Hieron Trumpets Experience Edge in Bellator Final

On a career-best nine-bout winning streak, Hieron (Pictured; file photo) will meet unbeaten 2004 Olympian Rick Hawn in the 170-pound final at Bellator 43 on Saturday at the First Council Casino in Newkirk, Okla. The 34-year-old Long Island, N.Y., native plans to draw upon the invaluable experience he gained while competing under the Strikeforce, UFC and International Fight League banners.

“I feel like I’m just way too experienced for Rick, and I’m just a better fighter,” Hieron said. “I just have to go out there and do what I do every day in the gym.

“I’m going to bring my ‘A’ game to this fight,” he added. “I’m healthy, I’m ready and I’m focused.”

A former IFL champion, Hieron clinched his spot in the final with a unanimous decision victory over Brent Weedman at Bellator 40 in April. The Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts representative owns notable wins against former Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Delson Heleno, 2009 Dream welterweight grand prix finalist Jason High, “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 7 alum Jesse Taylor and current UFC welterweight contender Jake Ellenberger.

A victory over Hawn would propel Hieron into a matchup with reigning Bellator welterweight titleholder Ben Askren.

“I want to send a statement with every fight I’m in,” Hieron said. “I train just as hard, if not harder, than anybody in the world, and that’s what I try to go out there and show. I still feel like I haven’t been able to show all that I’m capable of, and that’s fine. It’s cool. Everyone can just watch. There will be a day and a time for everything.”

Hawn punched his ticket to the 170-pound final with a split decision win over former champion Lyman Good at Bellator 39 on April 2. Perfect through 11 professional MMA outings, the 34-year-old was a four-time national judo champion and placed ninth in the discipline at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Hawn has delivered seven of his 11 victories by knockout or technical knockout.

Hieron knows he has his hands full.

“I’m not looking past anybody,” he said. “I’m not looking past Rick. I train like I’m fighting for a world title every time. This is my world title fight -- right now. This is my final fight in the tournament, and I’m not looking past it. It’s time for me to go out there and take it.”