Tūtohu Archives: A.J. McKee

Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Showtime

TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS! MCKEE-PITBULL 2, NEMKOV-ANDERSON TOP INCREDIBLY STACKED NEW FIGHT CARD SET FOR APRIL 15

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UNDEFEATED WORLD CHAMPIONA.J. MCKEE TO DEFEND BELLATOR MMA 145-POUND WORLD TITLE IN REMATCH AGAINST FORMER NUMBER ONE POUND-FOR-POUND & TWO-DIVISION CHAMPIONPATRICIO PITBULL

205-POUND CHAMPIONVADIM NEMKOV TO BATTLE TOP-RANKEDCOREY ANDERSON FOR $1 MILLION PRIZE IN BELLATOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX FINAL

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BELLATOR 277 SET FOR FRIDAY, APERIRA 15, AT 10 P.M. ET / 7 P.M. PT LIVE ON SHOWTIME INSIDE THE SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE, Calif.

TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY

Los Angeles (Feb. 16, 2022) -Two outstanding world-championship showdowns. Four of BELLATOR MMA’s best pound-for-pound fighters. One highly anticipated rematch. The promotion’s all-time greatest athlete striving to avenge a highlight-reel loss to the company’s homegrown superstar. A tournament final awarding a seven-figure jackpot to the victor.

BELLATOR’s fourth phenomenal fight card of 2022 promises to be one for the ages.

Fresh off a 117-second destruction of his upcoming opponent and claiming the $1 million bounty at the BELLATOR MMA Featherweight World Grand Prix Finale, unbeaten BELLATOR Featherweight World TitleholderA.J. McKee (18-0) hopes to take the next step toward becoming the sport’s greatest fighter as he battles former top pound-for-pound and two-division championPatricio Pitbull (32-5) for the second time in less than nine months on Friday, April 15, i10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT ora i runga i SHOWTIME.

In the co-feature ofBELLATOR 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2 i te Center SAP i San Jose, Calif., current 205-pound BELLATOR MMA World ChampionVadim Nemkov (15-2) will defend his title for the third time and aims to take home the $1 million prize three days before U.S. Tax Day when he squares off against the surging No. 1-nguha rungaCorey Anderson(16-5)in the BELLATOR MMA Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix final.

Tikiti hokiBELLATOR MMA 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2 go on sale this Friday, Feb. 18 at bothTicketmaster.com aBellator.com with a special presale starting the day prior.

I tua atu, four preliminary bouts have been announced including a mouthwatering matchup between two highly ranked heavyweights as No. 5-rungaTim Johnson (15-8) faces surging No. 6-rungaTyrell Fortune(11-2, 1 NC) in a rematch fromBELLATOR 239. Their first fight ended with Johnson securing a win that earned great consideration for the 2020 KO of the Year. The preliminary bouts will stream live three hours earlier at7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

In their historic initial matchup at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif., McKee stunned Pitbull by landing a punishing left leg kick to the head at 1:40 of the opening stanza atBELLATOR MMA 263i runga i Hōngongoi 31, 2021. The champion then continued the onslaught by unleashing a series of brutal unanswered head shots that floored the Brazilian legend.

Moments later as McKee prematurely raised his arms in celebration, Pitbull rose from the depths of defeat only to be greeted by a fighter hell bent on stealing his crown and claiming the $1 million prize. With the 25-time BELLATOR MMA veteran backed up against the fence, MMA’s brightest young brawler locked in a guillotine choke. With Pitbull seeming to lose consciousness, referee Mike Beltran halted matters at 1:57 o te anga tuwhera.

“Hosting the world’s best mixed martial artists in the great city of San Jose is something that has been important to me during my career as a fight promoter and I’m happy to continue that with our card on April 15,” BELLATOR President Scott Coker said. “The rematch between A.J. McKee and Patricio Pitbull for the featherweight title, as well as our Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Final featuring Vadim Nemkov against Corey Anderson are two fights that could headline any event on their own, but we are bringing both to SAP Center at San Jose on the same night to show the fans here that we truly value their support throughout the years.”

A native of Long Beach, Calif., BELLATOR’s top-rated pound-for-pound fighter has exceeded the lofty expectations placed on him since his professional debut three days following his 20th rā whānau. Armed with six knockouts and seven submissions, the Team Bodyshop product, ko wai e tahuri 27 eight days before his rematch against Pitbull, has shown a knack for securing lightning-fast finishes with 10 coming in the first round. “Mercenary” has earned dominant victories over every fighter who has opposed him, including former World Champions Pitbull, Pat Curran, and Darrion Caldwell, who McKee submitted with a rare-modified neck crank that was later dubbed the “McKee-otine.” The winner of the 2020 Submission of the Year Award for his 71-second annihilation of Caldwell has fought a total of 33 rounds across 18 career contests (1.8 rounds per bout), while logging less than 41 total minutes in the BELLATOR cage since turning pro in August 2012.

