Payan Fighting for More Than Just Title at Bellator

Many people know Estevan Payan as a semi-finalist in Bellator's World Championship Featherweight tournament, but few know his story.

Payan, a father of five and former Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, has served three tours of duty in Iraq, where he proved to himself and his country that he is a true  warrior possessing the highest levels of courage and discipline.

Payan enlisted in the military at a young age. While the military served as a tool that taught Payan how to fight with great strength and discipline, it is his  experience as a father that has taught him how to fight for his beliefs and his family.

Payan will draw on these experiences when he steps back into the cage on May 8 for Bellator VI, to face off against kickboxer Yahir Reyes. The winner of the bout will earn $50,000 and the right to compete for the Bellator Fighting Championships’ Featherweight world title.

Payan retired from military service a little over a year ago to pursue his dream of becoming a mixed martial arts champion. He made the cut from welterweight all the way down to featherweight in preparation for Bellator’s tournament debut.

Payan made his Bellator debut on his 26th birthday, and scored a quarter-finals upset against favored Luis Palomino. The victory netted him $25,000, money that Payan is using to support his five children, all of whom are under the age of six. If Payan wins at Bellator VI, it would provide him a chance to fight for the featherweight title, and a chance to net$175,000 in just three fights.

Bellator’s unique tournament structure has allowed Payan to showcase his skills against top rated opponents Palomino and Reyes. Fighter seeding allows for underdogs like Payan to quickly make a name for themselves, just by winning one or two fights.

For Payan, he won't just be fighting for his own name—he'll be fighting for the family name.

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