Category Archives: Bellator

Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Koi TV

MCDONALD & LETOURNEAU IMPRESS IN BELLATOR DEBUTS, CAPPING OFF FINAL EVENT ON SPIKE

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otos/Bellator%20191%20New%20Castle%20Fight%20Night/Michael%20McDonald%20vs.%20P

FULL EVENT PHOTOS

Complete Bellator 191: McDonald vs. Ligier Fight Card Results:

Michael McDonald (18-4) patua Peter Ligier (8-2-1) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8acndyoa13mtgs7/AABOlDgJCtycBa-bPH8L1e8Qa?dl = 0

 

McDonald Quote: “I was happy with the performance. He ate some heavy punches. I hit him hard enough to break my right hand again, so he’s very durable and I expected that from him. I’ve seen him get put down and keep coming. He was very impressive, I’m honored to have fought him and he really stepped up to the occasion. I think that I have some pretty high accolades for a bantamweight, but I really have no idea how that stacks up to the other guys in my division. We will let this hand heal up and find out soon.”

 

Valerie Letourneau (9-6) patua Kate Jackson (9-3-1) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xv8mhtcx9eku5p9/AAB94OCwYqOCIUbHyTcU3chUa?dl = 0

 

Letourneau Quote: “I never feel like I’m doing enough. That’s the first thing I ask my coach: ‘Was it a good fight?’ I think experience has taught me to be patient in the fight and to fight smart. You always want to put on a show, but sometimes it can cost you the fight. I roto i toku whawhai whakamutunga, I didn’t do enough because I was too careful. I wanted to bring all that experience together and make the best of it.”

 

“This was a very important fight for me. Ahau 34, my daughter’s a teenager now. I’ve sacrificed a lot of things for my career. But I want this Bellator belt so bad. It was really hard for me to watch Ilima Macfarlane and Emily Ducote fight for it first. I have so much respect for both of them, but I wanted to be the first one to fight for the title. Kia aroha mai, that didn’t happen but to me that’s the only thing I have on my mind right now. Ilima knows I want to fight her and she had a really good performance in her last fight. When it happens, I think it’s going to be a really good matchup. It’s going to be an exciting fight.”

Mohammad Yahya (4-1) patua Ash Griffiths (4-5) via TKO at 3:26 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/62fh9s38lo1de3x/AAAF5NCgKybT6v1HG9qYJOaHa?dl = 0

 

Yahya Quote: “This is what we trained for and we executed exactly as we planned. I was very confident in the opening round. I said that I was going to win in the first round by TKO and I did just that. It’s confidence, but this is also a product of hard work. I was training very hard for this and I executed. I knew that I had the best team in the world and we’re on to the next one now.”

 

Philip De Fries (14-6, 1 NC) DEF. James Thompson (20-17, 1 NC) mā tāpaetanga (pororere) i 1:33 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/efcurjmp6k10j2q/AADd556tK8j6Lg-T7Te54Z_ma?dl = 0

 

De Fries Quote: "Ite ahau nui, the less damage the better. I’m not getting any prettier. Hats off to James, he’s a legend. It’s a shame it was over so quick, it could have been a barn burner. But I’m happy. I want to climb the ladder here in Bellator. If there is an opening in this tournament, I’ll gladly step in. I feel great at the moment. Fighting is 90 percent mental and the first half of my career, I didn’t have the head for it. But now I’m putting everything together, I feel great and I’m performing. Ahau rite, Ka whawhai ahau tangata.

 

Jeremy Petley (12-8) DEF. Lewis Monarch (9-3) mā te whakatau ritua (29-28 x2, 27-30)

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/q1gw2zn80ujf2ps/AABweE-l4KMFb00-hvR7CExDa?dl = 0

 

Petley Quote: “I was prepared to do the job and really demonstrate my skills. He put up a tough fight and made me work for it. I was prepared for a war, and that’s what he gave me so I had to dig deep. Lewis was a good opponent but I knew no matter what the situation or adversity, that I have a big heart, I have work ethic, a good skillset and a good corner behind me. I knew that no matter what happened, I would come out with the victory.”

 

“This is a fraction of my potential. E hiahia ana ahau ki te whawhai nui, I want the Bellator title. I want to move up, I want to move forward and fight late in the night. I have what it takes, so I’ll take anybody. This was not the most convincing win, but no matter who I face, I can win. I don’t care who it is up against me, I can always find a way. I find a way to win. That’s what I do.”

