Kia tukuna tonutia atu: Portland, Maine (January 29, 2022) - New Ingarangi whawhai (Nef) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) takahanga, "NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. I mua i teie mahana, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight card.Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (6-2) is scheduled to face New York’sJerome Mickle (4-11) i te taimaha o te 155-pauna whawhai.
The bout was originally scheduled to feature Caleb Hall (4-0) against Mickle, but Hall had to pull out of the fight due to a medical issue. Lacey was quick to jump on the opportunity to get back in the NEF cage. He has not competed since “NEF 35” in the fall of 2018 when he defeated Jon Lemke (7-8). The fight with Mickle will be Lacey’s first as a member of Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire.
“I’m very thankful to be getting back in the cage,” said Lacey. “It’s even better that I get to do it in front of my home crowd! I have already had a few fights get booked and subsequently cancelled this year, so this opportunity is amazing. Jerome seems to be an experienced veteran but my game is better and more dangerous than ever. I cannot wait to showcase the weapons that have been added to the arsenal! Get you tickets now! February 12th you will witness a master class in controlled violence!"
"NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors tuwhera i 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now atwww.Ticketmaster.com.
Mō New Ingarangi whawhai
New Ingarangi whawhai ("Nef") Ko te whawhai whakatairanga ngā kaupapa kamupene. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Whānui wheako i roto i te whakahaere hākinakina whawhai he kapa whakahaere o nef, production ngā kaupapa, whanaungatanga pāpāho, marketing, ture me te pānuitanga.
Kia tukuna tonutia atu: Portland, Maine (January 11, 2022) - New Ingarangi whawhai (Nef) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) takahanga, "NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. I mua i teie mahana, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight card.Carl Langston(0-6)is scheduled to take onShaun Ray(2-1) at a fight weight of 155 pauna.
Carl Langston will look for the first win of his professional career – a career stretching back to 2018. Prior to that time, Langston won seven fights as an amateur. He is a lifelong martial artist, having practiced taekwondo since the age of six and medaling in the sport at the Junior Olympic level. Langston is currently competing as an independent fighter.
“This fight is make it or break it for me,” noted Langston. “I have every tool to best Shaun and any of my last opponents, I just have to show up mentally. I have had some major positive life changes with the start of this New Year with more to come, and I feel that’s going to help play a major role in this fight. I’m ready to bite down on my mouthpiece and get this finish. I don’t feel like Ray is a true 55er—he’s very small for the weight class—so the jump up to 55 to fight him is a testament to my skill set. I’m going to be the breakthrough fighter of 2022.”
Shaun Ray made his NEF debut last summer at “NEF 44” in Milford, New Hampshire in a losing effort to Caleb Hall (4-0). Ray is a graduate of Easton High School in Easton, Maryland. He is currently a resident of Waterville, Maine. Like Langston, Ray is also an independent fighter.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to test my skill against a very well-seasoned striker,” said Ray. “I have known Carl and followed his fight career for seven years. I have a lot of respect for him as a fighter. As for myself, I am just doing what I love to do. I feel this is an excellent match up.”
"NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors tuwhera i 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now atwww.Ticketmaster.com.
DUBLIN’S 3ARENA PLAYS HOST TO MASSIVE CARD ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25
DUBLIN –Leading mixed martial arts promotion BELLATOR MMA has today added a number of explosive fights toBELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford, taking place at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, i runga i te Paraire, February 25.
In what is set to be the biggest Irish female fight ever, a women’s featherweight bout between Northern Ireland’sLeah McCourt (6-1) and Ireland’s most-recent title challengerSinead Kavanagh(7-5) is set to light up the main card. Ētahi atu, a bantamweight main card attraction between home favoriteBrian Moore(14-8), whotakes on No. 9 rungaJornel Lugo (7-0).
The promotion’s explosive return to the Irish capital forBELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs Vanderford,sees middleweight world championGegard Mousasidefend his crown against undefeated AmericanAustin Vanderford. The co-main event sees Irish starPeter Queallyreturn to action against Manchester, Ingarangi oKane Mousah (13-4) in the lightweight division.
