Udi Ochie: Bellator

‘IRON’ MICHAEL CHANDLER SET FOR LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST ‘SMOOTH’ BENSON HENDERSON ON NOV. 19 IN SAN JOSE

 

Santa Monica, Calif (August 31, 2016) – It’s a fight that both men have had their sights set on for quite some time, and now it serves as the main event of Bellator MMA’s return to the at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19, mgbe ole Michael Chandler (15-3) defends his Bellator MMA Lightweight Championship against Benson Henderson (24-6).

 

The tilt anchors a card that also features a welterweight feature bout pitting undefeated British striker Michael "elò" Page (11-0) against Menifee, Calif., ala Fernando Gonzalez (25-13), after the two had originally been scheduled to fight at“Bellator 151” na “Bellator 158.” Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Tiketi maka “Bellator MMA in San Jose” na-aga na-ere a Friday, Asaa. 2 naBellator.com, yana SAP Center Box Office na Ticketmaster. Bellator Nation presale offer will take place Thursday, Asaa. 1.

 

“Iron” Michael Chandler will look to defend his belt for the first time since having it wrapped around his waist following a devastating first-round knockout over Patricky “Pitbull” na "Bellator 157: Dynamite 2." A 15-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Chandler has consistently proven that he belongs among the world’s elite; collecting memorable wins over who’s who at 155-pounds including UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez. The 30-year-old Missouri native now looks to capture his third career title defense, after successfully defending the belt at both “Bellator 85” na “Bellator 97” during his 2013 reign. The veteran enters his fight with “Smooth” riding a hot streak of three straight victories and now sets his sights on handing Henderson his first Bellator MMA loss at lightweight.

 

Fresh off his victory during the main event of "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Baby,"Henderson has earned a title shot in the ultra-competitive lightweight division against its current titleholder in Chandler. Na 10 nke ya 24 career wins coming by way of submission, the 32-year-old Glendale, AZ native will try to do what no other opponent has ever done and finish Chandler via submission. Nicknamed “Smooth” for his silky style and demeanor, Henderson took care of business in his most recent bout, utilizing impeccable technique to defeat Bellator MMA veteran Patricio "Baby" Freire after a broken fibula forced the Brazilian star to forfeit in the second round. Henderson hopes to avenge his first title shot with the promotion and trot off with Bellator MMA gold onNov. 19.

 

“Bellator MMA in San Jose” Main Card:

Isi ihe omume ụwa dị fechaa: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Njirimara Welterweight: Michael "elò" Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

PRELIMINARY ACTION FEATURING PROMOTIONAL DEBUT OF KENYA MIRANDA ADDED TO ‘BELLATOR 161’

 

MARK DICKMAN-DANIEL PINEDA SET FOR FEATHERWEIGHT CLASH & MIDDLEWEIGHTS GREGORY BABENE-‘KIKOFRANCE READY FOR BATTLE ON SEPTEMBER 16

Santa Monica, Calif (August 30, 2016) – A female flyweight bout pitting Kenya Miranda (2-2) against Emily Ducote (3-1) has been added to the preliminary portion of “Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson,” which takes place on September 16 at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Texas.

Na mgbakwunye, featherweights Mark Dickman (11-2) and Daniel Pineda (21-12) have agreed to slug it out while Gregory Babene (17-11-1) na Francisco “Kiko” France (13-4-1) square off in a middleweight bout that will also be featured on the Bellator.com-streamed preliminary card.

The fights join a heavyweight main event pitting Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) against Tony Johnson (10-2) and a bantamweight showdown pitting Joe Warren (13-5) against Sirwan Kakai (12-4). Na mgbakwunye, a lightweight feature fight featuring Derek Campos (16-6) against Djamil Chan (12-2) and a female flyweight battle between Anastasia Yankova (3-0) and Veta Arteaga (2-0) will also highlight an electric main card.

"Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT. Tiketi maka ihe omume na-amalite na dị nnọọ $25 and can be purchased at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster, or the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park Box Office.

Mgbe 28, Miranda will be making her Bellator MMA debut when she steps into the cage on September 16. Since begining her professional career in 2014, Miranda has recorded a pair of wins, both of which came at the expense of opponent Natalia Cristina Silva. In her first career victory, the Brazilian prospect finished her challenger with a second round knockout and followed up the impressive performance with an equally splendid first round rear-naked choke submission. A native of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Miranda will look to prove she belongs with the world’s best when she meets her “Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” opponent.