Bellator, mekemeke, FNU aro Sports Whakaatu, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU aro Sports Whakaatu: Quitters Never Win

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This broadcast of the FNU Combat Sports Show starts off with one of the most controversial stories of the week. Many sports pundits are quick to ridicule Guillermo Rigondeaux for bowing out of his blockbuster boxing match with Vasyl Lomachenko last Saturday. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith wasted no time during the broadcast, ripping into the Cuban boxer for refusing to come out for the seventh round of the one-sided fight. Teddy Atlas, exiled from his ringside reporting duties thanks to his outspoken views on boxing corruption and his abrasive treatment of lesser-experienced commentators, came to Rigo’s defense. Atlas argued with Smith from his own home studio, basically explaining that everyone is human. Tom, Tony and Rich all offer their own takes on the situation and their thoughts on the “fight.”

We also track the latest news in combat sports, recap the past week’s events and preview competing UFC and Bellator events this Saturday. We even touch on the multiple story lines involving Floyd Mayweather Jr. that are making the rounds in the sports media this week. “Money” claims he can make up to a billion dollars if he goes into the UFC for a three or four fight deal. Well, good luck, Floyd. I hear CM Punk wants another fight.

Listen to the two part broadcast below.

 

Wāhanga 1:

 

Wāhanga 2:

Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Koi TV

BELLATOR 191 WEIGH-IN RESULTS & Whakaahua

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BELLATOR’S FINAL EVENT ON SPIKE TAKES PLACE

TOMORROW NIGHT AT 9/8c

PRESS CONFERENCE PHOTOS / WEIGH IN PHOTOS

NEWCASTLE, Ingarangi – Only one main event competitor is sure to be smiling after their matchup apopo night when Michael McDonald(17-4) makes his Bellator debut against Peter Ligier (8-1-1) in the headlining bout of Bellator 191.

Another high-profile free agent signing in Valerie Letourneau (8-6) is also set to make her long-awaited promotional debut, squaring atu ki Kate Jackson (9-2-1) in the co-main event at Newcastle, England’s Metro Radio Arena.

 

Bellator 191: McDonald vs. Ligier will be broadcast free on SPIKE Rāmere, Dec. 15 i 9 p.m. AND/ 8 p.m. CT. The event marks the last time Bellator will air on SPIKE before the network rebrands itself as Paramount Network in January.

 

Tickets for the event can be purchased from Ticketmaster.co.uk & event.co.uk

 

Complete Bellator 191: McDonald vs. Ligier Fight Card:

138 Pound Catchweight Main Event: Michael McDonald (137.6 lbs.) vs. Peter Ligier (135.8 lbs.) Photos

Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event: Valerie Letourneau (125.8 lbs.) vs. Kate Jackson (125.5 lbs.) Photos

Heavyweight Feature Bout: James Thompson (266 lbs.) vs. Phil De Fries (261 lbs.) Photos

Welterweight Feature Bout: Mohammad Yahya (163 lbs.) vs. Ash Griffiths (170.5 lbs.) Photos

Taumekehiko Whakatekau Mua: Jeremy Petley (146.4 lbs.) vs. Lewis Monarch (146 lbs.) Photos

Bellator, kickboxing, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Koi TV

RAFAEL CARVALHO RETAINS BELLATOR MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE WITH DOMINANT PERFORMANCE

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COMPLETE RESULTS, Whakaahua, VIDEO & QUOTES FROM BELLATOR 190 & BELLATOR KICKBOXING 8 IN FLORENCE, ITALY

I, BELLATOR SET FOR HISTORIC ROME DEBUT JULY 7, 2018

FLORENCE, Italy – A sold out crowd was on hand for Bellator’s return to the Nelson Mandela Forum in Florence, Italy to cheer on their national hero, Alessio Sakara, in his bid for the middleweight title at Bellator 190. Heoi, reigning champion Rafael Carvalho emerged victorious in his third defense of the belt with yet another exciting performance. Ki te te wikitoria, Carvalho is now tied with Alexander Shlemenko for most title defenses in promotional history.

 

I tua atu, Bellator has announced plans for a summer return to Italy in the country’s capital city of Rome on Hōngongoi 7 with an event that will air on the soon-to-launch Paramount Network. The date marks the company’s first trip to Rome, after hosting multiple events in both Torino and Florence.