Broadcast details and additional fights are set to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online fromTicketmaster.ie aBellator.com.
Sinead Kavanagh will be hoping to respond to a heartbreaking world title loss against Cyborg in her last outing in November atBELLATOR 271. A winner of her two previous BELLATOR outings before facing the pound-for-pound queen, Kavanagh will be looking to get back to her winning ways and live up to her “KO” moniker in front of the 3Arena crowd.
Currently riding a five-fight win streak, Northern Ireland’s McCourt returns to action following a dominant display in a unanimous decision victory againstJessica Borgaduring her last outing atBELLATOR 267i roto i te nuku. Now sitting at No. 4 in BELLATOR’s featherweight rankings, a win at the expense of her opponent on Feb. 25 will go a long way towards moving “The Curse” one step closer to a BELLATOR world title shot against incumbent champion, Cris Cyborg.
Brian Moore’s long-awaited Dublin return will see the Wexford fighter go toe-to-toe with No. 9 ranked bantamweight Jornel Lugo. “The Pikeman” will be hoping the home support helps him hand Lugo his first professional defeat and in doing so climb into the official bantamweight rankings for the first time. Lugo has won all four of his bouts under the BELLATOR banner, including an emphatic first round submission win against Keith Lee atBELLATOR 265 mua i tenei tau.
Several additions have been confirmed for the preliminary card including a bantamweight bout between WelshmanBrett Johns (17-3) aKhurshed Kakhorov (8-0). Johns makes his return to European soil looking to make a statement in a must-see match-up against the undefeated Kakhorov. MMA veteran Johns boasts an impressive 17 wins from his 20 whawhai ngaio, while Kakhorov has won each of his first eight bouts, including a dominant unanimous decision win in his BELLATOR debut against Jair Junior atBELLATOR 267in October.
England’s No. 5 rungaFabian Edwards (9-2) is set to make his return to the cage in Dublin when he takes onMarian Dimitrov(10-2). “The Assassin” won his first nine professional fights and established himself as one of the rising stars in BELLATOR’s middleweight division. He will be looking to bounce back from a defeat in his last fight against Dublin title challenger Austin Vanderford atBELLATOR 259 i roto i te Mei.
Ireland oDanni McCormack(5-0) returns to action fresh from her win at the 3Arena in November against Audrey Kerouche, when she facesStephanie Page(5-3) in a strawweight bout. The preliminary card also features a welterweight bout between ItalianStefano Paterno(13-4-1) and BELLATOR debutantLuca Poclit(6-1) and a featherweight fight between Wales’Scott Pedersen(1-2) and Ireland’sNathan Kelly(3-2).
Rounding out the additions to the preliminary card is a featherweight affair between up-and-coming IrishmanCiaran Clarke (4-0) and BELLATOR debutantAbou Tounkara (7-2).
Fans can see the updated card forBELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs Vanderfordi raro:
Kia tukuna tonutia atu: Portland, Maine (January 6, 2022) - New Ingarangi whawhai (Nef) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) takahanga, "NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. I mua i teie mahana, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight card.Mohammad Al Kinani(0-0)Kei te whakaritea ki te kanohiChris “Ironfist” Rooney (0-1) at a fight weight of 155 pauna.
The fight will be the professional debut for Al Kinani who finished his amateur career with an impressive record of 9-1. He leaves the amateur division as the number-one ranked lightweight in both New England and the Northeast. Six of Al Kinani’s nine victories have been finishes, including a 34-second knockout in his final amateur fight last fall. The fight with Rooney will be Al Kinani’s first in his home state of Maine in over three years. He represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.
“This fight on February 12th is the first step of a long journey that I’ve been dreaming of for quite some time,” said Al Kinani. “It’s going to be a fight that’ll start and end with a handshake, but you know how I roll once I’m locked in there. It’s all business, tamaiti. Ko te aha e meatia e ahau: I take care of fucking business.”
