Categoriae Archives: Bellator

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS THREE-TIME ALL-AMERICAN JAROD TRICE TO EXCLUSIVE MIXED MARTIAL ARTS CONTRACT

Photo Credit: Bellator MMA / Jarod Trice

 

SANTA MONICA, Ill. (May 2, 2016) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of three-time All American wrestling prospect Jarod Trice ad nimia, multi-pugna contractus. The story was broken by Flo Combat atque Flo Wrestling, who have chronicled a great deal of his wrestling career.

 

“We’re excited to be adding yet another world-class wrestling talent to our ever-growing roster of fighters here at Bellator,” said President Scott Coker. “I’ve always taken great pride in our ability to identify and build stars in this business, and I have great confidence that we’ve found a gem in Jarod Trice.”

 

In addition to his three All-American accolades, the 27-year-old Trice has an impressive trophy case that includes a National Title at 120 kg and two Greco Roman National Titles, with one at 120 kg and another at 98 kg. The above photo features Trice after winning the Outstanding Wrestler Award alongside 2012 Olympic Coach J.J. Johnson (left) et U.S. National Greco-Roman Coach Matt Lindland (right).

 

“Following in the footsteps of guys like [Ed] Ruth and [Tyrell] Fortune to Bellator MMA was a no brainer for me,” said Trice. “Scott Coker is a promoter that treats the fighters with so much respect, and dealing with him and his team through this signing process has been amazing. I’m really looking forward to fighting for Coker, the Bellator promotion, and for every wrestling and MMA fan out there before the end of the year. If you aren’t familiar with my name yet, you will be as soon as I get in that cage.”

 

Trice competed at Central Michigan University, where he achieved great success at both 120 kg (264.5 pondo.) and 98kg (216 pondo.) after an impressive 50 lb. weight-loss transformation. The standout wrestler will look to compete in Bellator MMA’s impressive light heavyweight division, and hopes to make his professional debut before the end of the year. The jury is out on whether he will keep his nickname, “Doughboy.”

 

Having trained literally all over the world, including stints at Iowa State University under Kevin Jackson and the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado before heading to Arizona, where he trains with other Bellator MMA stars with incredible wrestling pedigree’s like Darrion Caldwell atque Imago Bubba. Trice credits Bellator MMA bantamweight Shawn Bunch with giving him the idea to pursue MMA.

 

Trice is the latest prospect from the world of wrestling to join Bellator MMA’s incredible recruiting class of prospects including:Aaron Pico, Et ait Ruth: atque Tyrell Fortune.

KARIM GHAJJI BECOMES THE FIRST KICKBOXING CHAMPION IN PROMOTIONAL HISTORY AT INAUGURAL ‘BELLATOR KICKBOXING: TORINO’ EVENT

 

Complete Fight Night Photos Here

TORINO, ITALIA. (Aprilis 22, 2016) – Italy’s largest indoor arena, The Pala Alpitour was packed with over 13,000 fans for the historic, inauguralis, Bellator Kickboxing: Torino event. The kickoff event was one for the ages with fierce competitors making a name for themselves with their world-class kickboxing on display. The card aired tonight on SPIKE through a delayed broadcast following "Bellator 153: Koreshkov nobis. Henderson.”

Melvinus Manhoef (37-13) was upset by Milan’s Alexandru Negrea (9-2) via decision in the evening’s main event. Negrea, also known as “The Volcano,” erupted in the second round, scoring a knockdown that forced an eight-count for Manhoef. The closely contested bout resulted in a decision victory for the Romanian-born fighter (30-25, 29-26, 29-26).

Mustapha Haida (40-5-2) atque Karim Ghajji (96-12) battled it out for five hard-fought, exciting rounds of action for the ISKA and Bellator Kickboxing World Titles. At the culmination of the bout, France’s Ghajji emerged victorious with the scorecards reading (50-44, 50-44, 46-48).