 

“After the success of our events in Torino and Florence, Italy over the last two years, we knew that it was time to do a show in Rome, a city rooted deep in combat sports history,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “The Italian fans have shown their passion for the sport and we look forward to bringing a huge card to Rome next year on Hōngongoi 7."

 

Additional details about the card, including matchups, ticket and broadcast details will be announced shortly.

 

Bellator 190: Carvalho vs. Sakara Hua:

Rafael Carvalho (15-1) patua Alessio Sakara (19-12, 2 NC) via KO at 0:44 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1mimwbtlv7zjc8q/AAATYi5x1XR6AT9CWR9XW1aNa?dl=0

Quote: “I trained really hard for this fight. I made many sacrifices to get here and get ready for a tough fight with [Alessio] Sakara. With my preparation, I was able to get a good result quickly and I’m happy about that. I hurt my hand a little bit in the final sequence, maybe I punched the mat, but I hope to get back in the cage as soon as possible to continue defending my belt.”

 

Brandon Girtz (15-7) patua Luka Jelcic (10-3) via TKO at 1:57 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/42f9tpuq9tlmmo2/AAAVZtpCY5RiOtfhqwGxQ2oIa?dl=0

Quote: “I was just going out there to throw bombs and put him away quickly and that’s exactly what happened. That’s what I usually do. He nui te puni whakangungu, I was able to actually prepare for my opponent and it worked out well. I’ve had a great experience out here in Italy, it has been a journey and I treated it like an adventure. It was my first time fighting out of the country so everything was an adjustment and I came out nine days in advance to get acclimated. I want another tough opponent. Luka [Jelcic] was a tough guy, he was no slouch whatsoever. I want another top guy, that’s why I’m here – to fight the top guys and that’s what I’ve been doing since I got here to Bellator.”

 

Alejandra Lara (7-1) patua Lena Ovchynnikova (12-5, 1 NC) via rear-naked choke at 4:09 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j0e20cweikosmcr/AACc1OTFCsi6xmFNIxCRdFTwa?dl=0

Quote: “I was very excited for my Bellator debut and to be the first Colombian female in the promotion. I’ve been training incredibly hard, I felt that I was very well prepared for this fight. I just wanted to show the world how tough I am and I think I did that te po nei. I spent half of my camp in Guadalajara with Alexa Grasso and Team Grasso there, and then I also went up to work with Roufusport Academy in Milwaukee to prepare for the fight. Both camps were amazing for me, and I learned a great deal, I just want to keep learning and competing. I am prepared for whatever is next. I look forward to big challenges in Bellator.”

 

Carlos Miranda (11-3) patua Mihail Nica (6-1) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h2xekntid4tt03r/AAB1CBdvVX4cfuFA3FWKTDgva?dl=0

 

Gregory Babene (19-11) patua Tony Zanko (1-5) via arm bar at 2:04 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rqyfbyrdps1oejo/AABdgCAaFdb7u-MeN_ONq8ITa?dl=0

 

Video Highlights Here: http://qlnk.io/ql/5a2c8784e4b073ff34846f4f

 

Bellator Kickboxing 8 Hua:

 

Raymond Daniels (13-3) patua Giannis Boukis (27-2) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dacqyn8gk1t6ov1/AABXyk_AvcaG8WUVZM3bWLJTa?dl=0

 

Quote: “Speed is definitely my advantage every time I get in the ring, and it was no different te po nei. Tuatahi Tuatahi me, I’d like to give all the glory to God, because through him, all things are possible. I’d like to thank my opponent for taking this fight. It’s an honor to come here and fight in front of the Italian people. This is an incredible country with beautiful people, beautiful food, beautiful wine, great history. This is a fighting country. I think I might have some Italian in my DNA because every time I come here my blood boils and I feel like I’m ready to spar, Ahau rite ki te whawhai. To anyone who wants it: come on, take a number and stand in line. You have seen my highlight reel, if you want to be part of it – Fafau atu nei au ki a koe, I can make you famous.”