Chris Rooney will make his first appearance in the NEF cage on February 12, but he is a longtime MMA veteran, having competed in the sport since February 2011. He won twelve fights as an amateur prior to making his professional debut last September. Rooney trains at Sargent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in St. Albans, Vermont.
“I am very excited to announce that my next fight will be against Mo Kinani for New England Fights,” stated Rooney. “Though this will be my second fight as a professional, this will be my debut with NEF. I am looking forward to showcasing my knockout power and overall abilities as a mixed martial artist. Even though the fans in Maine may not yet know the name Rooney, they won’t forget it after they witness my iron-fist power.”
"NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors tuwhera i 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now atwww.Ticketmaster.com.
BELLATOR’S NO. 4-RANKED WELTERWEIGHT NEIMAN GRACIETO TAKE ON NO. 5 LOGAN STORLEY IN AN INTERNATIONAL BATTLE OF TOP-10 CONTENDERS IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MMA 274 ON SATURDAY, FEB. 19, Te noho i SHOWTIME
FORMER BELLATOR CHAMPION ANDREY KORESHKOV FACES FELLOW RUSSIAN STAR MUKHAMED BERKHAMOV IN CO-HEADLINER WHEN BELLATOR RETURNS TO MOHEGAN SUN ARENA IN UNCASVILLE, CONN., WITH AN ACTION-PACKED NIGHT OF FIGHTS
Nga anahera -Fresh off an 87-second destruction of Mark Lemminger in the co-main event ofBELLATOR MMA 266, Kaua e. 4-rungaNeiman Gracie(11-2) will strap on the BELLATOR gloves for the 12thconsecutive time when he takes on once-beaten and No. 5-rungaLogan Storley(12-1) in a clash of top-10 170-pounders atBELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley i runga i Rāhoroi, Feb. 19.
In the co-featured bout inside Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., former BELLATOR Welterweight Champion and No. 8-rungaAndrey Koreshkov (24-4) will return to action and open his 2022 campaign againstMukhamed Berkhamov(15-1), a winner of his last seven contests. The main card will also see undefeatedKeri Taylor Melendez (5-0) compete at flyweight against former title challenger and No. 6-rungaVeta Arteaga (6-4) and a pair of heavyweights who find themselves tied at No. 8 in the official rankings will open the main card, when undefeated prospectDavion Franklin (4-0) whawhaiSaid Sowma (8-2).
SHOWTIME will televise theBELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storleymain card live at9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.I tua atu, the thrilling preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at6 p.m. ET/3p.m. PT.
Tikiti hokiBELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storleywill go on sale Friday, Jan. 7 at bothTicketmaster.com aBellator.com, with a special presale taking place Thursday, Jan. 6.
Five preliminary contests are also official forBELLATOR MMA 274,three lightweight bouts, the first pitting 44-fight veteranGeorgi Karakhanyan(31-12-1) against Northern California’sArama Piccolot(12-4), a battle between two of the best nicknames in MMA, Mandel “Rat Garbage” Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) aNick “Nyquil” Browne(12-1), me teCorey Samuels (3-2), who won in ten seconds in his BELLATOR debut, returning to face undefeatedJustin Montalvo(4-0).
The final two preliminary contests will seeIsaiah Hokit (0-1) will move down to featherweight in his second BELLATOR outing, ina e ia i runga iAlbert Birckhead (0-1) i roto i tona tuatahi whakatairanga. Te mutunga, top-flight bantamweight prospectJaylon Bates (4-0) welcomesChris Disonell (6-4) back to BELLATOR for the first time since 2019.
Originating from the exalted Brazilian jiu-jitsu family, Gracie scored his first professional TKO when he backed his opponent against the fence and unleashed a barrage of unanswered punches to Lemminger’s head, forcing referee Jason Herzog to stop the contest at 1:27 of the opening round on Sept. 18, 2021, i roto i te San Jose, Calif.
