Press Release
CHICAGO, Ill. (July 12, 2010) — Bellator Fighting Championships’ upcoming Season 3 Bantamweight Tournament continued to take shape today with the addition of 14-2 fan favorite Travis “The Hurricane” Reddinger.
The 28-year-old Pittsburgh native and St. Paul, Minn., transplant – who enters the tournament in the midst of a four-fight win streak – is known for his power, relentless approach and the oversized “BELLATOR” tattoo etched across his torso.
Reddinger says he got the tattoo about 4 ½ years ago, long before Bellator Fighting Championships exploded onto the MMA scene.
“For me it just symbolizes perseverance and the never-say-die mentality that I strive for,” he said. “I know that Bellator stands for the warrior mentality as well, so it’s a great honor for me to be a part of the organization. The tournament concept suits me really well and I love the exposure of being on national TV. It’s all pretty surreal still. I don’t think the gravity of it all has really hit me yet.”
Reddinger is the fourth confirmed participant in the Bantamweight Tournament along with Kansas City brawler Danny Tims, Las Vegas-based BJJ brown belt Ulysses Gomez and fast-rising Wyoming native Nik Mamalis, who gained entry into the tournament with two stunning wins during Bellator Season 2.
Reddinger got his start in MMA in June 2005 and took his first fight about three months later, winning each of his first six pro fights decisively via TKO or submission.
The 5’ 10” bantamweight now trains under the renowned MMA coach Sergio Cunha who was a trainer for both Brazilian Top Team and Chute Box Academy and worked with MMA champions past and present like Anderson Silva, Wanderlei Silva, the Noguiera Brothers, BJ Penn and Shogun Rua.
In addition to his full-time training regimen, Reddinger is also a full-time nursing student and shares in the role of raising his 5-month-old son, Traden, along with his fiancé, Kayla.
“Being a father, it gives all of this a lot bigger purpose,” he said. “It’s not just me I’m fighting for. I’m looking to do something life-changing for my family.”
Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney said that Reddinger poses a very real threat to whomever he faces once the tournament begins on August 12th on FOX Sports Net.
“Travis is a great competitor and someone to keep an eye on in our Bantamweight Tournament,” Rebney said. “I know that he is planning on making the most of this opportunity and he definitely has the skills to make a major impact.”
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator.