LOS ANGELES — Bellator is proud to announce that Russian MMA greatFedor Emelianenko(38-6, 1 NC) has signed an exclusive multi-fight contract extension to finish his career inside the Bellator cage.
Emelianenko’s farewell tour continues in Bellator’s stacked heavyweight division on the heels of a finals run during the promotion’s eight-man Heavyweight World Grand Prix.Fighting out of Stary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russia, “The Last Emperor” recently earned first-round knockouts overChael Sonnen na Frank Mir in the tourney’s semifinals and opening round, mtiririko.
“I am pleased that we were able to sign Fedor, the greatest heavyweight of all time, to a new contract extension,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “He is someone that I consider a friend in this business and am even more pleased that he has decided to finish his storied career with Bellator. There are exciting matchups for him here in Bellator that I know will appeal to his fans from the past, as well as new fans from his recent run in the tournament. As his time in the sport winds down, I am happy to see him close out his career on his own terms.”
“My strong friendship and respect for Scott Coker made reaching a contract extension a simple process,” said Fedor Emelianenko. “Bellator is my home – I look forward to helping Bellator continue to grow and reach its full potential as the world’s top MMA promotion.”
A former PRIDE Heavyweight Champion and PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight World Grand Prix Champion, Emelianenko is often referred to as “The GOAT” by fans around the world. With a career resume that stands as one of the most impressive in the history of the sport that includes victories over Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, Mark Coleman and Andrei Arlovski, kwa jina wachache. Kwa 29 career victories ending via finish, the punching power and world-class Sambo of the stoic Russian can always result in yet another accolade in his illustrious career.
Emelianenko’s return to the Bellator cage is yet to be determined, but he is expected to return to action later this year.
FULL FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NYC THIS FRIDAY – AIRING EXCLUSIVELY ON DAZN
NEW YORK –The line-up for the highly anticipatedBellator 222: MacDonald vs. Gracie tukiohas been completed with two title fights and 18 electric bouts in total filling out Bellator’s return to Madison Square Garden this Friday, Juni 14 – only onDAZN. The star-studded card is headlined by a double main event that will see a Welterweight World Grand Prix semi-final matchup between current Bellator welterweight world championRory MacDonald (20-5-1) defending his title against the unbeaten Renzo Gracie-trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu black beltNeiman Gracie (9-0), as well as two of the sport’s biggest names inLyoto Machida (25-8) na Chael Sonnen (31-16-1) finally meeting after years of parallel careers in the MMA world.
The main card ofBellator 222 will stream live exclusively onDAZN katika 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action begins at 6:30 p.m. EST/3:30 p.m. PST and will also stream onDAZNor globally on the Bellator Mobile App.
The DAZN-streamed main card also featuresDarrion Caldwell (13-2) defending his Bellator bantamweight world title against Rizin Fighting Federation’s bantamweight championKyoji Horiguchi (27-2) in a true “champion vs. champion” matchup, following a Horiguchi submission victory when the two met in Rizin’s ring this past December in Japan, as well as a 175-pound catchweight contest between polarizing grappling aceDillon Danis (1-0) and Max Humphrey (3-2). Zaidi ya hayo, fans will see an intriguing featherweight bout featuring former Bellator 135-pound championEduardo Dantas (21-6) making the leap to 145-pounds in an attempt to handJuan Archuleta (21-1) the first loss of his Bellator career, wakati Ricky Bandejas (11-2) welcomes unbeatenPatrick Mix (10-0) katika bantamweight.
Preliminary action forBellator 222 is also must-see andfeatures many of Bellator’s rising stars. Those who tune in will see bouts highlighted byAaron Pico (4-2) dhidi ya Adam Borics (12-0) at 145-pounds, as well as a second inter-promotional contest pittingRenaof Rizin (8-2) dhidi ya Lindsay VanZandt (5-1) in a 112-pound catchweight fight. Bellator 222will also see the return of “The Heat” to MSG, when world champion boxerHeather Hardy (2-1) nyuso Taylor Turner (3-5) at flyweight. Familiar faces inMike Kimbel (2-1), Robson Gracie Jr. (1-0) na Haim Gozali (10-6) will all also compete, while formerUltimate Fighter mshiriki Phil Hawes (4-2) will make his promotional debut. Mwisho, it was recently announced that undefeated Taekwondo MasterValerie Loureda (1-0) will make her sophomore appearance when she welcomesLarkyn Dasch (0-1) to the Bellator cage on Friday night at Madison Square Garden.
Bellator 222 Kuu ya Kadi:
Welterweight World Grand Prix Semifinal Title Bout: Rory MacDonald (20-5-1) vs. Neiman Gracie (9-0)
Josh Streacker (6-2) kushindwa Scott Writz (2-1) kupitia KO (ngumi) katika 3:33 ya mbili duru
Bellator MMA
Bellator is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing promotion featuring many of the best athletes in the world. Chini ya uongozi wa mkongwe kupambana promoter 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. Katika Umoja wa Mataifa, 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, kuishi tukio muziki wa, fighter maendeleo / mahusiano, ukumbi manunuzi, kuundwa udhamini / maendeleo, leseni ya kimataifa, masoko, matangazo, utangazaji na tume mahusiano. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, nyumbani kwa duniani bidhaa Waziri burudani kwamba kuungana na watazamaji kupitia maudhui kulazimisha katika televisheni, picha mwendo, majukwaa online na simu.
About DAZN:
DAZN is the largest global sports streaming platform in the world. Since launching in 2016, DAZN had expanded across four continents with the service available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italia, Hispania, Japan, and Brazil. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just affordable access to all the service’s sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, vidonge, games consoles and PCs. 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 more than 100 fight nights per year from Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, GGG Promotions, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series and Combate Americas. DAZN also features live MLB action each day of the season with its new daily show, ChangeUp.
Rory MacDonald (20-5-1) na Jon Fitch (32-7-2, 1 NC) fought to a majority draw (48-46, 47-47, 47-47) – MacDonald retains the welterweight title and advances in the Welterweight World Grand Prix
ILIMA-Lei Macfarlane (10-0) kushindwa Veta Arteaga (5-3) kupitia TKO (daktari majeruhi) katika 1:50 of round three to retain the women’s flyweight title
Benson Henderson (27-8) kushindwa Adam Piccolot (11-3) kupitia uamuzi kupasuliwa (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Phil Davis (20-5, 1 NC) kushindwa Liam McGeary (13-4) kupitia TKO (mgomo) katika 4:11 ya pande zote tatu
Gaston Bolanos (5-1) kushindwa Nathan Stolen (8-5) kupitia KO (ngumi) katika 2:21 ya duru moja
Awali Kadi:
Aviv Gozali (2-0) kushindwa Travis Crain (0-1) kupitia utii (nyuma-uchi hulisonga) katika 2:15 ya duru moja
Brandon Faumui (5-3) kushindwa Chris Avila (6-8) kupitia uamuzi kupasuliwa (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
Matt Perez (5-2) kushindwa Justin Tenedora (2-2) kupitia KO (kukwepa makonde) katika 4:52 ya duru moja
Cass Bell (3-0) kushindwa Peter Ishiguro (1-1) kupitia KO (kukwepa makonde) 2:59 ya mbili duru
Chuck Campbell (2-0) kushindwa Bruno Casillas (0-1) kupitia KO (goti) katika 1:45 ya duru moja
Hyder Amil (3-0) kushindwa Paradise Vaovasa (6-4, 1 NC) kupitia utii (nyuma-uchi hulisonga) katika 2:34 ya duru moja
Josh San Diego (9-4) kushindwa Brandon Laroco (5-2) kupitia uamuzi usiojulikana (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Jordan Williams (8-2, 1 NC) kushindwa Diego Herzog (4-3-1) via TKO at 1:21 ya pande zote tatu
Abraham Vaesau (5-2, 1 NC) kushindwa Justin Roswell (3-3, 1 NC) via TKO at 1:59 ya duru moja
Chris Inocencio (1-1) kushindwa Boris Novachkov (0-1) kupitia uamuzi kupasuliwa (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Thomas Ponce de Leon (3-0) kushindwa Jamario Mulder (2-4) kupitia uamuzi usiojulikana (30-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Ignacio Ortiz (2-0-1) na Roger Severson (3-3-1) fought to a unanimous draw (28-28, 28-28, 28-28)
Erik Gunha (2-0-1) na Jon Adams (0-0-1) fought to a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
SAN JOSE, Calif. - All 18 bouts for the highly anticipatedBellator 220: MacDonald vs. Fitchtukio, streamed exclusively onDAZN, have been announced when Bellator returns home to the SAP Center at San Jose on Saturday, Aprili 27.
