Prindle-Santos, Middleweight Tournament Set for Bellator 61

Eric Prindle and Thiago Santos (above, left) will finish what they started. | Photo: Dave Mandel

At Bellator 61 on March 16, the two heavyweights will have the opportunity to finish what they started, the promotion announced on Friday. As was originally to be determined by their Bellator 59 scrap, the winner will get a shot at current heavyweight king Cole Konrad.

Prindle struggled to stay upright during the early moments of their encounter last November, as the Brazilian took him to the canvas and punished him from inside guard. However, Santos delivered a kick between the legs of a grounded Prindle at the 1:24 mark, and after a brief delay, it was determined that “The American Soldier” could not continue.

Emanating from The Riverdome at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Bossier City, La., Bellator 61 also features four bouts in the quarterfinals of the promotion’s Season 6 middleweight tournament: Maiquel Falcao takes on Norman Paraisy; Brian Rogers battles Vitor Vianna; Vyacheslav Vasilevsky locks horns with Victor O’Donnell; and Giva Santana will meet Bruno Santos. All main card bouts will be televised on MTV2 beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The preliminary card, with bouts still to be determined, will air on Spike starting at 7 p.m. ET.