Following an impressive run in the DREAM Featherweight Grand Prix last year, decorated wrestling standout Joe Warren will return to mixed martial arts competition in 2010. The confident and outspoken 33-year-old signed with Bellator Fighting Championships and will be a part of the promotion’s upcoming featherweight tournament.

The addition of Warren is the latest in a string of impressive recent signings for Bellator, which rose to fame in 2009 with a series of exciting tournaments and highlight-reel knockouts and submissions.

Warren (2-1-0) made his MMA debut in the DREAM tournament and defeated former WEC champ Chase “The Rage” Beebe via doctor stoppage in the opening round. It was Warren’s next fight that put him on the map, however, as he bested Japanese superstar Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto at Dream.9 to advance to the semi-finals of the grand prix. The shocking upset left many observers in disbelief, but Warren displayed impressive skills in just his second fight.

Though his DREAM title hopes were dashed at the hands of eventual tournament champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes, Warren showed last year that he is a force to be reckoned with. His Bellator opposition will include recent signees Patricio “Pitbull” Freire and Bao Quach. Improving at an accelerated rate, Warren will look to capture his first major title in mixed martial arts when he debuts in the Bellator tournament.

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)