Twenty-eight-year-old Travis “The Hurricane” Reddinger (14-2) got the word “Bellator” (Latin word meaning “warrior”) tattooed across his torso about 4 ½ years ago.
Little did he know at the time he would one day be fighting in an MMA organization of the same name.
Bellator Fighting Championships announced Monday they have signed Reddinger as part of their Season 3 Bantamweight Tournament which officially begins Aug. 12 and will air live each Thursday night on FOX Sports Net.
Reddinger is a Pittsburgh native and St. Paul, Minn., transplant currently training with the Minnesota Fight Factory under the tutelage of Sergio Cunha.
Cunha was a trainer for both Brazilian Top Team and Chute Boxe, and has worked with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Reddinger commented on the symbolism of his Bellator tattoo and what this opportunity means to him:
“For me it just symbolizes perseverance and the never-say-die mentality that I strive for. I know that Bellator stands for the warrior mentality as well, so it’s a great honor for me to be a part of the organization. The tournament concept suits me really well and I love the exposure of being on national TV. It’s all pretty surreal still. I don’t think the gravity of it all has really hit me yet.”
Reddinger is currently riding a four-fight win streak that includes one first round knockout, a first round submission due to punches, and two unanimous decisions.
Reddinger is the fourth Bellator Season 3 Bantamweight Tournament fighter thus far confirmed along with Danny Tims, Ulysses Gomez, and Bellator Season 2 veteran, Nik Mamalis.