Ducote burst onto the Bellator MMA scene following a second-round rear-naked choke finish of Bruna Vargas at “Bellator 159: Caldwell vs. Taimanglo.” The win earned the the 23-year-old Oklahoma native an exclusive contract with the Scott Coker-led promotion, and was her third straight win in 2016 since dropping the opening bout of her young mixed martial arts career. Training out of American Top Team’s affiliate in OKC, “Gordinha” will look to keep the momentum going when she takes on another top Brazilian prospect on September 16.

At 32-years-old, Dickman has quietly climbed the ranks as one of MMA’s most consistent featherweights. After beginning his professional career 5-0, the Las Vegas native continued his hot start, emerging victorious in nine of his first 10 nsọtụ. The knockout artist will be making his second appearance under the Bellator MMA umbrella, after defeating Thomas Diagnevia brutal third round knockout at “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo.” Of his 11 mmeri ọkachamara, seven have come by way of KO, punctuated by three first round finishes. “Tricky” enters this fight having won six of his last seven bouts and his last two, as he tries to add to his career total and remain unbeaten since joining the Bellator MMA circuit.

Best known as a submission specialist, the 30-year-old Pineda has spent time with multiple local promotions as well as the UFC during his 33-fight career. Nicknamed “The Pit,” Pineda enters the cage having won three of his last four bouts and the opportunity to earn his first victory since joining the Bellator MMA fray. Hailing from Houston, Pineda will have the hometown edge over his opponent as the Scott Coker-led promotion will take its talented roster to Cedar Park and the H-E-B Center for the first time. Mkpakọrịta azụ na 2012, each of his last six wins has come by way of submission, with five of them occurring in the opening round of action. It’s worth noting that all 21 of Pineda’s wins have come by way of knockout or submission.

Hailing from Paris, France, 29-fight veteran Babene will be making his second appearance under the Bellator MMA banner. The 32-year-old “Blade” emerged victorious in his promotional debut earlier this year, when he defeated Brandon Farran with a first round rear-naked choke submission at “Bellator 150: Kongo vs. Spartan.” The French middleweight has amassed 17 career wins thus far, 14 of which have come by way of knockout or submission. Babene will face one of the stiffest tests of his career, as he prepares to face rising middleweight “Kiko” France.

France will be fighting for the third time under the direction of Bellator MMA, after earning a victory over Ben Reiter in his Bellator debut at “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef.” The 33-year-old nicknamed “Kiko” will also be making his 19th overall appearance in the cage, where he has accrued 13 professional wins; 12 of which have come by way of submission. The Gilbert, Arizona native is currently riding a hot streak, claiming victories in six of his last eight fights (including one draw). The veteran submission specialist will have his hands full, as he prepares to enter enemy territory and challenge Babene in his home state of Texas on September 16th.

Emelitere "Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” Main Card:
Isi ihe omume dị arọ: Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) vs. Tony Johnson (10-2)
Bantamweight Feature Bout: Joe Warren (13-5) vs. Sirwan Kakai (12-4)
Flyweight Feature Bout: Anastasia Yankova (3-0) vs. Veta Arteaga (2-0)
Ihe njiri mara fechaa: Derek Fields (16-6) vs. Djamil Chan (12-2)

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Kenya Miranda (2-2) vs. Emily Ducote (3-1)
Ọkụ mbido featherweight: Mark Dickman (11-2) vs. Daniel Pineda (21-12)
Ọgba mbụ nke Middleweight: Gregory Babene (17-11-1) vs. Francisco France (13-4-1)

Banyere Bellator Emmanuel
Bellator Emmanuel bụ a na-eduga weere Mara Arts nzukọ featuring ọtụtụ n'ime ndị kasị mma alụso n'ụwa. N'okpuru nduzi nke vetiran agha ume Scott Coker, Bellator dị ka fọrọ nke nta 400 nde obibi n'ụwa nile na n'elu 120 mba. Na United States, Bellator nwere ike hụrụ na Spike, na Emmanuel telivishọn ndú. Bellator Emmanuel na ugbua nke onyeisi ìgwè ahụ na-agụnye n'elu ụlọ ọrụ ọkachamara na telivishọn mmepụta, ndụ omume orchestration, fighter mmepe / mmekọahụ, ebe mgbakọ ị nweta, nkwado e kere eke / mmepe, mba ikikere, ahịa, mgbasa ozi, bu na ọrụ mmekọahụ. Bellator dabeere na Santa Monica, California na ekesịpde ntụrụndụ ibu Viacom, n'ụlọ ka ụwa Premiya ntụrụndụ ụdị na jikọọ na kiriri site gbara ọkpụrụkpụ ọdịnaya gafee telivishọn, emegharị, online na mobile nyiwe.

