 On Thursday December 17, 2009 Bellator announced the signing of Hornbuckle to a multi-fight Welterweight tournament contract.At Bellator 15, Hornbuckle defeated Tyler Stinson via first round triangle choke to advance to the semifinals of the Bellator Welterweight Tournament.He then defeated Steve Carl via submission (kimura) at Bellator 19 to advance to the finals of the Bellator Welterweight Tournament.