· Galvao, Vianna Join Growing Bellator Roster
Bellator Fighting Championships recently announced two significant roster additions in preparation for their upcoming season five schedule. Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion and one-time Bellator veteran, Marcos “Loro” Galvao has signed a multi-fight agreement with the promotion and will compete in the bantamweight tournament. A second BJJ champion, Wanderlei Silve protégé Vitor Vianna joins the organization at middleweight and is set to debut this summer.
Galvao (9-4-1) recently stepped into the cage at Bellator 41 where he faced Featherweight Champion Joe Warren in a non-title 137-pound catchweight bout. Galvao lost an intense three-round war with the champion via a controversial unanimous decision. His performance, however, did not fail to impress both the fans, and more importantly, Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney.
“After going blow for blow with our featherweight champion, Joe Warren, there was really no doubt we wanted Galvao back with Bellator,” Rebney stated. “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.”
Given that Warren has stated his intention to hold the featherweight belt and to enter the bantamweight tournament as well, Galvao has his eye on potential redemption.
“I definitely don't believe I lost my fight with Joe Warren,” Galvao remarked. “I want a rematch just in case there was doubt in the first fight. I'll clear up those doubts the second time around.”
Meanwhile, Bellator has secured the services of one of the top unsigned middleweights in Vitor Vianna. Vianna (10-1-1), a highly accomplished BJJ champion and head jiu-jitsu instructor for Wand Fight Team, currently rides a three-fight win streak. His most recent contest was in October of last year where he defeated Aaron Brink by technical knockout in the first round at “Millennium Events - MMA Xplosion.”
Vianna’s lone loss came against Thiago Silva in 2006. The match was called due to a broken arm he suffered blocking a kick from Silva.
With his high-level grappling, in addition to his current training partners, Vianna anticipates great success under the Bellator banner.
“I train every day with Wanderlei. I also train a lot with Michael Costa, and sometimes Forrest Griffin. I spar with Wanderlei three times a week, every week, and we go 100 percent,” a self-assured Vianna said. “I don't think anyone I fight is going to have the same power and technique that Wanderlei has. I feel confident that I can stand up with anyone at 185 pounds.”
By “anyone,” Vianna was quick to make clear that he has the current champion in mind.
“Hector Lombard is one of the best middleweights in the world right now,” he stated. “I want to fight him, and I'm prepared to do whatever I have to do to get to him. Lombard is in the top five of his division, and fighting him would be the best opportunity for me to show who I am, and what I'm capable of.”
Vianna brings an impressive resume to the burgeoning promotion, including two BJJ world titles and six national titles, combined with four knockouts and four submissions in his MMA career. He is scheduled to take part in Bellator’s upcoming summer series.
