On Tuesday, Bellator Fighting Championships officially announced Marcos Galvao as a participant in the upcoming fifth-season bantamweight tournament. The announcement confirmed the rumors that Galvao’s performance against featherweight champion Joe Warren was enough to earn a spot in the bantamweight bracket.
“After going blow for blow with our Featherweight Champion Joe Warren, there was really no doubt we wanted Galvao back with Bellator,” said Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney. “In Bellator, fighters control their own destiny, and after the performance Marcos put on at Bellator 41, he definitely earned a spot in our bantamweight tournament.”
Galvao and Warren faced off in the main event of Bellator 41. While many observers expected Galvao to receive the decision after three rounds of fighting, the judges awarded Warren the victory.
“I definitely don’t believe I lost my fight with Joe Warren,” said Galvao. “I want a rematch just in case there was doubt in the first fight. I’ll clear up those doubts the second time around.”
Warren has announced his intentions to also compete in the 135-pound tournament, which could potentially set up a rematch. However, the promotion has not officially included Warren in the field.
The winner of the upcoming bantamweight tournament will receive a title shot against Bellator champion Zach Makovsky. “Fun Size” defeated Nick Mamalis, Bryan Goldsby and Ed West to win the first bantamweight tournament and claim the inaugural belt. He recently bested previously undefeated Chad Robichaux in a non-title fight.