Wilson Reis: "I Know What to Expect Now" Regarding Season 2 Of Bellator

Initially announcing the eight competitors of their season two Featherweight tournament, Bellator Fighting Championships revealed what would be the matchups for their opening round.

Two fights will take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida on April 8 and two fights at the Chicago Theatre on April 15.

The April 8th event will feature Joe Warren (2-1) vs. Eric Marriott (17-2) and Georgi Karakhanyan (12-1-1) vs. Bao Quach (17-9-1).

A week later the matchups will feature Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (12-0) vs. William Romero (5-0) and season one runner-up Wilson Reis (9-1) stepping in against Shad Lierley (5-2).

In addition, to learning of the eight competitors of Bellator’s second Featherweight tournament. BleacherReport, caught up with season one runner up Wilson Reis. 

The former EliteXC champion and Brazilian JiuJitsu black belt defeated Henry Martinez at Bellator Fighting Championship 2 to make it to the finals where he suffered a decision loss to Joe Soto.

Since the Soto fight, Reis has won consecutive bouts over Roberto Vargas and Dwayne Shelton. Having competed and experienced the Bellator format, Reis now believes he knows what to expect this time around.

“I know how to expect everything now, I try to get the best camp for this tournament. Getting the game plan and getting everything step by step to get to the finals. Take one fight at a time and move on," Reis stated.

"I’m very excited for the tournament, this year everybody they sign is well rounded and it’s a challenge. I'm excited to be in it and they have three big channels to broadcast so it’s going to be bigger this year. I’m training hard to win and get my name out there.”

The fights from both events will be featured broadcasts on FOX Sports Net and highlights from the events will played a week later in a Saturday night special on NBC and Telemundo.

In preparation for his second stint in the Bellator tournament, Reis has sought out the guidance of AllianceMMA and Head Coach Eric Del Fierro in Chula Vista, California.

“Coach Eric, is great with everything. I definitely want keep my camp here, every day we work hard. Everything is high quality, great sparring partners, coaches, conditioning. Everything a fighter needs is here, it’s like a big family," Reis explained.

"I love this place and it makes me more confident, now I’m here I know my game is improving and I feel a lot better. Definitely, Alliance has helped me big time, overall I've improved my technique.”

With that in mind, Reis believes the training he is receiving at Alliance and his prior JiuJitsu experience has made him a more complete fighter both physically and mentally.

“Everyone at Alliance helps to add something good to the camp and it’s a great experience. You know it’s all our full-time jobs and everyone is doing well. For every fighter being mentally strong is everything, your mind controls everything," he said.

"The thing that was good for me was competing in JiuJitsu for so long. I was always competing and sometimes there were days where I competed 5-6 times in JiuJitsu so it helped me to know how to deal with the pressure. I learned how to deal with the pressure and you’re definitely going to see a more well prepared Wilson Reis."