For Small Town Fighter Woodard, Bellator Tourney Offers Chance to Shine

Filed under: FanHouse Exclusive, BellatorMISSOULA, Mont. – When undefeated lightweight Lloyd Woodard (10-0) heard he’d finally get a shot at the big leagues via Bellator’s 155-pound tournament, he did what any self-respecting Montanan would do: he star…

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MISSOULA, Mont. – When undefeated lightweight Lloyd Woodard (10-0) heard he’d finally get a shot at the big leagues via Bellator’s 155-pound tournament, he did what any self-respecting Montanan would do: he started growing a mustache.

We’re not talking some Brooklyn hipster lip fuzz, either. There is nothing ironic about Woodard’s facial hair, though it is intended to send a message when he shows up on MTV 2 to face Carey Vanier on Saturday night.

“I want everybody to know I’m from Montana,” said the 26-year-old Woodard.

It’s not simply regional pride, although, sure, there’s some of that wound up in Woodard’s Western-style ‘stache. But there’s a strategic element to this, too.