I’m a busy guy. Like most people in this modern world, I have many undertakings that take up a tremendous amount of time. So when a friend suggested I come over to watch Bellator Fighting Championship I proceeded to emasculate him and then said I’d be over in fifteen minutes knowing full well that I can’t get caught up in another MMA organization or my wife is gonna shit.
Bellator, Latin for warrior, is an MMA organization that runs eight man tournaments in four weight divisions. As the fighter continues to win he moves forward in the competition and makes more money as he heads toward the final, which will land him a shot at the title. This seems to me the most logical way to get a champ to fight what would be the #1 contender (and have an idea who the #2, #3 etc. fighters would be), unlike other organizations that give title shots to newcomers like a bartender working a college freshman frat party. Brock has 5 pro fights to his name and he is the champion of the biggest MMA organization in the world. I think it is pretty safe to say we will not be seeing any fake wrestling dudes talking shit in the middle of the ring at a Bellator fight. Or fifty year old retired football greats, for that matter.
As I sat at my friend’s house watching the fights I saw hunger in these fighters eyes. A hunger I have not seen in a long time, these guys had the eye of the tiger (cheese, I know I know. but they did). They are fighting almost every three weeks so no elbows are allowed in Bellator, other than that it is your standard MMA rules. I watched as Jared Hess tried to continue the fight after blowing out his knee and being barely able to stand. By the way, Jared will be undergoing knee surgery and expects to be back in four to six months. In regards to his injury, Jared had this to say, “I really didn’t feel it at the time. I don’t know if it was the adrenaline, but all I could think about was trying to finish that guy.” Best of luck on your recovery Jared!
Bellator Fighting Championship was originally marketed to the ever growing Hispanic demographic. Back in 09 Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney, who looks like a polished version of Dana White said, "We believe very strongly that there is amazing opportunity in the sport and business of mixed martial arts in the Hispanic market,"
Mr. Rebney was a fight promoter for Oscar De La Hoya from ‘93-‘97. During those years, he seems to have zoned in on the Hispanic market and what makes it tick. It seems that Bellator may have outgrown its humble origins as Bellator is now seen on many English speaking channels and the show is now broadcast in English. The reason for the success of Bellator could be its tournament style where the fighters control their destiny. They don’t have to work hard and watch as someone else come in with more marketability and ends up the champ after 3 fights. If they lose they lose because the other fighter was better not because of anything else. Those watching the Little Nog fight at UFC 114 will know what I mean.
Although only in season 2 Bellator has an INSANE highlight video and some of the fights are already classics. Fights like the semifinal match between Toby Imada and Jorge Masvidal. Imada was supposed to lose that fight and he was. His face was a mess when somehow during ground action, Masvidal decides to pick up Imada. Imada lands a reverse triangle on the standing Masvidal. It basically looks like Imada is humping the back of Masvidal’s neck. Masvidal’s eyes can be seen going blank and he then drops to the ground, out. Check them out on youtube.
Season 2 finals will be held in Louisville, Kentucky on June 24th where the winners of the tournament will earn the title #1 Contender. It is so refreshing to watch a tournament. I have not seen one of those in a long time. I hope Bellator can stand the test of time…and economics. It will be interesting to see, as Season 3 has been announced for August 12.
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