Bellator Featherweight Champion Joe Warren. Photo courtesy of Bellator Photo.

By FCF Staff

Bellator Featherweight Champion Joe Warren (7-2) will defend his 145 pound title for the first time this year against Pat Curran (16-4) at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind. on March 9, live on MTV2, Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney told the Chicago Tribune.

Curran, cousin of UFC fighter Jeff Curran, was the victor of Bellator’s season two lightweight (155 pound) tournament.  His run in the 155 pound division came to a halt when he lost his bid for the division’s title against then-champion Eddie Alvarez.

Following the loss to Alvarez, Curran dropped down to 145 pounds and won Bellator’s season four featherweight tournament.

Warren’s start will be his first since he was KO’d at the hands of Alexis Vila in a bantamweight (135 pound) contest.  The loss put an end to Warren’s five-fight win streak.