CHICAGO, Ill. (February 11, 2011) — Bellator Fighting Championships today announced Bellator veteran and submission specialist Anthony “The Recipe” Lapsley will replace an injured Steve Carl in the highly anticipated Season 4 Welterweight Tournament, airing LIVE on MTV2 this March.
Lapsley is now slated to meet UFC and Strikeforce veteran Jay “The Thoroughbred” Hieron in quarterfinal action at Bellator 35 on March 5, 2011 at the Tachi Palace Casino & Resort in Lemoore, CA.
“The Recipe” joins Bellator riding a four fight win streak, including a dominant submission victory at Bellator 7 against Ryan Williams. Currently holding an impressive 19-4 record with 13 submissions and 3 knockouts to his credit, Lapsley also holds a notable TKO victory over fellow Bellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament fighter Brent Weedman.
“While the Steve Carl injury was devastating to hear, I’m excited for the opportunity Anthony is getting with Bellator,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney.
A former Indiana State Wrestling Champion and a proud father of eight children, Lapsley fully understands the signifigance of this once in a lifetime opportunity, stating, “This is what I’ve been waiting on my entire career. I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to make some good money, for one, and also to finally get the recognition I deserve. I’ve put in some work in the game and I’ve been through my struggles and ups and downs, but I feel like I’m ready to take it to the next level and make it happen for the family. Winning this tournament is going to change my life, and change my kids lives.”
While Lapsley understands he’s entering this tournament with the chips stacked against him, he’s excited about the opportunity to upset a fighter he holds a tremendous amount of respect for.
“Jay [Hieron] is actually a fighter I’ve always enjoyed watching, I just never thought I’d have the opportunity to fight him,” said Lapsley. “It’s going to be a war. It’s going to be a war because I’m going to make it a war. He’s been on some big shows and fought some really tough guys, but it’s my turn now.”
“If Jay looks past me for a second, he’s going to lose. I plan on him losing anyway, but if he makes the mistake of looking past me, he’s going to get caught, in the worst way.”
Lapsley joins “Judo” Jim Wallhead, Rick Hawn, Jay Hieron, Dan Hornbuckle, Brent Weedman, Lyman Good, and Chris “The Assassin” Lozano as confirmed fighters for the Bellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament, all of which will compete LIVE on MTV2 for the chance at $100,000 and a shot at Bellator Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren.
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator