Bellator ‘Dynamite’ LHW Tourney Rules Includes Provisions for Draws, Injuries, Fouls

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In an ideal scenario, the two semifinal winners of the light heavyweight tournament at Bellator 142 "Dynamite" will advance to the evening’s final without a hitch, and the overall winner will eventually receive a 205-pound title shot.

However, if complications should arise come Sept. 19 in San Jose, Calif., the promotion has its bases covered. Sherdog.com recently obtained a list of rules for the tournament, which includes provisions for draws, fouls and injuries.

Phil Davis will meet Emanuel Newton in one half of the light heavyweight bracket, while Muhammed Lawal squares off against Linton Vassell in the other. The first two bouts will consist of two, five-minute rounds.

If either semifinal or the final bout ends in a draw, the result will go as a draw on both fighters’ records. However, the three cageside judges will then cast a ballot for the fighter they feel should either advance or win the tournament based on “merit of performance.”

There are also several stipulations in place in the event of injury. If a semifinal winner is hurt and cannot compete in the final, something called the “Survivor Rule” will take effect. In that case, the injured fighter’s opponent will advance. If the opponent is also unable to fight, then the winner of the light heavyweight reserve bout will move on in their place. As of now, Francis Carmont is slated to face Roy Boughton in the 205-pound alternate contest.

Meanwhile, the” Survivor Rule” also applies if a semi-final bout ends due to injury as the result of an accidental foul. However, if an injury occurs as a result of an intentional foul, the fighter committing the foul will be disqualified and the winner of the reserve bout will advance.

If the final fight, which is three rounds, ends due to an accidental foul before two frames have finished, the result will be a no contest, and there will be no tournament champion. If two rounds have been completed, a bracket winner will be determined via technical decision.

Finally, the California State Athletic Commission and the Bellator Regulatory Affairs Director to resolve any other unforeseen issues that have not been addressed in the initial rule set.