Premier Boxing Champions Event at Footprint Center in Phoenix Rescheduled rom August
Exciting Contender José Benavídez Makes Long-Awaited Return Against Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in Undercard Action
PHOENIX – August 24, 2021 – Unbeaten two-time world champion and Phoenix-native David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez will battle former world champion Jose Uzcategui in a WBC Super Middleweight title eliminator in his hometown on Saturday, November 13 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz.
Benavidez and Uzcategui were originally scheduled to meet on Saturday, August 28, before the fight was pushed back due to a positive COVID-19 test for Benavidez.
Also featured on the card will be longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, making his much-awaited return facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in a 10-round super welterweight duel.
Tickets purchased for the August 28 event will be valid for the newly scheduled November 13 event date. If you are unable to attend the newly scheduled date, tickets will be refundable at your point of purchase.
PAIR OF GRUDGE MATCHES HEADLINE THE CARD AS IRISH MMA PHENOMENON JAMES GALLAGHER MEETS FELLOW SUBMISSION ACE PATCHY MIX AT BANTAMWEIGHT & HOME-CROWD FAVORITE PETER QUEALLY FACES TOP RANKED PATRICKY “PITBULL” IN IMMEDIATE REMATCH
BELLATOR 270 TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 27
DUBLIN – After more than 18 months away from the 3Arena, BELLATOR’s return to the iconic Dublin venue is set for Friday, Nov. 5, when Ireland’s own No. 6 ranked James “The Strabanimal” Gallagher (11-1) faces the No. 2 ranked Patchy Mix (14-1) in a huge bantamweight main event to headline BELLATOR 270.
In the co-headliner, No. 4 ranked lightweight and Dublin’s very own Peter “The Showstopper” Queally (13-5-1), will be looking to bring the house down again when he faces 23-time BELLATOR veteran and No. 1 ranked Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (23-10) in a highly anticipated rematch. An additional five preliminary matchups for BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix are also confirmed below.
Tickets to BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix go on general sale on this Friday, Aug. 27, with an exclusive presale on Thursday, Aug. 26, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com.
Fans in Ireland will be able to watch the event on both Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Sport, while those in the UK can watch the event live on BBC iPlayer. Meanwhile U.S. fans will be able to enjoy the main card action live on SHOWTIME at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT, with a replay at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
The eagerly awaited bantamweight matchup between Gallagher and Mix has the potential to go down as one of the all-time great fights in BELLATOR history. It was originally due to take place in May at BELLATOR 258, but injury forced Gallagher out of the encounter. Now, in front of what is guaranteed to be an electric Irish crowd, the “Strabanimal” will finally get his chance to silence Mix as he looks to earn the biggest win of his career to date.
“I’m so grateful to be back as the headline in Dublin,” said Gallagher, “I’ve moved to America to take my mindset and skill set to another level and I’m happy I can show my work to my home fans! Welcome to the Jimmy Show! ”
Patchy Mix is currently the #2 ranked bantamweight and fights out of Extreme Couture in Las Vegas. Like Gallagher, Mix has made a name for himself in the BELLATOR cage by displaying impressive submissions, including the rare Suloev Stretch.
Mix said of his long-awaited matchup: “I’m going to walk into James’ home country and put him away in the first round.”
After a series of lively back-and-forth trash talk encounters and cancelled bouts due to injury, Queally and Pitbull finally met in the BELLATOR cage in May earlier this year, with the Irishman causing a huge upset, securing a hard-fought TKO victory due to a doctor’s stoppage following a cut Patricky sustained in the second round.
Queally, meanwhile, who trains alongside Gallagher out of Ireland’s famous Straight Blast Gym, will be looking to once again use the might of the home-crowd to help him secure a decisive win over his bitter rival, Pitbull.
“I can’t wait to get back out there again to settle this once and for all with Pitbull and really give the 3Arena crowd something special,” Queally said. “Patricky is such a perfect opponent, there has been so much that has gone on with me and him that I think the crowd will be even more invested than normal this time. Expect an all-out war – I’m going to beat him, and the lightweight belt is next.”
