Paul Daley to face Brennan Ward at Bellator 170

Bellator's big show to start 2017 has added some hitters.

Paul Daley will take on Brennan Ward in an important welterweight bout at Bellator 170 on Jan. 21 in Los Angeles, it was announced by promotion president Scott Coker on ESPN. That event is headlined by a matchup between MMA legends Tito Ortiz and Chael Sonnen.

Daley (38-14-2) is coming off a loss to now-welterweight champ Douglas Lima in July. Before that, the English knockout artist had won five in a row. He was supposed to face Derek Anderson at Bellator 163 earlier this month, but pulled out hours before the fight due to health issues following a bad weight cut. Daley, 33, is a veteran of the UFC, Strikeforce, BAMMA, EliteXC and other promotions in his 16-year career.

Ward (14-4) knocked out Saad Awad in the first round of their welterweight battle at Bellator 163. The Connecticut native has developed a strong following, especially on the East Coast. He's been with Bellator since 2012. Ward, 28, has won five of six and has six knockouts on his Bellator résumé.

Bellator 170 will take place at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. Also on that card, Ralek Gracie will make his return to MMA, facing Hisaki Kato.