James Haskell set to make MMA debut

David Skippers

Former England back-row James Haskell has announced that he will be embarking on a career as a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from next year.

The 34-year-old will be competing in American mixed martial arts and kickboxing organisation Bellator’s heavyweight division.

Haskell enjoyed a 17-year career as a professional rugby player and announced his retirement from the game in May after one season with Northampton Saints.

He started his career at Wasps in 2002 and helped them during their Heineken Cup and Premiershi-winning campaigns in 2007 and 2008. He also represented Top 14 outfit Stade Francais, Ricoh Black Rams in Japan, and New Zealand Super Rugby side the Highlanders.

He played in 77 Tests, after making his international debut in 2010, and won the Six Nations on three occasions.

Haskell was also part of the British and Irish Lions squad during their 2017 tour to New Zealand but, although he played in several midweek matches, he did not represent the famous touring team in a Test.

Apart from his rugby achievements, Haskell has been following MMA for several years and worked as a television pundit in the sport alongside British MMA star Michael “Venom” Page, whom he has also trained with.

Although a date for his first fight must still be determined, Haskell is set to continue training for the remainder of this year, with the bout expected to take place during the first half of 2020.