One half of the vaunted Pitbull Brothers duo, Patricio has long been considered the crown jewel of BELLATOR MMA, where he currently sits at No. 3 in the BELLATOR MMA men’s pound-for-pound rankings. Holding a remarkable 32-5 record with wins over elite competition, including the likes of former World Champions Pat Curran, Juan Archuleta, and Daniel Straus (rua). I roto i te 2019, the 34-year-old Brazilian captured the BELLATOR Lightweight World Championship from Michael Chandler, becoming only the second BELLATOR athlete to hold two titles simultaneously. Ki te 23 finishes in 37 whawhai ngaio, Pitbull has shown repeatedly that he possesses the well-rounded skillset required to reign over multiple weight classes.

Currently BELLATOR MMA’s second-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, Nemkov captured the BELLATOR MMA light heavyweight crown by defeating Ryan Bader via second-round TKO atBELLATOR MMA 244 in August 2020. Riding a nine-fight winning streak dating back to June 2016, the ferocious 29-year-old sports seven first-round knockouts, with two in the initial minute of action. After successfully defending his light heavyweight belt by earning a tough unanimous decision over Phil Davis, the pride of Belgorod, Russia and Fedor Emelianenko protégé scored a fourth-round submission of late replacement Julius Anglickas in the semifinals of the BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix during his last outing on Oct. 16, 2021.

Anderson, of Robbinsville, N.J., has ascended to the top of the BELLATOR 205-pound rankings by vanquishing seven of his past eight opponents, including a third-round stoppage of Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov atBELLATOR MMA 257 i runga i April 16, 2021. Exactly six months later atBELLATOR MMA 268, the Rockford, Mate., native walked into the cage to the spellbinding sounds of The Doors’ “Five to One,” and took the song title literally by knocking out Arizona State University wrestling legend Ryan Bader in 51 seconds in front of Bader’s hometown crowd at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz. In his first promotional appearance, “Overtime” registered a second-round TKO over Dutch kickboxing legend Melvin Manhoef atBELLATOR MMA 251 i roto i te Whiringa- 2020. Prior to joining BELLATOR, Anderson tallied a 10-5 record with a rival promotion, winning “The Ultimate Fighter 19” tournament in 2014, and boasting impressive wins over Glover Teixeira, Jan Błachowicz and Johnny Walker, i roto i ētahi atu.

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Kia ka kauwhautia pāngia tahi atu hohoro.

BELLATOR 277: McKEE VS. PITBULL 2KĀRI MAIN:

Rāmere, April 15 – live onSHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT

Featherweight World Championship: C–A.J. McKee (18-0) vs. No. 1-Patricio Pitbull (15-5)

 Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Final: C-Vadim Nemkov (15-2) vs. Kaua e. 1-Corey Anderson (16-5)

KĀRI PRELIMINARY: 

BELLATOR MMA YouTube hongere | SHOWTIME Sports hongere YouTube | Pouaka Pouaka Whakaata

7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

Taumahamaha a'ee: Kaua e. 5-Tim Johnson(15-8) vs. No. 6-Tyrell Fortune(11-2, 1 NC)

Welterweight a'ee: Kaua e. 10-Kyle Crutchmer(8-1) vs.Michael Lombardo(12-2, 1 NC)

Welterweight a'ee: Shane Keefe(2-0) vs.Tyson Miller (2-0)

140-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Gaston Bolanos (5-3) vs.Cass Bell(5-2)

*Ka whakarerekehia te kaari.

Haere kiBellator.com no te tahi atu mau haamaramaramaraa.

Apply for BELLATOR media credentials

RSVP for BELLATOR virtual media availabilities

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Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Hatarei, Feb. 19 // BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

Free. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Free. Moana. 12 // BELLATOR 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis, Koe.

Free. Apr. 15 // BELLATOR 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2/Nemkov vs. Anderson // SAP Center // San Jose, Calif.

Free. Kia 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Congo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA

Free. Kia 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The OVO Arena Wembley // London

Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Showtime

Cheick Kongo Set to Rumble With Sergei Kharitonov in Heavyweight Main Event of BELLATOR MMA 265 i runga i Aug. 20 at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD

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He pikitia kei roto te tuhinga, tangata Whakaahuatanga i hangaia aunoatia
Nga anahera - I teie mahana,, BELLATOR officials confirmed a must-see main event pitting hard-hitting heavyweights Cheick Congo (30-11-2) a Sergei Kharitonov (32-8) against one another tops BELLATOR MMA 265 i runga i te Paraire, August 20 from the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. and airs live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

The card has also confirmed top featherweights No. 3 Adam Borics (17-1) a No. 4 Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) will meet for the right to face the winner of the BELLATOR Featherweight World Grand Prix Final between Patricio “Pitbull” (32-4) a AJ McKee (17-0), which takes place on Saturday, Hōngongoi 31.

