Bellator Fighting Championships on the right track
PHILADELPHIA, PA-- Bellator Fighting Championships held open tryouts at Daddis Fight Camps in Philly on Saturday, Oct. 2. This was unique because these tryouts brought out fighters of all shapes and sizes, from pro to amateur, all there to compete for a spot in the fastest growing MMA promotion in the world.
The tryouts had a nice twist. The competitions consisted of grappling and striking.
Unlike UFC's "The Ultimate Fighter," there is no reality show here. There is only one winner and anyone else that impresses the judges could very well be called back. Speaking of the judges, there were two notable names viewing the action—Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez and head honcho CEO Bjorn Rebney.
In speaking to both, I realized a few things. For starters, despite being a Philly sports fan, Alvarez seemed to be an extremely down to earth for a guy that Rebney called "the best lightweight in the world." All kidding aside, it would be hard to argue with Rebney that Alvarez is not only Top 10, but Top Five amongst MMA's best lightweights, if not the best as he emphatically stated.
Fred Richani w/ Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney
Alvarez will have a chance to further prove that proclamation when he faces UFC veteran Roger Huerta in a huge superfight at Bellator 33 in Philly on Oct. 21. Now that I mentioned Oct. 21, here's where these tryouts got interesting. The winner of the tryouts, as well as anyone else that may have impressed, has a chance to compete live on the Bellator 33 card.
Now, if that's not enough motivation to showcase your skills, I don't know what is. Clearly, all participants took this great opportunity seriously as we met fighters from the States, Puerto Rico, and even Russia that came to Philly for Bellator and Bellator only
Bellator realizes they are not at the level of UFC or Strikeforce in terms of notoriety—not yet anyway, but the still-young MMA promotion has certainly done its part to seek the best talent out there. For every great UFC, Strikeforce, or DREAM fighter competing, there are just as many, if not more that were overlooked by bigger organizations and ready to make a name for themselves elsewhere—preferably Bellator for Bjorn Rebney.
While Bellator may not have the most notoriety, the promotion does have some of the most exciting fighters in the world broadcasted to a viewing audience every Thursday night on Fox Sports Net and Telemundo, along with highlights consistently posted on the company's YouTube channel.
With Bellator's popular tournament format, it allows for unpredictability and star making performances that guarantee the best always fight the best.
Joe Soto, Joe Warren, Eddie Alvarez, Hector Lombard, and Lyman Good are just a few fighters that became overnight sensations and now true stars via Bellator.
If you are a fighter and Bellator comes to your town, take advantage of the opportunity. It may be the greatest decision of your professional life.
Visit Bellator.com for more information.
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