The MMA Daily

 Douglas Lima might be the best welterweight not in the UFC minus Ben Askren. And don’t expect “The Phenom” to grace the octagon anytime soon considering he firmly established his commitment to Bellator, signing a new 8-Fight deal with the promotion. 

At only 26 year old, Lima carries a record of 25-5, with a finishing rate at 88%. Since joining Bellator, Lima has amassed a 7-1 record and is a two-time welterweight tournament winner. The only blemish on his Bellator record came against Ben Askren, in which he challenged for the Bellator welterweight championship. However, he was defeated by decision. Since, Lima has tallied four knockout victories and is back in a position to challenge for the belt. This time though, it’s not against Ben Askren who vacated the title and left the promotion, but against a fellow welterweight tournament winner in Rick Hawn. A former American Olympic Judoka, Hawn has transitioned into mixed martial arts with success. Since making his mixed martial arts debut in 2009, Hawn has amassed an 18-2 record with 11 knockouts. And, a recent weight class change from lightweight to welterweight has Hawn knocking at the door of Bellator gold. Unfortunately there is no set date on this potential barnburner, but it’s bound to take place sometime in 2014. 

The Phenom (Ranked 20th in my Welterweight Rankings) has all the tools to become a star and at the tender of 26 years old, one might wonder if he is either in his prime or if it’s yet to come. And, if it’s yet to come, than we are in store for one scary fighter. Mark my words “Lima will be a contender to be the fighter of the year for 2014”. And, it might finally be the year Lima breaks into stardom. So, strap in and get ready for 2014, The Phenom might just make some noise!