Former All-American wrestler Raphael Davis‘ name has been thrown into mix competing on this upcoming Bellator season for an opportunity to become the company’s first light heavyweight champion in addition to netting a $100,000 paycheck attached to the honor. Davis will join Daniel Gracie, Nik Fekete, Chris Davis, D.J. Linderman, Tim Carpenter, Christian M’Pumbu, and Richard Hale in the Season 4 tournament. His addition was announced by an official press release.

“Raphael’s been with us for a while now. Last year he sat with me at the Hard Rock and said that ‘all he wanted was the chance to compete in a World Title Tournament’, and I’m thrilled that we are able to provide him that opportunity,” said Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney.

The 10-1 Davis has won his last nine fights including victories in Bellator over Demetrius Richards and Tony Lopez. All of his wins have been the result of a finishing performance with nine coming by way submission.

“I’ve been waiting for so long for this Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament to finally happen,” explained the Californian. “I’ve been seeing all of these other champions get their belts put on them after their fights and I want one of those belts for myself. That has always been my goal ever since I first started fighting – I just want to win a belt. I want to be a world champion. Now I’m just really excited to finally have that chance.”

Bellator Season 4 starts on March 5 with Bellator 35. Fans can tune in to watch all the action unfold live on MTV2.Similar Posts:

• Bellator lands French grappler Christian M’Pumbu for Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament
• Former Marine Chris Davis joins Bellator Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament
• Richard Hale latest light heavyweight added to Bellator Season 4 Tournament
• 5-0 Michael Chandler added to Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament
• Bellator finalizes line-up for Thursday night’s season-ending event

The field of announced light heavyweights competing this spring for an opportunity at a $100,000 payday and the honor of becoming Bellator Fighting Championships‘ first 205-pound title-holder grew by one today as Christian M’Pumbu has been named as the latest Mixed Martial Artist being thrown into the Season 4 mix. He joins Nik “The Machete” Fekete, Richard Hale, Chris Davis, D.J. Linderman, and Tim Carpenter among the lot of participants.

“Christian’s dangerous in every facet of the game and he could use this platform on MTV2 to establish himself as a force in the 205 division,” said Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney.

M’Pumbu holds an overall record of 15-3-1 with 3/4 of his wins coming before the bout’s conclusion including eight submissions and four TKOs. He is 4-1 in his last five fights with pair of first-round finishes in the bunch.

“I have wanted to take a step up in competition for some time now. I’m ready for this,” said the 33-year old Frenchman. “I truly believe that I will be the Bellator World Light Heavyweight Champion. I’m excited about the future. Hard work always pays off.”

Bellator Season 4 fires up on March 5 with Bellator 35 on MTV2 with live events following weekly.Similar Posts:

• Bellator completes Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament field with Raphael Davis
• 5-0 Michael Chandler added to Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament
• D.J. Linderman dropping to 205 for spot in Bellator Season 4 Tournament
• Richard Hale latest light heavyweight added to Bellator Season 4 Tournament
• Bellator announces inaugural light heavyweight tournament for Season 4

PRESS RELEASE / CHICAGO, Ill. (February 23, 2011) — Bellator Fighting Championships continues to add to its Light Heavyweight Tournament, this time adding powerful Ohio native Richard “Rare Breed” Hale to the competition that airs LIVE Saturdays on MTV2. Hale now has the opportunity at picking up a $100,000 paycheck while becoming the first Bellator World Light Heavyweight Champion.

“Richard is another guy we have had our eye on for a while, and his size and experience should enable him to make some noise this season,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney.

Now fighting out of Tempe, Arizona, Hale (15-3-1) began his MMA journey in 2006 just days after being invited to a local MMA event a friend of his was competing in. Now almost five years later, the training has paid off, as the 25-year-old Hale has held Rage in the Cage titles in three different weight classes, including light heavyweight, heavyweight, and super heavyweight.

After giving more than 40 pounds away to opponents in the past, Hale is thrilled to enter the tournament fighting at 205, stating, “I absolutely feel like I’m more powerful and explosive at 205 pounds,” said the 6’4” Hale. “My strength and my stamina is better, and just everything all around. With the weight cut and everything, it pushes me to be a better athlete.”

With thirteen finishes in fifteen victories, Hale is anxious to put his crowd pleasing style on display LIVE on MTV2 during Bellator Season 4.