Freire – the older brother of BELLATOR lightweight champion Patrício – has competed professionally since 2005, earning a fearsome reputation as a knockout artist. Living up to the moniker “Pitbull,” Freire will be looking to even the score with Queally, silence the home crowd and get back to his winning ways.
“He knows he was getting beat up in the first fight,” said Pitbull. “He felt pain in his legs and body, I’m gonna make him feel even more pain now. The Irish fans are very loud and passionate, but when I knock him out, you will be able to hear a pin drop in that arena.”
The news of a return to Dublin rounds off a trio of BELLATOR MMA events confirmed on European soil in 2021, with the cage setting down in London on October 1 and Moscow on October 23 before heading to the Irish capital on November 5.
BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix MainCard:
SHOWTIME (US) / BBC iPlayer (UK) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)
Marcelo Golm (9-3) defeated Billy Swanson (4-1) via TKO (strikes) at 4:57 of round one
#6-Jornel Lugo (7-0) defeated Keith Lee (7-4) via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 5:00 of round one Preliminary Card: Fabio Aguiar (18-2) defeated Taylor Johnson (7-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Mike Hamel (8-5) defeated Bryce Logan (12-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) Archie Colgan (3-0) defeated Ben Simons (3-3) via TKO (punches) at 00:00 of round one Duane Johnson (6-2)defeated Deven Fisher(4-9) via submission (D’arce Choke) at 1:04 of round one Bailey Schoenfelder (2-0) defeated Kory Moegenburg (1-3) via TKO (strikes) at 4:11 of round one
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
“I’m facing a tough Mexican fighter, but I’ll beat her at her own game!” WBC and WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda Serrano Defends Her Titles Against Super Bantamweight Champion Yamileth Mercado Sunday, August 29 in Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley SHOWTIME PPV® Co-Feature NEW YORK – August 18, 2021 – Puerto Rican star and unified WBC/WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano plans to take full advantage of her opportunity on the SHOWTIME PPV event headlined by Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley when she faces super bantamweight world champion Yamileth Mercado on Sunday, August 29 from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
“It means a lot to women’s boxing for me to be in this position to perform on this stage,” said Serrano. “We deserve to be in the spotlight. I’ll perform like I always do and represent for women’s boxing the best way I know how. I’m very excited that they chose me for this event.”
In an event headlined by the renowned content creator and pro boxer Paul, who will be taking on his toughest test to date in the ring against the former UFC champion Woodley, Serrano knows that her style will help her gain fans on this big platform.
“Expect this to be a war, because I always bring the fireworks,” said Serrano. “I have a fan-friendly style and I’m going out there to finish my opponent. That’s what the fans want to see.
“Don’t blink during this one, because even though she’s a tough fighter with a lot of heart, this could be a short fight. I give her a lot of credit for accepting this fight right away. I know that I’m facing a tough Mexican fighter, but I’ll beat her at her own game!”
Already the most-decorated fighter in women’s boxing, having won world titles at every weight class from 115 to 140 pounds, the Brooklyn-based fighter currently has her sights set on becoming undisputed at featherweight, which means eventually luring the other 126-pound titlists into the ring with her.
“If Erica Cruz and Sarah Mahfood want to be considered the best, they have to face me,” said Serrano. “Each of them was offered the biggest purse of their career to face me on August 29, and they turned it down. I want to be undisputed in this division, but they refuse to take any chances. All I can do right now is train to be at my best and make another statement against Mercado.”
Throughout her training for this fight, Serrano has had the opportunity to train side-by-side with the event’s headliner in Paul. While she sees Paul doing what is necessary to reach his ultimate dreams, she too is intrigued by his matchup against the very tough Woodley on August 29.
“Jake is an up-and-coming fighter who’s taking all the right steps,” said Serrano. “He’s learning on the job and he’s shown that he’s a very hard worker. He’s got a positive team around him and I’m excited to see how he fights Tyron Woodley. Woodley is a great fighter and I’m looking forward to seeing how that matchup plays out.”
Tickets starting at $45 are still available via RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com. The event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions and promoted by Tony and Bryce Holden of Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. Barstool Sportsbook is the official sports betting partner for the event and will be incorporated in a unique, fully integrated brand activation that is to be announced in more detail.
