Pat Curran (right) file photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
Dark horse Pat Curran became the first tournament winner in Bellator Fighting Championships’ second season, taking a split decision over two-time finalist Toby Imada on June 10 in Hollywood, Fla.
Curran took two 29-28 scorecards in a close and at times slow-paced final, landing counter hooks like the ones that stopped Mike Ricci and outpointed Roger Huerta to get to the final. Curran, who did a particularly good job getting back to his feet off judo-style takedowns, next faces Eddie Alvarez for Bellator’s lightweight title later this year. Season 2 tournament winners collect $100,000.
June 17 will see the finals at welterweight (Dan Hornbuckle vs. Ben Askren), with the middleweight (Bryan Baker vs. Alexander Schlemenko) and featherweight (Joe Warren vs. Patricio "Pitbull" Freire) finals set to wrap the season on June 24.
Bellator’s June 10 card also saw the second U.S. effort of the consensus best female fighter in the sport, undefeated submission master Megumi Fujii. In a 120-pound catchweight fight against Missouri’s Sarah Schneider, Fujii consistently hit takedowns and attained superior position. In the third round, Fujii achieved mount and dropped punches for the TKO, extending her winning streak to 20.
Fujii will participate in a 115-pound female tournament Bellator is planning for its third season, which begins on Aug. 12.