Ed Ruth Explains Why He Chose Bellator

Ed Ruth says he knew he wanted to start at Bellator

For the last year, Ed Ruth has been undefeated in his first three bouts in Bellator MMA. The three-time NCAA amateur wrestling champion did not compete in amateur mixed-martial-arts but went directly from wrestling to professional fighting. In an interview with Fightful MMA's Sean Ross Sapp, Ruth was asked about the recruitment process and how it matched up to college recruitment. Ruth said choosing Bellator was easier than picking his alma mater. 

"It wasn't as hectic as it was in college. Even in college, I chose it right away. I wasn't back-and-forth on the signing," said Ruth. "It was the same thing with MMA. I came out to Bellator and I talked to my managers. I was like 'I really like these guys, I can really see my career take off.' I knew where I wanted to start out at and I knew it as 'this is where people will take care of you,'" he continued.

After college wrestling ended, his mixed-martial-arts career was not known by everyone. 

"It was kind of under the radar because I was doing my club wrestling at the same time. It was like 'hey are you going to fight?' and 'Yea, but I'm not fighting yet,'" said Ruth

On November 3rd at Bellator 186, Ruth has been scheduled to face Chris Dempsey in a middleweight bout on the main card. Bellator chose the venue of the Bryce Jordan Center on the campus of Ruth's alma mater Pennsylvania State University for the fight. 

Fightful MMA will provide live coverage and a recapping podcast for the Bellator 186 fight card.