Los Angeles native Raymond Daniels (11-3) has a knack for producing highlight-reel finishes, and he was back at it again during the “Bellator Kickboxing: Torino” event, flooring Francesco Moricca (15-3-1) with a spinning heel liver kick just 30 seconds into round one.

Here is the answer to a future trivia question: Veronica Vernocchi (31-7-1) was the first fighter to ever step into a Bellator Kickboxing ring. Denise Kielholtz (44-2), tamen, was all business from the very beginning. The Dutch striker made her historic walk to the ring to Rihanna’s hit song, “B*tch Better Have my Money,” and she fought as though her opponent showed up with empty pockets, winning a decision victory (30-27, 30-27, 28-29). Cum win, Kielholtz became the first fighter to have their hand raised in a Bellator Kickboxing contest.

 

About Bellator:

Aliquam libero MMA Bellator primario mixta Martial fortissimos multi in mundo. Sub quorum ordinatione promotoris pugnam veteranus Scott Coker, Bellator est fere available ad 500 super tecta in million worldwide 140 terrarum. In Iunctus Civitas, Bellator potest on Spike, television dux in MMA. Bellator MMA constat, quod comprehendit sub vertice industria elit in sem productio team, exsecutiva, vivunt eventus orchestration, Pugnator development / relations, venue procuratione, auctore creatura / development, international licentiae, venalicium, vendo, et vulgaret parentes commissione. Bellator est substructio in Santa Monica, Et California est possessus ab hospitii gigas Viacom, faces, qui coniungunt domum ad mundi SUMMUS hospitii contentus coactis trans Audientiis per television, motus picture, Vestibulum et mobile online.

 

De Spike:

Spike est available in 98.7 et domos million est divisio Viacom Media Networks. A celeritatem aliquam Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Media Networks Viacom inter mundi principes et auctores contentus per omnia media Vestibulum vestibulum. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike scriptor torcular at site http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter spiketvpr Aliquam in enim updates News, imagines et post-the-scaenarum notitia.

 

About Oktagon:

Carlo Di Blasi created Oktagon in 1996. At its beginning the show was dedicated to free fight, the name that was given initially to MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Other disciplines such as Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Savate were gradually added from the early 2000’s onwards. During the last 20 years Oktagon has reached a huge popularity, both in Italy and abroad, creating many superstars in the process including Bellator welterweight Paul Daley as well as The Petrosyan brothers (Mobilia et immobilia presentia Armen), Robin Van Roosmalen, Valentijn Overeem, Rico Verhoeven et Artem Levin.

ANDREY KORESHKOV RETAINS WELTERWEIGHT CROWN IN EMPHATIC FASHION, DEFEATING BENSON HENDERSON BY UNANIMOUS DECISION

 

Complete Fight Photos Here

Uncasville, CONN. (Aprilis 22, 2016) — While many will be surprised by the news that Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) victum Benson Henderson (23-6) in casu main “Bellator 153: Koreshkov nobis. Henderson,” the Russian champion made it clear following the bout that he intended to win each and every round inside the cage at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday nox, and according to the judges scoring the bout at cage side, he did exactly that (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).

Over the course of 25 minutes, Henderson, a longtime lightweight competitor, had difficulty closing the distance of the larger “Spartan,” and sustaining damage in the process. “Smoothwas unable to secure takedowns and was upset with his performance, making it clear that he hopes for a quick return to the Bellator MMA cage; whether it’s at 170 or 155-pounds.

“Spartan” makes his first successful defense of the title he took from Lima Douglas in this very arena last year, and has his sights set on fighting one of the main contenders that the Scott Coker-led currently promotion has on its welterweight roster. In addition to the victory, Koreshkov also takes home the newly designed Bellator championship belt.

