Eddie Alvarez vs. Pat Curran Championship Fight Headlines Bellator 39

The Bellator Fighting Championship staff announced an April 2 bout between current Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez (21-2) and contender Pat Curran (12-3). Alvarez returns to the cage after defeating UFC veterans Roger Huerta and Josh Neer in 2010. Curran is coming off a 2010 lightweight tournament victory in the finals versus Toby Imada.

The event will be broadcast on MTV2 live from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

"Returning to Mohegan Sun in season four was a high priority for us," said Bjorn Rebney, CEO of Bellator. "Mohegan Sun has a spectacular venue, a great gaming facility and a luxurious hotel. I'm really looking forward to our return.

Alvarez has proven himself as one of the top lightweights in the world and as one of the best fighters not with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Outside of other lightweight standout fighters Gilbert Melendez and Tatsuya Kawajiri (who are fighting in April), Curran poses a visible challenge for the fighter from Philadelphia.

Pat Curran, the 23-year-old brother of former UFC fighter Jeff, will try to stop the momentum Alvarez has gained over the past two years. Alvarez has finished all six of his opponents since his last loss; a submission loss to Shinya Aoki.

Both have fought similar opposition. Against Roger Huerta, Curran won a close unanimous decision while Alvarez defeated him by second round doctor stoppage.

Curran earned a split decision over Toby Imada to win the second season of the Bellator lightweight tournament. Alvarez submitted Imada to win the first season of the tournament.

This will be an important fight in determining who the most legitimate lightweight is outside of the UFC and Strikeforce. The winner will move one step close to earning their spot in the biggest organization in the world.