Following a stint on WWE Tough Enough, where he was aiming to become the next WWE superstar, Jeremiah Riggs has decided to make a u-turn on a professional wrestling career and instead return to the MMA world for Bellator at their March 16th event against Trey Houston.

Speaking to HereIsYourWinner Riggs stated the following, “I’m excited. I fought for Bellator in 2010 and won a big fight in Louisville on their undercard. My management team has been talking to them and we think it’s a good fit for me. Bellator is doing big things and they have been aggressive in signing some of the big names in the sport like some of my old teammates like Jon Madsen. One of my best friends, Brian Foster signed with them last year and that got me really pumped up to get back in there. I’ll be at Fiore’s MMA getting the band back together. I’ve been itching to punch someone in the mouth and next month I finally get to do it. Bellator is blowing up and I’m proud to be a part of it. I know Trey is a tough dude. I’ve watched some tape on him and I’ve seen what he can do. He has heavy hands and is pretty good on the ground too. I think it’s going to be an exciting fight when you combine both of our styles. The last time I fought for Bellator I was told that my fight was one of the most exciting on the card and that’s what I want to do is put on a show and entertain the fans.”

As mentioned above, Riggs is currently scheduled to face the undefeated Trey Houston at Bellator 61 on March 16th, 2012 at the Horseshoe Riverdome in Bossier City, Louisiana. Other fights announced for Bellator 61 include Eric Prindle vs. Thiago Santos in a Season 5 heavyweight tournament final rematch, Maiquel Falcao vs. Norman Paraisy in the Middleweight Tournament opening round, Brian Rogers vs. Vitor Vianna in the Middleweight Tournament opening round, Vyacheslav Vasilevsky vs. Victor O’Donnell in the Middleweight Tournament opening round and Giva Santana vs. Bruno Santos also in the Middleweight Tournament opening round.

You can read Riggs’ interview in full at this link.