Bellator 245: Davis vs. Machida 2 Main Card: Phil Davis (22-5, 1 NC) defeated Lyoto Machida (26-10) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Cat Zingano (11-4) defeated Gabby Holloway (6-6) via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-26) Taylor Johnson (6-1) defeated Ed Ruth (8-3) via submission (heel hook) at :59 of round one Raymond Daniels (2-1, 1 NC) and Peter Stanonik (5-4, 1 NC)endedin a no content (accidental low blow)
Preliminary Card: Alex Polizzi (7-0) defeated Rafael Carvalho (16-5) unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Leslie Smith (12-8-1) defeated Amanda Bell (7-7) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28. 29-28) Tyrell Fortune (8-1, 1 NC) and Jack May (11-6, 1 NC) ended in a no content (accidental low blow) Keith Lee (7-3) defeated Vinicius Zani (11-7) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
COVERAGE KICKS OFF THURSDAY, OCT. 1 WITH BELLATOR 247 LIVE FROM MILAN, ITALY PLUS, CHAMPION CRIS ‘CYBORG’ AND ARLENE BLENCOWE MEET IN EPIC WORLD TITLE BOUT IN PRIMETIME ON OCT. 15
LOS ANGELES – Bellator MMA, a leading mixed martial arts promotion owned by ViacomCBS,and CBS Sports Network have announced an exciting new partnership that will see the organization’s live events featured on the 24-hour home of CBS Sports beginning this fall.
CBS Sports Network will televise Bellator events, both domestic and international, LIVE in all U.S. markets, while preliminary matchups will stream on CBSSports.com and Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel. Additional details will be announced at a later date.
To kick off the new partnership, CBS Sports Network will air Bellator events live from Europe, including Bellator 247 on Thursday, Oct. 1 (4 p.m. ET) in Milan, Italy, as well as the monumentalBellator Paris eventon Saturday, Oct. 10 (11:30 a.m. ET) in France. Bellator 247 is headlined by a welterweight battle between veteran Paul Daley (42-17-2) and Derek Anderson(16-3, 1 NC), while Bellator Paris sees “MVP” Michael Page(17-1) take on Ross Houston (8-0, 1 NC) at welterweight and Cheick Kongo (30-10-2, 1 NC) face Tim Johnson(14-6) in a heavyweight bout.
The first primetime event live from the U.S. takes place Thursday, Oct. 15 (9 p.m. ET) with a massive card anchored by the first world title defense of current champion Cris “Cyborg”(22-2, 1 NC), who takes on Australia’s Arlene Blencowe (13-7), at Bellator 249 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
“We’re excited to have CBS Sports Network serve as the new home of live Bellator MMA events. It’s a great opportunity to showcase some of the best events and biggest names in the sport,” said CBS Sports Executive Vice President of Programming Dan Weinberg. “Adding Bellator MMA to the CBS Sports portfolio will allow for greater promotion, engagement and exposure across all our platforms and assets including CBS Sports Network, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports HQ as well as our various social accounts.”
“I am thrilled that Bellator live events will be coming to CBS Sports Network beginning on Oct. 1, as well as the unique opportunities the partnership creates across all CBS Sports platforms,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “CBS Sports is synonymous with iconic sports broadcasting and it is incredible to now have Bellator MMA included in that family. I would like to thank Paramount Network, formerly Spike TV, for the years of support that helped build Bellator into the organization that it is today, and this news marks yet another exciting relationship between two ViacomCBS properties. I look forward to bringing the biggest fights, featuring the top athletes in the world, live to CBS Sports Network and introducing Bellator to an entirely new audience this fall.”
CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, is available through all major cable, satellite and telco distributors as well as via OTT streaming service providers YouTube TV, fuboTV, DirecTV and Hulu.
Bellator will continue to produce all of its own live events, led by Executive Producer Scott Fishman.
The second Bellator woman’s featherweight champion in the company’s history, Cris “Cyborg” is coming off of a dominant performance over Julia Budd in January to win the 145-pound world title. Already an MMA legend at 35-years-old, “Cyborg” will be looking to further her legacy as the greatest woman’s mixed martial artist of all-time when she meets Arlene Blencowe on Oct. 15. After winning the Bellator belt in her 12th career title fight, “Cyborg” made history by becoming a world champion in her fourth major promotion, previously holding belts in both the UFC and Strikeforce. With a professional record of 22-2, 1 NC, including 18 wins by way of finish, the Brazilian-born fighter holds victories over tough competition such as Budd, Holly Holm, Felicia Spencer and Gina Carano.
