CHICAGO, Ill. (October 29, 2011) — The action was fast and ferocious inside Memorial Hall as Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren successfully defended his belt against Tournament Champion Jay Hieron and Eric Prindle and Thiago Santos both advanced to the Finals of the Bellator Heavyweight Tournament with first round finishes.

Hieron began the title fight with an impressive opening round, defening against Askren's takedowns and controlling the pace. Askren got off to a slow start but warmed up as the fight went on, as his takedowns prevailed in the second, third, and fourth rounds. Hieron sensed he was down heading into the fifth and final round, and came out with heavy hands, including a crowd igniting spinning back kick to the chest of a stunned Askren. However, when it came time to raise the winner's hand, one judge saw the fight in favor of Hieron while the other two sided with Askren, 48-47. Askren now awaits the winner of the Season 5 Welterweight Tournament, which will