 

Joe Schilling (23-9) patua Filip Verlinden (44-19-1) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/liprom6xnlsvco3/AABPJD0B3Pe8d_8Gm5LmbNYua?dl=0

Quote: “I’ve got to watch the replay again. I thought Filip did a really good job and I was really excited to be fighting somebody of his caliber. Going into the fight, I thought he was the toughest guy Bellator has given me. When we were both with my last promotion, we were both top three the entire time I was there. I knew he was going to be a tough opponent, that’s why there was no trash talk from either one of us, I think we were both ready for a great fight and we delivered. I honestly was pretty frustrated with my performance and after the fight I told Jimmy (Smith) that I thought he had won. Now I’m back here in the locker room and everyone is telling me that I’m crazy for that take. I’d love to fight him again and finish him off. Maybe for a world championship. That’d be nice. But for now, I’m excited to go enjoy my vacation.”

 

John Wayne Parr (98-32) patua Piergiulio Paolucci (24-6-1) via TKO at 2:32 o te a tawhio noa e toru

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/er6m9gzbvk7knb5/AAAqbhlfJSLrXjwPsBMetIe9a?dl=0

 

Quote: “I’m very excited coming off of this performance. I thought my opponent was a bit awkward. I wanted to give him respect because I knew he had heavy hands. But once I felt that I could win, I started walking forward more and I threw a couple spinning back kicks just for fun, just to entertain. I had the one spinning heel kick that landed and thought that was pretty cool. I was pretty excited about that. I was just happy to get the stoppage really, because nobody wants to win by points. I’m inching closer to 100 victories and I’d love to hit that milestone here in such a major promotion like Bellator. Especially at my age of 41, being able to fight on the big stage is so surreal. I can’t believe that I’m still here competing in this sport that I love, and more than just competing, I’m being successful. I’ve got to thank Scott Coker, everyone at Bellator and Spike, and everyone that follows the sport for giving me the opportunity to do what I do. I’m really scared to be 41 and know that one day I’m going to have to retire, engari e tika ana inaianei, I’m having too much fun to stop.”

 

Hamza Imane (50-12-2) patua Kevin Ross (45-13) mā te whakatau ritua (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tz29hlhly6x48b6/AAC3AugQrbNxNWFAQXtIvc-2a?dl=0

Gabriel Varga (14-5) patua Roberto Gheorghita (30-7-3) via TKO at 2:49 o te a tawhio noa e rua

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7s75mm0hl33pzse/AAD-U3845d0GcdY83eBB0EM6a?dl=0

 

Video Highlights Here: http://qlnk.io/ql/5a2c8784e4b073ff34846f4f

 

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Bellator, mekemeke, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

We’re Back! FNU Combat Sports Show Returns!

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After a couple weeks off, we come back this week to talk about the combat sports world. Tom, Tony and Rich catch up and discuss the events of the past couple weeks and preview upcoming boxing and MMA action. Tom, Tony and Rich pay special attention to last weekend’s awesome UFC card with two of the best fights of the year in MMA to chat about. Eddie Alvarez’s masterful performance against Justin Gaethje was exciting enough, but add in the performance of Yancy Medeiros against Charles Oliveira and that put this card into a category all its own. We also discuss the latest boxing news and Miguel Cotto’s retirement fight. Listen to the broadcast in the player below.

 

Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Koi TV

AND STILL! JULIA BUDD RETAINS WOMEN’S FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE WITH A SPLIT DECISION VICTORY AT BELLATOR 189

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Complete Bellator 189: Budd vs. Blencowe 2 Hua Kāri Main:

Julia Budd (11-2) patua Arlene Blencowe (10-7) mā te whakatau ritua (46-49, 48-47, 49-46)

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sch58s8ehmtwnjr/AAAx69mIvHYsMWb1iukNObqea?dl=0

Rafael Lovato Jr. (7-0) patua Chris Honeycutt (10-2, 1 NC) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tcr1yg7q1e190fc/AAA7RYTKz1PLenoBmmjKaluTa?dl=0

Chidi Njokuani (18-5, 1 NC) patua Hisaki Kato (8-3) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xbk2nyzieavcgcm/AADm9fwL3c9TniJiK-gb-u4oa?dl=0

 

Rawiri Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) patua Arama Piccolot (9-2) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jz0hx1wjmz82s11/AAB-PokM2z8vn211Lmv9WojZa?dl=0

 

Hua Kāri hukihuki:

Sam Sicilia (16-8) patua Marcos Galvão (18-9-1) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Gaston Bolanos (2-1) patua Rick Gutierrez (0-2) via knockout at 1:13 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Mandel Nallo (6-0) patua Alec Williams (6-2) via TKO at 0:18 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Juliana Velasquez (6-0) patua Na Liang (6-2) mā tāpaetanga (arm bar) i 0:32 o te a tawhio noa e rua

