Lozano Joins Hornbuckle, Hawn, Weedman in Bellator Tourney

The Chicago-based promotion confirmed Tuesday that the 28-year-old knockout artist will be a part of its next 170-pound bracket. Lozano is the fourth confirmed tourney participant, joining season two finalist Dan Hornbuckle, Olympic judo convert Rick Hawn and the surging Brent Weedman.

“It’s hard to put a limit to Chris’ potential in the welterweight division,” Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney said in a release. “His skills and ability have shown through devastating stoppages time and time again.”

Lozano punched his ticket for the tournament last September, when he scored a technical knockout win over UFC veteran Yoshiyuki Yoshida. Lozano battered Yoshida for two rounds with knees and punches, swelling his opponent’s eye so severely that the Japanese corner halted the bout before it could reach the third frame.

“I fight to finish people,” said Lozano. “I don't fight to be nice. I understand that it's a sport, but at the same time, I'm in there to finish guys... I'm going to come into this tournament the same way I've come into every single one of my fights, and that's to put guys away.”

Despite a background which included tae kwon do, boxing and wrestling, Lozano began training in mixed martial arts just four years ago and has competed as a professional for less than two. The Ohio-based fighter knocked out the first four opponents of his career inside the first round. Last June, he forced another UFC veteran, Jason Dent, to retire four rounds into a five-round title fight.

Scheduled to begin in March, Bellator has yet to announce an official start date for its fourth season, which will air live on MTV2.