Bobby Lashley (6-1) has a new home.
The former WWE wrestler, who made a pro MMA debut in 2008 and fought two times under the Strikeforce banner, has signed a three-fight deal with the Texas-based Shark Fights promotion.
Officials formally announced the rumored deal on Saturday.
A debut date and opponent were not revealed. Financial terms of the deal also were not disclosed. Lashley, though, is expected to fight in November, possibly as part of a show in Missouri.
Since its inception in 2008, Shark Fights has become one of the sport's top regional promotions. It's expanded its reach with HDNet and FUEL TV broadcast deals, and its seventh show of 2011 is scheduled for later this month.
The Shark Fights signing comes a few months after Lashley pulled out of a Titan Fighting Championship 19 headliner with former UFC fighter Eddie Sanchez (12-5). Officials cited "personal reasons" for his scratch.
Lashley now hasn't fought since a decision victory over John Ott at Titan Fighting Championships 17 in March. The victory followed his first and only career loss: a second-round TKO (via retirement) to Chad Griggs at "Strikeforce: Houston."
Lashley, who owns past MMA victories over the likes of Bob Sapp and Wes Sims, was a two-time NAIA national wrestling champion who also wrestled for the U.S. Army. That ultimately led to a WWE contract in 2004.
