Another important matchup has been added to Bellator’s next tentpole event.
Former featherweight champion Pat Curran will meet Justin Lawrence at Bellator 145: Vengeance on Nov. 6 in St. Louis, the organization announced Thursday.
Curran (21-7) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Emmanuel Sanchez at Bellator 139 in June to break a two-fight winning streak. The Illinois native is one of the most decorated performers in Bellator history with wins over Patricio Freire, Daniel Straus, Joe Warren and Roger Huerta. Curran, 27, could get himself back in the featherweight title picture with a win over Lawrence.
Lawrence (8-2), who recently made a change in gyms from Alliance in San Diego to Power MMA in Arizona, has won four in a row, including his Bellator debut via first-round TKO against Sean Wilson at Bellator 138 in June. The Missouri native is an alum of The Ultimate Fighter and former RFA featherweight champion. Lawrence, 25, remains a prospect in the 145-pound division.
Bellator 145 is headlined by a featherweight title fight between Freire and Straus. In the co-main event, Will Brooks will defend his lightweight belt against Marcin Held. Bobby Lashley and Michael Chandler will also be on the card.