Banyere Spike:
Spikeis available in 98.7 nde obibi na bụ nkewa nke Viacom Media Netwọk. A unit nke Viacom (NASDAQ: Site na, VIAB), Viacom Media Netwọk bụ otu nke ụwa na-eduga creators nke mmemme na ọdịnaya gafee niile media nyiwe. 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, n'azụ na-Mpaghara ọmụma na foto.

BELLATOR MMA FORECASTS ‘STORM’ AT MEMPHIS’ FEDEXFORUM ON OCT. 21, WHEN ALEXANDER SHLEMENKO RETURNS TO FACE KENDALL GROVE

BOBBY LASHLEY LOOKS TO SOLIDIFY HIMSELF AS TOP BELLATOR HEAVYWEIGHT AGAINST JOSH APPELT

 

Santa Monica, Calif. (August 29, 2016) – On Oct. 21, Bellator MMA will come to FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., when the Scott Coker-led promotion presents a card headlined by the return of former middleweight champion Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko (53-9), ndị osobo Kendall Grove(23-15) na middleweight edinam.

Na mgbakwunye, during the card’s co-main event, the always-exciting former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley (14-2) osobo Josh Appelt (12-5) na heavyweight edinam.

Tickets for the event go on sale September 2 na Bellator.com, Ticketmaster or FedExForum Box Office. Bellator Nation (www.bellator.com/bellatornation) will have special access to a pre-sale offering from Aug. 31-Asaa. 1. Main card action kicks off LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m. NA/8 p.m. CT and additional main card and undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

A former Bellator MMA Middleweight Champion, the “Storm” has kept busy, racking up a pair of wins already in 2016, and adding to his seemingly endless resume of victories since turning pro in 2004. A natural born finisher, Shlemenko’s success in MMA has also translated to coaching, as he’s played a pivotal role in the ascension of current Bellator MMA welterweight kingpin Andrey Koreshkov.

Also of note, due to Shlemenko’s recent suspension, Bellator officials have enlisted the services of The Mohegan Department of Athletic Regulation to administer drug tests before and after Shlemenko’s fight against Grove. The former middleweight champion is presently licensed with the Mohegan commission.

Fixated on getting another shot a Bellator’s middleweight title, Grove has strung together two emphatic stoppage wins since losing his bid to attain gold at"Bellator 137: Halsey vs. Grove. " The winner of “The Ultimate Fighter: 3" on SPIKE, the Maui, Hawaii, native has also been competing professionally for longer than a decade, racking up victories and a plethora of finishes along the way. An experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Muay Thai practitioner, Shlemenko will need to be on his A-game when the two square off in the card’s main event on Ọkt. 21.

Lashley is a must-see mixed martial artist, as well as professional wrestler, and will make his first appearance inside the Bellator cage in 2016 during the co-main event at FedExForum. “The Dominator” will be looking to run his current winning streak to eight fights, and five-straight finishes. With the heavyweight belt recently vacated, there’s an argument that can be made that the Aurora, Kọlọ., native is the big man to beat in Bellator MMA’s heavyweight weight class.

Appelt was set to make his fifth appearance under the direction of Bellator MMA against Sergei Kharitonov na "Bellator 154: Davis vs. Eze knife," but after the 35-year-old Russian withdrew due to illness, Appelt was forced to wait. Ugbu a, “The Juggernaut” is once again set to return, and again, the 33-year-old California native will have his hands full. With ten stoppages in 12 mmeri, Appelt will look to use his striking ability to nullify the strong wrestling pedigree of Lashley.

Updated “Bellator MMA: Shlemenko vs. Grove” Main Card:

Middleweight Main Event: Alexander Shlemenko (53-9) vs. Kendall Grove (23-15)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Bobby Lashley (14-2) vs. Josh Appelt (12-5)

BENSON HENDERSON EARNS LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE SHOT FOLLOWING INJURY TO FOOT OF PATRICIO ‘PITBULL

 

Complete Ọgụ Night Foto Ebe a / Event Highlights Here

ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 26, 2016) - Benson Henderson (24-6) earned his first victory since joining the Bellator MMA fray at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., Friday n'abalị. A faulty kick by Patricio "Baby" Freire (25-4) led to a leg injury, forcing him to forfeit the loss two minutes and 26 sekọnd n'ime abụọ gbaa gburugburu.