With wins in six of her last seven fights, including five knockouts, “Angerfist” has put herself in position to challenge for the women’s featherweight title. Coming off a unanimous decision victory over Leslie Smith, the former two-time boxing world champion will look to keep her momentum rolling and claim her first MMA title. Tied for the most knockouts in Bellator woman’s featherweight history, the fighter out of New South Wales, Australia aims to claim sole possession of that record, as she takes on her toughest challenge to date in Cris “Cyborg.”
A longtime MMA veteran, Paul Daley has competed professionally since 2003, amassing over 60 career fights. Throughout his tenure, “Semtex” has been one half of some of the most memorable bouts in MMA history, including a knockout of the year over Brennan Ward in 2017. Most recently, the Nottingham, England native notched consecutive wins over Erick Silva and Saad Awad, running his record in Bellator MMA to 8-4. Fighting out of San Diego, Calif., the 30-year-old Derek Anderson will be making his 11th appearance for Bellator MMA in search of his third consecutive victory. With 11 of his 16 career wins coming by way of finish, “The Barbaric” hopes to earn his eighth promotional victory and first of his 2020 campaign.
Currently riding a three-fight win streak, Michael “Venom” Page, better known to fans as “MVP,” returns with the intention of spoiling the debut of European welterweight prospect, Ross Houston. Holding a career record of 17-1, with 14 wins coming by way of stoppage, the pride of London Shootfighters looks to remind people why he is one of the most exciting strikers in all of MMA. After signing with Bellator in February, Scotland’s Houston will make his promotional debut against one of Bellator’s biggest stars in Page. “The Hitman” plans on keeping his 8-0, 1 NC undefeated record intact and improve on the three submission victories already to his name by using his known Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills.
Holding an impressive MMA record of 30-10-2, 1 NC, France’s Cheick Kongo returns to action following a title fight against heavyweight champion Ryan Bader last September. The former kickboxer remains unbeaten since 2015 and will enter the Bellator cage on home soil for a rematch against a familiar opponent in heavyweight contender in Tim Johnson. Coming off a dominant TKO victory over veteran Matt Mitrione at Bellator 243 in August, Johnson is set to compete for the third time in 2020 seeking revenge in a rematch from 2018 against Kongo. Now training out of Las Vegas, Johnson has quickly earned his place near the top of the Bellator heavyweight division with his recent wins, including a viral knockout over top prospect Tyrell Fortune in February.
*Fight cards subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
FORMER CHAMPS PHIL DAVIS AND LYOTO MACHIDA COLLIDE IN LONG-AWAITED REMATCH AT BELLATOR 245 ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 11 JUAN ARCHULETA FACES UNDEFEATED PATCHY MIX FOR THE VACANT BELLATOR BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AT BELLATOR 246 ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 12
PLUS, THE BELLATOR DEBUTS OF FORMER TITLE CHALLENGERS CAT ZINGANO AND LIZ CARMOUCHE
LOS ANGELES — For the first time, Bellator MMA’s “FightSphere” at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. will host a stacked doubleheader weekend on Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12. On night one, Bellator 245 is headlined by former world champs Phil Davis(21-5, 1 NC) and Lyoto Machida (26-9) in a light heavyweight rematch, while Bellator 246 on night two sees a bantamweight world championship fight featuring top contender Juan Archuleta(24-2) taking on the undefeated Patchy Mix (13-0) for the vacant title.
Two former world title challengers also make their long-awaited Bellator debuts, as Cat Zingano(10-4)takes on Gabby Holloway(6-5)in a featherweight matchup at Bellator 245,while Liz Carmouche (13-7) meets the newly signed DeAnna Bennett(10-6-1) at flyweight during the main card of Bellator 246.
Bellator 245: Davis vs. Machida 2 on Friday, Sept. 11 and Bellator 246: Archuleta vs. Mix on Saturday, Sept. 12 air live on Paramount Network and DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. Preliminary action will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming days.
