Kategorya Archive: Bellator

LIGHTWEIGHT CLASH PITTING GOITI YAMAUCHI AGAINST VALERIU MIRCEA ADDED TO “BELLATOR 168: CARVALHO VS. MANHOEF 2” IN FLORENCE

 

DIN: PHILIPE LINS NOW MEETS KLEBER RAIMUNDO SILVA

Santa Monica, Calif. (Nobyembre 30, 2016) - Isang magaan bout pitting Yamauchi up (20-3) laban sa Mircea Valeriu (12-3) completes the MMA portion of "Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2,” on a night which will feature both Bellator MMA and Bellator Kickboxing brands inside the Mandela Forum in Florence.

At saka, due to an injury suffered by Pietro Cappelli, Philipe Lins (10-1) will now meet Kleber Raimundo Silva (12-7) in light heavyweight action on Disyembre. 10.

The mixed martial arts portion of action on Disyembre. 10 is headlined by a middleweight world title fight featuring a rematch between Rafael Carvalho (13-1) at Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC), while Italy’s own Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) Dadalhin sa Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC) at 205-pounds, at John Salter (12-3) nakakatugon Claudio Annicchiarico (1-4) sa isang middleweight labanan. "Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 4pm ET/PT.

The Bellator Kickboxing card features a female flyweight rematch between Denise Kielholtz (45-3) at Gloria Peritore (11-1-1), but this time, a world title will be on the line. "Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” will also feature a lightweight clash between Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) and British kickboxing champion Jordan Watson (48-11-2), a middleweight matchup pitting Joe siling (19-9) laban sa Victorio Lermano(30-7), a welterweight contest pairing Luca Novello (22-4-2) may Karim Ghajji (96-13-1), at Kevin Ross(31-9) ay nakakatugon Alessio Arduini (26-14-2) sa isang lightweight na paglaban. "Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” airs Biyernes, Disyembre. 16 sa 11:15 pm ET, immediately following "Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii.”

An 8-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Yamauchi enters the cage in search of his 21st career win and seventh under the Scott Coker-led promotion. You would be hard-pressed to find a fighter with more promise than the 23-year-old top prospect, who has already taken down proven veterans the likes of Martin Stapleton, Isao Kobayashi, at pinaka-kamakailan Ryan Couture. The former featherweight returned to the lightweight division to face the aforementioned Couture earlier in the year at "Bellator 162: Shlemenko vs. Growb," a fight in which Yamauchi dominated from the get-go, earning yet another first round submission victory. Yamauchi has finished his opponent in 17 ng kanyang 20 career wins, kasama 14 in the opening round of action. The Japanese-Brazilian submission specialist continues to make great strides in the sport, consistently displaying the flawless Brazilian jiu-jitsu technique that has given opponents many nightmares year after year.

Challenging Yamauchi will be Valeriu Mircea, a Moldova-born competitor that has also seen a great deal of success early on in his MMA career. The 23-year-old knockout artist will be making his Bellator MMA debut following three consecutive victories, including a pair of first round knockouts. Dating back to 2015, Mircea has collected wins in nine of his last 10 bouts and has already tallied six victories over his 2016 kampanya. With three of his last four wins coming by way of first round knockout, you can expect an early array of attack in this pairing of two top prospects.

Taking on Lins will now be Raimundo Silva, a 28-year-old striker who will be making both his 2016 and Bellator MMA debut. Dating back to 2011, “Orgulho” has won seven of his last 11 paligsahan, highlighted by his most recent knockout victory over Claudio Rocha, which came just 3:25 sa unang round.

 

Complete "Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” Card:

Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (13-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC)

Banayad na matimbang Tampok na labanan: Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) vs. Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC)

Banayad na matimbang Tampok na labanan: Philipe Lins (10-1) vs. Kleber Raimundo Silva (12-7)

Middleweight Feature Fight: John Salter (12-3) vs. Claudio Annicchiarico (1-4)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Yamauchi up (31-9) vs. Mircea Valeriu (12-3)

Complete “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” Card:

Lightweight Feature Fight: Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) vs. Jordan Watson (48-11-2)

Flyweight World Title: Denise Kielholtz (45-3) vs. Gloria Peritore (11-1-1)

Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe siling (19-9) vs. Victorio Lermano (30-7)

Welterweyt labanan Tampok: Luca Novello (22-4-2) vs. Karim Ghajji (96-13-1)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Kevin Ross (31-9) vs. Alessio Arduini (26-14-2)

BELLATOR MMA RETURNS TO KANSAS WITH LIGHTWEIGHT CLASH FEATURING DAVID ‘THE CAVEMAN’ RICKELS AND AARON DERROW INSIDE KANSAS STAR ARENA ON JANUARY 27

 

PAIR OF UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS CHRIS HARRIS AND JORDAN YOUNG ALSO SLATED FOR MAIN CARD ACTION

Santa Monica, Calif. (Nobyembre 28, 2016) – A lightweight bout pitting Kansas’ most popular MMA fighter David Rickels (17-4, 2 NC) laban sa Aaron Derrow (14-8) and a middleweight bout featuring undefeated phenom Chris Harris (7-0) laban sa Jordan Young (5-0) are the first two fights announced for “Bellator 171” which will take place inside Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas, sa Enero 27.

