UNCASVILLE, Conn. – While he never fully stepped away from the combat sports scene, Burt Watson is rolling full force for a major MMA promotion once again.
Bellator has added Watson to its staff as a site coordinator, promotion officials informed MMA Junkie on Wednesday. Watson’s role will be on an event-by-event basis for the time being, but it could turn into a permanent gig. His role is similar to the one he carried out for the UFC from 2001-2015. Watson’s first Bellator fight week is underway, as he is at Mohegan Sun working with athletes in the lead-up to Bellator 258 on Friday.
Watson, 71, built a strong reputation during his 14-year tenure with the UFC. Known as “The Babysitter to the Stars,” Watson’s high energy, vintage catchphrases, and welcoming attitude quickly made him a beloved figure among fighters and teams alike.
His departure stemmed from an incident that occurred during UFC 184 fight week in which a fighter, middleweight Mark Munoz, was stranded without a ride during a tough weight cut. Watson later resigned and cited the way he was approached by an unnamed UFC employee after the incident as the reason.
Watson’s experience in combat sports started long before his UFC tenure. A personal friend and business manager of boxing great Joe Frazier, Watson spent decades as an independent site coordinator and worked with the likes of notable promoters Don King, Lou Duva, and Frank Warren.
Since his UFC departure, Watson launched “Burt Watson Promotions,” which promoted a June 2019 professional and amateur mixed martial arts event in Hollywood, Fla.
Bellator 258 takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.