“I’m looking at this tournament as an opportunity to display my skills to the world,” said Hale. “I feel like this is my opportunity to make a statement and I’m absolutely going to take advantage of it. I’m not coming to Bellator just to put on a fight; I’m coming to put on an entertaining fight. This is an entertainment sport, so my opponents have to be ready for anything.”

Hale is the fifth confirmed participant in the Light Heavyweight tournament, joining Nik “The Machete” Fekete, Chris Davis, D.J. Linderman, and Tim Carpenter. Similar Posts:

• Bellator completes Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament field with Raphael Davis
• Bellator lands French grappler Christian M’Pumbu for Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament
• D.J. Linderman dropping to 205 for spot in Bellator Season 4 Tournament
• Former Marine Chris Davis joins Bellator Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament
• Bellator Fighting Championships signs heavyweight prospect D.J. “Da Protege” Linderman

Bellator Fighting Championships’ already-deep featherweight division took another step towards cementing its status as the top 145-pound roster in MMA with the addition of Sengoku stand-out Marlon Sandro. However, though Sandro is scheduled for his promotional unveiling in the next few months he will not participate in the Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament as the field of competitors has already been established.

Word of his signing came via an official press release from Bellator where CEO Bjorn Rebney explained, “Our featherweight division is absolutely stacked and Sandro pushes that talent pool to an even higher level. I’m thrilled to have him on board.”

The 33-year old Brazilian will enter the promotion with a 17-2 record and has yet to be finished in his career. Sandro has won three of his last four fights including a trio of first-frame knockouts. The latter stat is particularly notable given Sandro’s success as a BJJ blackbelt.

No official date or opponent were mentioned in relation to Sandro’s debut.
Similar Posts:

• Marlon Sandro expresses possibility of New Year’s Eve action
• Yoshiyuki Yoshida joins Bellator during Season 3 for chance at Season 4 WW tourney spot
• Featherweight Kenny Foster joins Bellator Season 4 tournament pool
• Bellator Fighting Championships signs heavyweight prospect D.J. “Da Protege” Linderman
• Bellator confirms featherweight tournament featuring Eric Larkin for Season 4

Explosive middleweight Hector Lombard appears to have a date and opponent lined up for his return to the cage. According to multiple sources the promotion’s 185-pound champion will likely fight on May 14 at Bellator 44 with veteran grappler Niko Vitale serving as the latest individual attempting to solve the riddle provided by Lombard’s in-ring offerings.

News of the potential match-up was first reported by
MMAJunkie where it was also explained the 33-year old’s belt would not be on the line.

Lombard is 27-2-1 in his career including six wins under the Bellator banner. He hasn’t been beaten since November 2006 with twenty victories and a single draw since falling by way of decision to Gegard Mousasi at a PRIDE event. His latest instance of success came this past October in the form of a Unanimous Decision title-defense over Alexander Shlemenko.

Newly-signed Vitale will be making his Bellator debut when the two square off in May but brings experience in Strikeforce, the UFC, and a host of other organizations with him. The 28-9 Hawaiian grappler hasn’t been finished in five years and holds past wins over respected opponents like Matt Lindland and Yushin Okami. Sixteen of his victories have come by way of submission including back-to-back Ezekiel Chokes in his last two outings.Similar Posts:

• Bellator 34 caps season off with history-making event
• Report: EliteXC signs Hector Lombard
• Bellator Middleweight Champ Hector Lombard vs. Herbert “Whisper” Goodman set for Bellator 24
• Strikeforce signs Jason High to multi-fight contract
• Bellator caps off third season with pair of title fights at Bellator 34

Bellator Fighting Championships Confirms Undefeated Light Heavyweight Tim Carpenter for Season 4 Tournament

Fast-rising undefeated prospect Tim Carpenter has signed an exclusive contract with Bellator Fighting Championships to compete in Bellator’s first ever Light Heavyweight Tournament, airing LIVE on MTV2 starting in March. Carpenter joins Bellator with a perfect 6-0 professional record that includes a hard fought decision victory against dangerous submission specialist Jamal Patterson at Bellator 33 in October.

A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with 3 submission victories to his credit, Carpenter currently trains out of one of the premier martial arts gyms in Philadelphia, Balance Studios. Under the tutelage of world renowned trainers Phil and Ricardo Migliarese, Carpenter credits his Philly upbringing with the success he has seen in the world of mixed martial arts.

Tim Carpenter

“The fight scene here in Philadelphia is great,” said Carpenter. “It’s really like a family, and it really pushes you to be at your best. I’m always training, and it has turned me into a really well rounded fighter. I’m comfortable on my feet, but also on the ground, and my training here has a lot to do with it.”