“Bellator 171,” na kung saan mapapanood live sa pako sa 9 p.m. AT/8 p.m. CT, is expected to have a main event announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the event starting at just $24, pumunta sa sale Sabado, Disyembre. 3 with an exclusive two-day Bellator Nation pre-sale beginning November 30, and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or KansasStarEventCenter.com. The event takes place one week after the extremely anticipated "Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” in Inglewood, Calif.

“The King of Kansas” will once again compete on the Spike-televised main card of Bellator MMA’s return to Kansas Star Arena. A 17-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Rickels will return to action for the first time since competing against Melvin Guillard this past summer. “The Caveman” has strung together an impressive career, totaling 11 wins over his seven years with the promotion, including four of his five career knockouts. A native of Derby, Kansas, Rickles recently delivered a brutal first round knockout in his co-main clash with Bobby Cooper at "Bellator 150: Kongo vs. Spartan.” The 27-year-old Rickels now prepares for Aaron Derrow, who enters the bout undefeated since joining Bellator MMA in 2014.

A native of Blue Springs, Ilog ng Misuri, Derrow has made an immediate impact on the promotion, collecting victories in each of his first two fights under the Bellator MMA umbrella. Following his hot start, “Daddy Long Legs” will now be tasked with one of the lightweight divisions most proven veterans in David Rickels. Of his 14 career wins, Derrow has finished his opponent in 12 ng mga ito, kasama 10 of the submission variety. The 29-year-old Derrow has scored two knockouts, each of which came in the first twenty seconds of action. Derrow will have his hands full with Rickels and the raucous hometown crowd that follows him when the two enter the cage on Enero 27.

With an unblemished mark of 7-0, Harris enters the cage riding an impressive string of success to begin his professional career. Fighting out of Wichita, Kansas, Harris will have the luxury of competing in front of his home crowd as he prepares to make his third appearance under the Bellator MMA banner. Harris has a knack for finishing his opponents early and often, recording six wins by way of knockout or submission, including four in the first round. The 26-year-old knockout artist will look to build off of a commendable 2016 campaign that saw him emerge victorious in each of his three contests, including a pair of wins with the Scott Coker-led promotion.

Also boasting an undefeated record through five career bouts, the 22-year-old Young will make his promotional debut against the equally impressive Harris. Of his five career wins, four have come by way of submission, with each of the four finishes occurring in the opening round of action. Prior to making his professional debut in 2014, the submission specialist had similar success on the amateur circuit, where he collected four submission victories over a five-fight span. Fighting out of Urbandale, Iowa, the 6’4’’ Young will also hold a significant height advantage over the 5’11’’ Harris as he prepares to challenge one of the most aggressive opponents of his career.

Updated “Bellator 171” Main Card:

Magaan na Tampok na Bout: Dave Rickels (17-4, 2 NC) vs. Aaron Derrow (14-8)

Middleweight Feature Bout: Chris Harris (7-0) vs. Jordan Young (5-0)

RALEK GRACIE SET FOR PROMOTIONAL DEBUT AGAINST HISAKI KATO AT ‘BELLATOR 170: ORTIZ VS. SONNEN’ ON JAN. 21 FROM THE FORUM IN LOS ANGELES

 

TICKETS FOR THE EVENT ON SALE NOW

Santa Monica, Calif (Nobyembre 22, 2016) – The second main card fight announced for "Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” at The Forum on Enero 21, 2017 features the Bellator MMA debut of Los Angeleno Ralek Gracie (3-0), who will meet Hisaki Kato (7-2) sa isang middleweight labanan.

 

The fight joins a card that already features a contest that many mixed martial arts fans thought they’d never see, kapag Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) at Chael Sonnen (28-14-1) return to action. The event will be broadcast live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. AT/8 p.m. CT, habang ang paunang aksyon ay mai-stream sa Bellator.com at sa Bellator Mobile App.

 

Tickets for this massive event start at $36 at sa pagbebenta na ngayon sa Bellator.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announcing in the coming weeks.

 

Sa lamang 22, Ralek made his MMA debut in Japan, where he defeated his opponent, Kastuyori Shibata with a devastating armbar. Nearly a year later, Ralek returned to Japan for his second MMA fight and again was victorious, this time defeating Gahdzhiev Alavutdin with an armbar from the mount. These two bouts led to a highly anticipated matchup with Kazushi Sakuraba, where again the Los Angeles native left “The Land of the Rising Sun” with the victory. That was the last time Ralek would fight under MMA rules, until now. Ralek is the third son of Rorion, the nephew of Royce, Rickson, and Royler Gracie and received his black belt from Grand Master Helio Gracie. The Gracie Family is famous for putting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on the map around the globe.

