Former ECW Heavyweight champion and MMA fighter Bobby Lashley has signed a contract with TNA and is the first one to pursue a career in pro wrestling and mixed martial arts at the same time.

"I want to do both because I can. TNA is giving me the opportunity to compete in both sports which I have a passion for," he said.

TNA President Dixie Carter said that the company is excited that Lashley has signed his new deal.

"This is a great opportunity for Bobby to do something that has never been done before. He is the perfect ambassador for both sports," said Carter, adding that he will bring a lot to the table for TNA.

Lashley appeared for TNA for the first time at the Lockdown pay-per-view in April as a surprise and then appeared on the following iMPACT!.

"I will bring MMA fans to wrestling and wrestling fans to MMA," he concluded.