Patricio “Pitbull” Freire’s Showcases Nasty Guillotine in Co-Main Event

Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (25-3) went all-in with a beautiful guillotine choke 4:09 into the second round of his co-main event fight, forcing Henry Corrales (12-3) ad excute. Since making his Bellator MMA debut back in April of 2010, “Pitbull” has now collected 13 victories with the promotion, including wins in eight of his last nine bouts. It has been a great week for the “Pitbull” brothers, after older brother Patricius “Pitbull” came out victorious in the main event of "Bellator 152: Freire vs. Souza” last Saturday in Torino, Italia. The loss is only Corrales’ third of his career, two of which have now come via guillotine choke.

“Cyborg” Santos Spoils Ward’s Hometown Reunion With First Round Win

In his Bellator MMA debut, Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (21-16) defeated New London’s own Brennan Ward (13-4) with an ankle lock submission just 30 seconds into the opening round. The victory is Santos’ fourth career win in 30 seconds or less and 16th first round finish. The former Strikeforce competitor has now strung together back-to-back wins and has left an impressive first impression for Bellator fans, aside from the ones in attendance at Mohegan Sun Arena. For Ward, the loss puts an end to a promising streak of four consecutive wins, all of which came in his dominant 2015 bellum.

 

Primus Squeaks Past “Toninho Furia” In Catchweight Marathon

Primus holocausti, (7-0) remained undefeated with a split decision victory over "Toninho Furia" (27-6) on Friday taking home scores of (28-29, 29-28, 29-28). The Portland, Oregon native connected on several heavy blows and two pivotal takedowns leading him to his seventh career win. The three-round thriller was just Primus’ second fight that went past the first round and was left to the judgesdiscretion.

“MVP” Makes Quick Work Of Holloway In Explosive Opening Bout

During the opening contest at "Bellator 153: Koreshkov nobis. Henderson," Michael “Venom” Page (10-0) complevit Jeremie Holloway (7-2) with multiple hammerfists and an impressive toe hold submission at 2:15 in the opening round of action. The 28-year-old British phenom, “MVP,” remains undefeated after recording his tenth career win and sixth victory under the Bellator MMA banner. “Venom” now directs his attention to a return home when he meets Fernando Gonzalez on July 16 at "Bellator 158: London.”

Praevium Card Results:

Chan Djamil (12-2) victum Ricardus Patishnock (6-4) via knockout (pugnis) at 3:09 of una circum

Chris Honeycutt (7-1) victum Matth Secor (7-3) via suasuri (30-25, 30-27 x2)

Mike Zichelle (8-4) victum Joe Cronin (2-4) via deditionem (rear, nudi suffocant) at 1:25 of una circum

Matt Bessette (18-7) victum Thomas Richardson, (14-7) via TKO (cut) at 3:14 rotundi duo

Chris Foster (9-4) victum Vovka Clay (3-1) via suasuri (29-28 3x)

Sam Watford (2-0) victum Decanus Hancock (2-1) via deditionem (armbar) at 1:24 of una circum

Tim Caron (4-0) victum Justin Sumter (0-1) via TKO (pugnis) at 3:38 rotundi duo

Blair Tugman (8-6) victum Jay Perrin (2-2) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)

MATT MITRIONE SET FOR PROMOTIONAL DEBUT AGAINST CARL SEUMANUTAFA AT ‘BELLATOR: DYNAMITE 2’

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (Aprilis 22, 2016) – A heavyweight showdown between Bellator MMA’s high profile free agent acquisition Matt Mitrione (9-5) atque Carl “Badwater” Seumanutafa (10-6) will serve as the co-main event of "Bellator: Dynamite 2" on June 24, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

The bout joins a main card that features a catchweight main event between “Rampage” Jackson (36-11) atque Satoshi Ishii (14-5-1) in Jackson’s first fight for the Scott Coker-led promotion since 2014. Additional MMA and kickboxing contests will be announced shortly.

Tesseras "Bellator: Dynamite 2,” quod satus procul iustus $30, are onsale now at Ticketmaster.com and the Ford Box Office at Scottrade Center. Pro foribus eventus patescunt 5 p.m. CT loci tempore, et primo certamine horae unius fit.