 

Since joining the Bellator MMA roster, you would be hard-pressed to find a fighter who has been involved in more exciting matchups than Hisaki Kato. Nicknamed “The Japanese Mouseketeer,” the 34-year-old French-Japanese competitor has finished Joe siling on two separate occasions, and was involved in what many called a “Round of the Year” candidate during his lone Bellator MMA loss against Melvin Manhoef sa 2015. Ngayon, Kato sets his sights on Gracie, looking to nullify the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of his Jan. 21 kaaway.

 

Nai-update "Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” Main Card:

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) vs. Chael Sonnen (28-14-1)

Middleweight Main Card Bout: Ralek Gracie (3-0) vs. Hisaki Kato (7-2)

'Bellator 165: CHANDLER VS. HENDERSON’ OFFICIAL CONFERENCE CALL STREAM AND TRANSCRIBED QUOTES FROM MICHAEL CHANDLER, BENSON HENDERSON, MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE AND FERNANDO GONZALEZ

CLICK HERE FOR CONFERENCE CALL AUDIO

Santa Monica, Calif (Nobyembre 15, 2016) – Before the cage door closes ito Sabado sa SAP Center sa San Jose, the main and co-main event fighters from "Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson "participated in a media conference call. If you weren’t on the line, you can listen to it dito, or read a couple of the quotes below.

 

"Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson " features current champion Michael Chandler (15-3) laban sa Benson Henderson (24-6) sa headlining papel, while co-main event action will have undefeated British phenom Michael "lason" Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) duke it out in a welterweight thriller. Bay Area’s own Keri Melendez makes her professional MMA debut, as does Kevin Ferguson Jr. better known as Kimbo Slice Jr.

 

The event airs LIVE and FREE at 9 p.m. AT/8 p.m. CT on Spike and completes three consecutive weeks of championship fights on the Viacom-owned network. Tickets for the event remain on sale and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

 

Q: For Benson…Is there any extra motivation to prove yourself in this fight after the way the last fight ended?

Benson Henderson: I would say that there’s not a whole lot of extra motivation this fight. I’m a pretty highly self-motivated individual. I want to win all of my fights. I don’t need any extra incentives. I want to have my hand raised in every single fight.

Q: This is your second title fight in Bellator. Is there anything you learned from the first go-around that you’re bringing into this fight?

Benson Henderson: I don’t know if there’s anything that I learned from the last title fight, just being more comfortable inside the Bellator cage and getting used to the walkout and finding my rhythm.

Q: You’re fighting for the title now. Do you think of yourself as a lightweight? Is this where you intend to stay or is another trip to welterweight a possibility in the future?

Benson Henderson: I wouldn’t say that I think of myself as a lightweight necessarily. Sa akin, ito ay 155 lbs. o 170 lbs., just wherever the more interesting and fun matchups are. Pero, first things first, I have to take care of business sa Sabado gabi.

Q: You mentioned fun and interesting fights. Is the title something you think about as well? The story line of the week is a two-division champion in the other promotion. Is that a dream that you have for yourself in your career or do you just want to stay and be the most dominate lightweight champion that you can be?

Benson Henderson: I’m going to go get this belt at 155 lbs., but after that I wouldn’t say that belts offer a whole lot of extra incentive. Obviously belts are great and the meaning behind the belt is that you are the best in the planet and that means a lot to say that you are the best at that weight class, but I don’t fight necessarily just for the belt. You do want the belt, but right now all I’m concentrating on is four days from now and a man named Michael Chandler.

Q: For Michael…Have you ever thought about trying for another belt? I know it’s early in your title reign, but has that ever crossed your mind? At, if you did go for another belt, would it be for welterweight or featherweight?

Michael Chandler: I haven’t put a lot of thought into it. Sa akin, I’m just looking for the biggest fight I can get. I know there’s no way I could make 145 lbs., since I walk around at about 190 lbs., between fights. Kaya, I’m not interested in losing the muscle mass that I’ve worked so hard to build. Kung ang anumang bagay, I would jump up to 170 lbs., but right now I’m focused on my fight ito Sabado night and I’m excited to get out there and perform.

Q: Why is Henderson an important opponent for your career?

Michael Chandler: Every opponent is important. Every single time we fight, we’re putting ourselves, our livelihood, our records, and our reputation on the line. It just so happens for me, I get an opportunity to fight a guy who’s been a champion and has done some great things in the sport. But luckily, it’s the right time for me and the wrong time for him. I’m extremely excited to go out there and make a statement with this fight sa Sabado gabi. He’s definitely a great, willing opponent, but I’m excited to go out there and get the finish.