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About Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley: Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley is the headline attraction atop a stacked evening of professional boxing action presented by SHOWTIME PPV® and Most Valuable Promotions in association with Holden Promotions, live from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, August 29 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The SHOWTIME PPV is available for purchase now at SHOWTIME.com and via the SHOWTIME app, and is available to order through all major cable, satellite and telco providers in the U.S. and Canada. Renowned content creator and undefeated professional boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will take on the toughest challenge of his budding career in the former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley. Featured on the undercard is unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano defending her titles against super bantamweight champion Yamileth Mercado and the U.S. debuts of popular U.K. attractions Daniel Dubois and Tommy Fury in separate bouts.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @TWooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @Twooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
LONDON, UK – A women’s featherweight fight will serve as the co-main event for BELLATOR MMA 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 on Friday, October 1 when No. 5 ranked Leah McCourt (5-1) meets Jessica Borga (3-3) at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London.
The bout will sit atop the card alongside a must-see rematch between No. 1 ranked Douglas “The Phenom” Lima (32-9) and No. 2 ranked Michael “Venom” Page (19-1) where the stylish striker from London will look to avenge the lone blemish on his record in front of his home crowd.
BELLATOR MMA 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 main card action will kick off at 9 p.m. BST/4 p.m. ET, while the preliminary card begins at 5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET. BELLATOR fans can watch the event live on SHOWTIME (US), BBC iPlayer (UK), as well as both Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Sport (Ireland). Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online from axs.com/uk and BELLATOR.com.
Currently riding a four-fight win streak, Northern Ireland’s Leah McCourt returns to action following a stunning come-from-behind victory against Janay Harding during her last outing at BELLATOR 259 in May. Now sitting at No. 5 in BELLATOR’s featherweight rankings, a win at the expense of her opponent on Oct. 1 will go a long way in moving “The Curse” one step closer to a BELLATOR world title shot against incumbent champion, Cris Cyborg.
Making her third appearance for BELLATOR, Jessica Borga will be competing for the second time in 2021. Most recently, “The Black Widow” went 15 minutes with former title challenger Talita Nogueira, following up an impressive submission triumph over Amber Leibrock in her promotional debut.
Additional bouts have been added to the fight card, which can be found below.
Updated schedule of BELLATOR MMA events Fri. Aug. 20 // BELLATOR 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov //Sanford Pentagon // Sioux Falls, SD Sat. Sept. 18 // BELLATOR 266: Davis vs. Romero //SAP Center // San Jose, CA Fri. Oct. 1 // BELLATOR 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 //The SSE Arena, Wembley // London, England Sat. Oct. 16 // BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ Sat. Oct. 23 // BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia
BELLATOR MMA 267 Lima vs. MVP 2 MainCard: SHOWTIME (US) / BBC iPlayer (UK) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND) Friday, October 1 – 9 p.m. BST/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT
Welterweight Main Event: #1-Douglas Lima (32-9) vs. #2-Michael Page (19-1) Featherweight Bout: #5-Leah McCourt (5-1) vs. Jessica Borga (3-3) Featherweight Bout: Robert Whiteford (16-4))vs. Andrew Fisher (18-8-1) Lightweight Bout: Yves Landu (16-8) vs. Tim Wilde (13-4) Light Heavyweight Bout: Luke Trainer (4-0) vs. Yannick Bahati (9-5)
Preliminary Card: BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US) BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND) 5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT Welterweight Bout: Lewis Long (18-6) vs. Uros Jurisic (11-1) Lightweight Bout: Kane Mousah (13-3) vs. Davy Gallon (18-7-2) Flyweight Bout: Lucie Bertaud (3-2) vs. Elina Kallionidou (7-4) Lightweight Bout: Charlie Leary (17-11-1) vs. Gavin Hughes (10-2) Featherweight Bout: Fabacary Diatta (7-0)vs. Nathan Rose (7-3) Strawweight Bout: Chiara Penco (5-3) vs. Katherina Dalisda (5-2) Bantamweight Bout: Khurshed Kakhorov (7-0) vs. Mike Ekundayo (8-1) Welterweight Bout: Jack Grant (17-7) vs. Nathan Jones (13-10)
*Card subject to change
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
Gary Antonio Russell vs. Emmanuel Rodriguez Ends in No-Decision After Accidental Headbutt Injures Rodriguez in Opening Round Former Champion Rau’shee Warren Scores Dominant Second-Round Stoppage Against Damien Vazquez Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/ Premier Boxing Champions CARSON, CALIF. (August 14, 2021) – WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero defeated two-division champion Guillermo Rigondeaux to retain his title Saturday night live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
A three-division world champion, Casimero (31-4, 21 KOs) made his second successful title defense at 118-pounds, earning a career-best victory over the longtime 122-pound champion Rigondeaux (20-2, 13 KOs), who moved down to bantamweight in 2020.
