Just one step away from his second shot at the Bellator middleweight tournament finale, Bryan Baker ran into the freight train that was Vitor Vianna's right hand. The fast-rising Brazilian prospect punched his ticket to the finals with a dazzling knockout just 54 seconds into the first round at Bellator 54.
Both fighters exchanged wild flurries to open the round before Vianna's looping overhand right found its mark, crumbling Baker to the canvas. The tournament newcomer immediately swarmed, controlling Baker's legs while raining down hammerfist after hammerfist onto the skull of his opponent until referee Keith Peterson was forced to step in. The win was the fifth in a row for Vianna and secures a spot against season-two winner Alexander Shlemenko in the tournament finals.
Bellator 54 was held on October 15th, 2011, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Bantamweight champion Zach Makovsky defeated Ryan Roberts via north/south choke at 4:48 of the first round in the night's other featured bout. For complete results, news, and injuries, check MMA Nation's comprehensive Bellator coverage.