Thought to be a part of the Bellator 45 fight card set to close out the fourth Bellator season, former UFC fighter Rory Markham has chosen to go a different direction.
Markhan (18-6) decided to sign with Titan Fighting Championship and will face Rudy Bears (12-7) at TFC 18, which takes place May 27 from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas. The fight will be part of the main televised of the card which will air live on HDNet.
Last month Tatame.com had reported that Markham would be fighting the Brazilian Luis Santos who had just signed a four fight deal with Bellator. When asked about the change, Markham acknowledges the previous scheduled bout with Bellator but thinks Titan is a better fit for him at this time.
“Titan frees me up more to fight elsewhere and quickens my return to UFC,” Markham told MMAValor.
Markham has yet to step back into the cage after being released from the UFC following back to back losses with the promotion. After losing to Dan Hardy at UFC 95 by a first round knockout, he the missed weight at last spring’s UFC 111 and lost to Nate Diaz by first round TKO.
The Pat Miletich fighter has been out of action for over a year now, not due to injury but because of acting. After a small part in a movie with Adrien Brody last year, Markham landed himself a larger role alongside fellow MMA fighter turned actor, Randy Couture and Bruce Willis titled “Setup”.
Now done with movies (for the time being) Markham is ready to fight his way back to the UFC, starting with Bears. Coming of a first round submission defeat at TFC 16 against Jason High, Bears will also be looking to right the ship.
Titan Fighting Championships 18 also features former UFC fighters Jens Pulver and Drew McFedries along with Strikeforce vet Darryl Cobb.
