy in the middleweight title picture after reigning champ Hector Lombard jumped ship to the UFC earlier this year, but the promotion now finds its heavyweight title in a similar position.

According to a report by TwinCities.com on Wednesday, undefeated Bellator heavyweight champ Cole Konrad (9-0) has retired from fighting and has taken a job with North Central Trading as a financial trader specializing in milk products. 

Though Bellator representatives would neither confirm or deny the report, an announcement regarding the matter is expected to come down shortly. 

A former two-time NCAA wrestling champion and training partner to Brock Lesnar, Konrad made his MMA debut in 2010. After back-to-back victories on the regional circuit, the 28-year-old signed with Bellator Fighting Championships, where he won the promotion's season three heavyweight tournament. In the finals, Konrad submitted Neil Grove to become Bellator's first and only heavyweight champion, later successfully defending his crown against Eric Prindle in his final fight last May.