Q: For MVP…Obviously, it’s been a fantastic year for you in Bellator, especially your performance in London. Have you got your finger on the pulse of pop culture right now and is there something out there that you’re drawing inspiration from that you’re looking to utilize in some entertainment factor on fight night?

MVP: Oo, I’m always socially aware, but I have to get the job done first and that’s the most important thing.

Q: At the moment, fighting at multiple weight classes and fighting in multiple divisions seems to be the rage right now and I know in the past you’ve mentioned the possibility of dropping down to 155 lbs., is that something that you’re still interested in?

MVP: At the moment, huwag. Sa ngayon, I’m just focused on fighting in the welterweight division.

Q: If you can record a win over Fernando Gonzalez, how many more fights and how many more wins do you think before you are in that title picture and fighting for a title shot?

MVP: That’s not really my main concern. I just go out there and entertain and I’ll keep doing that until I end up in the position I’m supposed to be in.

Q: For Michael Chandler…With you watching Benson from a far for a long time, what did you think of him as his career progressed?

Michael Chandler: Benson’s had a phenomenal career. Noong araw, he was the UFC champion and I was the Bellator champion. He was ranked number one and I was ranked number three in the world and it was always that “what if” matchup. What if these two guys could fight…and now we finally get to see. He’s continued to impress. He’s continued to win. Great careers and great legacies can’t be had without great opponents. I look at Benson Henderson as exactly that, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to step into that cage sa Sabado night and lose this belt. I’ve trained my tail off, I’ve gone through some of the toughest hardships that anyone can go through in this sport…losing three fights in a row, coming back, and believing that no matter what, my next big breakthrough is right around the corner. I never once thought about quitting, where I think a lot of people in that situation would. Where I’ve been and where I am now, I’m confident and I’m excited to just go out there and put it all on the line against one of the best in the world and one of the biggest names in the sport. This is a great opportunity on Spike TV, live at libre.

Q: For Fernando…question regarding the video packages that Michael Page has produced and released this year, most recently during Halloween. Did you watch them and what was your reaction to the video packages?

Fernando Gonzalez: I watched both of the videos and thought it was kind of funny, especially the last one. Bad choice of food products I guess. He’s basically eating balls and drinking milk, while cupping and savoring the taste. Kaya, I don’t know if I should take that as a call out, but I think the victory alone will be enough for me.

Q: With Michael (Pahina) on the line right now, does Fernando have any sort of message for him leading up to the fight?

Fernando Gonzalez: It’s the same message that I gave before. Just show up. I respect the fighter, but after this he’ll congratulate me and thank me for making him a better fighter. Siya ay matigas, but he hasn’t been tested and I’m going to give him his first loss.

Q: Michael do you have a response to that?

MVP: I’m allergic to bullshit, so there’s no point in responding.

Q: For Benson Henderson…In the title eliminator fight in Anaheim, you had a calm and deliberate demeanor throughout that fight and before we could really see you explode, Pitbull was taken away with an injury. Are you going to look to set a faster pace with Chandler, or are we going to see a more measured response?

Benson Henderson: We’ll see how it plays out. It’s hard to dictate and say exactly what I’m going to do. If I was an NFL coach, I would not be one of those coaches that has the first 15 plays of the game scripted out and no matter what happens, we’re sticking to these 15 plays. Sa akin, I have to feel it out and go with the flow. Pero, for me I don’t think this is going to be a slow pace fight. I’m expecting this to be one of the most high paced, action-packed fights you’ve seen in the Bellator cage.

 

Complete "Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael Pahina (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Magaan na Timbang na Tampok na Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)

Magaan na Tampok na Bout: Adam Piccolot (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Pasinaya) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)

 

Complete Preliminary Card:

Paunang Welterweight Paunang Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Pasinaya) vs. Aaron Hamilton (0-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremiah Monaghan (9-5) vs. Vince Murdock (8-2)

Paunang Welterweight Paunang Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Steve Ramirez (5-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Pasinaya)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Victor Jones (0-2) vs. Beau Hamilton (1-7)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Pasinaya)

Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumner (Pasinaya) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)

Paunang Welterweight Paunang Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

WEIGH IN RESULTS FROM ‘BELLATOR 164: KORESHKOV VS. LIMA’ – GROUNDBREAKING EVENT FROM ISRAEL AIRS TOMORROW NIGHT ON SPIKE AT 9 P.M. ET/8 P.M CT

 

TEL AVIV, Israel. (Nobyembre. 10, 2016) – All fighters successfully made weight for Israel’s first major mixed martial arts event "Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. Lima” which takes place inside of Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, Israel. The historic event airs FREE on SPIKE Biyernes, Nobyembre 11 sa 9 p.m. AT/8 p.m. CT.

