I think this thing could be really interesting, and since some of the events are happening in the midwest, we may actually head down there and check it out.

According to their site, Bellator bouts will consist of three five-minute rounds , with one minute between rounds – standard for MMA. Championship fights are scheduled for five five-minute rounds, with one minute between rounds.

The thing that makes them interesting (and maybe even odds-on to go the distance and compete with the WEC and UFC)  is that they’re the first MMA organization to air events on any member of the ESPN family of networks.

The teevee deal with ESPN Deportes started this month (April, 2009). I also like the fact that this is essentially a bracket challenge, and in the season finale, two fighters who have climbed their way to the top and won their spots the titles in the various weight classes go after all the tea in China, as it were.

Another interesting feature of this organization relates to how the fighters get paid .

Opening round tournament winners receive $25,000, semi-final round tournament winners receive $50,000 and final round tournament winners receive $100,000. The losers make out pretty well too – something like $10,000 for first round, $25,000 for the second and $40,000 for the third.

According to their site; 32 fighters total will compete for the 4 Championship belts. There are 8 fighters in each of the Featherweight (145 lb.), Lightweight (155 lb.), Welterweight (170 lb.) and Middleweight (185 lb.) divisions. In addition to the 32 tournament fighters, there will be a number of fighters competing in non-tournament bouts who are signed exclusively to the company.

Hell, they even have a sweet-and-substantial ring girl lined up.

What’s not to like?