Bellator Adds “Beast” to Middleweight Tournament

Bellator Fighting Championships today announced the second addition to its 2010 middleweight tournament.

Former WEC veteran Bryan Baker made one appearance during Bellator’s first season in 2009, but this time he’ll be involved in the tournament to crown a middleweight contender for champion Hector Lombard. Baker appeared at Bellator VIII and earned a decision victory over Matt Horwich.

“‘The Beast’ is a dangerous addition to our middleweight tournament,” Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney stated in today’s official release. “He caught my eye back at Bellator VIII, and I knew then and there that he would make a big impact on our 185-pound challenger tournament.”

Baker says he’s prepared for the challenge of winning the tournament, but that a championship bout with Lombard is his ultimate goal.

“I put so much effort into my training that it gives me 100 percent confidence that I’m going to win every time,” Baker said. “Lombard has the belt and I’m coming for his belt. I’d say that he better stay on top of his training or else he’s in for a big surprise.”

Baker joins Eric Schambari in the eight-man tournament.