 

The stacked main card is headlined by a must-see welterweight world title main event pitting current champion Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) laban sa Douglas Lima (27-6). At saka, a pair of featherweight matchups pitting hometown favorite Noad Lahat (9-2) laban sa Scott Cleve (15-5) at Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) laban sa Kirill Medvedovsky (6-1) will also be featured on the Spike-televised main card. Lastly, Ukrainian sensation Lena Ovchynnikova (10-4) returns in a female flyweight contest with Karla Benitez (13-9-1).

 

Scott Coker on the groundbreaking Bellator event in Israel: “This event started about 18 months ago when we came over here to say hello to our international partners Annaney Communications and EGO TOTAL. We sat down with them and they said ‘Hey, there are a lot of great martial artists here. Why don’t we go meet with some of the gyms?’ So, we went to some of the gyms across Tel Aviv where they hosted a nice tryout. We had about 60-70 athletes participate and Royce (Gracie) would say ‘I think this guy could be good. I think this girl could be good. I think that these are some of the talented fighters that you could bring into Bellator.’ From there we started talking about the venues, and talking about the infrastructure of how we could pull of an event of this magnitude here in this city. We have put together an amazing team of people out here that have done a great job helping make this possible. I’ve been in the fight business for 31 taon na ngayon, promoting fights all over the world, but this is one that is really a big feather in our cap. Talaga ako, really excited to be here in Israel promoting our inaugural event, and we already have a date set for next year. We will be back, and we’d like to make this an annual stop for the company.

 

Pangunahing Card: (Free on SPIKE – 9 p.m. AT/8:00 p.m. CT)

Welterweight World Title Fight: Andrey Koreshkov (169.8 lbs.) vs. Douglas Lima (170 lbs.)

 

Featherweight Co-Main Event: Noad Lahat (145.8 lbs.) vs. Scott Cleve (145.8 lbs.)

 

150 lb, catchweight Feature Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (149.5 lbs.) vs. Kirill Medvedovsky (151 lbs.)

 

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (123.5 lbs.) vs. Karla Benitez (124.5 lbs.)

 

Paunang Card

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Joaquin Buckley (170.5 lbs.) vs. Jackie Gosh (170.8 lbs.)

Light Heavyweight Preliminary Fight: Chen Shhori (205 lbs.) vs. Kfir Eittan (205 lbs.)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Haitham Kiuof (170.3 lbs.) vs. Moshe Rand (173 lbs.)

Lightweight Preliminary Fight: Rob Becker (155.5 lbs.) vs. Ejargew Tariku (155.2 lbs.)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Sol Renato (170.5 lbs.) vs. Alex Trofimov (170.3 lbs.)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Almog Shay (136 lbs.) vs. Vitaly Khmeinytsky (136 lbs.)

Lightweight Preliminary Fight: Olga Rubin (145.8 lbs.) vs. Laurita Cibirite (140.5 lbs.)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: isang beses Dalhin (134.8 lbs.) vs. Maor Kazalkopy (135.5 lbs.)

Middleweight Preliminary Fight: Alexander Nikulin (183.8 lbs.) vs. Avi Baron (182.8 lbs.)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Onor Keles (137.5 lbs.) vs. Omri Barel (135 lbs.)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Zane Clerk (170.8 lbs.) vs. Haim Widodo (170 lbs.)

Featherweight Preliminary Fight: Igor Postnikov (144.5 lbs.) vs. Itai Gayer (143 lbs.)

 

WELTERWEIGHT GOLD ON THE LINE FRIDAY NIGHT AT ‘BELLATOR 164’ INSIDE MENORA MIVTACHIM ARENA IN TEL AVIV, Israel

 

TEL AVIV, Israel. (Nobyembre 8, 2016) – Bellator MMA has invaded the “Holy Land” for the first time in the history of the promotion and is ready to deliver a plethora of great matchups, including a welterweight world title fight pitting Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) laban sa Douglas Lima(27-6).

 

May "Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. Lima” only a few days away, Bellator’s digital team has put together a collection of exclusive new content to preview the stacked event at Menora Mivtachim Arena. Join us as we dive into a behind-the-scenes look at the competitors’ journey to Biyernesnight’s big show. For more in-depth footage of our enticing contests coming your way, look no further than Bellator’s amazing YouTube page.

BELLATOR MMA WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE BOUT

Over a year ago, current division champ Andrey Koreshkov defeated Douglas Lima for the welterweight world title. Ngayon, the two meet again and it’s Lima who will be seeking revenge. Don’t miss this incredible Bellator MMA title fight in Tel Aviv, Israel, ito Biyernes gabi!

 

What to Watch: Lima vs. Koreshkov

Let’s take a look at some of Jimmy Smith’s keys to victory in a welterweight world title rematch between Lima and Koreshkov.

Champions: Andrey Koreshkov

Koreshkov is about as dominating of an opponent as you can find in the world of MMA today. Join us as we take a closer look at what makes this welterweight supreme.

