Bellator Fighting Championships Angling Toward Impressive Second Season

by Leland Roling on Jan 22, 2010 12:30 PM EST in News Comment 31 comments

Back in April of 2009, the North American mixed martial arts market welcomed an interesting newcomer to the promotional ranks. At first glance, Bellator Fighting Championships probably wasn't the most appealing idea to fans. We had watched while the International Fight League struggled to bring the team aspect to mixed martial arts, and we saw what a major promotion like EliteXC managed to do in trying to create a star in a deficient MMA competitor in Kimbo Slice. Why would the very intriguing idea of weekly shows and tournaments work out any better?

Surprisingly, the formula worked out exceedingly well with a little luck and some very skillful fighters in the mix. Most detractors, including myself, felt that the format and the timeframe would cause some conflicts as commissions would be medically suspending some fighters who won their fights. Luckily, most of those problems were avoided and some fights were simply moved back to later events or events were shuffled to a week later. Problem solved.

It's now looking like their 2010 season could bring them even more success and vault them into the spotlight in North America. They have secured new television deals that will put the promotion on NBC, Fox Sports Net, and Telemundo, giving them both an English and Spanish-based audience to gain ratings.

Even more important is the product, and 2009 might very well be one of the most impressive showings from any promotion during any given year. Not only did Bellator produce some very exciting battles, but we saw some unbelievable finishes that easily attracted both hardcore and casual fans.

Most fans have seen Toby Imada's inverted triangle choke of Jorge Masvidal, but they also brought us Nick Pace's flying knee knockout of Collin Tebo, Yahir Reyes spinning backfist knockout of Estevan Payan, and many, many more impressive performances. Fortunately for us, 2010 has some high quality fighters already signed on the dotted line with an impressive list of 2009 champions awaiting their title contenders. Let's take a look at Bellator's upcoming 2010 season so far...

Eddie Alvarez, Lyman Good, Joe Soto, and Hector Lombard will all await their challengers as four eight-main tournaments will play out to find the next contenders in their respective divisions. Bellator is currently leaking news about the signings very slowly as they are brilliantly maintaining their name in the media from week to week, but the names we know about definitely give fans the thought that this season will be just as good as the last.

Bellator Season Two Welterweight Tournament

Steve Carl (7-1): The 25-year-old U.S. Army sergeant and Iraq war veteran has apparently garnered offers from every major MMA organization in North America, but he's settled on trying to battle his way through the heavily skilled minefield of Bellator's second season welterweight tournament. Carl's only loss came to current UFC fighter Brian Foster, and much like Frank Mir -- he also suffered a traumatic leg injury that set him back nearly 18 months.

"Judo" Jimmy Wallhead (18-5): One of the more impressive acquisitions during the offseason was the acquiring of top British prospect Jim Wallhead. The Judo black belt and Team Rough House fighter was snubbed during The Ultimate Fighter 9 tryouts for being "too experienced", and the UFC's rejection has turned into Bellator's gain. A very well-rounded fighter who will easily improve his striking abilities over time with guys like Dan Hardy and Paul Daley helping him train.

Dan Hornbuckle (19-2): Hornbuckle should be the favorite to come out of the tournament as the eventual challenger to Lyman Good's crown as he has a much stronger strength of competition over the other participants. Defeating Nick Thompson and Akihiro Gono in impressive fashion in his last two fights under the World Victory Road banner have helped his stock, and his lengthy frame, solid jiu-jitsu, and good stand-up game should give any opponent a lot to think about.

Ben Askren (3-0): The 2008 U.S. Olympic wrestler and two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion Ben Askren is probably one of the more green fighters scheduled to appear in the tournament so far, but he has managed to finish all three of his opponents in quick first round stoppages. This will be a major step-up in competition for Askren, but he has shown solid ability in his jiu-jitsu in MMA bouts and at ADCC.

Jacob "Tick Tock" McClintock (6-0): The 21-year-old Arizona Combat Sports member is currently riding an impressive six-fight undefeated record with all first round stoppages. He's mainly a jiu-jitsu fighter with a laundry list of credentials to prove his skill, but he's also showed the ability to control opponents on the ground to win by TKO. He'll be one of the intriguing weapons to watch in this tournament.

Who we'd like to see: Delson Heleno (17-5), War Machine (10-3), Julio Paulino (15-2), and plenty of others.