"Bellator: Dynamite 2” aeres vivunt et liberos Spike at 9 p.m. ATQUE/8 p.m. CT, dum vivunt in praevia daret fluent Bellator.com atque Bellator est Mobile App.

Exactly like the groundbreaking inaugural “Dynamite” event this past September in San Jose, both a mixed martial arts cage and kickboxing ring will cover the floor at Scottrade Center, giving fans in attendance the opportunity to see both iterations of combat sports on the same night.

Matt Mitrione originally took his talents to the football gridiron, signing as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants in 2002. After brief stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings, Mitrione entered the MMA cage and hasn’t looked back since. The 14-time UFC veteran began his professional career with victories in his first five fights, four of which came by way of knockout. Known as one of the top finishers in the sport, the 37-year-old Indianapolis native recently finished his run with his former employer, making the decision to test free agency. Mitrione will now look to duplicate the success that he found throughout his career, when he makes his much-anticipated Bellator MMA debut against Seumanutafa on June 24.

Tantum colligitur 26 annorum, Carl “Badwater” Seumanutafa will face the stiffest test of his career when he takes take center stage at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. Similar to Mitrione, all but one of his wins has come by way of knockout, including five first-round finishes. Looking to continue building momentum in the heavyweight division, the former Strikeforce competitor was victorious in his Bellator debut, when he finished Javy Comines with a vicious second round TKO at “Bellator 148: Daley vs. Uhrich. " A native of San Francisco, Seumanutafa has been competing professionally since 2007, making his pro debut at only 18-years-old.

Updated "Bellator: Dynamite 2” Fight Card:

Bellator MMA 215 lb. Main Event: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (36-11) vs. Satoshi Ishii (14-5-1)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Matt Mitrione (9-5) vs. Carl Seumanutafa (10-6)

 

Praevium Card:

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Engel (5-0) vs. Chel Erwin-Davis (3-1)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jordan Howard (9-3) vs Justin Robbins (14-17-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joaquin Buckley (5-0) vs Chris Heatherly (9-3-1)

Bellator MMA 130-pound Preliminary Bout: Michelle Royer (1-0) vs Katy Collins (3-1)

Bellator MMA 180-pound Preliminary Bout: Brad Jones (5-4) vs Clay Mitchell (1-2)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Jason Christeson (1-0) vs Jarrod Thomas (0-0)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Lee Burns (2-0) vs. Byron Stevens (0-0)

Bellator Kickboxing Preliminary Bout: Elmir Kulosman (3-0) vs. Darryl Cobb (2-1)

Bellator Kickboxing Preliminary Bout: Tara Walker (4-3-1) vs. Mimi Kutzin (3-2)

‘MVP’ LOOKING TO SQUASH BEEF WITH FERNANDO GONZALEZ AT THE O2 IN LONDON ON JULY 16

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT BETWEEN LINTON ‘THE SWARM’ VASSELL AND FRANCIS ‘LIMITLESS’ CARMONT ALSO OFFICIAL

SANTA MONICA, Ill. (Aprilis 22, 2016) – The recently announced international tentpole event, "Bellator 158: London," now features two additional mouth-watering matchups during the event’s main card, cum praeter hodie Michael “Venom” Page (10-0) versus Gonzalez Fernando (25-13) in a welterweight bout at The O2 in London. “MVP” is fresh off a first-round submission during the main card of "Bellator 153: Koreshkov nobis. Cicero " hac nocte, and now sets his sights on impressing in his home country.

In addition, the stacked main card now also features a light heavyweight pairing between Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) atque Francis “Limitless” Carmont (24-11). The two new contests join an event that already features Kimbo Slice (6-2) susceptis James Thompson (20-16) atque Port (17-10) adversum Paul "Semtex" Daley (38-13-2). Additional pugnae nuntiata erunt cito.

