CHICAGO, Ill. (May 31, 2012) — Bellator Fighting Championships has once again added a dynamic talent to its impressive roster with the addition of Brazilian finisher Rafael “Morcego” Silva. The 17-3 fighter joins a loaded Bantamweight division that includes reigning Bellator Bantamweight Champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas, Marcos Galvao, Zach Makovsky and fellow RFT teammate and Season 6 Bantamweight Tournament Finalist Luis Nogueira.
Currently riding a nine fight win streak that includes seven finishes (5 KO’s, 2 submissions), the Luta Livre brown belt, who trains under the legendary Marcelo Brigadeiro, has compiled a dominating resume within Brazil, and is ready to showcase his skills with Bellator.
“Signing with Bellator is by far the best thing that ever happened to me,” Silva said. “It’s a chance of showing the world what I can do inside the cage. My manager always tells me how great of an atmosphere Bellator has and I can’t wait to be part of it.”
As a member of the renowned Renovacao Fight Team, Silva currently trains with fellow Bellator fighters Maiquel “Big Rig” Falcao, Ricardo Tirloni, Genair da Silva and the aforementioned Luis Nogueira.“My goal is be the Bellator Bantamweight Champion and to serve as an example for all the poor children in the world so they can realize that they can have a great future in MMA.”
“Marcelo Brigadeiro’s RFT is developing a spectacular group of Brazilian fighters,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Rafael joins Big Rig, Ricardo, Genair and Luis who are all further establishing Luta Livre’s position in the MMA world.”