Bellator Season Two Lightweight Tournament

Mike Ricci (5-0): TriStar Gym is dubbing Ricci as potentially the next Georges St. Pierre as a lightweight, but he has a long way to go in becoming that dominant of a fighter. Still, TriStar's training regiment have been sold as some of the most cutting edge stuff in the business, and a young fighter like Ricci training within that system could create a monster. It should be interesting to see where he's at in comparison to who else Bellator can bring in.

Ferrid Kheder (16-5): The Shawn Tompkins-trained 2000 Olympic judoka will be one of the older fighters in the tournament at 34 years old, but his experience and vast array of abilities should give opponents some real trouble in trying to squeak past him in the bracket.

Rumored participants: Bang Seung Hwan (16-5), Doo Won Seo (6-6)

Who we'd like to see: Roger Huerta (20-3-1) although he has a "matching" clause in his contract until November. UFC can match any promotion's offer., Williamy "Chiquerim" Freire (14-2), and plenty of other suggestions in smoogy's lightweight post.

Bellator Season Two Featherweight Tournament

Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (12-0): The undefeated Team Nogueira prospect was considered a top lightweight prospect, but he's joined Bellator as part of the featherweight tournament. He's an explosive Muay Thai talent who also has a highly effective ground game. He'll easily be one of the huge favorites in this tournament, and he might become a big star for Bellator's featherweight division if he can unload some explosive wins.

Georgi Karakhanyan (12-1): Karakhanyan is a 24-year-old former professional soccer star who turned to mixed martial arts in 2006 after "fooling around" in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with friends. He was turned onto the sport from that point forward, and he's become one of the best unknown prospects in the 145 pound weight class. Mostly known for his strong legs and kicks, he's also shown a good submission base within his skill-set.

William Romero (5-0): Undefeated Canadian prospect William Romero is a former Canadian armed forces paratrooper who was introduced to MMA by current UFC fighter T.J. Grant's brother, Randy Grant. He should be a solid addition to the tournament, but he'll be wading in some stormy waters with guys like Karakhanyan and Freire.

Rumored Participants: Jong Man Kim (21-11-3)

Who we'd like to see: Michihiro Omigawa (9-8-1) would be a huge surprise after falling out with Sengoku over the Yoshida Dojo mishap, but we've seen stranger things happen. John Marriott (17-2), many others could be named here.

Bellator Season Two Middleweight Tournament

Rumored Participants: Dae Won Kim (11-5)

Who we'd like to see: They'll likely have to delve into very green prospects. Julio Paulino (15-2) might consider a run at middleweight, but they should bank on Jared Hess (10-1-1) coming back and maybe gaining a veteran like Jason Day (19-8). Or... BRING IN THE RHINO! Doug Marshall (11-3)

So far, this is looking to be a fantastic offseason for Bellator that should hopefully get better as the season slowly approaches. Time will tell whether the promotion can be as successful as last year, and injuries and medical suspensions will ultimately decide the flow of the events. But you have to admit, looking at the Welterweight tournament roster alone brings an anxiousness to any mixed martial arts fan. Enjoy the season.

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I am effing excited about this

War Hornbuckle!

"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Ben Franklin

by donkeypunch on Jan 22, 2010 12:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the overview – good stuff.

I do note that everyone these days seems to be tripping over himself to praise Bellator for their marketing acumen (following Jordan Breen’s lead) – Rossen, Rios, Roland, etc. The love being showered on Bellator is an interesting phenomenon – a self-reinforcing meme. Each article trumpeting what brilliant promoters and marketers the folks at Bellator are is itself evidence of that brilliance, leading to yet further articles, a viscious circle of positive reinforcement. Good for them.

One issue I see with Bellator is a lack of activity from their current champions. I haven’t followed them too closely but I know Good hasn’t fought and that Lombard and Alvarez have each fought just once since winning. Unless injuries are the culprit, I find that somewhat worrisome. Whatever is in Bellator’s contracts appears (although appearance can be deceiving) to be disincentivizing their champs from fighting during Bellator’s off season. If that’s the case, then Bellator needs to organize more than one tournament a year or give their fighters more freedom to fight outside Bellator.

by The Darkness on Jan 22, 2010 12:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

To be perfectly honest, I think the whole “keeping the champions” on the shelf is a bit strange. I’d almost keep the tournament format like the PRIDE GP’s. You win it, you gain the prestige and honor, but you have to do it once again. Bellator used the tournaments to place champions, but really.. I think they should have just used it as the primary format to crown a GP champion.