In the United Kingdom, the event will be broadcast free on SPIKE UK and Channel 5, while in America the card will air FREE on SPIKE. Exact broadcast details for "Bellator 158: London” will be revealed in the near future. Tickets for the event are on sale now and start at only £40.00. They are available at TheO2.co.uk or The O2 Box Office.

As was showcased hac nocte, at "Bellator 153: Koreshkov nobis. Henderson," mixed martial arts fans and pundits alike would be hard-pressed to find a striker — or submission specialistas dynamic as Page. Other than his win against Jeremie Holloway, look no further than his previous outings against Charlie Ontiveros, or his 65-second knockout of Rudy Bears for explosive examples. Autem, now “Venom” looks to strike against Gonzalez, who is no stranger to being the underdog when he enters the Bellator MMA fray. A proud son of London, England, the 29-year-old Page has only reached the judges’ scorecards once in his nine professional outings. “MVP” will enter the cage at The O2 in London with an unblemished record, hometown support and momentum, all on his side.

Gonzalez, a 32-year-old Menifee, Ill. is looking to build upon his split decision victory over Gilbert Smith at "Bellator 151: Warren vs. Caldwell” and add to his impressive five-fight winning streak. A veteran of the Scott Coker-founded Strikeforce promotion, as well as World Extreme Cagefighting, Gonzalez has been competing professionally since 2003 and was originally slated to fight “MVP” in March, but the fight fell through when the Englishman withdrew due to injury. Autem, Gonzalez looks to solidify himself as the No. 1 contender to the crown at 170-pounds and prove that he truly is the stiffest test Page has faced in his 10-fight career.

Vassell is fresh off of a victory over Bellator’s Emanuel Newton in a bout that went the distance at the record-shattering event that was"Bellator 149: Trifolium vs. Gracie. " Vassell has now won 11 eius ultimum 13 fights and will be chomping at the bit to get back in the cage in front of his hometown fans. Vassell joins Thompson, Daley and Page on a card that features a strong contingent of British talent as the card continues to grow.

Hailing from Paris, Gallia, the 34-year-old Carmont will enter the cage for the first time in 2016 and fourth under the Bellator MMA umbrella. In his most recent appearance, at the tournament-style "Bellator MMA: Dynamite I, " Carmont replaced an injured Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, who was forced to drop out after suffering a rib injury earlier in the event. After winning his first bout of the evening, “Limitless” surrendered a loss to Phil Davis in the final round of the tournament-style contest. Autem, “Limitless” looks to upset the hometown faithful during the main card of "Bellator 158: London.”

Updated “Bellator 158: London” Fight Card:

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice 6-2) vs. James Thompson (20-16)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Co-Main Event: Port (17-10) vs. Paul Daley (38-13-2)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Bout: Michael Page (10-0) vs. Gonzalez Fernando (25-13)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (24-11)

ANDREY KORESHKOV LOOKS TO SPOIL HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED BELLATOR MMA DEBUT OF BENSON HENDERSON AT ‘BELLATOR 153’ ON SPIKE TOMORROW

 

 

Complete Weigh-In Photos Here

 

Uncasville, Conn. (Aprilis 21, 2016) – Following weigh-ins for "Bellator 153: Koreshkov nobis. Cicero " competitors on Thursday, all fights are set to take place inside the cage at the Mohegan Sun Arena cras in Spike.

Headlined by a welterweight world title bout between Andrey "Lacedaemonius" Koreshkov (18-1) atque Benson “Smooth” Henderson (23-5), the main card is primed to entertain. The card is loaded with young talent, including 28-year-old welterweight star Michael “Venom” Page (9-0), who will put his unblemished record on the line against Jeremie Holloway (7-1).

In addition, "Bellator 153: Vs. Koreshkov” also features Brennan Ward (13-3) going to battle against “Cyborg” Santos (20-16), Patricio “Pitbull” Friere (24-3) versus Henry Corrales (12-2) atque Primus holocausti, (6-0) meeting “Toninho Furia” (27-5).