Two title fights sit atop the card, as Bellator welterweight championRory MacDonald (20-5) defends his title world againstJon Fitch (31-7-1, 1 NC) in the final opening round bout of the Welterweight World Grand Prix, while undefeated Bellator flyweight championILIMA-Lei Macfarlane(9-0) returns to action againstVeta Arteaga(5-2) in the evening’s co-headliner.
Bellator220: MacDonald vs. Fitchwill stream live exclusively onDAZN, the fastest-growing sports streaming service in the world, katika 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, wakati hatua za awali mkondo juu ya Bellator.com na kimataifa juu ya Bellator Mobile.
Limited tickets remain available at the ThreatMetrix Ticket Office at SAP Center at San Jose, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.
Three former world champions will also appear on the main card, kama Benson Henderson (26-8) takes on the Bay Area’s ownAdam Piccolot (11-2) katika nyepesi, wakati Phil Davis(19-5, 1 NC) will run it back withLiam McGeary (13-3) katika mwanga Heavyweight hatua. Zaidi ya hayo, featherweight Gaston Bolanos (4-1) looks to add to hisimpressive highlight reelwhen he kicks off the main card versusNathan Stolen (8-4).
Preliminary action forBellator 220: MacDonald vs. Fitchwill feature the U.S. debut of second-generation Israeli fighterAviv Gozali (1-0) in his sophomore appearance againstTravis Crain (Pro Albamu).
Kamili Bellator 220: MacDonald vs. FitchKuu ya Kadi:
Welterweight World Grand Prix Title Bout: Rory MacDonald (20-5) vs. Jon Fitch (32-7-1, 1 NC)
Women’s Flyweight World Title Bout: ILIMA-Lei Macfarlane (9-0) vs. Veta Arteaga (5-2)
Lightweight Main Card Bout: Benson Henderson (26-8) vs. Adam Piccolot (11-2)
Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Phil Davis (19-5, 1 NC) vs. Liam McGeary (13-3)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Gaston Bolanos (4-1) vs. Nathan Stolen (8-4)
LOS ANGELES– Bellator’s return to WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Okla. Ijumaa, Julai 12 will be headlined by a women’s featherweight title fight featuring Canada’sJulia Budd(12-2) defending her title for a third time against undefeatedOlga Rubin(6-0) of Israel.
The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT, as well as DAZN.com, while preliminary action will stream onBellator.comand globally on theBellator Mobile App. Tiketiare on sale now and can be purchased at the WinStar World Casino and Resort box office, as well as through Ticketmaster and Bellator.com. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.
Fighting out of Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada, Budd is set to enter the Bellator cage for the first time in 2019 and for the third time since claiming the inaugural Bellator women’s featherweight world title in 2017. Currently riding a winning streak of 10 ncha, including six straight since joining forces with Bellator in 2015, “The Jewel” has her eyes set on a third consecutive world title defense when she challenges the undefeated Rubin on July 12. Since knocking off Dutch legend Marloes Coenen for the 145-pound strap atBellator 174, the Gibson MMA-product has since collected back-to-back victories over top contendersArlene Blencowe na Talita Nogueira. With six of her 12 kazi mafanikio kuja kwa njia ya mtoano au kuwasilisha, the former kickboxing standout will look to hand Rubin the first loss of her professional career.
Making her fifth appearance since signing with Bellator in 2017, Rubin looks to protect her unblemished professional mark en route to her first career women’s featherweight world title on July 12. Following a pair of notable knockouts in her first two promotional appearances atBellator 164 na Bellator 188, the 29-year-old prospect has bolstered her resume with dominating victories over the likes of Cindy Dandois and Iony Razafiarisonin each of her past two bouts. Now residing in Holon, Israel, Rubin splits her time training between Tel Aviv and London’s Team Titan under the tutelage of veteran Brad Pickett. “Big Bad” will look to become the first fighter to beat Budd in almost eight years and join a select group of women that includes just Ronda Rousey and Amanda Nunes, who have succeeded against the champ in the past.
