Phil Davis Claims Bellator MMA ‘Reignited His Love And Passion’ For The Sport – Will Prove It At ‘Bellator MMA & Glory: Dynamite 1’

Earlier this year, MMA fighter Phil Davis made breaking news when he left UFC to join Bellator MMA. The reason why such a move was considered monumental was the former promotion spearheaded by Dana White is considered the better promotion in the sport. Yet, “Mr. Wonderful” – who was previously ranked in the top ten in UFC – gave it away for a new beginning in the promotion spearheaded by Scott Coker.

Now Phil Davis is showing more of the reason why he made the jump from UFC to Bellator MMA, claiming the promotion he now works with “reignited his love and passion” for MMA. Davis also plans to prove such at the upcoming hybrid event, Bellator MMA & Glory: Dynamite 1.

Phil Davis detailed such sentiments during an interview with MMA Junkie. Davis claims he knew continuing his time with UFC was in question after his peculiar loss against Ryan Bader in his final fight on his previous contract. Apparently, Davis and UFC officials were unable to come to terms on a new contract, which resulted in him finding work elsewhere in which he ended up with Bellator MMA.

“It was a really weird fight for me (against Bader); obviously I want to win every competition, but in my head it was just kind of a weird fight. Now, fighting for Bellator, I feel like just my preparation reignited my love and passion for the sport. I’m very thankful – not that it was necessarily a bad opportunity before, but I think it’s a better opportunity where I’m at now.”

Phil Davis will be given the chance to prove said “reigniting of love and passion” for MMA during the four-man, one-night tournament at Bellator MMA & Glory: Dynamite 1. He will first take on Emmanual Newton in the semi-finals, followed by the winner of the Muhammed Lawal vs. Linton Vassell fight, as detailed by Combat Press. If he wins the tournament, it is believed Davis will be next in line for the Bellator MMA light heavyweight championship. Davis’ opponent will actually be decided at the main event that same night as current champion Liam McGeary takes on Tito Ortiz.

[Image via Buda Mendes/Getty]