Robstown, Texas - May 8, 2009 - In another unpredictable semi-final night of Bellator action, underdogs Joe Soto and Yahir Reyes advanced to the Bellator Featherweight world championship final for the chance to secure their place as the Featherweight champion and collect the $100,000 grand prize in the first nationally televised tournament style mixed martial arts promotion. The dramatic tournament action began with favorite Estevan Payan taking on Yahir Reyes in a hard-fought battle during the nail-biting semi-final. After a close first round, just two minutes into the second Reyes pulled a brutally unexpected spinning back fist to end Payan's match and his chance at the title while the eager Texas crowd erupted in applause after first catching their breath. Quickly becoming an upset artist, longtime kickboxing expert Reyes first defeated favorite Nick Gonzalez at Bellator I and is hungry to become the champion when he meets Joe Soto in the Bellator cage for the Championship title.

"This tournament format continues to produce results that no one could have expected at each event," commented Bellator Fighting Championships CEO Bjorn Rebney. "Just seeing the levels of emotion these fighters show before and after a match demonstrates that all they've wanted was a chance to prove themselves and with the Bellator tournament format, these remarkable athletes are given the opportunity to excel."

During Bellator VI's exciting undercard action, former Featherweight tournament participants Luis Palomino and Nick Gonzalez clashed, ending in a first round TKO victory for the aggressive Palomino. After celebrating with multiple mid-ring flips, an excited Palomino urged Bellator fans not to count him out for future glory with Bellator Fighting Championships. In another hard fought Featherweight match, Roberto Vargas defeated local Houston native Daniel Pineda via unanimous decision.

All of the Bellator VI action will air on ESPN Deportes Saturday, May 9.

View the complete results here

courtesy Bellator Fighting Championships