Updated Bellator: Budd vs. RubinFight Card:
Women’s Featherweight World Title Bout:Julia Budd (12-2) vs. Olga Rubin(6-0)
LOS ANGELES– The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s return to WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Okla. Ijumaa hii, Machi 22 has been completed with a stacked four-fight main card and a total of 10 preliminary contests.
The main event of Friday’s card at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT on Paramount Network, and simulcast on DAZN, will feature a 145-pound headliner, when former featherweight title contenderEmmanuel Sanchez (17-4) rematches the returningGeorgi Karakhanyan (28-8-1, 1 NC). Rounding out the stacked main card will see a heavyweight matchup pitting England’sLinton Vassell (18-7, 1 NC) in his divisional debut against Russia’sValentin Moldavsky (7-1), the always-gameGerald Harris (25-7-1) returning to action against the surgingAnatoly Tokov (27-2) in a middleweight contest and an intriguing middleweight contest between undefeated London Shootfighters-prospectNorbert Novenyi(2-0) and Kansas’Will Lavine (1-1).
The prelims forBellator 218: Sanchez vs. Karakhanyan 2 will be highlighted by multiple bouts featuring recent Bellator signings, including Duke Rufus-trained prospectJordan Newman,the professional debut ofChristian Edwardsof Jackson-Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, N.M., Sweden’sMalin Hermansson(2-0) na Johnny Eblen (4-0), who brings his undefeated record to Bellator. Anatoly Tokov’s younger brother, Vladimir Tokov(3-0), will also enter the Bellator cage for the first time when he competes at lightweight againstRyan Walker (8-4). Zaidi ya hayo, seven-fight Bellator veteranJohn “Macapa” (21-4) meets 30-fight veteranKevin Croom (19-11) katika featherweight.
Bellator 218: Sanchez vs. Karakhanyan 2 will be broadcast Friday, Machi 22 on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT and will stream LIVE on DAZN. Preliminary action for both events will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.
Kamili Bellator 218: Sanchez vs. Karakhanyan 2 Kuu ya Kadi:
Featherweight Main Event Bout:Emmanuel Sanchez (17-4) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (28-8-1, 1 NC)
LOS ANGELES– Bellator is proud to announce that both Patricio and Patricky Freire, better known to fans as the infamous “Pitbull Brothers,” will continue to compete inside the Bellator cage after signing exclusive multi-year, multi-fight extensions to remain with the promotion.
Fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, the brothers have become synonymous with Bellator throughout their prolific careers. Having held titles and established themselves among the elite, there are very few names that appear in the Bellator record books more often than current featherweight champPatricio Pitbull (28-4) and his older brotherPatricky Pitbull(21-8).
“When I think about the talent on the Bellator roster, the Pitbull brothers are two of the fighters that immediately come to mind,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “They started early on in their careers here, have climbed to the top of their respective divisions and have come to represent what this promotion is all about. I’m thrilled that we’ll continue to see them compete inside the Bellator cage for our fans around the world for many years to come!"
“There are a lot of people on the Bellator roster I want to put my hands on – the first on the list, I’m fighting on May 11th, so renewing made perfect sense for me,” said Patricio. “I’m happy with the agreement and the plans for the future. Of all the fighters currently active on the promotion, I’m with Bellator the longest and the most successful. I plan to set that bar even higher. Kwa miaka, I said ‘I’d become the number one in the world here.’ If anyone still has any doubt, keep an eye on the next chapters.”
Patricky added, “Bellator is growing and so am I. I’m in the best moment of my career and the same can be said of the promotion with the quality of shows, the new TV deals and names under the roster. I’ve set the goal of becoming world champion and setting records. I already am the fighter with most finishes and fights in the organization and I don’t plan to let anyone catch up with me. I have grudges to settle and names to add to my belt. If things line up well, I’m looking at making noise in three weight classes in the near future, so expect the best of me! I’m glad to have reached a new agreement with Bellator and very excited for the new things to come.”