A former Bellator light heavyweight world champion, Phil Davis returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since stopping Karl Albrektsson at Bellator 231 in October of last year.A four-time NCAA D-I All-American wrestler at Penn State University, “Mr. Wonderful” has earned professional victories over Brian Stann, Alexander Gustafsson, Antônio Rogério Nogueira, and the man he will face again on Sept. 11, Lyoto Machida. With eight Bellator appearances already, the San Diego-based fighter has his sights set on reclaiming his world title in the sport’s toughest light heavyweight division.
After signing with Bellator in 2018, Lyoto Machida made his highly anticipated promotional debut with a victory over former champ Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 213 and would later go on to defeat the now-retired Chael Sonnen inside the famed Madison Square Garden at Bellator 222. The former UFC light heavyweight champ, known to fans around the globe as “The Dragon,” owns notable career wins over Tito Ortiz, “Shogun” Rua, Dan Henderson, Rashad Evans and Randy Couture. Having lost to Davis in the first matchup in Brazil, the native ofSalvador, Bahia, Brazil is looking for redemption and a future shot at Bellator gold.
Fresh off of an impressive victory over Henry Corrales at Bellator 238 earlier this year, Juan Archuleta will look to capture the promotion’s vacant bantamweight strap. Fighting out of Hesperia, Calif., the 32-year-old knockout artist will once again drop down a weight class for a shot at the world title, something he successfully accomplished on four separate occasions while competing for regional promotion King of the Cage (light welterweight, lightweight, flyweight and bantamweight). Following a hard-fought featherweight world title bout with Patricio Pitbull last September, “The Spaniard” returns to bantamweight, where he has been undefeated for over five years.
Currently fighting out of Jackson Wink MMA in Albuquerque, N.M., Patchy Mix will make his fourth appearance for Bellator, where he has tallied three first-round submission victories. The 26-year-old Buffalo, N.Y.-native hopes to remain undefeated and build off of his most recent win on New Year’s Eve, which saw “No Love” earn a guillotine choke-submission over Yuki Motoya at Bellator’s co-promotional event with Rizin at Rizin.20 in Japan. Prior to his time with the Scott Coker-led promotion, Mix dominated his competition in all nine of his fights with King of the Cage, collecting five first round finishes. Now, the submission specialist will face the toughest test of his young career, a matchup with the former Bellator featherweight world title contender and a shot at Bellator’s vacant 135-pound strap.
Also announced for Bellator 245…“Easy” Ed Ruth (8-2) returns to middleweight against the debuting Taylor “Tombstone” Johnson (5-1) on the main card; current Bellator Kickboxing welterweight world champ Raymond “The Real Deal” Daniels (2-1) returns to MMA against Peter Stanonik (5-4); former middleweight champ Rafael Carvalho (16-4) squares off with undefeated Alex “Easy” Polizzi (6-0) at light heavyweight; hard-hitting heavyweights Tyrell Fortune (8-1) and Jack May (11-6) collide; “Killa” Keith Lee (6-3) faces Dominic “The Honey Badger” Mazzotta (15-3) in a 140-lb. contract weight preliminary matchup.
Also announced for Bellator 246…top welterweight contenders Jon Fitch (32-7-2, 1 NC) and Neiman Gracie (9-1) square off in the co-main event; Derek “The Stallion” Campos (20-10) andRoger “El Matador” Huerta (24-12-1, 1 NC) go toe-to-toe in a lightweight battle; Jackson Wink MMA heavyweight prospect Davion “The Don” Franklin (1-0) takes on Ras “The Jamaican Shamrock” Hylton (6-4) on the prelims; Hawaii’s Ty “Savage” Gwerder (4-1) meets London’s George “Tuco” Tokkos (4-1) in a middleweight contest.
