HONOLULU-On the same night asBellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops, Bellator is proud to announce the signing of United States Marine Corps veteran and established flyweight competitorLiz Carmouche(13-7) ukuze multi engu-an okukhethekile, multi-impi inkontileka.
Carmouche joins Bellator’s women’s flyweight division following a six-year run in UFC – a tenure that includes world title bouts in both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, as well as notable wins over Katlyn Chookagian and Jessica Andrade.
Fighting out of San Diego, the 35-year-old Team Hurricane Awesome-product also formerly competed for Strikeforce, notching a pair of victories with the promotion. She earned an additional win over Valentina Shevchenko earlier in her career.
Prior to her days as a professional athlete, the Lafayette, Louisiana-native spent five years serving as an aviation electrician in the United Stated Marine Corps, where she completed three tours of duty in the Middle East. A longtime friend and teammate of Hawaii’s ownIlima-Lei MacFarlane, “Girl-Rilla” finally has the opportunity to compete alongside Bellator women’s flyweight world champion in an already-stacked 125-pound division.
Carmouche’s promotional debut will take place early 2020 in the flyweight division, which is championed by her training partner, Ilima-lei Macfarlane,who headlinesBellator 236on DAZN tomorrow night in Honolulu, Hawaii. The division also features Macfarlane’s opponentKate Jackson, as well as other top athletes competing this weekend in Hawaii, okubala Juliana Velasquez, Veta Arteaga, Bruna Ellen futhi Alejandra Lara.
JOSH BARNETT AND RONNY MARKES HEADLINEBELLATOR & THE USO PRESENT: SALUTE THE TROOPSNGOLWESIHLANU, DEC. 20
BELLATOR 236 NGOMGQIBELO, DEC. 21 SEES ILIMA-LEI MACFARLANE DEFEND HER WORLD TITLE AGAINST KATE JACKSON
I-LOS ANGELES– The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s return to Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii this Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21 is official with a stacked doubleheader featuring something for every mixed martial arts fan.
Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troopswill air on Paramount Network on Friday, December 20 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The entire event will also stream on DAZN, while preliminary bouts will stream onBellator.com, I-DAZNand globally on theBellator Mobile App.
Bellator 236: Macfarlane vs. Jackson –one of the star-powered, year-end highlights of fight season on DAZN – will stream Saturday, December 21 live exclusively onI-DAZN at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream onBellator.com, I-DAZNand globally on theBellator Mobile App.
The main event of Friday’s card on Paramount Network will see a heavyweight headliner, featuring the Bellator debuts of former world championJosh Barnett (35-8) futhi Ronny Markes (19-7). Rounding out the stacked main card will see another Bellator debut, njengoba Erik Perez(19-6) enters the cage to meet Hawaii’s ownToby Misech (11-7), former flyweight No. 1 kwabazabalazayo Alejandra Lara (8-3) futhi Veta Arteaga (5-3) return to action and Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix participantTywan Claxton (5-1) takes on the undefeated prospect out of Maili, Hawaii, Braydon Akeo (3-0). Futhi, undefeated teammate of A.J. McKee Joey Davis (6-0) returns to the Bellator cage when he faces the “Big Island’s” 29-fight MMA veteran, Chris Cisneros (19-10).
The prelims forBellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troopswill feature an appearance from undefeated Bay Area-fighter fighterCass Bell(4-0), as well as undefeated Hawaiian prospectTy Gwerder (4-0).
A mere 24-hours later, Bellator 236 will take place exclusively on DAZN and will be headlined by a flyweight world title bout between Honolulu’sIlima-Lei MacFarlane (10-0) futhi yeNgilandi Kate Jackson (11-3-1). The co-main event is a quarterfinal matchup of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix withA.J. McKee (15-0)ukuthatha on Derek Fields (20-9.).
Ngaphezu kwalokho, recently signed Bellator welterweightJason Jackson (10-4) of Hollywood, Fla. returns to the Bellator cage on short notice to take onKiichi Kunimotoof Osaka, Japan. Juliana Velasquez (9-0) looks to remain undefeated with Bellator when she meetsBruna Ellen (10-6) at flyweight, while local Hawaiian standoutsCheyden Leialoha(7-1) futhi Nainoa Dung (3-0) go to battle againstRaufeon Stots (12-1) futhiZach Zane (13-9), ngokulandelana, to complete the main card.
Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the TroopsIKhadi Main:
I-Paramount Network & I-DAZN
10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT/5 p.m. HST
Heavyweight Main Event:Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7)
Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Toby Misech(11-7) vs. Erik Perez(19-6)
Flyweight Main Card Bout: Alejandra Lara (8-3) vs. Veta Artega(5-3)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Tywan Claxton (5-1) vs. Braydon Akeo (3-0)
Welterweight Main Card Bout: Joey Davis(6-0) vs. Chris Cisneros (19-10)
IKhadi Preliminary:
I-DAZN, Bellator.com & the Bellator Mobile App
8:45 p.m. KANYE / 7:45 p.m. CT/3:45 p.m. HST
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Cass Bell(4-0) vs. Pierre Daguzan(5-3, 1 NC)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Ty Gwerder (4-0) vs.Joseph Creer (6-1-1)
I-LOS ANGELES– Ahead of Bellator’s return to Hawaii on December 20 futhi 21 at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, the world’s leading global mixed martial arts promotion held open tryouts in Honolulu in an effort to further Bellator’s continued commitment to the local MMA scene in Hawaii.
After an overwhelming turnout, 10 athletes from the tryout have been selected to compete inside the Bellator cage next month – and if victorious, will have a chance to earn an exclusive multi-fight Bellator contract. The fighters selected includeBraydon Akeo (3-0), Cheyden Leialoha (7-1), Pierre Daguzan (5-3, 1 NC), Jamie Thorton (6-5), Hunter Ewald (for DEBUT), Keoni Diggs (7-0), Scotty Hao(4-2), Swayne Lunasco (7-0), Kaylan Gorospe (for DEBUT) futhi Ben Wilhelm (3-0).
At Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troopsngolwesihlanu, Dec. 20, Maili, Hawaii’sBraydon Akeo (3-0) earns a spot on the main card at 145-pounds againstTywan Claxton (5-1), who will make his first appearance since competing in the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix. This bout joins the previously announced heavyweight main event betweenJosh Barnett (35-8) futhi Ronny Markes (19-7), a bantamweight scrap featuring newly signedErik Perez(19-6) against Hawaii’sToby Misech(11-7) and a flyweight contest pitting former title challengers against each other, njengoba Alejandra Lara (8-3) tikwele off ngokumelene Veta Artega(5-3).
On Friday’s prelims, Kauai’sHunter Ewald, who was also selected from the tryouts, will make his professional debut against fellow HawaiianJonathan Pico(1-1) at 170-pounds. Futhi, recently signed to an exclusive deal of his own, Northern California’sCass Bell (4-0) will face Max Holloway’s training partnerPierre Daguzan (5-3) at bantamweight and 82nd Airborne Army VeteranJamie Thorton (6-5) liba Tiani Valle (3-2) of Maui at flyweight.
Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troopswill air on Paramount Network on Friday, December 20 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The entire event will also stream on DAZN, while preliminary bouts will stream onBellator.com, I-DAZNand globally on theBellator Mobile App.
Saturday, Dec. 21'S Bellator Hawaii: Macfarlane vs. Jackson will feature another tryout participant deserving of a main card bout, njengoba Cheyden Leialoha (7-1) meets another top prospect in Nebraska’sRaufeon Stots (12-1) at bantamweight. This fight joins a card topped by undefeated Bellator women’s flyweight champIlima-Lei MacFarlane (10-0) defending her title againstKate Jackson(11-3-1), A.J. McKee (15-0)ukuthatha on Derek Fields (20-9) in a quarterfinal matchup of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix, Neiman Gracie (9-1) returning to action for the first time since his welterweight title shot in a welterweight bout againstKiichi Kunimoto (20-8-2, 1 NC) and women’s flyweight title hopefulsJulianna Velasquez(9-0) futhi Bruna Ellen(5-2) going to battle.
Use Bellator 236 ikhadi zokukwazi, undefeated tryout prospectBen Wilhelm (3-0) will take on two-time Bellator veteranKona Oliveira (1-2) emncintiswaneni welterweight, while Wahiawa-bornKeoni Diggs (7-0) and Hilo’sScotty Hao(4-2) were also selected and will fight each other at 155 amakhilogremu. Lastly, Hawaii’sSwayne Lunasco, who went 7-0 njengoba an amateur, futhi Kaylan Gorospe, who were both selected from the tryouts, will make their pro debuts against each other at bantamweight.
