WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ANDREY KORESHKOV TO FACE DOUGLAS LIMA IN MAIN EVENT
ASIMISMO: ISRAELI ARMY VETERAN NOAD LAHAT SET FOR BELLATOR MMA DEBUT AGAINST SCOTT CLEVE
SANTA MONICA, CALIF (Zazpi. 7, 2016) – Bellator MMA Welterweight Champion Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) will make the second defense of his belt against the man he took it from more than a year ago, Douglas Lima (27-6), in the main event of the promotion’s historic debut at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv on Azaroa 10.
Horrez gain, the card will feature one of Israel’s own in the co-headliner, when newly signed Bellator MMA featherweight Noad Lahat (9-2) cumple Scott Cleve (15-5). Additional main card and preliminary fights will be announced in coming weeks.
The Viacom-owned fight promotion’s historic event will air in America on SPIKE Ostirala, Azaroa 11 at 9 p.m. ETA / 8 p.m. CT. Bellator has partnered with Ananey Communications, an Israeli television conglomerate boasting 14 channels, several of which showcase Viacom content including the EGO and EGO TOTAL channels which have broadcast Bellator in Israel since 2012.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com edo Eventim.co.il/mma.
Currently sitting atop Bellator MMA’s welterweight division, the 26-year-old champion Koreshkov most recently dismantled former world champion Benson Henderson egiteko 25 minutes in his first-ever title defense. 19-1 profesional gisa, “Spartan” hasn’t tasted defeat since 2013 and has finished 13 of his opponents by either knockout or submission. It’s worth noting that Koreshkov trains under the leadership of former middleweight championAlexander Shlemenko.
Coming off of a dominant victory over top contender Paul Daley, “The Phenom” Lima has earned the right to challenge for the promotion’s 170-pound title, which he once held. The American Top Team standout has a knack for winning fights in spectacular fashion before reaching the judges’ scorecards, which he has accomplished in 23 bere 27 profesional gisa irabazi du. Born in Brazil, the 28-year-old has secured victories over top competition since starting his career in 2006, tallying wins against Ben Saunders (2x), Ryan Ford, Steve Carl and Olympic competitor Rick Hawn. Now fully healthy, Lima looks to fight twice in a calendar year for the first time since 2013.
A black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, Lahat made his professional debut in 2008, where he began an impressive streak of seven consecutive victories. The 32-year-old “Neo” then decided to take his talents to the UFC, where he tacked on two more wins, rounding out his current professional record of 9-2. Hailing from Alfei Menashe, Samaria Israel, Lahat was also a soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces before transitioning to his now promising MMA career. He will look to compete in a strong Bellator MMA Featherweight class that includes current titleholder Daniel Straus, Pat Curran, Patricio “Pitbull," Daniel Weichel, eta Georgi Karakhanyan.
At 34 urtetik, Scott Cleve is set for his fifth appearance under the Bellator MMA banner, the Colorado native has a knack for ending fights early, stopping his opponent in 11 bere 15 garaipenekin. Notable victories on the “Pariah MMA” standouts resume include wins over UFC veteran Abel Trujillo, along with Bellator competitors Derek eremuak eta Matt Bessette.
“Bellator MMA in Tel Aviv” Main Card:
Welterweight World Title Bout: Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) vs. Douglas Lima (27-6)
Featherweight Feature Bout: Noad Lahat (9-2) vs. Scott Cleve (15-5)