 

After making the jump up to Bellator MMA’s 170-pound division, Henderson returned to where he was dominant in the UFC as a lightweight. Mgbe mmeri, Henderson received word of his next opponent; Bellator MMA’s current Lightweight Champion, Michael Chandler. The two are scheduled to tangle November 19 in the main event of the recently announced “Bellator MMA in San Jose.”

‘Fight of the Year Candidate Ends in Unanimous Decision Victory for Anderson

It took all three rounds to determine a winner in the evening’s co-main event, ma n'ikpeazụ, Derek Anderson (14-2) emerged victorious with a unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 ugboro abụọ) merie n'elu Ị Awad (19-8). “The Barbaric” continues his recent trend of extending fights through the final round, as the win marks his third consecutive fight to go to the judges’ scorecards. The San Diego native has now recorded five wins under the direction of the Scott Coker-led promotion, including multiple victories over fellow lightweight Patricky "Baby" Freire, earning himself well-deserved respect among the division’s elite.

Karakhanyan’s “Insane” Knockout Puts Early end to Jenkins’ Night

Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) needed only 53 seconds to finish Bubba Jenkins (11-3), as the Russian featherweight took care of “The Highlight Kid” for the second time in two years. “Insane” came out firing, landing multiple blows that sent Jenkins to the mat with an early knockout, earning his 11nke win in his last 14 ịlụ ọgụ. The loss is only the third of Jenkins’ young career and second of the first round variety, both of which Karakhanyan is now responsible for. The win is the fifth knockout of Karakhanyan’s career and is his third in the opening frame.

McKee Remains Undefeated With Impressive Guillotine Finish

 

In the opening contest at "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Baby," A.J. “Mercenary” McKee (5-0) remained unbeaten with a guillotine choke submission 32 sekọnd n'ime abụọ gbaa gburugburu. By extending the fight past the opening frame, Walker was able to do what no other opponent has done, as each of McKee’s previous four wins had resulted in a first round finish. The win capped off an impressive night by Team Bodyshop, as McKee’s teammates Joey Davis (1-0) na Gabriel Green (4-0) also had their arms raised in the preliminary portion of the event. As one of Bellator MMA’s top young talents, the 21-year-old McKee was able to prove once again that he belongs among the division’s elite. Mgbe agha ahụ, the Long Beach native called out Patricio “Pitbull," saying “It’s nothing personal, Achọrọ m (Daniel) Straus."

 

Mbido Kaadị Results:

Jake Roberts (7-0) meriri Stephen Martinez (11-5) site na TKO na 4:24 nke gburugburu otu

Chinzo Machida (4-2) meriri Mario Navarro (4-5) site na TKO na 2:57 nke gburugburu otu

Jacob Rosales (4-2) meriri Mike Segura (4-4) site na etebe (30-27, 29-28 ugboro abụọ)

Andy Murad (13-2) meriri Jonny Cisneros (9-5) site na etebe (29-28)

Gabriel Green (4-0) meriri Alex Trinidad (1-2) site na TKO na 2:01 nke gburugburu abụọ

Joey Davis (1-0) meriri Keith Cutrone (1-1) site na etebe (30-27)

Steve ramirez (5-1) meriri Ron Henderson (4-3) site na TKO na 2:24 nke gburugburu otu

David Duran (4-4) meriri Kyle Estrada (3-3) site gbawara n'etiti mkpebi (29-28)

THE ‘RED KING’ RORY MACDONALD LOOKS TO CLAIM HIS BELLATOR MMA THRONE – SIGNING EXCLUSIVE, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT WITH THE VIACOM-OWNED PROMOTION

 

ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 26, 2016) – Bellator MMA is elated to formally announce the signing of mixed martial arts superstar Rory Macdonald na-ekewaghị, multi-year, multi-fight contract with the Scott Coker-led promotion, making “Red King” the latest in a long line of blockbuster acquisitions for Bellator MMA.

The former No. 1 contender to the UFC welterweight crown is undoubtedly one of the premiere free agent signings in the history of the promotion. The “Red King” has totaled nine career victories under the UFC banner, including wins over current welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, in addition to B.J. Penn and Nate Diaz.