Cris Williams (3-0) patua Thomas Lopez (1-3) mā tāpaetanga (triangle) i 1:39 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Stephanie Geltmacher (2-0) patua Ky Bennett (0-1) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)

Brian Grinnell (9-7) patua Kemmyelle Haley (7-6) via submission at 0:39 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Brandon Phillips (7-3) patua Jordan Howard (10-4) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Andrew Parker (7-2) patua Frank Patterson (4-5) mā tāpaetanga (triangle) i 3:03 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

 

Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Koi TV

MICHAEL ‘MAYDAY’ MCDONALD MAKES PROMOTIONAL DEBUT AGAINST PETER LIGIER DURING MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR 191 IN NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND ON DEC. 15

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VALERIE ‘TROUBLE’ LETOURNEAU ALSO SET FOR BELLATOR DEBUT AGAINST KATE JACKSON

Nga anahera - Two of Bellator’s top recent free agent signings, Michael McDonald (17-4) a Valerie Letourneau (8-6), will both make their long-awaited promotional debuts during Bellator 191 at Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England on Rāmere, Dec. 15.

 

“Mayday” will take on Peter Ligier (8-1-1) in a bantamweight main event, while “Trouble” will compete at flyweight against Kate Jackson (9-2-1) i roto i te hui tahi-matua. I tua atu, British heavyweights collide when James “The Colossus” Thompson (20-16, 1 NC) returns to the Bellator cage where he meets Philip De Fries (13-6, 1 NC). Heoi, two lightweight contests have also been added, as Jeremy Petley (11-8) battles Lewis Monarch (9-2) and Ash Griffiths (4-4) takes on Mohammad Yahya (3-1).

 

Bellator 191: McDonald vs. Ligier will be broadcast free on SPIKE Rāmere, Dec. 15 i 9 p.m. AND/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event can be purchased from Ticketmaster.co.uk & event.co.uk.

 

I anake 26 tau o te ao, McDonald will enter the Bellator cage with experience against some of the top bantamweights the sport of MMA has to offer, including Renan Barao, John Lineker, Urijah Faber and Brad Pickett. A veteran of the WEC and UFC veteran, the Modesto, Calif.-native signed with Bellator following a nine-fight, five-year run with his former promotion. Ki te 15 finishes in his 17 toa ano he ngaio, McDonald will look to hand Ligier his first stoppage loss of his career.

 

Hailing from Paris, France, Ligier turned pro in 2013 and has competed exclusively on the European circuit throughout his 10-fight career. Also known as “BadAzz,” the 31-year-old has finished his opponent in five out of eight opportunities, amounting to an impressive finishing rate of 63%. Now making his debut with Bellator, Ligier formerly competed for BAMMA in 2014.

 

The Canadian-born Létourneau, a former UFC strawweight title challenger, carries an impressive track record of thrilling fights, highlighted by a world title contest against former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Na, moving up to her more natural weight class, the 34-year-old American Top Team product will make her debut for Bellator. On Dec. 15, “Trouble” will look to improve upon her eight victories as a professional, a tally that includes five finishes, with four coming by way of knockout.

 

Fresh off a victory over Colleen Schneider at Bellator 182 i roto i te August, the victory gave Jackson five wins in a row, including four stoppages. Jackson hasn’t lost since May of 2013, a period which also included a run on reality television show Ko te Ultimate Fighter wa 23. Hailing from Lostwithiel, Cornwall, Ingarangi, Jackson will have the home crowd to her advantage at Bellator 191.

Complete Bellator 191: McDonald vs. Ligier Fight Card:

Bantamweight Main Event: Michael McDonald (17-4) vs. Peter Ligier (8-1-1)

Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event: Valerie Letourneau (8-6) vs. Kate Jackson (9-2-1)

Heavyweight Feature Bout: James Thompson (20-16, 1 NC) vs. Philip De Fries (13-6, 1 NC)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Jeremy Petley (11-8) vs. Lewis Monarch (9-2)

 

Kāri hukihuki:

Kōmāmātanga Tuhinga o mua: Mohammad Yahya (3-1) vs. Ash Griffiths (4-4)

 

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Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Koi TV

FIRST-ROUND MATCHUPS SET FOR BELLATOR WORLD GRAND PRIX 2018 HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNAMENT

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TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF WITH ‘RAMPAGE’ JACKSON VS. CHAEL SONNEN ATBELLATOR 192 IN LA ON Jan. 20

Los Angeles –The bracket for the Bellator MMA World Grand Prix 2018 Heavyweight Tournament has been set.