"Bellator 153: Koreshkov nobis. Cicero " takes place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., and airs live and free on Spike at 8 p.m. ATQUE/7 p.m. CT, dum vivunt in praevia daret fluent Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App. In addition, stay tuned immediately following the event, the debut of Bellator Kickboxing: Torinofit 11:00 p.m. ATQUE/PT.

Nullam tincidunt eventu iustus $30 and remain on sale now at Bellator.com, Et sol Ticketmaster.com Mohegan Officium Box.

BRANDON HALSEY & JOHN SALTER JOIN MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 156’ IN MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOWDOWN

SANTA MONICA, Ill. (Aprilis 19, 2016) – A middleweight matchup between Brandon "bulla" Halsey (9-1) atque John Salter (11-3) has been added to the main card of "Bellator 156: Galvao vs.. Dantas II " on June 17 Mart for nisi intus in Fresno, Ill.

The fight joins a main card that features two of Bellator MMA’s top welterweights, in Chidi “Chidi Bang Bang” Njokuani (14-4) atque Douglas “The Phenom” Lima (26-6), and a rematch between Marcos "Loro" Galvao (17-6-1) atque Eduardo "Dudu" Dantas (17-4), where the Bellator MMA Bantamweight Title will be on the line. In addition, eight preliminary contests have been added to the event.

"Bellator 156: Galvao vs.. Dantas II " airs vivere Spike at 9 p.m. ATQUE/8 p.m. CT, dum vivunt in praevia daret fluent Bellator.com atque Bellator est Mobile App. Additional pugnat Anuntiabitur paulo.

Nullam solum eventu incipere $25 and are currently on sale at the Save Mart Center Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Halsey will be making his ninth appearance under the Bellator MMA banner, and be looking to add to his impressive promotional mark of 7-1. The former Fresno State Bulldog began his professional career 9-0 before recently surrendering his first loss against the present Bellator MMA Middleweight titlistRafael Carvalho at "Bellator 144: Halsey vs. Carvalho. " The 29-year-old will look to start another long streak of victories when he challenges John Salter in main card action at "Bellator 156: Galvao vs.. Dantas II " on June 17.

Salter comes into his bout with a professional record of 11-3 and is currently in the midst of a three-fight winning streak. In his Bellator MMA debut, Salter put an end to Dustin Jacoby’s night with a second-round, rear seminudus suffocat submissionem at “Bellator 132.” A native of Tennessee, Salter has stopped his opponent in all 11 of his victories and has only lost once in his last seven fights as a professional. With five knockout victories coming in the opening frame, look for the 31-year-old to come out swinging inside Save Mart Center in Fresno, Ill.

Updated “Bellator 156: Galvao vs.. Dantas” Fight Card:

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Title Bout: Marcos Galvão (17-6-1) vs. Eduardo Dantas (17-4)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Co-Main Event: Chidi Njokuani (14-4) vs. Lima Douglas (26-6)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Feature Bout: Brandon Halsey (9-1) vs. John Salter (11-3)

Praevium Card:

Bellator MMA Heavyweight praevia lucis Bout: Jermaine McDermott (2-0) vs. Blake Watkins (5-0)

Bellator MMA 140lb. Preliminary Bout: Paul Ruiz (6-4) vs. Chris Buron (5-0)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Javy Comines (8-5) vs. JosueJ.R.Lugo (7-3)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nick Bustamante (5-1) vs. Antoine Smith (3-5)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: C.J. Keith (8-3) vs. Carrington Banks (4-0)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Justin Smitley (10-7) vs Chris Avila (4-2)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight praevia lucis Bout: Ioannes Paulus Helias (3-0) vs. TBA

Bellator MMA Heavyweight praevia lucis Bout: Chris Lewis (0-0) vs. Ernest James (0-0)

 