“There’s no denying that Rory MacDonald was the cream of the crop when it comes to free agents in MMA,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “As I say all the time, if there is a free agent out there, we’re going to talk to them, if they fit our model we’re going to make a hard push to bring them over here. I’m very happy that we were able to work out a deal with Rory, and I can’t wait to see him bring his menacing style to the Bellator cage.”

MacDonald is clearly the most popular active Canadian mixed martial artist since the former UFC welterweight Champion and teammate Georges St. Pierre, whom MacDonald has trained under for years at the world renowned TriStar Gym in Montreal.

There are multiple reasons why I choose to fight for Bellator MMA and Scott Coker,” Rory MacDonald said. “One, they have given me the opportunity to develop and grow a business together. Two, because I already feel respected by the promotion as a professional athlete. And last but not least, because Bellator is offering a setup that no-one in the world can offer me.

At only 27-years-old, MacDonald joins the fray with an impressive professional record of 18-4 and enters a stacked welterweight division of fighters already signed with Bellator, that currently has a world-class champion in Andrey Koreshkov.

Banyere Bellator Emmanuel

Bellator Emmanuel bụ a na-eduga weere Mara Arts nzukọ featuring ọtụtụ n'ime ndị kasị mma alụso n'ụwa. N'okpuru nduzi nke vetiran agha ume Scott Coker, Bellator dị ka fọrọ nke nta 500 nde obibi n'ụwa nile na n'elu 140 mba. Na United States, Bellator nwere ike hụrụ na ọgọ TV, na Emmanuel telivishọn ndú. Bellator Emmanuel na ugbua nke onyeisi ìgwè ahụ na-agụnye n'elu ụlọ ọrụ ọkachamara na telivishọn mmepụta, ndụ omume orchestration, fighter mmepe / mmekọahụ, ebe mgbakọ ị nweta, nkwado e kere eke / mmepe, mba ikikere, ahịa, mgbasa ozi, bu na ọrụ mmekọahụ. Bellator dabeere na Santa Monica, California na ekesịpde ntụrụndụ ibu Viacom, n'ụlọ ka ụwa Premiya ntụrụndụ ụdị na jikọọ na kiriri site gbara ọkpụrụkpụ ọdịnaya gafee telivishọn, emegharị, online na mobile nyiwe.

THIRD TIMES A CHARM – MICHAEL PAGE BOOKED TO FIGHT FERNANDO GONZALEZ ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE, Calif.

Santa Monica, Calif (August 26, 2016) – After originally being slated to compete against one another at “Bellator 151” na "Bellator 158," Michael "elò" Page (11-0) has once again been booked to fight Fernando Gonzalez (25-13), this time on November 19 at SAP Center in Bellator MMA’s stomping grounds of San Jose, Calif.

 

The card will mark the second time this year that Bellator MMA has taken its show to the beautiful SAP Center, which is home to the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. The welterweight pairing makes up one fight of the event’s main card, which will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE. Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Tickets for this stacked MMA card go on sale Friday, September 2 na Bellator.com, yana SAP Center Box Office na Ticketmaster. Bellator Nation presale offer will take place August 31 na September 1.

 

Page, a highlight reel king before and after the bell rings, was at it again earlier this year, when Bellator MMA invaded the United Kingdom at "Bellator 158: London.” During his bout, “MVP” took care of business the only way he knows how, with an early stoppage and unforgettable celebration that was heard and seen around the world. Page’s impressive flying knee knockout nke Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos was his ninth stoppage in the opening frame. Ugbu a, the seven-fight Bellator MMA veteran looks to put to rest the opinion that he cannot defeat the always game “Menifee Maniac.”

 

Gonzalez enters the cage currently riding a string of five consecutive victories, all of which have come under the direction of the Scott Coker-led promotion. The 32-year-old Menifee, Calif., native has been competing professionally since 2003, na 25 wins under his belt, na nsonye 16 of the KO/submission variety. After a brief pause from MMA action to challenge Paul "Semtex" Daley in the kickboxing portion of the groundbreaking "Bellator Emmanuel: Dynamite 1 " event in 2015, Gonzalez returned to the sport of MMA, where he recently defeated Gilbert Smith in a split decision win at"Bellator 151: Warren vs. Caldwell.” The win improves his overall record under the Bellator MMA banner to 5-0 and now puts him in a position to officially proclaim himself as the only man to beat “Venom,” and further his case for a 170-pound title shot.