The great grandson of Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu founder Carlos Gracie, nephew of MMA icon Royce Gracie, and cousin to Renzo Gracie, Neiman Gracie opened his outstanding MMA career by recording nine consecutive wins of then-undefeated opponents, including eight by submission.
A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the 33-year-old BELLATOR veteran currently holds a 9-2 promotional record. While others his age were learning to speak their native language, Gracie began jiu-jitsu training at age four. Fast forward to 18 years later when the multi-faceted fighter earned the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt at 22. I tua atu, the Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Kings MMA fighter captured the 2011 U.S National Jiu-Jitsu title, 2008 Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu crown, a 2007 American National Jiu-Jitsu championship during an illustrious amateur career.
Hailing from Webster, S.D., the hard-hitting Storley commenced his pro vocation with six consecutive knockouts, including five in the initial stanza, en route to 11 straight triumphs overall. I tua atu, “The Storm” will make his ninth consecutive BELLATOR appearance where he currently holds a magnificent 7-1 record.
Like his counterpart on Feb. 19, Storley began wresting at a young age, albeit one year later at age five. I tua atu, the Sanford MMA product and former folkstyle wrestler completed a fabled amateur career as a four-time NCAA Division-I champion at the University of Minnesota, as well as a six-time South Dakota High School Activities Association titlist.
The 29-year-old Storley, who holds academic degrees in both business and marketing, thrilled his hometown crowd in his last turn by earning a split-decision victory over Dante Schiro in the co-featured bout ofBELLATOR MMA 265in Sioux Falls, S.D.
BELLATOR MMA 274: GRACIE VS. STORLEYKĀRI MAIN:
Rāhoroi, Feb. 19 – live onSHOWTIME
9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Takahanga Main Welterweight: #4-Neiman Gracie (11-2) vs. #5-Logan Storley (12-1)
C-Sergio Pettis (22-5) patua Kyoji Horiguchi (29-4) mā KO (spinning backfist) i 3:24 o tawhio e wha Sergio Pettis:“I came out here and got beaten up for four rounds. When it happened, I was just like, ‘Man I am losing this fight. I’ve got to do something spectacular.’ It (the decisive punch that ended the fight) came at the right time.” “I needed to face some adversity, and tonight Horiguchi gave me all of that. It was hard trying to time his rhythm, trying to get his movement down.” “My coaches always tell me, ‘If you open up, you could be one of the best in the world.’ That what I’m pushing for.” #9-Jeremy Kennedy (17-3, 1 NC) patua #4-Emmanuel Sanchez (20-7) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jeremy Kennedy:“I can’t seem to find it. My coaches got mad at me in my last fight. I’ve got an atomic bomb. That’s what my coach said. It’s a 100-mile (per hour) fastball. I’ve got to use it. Last fight, Kihai i ahau. I wanted to try and mix it up, change my style. I was competitive, but I had to get back to my roots.” “I would have liked to have mixed it up a bit more, engari (Emmanuel) Sanchez is in your face the whole time. It was hard to dictate that calculated range. He just came right at me.” “I put a lot of pressure on myself. I had a close friend pass away. He was in my corner for my last few fights. I didn’t want to go home with a loss. I didn’t want to take any extra chance. I wanted to win every single exchange. I wanted to win every second, every moment of this fight. I didn’t care what that looked like. I had to get the ‘w.’ “ “Next time, I am going to get back to having fun and find that happy medium. This one is for Boom. I had to get my hand raised at all costs. I wasn’t coming out of this without a win.” #7-Josh Hill (21-4) patua Jared Scoggins (10-2) mā KO (meke) i :56 o te a tawhio noa e rua Josh Hill:“This one was about timing. We knew the first round would be hard to get that timing down. E ia (Jared Scoggins) was very jumpy, in and out. That (punch that ended the fight) was right on the button.” “I belong there (in the Bellator MMA World Grand Prix). I know this division is stacked, so I understand (why he wasn’t included). I want in. If there are any injuries or pull outs, I’m your man.” “I saw him (Scoggins) go down and knew he was out. There was no point to keep going.” "E ia (Scoggins) is very traditional, karate-esque. My coach and I worked on timing quite a bit. I knew the first round might be a little tricky. I landed a punch in the first, but it wasn’t on the money. The one in the second (that ended the fight) was.”