BELLATOR MMA SET FOR ACTION AT O2 ARENA IN LONDON ON JULY 16 WITH KIMBO SLICE-JAMES THOMPSON, JOSH KOSCHECK-PAUL DALEY IN TOW

MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE, LINTON ‘THE SWARM’ VASSELL ALSO SET TO COMPETE

SANTA MONICA, Ill. (Aprilis 18, 2016) – It was the most-watched fight in the history of mixed martial arts with 7.28 million viewers, atque on Sunday night Bellator MMA President Scott Coker joined ESPN’s SportsCenter to officially announce that Kimbo Slice (6-2) atque James Thompson (20-16) are going to run it back inside the world famous O2 Arena in London on July 16 during the main event of "Bellator 158: London.” The tentpole event also features another highly anticipated rematch in the co-main eventwhen a grudge match nearly six years in the making boils over as Port (17-10) suscipit, Paul "Semtex" Daley (38-13-2).

 

In the United Kingdom, the event will be broadcast free on SPIKE UK and Channel 5, while in America, the card will air free on SPIKE. Exact broadcast details for "Bellator 158: London” will be revealed in the near future.

 

Tesseras "Bellator 158: London," go on sale this Friday, Aprilis 22, with a Bellator Nation presale running thisThursday, Aprilis 21. Tickets starting at £40.00 will be available at TheO2.co.uk or The O2 Box Office.

 

In addition, a pair of English natives will also be in action on July 16, cum Michael “Venom” Page (9-0) atque Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) face yet-to-be-announced opponents. London’s Page, also known as “MVP,” will be competing during the main card of "Bellator 153: Koreshkov nobis. Cicero " hoc Friday, live and free on Spike at 8 p.m. ATQUE/7 p.m. CT.

 

Fresh off his performance in the main event of "Bellator 149: Trifolium vs. Gracie," the record-shattering card that generated 3.5 million viewers, Slice returns to action against the man he previously defeated back in 2008. It’s without question that Slice, a member of American Top Team in his home state of Florida, is one of the most must-see competitors in the sport of mixed martial arts, as it’s become increasingly clear fans can never truly expect what will happen when the brawler enters the Bellator cage.

 

“The Colossus” will likely have a sold-out O2 Arena strongly in his corner, being that he hails from Bristol, England and hasn’t fought on home turf since 2010. Thompson, 37, has been calling for a rematch with Slice since their infamous meeting nearly eight years ago and would like nothing more than to bounce back from a recent string of bad luck with a win against a name the likes of the former YouTube sensation. Thompson’s resume already features wins against Dan Severn, Don Frye and Bobby Lashley, amongst others.

 

In the card’s co-main event, Koscheck will make his promotional debut a little over a year after signing with Bellator MMA. Its pained the Fresno native to be out of action for so long, especially after being forced to withdraw from a headlining spot in his hometown against Matth Secor at “Bellator 148,” a card that “Semtex” went on to main event. It was there that the seeds for a rematch were cemented even further, as Daley trashed “Kos” in front of his partisan fans, pushing the 38-year-old to return.

 

While Daley may have the results as of late to upstage his foe, Koscheck owns a victory over the Brit in their first meeting, which Daley followed with an infamous punch after the bell that changed the trajectory of his career. Autem, with nine wins in his last ten fights, Daley returns home to put an end to a moment in his profession that has cast a shadow over most of his success, while Koscheck looks to prove that their first meeting was no fluke.

 

These two momentous matchups are set to take place on July 16 at the legendary 20,000-seat O2 Arena, as Kimbo Slice-James Thompson II and Josh Koscheck-Paul Daley II emanate from the United Kingdom, and there’s no other place to watch the action unfold than FREE on Spike.