“I’m excited to get the win,” said Casimero. “Rigondeaux is a good boxer and two-time Olympic gold medalist. I was worried, because he said he wouldn’t run, but he ran the whole time.”
The bout started with an eventful first round, in which it appeared for a moment that a Casimero left hook to the back of Rigondeaux’s head would lead to a knockdown, but referee Jerry Cantu ruled the moment a slip. During the exchange, Casimero threw several punches while Rigondeaux was on one knee, earning a warning from the referee.
From that point on, Rigondeaux remained steadfast to a defensive strategy that saw Casimero forced to chase his opponent around the ring. Meanwhile, Casimero stayed dedicated to pushing forward, looking to slow Rigondeaux down with body shots to set up power shots to the head.
“My expectations were for a knockout,” said Casimero. “Me and all my fans wanted that. I did my best to knock him out, but he was just running and not fighting.”
Rigondeaux was content countering his charging opponent, doing a majority of his damage with variations of his dangerous left hand. In a bout with numerous close rounds, Casimero ended the fight with a narrow 47 to 44 edge in punches landed, including a 41-28 tally in power punches.
Those power punches and sustained aggression proved to be enough for Casimero to hold onto his 118-pound title in the eyes of the judges, as scores of 117-111 and 116-112 overruled one judge’s 115-113 card in favor of Rigondeaux. While Rigondeaux disputed the decision, Casimero looked forward to potential unification clashes with WBC champion Nonito Donaire and WBA and IBF titleholder Naoya Inoue.
“Nobody wants to fight with me because I frustrate them in the ring,” said Rigondeaux. “I landed the punches that I needed to in order to win the fight tonight. This is how I win. I have these God-given skills and this is the way I display them. I’m a unique fighter. It’s my style and it’s the only one I know. You can see I’m still better than anyone else in the lighter weight classes and I’m going to keep fighting.”
“I had a three-fight plan,” said Casimero. “First was Rigondeaux, and I beat him. Next is Nonito Donaire and then finally Naoya Inoue.”
The co-main event saw rising contender Gary Antonio Russell (18-0, 12 KOs) and former world champion Emmanuel Rodriguez (19-2, 12 KOs) fight to a no-decision just 16 seconds into the first round of their 118-pound matchup, after an accidental headbutt injured Rodriguez and ended the fight.
“It happens,” said Russell. “I was looking to establish my jab and I tried to set up a hook, and he came in at the same time. It’s very disappointing.”
“I feel okay,” said Rodriguez. “I’m a little frustrated after putting in all this work for the fight to end so quickly with nothing happening. With the headbutt, maybe if there was no blood, we would have been able to continue. But once I saw all the blood, I knew it was over.”
The crossroads battle for the Interim WBA Bantamweight Title was meant to offer Russell a chance to establish himself as a true title contender and give Rodriguez an opportunity to move one step closer to becoming a two-division champion. Rodriguez attempted to counter an incoming Russell attack, which led to the two southpaws clashing heads.
“I was actually in camp for about four months,” said Russell. “I prepared great for this fight. I was really looking to broadcast my talents and show everyone what’s in my arsenal. Unfortunately, the headbutt happened.”
Rodriguez fell to the canvas immediately and was bleeding from his nose, prompting referee Sharon Sands to wave off the bout, which was ruled a no-decision.
