Bellator 112 in Hammond, IND. on Friday March 14 2014 saw some good Welterweight Tournament fights on the card but the most anticipated bout was surely the Featherweight Championship rematch between Pat Curran and the man who took his belt, Daniel Straus. We all have seen the skill, determination and deadly accuracy that that made Pat a champion. Straus on the other hand, coming from a wrestling background, is not particularly flashy and fourteen of his twenty-two wins have come from decisions. That's not to say Straus is boring at all because he's known for constant pressure and durability. Maybe not flashy but relentless. That was how he worked his way to the title shot and how he took the belt from Curran last November.
After a great opening round for Curran, Straus turned up the pressure and was able to stay just a bit ahead of Curran for the next three rounds... but in the fifth round, Pat showed his championship mettle and refusal to quit. Curran saw his opportunity and got Straus down, took his back and with fourteen seconds left, he was able to sink in a rear-naked choke and earn his belt back.
The respect and sportsmanship both fighters showed each other was admirable and moving. They are both clearly worthy champions and we're proud of Pat for wearing Diamonds and being a role model for the sport. Congrats to Pat and Daniel and we look forward to seeing them both fight again and it's a safe bet that they'll face each other again in the future.
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