As their big move to Spike TV nears, the #2 promotion in North American MMA Bellator FC is gearing up for the big move from their current home on MTV 2. To drive interest and keep everyone informed, they’ve been heavily advertising the move with the “I’m Coming Home” ad throughout each of their weekly live events. They’ve given a big push to King Mo Lawal who will be moonlighting as a pro-wrestler for TNA Impact while fighting at Light Heavyweight for Bellator.
Earlier this week, Bellator unveiled a new promotional tool leading up to their 8th season. For their Welterweight tournament kicking off in January 2013, Bjorn Rebney has given up matchmaking rights to the fans. Now on Spike.com fans can vote for their favorite match up of between any of the four eligible welterweights – War Machine, Douglas Lima, Paul Daley, and Ben Saunders.
Despite a modest fighting career and only a single fight in the last two years, War Machine (formerly Jon Keppenhaver) has kept his name managed to keep his name in the headlines. First was his appearances in adult videos followed by two consecutive 1 year prison sentences. He’s finally free again and Bellator has embraced his ex-con persona in their promotion.
Douglas Lima was the winner of 2011 welterweight tournament. In the final round, he knocked out fellow ATT member Ben Saunders. He wasn’t able to capitalize on his contendership bout, however and Ben Askren wrestled him to a decision in April. He was able to recover from the loss last week at Bellator 79 where he picked up a TKO victory over Jacob Ortiz.
Paul Daley may be best known as the guy who clocked UFC contender Josh Koscheck after the bell at UFC 113. Since then he’s traveled around multiples promotions, missing and making weight as he pleases. His most notable fight in the meantime was his incredible round against UFC welterweight Nick Diaz. He’s 3-2 since that fight and won his Bellator debut against Rudy Bears at Bellator 72 in July.
Ben Saunders is another UFC 170 lb. veteran. He made a big impression as a violent Muay Thai striker when he brutalized Marcus Davis and Brandon Wolff with knees in the clinch. He made the move to Bellator in April 2011. Since his debut he’s gone 5-2 with the promotion, only losing to Douglas Lima and Bryan Baker.
If you’re looking to vote for your favorite combination of matches, just hit this link.
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