“Of course, I would like to come right back,” said Russell. “If he can do it, I want to get right back in there with Rodriguez.”
“I don’t want to lose the condition that I’m in,” said Rodriguez. “I prepared really hard for this fight. As soon as the injury is fixed, I’ll be back in the ring and I’d like to fight Russell again.”
In the opening bout, former world champion Rau’shee Warren (19-3, 5 KOs) dominated Damien Vazquez (16-3-1, 12 KOs) on his way to a second-round stoppage in their bantamweight showdown. Warren scored his first knockout victory since 2015, after going the distance in his previous eight fights.
“I was trying to show them something different this time around,” said Warren. “I have always had the power, but this training camp was very different. I was sitting on my punches and working on something different. It worked in the ring.
“I always knew I had that power and I always knew I had that speed. It’s just about taking your time in the ring and letting them come. When I saw the opportunity, I went for it.”
A three-time U.S. Olympian, Warren came out fast in the first round, using his speed advantage to beat Vazquez to the punch, connecting with a right hand midway through the frame that scored the fight’s first knockdown. Vazquez was able to rise to his feet, but was sent to the canvas for a second time moments later by another sharp right hand from Warren.
Cincinnati’s Warren landed an astounding 22 of 39 power punches in that first round, and continued his dominance into the second. Warren perfectly timed a straight left hand that badly rocked Vazquez, forcing referee Ray Corona to jump in and halt the bout at 2:18 in the second round.
“Next fight is a title fight,” said Warren. “I am the number one contender for the WBA. I want to thank my team for putting me in this position and pushing me. They know what kind of fighter I am. I am going to be champion. Next fight I am grabbing that title. Maybe I will fight the winner of the main event tonight (Rigondeaux vs. Casimero).”
SHOWTIME featured highlights from a non-televised fight that saw undefeated rising prospect Brandun Lee (23-0, 21 KOs) keep his perfect record intact, as he notched his 13th career first-round knockout with a sensational performance against Ezequiel Fernandez (28-5-1, 3 KOs).
“My performance was good,” said Lee. “It could have been better. There’s always room for improvement. At the end of the day, we got the job done. I’m definitely ready for the next level. It’s only right for me to step up the competition. I’ll take on anybody who’s ready.”
Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will replay Sunday, August 15 at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Tuesday, August 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME Extreme.
Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer was four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The telecast was produced by Ray Smaltz III and was directed by Chuck McKean. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Márquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna served as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).
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ABOUT RIGONDEAUX VS. CASIMERO Rigondeaux vs. Casimero saw two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux face bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero for his WBO belt Saturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast began at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also saw rising unbeaten contender Gary Antonio Russell battle former world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez for the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Rau’shee Warren dueled Damien Vázquez in a 10-round bantamweight bout. The event was promoted by TGB Promotions.
c-Gegard Mousasi (48-7-2) defeated #1-John Salter (18-5) via TKO (punches) at 2:07 of round three
Gegard Mousasi following retaining his middleweight title: “He’s a southpaw so everything is more difficult. It was a little bit more difficult to get my punches in, but other than that I felt good. I’m way stronger than people think. Maybe I look skinny but I’m a lot stronger and physically I was the stronger guy in there. On top, I felt like I could just pressure him, put my weight on him and hurt him with my punches. Make him feel the pressure. It was a five-rounder so in my mind, I’m saying ‘Okay, don’t do everything now because we can go five.’”
Andrey Koreshkov following his return to the BELLATOR MMA Cage:
“I try to show everybody that I’m here, I can compete, and I can beat anyone. I think I’m one of the top fighters in this division. In my opinion, I must fight with somebody for the third, second or first place. I’m open to anybody. It doesn’t matter. Neiman Gracie, Jason Jackson, Paul Daley, Michael “Venom” Page – anybody!”
“I’ve never claimed to be the best wrestler in MMA, but y’all better stop sleeping on my wrestling. I’m a two-time national champion for a reason. Ain’t nobody stopping me in the wrestling division. I’m the best wrestler in the division.”
