The one-night-tournament format continues its return in Mixed Martial Arts with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) announcing a one-night, eight-man lightweight tournament to decide a no.1 contender for the 155lb crown, but finding a location is proving tricky.
The event was initially revealed as being scheduled for WSOF 25 on November 20 in Seattle, Washington, the promotion revealed the news via Twitter. However, WSOF Executive Ali Abdelaziz later informed Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com that the state would not condone the tournament.
The announcement follows that of Bellator: Dynamite where Linton Vassell, Phil Davis, ‘King Mo’ Lawal and Emanuel Newton will compete in a four-man, one-night tournament on Sept. 19 to decide the top contender for the promotion’s light-heavyweight championship, with the title itself also being contested on the same night with defending champion Liam McGeary taking on UFC great Tito Ortiz.
Bellator originally hoped for an eight-man tournament but the California State Athletic Commission ruled that a competitor can only compete in a maximum of five rounds on the night and this resulted in the promotion settling for a four-man bracket, Bellator CEO Scott Coker told MMAJunkie.com. WSOF have not yet commented on how the rounds will be structured around eight fighters but Abdelaziz assured Helwani that the tournament will take place with a location currently being looked in to.
According to MMAFighting.com, the WSOF contenders confirmed for the tournament so far include Islam Mamedov (12-1), Mike Ricci (10-4), Joao Zeferino (18-6), Rich Patishnock (6-2), Jorge Patino (37-15-2) and Brian Cobb (20-8). The winner of LaRue Burley (6-0) and Brian Foster (22-7) at WSOF 23 will also advance to the tournament.
WSOF 23 takes place on Sept. 18 with defending champion Justin Gaethje (14-0) taking on Luis Palomino (23-10) in a rematch of their WSOF 19 contest.
