Curran kicking Sandro

By FCF Staff

After capturing the Bellator Featherweight Championship, Pat Curran is set for his first title defense when he takes on  Patricio Pitbull at Bellator 73 on August 24^th at Harrah’s Tunica Hotel and Casino in Tunica Resorts, Mississippi. The event will also include the championship round of the Bellator Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament, a Bantamweight Tournament Finals matchup between Marcos Galvao and Luis Nogueira and additional fights that have yet to be announced.

After a Peruvian necktie submission victory over Luis Palomino in the Bellator Season 5 quarterfinals, Curran collected a unanimous decision win over Ronnie Mann. With the victory, Curran secured a spot in the Featherweight Finals against Marlon Sandro.

Curran pushed the pace early, and in the second round delivered a devastating, highlight-reel roundhouse kick to the head of Sandro that earned the Crystal Lake, Ill. product his eventual title shot against Warren at Bellator 60. After two back and fourth rounds, Curran delivered a barrage of strikes that ended the fight in the third round and earned Curran the Bellator Featherweight Title.

“This fight with Patricio is one I’ve been looking forward to for a while,” Curran said. “This will be my first title defense, and I just want to get back in the cage and keep developing as a fighter. Pitbull is an outstanding fighter, so this should be a great fight.”

For Pitbull, the explosive Brazilian has been away from the cage for over a year due to a broken hand. After collecting his title shot with a dominating run through the Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament, he is eager to return to the cage.

“I’m very happy and relieved this fight is finally happening,” said Pitbull. “I’ve been through a lot with my hand injury and can’t wait to get back in the cage. I’m 100 percent now and all I want is to fulfill my dream of getting the belt and pay tribute to my late teacher Bruno Gouvea. He’s the reason I’m here today and he’ll be with me in spirit cageside watching his work pay off. All is can say is Pat better be ready. I’ve never been so motivated for a fight, and I’ve never wanted the belt so much.”

Bellator 73 will air live on MTV2, with the preliminary fights being streamed online at Spike.com. Tickets go on sale on Friday, June 29 at Ticketmaster.com