#7-Davion Franklin (4-0) defeated Everett Cummings (15-1) via KO (punches) at :21 of round one
Davion Franklin has his sights set on fellow BELLATOR heavyweight Cheick Kongo:
“I was just thinking about putting him out. Getting him out in the first round. That was my goal this whole time. I learned just to keep going. By the way, I heard Cheick Kongo commented under Everett Cummings’ Instagram post saying that Everett’s gonna’ tap me out. Hey Cheick Kongo, step up, you’ll get done the same way, if not worse.”
Khadzhi Bestaev had this to say following a successful BELLATOR debut:
“He was bigger than me and very tough, but I knew he was going to gas out. He started gassing out in the second or third round, but I’m still surprised by the decision. I thought it was a draw or maybe a split-decision. But I have to see the fight. In my head, he kicked and punched me so many times so hats off to him. He didn’t give up. I just dropped him a couple of times and that was the difference.” Preliminary Card: Pam Sorenson (9-3) defeated Roberta Samad (5-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Jeffrey Glossner (3-2) defeated Sebastian Ruiz (2-4) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28-29-28) Jon McNeil (1-0) defeated Orlando Mendoza (0-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:57 of round three
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
About BELLATOR BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
FORMER BELLATOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION PHIL DAVIS CHALLENGES OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALIST YOEL ROMERO IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MMA 266 INSIDE THE SAP CENTER AT SAN JOSE ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 18 Special Night of Combat Sports on SHOWTIME begins with World Title Unification Boxing Event Live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT Immediately Followed by BELLATOR 266
LOS ANGELES – A pair of elite mixed martial artists will meet in the main event of BELLATOR MMA 266 on Saturday, Sept. 18 inside the SAP Center at San Jose when former 205-pound champion and No. 3 ranked Phil Davis (22-6) welcomes MMA superstar Yoel Romero (13-5) to the promotion.
In addition, a women’s flyweight contest between former title challenger #5-Alejandra Lara (9-4) and DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1) that was originally slated for next week’s BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov event in South Dakota has been re-booked for Sept. 18.
A pair of preliminary bouts have also been announced for BELLATOR’s return to San Jose, highlighted by the Bay Area’s own No. 10 ranked lightweight Adam Piccolotti (12-4) welcoming the hard-hitting Englishman Saul Rogers (14-4) back to the division after competing at featherweight his past four outings. Also, undefeated light heavyweight Grant Neal (6-0) returns to action against former LFA light heavyweight champion Alex Polizzi (7-1).
BELLATOR 266 will be the second half of a special combat sports doubleheader on SHOWTIME. The night will begin with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT featuring a super bantamweight world championship unification bout between Brandon Figueroa and Stephen Fulton Jr. The two unbeaten 122-pound titlists will meet in Las Vegas immediately before the live BELLATOR 266 telecast begins in San Jose.
The preliminary portion of the docket will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. Additional bouts will be announced at a later date.
An exclusive online presale for this event takes place starting Wednesday, August 18 with tickets going on sale to the general public Thursday, August 19 at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.
Hailing from Harrisburg, Penn., “Mr. Wonderful” will step into the BELLATOR cage for the 14th time in his career, searching for his 10th promotional victory. The former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Champion is looking to make another run at the 205-pound strap, following victories in three of his past four bouts, including a pair of knockouts over Liam McGeary and Karl Albrektsson. A four-time NCAA Division-I All-American wrestler at Penn State University, Davis has proven time and time again that there are few fighters that can hold their own once he gets them to the ground.
Fighting out of Miami, Romero will be making his highly anticipated BELLATOR debut on Sept. 18. Following a seven-year stint under the direction of the UFC, the American Top Team-product became one of the most sought-after free agents prior to signing with the Scott Coker-led promotion in December 2020. With 11 of his 13 career victories coming by way of knockout, including four of the first-round variety, “Soldier of God” possesses the type of knockout power that can force any opponent into early retirement. A three-time World Cup Freestyle Wrestling Champion, five-time Pan-American Freestyle Wrestling Champion, and 2000 Olympics Freestyle Wrestling Silver Medalist, the Cuban-born Romero has continuously showcased his elite talents at the highest level of competition. The only missing trophy to a near-flawless legacy is a BELLATOR world title.
