Bellator
Minnesota's Mike "The Marine" Richman meets WEC vet Chris Horodecki in Bellator debut in Windsor, Ont. on April 6
Feb 17, 2012 - 3:30:10 PM Minnesota's Mike "The Marine" Richman meets WEC vet Chris Horodecki in Bellator debut in Windsor, Ont. on April 6

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

One of Minnesota's top featherweights will make his Bellator debut on April 6, as Mike "The Marine" Richman has booked a date with IFL and WEC vet Chris Horodecki at Bellator 64 in Windsor, Ont. Richman's management team at Sterling Entertainment Group announced the fight on Friday.

"The Marine" made the cast of The Ultimate Fighter's 12th season as a lightweight in 2010, but lost a two round decision to Aaron Wilkinson in the opening round and didn't make it into the house. In his professional career, he's compiled an 11-1 record, with the sole loss coming by split decision.

Now fighting out of The Academy outside of Minneapolis, Richman has picked up ten of his career wins via TKO or submission.

"Mike Richman only wanted to fight the best, he did not want any gifts or handouts," SEG's Jeremy Bjornberg told MMATorch. "When he was informed that Horodecki was a potential option, he demanded I do my best to get it done, just the kind of fighter he is. Since he has moved to The Academy he has become a whole different animal and we are excited to show the world April 6."

Horodecki is a longtime veteran of the sport, despite only being 24-years old. He went 2-2 in his four fights in the WEC, but after a loss to Donald Cerrone on the final WEC card he was not brought into the UFC. He has appeared twice in Bellator, most recently fighting to a majority draw against Mike Corey last November.

Penick's Analysis: I've had the chance to see Richman a few times locally in Minnesota, and as a featherweight he can be a serious threat in Bellator. Horodecki is a major, major fight for him, and a definite step up in competition; but as Bjornberg said, these are the types of challenges he wants. Win or lose here, Richman's not shying away from a fight, and a big performance against Horodecki could be a statement for him in one of Bellator's very best divisions. This is a great fight, and though it will likely be on the Spike.com portion of the card, it's a massive opportunity for Richman.