Sitdown with Georgi Karakhanyan

Georgi Karakhanyan’s specialty in the cage? Guillotine. What about outside of the cage? We sit down with the featherweight superstar and discuss the mental preparation behind mixed martial arts competition.

5 Round: Lena Ovchynnikova

Ukrainian powerhouse Lena Ovchynnikova gives us an inside look on her life outside of the cage as she prepares to make her promotional debut.

Event Info

A welterweight world title main event will headline the first ever Bellator MMA event in Israel, as current division champion Andrey Koreshkov(19-1) will attempt to protect his belt against the man who he took it from over a year ago, Douglas Lima (27-6). At saka, Noad Lahat (9-2) will challenge Scott Cleve (15-5) in the evening’s featherweight co-main event and Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) Papalitan James Gallagher to face Israel’s own Kirill Medvedovsky (6-1) in a featherweight feature fight. Sa wakas, a female flyweight bout pitting Ukrainian star Lena Ovchynnikova (10-4) laban sa Karla Benitez (13-9-1) rounds out the SPIKE-televised main card action.

 

The preliminary portion of the event features a welterweight clash between Joaquin Buckley (6-0) and hometown favorite Jackie Gosh (6-0). At saka, over a dozen local competitors will be making their professional debut on the preliminary card of the Scott Coker-led promotion’s first event in the Middle East.

 

"Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. LIma” takes place at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, Israel, and will air in America on SPIKE Biyernes, Nobyembre 11 sa 9 p.m. AT / 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 or Eventim.co.il/mma.

 

"Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. Lima” Fight 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)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) vs. Kirill Medvedovsky (6-1)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (10-4) vs. Karla Benitez (13-9-1)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Joaquin Buckley (6-0) vs. Jackie Gosh (6-0)

Light Heavyweight Preliminary Fight: Chen Shhori (Pasinaya) vs. Kfir Eittan (2-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Haitham Kiuof (Pasinaya) vs. Moshe Rand (3-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Fight: Rob Becker (Pasinaya) vs. Ejargew Tariku (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Sol Renato (Pasinaya) vs. Alex Trofimov (Pasinaya)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Almog Shay (Pasinaya) vs. Vitaly Khmeinytsky (Pasinaya)

Lightweight Preliminary Fight: Olga Rubin (Pasinaya) vs. Laurita Cibirite (Pasinaya)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: isang beses Dalhin (Pasinaya) vs. Maor Kazalkopy (Pasinaya)

Middleweight Preliminary Fight: Alexander Nikulin (Pasinaya) vs. Avi Baron (Pasinaya)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Onor Keles (Pasinaya) vs. Omri Barel (Pasinaya)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Zane Clerk (Pasinaya) vs. Haim Widodo (6-3)

Welterweight Kickboxing Fight: Igor Postnikov (Pasinaya) vs. Itai Gayer (Pasinaya)

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS THREE-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPION ROMERO COTTON TO EXCLUSIVE MMA CONTRACT

Santa Monica, Calif. (Nobyembre 7, 2016) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of highly sought after wrestling prospect Romero Cotton sa isang eksklusibong, kontrata multi-away.

The 26-year-old’s focus is currently set on finishing up his psychology degree at Nebraska Kearny University, but look for Cotton to make his professional MMA debut in 2017, where he will compete at 185-pounds.

“Having an opportunity to be part of a promotion like Bellator so early in my MMA career is one that I am thankful for. Being that I’m just starting out in the sport I thought it would be two or three years of grinding and working my way up the ladder before reaching a company of this magnitude,” Cotton said. “Having seen how Bellator’s recent string of wrestlers have been treated and performed, I’m honored to be the latest and there’s nothing I’m looking forward to more than showing the world my skills that I’ve acquired throughout my life not only as a wrestler, but as an athlete. Ngayon, I move onto the next phase of my career and will continue to develop into a well-rounded fighter.

A three-time NCAA Division II national champion at 197 lbs., Cotton is also a four-time All-American and is the first-ever three-time champion in the 111-year history of Nebraska Kearny University. He finished his collegiate career with a fantastic record of 66-10. Originally enrolled at Nebraska, Cotton also played football in college, redshirting his freshman year for the Cornhuskers, before tranferrring to UNK, where he played football for three years.

Cotton joins blue-chip amateur wrestling prospects: Aaron Pico, Joey Davis, Jarod Trice, Tyrell Fortuneat At Ruth on the roster and will compete in the middleweight division, which is currently championed byRafael Carvalho.

For more information on Romero Cotton, take a look at this article on FloWrestling.com.