 

“Bellator MMA in San Jose” Main Card:

Njirimara Welterweight: Michael "elò" Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

PAIR OF INJURIES FORCE CHANGES TO MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 160: HENDERSON VS. PITBULL’

CODY WALKER STEPS UP ON SHORT NOTICE TO CHALLENGE UNDEFEATED A.J. MCKEE, WHILE GEORGI KARAKHANYAN-BUBBA JENKINS MOVED TO SPIKE-TELEVISED CARD

Santa Monica, Calif (August 16, 2016) – Just nine days before the highly anticipated "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” omume na August 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., injuries sustained by main card fighters Henry Corrales na Lena Ovchynnikova have shaken things up a bit. Undefeated featherweight A.J. McKee (4-0) ga-enwe ugbu a Cody Walker (7-2), mgbe Bubba Jenkins (11-2) na Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1) find themselves in a featherweight feature fight during the SPIKE-televised main card.

The fights join a main card that spotlights a super fight at 155-pounds between Benson Henderson (23-6) na Patricio “Pitbull” (25-3), as the two will duke it out for a shot at Michael Chandler’s championship belt. Na mgbakwunye, an explosive lightweight contest pitting Ị Awad (19-7) megide Derek Anderson (13-2) will serve as the evening’s co-main event.

In preliminary action, welterweights Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. na Joey Davis will make their professional debuts, mgbe Chinzo Machida (3-2) will compete for the first time under the Bellator MMA banner.

Tickets for the event start at $30 and can be purchased now on Ticketmaster and at Honda Center Box Office. Ụzọ na-emeghe na 4:45 p.m. Pt local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com na The Bellator Mobile App — na-amalite ná 5:00 p.m. Pt.

After beginning his career 7-1 dị ka onye na-amu amu, the 21-year-old “Mercenary” has made a splash on the professional circuit, recording a perfect 4-0 mark through his first four bouts. McKee has fought under the Bellator MMA banner ever since he made his professional debut in 2015, finishing all of his contests in the opening frame, including three knockouts and a rear-naked choke submission. McKee’s most recent victory came at the expense of Italian Danilo Belluardo during the mixed martial arts portion of Bellator MMA’s first-ever event overseas, "Bellator 152: Freire vs. Souza.” The Long Beach, Calif. native will now take his flashy personality to the Honda Center, where he will have the chance to put his unique skill set on full display in front of his hometown fans.

Agreeing to take a professional mixed martial arts contest on short notice is no easy task, doing so against an undefeated fighter the caliber of McKee is even more daunting. But that’s exactly the scenario Walker finds himself in now ahead of next Friday’s omume. A two-time competitor for Bellator, “The Crow” will look to move above .500 within the promotion when he enters the cage at Honda Center. The 28-year-old Texan has ended all seven of his professional victories via TKO or KO, including four in the first round.

A longtime veteran of Bellator MMA, Karakhanyan will look to get back on track after dropping two closely contested decision losses against Jenkins, who he handily defeated nearly two years ago via guillotine submission. Known to many mixed martial arts fans as “Insane,” the 31-year-old has finished 18 nke ya 24 -enweta nkwanye dị ka a ọkachamara, earning himself multiple titles in regional promotions along the way. Following multiple setbacks to his knee, the Russian fighter is finally healthy and now looks to climb the 145-pound ladder in a competitive division that he once sat atop as the No. 1 contender.

Just a few years ago, Bubba Jenkins was widely regarded as the top MMA prospect in all of the sport, though the title became tainted following the aforementioned loss to Karakhanyan at “Bellator 132.” The former NCAA National Champion wrestler with Arizona State University now has three consecutive wins under his belt, and is looking for redemption. Heading into his 11th fight under the Scot Coker-led promotion, the 28-year-old “Highlight Kid” looks to put on a standout performance in Bellator’s incredibly deep featherweight division. Tune in August 26 to see if the Corona, Calif., native can return the favor and finish Karakhanyan in front of his local supporters.