 

Updated "Bellator 158: London” Fight Card

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Main Event: Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson (6-2) vs. James Thompson (20-16)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Co-Main Event: Port (17-10) vs. Paul Daley (38-13-2)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Bout: Michael Page (9-0) vs. TBA

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. TBA

PATRICKY ‘PITBULL’ FREIRE EARNS SHUTOUT VICTORY IN BELLATOR’S HISTORIC, FIRST-EVER INTERNATIONAL EVENT

 

ALL OF ITALY GOES WILD FOR THEIR HERO ALESSIO SAKARA AFTER KNOCKOUT VICTORY

Credit: Bellator MMA

TORINO, ITALIA. (Aprilis 15, 2016) – An electric, packed house was on hand Saturday night to bear witness to Bellator MMA’s inaugural international event, "Bellator 152: Pitbull vs. Souza," at Italy’s largest indoor arena, The Pala Alpitour. The venue, which housed several events during the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, provided an incredible atmosphere for the historic card.

In consectetur vesperi, Patricky "Pitbull" Freire (16-7) welcomed Kevin Souza (15-5) to Bellator MMA with a unanimous decision loss (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). The matchup between the two Brazillians was well contested, as Souza took the fight on short notice after replacing Suspendisse Fieldsbecause of injury only a week ago. “Pitbull” spent much of the bout trying to figure out his opponent’s unorthodox style, but in the third and final round, “Pitbull” was able to score a couple solid shots and a takedown to cement his position on the scorecards.

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?

Few fighters can inspire a nation the way that Rome’s Alessio Sakara (18-11) had his Italian countrymen rooting for him tonight. The support paid off, as “Legionarius” got the better of Brian Rogers (12-9) in a slugfest for the ages. Crisp, precise, power-punches connected with Rogers putting him on the canvas, forcing the TKO stoppage at 2:29 of round two and making Sakai’s Bellator debut one to remember.

DIVISION ON LOCK? MCKEE’S GOT THE KEY

One of MMA’s hottest prospects, A.J. McKee (4-0) defeated Milan’s Danilo Belluardo (5-2) in front of his home crowd on Friday. Although the audience was raucous in support for Belluardo, they cheered with great appreciation for McKee’s performance and sportsmanship following his victory. During his fight against J.T. Donaldson at "Bellator 147: Thomson vs. Villaseca," McKee was cut above the eye, the sight of his own blood seemed to cause the 20-year-old to hit the turbo button. Similarly tonight, McKee was on the wrong side of an accidental low blow and after a short resting period, “Mercenary” came out swinging with a torrid pace, ultimately connecting with a left kick to the ribs of Belluardo that sent him falling to the mat. The referee gave him a moment to defend himself but McKee rained down an efficient flurry of ground and pound, earning the TKO at 2:44 of the very first frame. Sending a message to Scott Coker and the admodum deep Bellator featherweight division that he means business, McKee said in his post-fight interview: “If you ain’t got the belt, I ain’t got my eye on you.”

A STAR IS BORN IN ANASTASIA YANKOVA

Anastasia Yankova (3-0) quickly fought her way into a full mount against Anjela Pink (0-1) and applied a slick armbar submission to hand Pink a loss in her professional debut at 1:35 foramen rotundum. The young Russian striker has had the Italian fans clamoring to see her in action all week long, and had them on their feet celebrating her first-round victory. Yankova has now finished all of her professional MMA fights via submission and after the bout made it clear that she will be in action sooner, potius quam later, “I promise to come back soon and have my second fight in Bellator, Yankova said. “It is really great to be a part of Bellator, I feel really happy.

HOMETOWN HEROES IMPRESS IN BELLATOR DEBUT

Two Italian competitors who regularly compete with Oktagon, Daniele Scatizzi (7-2) atque Daniele Miceli (2-1) kicked things off at "Bellator 152: Pitbull vs. Souza” with a fast paced featherweight scrap. Scatizzi was able to secure a dominant position on Miceli’s back, sinking his hooks in and raining down unanswered strikes, forcing referee “Big John” McCarthy to call a stop to the action at 3:20 of round one and declaring Rome’s Scatizzi victorious by TKO.