#5-Johnny Eblen (10-0) patua Collin Huckbody (10-4) mā TKO (nifó) i 1:11 o te tetahi a tawhio noa
Johnny Eblen:“I wanted to send that dude (Huckbody) to the metaverse. Kanohi, I could not do that tonight. I was I could have put on a better show, but it is what it is.” “John Salter, I signed a bout agreement to fight you in Florida, but you [expletive withheld] out. I don’t know if you got hurt, or you [expletive withheld] out. But I want to see you in this [expletive withheld] cage, John. Let’s gear up and let’s get after it.” KĀRI PRELIMINARY: Alexander Shabliy (21-3) patua Bobby King (10-4) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Kai Kamaka III (9-4-1) patua John de Jesus (14-10) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Levan Chokheli (10-1, 1 NC) patua Vinicius de Jesus (9-5) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) Justin Montalvo (4-0) patua Jacob Bohn (10-8) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (29-27, 29-28, 29-28) Mike Hamel (8-5) patua Killys Mota (12-3) mā te whakatau ritua (29-28, 28-29, 30-27) Spike Carlyle (13-3) patua Dan Moret (15-7) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 2:58 o te a tawhio noa e toru Kyle Crutchmer (8-1) patua #10-Oliver Enkamp (10-3) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Haere ki Bellator.com no te tahi atu mau haamaramaramaraa.
Nga anahera -It was officially announced at tonight’sBELLATOR 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchievent that next year’s prestigious BELLATOR World Grand Prix will take place in the promotion’s incredibly stacked bantamweight division. The winner of tonight’s 135-Pound World Championship fight betweenSergio Pettis aKyoji Horiguchiwill defend their title next year in the Bantamweight World Grand Prix featuring a gauntlet of the eight best athletes the weight class has to offer.
In addition to both Pettis and Horiguchi, the Bantamweight World Grand Prix is set to feature former divisional championJuan Archuleta, Kaua e. 2 runga-Raufeon Stots, Kaua e. 3 runga-Patchy Mix, Kaua e. 4 runga-Magomed Magomedov, Kaua e. 5 runga-Leandro Higo, a No. 6 runga-James Gallagher, who will all vie for the right to be named the next BELLATOR Bantamweight World Champion and take home a grand prize of one-million-dollars.
First-round matchups and additional details such as dates, locations and tournament alternates will be revealed soon.
All tournament bouts will be five-round contests and will be telecast in the United States exclusively on SHOWTIME.
Former BELLATOR Bantamweight World Champion Kyoji Horiguchi enters tonight’s contest unranked due to inactivity within the promotion. Official BELLATOR Rankings will be updated and distributed on Monday, Dec. 6.
Champion – Sergio Pettis (21-5):
Fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.,Sergio Pettiscaptured the BELLATOR bantamweight crown in May 2021 by outpointing former championJuan Archuletain a fast-paced contest atBELLATOR 258.During a nearly six-year, 14-fight UFC stint, the Roufusport-product competed in both the flyweight and bantamweight classes, collecting nine victories and a pair of “Fight of the Night” honors against Alex Caceres and Matt Hobar in 2014. Prior to his UFC tenure, Pettis, the younger brother of former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, earned world titles in Resurrection Fighting Alliance’s flyweight division and North American Fighting Championship’s 135-pound class. Following a trio of impressive triumphs over some of the division’s elite, BELLATOR’s bantamweight champion is set to protect his belt and an unblemished 3-0 promotional mark entering the tournament.
