'Judo' Jim Wallhead Confirmed for Bellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament

by Press Release on Jan 14, 2011 11:03 AM EST in Bellator FC News & Results

CHICAGO, Ill. (January 14, 2011) - When Jim Wallhead fought Ryan Thomas at Bellator 32, it was win or go home, literally. If "Judo" Jim fell to Thomas, Wallhead vowed to trade in his 6 oz. Gloves for a 9-to-5 in order to provide for his family. However, the dangerous Brit scored an impressive unanimous decision victory and earned his spot in the upcoming Bellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament, which airs live on MTV2 starting in March.

"Wallhead was a fighter we wanted to be part of Bellator for some time, but because of the volcanic ash in Europe, his arrival in the Bellator cage got delayed for a few months," said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "After his fight with Ryan Thomas, it was clear he was worth the wait. I'm excited to see if he can carry the momentum from that victory into the Bellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament."

Born and raised in England, Wallhead enters the tournament riding an eight fight win streak - winning 13 of his last 14 fights - and sports an impressive 21-5 record. Even with the string of victories, Wallhead expects fans to see him as an underdog in a tournament stacked with talent and familiar faces, and relishes in the role.

"I guarantee people are looking past me heading into this tournament," said Wallhead. "I'm prepared to surprise all doubters everywhere. I will one hundred percent give every guy in this tournament a war, so bring it!"

Underestimating Wallhead certainly could prove to be a mistake, especially considering the wealth of experience the Judo black belt brings to the table. All that experience will be needed when Wallhead enters the cage against some of the best competition in the sport.

"I feel pumped getting ready to enter a tournament as stacked as this one," Wallhead said. "There are some great fighters in the mix and its wide open for everyone to make a name for themselves. It would be a dream come true to be the last man standing out of these eight talented fighters. What an achievement."

Wallhead is the sixth confirmed participant in Bellator's upcoming Season 4 eight-man 170 lbs. tournament along with Dan "The Handler" Hornbuckle, Rick Hawn, Brent Weedman, and Chris "The Assassin" Lozano, and Lyman Good.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

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Flagged

for wearing those banana-colored gloves

Albino Mormon 4 Life

by Dakatak on Jan 14, 2011 11:16 AM EST reply actions

double flag

Tribal tattoos… you forgot that Dak

"Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, you'll be a mile from them, and you'll have their shoes." - Jack Handy

by PSYQO78 on Jan 14, 2011 11:42 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

And the hattrick for wanna-be Kos hair

Albino Mormon 4 Life

by Dakatak on Jan 14, 2011 12:03 PM EST up reply actions

Glad that Wallhead is finally getting his chance with Bellator

He’s a top British prospect who until now hasn’t had a fair crack in the big leagues and has been floating under the radar for years. It’s unfortunate that the volcanic ash screwed up his travel arrangements so he had to pull out of the last tournament but I’m glad that he’s getting another chance to participate. I’m excited to see how Jim does against some good competition.

"The British fans are very knowledgeable and passionate about MMA. I would love to fight there once more"

Anderson Silva and you have no idea how happy I am to see this, come on Bisping don't let me down, earn a title shot so I can see my idol fight in person.

by David W-S on Jan 14, 2011 8:31 PM EST reply actions