Bellator Hawaii: Macfarlane vs. Jackson –one of the star-powered, year-end highlights of fight season on DAZN – will stream Saturday, December 21 live exclusively onI-DAZN at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream onBellator.com, I-DAZNand globally on theBellator Mobile App.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through Bellator.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com or the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena box office.
Kubuyekeziwe Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the TroopsIKhadi Main:
I-Paramount Network & I-DAZN
10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT/5 p.m. HST
Heavyweight Main Event:Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7)
Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Toby Misech(11-7) vs. Erik Perez(19-6)
Flyweight Main Card Bout: Alejandra Lara (8-3) vs. Veta Artega(5-3)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Tywan Claxton (5-1) vs. Braydon Akeo (3-0)
Updated Preliminary Card:
I-DAZN, Bellator.com & the Bellator Mobile App
8:45 p.m. KANYE / 7:45 p.m. CT/3:45 p.m. HST
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Cass Bell(4-0) vs. Pierre Daguzan(5-3, 1 NC)
JOSH BARNETT MAKES HIS BELLATOR DEBUT AGAINST RONNY MARKES IN HEAVYWEIGHT MAIN EVENT ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK
LOS ANGELES –To honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, Bellator MMA has once again partnered with the USO to present a special live event free for the troops, along with their friends and families, ngolwesihlanu, December 20. Emanating from Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii, this unique show will be headlined by a heavyweight bout featuring the Bellator debuts of “The Warmaster”Josh Barnett (35-8) futhi Ronny Markes (19-7).
For a second year, the USO and Bellator team up to honor the men and women who fight for our freedom and to bring entertainment and a piece of home to service members based in Hawaii during the holiday season. Lokhu Salute the Troopsevent will bring Bellator athletes and personalities to the military community and provide a live free event as a thank you for their sacrifices and dedication to our country, especially for those who are separated from family and home during the holidays. Much like last year, Bellator and the USO will also partner for a week of special events in Hawaii leading up to the big weekend of exciting fights on December 20 futhi 21.
As the leading military support organization, the USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. This holiday season, hundreds of thousands of service members will remain on duty, away from home. The USO, through its programs, services and entertainment tours, is committed to bringing a piece of home to our nation’s service men and women. MMA fans and military supporters can help keep troops strong and connected to home by visitingwww.USO.org/Holidaysand by using the hashtag#USOHolidayswhen sharing how they have helped the USO’s critical mission to make the holidays special for our military heroes.
Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troopswill air on Paramount Network on Friday, December 20 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The entire event will also stream on DAZN, while preliminary bouts will stream onBellator.comand globally on theBellator Mobile App. Details for exclusive ticket distribution will be announced in the coming days.
This unforgettable night will be part of an historic weekend culminating with the previously announcedBellator Hawaii: Macfarlane vs. Jackson ngomgqibelo, December 21. This highly-anticipated fight card includes undefeated Bellator women’s flyweight champIlima-Lei MacFarlanedefending her title againstKate Jackson, futhi A.J. McKee ukuthatha on Derek Fieldsin a quarterfinal matchup of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix.
After signing with Bellator in April, former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett will make his return to MMA competition for the first time since 2016. A second-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Barnett has remained prevalent in the combat sports realm, competing in jiu-jitsu events, promoting and performing at his own professional wrestling shows and working as a color commentator for New Japan Pro Wrestling. Barnett is no stranger to the devoted MMA fanbase in Hawaii, fighting for regional Hawaiian promotion Superbrawl in 1999 futhi 2000, a stint that included three fights in one night to win the Superbrawl 13 heavyweight tournament. One of the top heavyweights of all-time, the Strikeforce, Pride, UFC, K-1, NJPW, Pancrase, and Affliction mainstay owns victories over legendary stars, including Dan Severn (2x), Semmy Schilt (2x), Randy Couture, Mark Hunt, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Pedro Rizzo, Sergei Kharitonov, Frank Mir, Roy Nelsonand Andrei Arlovski.
Ukulwa ngokomsebenzi kusukela 2007, Ronny Markes will join the Bellator ranks following 26-fights all over the globe including three wins in UFC. Competing for a majority of his nearly 13-year career at middleweight, the 31-year-old will now lace up the gloves as a Bellator heavyweight. Hailing from Natal, Brazil, Markes is coming off a TKO victory in June, and will add another big-name fighter to his list of opposition, a list that includes fights against Yoel Romero, Thiago Santos, Aaron Simpson and Paulo Filho.