 

I Bellator 192: Lima vs. MacDonald i runga i January 20, 2018 at The Forum in Los Angeles, the tournament will begin with former champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (37-12) taking on renowned trash-talker Chael (30-15-1) in an exciting first-round matchup. The event will air on the soon-to-launch Paramount Network.

 

I muri noa mai, Matt Mitrione (12-5) ka tutaki Roy Nelson (23-14) i runga i February 16 i Bellator 194, an event which will emanate from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. In April, the greatest heavyweight of all time Fedor Emelianenko (36-5, 1 NC) battles former UFC champ Frank Mir(18-11) inside Allstate Arena in Chicago in a long-awaited clash. The final first round bout will feature current Bellator light heavyweight champion Ryan Bader (24-5) taking on former STRIKEFORCE champ "King Mo" Lawal (21-6, 1 NC) at San Jose, California’s SAP Center in May.

 

Dates for both the semi-finals and final will be determined, as will tournament alternates who will be available to fill in due to any unforeseen circumstances. The year-long World Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament will culminate in the winner becoming the new Bellator world heavyweight champion.

 

Kei raro, you will find the official trailer for the Bellator MMA World Grand Prix 2018 Taumahamaha Tournament. Please feel free to share:

Watch video here

 

Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix First-Round Matchups:

Bellator 192 at The Forum – Jan. 20, 2018: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (37-12) vs. Chael (30-15-1)

Bellator 194 at Mohegan Sun Arena – Feb. 16, 2018: Matt Mitrione (12-5) vs. Roy Nelson (23-14)

Bellator at Allstate Arena – April, 2018: Fedor Emelianenko (36-5, 1 NC) vs. Frank Mir (18-11)

Bellator at SAP Center – May, 2018: Ryan Bader (24-5) vs. “King Mo” Lawal (21-6, 1 NC)

Bellator, kickboxing, Koi TV

BELLATOR MMA AND KICKBOXING RETURN TO THE NELSON MANDELA FORUM IN FLORENCE, ITALY ON SATURDAY, Dec. 9

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ITALIAN ALESSIO SAKARA CHALLENGES RAFAEL CARVALHO FOR MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AT BELLATOR 190

Los Angeles – Bellator returns to Florence, Italy on Rāhoroi, Hakihea 9, when both Bellator MMA and Bellator Kickboxing, along with Oktagon, emanate from the Nelson Mandela Forum for another huge evening of combat sports action.

 

Bellator 190 will air free on SPIKE at 8 p.m. AND/7 p.m. CT and will be immediately followed by Bellator Kickboxing 8. Tickets for the event start at just €30 and are available at Bellator.com.

 

Bellator 190 will be headlined by current middleweight champ Rafael Carvalho (14-1), who will defend his title against Italy’s popular knockout artist, Alessio “Legionarius” Sakara (19-11, 2 NC). I tua atu, Brandon Girtz (14-7) e i runga i Luca Jelcic (10-2) i Kōmāmā, ia Mihail Nica (6-0) tutaki Carlos Miranda (10-3) in second lightweight clash. A women’s flyweight offering rounds out the card when Lena Ovchynnikova (12-4, 1 NC) whawhai Alejandra Lara (6-1).

 

Na, Bellator Kickboxing 8 boasts a pair of world champions in Raymond Daniels (12-3) a Kevin Ross (45-12) tango i runga i Giannis Boukis (27-1) a Hamza Imane (49-12-2) aua, in non-title fights. Other kickboxing stars are on display as Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (22-9) challenges Filipino Verlinden (44-18-1), Aussie legend John Wayne Parr (97-32) competes for the 130th time versus Piergiulio Paolucci (24-5-1) and Canadian featherweight Gabriel Varga (13-5) rounds out the card in a matchup with Roberto Georghita (30-6-3).

