Eric Larkin (top) is a newcomer to professional MMA, but at just 3-0, he has already proven himself to be a versatile fighter with finishing power. Will it be enough to take out the much more experienced Kenny Foster? (Photo courtesy of Dave Mandel and Sherdog)
Tomorrow night Bellator Fighting Championship kicks off yet another promising display of top MMA prospects for its fourth season with Bellator 37. Tearing the roof off the Lucky Star Casino in Concho, Oklahoma two hours earlier than normal at 7pm ET due to the UFC’s own offering tomorrow night during the same time block, Bellator brings fans a Season 4 Featherweight Tournament stacked with some of the world’s best talent at 145lbs. just aching to get their hands on reigning champion Joe Warren (6-1). Starting off the night is Daniel Straus (14-2), a competitor who hasn’t lost a fight since April 2009 when he succumbed to the fists of No. 1 lightweight contender Pat Curran (12-3), looking to spoil the Bellator debut of “Naza” Nazareno Malegarie (19-0) who himself aims to maintain his perfect record and take out the veteran Straus. “The Tooth Fairy” Kenny Foster (8-2) looks to follow up his successful September 2010 Bellator debut and punch his ticket into the semi-finals of the tournament at the expense of undefeated newcomer Eric Larkin (3-0). Two-time semi-finalist and fan beloved former Elite XC Bantamweight Champion Wilson Reis (11-2), known for his tough as nails fighting style, has a score to settle with fellow tournament competitor “Pitbull” Patricio Freire (6-1) but he first will have to get past the experienced IFL veteran Zac George (20-3), a viable threat to Reis’ hopes for redemption. In the main event of the evening, Bellator veteran and Russian import “Insane” Georgi Karakhanyan (15-2) takes on the relentless Minotauro Jiu-Jitsu black belt Patricio Freire. Karakhanyan looks to derail the dangerous submission expert and take one step closer to Warren, but Freire has the same goals as his adversary, which certainly will make for an impressive battle. Continue reading »