Updated schedule of BELLATOR events
Fri. Aug. 13 // BELLATOR 264: Mousasi vs. Salter // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, CT
Fri. Aug. 20 // BELLATOR 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov //Sanford Pentagon // Sioux Falls, SD
Sat. Sept. 18 // BELLATOR 266: Davis vs. Romero //SAP Center // San Jose, CA
Fri. Oct. 1 // BELLATOR 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 //The SSE Arena, Wembley // London, England
Sat. Oct. 16 // BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ
Sat. Oct. 23 // BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia
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BELLATOR MMA 266: Davis vs. Romero Main Card:
SHOWTIME
Light Heavyweight Main Event: #3-Phil Davis (22-6) vs. Yoel Romero (13-5)
Flyweight Bout: #5-Alejandra Lara (9-4) and DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1)
Lightweight Bout: #10–Adam Piccolotti (12-4) vs. Saul Rogers (14-4)
Light Heavyweight Bout: #7-Grant Neal (6-0) vs. Alex Polizzi (7-1)
*Card subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
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About BELLATOR
BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About SHOWTIME
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card for BELLATOR MMA 264: Mousasi vs Salter card at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The event contributes to an action-packed month of fights on SHOWTIME and is set to begin live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
In the main event of the evening, BELLATOR middleweight king Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) puts his world title on the line against jiu-jitsu ace No. 1 ranked middleweight John Salter (18-4). Complimenting this amazing main event is a clash between two of the hardest hitting welterweights on the planet, as former champion Andrey Koreshkov (23-4) takes on the No. 10 ranked welterweight Sabah Homasi (15-9) in the co-main event and No. 3 ranked bantamweight Magomed Magomedov (18-1) squares off with No. 4 ranked Raufeon Stots (16-1) in a bout holding major title implications.
Rounding out the main card is a battle between undefeated heavyweights No. 7 ranked Davion Franklin (3-0) and Everett Cummings (16-0), along with a middleweight bout between KO-machine Ty Gwerder (5-2) and the BELLATOR-debuting AKA-product Khadzhi Bestaev (10-4).
The preliminary card consists of seven fights and is stacked throughout, featuring the highly anticipated debut of former Invicta Featherweight Champion Pam Sorenson (8-3) taking on Roberta Samad (5-1) and a bantamweight battle between the brash American Top Team-fighter Danny Sabatello (11-1) taking on the Boston-born veteran Johnny Campbell (21-13, 1 NC).
All BELLATOR MMA 264: Mousasi vs. Salter prelims will stream live at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.
As part of the launch of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME, the network is offering viewers who are new to the SHOWTIME streaming service a 30-day free trial, followed by a discounted monthly subscription fee of $4.99/month for the next six months. Viewers can sign up at SHO.com/BellatorMMA. Subscribers will be delivered two premier BELLATOR MMA events per month throughout 2021 and beyond, with all events scheduled to air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.
Full bout listings are below:
BELLATOR MMA 264: Mousasi vs. Salter Main Card:
Friday, August 13 – live on SHOWTIME
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Middleweight Title Bout: c-Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) vs. #1-John Salter (18-4)
Welterweight Bout:Andrey Koreshkov (23-4) vs. #10-Sabah Homasi (15-9)
Bantamweight Bout: #3-Magomed Magomedov (18-1) vs. #4-Raufeon Stots (16-1)
Heavyweight Bout: #7-Davion Franklin (3-0) vs. Everett Cummings (16-0, 1 NC)
Middleweight Bout: Ty Gwerder (5-2)vs. Khadzhi Bestaev (10-4)
Women’s Featherweight Bout: Pam Sorenson (8-3) vs. Roberta Samad (5-1)
Bantamweight Bout:Danny Sabatello (11-1) vs. Johnny Campbell (21-13, 1 NC)
Lightweight Bout:Justin Montalvo (2-0) vs. Kendly St Louis (3-4)
Featherweight Bout:Nekruz Mirkhojaev (5-3) vs. James Adcock (7-4)
142-Pound Contract Weight Bout:Jeffrey Glossner (2-2) vs. Sebastian Ruiz (2-3)
195-Pound Contract Weight Bout:Orlando Mendoza (pro debut) vs. Jon McNeil (pro debut)
*Card subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
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About BELLATOR
BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About SHOWTIME
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
WBA No.1 Ranked Heavyweight Dubois Takes on Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano, Sunday, August 29 on SHOWTIME PPV® from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio
NEW YORK (August 6, 2021) – British heavyweight sensation Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois beamed with excitement during an open training session for his showdown against veteran Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano, which will be featuredon the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley SHOWTIME PPV fight card on Sunday, August 29 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to put on an explosive performance in front of the U.S. audience and show them who the future heavyweight champion of the world is going to be,” said Dubois.