Kubuyekeziwe Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the TroopsFight Card:
Heavyweight Main Event:Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7)
Bellator is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing promotion featuring many of the best athletes in the world. Ngaphansi kokuqondisa esingumakadebona impi umgqugquzeli Scott Coker, Bellator events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on both Paramount Network and DAZN, the world’s first truly dedicated LIVE sports streaming service. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live umcimbi orchestration, ukuthuthukiswa fighter / ubudlelwano, kwempahla kwenkundla yokudlalela, Indalo uxhaso / ukuthuthukiswa, kwamalayisensi international, marketing, ukukhangisa, emphakathini kanye nobudlelwane ikhomishana. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, ekhaya UNdunankulu ukuzijabulisa brand zezwe ukuxhuma izilaleli kokuqukethwe esicindezelayo yonkana ithelevishini, motion picture, intanethi and mobile.
About Paramount Network:
Paramount Network is a premium entertainment destination that pushes the limits of story-telling with bold original scripted and non-scripted series. Inspired by over a century of cinema, Paramount Network is where today’s brightest stars bring the experience of the big screen to every screen with stories that are immersive, inclusive, and deeply personal.
About DAZN:
DAZN is the largest global sports streaming platform in the world. Since launching in 2016, DAZN has expanded across four continents with the app currently available for download in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan and Brazil. In the U.S., DAZN has made its mark as an attractive alternative to pay-per-view within the combat sports industry. The platform features big fights from Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, Fr Promotions, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series and Combate Americas, all for one affordable price, on any device – including smart TVs, Smartphones, Izibhebhe, games consoles and PCs. DAZN also features live MLB action each day of the season with its new daily show, ChangeUp. The much-anticipated daily program The Pat McAfee Show launched in September.
SAITAMA SUPER ARENA TO HOSTBELLATOR JAPAN ISONTO, DECEMBER 29 – LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK
TICKETS ON SALE NOVEMBER 3
I-LOS ANGELES– For the first time in the organization’s history, Bellator travels to Japan and the iconic Saitama Super Arena for an historic event, njengoba Fedor Emelianenko(38-6, 1 NC) futhi Quinton "Rampage" Jackson(38-13) square off in a long-awaited heavyweight showdown. Bellator Japan: Fedor vs. Rampage, powered by RIZIN, takes place Sunday, December 29 and will air LIVE on Paramount Network.
Amathikithi for Bellator Japan: Fedor vs. Rampage go on sale November 3. Additional bouts are expected to be announced in the coming days.
“For Bellator’s debut in Japan, we wanted to bring a massive event and fighters that the Japanese fans really connect with,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “Given the vast history of martial arts and MMA in Japan, and especially at Saitama Super Arena, this will be a very special show that no one will want to miss.This will, unquestionably, be a monumental event for Bellator and I am looking forward to the moment that Fedor and ‘Rampage’ walk out to a crowd that has known them since their careers began. I would also like to thank RIZIN for their help in making this event a possibility and we look forward to working together in the near future to showcase the best talent each organization has to offer.”
Fighting out of Stary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russia, Fedor Emelianenko returns to Japan following a successful run in the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix earlier this year, where he earned consecutive first-round knockouts overEnku- Sonnen futhi Frank Mir. A former PRIDE FC Heavyweight Champion and PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight World Grand Prix Champion, “The Last Emperor” returns to where his career started. Often referred to as “The GOAT” by fans around the world, his career resume stands as one of the most impressive in the history of the sport with victories over Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, Mark Coleman and Andrei Arlovski, sibala ezimbalwa. With 29 career victories ending via finish, the punching power and world-class Sambo of the stoic Russian could result in yet another defining moment in his illustrious career.
An eight-fight veteran of Bellator, “Rampage” Jackson’s legendary career has seen him compete against some of the top names in the sport, generating a loyal army of fans along the way. The former PRIDE and UFC champion is the proud owner of many epic highlight reel slams and knockouts that he has racked up throughout his epic battles with the likes of Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, "INkosi Mo" Lawal, Kevin Randleman and, perhaps most-notably, his four-fight series with Wanderlei Silva. The Memphis, Tennessee-native has long been seen as an icon to MMA fans around the globe and has openly voiced a desire to face Fedor in front of a Japanese crowd before his career comes to an end. Manje, the two legends will finally meet inside the Bellator cage on December 29 at the famed Saitama Super Arena.
Kubuyekeziwe Bellator Japan: Fedor vs. Rampage Fight Card:
Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (38-6, 1 NC) vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (38-13)
