CHICAGO, IL. (February 18, 2010) – Bellator Fighting Championships has signed the dynamic Chris Davis to its growing list of light heavyweights. After spending over four years serving the United States as a Marine, “The Professional” will bring his skills to the cage in hopes of becoming the first ever Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion in the first ever Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament, airing LIVE this March on MTV2.
“Chris has a great opportunity in front of him in this 205 Tournament,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Chris has never been out of the 2nd round, in every one of his 10 wins, so his fights are exciting and he has a put it on the line mentality every time he steps into the cage.”
Residing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Davis began his journey into the world of Mixed Martial Arts by chance. After taking a job selling local advertisements, Davis stumbled upon a local gym after looking for new businesses to target. Sensing an opportunity, Davis offered the owner free ad space for complimentary lessons in MMA. It was the perfect fit, and Davis was hooked.
“I knew I was a champion after going out there and winning my first fight following just three months of training,” said Davis. “Now when I go out there and get my hand raised with Bellator, that’s when everyone else will know I’m a true champion.”
That attitude has earned Davis an impressive 10-2 record, including wins against Strikeforce alum Francisco France, Bellator veteran Brian Imes, and fast rising Chris Bell. Having never gone the distance once in his professional career, Davis is tenacious in the cage, using his aggression to overmatch his opponents early in the fight. Davis has won his last three fights by knockout, and has seven first round stoppages to his name.
“I want to overwhelm my opponents,” said Davis. “I want them to feel within the first 45 seconds that they are well beyond their means, and they shouldn’t be in there with me. That’s the pace I go for.”
“The Professional” will meet some of his toughest competition yet in the Light Heavyweight Tournament, and will need to be on top of his game to achieve the ultimate goal.
“I’m looking forward to being part of Bellator’s first ever light heavyweight tournament, Davis said. “I welcome the thought of having to fight as often as I will. I’m going to just stay in shape and train all the time. I think it will help accelerate my learning curve and help me to get better.”
Davis joins Nik “The Machete” Fekete and Daniel Gracie as the only other confirmed participants in the Season 4 Light Heavyweight Tournament.
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