Sean Loeffler and Jared Hess Raise Bellator Middleweight Tournament Fighters To 5

From the official Bellator press release:

CHICAGO, Ill. (March 11, 2010) - Bellator Fighting Championships made two more noteworthy additions to its upcoming Season 2 middleweight tournament today with the signings of 9-1-1 Bellator Season 1 tournament finalist Jared Hess and 18-4 MMA veteran Sean "The Destroyer" Loeffler.

Hess and Loeffler are the fourth and fifth confirmed participants in the eight-man middleweight tournament, joining Bryan "The Beast" Baker, Matt Major and Eric Schambari. Overall, the group boasts a combined winning percentage of .859 (55 wins, 8 losses and 1 draw).

"Jared's potential is unlimited," said Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney. "When his striking catches up to his strength on the ground, he could be one of the most dangerous 185 pounders in the business.

On the other hand, Sean has established a great record, has earned this opportunity to fight his way to a title shot and doesn't have a reverse gear. Perhaps more importantly, both Jared and Sean come to fight every time they step into the cage."

Hess and Loeffler are both good fighters and it will be interesting to see if Hess can repeat his deep run into this year's tournament.  The winner of this tournament will meet last year's champion, Hector Lombard.

Hess is clearly gunning for a shot to avenge his loss last year but making a run through such a talented field will not be easy.  Baker, Major and Schambari all represent very interesting challenges for both men.

SB Nation will have more information on Bellator Season 2 as it becomes available.