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Though previously reported, Bellator today officially announced the Featherweight Championship bout between Joe Soto and Joe Warren for Bellator 27 on September 2.
The bout pits Soto, Bellator's first season tournament winner and Featherweight Champion, against Olympic wrestler Warren, winner of season two's featherweight tournament, in a five round battle.
"Of our four upcoming world title fights, the Soto-Warren fight is hugely intriguing,” said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney in today's release. “Joe Soto is extremely talented and has made a collection of top ten rankings. Warren’s a world-class wrestler who beat one of the greatest featherweights in the world in just his second fight. He has tremendous heart and he doesn’t understand what the word ‘lose’ means.
"Joe Soto also comes from a national-caliber wrestling background and anyone who saw his fight with Diego Saraiva in May knows that his game is polished and world-class throughout every facet of MMA. This should be a truly spectacular fight."
Both fighters commented on their upcoming clash in today's release as well.
Said Soto, "I’m just really excited to get in there and compete against him. He’s a wrestler just like I am, but I think I can out-wrestle him. If he takes me down, I’m better on my back than he is on top. If we stay standing, I think I can out-box him. No matter where the fight goes, I think I’m a much better all-around fighter than he is."
Added Warren, "“Joe Soto is a tough fighter, but he’s going to see the best Joe Warren that’s ever been in a cage,” Warren said. “We’re both great wrestlers so I’m guessing we’re going to get in there and beat the crap out of each other, but in the end I’m going to be taking that belt home with me.”
The fight will air live from the Majestic Theater in San Antonio on Fox Sports Net.
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