PROFESSIONAL DEBUT OF KEVIN ‘BABY SLICE’ FERGUSON JR. ADDED TO PRELIMINARY CARD OF “BELLATOR 165: CHANDLER VS. HENDERSON” AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE

 

Santa Monica, Calif. (Nobyembre. 7, 2016) – One week ahead of "Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson " sa SAP Center sa San Jose, Calif., Bellator MMA is pleased to announce the highly anticipated professional mixed martial arts debut of Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. will come against Aaron Hamilton in a welterweight bout during the preliminary portion of the card on Nov. 19.

The contest anchors an electric preliminary card and joins a Spike-televised main card that features a lightweight world title main event pitting current champion Michael Chandler (15-3) laban sa Benson Henderson (24-6). Sa co-pangunahing kaganapan sa gabi ng, undefeated British phenom Michael "lason" Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) duke it out in a welterweight thriller and Adam Piccolot (8-0) tumatagal sa Brandon Girtz(14-4) in a lightweight clash. Lastly, a light heavyweight showdown pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) laban sa Francis Carmont (14-4) and female flyweight action pitting Keri Melendez (Pasinaya) laban sa Sheila Padilla (2-0) are also set for the main card.

"Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson " airs LIVE and FREE at 9 p.m. AT/8 p.m. CT on Spike and completes three consecutive weeks of championship fights on the Viacom-owned network. Tickets for the event remain on sale and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

After originally being slated to make his professional debut at both “Bellator 160” at "Bellator 162,“ “Baby Slice” will now look to showcase his fine-tuned mixed martial arts repertoire on Nobyembre. 19. The son of the late, great “Kimbo Slice,” made a splash in the world of MMA during an amateur contest in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where he delivered a brutal knockout punch just 1:23 sa unang round. In what is unquestionably one of the most talked-about debuts in promotion history, Slice hopes to parlay his amateur success with a memorable performance on the professional circuit and carry on the legacy that his father let behind. Hailing from Miami, Plorida, the Team Body Shop product now has his eyes set on joining teammate A.J. McKee as one of Bellator MMA’s top young prospects.

Hamilton will once again compete in his home state of California, after previous bouts against the likes of Max Griffin. “The Snake” will be making both his Bellator MMA debut and welterweight debut, as the 185-pound slugger attempts to trim down for what is surely the biggest fight of his career. Hamilton last competed in March and hopes to spoil the long-awaited debut of Slice.

 

Complete "Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael Pahina (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Magaan na Timbang na Tampok na Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)

Magaan na Tampok na Bout: Adam Piccolot (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Pasinaya) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)

 

Complete Preliminary Card:

Paunang Welterweight Paunang Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Pasinaya) vs. Aaron Hamilton (0-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremiah Monaghan (9-5) vs. Vince Murdock (8-2)

Paunang Welterweight Paunang Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Steve Ramirez (5-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Pasinaya)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Victor Jones (0-2) vs. Beau Hamilton (1-7)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Pasinaya)

Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Pasinaya) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)

Paunang Welterweight Paunang Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, PHIL DAVIS TAKES HOME BELLATOR MMA TITLE WITH DOMINATING FIVE-ROUND VICTORY

 

Complete Event Photos Here / Full Event Highlights Here

 

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Nobyembre. 4, 2016) – It’s a wonderful life for Phil Davis (17-3), who dethroned Liam McGeary (11-1) sa Biyernes gabi sa “Bellator 163,taking home the light heavyweight championship.

As has been the case plenty of times throughout Davisillustrious career, his wrestling pedigree was the deciding factor, nullifying the world-class jiu-jitsu of the Renzo Gracie-trained former champion. For nearly 25-minutes, “Mr. Wonderfulmaintained top pressure on the New York-native, frustrating McGeary and putting him into desperation mode in the fifth and final round. McGeary fought valiantly to both stop and submit the longtime Alliance MMA-product, ngunit sa pagtatapos, Davis took home the unanimous decision with scorecards of 50-43, 50-45, 50-44.

McGeary, who suffered the first loss of his young career, was humble in defeat, admitting that while Davis was the better man throughout their main event fight, he will be back to reclaim what he feels is rightfully his.

Returning home to Southern California with a new belt in tow, Davis now sets his sights on his pregnant wife, who is due to give birth to his second son sa Monday.

Brennan Ward & Saad Awad Provide 90 Seconds of Pure Violence

In an absolute barnburner, Brennan Ward at Ikaw Awad went toe-to-toe for the 86 seconds they shared the Bellator MMA cage together, doing their best imitation of Rock EmSock EmRobots until “Irlandes” caught “Mamamatay-tao” with an uppercut that sent the Palestinian face first into the canvas. With the knockout, Ward moves into sixth place on the all-time list of KO’s under the promotion’s banner, and now sets his sights on a future matchup against the elite at 170-pounds.

