Maybe the third time will be the charm.
In season one, Bellator lightweight Toby Imada was submitted by new champion Eddie Alvarez in the promotion’s debut tournament. In season two, the end came in a far-more surprising form.
Pat Curran, he of beating Roger Huerta fame, earned a surprising split decision over Imada in the main event of Thursday’s Bellator 21 event in Hollywood, Fla., and will now face Alvarez for the belt in season three.