Max Metzgar signs multi-fight exclusive deal with Bellator MMA
Photos by Rick Lane
One of the top amateur fighters in Ohio is headed to Bellator MMA, as “Mad” Max Metzgar has signed an exclusive multi-fight deal with the promotion.
The 26-year-old will make his pro debut for the promotion this year. He stated when he made his amateur debut in 2021 that his goal was to turn pro by 26, and he made the announcement that he is turning pro on his 26th birthday, which came on the same day he won the super lightweight title with a clear-cut decision win over Graham Hunter at Ohio Combat League 24 earlier this month.
Metzgar posted a 7-0 amateur record that included four knockouts and one submission, and title wins in the ECC and OCL promotions. He’s ranked as the No. 1 amateur lightweight in Ohio and Kentucky and No. 2 in the Midwest according to Tapology.
Originally from Chicago, he wrestled on one of the best teams in the state under Mike Powell at Oak Park & River Forest High School. The team was the first from Illinois to win a national championship and were also three-time state champions during his time there.
Metzgar now lives and trains in Columbus, Ohio, where he represents Ronin Training Center under veteran coach Josh Williams. Ronin is owned by UFC veteran Luke Zachrich and has produced UFC fighter Dan Spohn, Rizin FF veteran Chelsea LaGrasse, and Bellator veteran Travis Davis, as well as some of the top amateur and pro fighters in the state.