Former BELLATOR Bantamweight Champion – Kyoji Horiguchi (29-3):
Hailing from Takasaki, Japan, te-tau 31-tawhitoKyoji Horiguchiis the reigning RIZIN bantamweight champion who notoriously became a simultaneous, two-promotion champion in 2019 after taking down and upsetting then-BELLATOR champion Darrion Caldwell at Madison Square Garden. Kia aroha mai, an injury would force Horiguchi to relinquish his BELLATOR title in 2019, and he now looks to reclaim his belt in a main event clash with current championSergio Pettis iBELLATOR 272. While with RIZIN, the American Top Team-product amassed an impressive 10-1 promotional mark, highlighted by eight finishes and five first-round knockouts. I tua atu, more than half of Horiguchi’s career victories have come via knockout. Na, after reclaiming his RIZIN bantamweight strap and avenging only his third loss in 32 outings with a highlight-reel, opening-round knockout over Kai Asakura on New Year’s Eve 2020, the Japanese sensation fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla., aims to get his hands back on BELLATOR’s title
Kaua e. 1 Ranked Bantamweight – Juan Archuleta (25-3):
With the Bantamweight World Grand Prix set, former BELLATOR World Champion and No. 1-rungaJuan Archuletasees a clear path toward regaining the 135-pound crown. Armed with 25 professional victories, whai wāhi 12 by way of K.O. tukunga ranei, the “Spaniard” has no issues stopping opponents inside the BELLATOR cage. The former four-division King of the Cage world champion, who holds victories over Patchy Mix, Henry Corrales, and Ricky Bandejas, strives to keep that trend going throughout the Grand Prix.
Kaua e. 2 Ranked Bantamweight – Raufeon Stots (17-1):
Considered one of the world’s best 135-pound fighters, Raufeon “Supa” Stotshas been in the title conversation since his 2019 BELLATOR debut. Currently riding a nine-fight winning streak, te No. 2-ranked bantamweight has defeated some of BELLATOR’s finest, including Magomed Magomedov and Josh Hill, by smothering opponents with top-tier grappling ability. Sporting a near-perfect 17-1 record, the Roufusport product and two-time NCAA Division II Champion now has an opportunity to compete for a long-awaited crown.
Kaua e. 3 Ranked Bantamweight – Patchy Mix (15-1):
Set to make his sixth promotional appearance under the BELLATOR umbrella, the pride of Angola, N.Y., has collected two-first round submission victories while compiling a 4-1 record with the Scott Coker-led promotion. The 28-year-old Buffalo, N.Y.. native looks to build off his most recent win atBELLATOR 270over James Gallagher in his opponent’s hometown of Dublin, Ireland, whakamutunga marama. Prior to his time with BELLATOR, Mix dominated the competition while on the regional scene by collecting nine of his 15 professional victories, including five first-round finishes. Na, the submission specialist will face the toughest challenge of his career, a shot at the tournament’s $1 million prize and BELLATOR’s 135-pound strap.
Kaua e. 4 Ranked Bantamweight – Magomed Magomedov (18-2):
After capturing belts in different organizations, Dagestani phenomMagomed Magomedovhopes to add to his collection by taking home BELLATOR gold. Amassing an impressive 18-2 career record with 12 via finish, “Tiger” has made a swift impact on the BELLATOR 135-pound division since his December 2020 promotional debut by climbing to No. 4 in the rankings. Possessing both a blistering pace and superior grappling, Magomedov has the potential to be a nightmare matchup for anyone in the BELLATOR Bantamweight World Grand Prix.
Kaua e. 5 Ranked Bantamweight – Leandro Higo (21-5):
After dropping in weight to 135-pounds, Leandro Higo has been on a tear by winning three consecutive fights and putting the entire bantamweight division on notice. Under the tutelage of the famed Pitbull Brothers camp, the Brazilian is coming off a hard-fought, split-decision victory over former Bantamweight World Champion Darrion CaldwellatBELLATOR 259 i roto i te Mei 2021. As 12 of Higo’s 21 pro victories have come by submission, the entire bracket knows that the No. 5-ranked bantamweight will not be an easy out.
