Tag: Bellator FC

Press Release – CHICAGO, Ill. (January 11, 2011) – Chris Lozano gave Bellator fans a taste of what he is all about last season at Bellator 31 with an impressive TKO-stoppage of UFC veteran Yoshiyuki Yoshida, and with the victory, punched his ticket to one of the most talent-rich tournaments the welterweight division has ever seen. “The Assassin” is now a confirmed participant in the Bellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament, which will air live on MTV2 beginning in March. Watch highlights of Lozano vs. Yoshida here: Lozano vs. Yoshida.

Lozano brings a perfect 6-0 professional record to the tournament with all six victories coming by way of KO or TKO. Lozano’s fierce striking and ability to finish his fights is illustrated by his four fights ending within the confines of the first round.

“I fight to finish people. I don’t fight to be nice. I understand that it’s a sport, but at the same time, I’m in there to finish guys,” said Lozano. “I’m going to come into this tournament the same way I’ve come into every single one of my fights, and that’s to put guys away.”

“It’s hard to put a limit to Chris’ potential in the welterweight division. His skills and ability have shown through devastating stoppages time and time again,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “It will be great to watch Lozano face the toughest test(s) of his fast-rising career in our Season 4 Welterweight Tournament.”

Representing the Strong Style Fight Team in Cleveland, Ohio, Lozano believes that it was his destiny to become a professional fighter. Lozano began his journey to mixed martial arts at a young age, training in boxing and Taekwondo as a youth before transitioning to wrestling during his high school years.

Though he started training in mixed martial arts just four years ago, Lozano has grown quickly in the sport, dispatching all six of his opponents as a professional. Looking toward the tournament, Lozano is not intimidated by the prospect of competing in one of the most competitive Bellator tournaments to-date.

“I’ve always been hungry, but I’m hungrier than I’ve ever been right now. Knowing how stacked this tournament is going to be, and knowing how bad I want to win it, has really helped to elevate my game,” said Lozano. “From the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep, there’s only one thing on my mind, and that’s being ready and prepared for this tournament.”

Lozano is the fourth confirmed participant in Bellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament along with Dan “The Handler” Hornbuckle, Rick Hawn, and Brent Weedman.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a

Press Release – CHICAGO, Ill. (January 10, 2011) – Bellator Fighting Championships continues to add to their impressive stable of fighters, this time adding battle-proven veteran Joe “Diesel” Riggs to its ever expanding list of talented fighters. Bellator Season 4 airs on MTV2 in March 2011. Having won six of his last seven fights, Riggs joins Bellator with an impressive 34-11 record that includes 31 stoppage victories.

A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Riggs began his journey to MMA when he picked up boxing at just 10-years-old before wrestling in high school. A two time All-American, Riggs met current UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez at the High School National Championships. With a Golden Gloves boxing title under his belt and widely established as one of the top high school wrestlers in the country, Riggs’ decision to make the transition to MMA was an easy one, and at the age of just 17-years-old he took his first fight and hasn’t looked back since.

A true veteran of mixed martial arts, Riggs is a former WEC Middleweight Champion who has fought for the UFC and Strikeforce, with impressive victories over Strikeforce Champion Nick Diaz, and UFC veterans Phil Baroni, Chris Lytle, Kendall Grove, and Joe Doerkson. After winning his last two fights, including a submission victory over Louis Taylor in August for Strikeforce, Riggs looks to continue his winning ways with Bellator.

“Joe Riggs is a battle tested veteran who brings it in every fight. He is a great addition to our middleweight division, and I’m looking forward to seeing Joe in action during Season 4″ said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney.

Admittedly anxious to return to action, Riggs promises a better “Diesel” than ever under the Bellator banner, stating, “This is the healthiest and the happiest that I can ever remember being in my life. I’m in the prime of my life, I’m injury-free, and things have just really come together in my life. I just can’t wait to show everyone what I have.”

Riggs will certainly get his chance, as Bellator boasts one of the strongest Middleweight divisions in the sport. It was a fact not lost on the experienced Riggs.

“Bellator has a lot of well-rounded, talented guys in their middleweight division,” said Riggs. “Guys like Bryan Baker, Eric Schambari, and of course the Middleweight Champion, Hector Lombard. There are some really good middleweights for me to test myself against, and it was one of the reasons I came to Bellator.”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Press Release CHICAGO, Ill. (January 7, 2011) – Brent Weedman’s last three fights, all wins and finishes, have been under the Bellator banner. Weedman now has the chance to secure his next three fights and ultimately a shot at current Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren in the Season 4 Welterweight Tournament airing on MTV2 in March. Currently riding a string of ten consecutive victories, the electrifying welterweight brings an impressive 18-5-1 professional record to the tournament.