A two-time featherweight champion, Patricio “Pitbull” has competed for the promotion 20 times – winning 16 of those outings – and has successfully defended his belt three times since reclaiming the championship atBellator 178 dhidi ya Daniel Straus. Hivi karibuni, Patricio defeatedEmmanuel Sanchez, edging out his opponent via unanimous decision atBellator 209 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Having earned a finish in 20 yake 28 mafanikio kama mtaalamu, the reigning champion always brings an exciting style and fans can certainly expect more fireworks as he continues his run in Bellator. Patricio will now move up in weight to challenge current champMichael Chandlerfor his lightweight crown in a long-awaited grudge match at Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Chicago on May 11.
A perennial lightweight contender since joining Bellator in 2011 katika Bellator 36, the 33-year-old Patricky made an immediate impact by emphatically knocking out two true veterans of the sport and eventually competing in two tournament finals. Zaidi ya hayo, he holds the Bellator record for most fights with 21 and knockout wins with 10, including highlight-reel finishes overRyan Couture na David Rickels. Hata hivyo, his most impressive run has come as of late, stringing together seven wins in eight bouts and winning his last five againstJosh Thomson, Benson Henderson, Derek Fields, Roger Huerta na hivi karibuni dhidi ya Ryan Scopekatika Bellator NewcastleFeb. 9.
BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMP MICHAEL CHANDLER DEFENDS HIS TITLE AGAINST FEATHERWEIGHT KINGPIN PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’ IN LONG-AWAITED GRUDGE MATCH LIVE ON DAZN
THE WELTERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX CONTINUES WITH DOUGLAS LIMA TAKING ON MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE IN SEMI-FINAL ACTION
ZAIDI: UNDEFEATED PROSPECT A.J. MCKEE MEETS CHICAGO’S PAT CURRAN AND THE RETURN OF FORMER WWE STAR JAKE HAGER
LOS ANGELES– Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Mgonjwa. Jumamosi, Mei 11 is stacked with a must-see lineup of fights, headlined by current lightweight titleholderMichael Chandler(19-4) in his attempt to become the only man to defeat both Pitbull Brothers and put an end to their years-long rivalry, when he defends his belt against Bellator’s 145-pound champPatricio “Pitbull” (28-4) katika tukio kuu ya Bellator 221 - which will be streamed live exclusively onDAZN.
The co-headliner will see former two-time Bellator welterweight championDouglas Lima (30-7) face undefeatedMichael "Venom" Ukurasa (14-0), better known to fans as “MVP,” in the first semi-final matchup in Bellator’s Welterweight World Grand Prix. Each fighter has their eyes set on moving one step closer to becoming Bellator welterweight champ and taking home one million dollars.
Aidha, arguably one of the world’s top featherweight prospectsA.J. McKee (13-0) will face the stiffest test of his young career when he fights two-time former Bellator featherweight championPat Curran(23-7) on Curran’s home turf. Hatimaye, former WWE championJake Hager (1-0) returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since his first-round submission victory in January looking to continue his early dominance inside the cage.
An exclusive online presale forBellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull takes place between Wednesday, Februari. 20 katika 10 a.m. CT and Thursday, Februari. 21 katika 10 p.m. CT, with tickets going on-sale to the general public on Friday, Februari. 22 katika 12 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event will be available at the Allstate Arena box office, vilevile Ticketmaster.comand Bellator.com.
Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull will be broadcast live onDAZN katika 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, wakati hatua za awali mkondo juu ya Bellator.com na kimataifa juu ya Bellator Mobile. kikohozi ziada watatangazwa katika wiki zijazo.
One of the most-decorated fighters in Bellator history, Michael Chandler reclaimed the lightweight championship this past December to become a three-time titleholder. “Iron” has defeated a who’s who among the division’s elite, Ikiwa ni pamoja na Brent Primus, Benson Henderson, Patricky Pitbull (x2), Yamauchi up and Eddie Alvarez. The former University of Missouri wrestler from High Ridge, Mo., who now calls Nashville home, has had a slow-building feud with his May 11 mpinzani, verbally sparring with his foe following wins over Patricio’s brother Patricky and on social media. Sasa, the time for talk is over and both will enter the Bellator cage to finally settle the score.
