Crystal Lake Fighter Looking for Title Belt

Too cautious against Eddie Alvarez last year, Pat Curran of said he learned his lesson, dropped down a weight class and has since climbed to the top of the rankings for 145 pounders.

The 24-year-old Curran (16-4) will fight Joe Warren for the Bellator featherweight championship March 9 at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind.

Warren (7-2) is a 35-year-old resident of Denver. His background is Greco-Roman wrestling.

Curran is confident.

“This will be my second title shot,” Curran said. “I tasted defeat last year (against Alvarez). I’m not coming home this time with a loss.”

Doug Mango, Curran’s trainer and corner, said that Curran last year should have taken the 155-pound Bellator title belt from Alvarez. But he didn’t press the action and lost by decision. 

Mango added that Curran is the only opponent to go the distance with Alvarez since Alvarez won the Bellator 155-pound title on April 3, 2008.

“Since Pat dropped down to 145, he’s plowing through everybody,” Mango said.

Pat Curran, cousin of UFC fighter Jeff Curran, said he his working on wrestling take-downs and submissions, preparing himself for his second title shot. Pat Curran trains at . 

According to the Chicago Tribune, Curran vs. Warren will be shown on MTV2.

Pat Curran’s long-term goal is to be considered one of the world’s best and to start his own MMA school.