Updated Bellator 245: Davis vs. Machida 2 Main Card:
Paramount Network and DAZN
Friday, Sept. 11 – 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT
Light Heavyweight Main Event: Phil Davis (21-5, 1 NC) vs. Lyoto Machida (26-9)
Featherweight Co-Main Event: Cat Zingano (10-4) vs. Gabby Holloway (6-5)
Middleweight Feature Bout: Ed Ruth (8-2) vs. Taylor Johnson (5-1)
Welterweight Feature Bout: Raymond Daniels (2-1) vs. Peter Stanonik (5-4)
Updated Preliminary Card:
Bellator MMA’s YouTube Channel
Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout:Rafael Carvalho (16-4) vs. Alex Polizzi (6-0)
Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Tyrell Fortune (8-1) vs. Jack May (11-6)
140-lb. Contract Weight Preliminary Bout: Keith Lee (6-3) vs. Dominic Mazzotta (15-3)
——–
Updated Bellator 246: Archuleta vs. MixMain Card:
Paramount Network and DAZN
Saturday, Sept. 12 – 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT
Bantamweight World Title Bout: Juan Archuleta (24-2) vs. Patchy Mix (13-0)
Welterweight Co-Main Event: Jon Fitch (32-7-2, 1 NC) vs. Neiman Gracie (9-1)
Flyweight Feature Bout: Liz Carmouche (13-7) vs. DeAnna Bennett (10-6-1)
Lightweight Feature Bout: Derek Campos (20-10) vs. Roger Huerta (24-12-1, 1 NC)
Updated Preliminary Card:
Bellator MMA’s YouTube Channel
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Ty Gwerder (4-1) vs. George Tokkos (4-1)
Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Davion Franklin (1-0) vs. Ras Hylton (6-4)
Aaron Jeffrey punches-out Bruno Assis in 3rd round
MIAMI (August 15, 2020) – The long-awaited American debut of SFT MMA & Xtreme (Standout Fighting Tournament), delayed several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finally happened this past Thursday night with a “closed show” at Wynwood Studios in Miami, Florida.
“SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis” was streamed live and exclusively worldwide on pay per view via the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv), as well as taped live to air at future dates on regional television throughout the U.S. on United Fight Alliance (UFA), as well as on Brazilian television.
“Putting this event together was the most difficult thing I’ve done in SFT,” SFT president David Hudson said. “The fight card feels like it changed daily. At some point we had 12 fights with a very international main card, made up of highly ranked athletes. We probably signed around 20 matches and ended up with five. It was also our first time promoting in the U.S. and without everybody at full force made things very difficult, as well as the production side. We ended up with a much inferior show, as far as production goes, compared to what SFT always puts out. However, the fights where really good, and at the end of the day, it’s all about the fight. I’m glad we did it. It’s not the start I had hoped for, but now we are ready to return in full force. We are looking at end of November, early December, for the next USA show.
We want to bring back Jeffrey and Jornel as soon as possible. With flight restriction to and from Brazil, along with restrictions to promoting an open-door event, I’m not exactly sure about getting them on our cards but, hopefully, we can still get it done still this year in Brazil.”
Canadian middleweight Aaron Jeffrey (8-2-0) took a step closer to reaching his dream of fighting in the UFC, registering a sensational knockout on punches of his Brazilian opponent, Bruno “Brunao” Assis (9-5-0) in the opening round. The 27-year-old Jeffrey, of Niagara Falls, Ontario, unleashed a barrage of lethal punches to end the fight for his sixth victory in his last seven fights. This was the SFT debut for both of these main event fighters. Jeffrey vs. Assis was selected as Fight of the Night and each fighter was awarded a $1000 bonus.
In the co-featured event, Luiz “Buscape” Firmino won a 3-round decision over fellow Brazilian Markus “Maluco” Perez in a grappling match contested at a 198-pound catchweight.
Undefeated Floridian lightweights Jornel “Ai” Lugo (4-0-0), representing West Palm Beach, and Missouri’s Cortavious Romiuous (4-1-0) put on an entertaining show in their SFT debuts and Lugo emerged with a tough victory by way of a 3-round split decision.
In a battle of Puerto Rican lightweights, James Hay (3-1-0) locked in a Rear Naked Choke to submit Orlando Santana (2-2-0) in the second round.
Miami light heavyweight Joshua Da Silveira (2-0-0) remained unbeaten in spectacular fashion, knocking out pro-debuting Cody Rolling, fighting out of Banner Elk, North Carolina, with a perfectly placed kicked to the head in the opening round. Da Silveira received a $1000 bonus because his was selected as Knockout of the Night.
The official weights are below:
“SFT 23” OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT – SFT MMA – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Aaron Jeffrey (8-2-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Canada
WTKO3 (Punches – 1:26
Bruno Assis (9-5-0, SFT: 0-1-0), Brazil
CO-FEATURE — GRAPPLING – CATCHWEIGHT (198 lbs.)
