Hale joins Tim Carpenter, Chris Davis, Nik Fekete and D.J. Linderman on the roster of official competitors for the tourney, which will crown Bellator’s inaugural 205-pound champion. Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Daniel Gracie and Raphael Davis are also rumored to join the field. While not officially announced by the promotion, the 205-pound tournament quarterfinals are expected to take place March 26 at Bellator 38.
The 25-year-old Hale, 15-3-1 in his MMA campaign, has spent the bulk of his career competing for Arizona’s long-running Rage in the Cage promotion, where he has gone 13-1 and held titles at light heavyweight, heavyweight and super heavyweight. However, the 6-foot-4 Ohio native says the weight at which he will compete for Bellator suits him best.
“I absolutely feel like I’m more powerful and explosive at 205 pounds,” Hale stated in a release. “My strength and my stamina is better, and just everything all around. With the weight cut and everything, it pushes me to be a better athlete.”
Hale has lost just once in his last 13 outings -- a September 2009 majority decision defeat to Strikeforce fighter Antwain Britt -- and has finished 13 of his 15 career wins.
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