Dubois (16-1, 15 KOs) is preparing for his U.S. debut under the tutelage of trainer Shane McGuigan out of McGuigan’s Gym in London. Since turning professional in 2017, the London-born star has only fought in the United Kingdom but has long desired fighting across the pond.
“This really is a fight with two purposes,” continued Dubois. “It is not just the fight, it is about the crowd and I have always dreamt of fighting in America, but this will be a different sort of crowd with a different atmosphere as well. I am going to take it in and experience all they have got out there.
“Of course, it will be all new to me, with a new young crowd and a new environment. I want to just go out there and perform well. Fighting on SHOWTIME will be special too, the big channel in the U.S., putting on the big shows.”
The 23-year-old has a near-perfect knockout percentage with 15 knockouts in his short pro career. His lone decision was a dominating performance over former world title challenger Kevin Johnson in 2018. Dubois has dispatched four undefeated fighters as he has risen the ranks, including an impressive first-round knockout against then unbeaten Ebenezer Tetteh in September 2019. His last three knockout victories have all come in the second round against difficult challengers Kyotaro Fujimoto, Ricardo Snijders and Bogdan Dinu. Dubois’ knockout performance against Dinu in June remains one of the most sensational finishes in the heavyweight division in 2021.
“It will be important for me to be explosive as I usually am, but I am not going to overthink it,” added Dubois. “It is just part of what I do and to be the best me, I go in there and knock them out. That has always been my approach.”
The WBA No. 1 ranked heavyweight, Dubois will take the next step toward a world title shot as he takes on the veteran challenger Cusumano, who hails from Danville, Virginia. Cusumano is coming off a sixth-round knockout win over Gregory Corbin in November 2020.
“This represents a wonderful opportunity for Daniel to increase his recognition in the United States,” said International Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. “I believe Daniel is the best young heavyweight in world boxing and another knockout for Daniel moves him closer to a huge fight for the WBA world title held by Trevor Bryan. This is a tremendous opportunity and I’m delighted to deliver it to him so early in his career.”
Dubois will continue to train in London alongside undefeated WBO cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie, who has served as a chief sparring partner during preparations for Cusumano. The heavyweight contender will wrap up training in two weeks before departing for Cleveland to defend his WBA Interim title.
“I am ready now to push on and build on the WBA Interim title I won in my last fight,” said Dubois. “I am thrilled to take the show on the road and look to win the American public over. I am told the American public loves heavyweight boxing, so it is time to introduce them to Daniel Dubois.
“I will make sure it is a name they won’t forget in a hurry,” concluded the six-foot, five-inch contender.
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @TWooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @Twooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
About Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley:
Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley is the headline attraction atop a stacked evening of professional boxing action presented by SHOWTIME PPV® and Most Valuable Promotions in association with Holden Promotions, live from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, August 29 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The SHOWTIME PPV is available for purchase now at SHOWTIME.com and via the SHOWTIME app, and is available to order through all major cable, satellite and telco providers in the U.S. and Canada. Renowned content creator and undefeated professional boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will take on the toughest challenge of his budding career in the former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley. Featured on the undercard is unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano defending her titles against super bantamweight champion Yamileth Mercado and the U.S. debuts of popular U.K. attractions Daniel Dubois and Tommy Fury in separate bouts. Tickets for the live event can be purchased through RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com.
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