Hailing from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, two-time featherweight champ Patricio “Pitbull” will enter the Bellator cage for a promotional record 21th time. With impressive wins to his name overDaniel Straus (x3), Daniel Weichel (x2) na Pat Curran, he most recently defeatedEmmanuel Sanchez kupitia usiojulikana uamuzi katika Bellator 209. Moving up a weight class for the first time sinceBellator 160when he met Benson Henderson, “Pitbull” is planning to leave his mark in a new division and go down as one of the all-time greats. Having earned a finish in 20 yake 28 mafanikio kama mtaalamu, the reigning champion has become synonymous with excitement and fans can certainly expect more fireworks when looks to become a simultaneous two-division champion on May 11.
Fighting out of Atlanta, Ga., by way of Goiania, Brazil, Douglas “The Phenom” Lima has been a mainstay at the top of the 170-pound division for the better part of three years. With wins against the likes ofLorenz Larkin, Andrey Koreshkov (x2), Paul Daleyand Ben Saunders, the 31-year-old advanced to the semifinals of the Welterweight World Grand Prix after a technical submission win against Koreshkov. A winner of nine out of his last 11 mashindano, the American Top Team product remains set on showing the world how dominant he truly is.
One of the most unorthodox strikers to ever compete, “MVP” has steadily worked his way up the welterweight ranks since signing with the organization in 2013. Known for his unique style and personality both inside the cage and out, every Michael Page fight is must-see entertainment. With an undefeated record of 14-0, na 11 of those victories coming by stoppage, the 31-year-old out of London Shootfighters advanced to the semifinals following a closely contested unanimous decision win against rival Paul Daley atBellator 216.
Fighting out of Long Beach, Calif., A.J. McKeeputs his undefeated record on the line against the former champ on May 11. Currently training alongside the likes ofAaron Pico,“Baby Slice”na Joey Davisat The Body Shop under the tutelage of his father, MMA veteran Antonio McKee, the second-generation fighter has been making quite the name for himself since joining the professional ranks. Saa tu 23 umri wa miaka, “Mercenary” has set the Bellator record for consecutive wins at 13, having defeatedDaniel Crawford,Brian Moore, John “Macapa, Justin Lawrence andDominic Mazzotta njiani. Known for his highlight-reel finishes, McKee will look to remain unbeaten and keep his name etched in the record books when he meets Curran atBellator 221. A former two-time Bellator world featherweight champion, Pat Curranreturns to the cage near his hometown looking to earn another shot at gold. Fighting out of Crystal Lake, Mgonjwa., “Paddy Mike” is in the midst of a three-fight win streak that includes victories overEmmanuel Sanchez, John “Macapa”and Georgi Karakhanyan. The longtime Bellator veteran, who debuted atBellator 14 katika 2010, owns additional wins overPatricio “Pitbull,” Joe Warren,Roger Huertana Daniel Straus. Pia, a two-time Bellator tournament winner, the 31-year-old’s return to the top of the 145-pound division begins with a tough test against McKee.
A native of Perry, Okla., Hager emphatically showed the world that he belongs in the sport of MMA with a submission win over J.W. Kizerkatika Bellator 214 Januari. A collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he was an All-American and set the school record for most pins at the 285-pound weight class in a single season with 30. Following graduation and a conversation with legendary pro wrestling announcer and fellow Oklahoma Sooner, Jim Ross, Hager made the transition to professional wrestling and signed with World Wrestling Entertainment. While in WWE, Hager would go on to claim multiple coveted professional titles during his time with the organization, including the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Championship and WWE United States Championship. Sasa, the man also known to fans around the globe as “Jack Swagger” will return to action MMA action in Chicago against a soon-to-be-announced heavyweight opponent.
Updated Bellator 221: Chandler vs. PitbullCard:
Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (19-4) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” (28-4)
Welterweight World Grand Prix Semi-final: Douglas Lima (30-7) vs. Michael "Venom" Ukurasa (14-0)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: A.J. McKee (13-0) vs. Pat Curran (23-7)
Heavyweight Main Card Bout:Jake Hager (1-0) vs. TBA
