3 Intriguing MMA Fights For Jack Swagger (And 3 We Need To See Before He Retires)

5. Near Future: Ernest James

Jack Swagger Bellator
Twitter/@RealJackSwagger

Ernest James is heavyweight out of Fresno, California whose professional record currently stands at 1-1. James last fought this past July at Bellator 202, where was defeated (via TKO) by Valentin Moldavsky. The Californian is a decent all-around fighter who doesn't have a particular specialty.

Hager should be able to to use his wrestling to control James; a man who doesn't have an elite grappling pedigree. That being said, at 261 pounds, the fighter out of Fresno is no small man and has the ability to change the complexion of a fight with a single punch — as is the case with most heavyweights. Still, given his advantage on the ground, this would be Hager's fight to lose.

If Bellator wants to continue to bring the former WWE star along slowly, this is a bout that makes a sense. Ernest James is far from a household name, but he and Hager are at roughly the same point in their respective careers — at least in terms of experience.

Contributor
Contributor

From 1999-2003 Jacques performed on the Florida independent pro wrestling circuit. He also has an amateur wrestling background and currently holds a certification in Krav Maga. Jacques graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2003, with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. He currently resides in Chicago, Illinois. Follow him on twitter @goodeals79.