Kaua e. 6 Ranked Bantamweight – James Gallagher (11-2):
Hailing from Strabane, Ireland, one of MMA’s brightest young fighters strives to notch his 12th career victory in a tournament stacked with 135-pound talent. Following a finish over Anthony Taylor atBELLATOR 169 i roto i te Hakihea 2016 and a pair of first-round submissions the following year, “The Strabanimal” has tallied four victories over his past six contests, including three first-round finishes and a highlight reel 35-second win atBELLATOR 227. Poised for the biggest test of his young career, the former SBG Ireland-product aims to shed the shadow of former training partner, Conor McGregor, and add to his own legacy with a shot at BELLATOR bantamweight gold.
Haere kiBellator.com no te tahi atu mau haamaramaramaraa.
Kia tukuna tonutia atu: Portland, Maine (Whiringa 30, 2021) - New Ingarangi whawhai (Nef) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) takahanga, "NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. I mua i teie mahana, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card. Former NEF Amateur Featherweight ChampionNathaniel Grimard (0-0) is scheduled to take onAnthony Vasta (0-0) i te taimaha o te 145, pauna whawhai.
Nathaniel Grimard made his NEF MMA debut in September 2019 at “NEF 40: School of Hard Knocks.” That night, Grimard submitted Justin Kangas (0-3) via armbar in the first round. During the pandemic lockdown, Grimard competed twice in Florida and improved his record to 3-0. His unbeaten record positioned Grimard to challenge for the then vacant NEF Featherweight Championship. I roto i te August, Grimard stopped Brandon Maillet-Fevens (3-2) in the second round at “NEF 44: Back in Black” to become the 145-pound titleholder. Grimard got right back in the cage at “NEF 45: Uprising” to defend his strap against Billy Wilson (7-1) from the famed Jackson Wink MMA camp in New Mexico. Grimard lost a laborious five-round decision that made Wilson the new champion. Na, Grimard hits the reset switch as he plans to turn professional against NEF newcomer, Anthony Vasta. Grimard represents Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC and Bellator veteran, and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell (10-5).
“I can’t imagine a better way to start my pro career than on NEF’s 10th anniversary card,” Grimard stated. “I have big goals for myself and I’m ready to take on anybody in my way. I have nothing but respect for Vasta and his martial arts skills, but I have never been more focused.”
Anthony Vasta will also be making his professional debut at NEF 46. Vasta and Grimard made their respective MMA amateur debuts within a couple of months of each other. Vasta and Grimard share another common tie, as both competed on the same card in Florida during the pandemic. Vasta has a 1-1 amateur record and trains at Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy in Wakefield, Massachusetts.
“Being able to make my professional debut against another rising New England fighter that I respect is exciting,” Vasta stated. “It’s time to take the next step in my career, put my skills to the test, and seize the opportunity. My style is really unorthodox and hard to prepare for. I plan to go out there and put on a dominant performance against another tough prospect of this division.”
"NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors tuwhera i 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now atwww.Ticketmaster.com.
BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE IS ON THE LINE AS BELLATOR CLOSES OUT THE YEAR AT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA WITH A FLURRY OF ACTION-PACKED FIGHTS
Nga anahera -BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card forBELLATOR MMA 272: Pettis vs Horiguchicard at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The event puts a stamp on the 2021 calendar year and is set to begin on SHOWTIME at10 p.m. ET / PT.
The stacked preliminary card will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
I roto i te hui matua o te ahiahi, current BELLATOR Bantamweight World ChampionSergio Pettis (21-5) puts his belt on the line against former BELLATOR 135-pound titleholder and current RIZIN championKyoji Horiguchi (29-3). The co-main event features former featherweight world title challenger No. 4-rungaEmmanuel Sanchez (20-6) versus former UFC standout and No. 9-rungaJeremy Kennedy (16-3, 1 NC).
Also anchoring the main card will be a bantamweight bout between UFC veteranJared Scoggins (10-1) a No. 7-rungaJosh Hill (20-4), as well as undefeated American Top Team-product, a No. 5-ranked middleweightJohnny Eblen (9-0), who looks to protect his unblemished record against BELLATOR newcomerCollin Huckbody (10-3).
