Bellator MMA Releases Former Top Prospect Bubba Jenkins

Bellator MMA has released former NCAA national champion wrestler Bubba Jenkins following an 11-fight stint with the promotion.

Sherdog.com confirmed the news with a Bellator official on Tuesday. The MMA Report first brought word of Jenkins’ release.

Hailed as “MMA’s top young prospect” by then Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney upon his signing in 2013, Jenkins compiled an 8-3 record during his promotional tenure. “The Highlight Kid” competed at lightweight in his first three Bellator bouts before moving to 145 pounds.

In his most recent outing, Jenkins had a three-fight winning streak snapped in a 53-second knockout loss against Georgi Karakhanyan at Bellator 160 on Aug. 26. It was Jenkins second loss to Karakhanyan -- the first came via submission at Bellator 132 -- in the California-based organization.