Carpenter is admittedly anxious to take his skills to the next level in the upcoming Bellator tournament, which promises to be the biggest test in his rapidly developing career.

“When I started looking at Bellator and I saw the list of champions and tournament winners, it’s really impressive,” Carpenter said. “You have guys that are at the top of the sport fighting for Bellator, and it’s exciting to get the chance to compete in a tournament like this. Once you hit that championship level at Bellator, you’re in there with guys like Eddie Alvarez, Hector Lombard, Ben Askren, Cole Konrad and Zack Makovsky. It would be an honor to be mentioned in the same sentence with those guys.”

“Tim was very impressive at Bellator 33, and it was that performance that made us realize that he could be a great addition to our Light Heavyweight tournament,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney.”

Carpenter joins D.J. Linderman, Daniel Gracie, Nik “The Machete” Fekete, and Chris Davis as confirmed participants in the upcoming Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament on MTV2.

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, IL. (February 18, 2011) – Bellator Fighting Championships today confirmed the addition of hard hitting former heavyweight D.J. “Da Protégé” Linderman to its upcoming Light Heavyweight Tournament which will air LIVE on MTV2 beginning in March.

The California native currently sports an impressive 8-1 record including a submission victory over Devin Cole, a knock out win against American Top Team heavyweight Mario Rinaldi last November, and a 2009 victory over Bellator veteran Mike “300” Hayes.

A skilled football player in high school, Linderman thrives on using takedowns to his advantage inside of the cage. Once on the mat, a furious ground and pound assault usually follows. Linderman’s incredible drive and force is what led the powerful 27-year-old to Bellator.

“D.J. should bring great power with him when he makes the cut to 205 lbs. for the first time in our Light Heavyweight Tournament on MTV2,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “He had a very aggressive style at Heavyweight, so at 205, he could be a force in this tournament.”

The former heavyweight that has fought as high as 261 lbs. has committed to dropping weight in order to enter the upcoming Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament. While cutting the weight was a challenge, Linderman is happy with the results.

“I want to improve my game all around,” said Linderman. “I want to improve my cardio, my strength and my quickness. Being a heavyweight that’s dropping down to light heavyweight has its advantages. I feel like I will be better than ever at light heavyweight.”

The upcoming Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament will be the biggest test of Linderman’s young career, and “Da Protégé” is ready for the challenge.

“I’ve never competed in a tournament like this before, so I’m really excited to take part in this one with Bellator,” Linderman said. “I know this tournament will have a bunch of great fighters, and they’re going to try to put everything they have out there, and so will I. I’m looking to make a name for myself to the millions of fans that will be watching on MTV2.”

Linderman joins Daniel Gracie, Nik “The Machete” Fekete, and Chris Davis as confirmed participants in the upcoming Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament.

PHOTO CREDIT – BELLATORSimilar Posts:

• Richard Hale latest light heavyweight added to Bellator Season 4 Tournament
• Bellator’s 205-pound tournament starts taking shape with addition of All-American wrestler Nik Fekete
• Bellator adds Daniel Gracie to Season 4 roster
• Bellator Fighting Championships signs heavyweight prospect D.J. “Da Protege” Linderman
• Bellator adds rising featherweight Daniel Straus to Season 4 Featherweight Tournament

Heavyweight D.J. Linderman Makes the Cut for Bellator Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament

Bellator Fighting Championships today confirmed the addition of hard hitting former heavyweight D.J. “Da Protégé” Linderman to its upcoming Light Heavyweight Tournament which will air LIVE on MTV2 beginning in March.

The California native currently sports an impressive 8-1 record including a submission victory over Devin Cole, a knock out win against American Top Team heavyweight Mario Rinaldi last November, and a 2009 victory over Bellator veteran Mike “300” Hayes.

D.J. “Da Protégé” Linderman

A skilled football player in high school, Linderman thrives on using takedowns to his advantage inside of the cage. Once on the mat, a furious ground and pound assault usually follows. Linderman’s incredible drive and force is what led the powerful 27-year-old to Bellator.

“D.J. should bring great power with him when he makes the cut to 205 lbs. for the first time in our Light Heavyweight Tournament on MTV2,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “He had a very aggressive style at Heavyweight, so at 205, he could be a force in this tournament.”

The former heavyweight that has fought as high as 261 lbs. has committed to dropping weight in order to enter the upcoming Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament. While cutting the weight was a challenge, Linderman is happy with the results.