Markus Perez, Brazil
WDEC3
Luiz Firmino, Brazil
SFT MMA — LIGHTWEIGHTS
Jornel Lugo (4-0-0, SFT: 1-0-0), USA
WDEC3 (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Cortavious Romiuous (4-1-0, SFT: 0-1-0), USA
SFT MMA — LIGHTWEIGHTS
James Hay (3-1-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Puerto Rico
WSUB2 (Rear Naked Chole -3:16)
Orlando Santana (2-2-0, SFT: 0-1-0), USA by way of Puerto Rico
LAS VEGAS (August 10, 2020) – Veteran combat sports promoter Keith Veltre has announced the debut of MMA’s newest promotional company, iKON Fighting Federation (iKON), September 24 at Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.
All iKON events, held in association with Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.
Veltre, who also announced the hiring of Dean Toole as iKON’s matchmaker, is the CEO and co-founder of RJJ Boxing Promotions and Kinektic submission grappling, both streaming events exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS.
“I have always lived by the motto, when businesses are downsizing during tough times, I either acquire or expand,” Veltre said. “I take advantage of times like this to rollout new adventures and MMA has always been in my game plan. I have always attached myself to a great team and bringing in Dean Toole as lead matchmaker was a no brainer, and I promise Ikon will deliver fireworks. I am thankful to have a great broadcast partner, UFC FIGHT PASS, and we’re excited to launch our first Ikon event with UFC FIGHT PASS on September 24th.”
Toole added, “Being the founder and CEO of Island Fights, on UFC FIGHT PASS, it sometimes gets overlooked that I’m also the matchmaker for all of our professional events. I couldn’t be happier for this opportunity to continue doing what I’m best at and matchmake fights for iKON Fighting Federation.
“I had the privilege of being hired by Keith Veltre and UFC FIGHT PASS in December for the Quinet Ultra event and I think they liked working with me and my staff. I hope we made a good impression. I’m very excited to get started and do what we do best and that’s get these athletes to UFC.”
Full details and matchups will soon be announced.
To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com or download the UFC app.
ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.
BELLATOR 244 AIRS LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK AND DAZN AT 10 P.M. ET FROM MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
PLUS, FORMER TITLEHOLDER JULIA BUDD RETURNS TO ACTION AGAINST JESSY MIELE IN THE CO-MAIN EVENT
LOS ANGELES – On Friday, August 21, Bellator’s “FightSphere” at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. will host a light heavyweight world title main event bout featuring two-division Bellator champ Ryan Bader(27-5, 1 NC) defending his 205-pound championship against Russia’s Vadim Nemkov (11-2).
The evening’s co-main event sees fomer world champion Julia Budd(13-3) take on Connecticut’s Jessy Miele (9-3) in a featherweight clash.
Bellator 244: Bader vs. Nemkov airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN Friday, August 21 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. Preliminary action will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming days.
A winner of seven out of eight contests at both heavyweight and light heavyweight, Bellator’s double champ Ryan Bader will make his first light heavyweight title defense since defeating “King Mo” Lawal, Matt Mitrione and Fedor Emelianenko en route to winning Bellator’s 2018 Heavyweight World Grand Prix and becoming world heavyweight champ. Fighting out of Chandler, Ariz., the former two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler out of Arizona State University began his professional career by winning season eight of The Ultimate Fighter. “Darth” continued his path of dominance by collecting victories over some of the 205-pound division’s top talent, including career wins over Phil Davis (x2), Linton Vassell, “Rampage” Jackson, Rashad Evans, Rafael “Feijão” Cavalcante and Ovince Saint Preux. Most recently, Bader fought heavyweight Cheick Kongo to a no contest following an accidental eye poke.
The 28-year-old Russian powerhouse Vadim Nemkov, who is undefeated over his last six fights and a perfect 4-0 in Bellator since signing in 2017, will enter his first-ever title shot in MMA fresh off a submission win against former middleweight world champion Rafael Carvalho. With that victory, Nemkov has defeated some of the best athletes Bellator has to offer, including three former champions consecutively in Carvalho, Phil Davis and Liam McGeary. A three-time Russian national sambo champion, Nemkov trains alongside the legendary Fedor Emelianenko in Stary Oskol, Russia for the standout Team Fedor.