With seven thrilling fights in total, teBELLATOR MMA 272preliminary card is highlighted by a pair of welterweight contests between Swedish submission specialist No. 10-rungaOliver Enkamp (10-2) and former Oklahoma State University wrestling standoutKyle Crutchmer (7-1) me teLevan Chokheli (9-1, 1 NC) aVinicius de Jesus (9-4).
Hawaii’sKai Kamaka III (8-4-1) returns to the Scott Coker-led promotion, as he prepares for battle withJohn de Jesus (14-9) i roto i te mahi mā, iaDan Moret(15-6) aSpike Carlyle (12-3) meet in a 160-lb contract weight matchup.
Three additional lightweight matchups have also been announced with Russian sensationAlexander Shabliy (20-3) taking on Utah’sBobby King (10-3), Killys Mota (12-2) pakangaMike Hamel (8-5), aJustin Montalvo(3-0) squaring up withJacob Bohn (10-7)
Kia tukuna tonutia atu: Portland, Maine (Whiringa 26, 2021) - New Ingarangi whawhai (Nef) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) takahanga, "NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. I mua i teie mahana, NEF announced the addition of an amateur championship bout to the fight card. NEF Flyweight ChampionTyler Smythe (3-1) is scheduled to defend his title against former NEF Flyweight ChampionRyan "Gordo" Burgess (3-2) at a fight weight of 125 pauna.
Tyler Smythe notched his third MMA win and captured coveted NEF gold in the process when he recently stopped previously undefeated flyweight prospect Caleb “Dr. Feelgood” Austin (5-1) in a “Fight of the Night” performance at “NEF 45: Uprising.” Down on the scorecards but not discouraged, Smythe waged a come-from-behind victory to earn the technical knockout (WHO) stoppage over Austin in the final second of the fourth round of their championship bout. Never one to slow down, Smythe, who is trained by Nate Libby out of Evolution Athletix in Saco, Maine, is anxious to make an immediate turnaround and defend his title against a former NEF Champion.
“From bell to bell, every round, I’ll be going at this kid like he owes me money,” Smythe stated. “I want a quick finish. Ryan doesn’t deserve to be in that cage with me. February 12th, I’ll show why I’m the NEF flyweight champ.”
Ryan Burgess is no stranger to championship challenges. Hailing from Rumford, Maine, Burgess is one of only four Mountain Valley High School mat men to ever win triple state crowns in wrestling. He amassed an amazing 151-23 overall high school record before graduating and turning his attention to mixed martial arts. Burgess quickly made a name for himself in MMA when he won the NEF Flyweight Championship in November 2015 with a split-decision nod over then Champion Dustin Veinott (5-4). When Burgess last competed, he displayed a dangerous Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) game off his back in defeating Nate Boucher (0-1) in a heated hometown rivalry. Burgess, a BJJ purple belt, trains under Jason “JB” Bell and fights out of Bell’s Famoso BJJ.
“I’m super excited to make my return on NEF’s 10-year anniversary show,” Burgess stated. “It’s been a long time coming for me to return to the cage and I can’t think of a more perfect scenario than coming back and regaining my flyweight title with a finish over Smythe. It’s been three years since I’ve competed, but my coach, Jason Bell, and I have been putting in work behind the scenes. I can’t wait to showcase my skills and put on a show for the fans.
“Smythe seems like a tough opponent, and it was no easy feat for him to defeat Caleb Austin for the belt,” Burgess continued. “With that being said, I see many holes in his game that I plan to exploit come February 12th. I hope he’s not expecting the same fighter he’s watching in the three-plus-year-old film he’s researching to better understand me. Mentally and skillfully, I am a far superior fighter compared to my previous bouts and only my training partners actually know the weapons I’ll be bringing into that cage to get the job done. Smythe may rethink his entire pursuit of a professional MMA career when I’m finished with him. The pressure I’m going to bring would melt any of these amateur flyweights in New England and come February they will all be on notice.”
"NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors tuwhera i 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now atwww.Ticketmaster.com.
