Bellator Fighting Championships (Bellator) is the 2nd largest mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion in the world and largest tournament-based MMA organization in the world. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company was formed in 2008 by Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. Bellator’s events are primarily structured around a tournament format that allows competitors the opportunity to fight for a world championship in their desired weight class. Fighters determine their own path by winning tournament fights until a winner from the eight man field is crowned. The tournament winner is declared the number one contender and is awarded a check for $100,000 and a shot at the reigning world champion. Bellator uses the motto “Where title shots are earned, not given….”