Top US Freestyle Wrestler, Shawn Bunch, signs with Bellator

Shawn Bunch, one of America's top freestyle wrestlers has signed with Bellator, reports Ariel Helwani on his Twitter feed.

Former U.S. Olympic Wrestling Hopeful Shawn Bunch (@bunchthegreat) Signs With Bellator -- mmafighting.com/bellator/2012/…

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 18, 2012

Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney posted the following on his Twitter feed, which was retweeted by Bunch:

If you're a wrestling fan & its in your blood, stay tuned tomorrow for an announcement about another wrestling monster joining Bellator

— Bjorn Rebney (@BjornRebney) June 17, 2012

The 29-year-old Bunch is expected to debut as a bantamweight sometime this fall. He initially applied to Bellator in 2010, but held off because of his lack of experience with regard to MMA fighting and that he wanted to try out for the 2012 Olympics. His Olympic dream was dashed last week when he lost to Coleman Scott at a wrestle-off in Times Square, New York.

Bunch is a founding member of Team Thirsty, a group of wrestlers who have made the move to MMA; including Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, Daniel Cormier, Jamill Kelly and Rashad Evans. Bunch's career wrestling record is 132-24. More than likely he will compete in several non-tournament fights for Bellator before entering the bantamweight tournament.