Curran Fills Bellator’s Final Lightweight Slot

Bellator Fighting Championships on Wednesday announced the acquisition of Pat Curran and finalized the field for its Season Two lightweight tournament, which begins on April 8 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Curran, who will make his promotional debut on April 15 in Chicago, has won three of his last four fights. The 22-year-old Adrenaline MMA veteran last competed in February, when he earned a unanimous decision over Robbie Olivier at a Trojan MMA event in England. The cousin of UFC and World Extreme Cagefighting veteran Jeff Curran, he debuted in 2008 with a submission victory against former King of the Cage champion Tony Hervey. Curran has been finished only once in a dozen fights as a professional.

“My cousin and I have the same last name, and he helped pave the way for me, but that doesn’t help me once I’m in the cage -- it’s all on me then,” Curran said in a release. “Bellator is a huge step in my career, and I’m excited for the chance to really prove myself and make a name for myself around the world.”

Curran joins UFC veteran Roger Huerta, Season 1 finalist Toby Imada, Ferrid Kheder, Mike Ricci, Janne Tulirinta, Chad Hinton and Carey Vanier in the lightweight draw. The tournament winner will earn a shot at reigning Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez.

“Pat is a very solid addition to our stacked 155-pound tournament,” Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “Pat comes from MMA royalty and is ready to make his own impact on the sport. He was sought after very aggressively by several other major promotions, so I’m excited for him to be a part of our organization.”