Former England rugby star James Haskell thought Bellator call was to be a pundit – not a fighter

JAMES HASKELL thought an offer to swap rugby for MMA was a joke — but is now deadly serious about cage fights in Bellator.

The former Northampton and Wasps forward, 34, who played 77 times for England, retired in May after a 17-year career.

And following a decade training in martial arts, Haskell did some commentating on a handful of UK bouts.

So when fight promoters Bellator got in touch, he assumed it was for more media work — not an offer to fight.

Now he and concerned TV presenter wife Chloe Madeley are planning his assault on a new sport.

Haskell said: “I had done some presenting before and I thought that is what Bellator were ringing about.

“Once I stopped laughing about it, it made sense.

“When I told my wife, she did not think it was funny but she’s slowly got on board.

“I promised Chloe I am taking it seriously and she is sorting out my nutrition.

“I have a large element of fear, anyone who says there isn’t is lying.

“But I have done wrestling, jiu-jitsu and boxing training for ten years. I am excited by the test.”

Haskell has the backing of his Red Rose pals.

He said: “Joe Marler has offered to be my sparring partner and Eddie Jones has messaged me for free tickets to my first fight.”