PWInsiderXTRA - WWE News, Wrestling News, WWE

BELLATOR FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 43 TELEVISED CARD PREVIEW

We are nearing the end of season number four and Bellator 43 will be featuring the finals of the BFC Welterweight Tournament. Rick Hawn will be taking on Jay Hieron for an opportunity to face BFC Welterweight Champion Ben Askren in season five. Also, UFC veteran Joe Riggs and WEC veteran Chase Beebe will be in action on Saturday Night when Bellator 43 goes live.

Headlining the card is a BFC Welterweight Tournament Final as Rick Hawn (11-0-0) takes on Jay “The Thoroughbred” Hieron (21-4-0). Rick Hawn advanced to the tournament finals by defeating both Jim Wallhead and former BFC Welterweight Champion Lyman Good. Jay Hieron earned his spot in the finals by defeating the fighters known as Anthony Lapsley and Brent Weedman. This is going to be a highly anticipated fight, but Rick Hawn’s undefeated streak will end at the hands of Jay Hieron.

A pair of middleweights are going to battle next as Joe “Diesel” Riggs (34-12-0) faces off with Bryan “The Beast” Baker (14-2-0). Joe Riggs has won two of three recently, including a victory over Louis Taylor at Strikeforce Challengers 10. Bryan Baker has won four of five in Bellator, with notable victories coming over Matt Horwich and Jeremy Horn. While Joe Riggs is a tough veteran, Bryan Baker will pull out the victory and continue his run as an underrated middleweight in MMA.

Bantamweights will be stepping into the cage next as Jose Vega (9-4-0) takes on Chase “The Rage” Beebe (17-7-0). Jose Vega has won two of three fights in Bellator, with a notable split decision loss to Ed West at Bellator 30. Chase Beebe has won three straight fights heading into Saturday Night, with two of those wins coming in the Chicago Cagefighting Championship promotion. Despite having previous Bellator experience, Jose Vega will be suffering a defeat to WEC veteran Chase Beebe.

Kicking off the evening is a heavyweight tilt as Vince Lucero (19-19-1) goes to war with Ron “The Monster” Sparks (6-0-0). Vince Lucero enters this fight riding a four fight losing streak, with notable defeats coming against Tim Sylvia and Eddie Sanchez. Ron Sparks is currently undefeated in Bellator competition, defeating Gregory Maynard at Bellator 30. This fight was set up to make Ron Sparks look good and that is exactly what is going to happen when they step into the cage.

You can contact David Tees at bigteesps3@yahoo.com

---