“Brent has put on some incredible performances for us over the last two seasons, he’s earned the right to be added to the Season 4 Welterweight Tournament,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Brent has the raw talent and potential to do big things in the tournament, which will be one of our most competitive to-date.”

A firm believer in finishing his fights decisively, all 18 of Weedman’s wins have come via TKO, KO, or submission, including three first-round finishes in Bellator with a notable KO of Rudy Bears at Bellator 16.

“I’m always looking to finish the fight,” said Weedman. “That’s something I feel very strongly about. I’m a finisher. I’ve always had that mentality in any sport I’ve ever played. I play to win decisively.”

Residing and fighting out of Louisville, Kentucky, Weedman began shaping his future as a mixed martial artist at the young age of eight when he started training in Judo. As a teenager Weedman traveled to Japan and Europe competing in Full Contact Bare Knuckle Karate. In 2004 he became the youngest and first non-Japanese fighter to win the Japan Open Bare Knuckle Karate Tournament, along with also capturing the Kentucky State Championship in Judo.

Now a five-year veteran of MMA, Weedman spends little time focusing on the fact that he has gone undefeated in his previous ten outings, stating, “Right now I feel like I’m 0-0. This tournament is the big leagues. It’s the real deal. All that matters now is win or go home. Whoever wins this tournament is going to be solidified. We all fight because we love to fight, but we’re all looking for recognition as well. Whoever wins this tournament will be in the spotlight in a big way.”

However, it’s his lack of recognition as a fighter that Weedman believes will be to his advantage coming into the tournament.

“It’s an absolute fact that people are sleeping on me going into this tournament,” said Weedman. “This tournament is filled with big names in the welterweight division, and a couple other guys. I happen to be one of those other guys. But that doesn’t affect my end of the deal. I’m still bringing it. Whether or not they know it’s coming or not is up to them.”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Press Release

CHICAGO, Ill. (January 06, 2011) – Bellator Fighting Championships today confirmed former U.S. Judoka Olympian and fast-rising MMA star Rick Hawn as a participant in Bellator’s upcoming Welterweight Tournament airing on MTV2 starting in March. The explosive Hawn burst onto the Bellator scene with an impressive first round knockout of LeVon Maynard at Bellator 33 which was set up with a spectacular Judo throw. Hawn will look to keep that momentum going when enters the Bellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament for a shot at current 170 lbs. Bellator Champion Ben Askren.

Managed by American Judoka legend and former coach Jimmy Pedro, Hawn has amassed a collection of almost two dozen medals in major U.S. and international events, including a 9th place finish in the 2004 Olympic games. Hawn has since made a seamless transition from the mat to the cage, compiling a perfect 9-0 professional MMA record with 7 KOs to his credit.

According to Hawn, Bellator’s unique tournament format will not be that far of a departure from his Olympic roots, stating, “I’m definitely used to the tournament format due to my background in Judo,” said Hawn. “I’ve been competing in Judo competitions for many years with a very similar structure, so I’m definitely used to it, and I’m looking forward to doing it again.”

“Rick was incredibly impressive in his first fight with Bellator, and is a perfect fit for our Welterweight Tournament,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “This tournament is shaping up to be one of our most competitive and talent-rich yet and I can’t wait to see who will be facing Ben Askren for our World Championship after all is said and done.”

A former Olympian himself in freestyle wrestling, Askren captured the Welterweight crown with a unanimous decision victory over then champion Lyman “Cyborg” Good in Season 3.

Entering a tournament stacked with talent, Hawn understands that he must take things one fight at a time, but admits a chance to fight a fellow Olympian is one he looks forward to.

“I’m looking forward to possibly getting the chance to fight Ben [Askren] for the championship,” Hawn said. “He’s an Olympian, an incredible athlete, and the next time we see him I’m sure he’s going to have improved tremendously. I think a fight between us would be a great clash of styles and I don’t think two true Olympians have ever fought in the history of MMA.”

Before Hawn gets that chance, he is going to have to get through one of the toughest tournaments in Bellator history.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator.

About Bellator Fighting Championships
Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2
MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Press Release

Bellator officially announces $100,000 Season 4 Welterweight Tournament, confirms Dan Hornbuckle as first official participant.