Former Bellator featherweight world champion Julia Budd has won 11 of her last 12 bouts, including seven victories since signing with Bellator in 2015. After defeating Dutch legend Marloes Coenen for the inaugural Bellator women’s featherweight world title at Bellator 174, the Gibson MMA-product and Port Moody, British Columbia native has gone on to collect victories over top contenders Olga Rubin, Arlene Blencowe and Talita Nogueira. With seven of her 13 career victories coming by way of knockout or submission, “The Jewel” will look to jump back into title contention with a statement win on August 21.
With an impressive career mark of 9-3, Jessy Miele will look to parlay her most recent win over former Bellator title contender Talita Nogueira when she competes at Bellator 244. Hailing from Waterbury, Conn. the 35-year-old is currently in the midst of a four-fight unbeaten streak and was slated to compete against Leslie Smith at Bellator 241 before it was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. Fighting professionally since 2014, and competing against the likes of Nogueira and Charmaine Tweet along the way, “The Widowmaker” will undoubtedly face the stiffest test of her nearly six year-career when she meets Budd on August. 21.
Updated Bellator 244: Bader vs. Nemkov Main Card:
Paramount Network and DAZN
10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT
Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Ryan Bader (27-5, 1 NC) vs. Vadim Nemkov (11-2)
Featherweight Co-Main Event: Julia Budd (13-3) vs. Jessy Miele (9-3)
Heavyweight Feature Bout: Roy Nelson (23-19) vs. Valentin Moldavsky (9-1)
Updated Preliminary Card:
Bellator MMA’s YouTube Channel
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: John Salter (17-4) vs. Andrew Kapel (15-6)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Adam Piccolotti (12-3) vs. Sidney Outlaw (14-4)
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Erik Perez (19-7) vs. Joshua Hill (19-3)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout:Lucas Brennan (2-0) vs. Will Smith (3-1)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Vladimir Tokov (7-0) vs. Chris Gonzalez (4-0)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Lance Gibson Jr. (3-0) vs. Shane Kruchten (12-5)
*Card subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
Streaming live & exclusively on FITE.TV pay per view
MIAMI (Aug. 6, 2020) — The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered plans in combat sports, particularly for Brazil-based SFT MMA & Xtreme (Standout Fighting Tournament), which planned to make its American debut last June at Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida. Its long-awaited American debut will finally take place on Thursday, August 13, with “SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis”, in a closed show at Wynwood Studios in Miami, Florida.
“SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis” will be streamed live and exclusively worldwide on pay per view via the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv), starting at 7 p.m. EDT / 4 p.m. PDT, for $14.95. It’ll also be taped live and air at future dates on regional television throughout the U.S. on United Fight Alliance (UFA), as well as on Brazilian television.
Only fighters and one corner person each, a skeleton staff including television production crew, officials, and commission members will be allowed onsite. No fans, media, or ring-card girls. SFT will provide masks and be responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and encouraging everyone to follow all COVID-19 recommendations. Everybody will be tested for COVID-19 the day prior to the weigh in, at the weight in, and during the day of the event.
“Our plan was for SFT MMA & Xtreme to have a circuit, starting in Brazil, and then promoting shows in the United States and Mexico,” SFT president David Hudson said. “The Coronavirus changed everything. Our show last Saturday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was canceled after we had the weigh in, but we wanted to do the right thing and paid everybody involved.
“We can’t wait for U.S. fans to watch our product to understand what they’ve been missing. SFT gives fans what they want: competitive, action-packed fights in a completely different form of entertainment. We’re having our August 13th show in Miami because we want to increase awareness, particularly in the United States, of our unique product of combat sports entertainment. Our shows are regularly broadcast on one of the five national television networks in Brazil. We have five of the top seven pound-4-pound MMA fighters in Brazil and we want to bring some U.S. talent to fight in Brazil. Two fighters from this show will be given a chance to fight in Brazil and then, hopefully, at the Seminole Hard Rock later this year.”
The main event pits Canadian middleweight Aaron Jeffrey (7-2-0, (SFT: 0-0-0) against Brazilian Bruno “Brunao” Assis (9-4-0, SFT: 0-0-0) in their SFT MMA debuts. Styles make fights and Jeffrey, the No. 1 rated middleweight in the Province of Ontario, will be looking for his sixth knockout, while Assis, the No. 1-rated fighter in the State of Minas, has his sights set on his seventh submission finish.
American lightweight Frank “The Praying Mantis” Buenafuente (10-4-0, SFT: 0-0-0), fighting out of Garfield, New Jersey, takes on Mexico’s No. 4-rated Daniel “Danger” Vega (12-3-0, SFT: 1-0-0) in the co-featured event. Buenafuente, who has a strong wrestling background, will be making his SFT MMA debut. Vega defeated Fabio Gasolina at “SFT 12” held in Mexico.
An SFT Xtreme (striking & kicking with 4-ounce gloves, no ground fighting) match will showcase Brazilian-native kickboxing legend Maycon Oller, who now fights out of Tustin, California, against World kickboxing champion Jadar Alves, of Brazil, in what promises to be a sensational showdown.
A grappling match will be on tap as well, pitting two of Brazil’s leading middleweights, Markus “Maluco” Perez against Luis “Buscape” Firmino.
The opening bout on the main card finds American lightweights Jornel “A1” Lugo (3-0-0, SFT: 0-0-0) and Contavious Romious (4-0-0, SFT: 0-0-0) in a well-matched battle of two undefeated prospects.
The preliminary card offers strong support. Brazilian Regivaldo “Handstone” Carvahlo (5-2-0, SFT: 0-0-0) faces American Raymond “Godson” Ramos (5-4-0, SFT: 0-0-0) fighting at a 140-pound catchweight in SFT debuts for both fighters, and two other SFT debut fighters, Brazilian Lucas Alexandre (0-2-0, SFT: 0-0-0) and his American opponent, Shawn Brown (2-2-0, SFT: 0-0-0), square-off in a featherweight fight.
Also fighting on the preliminary card are Puerto Rican lightweights Orlando Santana (2-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0) and James Hay (2-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0), American light heavyweights Joshua DaSiveira (1-0-0, SFT 0-0-0) and pro-debuting Cody Rolling, and American bantamweights Sal Guerriero (1-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0) versus John “The Baptist” Birdson (0-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0).
The card is subject to change.
SFT MMA & Xtreme is coming to America next week. Catch the revolution!
LOS ANGELES – Bellator MMA and Pluto TV, ViacomCBS companies, today announced that they have partnered to launch an exclusive channel on Pluto TV with iconic, action-packed past matches showcasing legendary talent and champions all from Bellator’s extensive library of content. The Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV officially launched today with nonstop, adrenaline-rich entertainment and can be found in the “Sports” category on the leading, free streaming television service in the US.
The Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV will debut with more than 500 fights from Bellator’s vast collection of past events. Fans will see historic bouts featuring current world champions Ryan Bader,Douglas Lima, Patricio “Pitbull” and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, as well as other iconic names and top talent in the sport, including Fedor Emelianenko, Michael Chandler,Gegard Mousasi,Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, A.J. McKee, Benson Henderson, Jake Hager, Michael “Venom” Page and Chael Sonnen.
“I am excited for the launch of the Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV that will feature unlimited access to our extensive content library,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “This is a great way to increase the promotion’s visibility across additional ViacomCBS platforms, while giving our fans the opportunity to relive these incredible moments from inside the Bellator cage.”
“We are excited to welcome a renowned and respected mixed martial arts organization like Bellator MMA to Pluto TV. Being a part of the ViacomCBS organization affords us unique access to a coveted portfolio of premium brands and properties with built-in fanbases, like Bellator, that further differentiates the types of programming we can stream on Pluto TV,” states Amy Kuessner, SVP of Content Strategy & Global Partnerships at Pluto TV. “The launch of Bellator MMA as an exclusive channel on Pluto TV brings free and easy access to millions of new and existing fans, with premium content that is guaranteed to really pack a punch.”
Pluto TV offers hundreds of channels and thousands of movies and television series on-demand to a domestic audience of over 24 million users. With over 100,000 hours of premium content available on the platform, Pluto TV is available across all major mobile, connected TV and web-based devices and has a global footprint spanning three continents across 22 countries.