I think putting those champions back into the tournament with a bye round or something would be more beneficial.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Jan 22, 2010 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i really thought that what they were going 2 to do that way the winner of the gp is the champ unless someone the title holder gets injured.

Twitter: @silverobot
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by Silverobot on Jan 22, 2010 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Great review. Just reading it made me excited for the upcoming season. I hope they credential you as this is easily the best coverage I’ve seen on their format and fighters.

Also, I really want to see Jason High in the tourney next season.

Giving Shogun his props. I had the fight 48-47 Machida but Shogun put up a monumental performance and I am honored to have seen it in person.

by Day Man on Jan 22, 2010 12:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Good call on Jason High. I always forget about him.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Jan 22, 2010 12:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Where’s Nick Thompson?
And, of course, Karo Parisyan is available.

by nottheface on Jan 22, 2010 2:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Reports are that Thompson might fight Chad Mendes at Shine Fights. No idea on Karo, but that’s an option.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Jan 22, 2010 2:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Is that an 8-sided cage?

by pj48 on Jan 22, 2010 1:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

more so a circle, like good’ol times

Twitter: @silverobot
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by Silverobot on Jan 22, 2010 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, it’s circular, like EliteXC used to use. I kinda prefer it that way.

by agentsmith on Jan 22, 2010 1:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Could not stand the circle when EliteXC used it. Can’t stand it with Bellator. Prefer the 6 or 8 sides cage. Purely for visual aspects.

The circle cage plays tricks on my eyes.

by Timmy B on Jan 22, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Same here

Something about the octagon looks rough, and unfinished because of the edges. The circle cage just looks more professional to me.

by EnsignFrog on Jan 22, 2010 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agree it looks more professional, just thought the UFC would have sued it out of existence by now.

by pj48 on Jan 23, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Jimmy Wallhead was too experienced for TUF… so they didn’t just sign him outright because…?

by agentsmith on Jan 22, 2010 1:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Apparently.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Jan 22, 2010 1:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And didn’t they skip Tyron Woodley…because he has no personal issues?

by nottheface on Jan 22, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It would be much better if the winners of these tournaments went directly into the UFC or Strikeforce instead of sticking around and having to defend their championships.

by Timmy B on Jan 22, 2010 1:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

That's what I've been hoping for.

WW tourney winner fights Lyman Good to take on the winner of Diaz vs. Zaromskis / Riggs vs. Heiron (which is basically a four man tourney already). This will take us into the fall, maybe winter, at which point Tyrone Woodley should have the experience and wins to be considered a contender for the unified DREAM/SF/Bellator WW title. After all that, we’d come out with a well credentialed champ with a really solid string of wins. If they are smart, they enjoy being ranked 4-7ish. If they are unlucky, they go to the UFC and lose a fight for the vacated title (Fitch by decision) after GSP becomes a middleweight.

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by pdl on Jan 22, 2010 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bellator and Strikeforce co-promoting is so logical and I can see it isn’t going to happen.

by nottheface on Jan 22, 2010 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If Bellator goes out of business, it will be interesting to see who buys them up for all the contracts.

by Timmy B on Jan 22, 2010 2:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s not just the fighters under contract that would make it such a perfect co-promoting partner, but the tournament format they use. It is a great way of not only building up talent but making stars out of them as well.

by nottheface on Jan 22, 2010 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

timmy b, your hatred of Bellator is tiring. If you want to yank on Dana White’s penis, I’ve can arrange this for you. Just let me know.

by aggieheaven on Jan 22, 2010 9:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bellator and Shine Fights are both open to co-promoting.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Jan 22, 2010 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Then lets see it

And I don’t mean “hey Strikeforce you want to use Hector on a card in October?” I think at the end of every season the Bellator winner should face last seasons winner. The winner of that match gets an immediate title shot against the Strikeforce champ. Now Bellator not only can serve as an awesome program to develop talent, but Strikeforce gains an avenue to develop more challengers. And if a Bellator fighter wins a Strikeforce title it is only more press for Bellator. More people start watching Bellator those same people are going to want to see who they’re going to be facing in Strikeforce. It is a loop. It is a win-win for both. Hell, Strikeforc could loan Andre Galvao, Tyron Woodley, and Tim Kennedy to Bellator and probably get better returns on building them up as talents and names.

by nottheface on Jan 22, 2010 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I believe Toby Imada announced on mmajunkie radio that he will rematch Masvidal in the LW tournament quaterfinal and I remember Rebney saying that Wilson Reis will be back in the FW tournament.