CHICAGO, Ill. (January 3, 2011) – Bellator Fighting Championships officially announced today that it will hold a Season 4 Welterweight Tournament in the promotion’s highly anticipated fourth season airing on MTV2. Eight top 170 lb. fighters will face off for a chance at claiming the Season 4 Welterweight Tournament Championship, a check for $100,000, and a shot at Bellator Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren for the title later this year.

While announcements regarding confirmed participants for the Bellator Welterweight Tournament are forthcoming, Bellator veteran and Season 2 welterweight tournament finalist Dan “The Handler” Hornbuckle is confirmed for the upcoming competition. After suffering a defeat at the hands of current champion Askren by way of unanimous decision in the Season 2 finals, Hornbuckle is eager for another shot at the belt.

“The fact that Ben Askren is going to be there waiting for me after I win this tournament keeps me motivated,” said Hornbuckle. “It keeps me waking up every morning hungry. There’s never a loss that is taken easily, so I definitely want to get back in there, win this tournament, and avenge that loss.”

Even with his sights ultimately set on Askren and the Bellator crown, Hornbuckle knows he can’t look too far ahead.

“My sights are definitely still set on obtaining that Bellator gold, but the way that this tournament is shaping up, I can’t look past my next fight for a second,” Hornbuckle said. “This is going to be the toughest welterweight tournament that you will ever see in MMA.”

Known for his highlight reel head kicks and flashy submissions, Hornbuckle has finished 20 of his 22 victories by knockout or submission. In 2010, Hornbuckle compiled consecutive tap out victories over the likes of Tyler Stinson and Steve Carl before picking up a hard-fought unanimous decision win over dangerous UFC veteran “Bad” Brad Blackburn.

“While our first two welterweight tournaments have been great, based on the lineup, this tournament is stacked from #1 through 8 and should be our strongest to date,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Dan’s a significant talent and I know how motivated he is to earn his way to a rematch with Ben, it’s great to have him back in”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

Press Release

CHICAGO, Ill. (December 22, 2010) – With a fighting history that can be traced directly back to the origin of mixed martial arts nearly two decades ago, the legendary Gracie family will now bring its unique Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu influenced fighting style to the Bellator cage in 2011. Bellator Fighting Championships announced today the signing of fourth degree BJJ black belt Daniel Gracie to the Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament.

Daniel is a cousin to Renzo Gracie, Ralph Gracie, and the late Ryan Gracie. The two-time Jiu-Jitsu World Champion is currently set to enter the next chapter of his professional MMA career in Bellator’s first Light Heavyweight Tournament slated for March 2011. Gracie enters the tournament with a professional record of 5-2-1, recently ending a four-year hiatus due to a plaguing elbow injury with a comeback submission victory over Martin Wojcik just 2:17 into the first round.

“The Gracie family has truly influenced MMA as we know it today and I’m proud to say that heritage continues when Daniel steps into the Bellator cage to try to become our Light Heavyweight Champion” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “A Gracie back in the tournament format, is reminiscent of the days when the Gracie’s dominated MMA and that’s something I’m excited to see”.

The decorated submission grappler and PRIDE Fighting Championships veteran has competed primarily in the heavyweight division for much of his career but feels strongly that he will be better than ever at 205 lbs.

“I feel faster and like my technique is better when I fight at light heavyweight. I also feel like my cardio is much improved and I’m much more explosive at 205 lbs.,” said Gracie. “I feel like I’m just better all around at light heavyweight.”

Signing with Bellator is not only a return to MMA for the submission specialist but also a return to the tournament format for the Gracie family.

“This Bellator tournament is the Gracies getting back to our origins,” said Daniel. “The tournament is the way the Gracies got started in MMA. That will give me extra motivation to win this tournament.”

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Gracie first began training Jiu-Jitsu at six years of age, eventually earning his black belt under Carlinhos Gracie at the ripe age of 23. Following two world championships in the sport, Gracie decided that he had done all he set out to do in Jiu-Jitsu and set his sights on MMA. Daniel began traveling to the United States to train alongside Renzo Gracie ten years ago and decided to make the move a permanent one in 2004. He currently operates his own Gracie school in Stamford, CT while training to fight out of the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York, New York.

Gracie says that although his eye is on the prize, he’s also focused on putting on good fights.

“I’m imagining myself winning this tournament, I have nothing but winning this tournament on my mind right now,” said Gracie. “Of course I know that anything can happen in MMA, but one thing I guarantee everyone that tunes in is that I’m going to put on a great show. You can bet on that.”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.