Welterweight Semifinalists on Weight for Bellator 53

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All four welterweight tournament semifinalists hit their marks at Friday's Bellator 53 weigh-ins, taking them one step closer to challenging for the promotion's 170-pound title.

UFC veteran Ben Saunders tipped the scales at 170.5 pounds for his second-stage clash with experienced Brazilian Luis Santos, who also weighed in at 170.5. Meanwhile, once-beaten Chris Lozano checked in at 169.75 for his meeting with former MFC champion Douglas Lima, who weighed 170.5 pounds.

Going down Saturday from the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla., Bellator 53 will also feature a featherweight tournament qualifier between Kenny Foster (146) and Ronnie Mann (145.75). Additionally, the main draw -- which airs on MTV2 and EPIX -- will showcase a heavyweight tournament alternate bout pitting Thiago Santos (263.5) against Josh Burns (262.5).

Saunders has won three-straight since departing the UFC on a two-fight skid, after which “Killa B” made a successful Bellator debut by battering Matt Lee in a 175-pound catch-weight contest in April. The lanky American Top Team export advanced to the tournament semifinals by finishing Chris Cisneros early in the third round at Bellator 49.

A winner in nine of his last 10 outings, Santos has not lost since 2009. The Brazilian's lone blemish in that span came in the form of a draw to Shooto South American 183-pound titleholder Carlos Alexandre Pereira in May. “Sapo” defeated Dan Hornbuckle in the quarterfinals, earning a unanimous decision over the American to advance in Bellator's tournament.

Lozano showed improved wrestling in his quarterfinal victory over Brent Weedman, taking home a unanimous decision after three hard-fought rounds. The Cleveland native has only tasted defeat once as a pro, losing on points to former Bellator champion Lyman Good in the Season 4 tournament quarterfinals.

Only 23 years old, Lima has won his last seven fights. Representing American Top Team Atlanta, the Brazilian “Phenom” captured the MFC welterweight title by submitting Jesse Juarez 11 months ago and defended his title successfully against UFC veteran Terry Martin in April. Lima's Bellator debut came in the Season 5 quarterfinals, as he earned a unanimous nod over Steve Carl on Sept. 10.

Bellator 53 Weigh-in Results:
Ben Saunders (170.5) vs. Luis Santos (170.5)
Chris Lozano (169.75) vs. Douglas Lima (170.5)
Ronnie Mann (145.75) vs. Kenny Foster (146)
Thiago Santos (263.5) vs. Josh Burns (262.5)
Darryl Cobb (185) vs. Giva Santana (185.5)
A.J. Matthews (175) vs. Rudy Bears (174)
Raphael Davis (206) vs. Myron Dennis (204.5)
Emanuel Brooks (*160.5) vs. Greg Scott (157)

Brooks will have two hours to cut the additional weight.