I also know that Mamed Khalidov’s management is in talks with Bellator.

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by Venom77 on Jan 22, 2010 3:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Good stuff, thanks.

Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

by Leland Roling on Jan 22, 2010 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Way to bring some attention to Nick Pace’s flying knee which was followed by a wicked overhand. Awesome highlight and i think if it was on a bigger stage might have gotten some knockout of the year consideration.

by Rabbit915 on Jan 22, 2010 4:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Look I’m all for more mma, and this is gonna be a good season, but come on, your acting like its some huge season or something.

Other than the WW tournament, cause of Askern, Hornbuckle, Tick Tock and Wallhead, ok thats good, but look at the others, some ok prospects and then weak fighters.

Look at the MW, bring back Hess? Get the Rhino? Day? I mean is this is a joke?

SO you have one of the brightest prospects in the whole sport and def the top MW prospect Lombard, who is waiting forever, had to fight Starnes in the meantime, he will have to fight these guys?

No wonder I read an interview months ago from him saying he cant wait till his deal with them is done, and he is begging to fight Mousasi or Hendo in SF. Its a joke.

Look the WW tournament is good, but the rest isnt, you ok propsects, mixed with weak fighters.

Oh great, the number 3 LW in the world Eddie Alverez might get to fight a 6 and 6 fighter, or ricci. Wow, thats awesome.

Look I’m all for BFC and the tournaments, I think they could be a player in MMA as a feeder org.

My problem is them keeping the champs. If they offered tv time, money and not having to live in a house, prospects would come instead of doing TUF, you get money and tv time, then if you let them go once they won the tournament, the real orgs like SF and UFC and Dream could come sign them.

They would draw fans in with new prospects and some vets who need a win or money, guys looking to get back to the big time. To me thats what BFC should be, but keeping a guy like Eddie or Lombard out of action for how long? Let me ask you this, when this season ends it will be what, July? WHen will the winners fight the champs? At the end of the 3rd season?

You cant have them turn around in a month and fight the champs, you have to give them some time, so you could possibly not see the champs fight till the fall, so from June 08 to Aug/Sept/Oct 10, come on.

Guys like Eddie who should be fighting BJ, Aoki again, Melendez or Florian, instead will fight guys like Imada, or Ricci or a 6 and 6 fighter. Huerta isnt abel to fight until Nov, he cant sign until then, which I dont know why he doenst go back to the UFC? Maybe he feels he could be champ in SF and not UFC, cause he is a good scrappy fighter and is exciting but he isnt elite.

Soto should be fighting in the WEC, or even Sengoku, against Hioki, Sandro etc, or Bibaino in Dream, or the best FW in the WEC, not stuck in this org.

Same with Lombard.

Thats my problem, I’m all for the tournaments, giving prospects money and some tv time, guys who need a win a shot, vets a shot, but I think they should let the winners go to the big leagues after winning, and use this org as a feeder org for UFC, WEC, SF and Dream.

Cause really, do they think they are gonna land any realy big big time superstars? Frankly, what are they paying the champs now that they won? Yeah you get 200k or whatever for winning the tournament, but what doe the champs get per fight now? No way its even close to 6 figures, so they lure you in with the big money for winning, then your stuck under contract fighting for them for alot less.

Guys like Lombard and Eddie and Sotto and even Good, though Good vs the WW winner like a Hornbuckle, which I think all of us hope wins will be a great fight, but the other guys should be fighting in the big leagues.

Thats just my take, I wish they didnt keep the champs, I wish they were a feeder org.

by KRS827 on Jan 22, 2010 4:17 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

they concept of feeder org is a joke. if you are that disappointed in UFC’s inability to develop fighters, stop watching TUF and stop buying the PPVs. Just boycott the UFC’s events until they start creating real contenders.

by aggieheaven on Jan 22, 2010 9:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Right because it’s not like the UFC has ever developed any top prospects into stars no, seriously what are people on these days with some of these comments.

by Raker on Jan 22, 2010 10:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs