Nick Newell will make his Bellator debut on Aug. 24 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Newell, a Connecticut native, will compete on the prelims against Corey Browning, Bellator officials confirmed to ESPN. The Hartford Courant first reported the news.
Newell (15-2) has signed a one-fight deal with Bellator, a promotion official said. His fight versus Browning will be on the prelims of Bellator 225. Newell is a big draw in his home state, so he no doubt will help drive ticket sales.
The 33-year-old Newell is a congenital amputee born without a left hand. This marks his biggest opportunity to land with an international promotion since his Contender Series fight last summer. Newell lost to Alex Munoz via unanimous decision, ending his dream of fighting in the UFC anytime soon.
Following that loss, Newell, a former World Series of Fighting lightweight contender, took 10 months off. He returned in May to defeat Antonio Castillo Jr. via first-round submission at CES MMA 56.
Browning (5-2) will enter the fight on a two-fight winning streak against prospects Kevin Ferguson Jr. and Aaron Chalmers.
The event, which will be held at Webster Bank Arena, will be headlined by Matt Mitrione vs. Sergei Kharitonov 2.
