Dangerous striker and UFC veteran Ben Saunders (black trunks) makes his Bellator debut against seasoned Judoka Rick Hawn in the Season 5 Welterweight Tournament. (Photo courtesy of Dave Mandel and Sherdog)
The stacked division of Bellator’s 170lb. gladiators are ready to return to the cage. On September 10, another tournament begins and the right for the title shot looms overhead. With several returning faces including fan favorites, true warriors, and even a world champion, Bellator fans are in for a treat this fall.
Submission specialist and Bellator veteran Steve Carl (14-2) has the chance to deal with some unfinished business in this season’s tournament but first he has to get past a young and hungry champ. MFC Welterweight Champion “The Phenom” Douglas Lima (16-4) is coming off his first-round knockout over the dangerous “Dangerous” Terry Martin (20-9) at MFC 29. Lima is riding a strong six-fight win streak with four finishes to his credit; in the Bellator tournament he will be tested and will have a chance at another world title if he can make it through the tournament flawlessly.
“Sapo” Luis Santos (47-6), a very powerful finisher with a solid gas tank to back up his strikes and submission game, will have a tough opponent in front of him when he takes on the man with true grit “The Handler” Dan Hornbuckle (18-4). Hornbuckle needs a win to get over his tournament slump and a win over a seasoned veteran like Santos will prove just the right test for Hornbuckle.
Bellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament runner-up and former Judo Olympian Rick Hawn (11-1) returns for another run at Bellator gold and will look to make another fighter fall to his crisp boxing and slick defense. Hawn is slated to take on former UFC standout and well-rounded prospect “Killa B” Ben Saunders (10-3). Saunders dominated in his Bellator debut against journeyman Matt Lee (12-9) and looks to keep his win streak alive by sending Hawn out cold to the canvas.
Heavy-handed MMA Gospel Young Gun Chris Lozano (red shorts) makes another run at Bellator gold, returning for Season 5 to face Brent Weedman. (Photo courtesy of Bellator)
Returning upset fighter Brent Weedman (18-6) who defeated Hornbuckle in the opening round of Season 4′s 170lbs. tournament will collide with MMA Gospel Young Gun and heavy-handed “The Assassin” Chris Lozano (8-1). The warrior in Lozano has itched to climb back into the Bellator cage after his decision loss against former Bellator champ “Cyborg” Lyman Good (11-2). Lozano’s wish was granted by the Bellator brass and Weedman will be his welcome back party.
An all around solid welterweight tournament for Season 5, and with the likes of Lozano, Hornbuckle, and Hawn there are the opening rounds are guaranteed to entertain.
Tournament bouts are subject to change due to injuries, so keep it locked on MMA Gospel for the latest updates.