 

Complete Bellator 190: Carvalho vs. Sakara Card:

Middleweight World Title Main Event: Rafael Carvalho (14-1) vs. Alessio Sakara (19-11, 2 NC)

Lightweight Main Card Bout: Brandon Girtz (14-7) vs. Luka Jelcic (10-2)

Women’s Flyweight Main Card Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (12-4, 1 NC) vs. Alejandra Lara (6-1)

Lightweight Main Card Bout: Mihail Nica (6-0) vs. Carlos Miranda (10-3)

 

Kāri hukihuki:

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Gregory Babene (18-11) vs. Tony Zanko (1-4)

Complete Bellator Kickboxing 8: Daniels vs. Boukis Card:

Takahanga Main Welterweight (non-title): Raymond Daniels (12-3) vs. Giannis Boukis (27-1)

Middleweight Main Card Bout: Joe Schilling (22-9) vs. Filipino Verlinden (44-18-1)

161 LB. Catchweight Main Card Bout: John Wayne Parr (97-32) vs. Piergiulio Paolucci (24-5-1)

Lightweight Main Card Bout (non-title): Kevin Ross (45-12) vs. Hamza Imane (49-12-2)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Gabriel Varga (13-5) vs. Roberto Gheorghita (30-6)

 

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Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Koi TV

ISRAELI FIGHTERS NOAD LAHAT AND HAIM GOZALI WALK AWAY VICTORIOUS IN FRONT OF SOLD OUT BELLATOR 188 CROWD IN TEL AVIV

Waiho he tākupu

 

Noad Lahat (12-3) patua Jeremiah Monaghan (11-6) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (29-27 X3)

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lqlr8xxw8peeomk/AAAKwiHgTm33fMz6nJjFBDbga?dl=0

 

Haim Gozali (8-4) patua Arsen Faitovich (4-2) mā tāpaetanga (tapatoru kowaowaotia) i :45 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ee0vjzs70r57iaw/AAB-nPS5o_IWkiN2zzcGpkQ5a?dl=0

 

John Salter (15-3) patua Jason Radcliffe (12-5) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 1:55 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zeo87htbnc43m3h/AACnythlTH09nBjv1br0AlYIa?dl=0

 

Denise Kielholtz (1-1) patua Jessica Middleton (2-3) mā tāpaetanga (armbar) i 1:16 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7smow9ic1rokft0/AADpDDq3mRQt3Pj2CTpjcdFxa?dl=0

 

Kāri hukihuki:

Luiz Rocha (4-1) patua Almog Shay (2-2) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Assaf Batan (1-0) patua Mor Attias (0-1) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 4:08 o te a tawhio noa e toru

Matan Levi (3-0) patua Erik Sianov (0-1) mā nuinga whakatau (28-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Raz Bring (3-0) patua Nadim Kablan (1-1) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Moshe Ben Chimol (2-0) patua Ivan Solomatov (0-1) mā tāpaetanga (armbar) i 4:00 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Adam Keresh (1-0) patua Roma Kushnir (0-1) mā TKO (nifó ) i 3:00 o te a tawhio noa e rua

Natanial Parisi (1-0) patua Or Eliov (0-1) mā tāpaetanga (kokiri anaconda) i 3:45 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Gad David Abisror (Tuatahi) vs. Alexander Trofimov (1-0) – Kāore he Contest (accidental foul)

Alexander Nikulin (3-0) patua Rami Abuhav (0-1) via KO at 1:57 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Oron Kahlon (3-0) patua Julian Maloku (0-1) mā tāpaetanga (triangle) i 2:08 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Olga Rubin (4-0) patua Joana Filipa (0-1) mā TKO (aro) i 3:46 o te a tawhio noa e rua

Shimon Gosh (6-2) patua Francisco Silva (1-1) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

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About Bellator:

Bellator is a leading mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. I raro i te aronga o te kaiwhakatairanga whawhai hōia Scott Coker, Ko te wātea Bellator ki meimei 1 billion people worldwide in over 160 whenua. I roto i te United States, Bellator can be seen on SPIKE, the combat sports television leader. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, rōpū takahanga ora, whanaketanga whawhai / whanaunga, ähua wāhi, i hanga e tautoko / whanaketanga, raihana ao, marketing, pānuitanga, publicity me te kōmihana whanaunga. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home ki rama pirimia whakangahau o te ao e hono ki te hunga i roto i te ihirangi mālohi puta noa i te pouaka whakaata, nekehanga pikitia, ipurangi me te pūkoro tüäpapa.

 

Mō Koi:

Koi is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. He waeine o Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, muri-te-scenes mōhiohio me ngā whakaahua.