 

Complete "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” SPIKE-Televised Main Card:

Lightweight No. 1 Contender Main Event: Benson Henderson (23-6) vs. Patricio "Baby" Freire (25-3)

Kedu otu m ga Co-Main Omume: Ị Awad (19-7) vs. Derek Anderson (13-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (4-0) vs. Cody Walker (7-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Bubba Jenkins (11-2) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Ọkụ mbido featherweight: Chinzo Machida (3-2) vs. Mario Navarro (4-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joey Davis (Pro mpụta mbụ) vs. Keith Cutrone (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Pro mpụta mbụ) vs. Jon Tomasian (Pro mpụta mbụ)

Mgba mbụ nke dị fechaa: Gabriel Green (2-0) vs. Alex Trinidad (1-0)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Steve ramirez (4-1) vs. Ron Henderson (4-2)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Kyle Estrada (3-2) vs. David Duran (3-4)

Mgba mbụ nke dị fechaa: Mike Segura (4-3) vs. Jacob Rosales (3-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Jonny Cisneros (9-4) vs. Andy Murad (12-2)

Mgba mbụ nke dị fechaa: Jake Roberts (6-0) vs. Stephen Martinez (11-4)

BANTAMWEIGHT STANDOUTS JOE WARREN AND SIRWAN KAKAI SET FOR BATTLE DURING CO-MAIN EVENT OF ‘BELLATOR 161’

 

Santa Monica, Calif (August 10, 2016) – A bantamweight showdown pitting Joe Warren (13-5) megide Sirwan Kakai (12-4) has been added to the main card of "Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson," nke na-ewe ebe September 16 inside the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Texas, and will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE.

The bantamweight contest joins a heavyweight main event featuring Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) na-ewere on Tony Johnson (10-2), and the U.S. mpụta mbụ nke Anastasia Yankova (3-0), ndị osobo Veta Arteaga (2-0). Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Tiketi maka "Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” na-amalite mgbe naanị $25 can be purchased at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster, or the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park Box Office. The event will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 10 p.m. NA/9 p.m. CT.

A 15-fight veteran of Bellator MMA and champion in not one but two different weight classes, Warren enters the cage with an 11-4 mark under the Scott Coker-led promotion, including multiple streaks of five consecutive wins. Mkpakọrịta azụ na 2015, na 2006 Pan American and World Champion wrestler has made three consecutive appearances in Bellator’s main event, including an impressive unanimous decision victory over L.C. Davis at "Bellator 143: Warren vs. Davis. " Hailing from Denver, Colorado, the “Baddest Man on the Planet” will look to become the first-ever fighter to knock out Kakai when the two meet in main card action on SPIKE.

 

Nicknamed “Zohan,” Kakai comes into the fight in search of his first career win under the Bellator MMA banner. Mgbe dị nnọọ 26 afọ, the Swedish submission specialist hopes to make a splash against the former two-division champion in Warren. Since making his professional debut in 2008, Kakai has recorded 12 wins as a pro, with half coming by way of submission. Prior to joining the Bellator MMA fray, Kakai made a splash fighting under the direction of the UFC, recording a unanimous decision victory over Danny Martinez in his promotional debut. Kakai now faces one of the most challenging opponents Bellator MMA’s stacked bantamweight division has to offer when he enters the cage on September 16 at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.

 

Emelitere "Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” Main Card:

Isi ihe omume dị arọ: Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) vs. Tony Johnson (10-2)

Bantamweight Co-Main Event: Joe Warren (13-5) vs. Sirwan Kakai (12-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Anastasia Yankova (3-0) vs. Veta Arteaga (2-0)

CHINZO MACHIDA SET FOR BELLATOR MMA DEBUT DURING PRELIMINARY PORTION OF ‘BELLATOR 160: HENDERSON VS. PITBULL’

 

Santa Monica, Calif (August 8, 2016) - Chinzo Machida (3-2) will make his promotional debut in featherweight preliminary action at "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” na August 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., megide Mario Navarro (4-4).

The fight joins a main card that includes a lightweight main event between fellow superstars Benson Henderson (23-6) na Patricio “Pitbull” (25-3). Na mgbakwunye, undefeated knockout omenkà A.J. McKee (4-0) clashes with former KOTC titlist Henry Corrales (12-3), while explosive lightweights Ị Awad(19-7) na Derek Anderson (13-2) go toe-to-toe in a matchup that you do not want to miss. Rounding out the televised action is a women’s flyweight encounter pitting Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) megide Jaimelene Nievera (4-1).

During the must-see preliminary portion of the event, Bubba Jenkins (11-2) will look for revenge against Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan (24-6-1) in a featherweight rematch. Na welterweight edinam, ha abụọ Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. na Joey Davis will both suit up for the first time under the Bellator umbrella and make their professional debuts.

"Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” na-ewe ebe August 26 inside Anaheim California’s Honda Center, and will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 10 p.m. NA/9 p.m. CT.

Ụzọ maka ihe omume na-emeghe na 4:45 p.m. Pt local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com na The Bellator Mobile App — na-amalite ná 5:00 p.m. Pt. Tiketi maka ihe omume na-amalite na dị nnọọ $30 and can be purchased now on Ticketmaster and at the Honda Center Box Office.

Machida, the elder brother of former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, has only fought five times in his career, but is currently riding a two-fight winning streak. Machida impressively finished Brian Wood via flying knee for Resurrection Fighting Alliance in 2014 na na August 26 Machida will be fighting an opponent who’s currently on the opposite end of the spectrum, and has lost his last two outings. If unfamiliar with Machida’s handy work, look no further than his aforementioned finish of Wood here.

Navarro, 33, has competed almost exclusively in his home state of California, na 7 nke 8 fights taking place a short drive from his home in Huntington Beach. A two-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, “Handsome” has competed against Cleber Luciano and Brandon Bender under the Scott Coker-led promotion and will look to get back to his winning ways in Anaheim, Calif., na Aug. 26.

Complete "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” SPIKE-Televised Main Card:

Lightweight No. 1 Contender Main Event: Benson Henderson (23-6) vs. Patricio "Baby" Freire (25-3)

Kedu otu m ga Co-Main Omume: Ị Awad (19-7) vs. Derek Anderson (13-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (4-0) vs. Henry Corrales (12-3)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Ọkụ mbido featherweight: Chinzo Machida (3-2) vs. Mario Navarro (4-4)

Ọkụ mbido featherweight: Bubba Jenkins (11-2) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joey Davis (Pro mpụta mbụ) vs. Keith Cutrone (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Pro mpụta mbụ) vs. Jon Tomasian (Pro mpụta mbụ)

Mgba mbụ nke dị fechaa: Gabriel Green (2-0) vs. Alex Trinidad (1-0)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Steve ramirez (4-1) vs. Ron Henderson (4-2)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Kyle Estrada (3-2) vs. David Duran (3-4)

Mgba mbụ nke dị fechaa: Mike Segura (4-3) vs. Jacob Rosales (3-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Jonny Cisneros (9-4) vs. Andy Murad (12-2)

Mgba mbụ nke dị fechaa: Jake Roberts (6-0) vs. Stephen Martinez (11-4)

ANASTASIA YANKOVA PUTS UNDEFEATED RECORD ON THE LINE AGAINST VETA ARTEAGA ON SEPTEMBER 16AT ‘BELLATOR 161’

Santa Monica, Calif (August 4, 2016) – A flyweight bout pitting Anastasia Yankova (3-0) megide Veta Arteaga (2-0) has been added to the SPIKE-televised portion of "Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson," nke na-ewe ebe September 16 at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Texas.

The fight joins a main card that features a heavyweight main event pitting French phenom Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) against the streaking Tony Johnson (10-2). Additional main and preliminary contests will be announced shortly.

Ụzọ maka ihe omume na-emeghe na 7:45 p.m. CT local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com na The Bellator Mobile App — na-amalite ná 8:00 p.m. CT. Tiketi maka ihe omume na-amalite na dị nnọọ $25 and can be purchased now at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster, or the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park Box Office.

The 25-year-old Yankova will make her second appearance of the year, after garnering the attention of the MMA world with an impressive promotional debut in Italy at "Bellator 152: Baby vs. Souza.” The Russian submission specialist began her professional career 2-0, before earning her first victory under the direction of Bellator MMA with an impressive first round armbar victory. An avid artist outside of the cage, Yankova hopes to carve out her next masterpiece when she returns to action on Asaa. 16.

Since making her professional debut earlier this year, Arteaga has strung together back-to-back wins, including a unanimous decision victory over Jackie Vandenburgh in her promotional debut at "Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef. " N'ihi ya anya, each of Arteaga’s first two wins have gone to the judges’ table, leaving the 28-year-old Boise, Idaho native itching for her first career stoppage win.

 

Emelitere "Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” Main Card:

Bellator Emmanuel Heavyweight Main Omume: Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) vs. Tony Johnson (10-2)

Bellator MMA Flyweight Feature Bout: Anastasia Yankova (3-0) vs. Veta Arteaga (2-0)