Bellator Signs World Champion Kickboxer Cosmo Alexander, Debut Targeted For Bellator 52

The Bellator lightweight rankings just got a little more interesting. Announced Thursday, the promotion has signed former WMC Intercontinental and WPMF World champion kickboxer Cosmo Alexander to a multi-fight contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"The decision to make Cosmo the latest addition to the Bellator lightweight division was an easy one," said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. "His striking is simply on another level and will give anyone at 155 pounds serious problems. I can't wait to see Cosmo's progression in the sport under the Bellator banner."

Known as one of the most feared Muay Thai practitioners in professional kickboxing, Alexander has collected 40 wins throughout his eight-year career while earning practically every major title available. He has finished 19 opponents via knockout, including TKO victories over Muay Thai legends Naruepol Fairtex and John Wayne Parr.

Now, with his legacy firmly cemented in one sport, the 29-year-old shifts to the next challenge on the horizon.

"I wanted to make the transition to MMA because I have already won all of the titles in kickboxing," said Alexander. "I won the ‘King's Cup Tournament Championship', which is the biggest Muay Thai tournament in all of Thailand, and I won the championship in ‘It's Showtime', which is the biggest kickboxing event in all of Europe. I have already accomplished everything I ever wanted to in kickboxing. I've fought and beat the biggest names - so now I want to fight with the best fighters in the world in MMA."

Yet, as Alexander is well aware, to succeed in this goal he must first understand the enigmatic teachings of the mat -- a realm that has eluded countless kickboxers in the past. To prepare, the Brazilian spent extensive time in Florida working with former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans on both his wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu defense.

Regardless, Alexander ensures that when the cage doors close his plan will always remain the same.

"I'm coming to Bellator to put together some devastating knockouts. I want to knock my opponents out with head kicks, elbows and knees in the clinch," Alexander said. "I can submit guys now and I'm definitely prepared to fight on the ground, but I'm definitely going to be looking for the knockout when I step inside that Bellator cage."

Alexander has been tentatively scheduled to make his promotional debut at Bellator 52. An opponent has not been announced. Bellator 52 is slated for October 1st at Lake Charles, Louisiana.