'Why's he fighting Sam Tarley?': Jake Hager's opponent ridiculed by fans ahead of Bellator 221

Bellator MMA has been mocked online after fans saw the opponent for former WWE superstar Jake Hager's matchup, a meat plant worker by the name of TJ Jones.

Hager, who wrestled under the name of Jack Swagger, is a former collegiate wrestling standout and NCAA All-American, who opted to pursue a path in sports entertainment with the WWE before switching his attention to mixed martial arts.

And after claiming an arm-triangle submission victory in the first round of his Bellator MMA debut against unheralded JW Kiser in January, the MMA promotion has again handed Hager a complete unknown for his next matchup.

Hager will face Jones, a 1-1 heavyweight who cuts a rather less athletic figure than the muscular Hager. The difference in physique was apparent when the pair faced off during fight week for Bellator 221.

Fans reacted to the sheer difference in appearance between the who fighters, with Hager looking all business, and Jones seemingly just looking happy to be there.

One fan tweeted: "Anyone can fight for Bellator. I guess I'll sign up," while another commented: "This guy looks like they just brought him out of the crowd."

Another fan likened Jones to a Game Of Thrones character by tweeting: "Why's he fighting Sam Tarley?"

And another cruelly suggested: "This lad won a day out on the back of a coloring book."

One fan criticized Bellator's matchmaking policy, saying "Tired of these guys getting main cards against cans. Cheapens the sport."

While the fans were busy ridiculing Bellator's choice of opponent for Hager, the former WWE star was spending his time chatting with the President of the United States.

Donald Trump put a call in to Hager to wish him all the best ahead of his fight this weekend, with Hager tweeting: "What an incredible honor. Just got off the ph. With @realDonaldTrump . He said good luck and said I was the second best Donald J in America but I have better Hair!!"

Hager may only have one professional fight under his belt, but it's fair to say that it would be a shock of seismic proportions if he lost to Jones this weekend.

But you never know in MMA...