Bellator Adds Maiquel Falcao, Giva Santana to 185-Pound Tournament

Some names have started to be released for Bellator's 185-pound tournament that kicks off in March with Maiquel Falcao and Giva Santana announced as joining the fray Wednesday.

Sherdog first reported the news of Falcao's involvement, who will be making his promotional debut in the tourney's first round. Falcao (28-4-0-1) was notably released from the UFC even after his only Octagon fight was a win over Gerald Harris at November 2010's UFC 123.

He pulled out of a fight with Alessio Sakara due to an injury and following issues stemming from a 2002 assault on a woman, the UFC cut ties with the 30-year-old. Falcao has fought three times in Brazil since then, going 2-1 with a pair of quick first round TKO wins.

Santana (17-1) made his Bellator debut last October with a first round submission win over Darryl Cobb, his 13th career win by armbar. He's won six fights in a row and is a veteran of EliteXC, M-1 and Tachi Palace Fights.

Brian Rogers (8-3) is the only other middleweight that is confirmed for the tournament, his second for Bellator. In season five, he lost in the semifinals to eventual winner Alexander Shlemenko.