“I want to improve my game all around,” said Linderman. “I want to improve my cardio, my strength and my quickness. Being a heavyweight that’s dropping down to light heavyweight has its advantages. I feel like I will be better than ever at light heavyweight.”

The upcoming Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament will be the biggest test of Linderman’s young career, and “Da Protégé” is ready for the challenge.

“I’ve never competed in a tournament like this before, so I’m really excited to take part in this one with Bellator,” Linderman said. “I know this tournament will have a bunch of great fighters, and they’re going to try to put everything they have out there, and so will I. I’m looking to make a name for myself to the millions of fans that will be watching on MTV2.”

Linderman joins Daniel Gracie, Nik “The Machete” Fekete, and Chris Davis as confirmed participants in the upcoming Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament.

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.

Bellator Fighting Championships has announced the third individual participating over the next few months during Season 4 for an opportunity at earning $100,000 and the honor of becoming Bellator’s first 205-pound champ. According to an official press release from the company, Chris Davis will look to build on his current three-fight winning streak starting in March on MTV2 as part of the light heavyweight tournament field.

Davis is 10-2 as a professional and has is coming off a trio of consecutive victories by way of strikes in addition to having finished the seven other opponents he’s faced since turning pro a little less than three years ago. However, “The Professional” hasn’t fought since this past April when he knocked out Strikeforce veteran Francisco France meaning he’ll likely enter the ring with some additional aggression to unleash on his adversaries.

“I want to overwhelm my opponents,” said Davis of his in-ring style. “I want them to feel within the first forty-five seconds that they are well beyond their means, and they shouldn’t be in there with me. That’s the pace I go for.”

“I’m looking forward to being part of Bellator’s first ever light heavyweight tournament,” he continued. “I welcome the thought of having to fight as often as I will. I’m going to just stay in shape and train all the time. I think it will help accelerate my learning curve and help me to get better.”

Davis joins Daniel Gracie and Nik Fakete among the group of already-announced Bellator Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament fighters. Fans can watch their quest to become champion unfold live starting next month on MTV2.Similar Posts:

• D.J. Linderman dropping to 205 for spot in Bellator Season 4 Tournament
• Bellator adds Daniel Gracie to Season 4 roster
• Bellator names Patricio Freire as seventh featherweight in Season 4 tournament
• Bellator adds rising featherweight Daniel Straus to Season 4 Featherweight Tournament
• Zac George added to Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament

U.S. Marine Chris “The Professional” Davis signs with Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships has signed the dynamic Chris Davis to its growing list of light heavyweights. After spending over four years serving the United States as a  Marine, “The Professional” will bring his skills to the cage in hopes of becoming the first ever Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion in the first ever Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament, airing LIVE this March on MTV2.

“Chris has a great opportunity in front of him in this 205 Tournament,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Chris has never been out of the 2^nd round, in every one of his 10 wins, so his fights are exciting and he has a put it on the line mentality every time he steps into the cage.”

Chris “The Professional” Davis

Residing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Davis began his journey into the world of Mixed Martial Arts by chance. After taking a job selling local advertisements, Davis stumbled upon a local gym after looking for new businesses to target. Sensing an opportunity, Davis offered the owner free ad space for complimentary lessons in MMA. It was the perfect fit, and Davis was hooked.

“I knew I was a champion after going out there and winning my first fight following just three months of training,” said Davis. “Now when I go out there and get my hand raised with Bellator, that’s when everyone else will know I’m a true champion.”

That attitude has earned Davis an impressive 10-2 record, including wins against Strikeforce alum Francisco France, Bellator veteran Brian Imes, and fast rising Chris Bell. Having never gone the distance once in his professional career, Davis is tenacious in the cage, using his aggression to overmatch his opponents early in the fight. Davis has won his last three fights by knockout, and has seven first round stoppages to his name.

“I want to overwhelm my opponents,” said Davis. “I want them to feel within the first 45 seconds that they are well beyond their means, and they shouldn’t be in there with me. That’s the pace I go for.”

“The Professional” will meet some of his toughest competition yet in the Light Heavyweight Tournament, and will need to be on top of his game to achieve the ultimate goal.

“I’m looking forward to being part of Bellator’s first ever light heavyweight tournament, Davis said. “I welcome the thought of having to fight as often as I will. I’m going to just stay in shape and train all the time. I think it will help accelerate my learning curve and help me to get better.”

Davis joins Nik “The Machete” Fekete and Daniel Gracie as the only other confirmed participants in the Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament.

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.