Bellator 242: Bandejas vs. Pettis Main Card: Sergio Pettis (20-5) defeated Ricky Bandejas (13-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Jason Jackson (12-4) defeated Jordan Mein (31-13) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Jay Jay Wilson (6-0) defeated Tywan Claxton (6-2) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28) Aaron Pico (6-3) defeated Solo Hatley, Jr. (8-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:10 of round one
Preliminary Card: Mark Lemminger (1-1) defeated Jake Smith (7-4) via TKO (strikes) at 4:46 of round two Raufeon Stots (14-1) defeated Cass Bell (5-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:24 of round three Ras Hylton (6-4) defeated Rudy Schaffroth (6-2, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
PLUS, HEAVYWEIGHTS MATT MITRIONE AND TIMOTHY JOHNSON SQUARE OFF IN EXPLOSIVE CO-MAIN EVENT
LOS ANGELES – Bellator is pleased to announce multiple upcoming events set to take place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., including Bellator 243 on Friday, Aug. 7, Bellator 244 on Friday, Aug. 21 and Bellator 245 on Friday, Sept. 11.
Bellator 243 sees former world champions Michael Chandler(20-5) and Benson Henderson(28-8) face off once again inside the Bellator cage nearly four years after their first unforgettable meeting, The highly anticipated lightweight main event rematch airs live Friday, Aug. 7 on Paramount Network and DAZN at 10 p.m. ET from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
In the card’s co-main event, perennial heavyweight contender Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) will take on the hard-hitting Timothy Johnson(13-6) in an exciting matchup that will likely not go to the judges’ scorecards.
Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson 2 airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN on Friday, August 7 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The event will also air live on Sky Sports in the UK. Preliminary action will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel.
Making his 23rd promotional appearance for Bellator, “Iron” Michael Chandler will have the opportunity to silence his critics and prove that his November 19, 2016 split decision-win over Henderson was no fluke. Following victories in each of his first 12 professional bouts, highlighted by his first Bellator lightweight world title win and a pair of successful title defenses, the High Ridge, Missouri-native quickly made a name for himself in a stacked 155-pound class. The 34-year-old would eventually go on to collect a promotional record three lightweight title reigns that included three successful title defenses. Having won three of his previous five career rematches, including a pair of lightweight world title victories over Patricky Pitbull and Brent Primus, the 2009 NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at the University of Missouri will look to add to that total and remind everyone what the former champion is capable of.
Fighting out of Glendale, Ariz., “Smooth” will once again have a shot at revenge with his longtime rival Chandler, following multiple attempts to schedule the fight over the past year. The highly anticipated rematch was originally slated to take place on New Year’s Eve at Rizin.20 in Japan, before Henderson was forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered during training. A few months later, the two former lightweight world champions were set to face off in the main event of Bellator’s return to the Windy City on June 6, before the global pandemic led to yet another postponement. Now, the MMA Lab-product will look to settle the score and collect his fifth consecutive victory en route to a final push at Bellator’s 155-pound strap. With half of his 28 career wins coming by way of knockout or submission, the 36-year-old former UFC and WEC lightweight world champion will aim to put all doubts to rest and finish his nemesis in emphatic fashion on August 7.
After initially being scheduled to face Ronny Markes at Bellator 241 in March prior to the pandemic, Matt Mitrione is now slated to meet Johnson, a competitor who also prefers to keep the fight upright. Prior to his MMA career, the 41-year old Illinois-native was a standout defensive end at Purdue University who subsequently earned his way into the NFL, playing six seasons as a member of the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. He ultimately found his way into MMA where he became the high-level competitor he is today, defeating the likes of the late Kimbo Slice, Derrick Lewis,Roy Nelson and Fedor Emelianenko.
A heavy betting underdog coming into his last matchup with Tyrell Fortune at Bellator 239, Timothy Johnson shocked many when he finished the undefeated competitor five years his junior via highlight reel-knockout in the opening frame. The win was the first for the Xtreme Couture-fighter inside the Bellator cage, who signed with the promotion in 2018 following seven outings in the UFC. With an impressive finishing mark of 10 stoppages in his 13 wins as a professional, Johnson will be looking to deliver another impressive outing when he returns to action next month.
Updated Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson 2 Main Card: Paramount Network and DAZN 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT
Lightweight Main Event: Michael Chandler (20-5) vs. Benson Henderson (28-8) Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) vs. Timothy Johnson (13-6)
*Card subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
