Ben Askren vs. Jay Hieron last weekend for the Bellator WW Championship was a very close fight and the decision in Askren's favor had some (like Hieron himself) suggesting an immediate rematch. The problem with that, of course, is that the next WW tournament winner will be crowned Nov. 12th and he is guaranteed a shot at the champion. I propose a simple, elegant solution to the problem that might even draw some new interest for the company heading into next season if they promote it right.
The Season 6 premiere show should have a four man, one night tournament with the following format:
Semifinal A: Ben Askren vs. Lima/Saunders winner - 3x5
Semifinal B: Jay Hieron vs. Rick Hawn - 3x5
One Non Tournament Fight - 3x5
Final: A Winner vs. B Winner - 5x5
This scenario would solve most of the perceived problems in the division:
-Barring an injury in the semifinal round, the night ends with one unquestioned #1 at 170lbs in Bellator
-The Lima/Saunders winner gets his shot at Askren in a timely fashion
-Hieron, at 35, doesn't have to go through another 8 week tournament
-Many felt Season 4 Finalist Rick Hawn got hosed in his fight with Hieron
-It frees space in the planned Season 6 tournament, where they already have plenty of returning tournament vets to choose from such as Brent Weedman, Luis Santos, Chris Lozano and Lyman Good
Thoughts?
Poll
Should Bellator Clear Up Their 170lb Title Picture With A One Night Tournament?
Yes, this tournament would clear up the title picture (22 votes)
No, Hieron and Hawn should go to the back of the line (23 votes)
45 total votes
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