Former entrant Steve Carl official for season-four Bellator welterweight field

Former semifinalist Steve Carl (11-2 MMA, 2-1 BFC) has rejoined the Bellator Fighting Championships tournament field as an entrant in the upcoming season-four welterweight bracket.

Officials today announced the addition, which brings the total unveiled entrants to seven.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) first reported his inclusion this past week. As part of the report, Carl was revealed as the opening-round opponent for IFL/UFC/Strikeforce vet Jay Hieron (19-4 MMA, 0-0 BFC).

That fight takes place March 5 at a venue and host city to be announced.

The eight-man field will be whittled down to one, who earns $100,000 in total pay and a guaranteed title shot.

Carl, a former U.S. Army sergeant who served in the Iraq War, enters the tournament with nine wins in his past 10 fights. The lone defeat came to Dan Hornbuckle in Bellator's season-two welterweight tourney.

"I don't feel like I've ever been able to show my true potential out there in any of my fights, but I think fans can expect to see a more explosive and fired-up Steve Carl than ever before in 2011," Carl stated. "What was good enough last year isn't going to cut it this year."

Carl earned an entry into the upcoming tournament field with a submission win over notable Tyler Stinson at Bellator 26 in August. It was his seventh submission win in 11 pro victories.

Back in 2006, just three fights into his pro career, Carl was injured in a car accident that initially left doctors unsure if the fighter ever would walk again, let alone fight.

Bellator, which aired past seasons on ESPN Deportes and then FOX Sports Net, also is expected to host season-four tournaments in the featherweight, lightweight and light-heavyweight divisions.