Jake Hager is currently in AEW as one of the main parts of "The Inner Circle", one of the top stables in the promotion. However, while Hager is putting on matches on Wednesdays, Hager is also having to spend time to prepare fighting on Saturdays. Hager is currently signed to Bellator MMA and has been fighting in the promotion since 2017.
While Hager has had the gimmick of being a cage-fighter while in AEW, they haven't mentioned a whole lot of specifics in regard to his fighting career. Here are a few things that fans may not know in regard to Hager's fighting career in Bellator.
7 He Had An Incredible Amateur Wrestling Background
Unlike fellow professional wrestler turned MMA fighter CM Punk, Hager actually has lots of experience in martial arts prior to his journey into MMA. Hager was an amateur wrestler in high school and college, and he was more than just an average one. While Hager was wrestling in college, he was one of the best in the country.
Hager was given All-American honors his senior season at the University of Oklahoma. Hager also set the record for the university for most pins in a season with 30. Additionally, Hager ended the season seventh place at the NCAA championships.
6 He Signed To Bellator in 2017
Hager signed with Bellator in December 2017, after his release from the WWE in March of that same year. Hager pondered the move for a few months before officially making the move to MMA, however, he wasn't going to just jump into the venture quickly.
Following Hager's signing, he decided to dedicate himself to picking up MMA and he didn't rush himself. Hager following his signing would not debut for another year plus, making his debut in January 2019 at Bellator 214.
5 He Dominated His Debut Fight
Jake Hager made his pro debut against J.W. Kizer, a then-veteran of two fights. The 1-1 Kizer was a massive underdog against Hager and the fight then showed why betting odds exist.
Hager took Kizer down immediately to start the bout. He then dominated his older foe on the mat, quickly locking up an arm-triangle choke submission to end the fight in the first round. Not a bad start to his MMA career.
4 His Controversial Win In His Second Fight
Hager's second bout came at Bellator 221 in May 2019. Hager faced the 1-1 beef plant worker T.J. Jones, and predictably, Hager dominated the bout. He took down Jones early, and quickly went to work, landing bombs from the top before moving to side control for the submission attempt.
Hager worked his way over and got an arm-triangle choke in deep. Hager soon got the tap from Jones, despite getting the tap, he didn't release the submission and put Jones to sleep after holding the choke for an additional few seconds. Hager was then booed out of the arena as a result, going heel during his post-fight interview telling the crowd to keep booing, because he doesn't care about them.
3 His Hilarious No Contest Against Anthony Garrett
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=740&dpr=1.5)
Hager's third fight saw time for a step up in competition. He was then matched up with the 4-2 Anthony Garrett, while not a fantastic record, Garrett was a CFFC veteran who had already defeated a former Hager opponent in J.W. Kizer. Sadly for both men, the fight didn't go well.
Hager and Garrett spent most of their few minutes in the cage doing a lot of nothing. Hager shot for takedowns and couldn't get them, and from there it was clear Hager was not an effective clinch fighter. Hager repeatedly accidentally knee'd Garrett in the groin, and Garrett was unable to continue. The bout was then ruled a no-contest due to the multiple strikes below the belt.
2 His War With Brandon Calton
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
Hager's fourth professional fight against Brandon Calton proved he was officially a fighter. The then 2-0 (1) Hager was matched up with the former NFL player in Brandon Calton at Bellator 250. Calton was officially 2-0 as a pro fighter, however, he was also 4-0 as an amateur fighter. All six of his wins going in also came the way of finish.
The fight with Calton was the first real challenge of Hager's career, Calton was able to keep the fight on the feet for various amounts of time, and for the first time, Hager couldn't rely on his wrestling to win him the fight. In the end, it wound up being a standup war, Hager's bloodied face told the tale at the end of how the fight went. In the end, however, Hager walked away with his hand raised, winning the bout via split decision.
1 Hager Is Set For A Big Showdown With Jon Jones
In a weird twist of fate, Hager is currently set for the biggest test of his MMA career. However, it's not inside of a cage, and it is not in MMA.
Hager's next combat sports appearance is set for December 9th against former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones in a grappling match. The showdown is set for the UFC Fight Pass affiliate Cage Fury Grappling, and the two are already talking trash as Jones has been referring to Hager exclusively by his WWE name of "Jack Swagger".