Hornbuckle Confirmed for Upcoming Bellator WW Tourney

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

By FCF Staff

Dan Hornbuckle is reportedly on the hunt for a rematch with Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren, as the promotion has announced that the veteran fighter has agreed to compete in its upcoming, season four, welterweight tournament. Hornbuckle (pictured) tapped out Tyler Stinson and Steve Karl last year to advance to the finals of the 2010 tourney, but lost by unanimous decision to Askren in June.

“The fact that Ben Askren is going to be there waiting for me after I win this tournament keeps me motivated,” Hornbuckle was quoted saying in the Bellator press release. “It keeps me waking up every morning hungry. There's never a loss that is taken easily, so I definitely want to get back in there, win this tournament, and avenge that loss.”

Hornbuckle (22-3) added a decision win over UFC vet Brad Blackburn in August, to finish his 2010 campaign with a 3-1 record.

“While our first two welterweight tournaments have been great, based on the lineup, this tournament is stacked from #1 through 8 and should be our strongest to date,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Dan’s a significant talent and I know how motivated he is to earn his way to a rematch with Ben, it’s great to have him back in”

Hornbuckle is the first competitor to be confirmed for the tourney, which will see the winner earn $100,000 and a title fight with the champion Askren. Bellator’s upcoming season will be broadcast live on MTV 2.

No dates regarding when the promotion’s season four will begin were given.