Neiman Gracie Tells the MMA World, ‘Gracie Jiu-Jitsuis Back

After finding out they would be competing live on SPIKE less than 24 hours before entering the Bellator MMA cage, Neiman Gracie (5-0) ginawa mabilis na gawain ng Rudy bear (16-15), latching on to an arm bar 4:39 into the opening frame and forcing the tap fromBad News.Gracie was able to add to his impressive submission record, which has now been stretched to three victories in three Bellator MMA appearances, including a pair of first-round submissions. The 27-year-old was also able to please Royce Gracie, who was cornering his bout for the evening.

Javy Ayala Spoils Return of Sergei Kharitonov in 16 segundo

In what many people thought would be a triumphant return to the sport of MMA for Sergei Kharitonov (23-6), Javy Ayala (10-5) spoiled that, sending the Russian heavyweight to the canvas in a heap following an overhand right 16 seconds into the matchup. Gamit ang tagumpay, “Eye Candyimmediately inserted himself into further big-time match-ups, namedropping both Bobby Lashley at Matt Mitrione during his post-fight interview. In his last two outings, the Northern California-native has finished his foe in the opening round via stoppage.

Paunang Card Resulta:

At Ruth (1-0) bagsak Dustin Collins-Miles (0-1) sa pamamagitan ng TKO (Punches) sa 3:19 ng ikot ng isa

Tyrell Fortune (1-0) bagsak Cody Miskell (0-1) sa pamamagitan ng TKO (Punches) sa 2:22 ng ikot ng isa

Tim Caron (6-0) bagsak Steve Skrzat (8-9) via TKO at 1:22 ng ikot ng isa

Hannah Regina (1-0) bagsak Sarah Pagbabayad (1-4) sa pamamagitan ng pagsumite (arm bar) sa 4:51 ng ikot ng isa

Tim Caron (6-0) bagsak Steve Skrzat (8-9) via TKO at 1:22 ng dalawang round

Blair Tugman (9-6) bagsak Walter Smith-Cotito (4-5, 1 NC) sa pamamagitan ng lubos na nagkakaisa desisyon (29-28)

Christopher Foster (10-4) bagsak Thomas English (6-7) sa pamamagitan ng lubos na nagkakaisa desisyon (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Tyler Hari (12-4) bagsak Magbiro Diekmann (15-8, 1 NC) sa pamamagitan ng pagsumite (likod-naked sumakal) sa 1:39 ng dalawang round

Carlos Corriea (2-0) bagsak Ilya Kotau (1-2) sa pamamagitan ng split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

Vinicius De Jesus (5-1) bagsak James Boran (6-1) sa pamamagitan ng pagsumite (likod-naked sumakal) sa 1:55 ng pag-ikot 2

BELLATOR MMA LEGEND ROYCE GRACIE JOINS ‘BELLATOR 170’ MAIN EVENT HEADLINERS CHAEL SONNEN AND TITO ORTIZ AT EXCLUSIVE AUTOGRAPH SIGNING TO TAKE PLACE FRIDAY NIGHT PRIOR TO ‘BELLATOR 163’ MAIN CARD

DIN: 'Bellator 170: ORTIZ VS. SONNEN’ PRESS RELEASE TO TAKE PLACE AT MOHEGAN SUN Huwebes AFTER ‘BELLATOR 163: MCGEARY VS. DAVIS’ WEIGHINS

(MORE INFORMATION)

 

Who: Bellator MMA Legend Royce Gracie (15-2-3)

“Bellator 170” Main Event Competitors Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) at Chael Sonnen (28-14-1)

 

Ano: Fan Autograph Signing

*Para “Bellator 163” Ticket Holders Only

 

Kapag: Biyernes, Nobyembre 4

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

 

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena Concourse

1 Mohegan Sun Blvd.

Uncasville, CT 06382

 

Event Info: One of the true pioneers of mixed martial arts, Royce Gracie is synonymous with the sport and its growth over the years. The 20-fight veteran has been a part of some of the most memorable contests in MMA history during his tenure with the UFC and PRIDE Fighting Championships. Gracie also headlined his most recent bout, a main event clash with fellow legend Ken Shamrock (28-17-2) at the record-shattering Bellator 149” pangyayari, where Gracie came out on top with a TKO victory. Royce’s nephew Neiman Gracie competes for Bellator Friday night at Mohegan Sun.

While with the UFC, the 43-fight veteran Chael Sonnen competed against powerful opponents the likes of Jon Jones, Anderson Silva (2x), Rashad Evans, “Shogun” Rua, Demian Maia, Brian Stann, and current middleweight champion Michael Bisping. For Ortiz, the phenom’s unmatched rivalries came at the expense of MMA legends Ken Shamrock, Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva, and Randy Couture.

Before they face off on Jan. 21 at the Forum in Los Angeles, Tito Ortiz and Sonnen will host a once-in-a-lifetime meet and greet fan experience leading up to “Bellator 163” at Mohegan Sun Arena. Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” and “The American Gangster” inside Mohegan Sun Arena sa Biyernes gabi.