Tickets for the event go on sale this Thursday at 10 a.m. CT and are available at Sanford Pentagon Box Office & Ticketmaster.

The preliminary portion of BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov currentlyfeatures a flyweight bout pitting No.5-ranked Alejandra Lara (9-4) ki DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1) and willbegin at 6:00 p.m. / 3 AND:00 p.m. PT and stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. Additional preliminary bouts will be announced in the near future.

Holding an impressive MMA record of 30-11-2, 1 NC, Kaua e. 3-ranked Cheick Kongo returns to action for the first time since headlining the first-ever major MMA event in his native France last October. The former kickboxer remains a force to be reckoned with and holds records for the most fights (16) and wins (12) in BELLATOR heavyweight history. With high-profile victories over Vitaly Minakov, Mirko Cro Cop, Antoni Hardonk, and Matt Mitrione, the Parisian is keen to pad his current promotional records, set new ones, and earn his shot at BELLATOR gold.

The man nicknamed “The Paratrooper,” Kharitonov is the owner of an equally notable MMA resume, with the Russian scoring vicious wins against some of the sport’s marquee names, such as Fabricio Werdum, Andrei Arlovski, Pedro Rizzo, Murilo “Ninja” Rua, Matt Mitrione, and Alistair Overeem. Na, fresh off two championship victories on the regional circuit, Kharitonov returns to the BELLATOR cage with the intention of climbing the heavyweight rankings and asserting himself as a BELLATOR title contender.

28-year-old Hungarian Adam “The Kid” Borics has won 17 o 18 fights to begin his professional career, bouncing back from his only loss with three straight victories. Training out of South Florida’s Sanford MMA gym, Borics has firmly established himself as a true threat to anyone in the 145-pound division, where he is currently ranked third.

Undefeated in his first eight fights as a professional, New Zealand’s Wilson has won in style, accumulating six finishes in those eight wins. Following a split decision win against Tywan Claxton, Wilson scored a violent knockout of Sergio DeBari, then followed that victory up with an equally vicious spinning backfist stoppage over SBG’s Pedro Carvalho in April. The Kiwi fighter will be looking to secure a high-stakes victory over Borics with a world title shot awaiting the winner.

# # #

BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov Kāri Main:
SHOWTIME
Rāmere, August 20 - 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Heavyweight Main Event: #3-Cheick Congo (30-11-2) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (32-8)
Featherweight No. 1 Contender’s Bout: #3-Adam Borics (17-1) vs. #4-Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0)

Kāri hukihuki:
BELLATOR MMA YouTube hongere | SHOWTIME Sports hongere YouTube | Pouaka Pouaka Whakaata
6:00 p.m. / 3 AND:00 p.m. PT

mā a'ee: #5-Alejandra Lara (9-4) vs. DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1)

For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, toronga BELLATOR.com.
Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA

RESULTS & PHOTOS FOR BELLATOR AND THE USO PRESENT: SALUTE THE TROOPS

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COMPLETE FIGHT PHOTOS



Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops Kāri Main:

Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7) was cancelled by the Hawaii State Boxing Commission deeming Barnett unable to compete tonight due to severe illness

Toby Misech (12-7) patua Erik Perez (19-7) mā KO (nifó) i 0:54 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Alejandra Lara (9-3) patua Veta Artega (5-3) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Tywan Claxton (6-1) patua Braydon Akeo (3-1) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Joey Davis (7-0) patua Chris Cisneros (19-11) mā TKO (nifó) i 3:55 o te tetahi a tawhio noa



Kāri hukihuki:

Hunter Ewald (1-0) patua Brysen Bolohao (0-2)mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 1:42 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Joseph Creer (7-1-1) patua Ty Gwerder (4-1) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 29-26)

Cass Bell (5-0) patua Pierre Daguzan (5-4, 1 NC) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)



Haere ki Bellator.com hoki ētahi atu mōhiohio.

Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA

FULL FIGHT CARDS AND BROADCAST DETAILS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S BELLATOR DOUBLEHEADER ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK & DAZN

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JOSH BARNETT AND RONNY MARKES HEADLINE BELLATOR & THE USO PRESENT: SALUTE THE TROOPS ON PARAIRE, Dec. 20



BELLATOR 236 ON SATURDAY, Dec. 21 SEES ILIMA-LEI MACFARLANE DEFEND HER WORLD TITLE AGAINST KATE JACKSON



Los Angeles – The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s return to Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii this Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21 is official with a stacked doubleheader featuring something for every mixed martial arts fan.



Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops will air on Paramount Network on Friday, Hakihea 20 i 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The entire event will also stream on DAZN, while preliminary bouts will stream on Bellator.com, DAZN and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.



Bellator 236: Macfarlane vs. Jackson – one of the star-powered, year-end highlights of fight season on DAZN – will stream Saturday, Hakihea 21 live exclusively on DAZN i 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com, DAZN and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.



The main event of Friday’s card on Paramount Network will see a heavyweight headliner, featuring the Bellator debuts of former world champion Josh Barnett (35-8) a Ronny Markes (19-7). Rounding out the stacked main card will see another Bellator debut, rite Erik Perez (19-6) enters the cage to meet Hawaii’s own Toby Misech (11-7), former flyweight No. 1 contenders Alejandra Lara (8-3) a Veta Arteaga (5-3) return to action and Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix participant Tywan Claxton (5-1) takes on the undefeated prospect out of Maili, Hawaii, Braydon Akeo (3-0). Ano, undefeated teammate of A.J. McKee Joey Davis (6-0) returns to the Bellator cage when he faces the “Big Island’s” 29-fight MMA veteran, Chris Cisneros (19-10).



The prelims for Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops will feature an appearance from undefeated Bay Area-fighter fighter Cass Bell (4-0), as well as undefeated Hawaiian prospect Ty Gwerder (4-0).



A mere 24-hours later, Bellator 236 will take place exclusively on DAZN and will be headlined by a flyweight world title bout between Honolulu’s Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (10-0) a Ingarangi o Kate Jackson (11-3-1). The co-main event is a quarterfinal matchup of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix with A.J. McKee (15-0) tango i runga i Derek Āpure (20-9.).



I tua atu, recently signed Bellator welterweight Jason Jackson (10-4) o Hollywood, Fla. returns to the Bellator cage on short notice to take on Kiichi Kunimoto of Osaka, Japan. Juliana Velasquez (9-0) looks to remain undefeated with Bellator when she meets Bruna Ellen (10-6) at flyweight, while local Hawaiian standouts Cheyden Leialoha(7-1) a Nainoa Dung (3-0) go to battle against Raufeon Stots (12-1) a Zach Zane (13-9), aua, to complete the main card.



Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops Kāri Main:

Paramount Whatunga & DAZN

10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT/5 p.m. HST



Heavyweight Main Event: Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7)

Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Toby Misech (11-7) vs. Erik Perez (19-6)

Flyweight Main Card Bout: Alejandra Lara (8-3) vs. Veta Artega (5-3)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Tywan Claxton (5-1) vs. Braydon Akeo (3-0)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Joey Davis (6-0) vs. Chris Cisneros (19-10)



Kāri hukihuki:

DAZN, Bellator.com & the Bellator Mobile App

8:45 p.m. AND / 7:45 p.m. CT/3:45 p.m. HST



Tuhinga o mua Bantamweight: Cass Bell (4-0) vs. Pierre Daguzan (5-3, 1 NC)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Ty Gwerder (4-0) vs. Joseph Creer (6-1-1)

180-Pound Contract Weight Preliminary Bout: Hunter Ewald (Tuatahi Pro) vs. Brysen Bolohao (0-1)



Bellator 236: Macfarlane vs. Jackson Kāri Main:

DAZN

10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT/5 p.m. HST



Flyweight World Title Bout: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (10-0) vs. Kate Jackson (11-3-1)

Featherweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal Bout: A.J. McKee (15-0) vs. Derek Āpure (20-9)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Jason Jackson (10-4) vs. Kiichi Kunimoto (20-8-2, 1 NC)

Flyweight Main Card Bout: Julianna Velasquez (9-0) vs. Bruna Ellen (5-2)

Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Raufeon Stots (12-1) vs. Cheyden Leialoha (7-1)

Lightweight Main Card Bout: Nainoa Dung (3-0) vs. Zach Zane (13-9)



Kāri hukihuki:

DAZN, Bellator.com & the Bellator Mobile App

8:30 p.m. AND / 7:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. HST



Kōmāmātanga Tuhinga o mua: Keoni Diggs (7-0) vs. Scotty Hao (4-2)

Taumekehiko Whakatekau Mua: Kai Kamaka III (5-2) vs. Spencer Higa (7-10)

Kōmāmātanga Tuhinga o mua: Dustin Barca (3-0) vs. Brandon Pieper (11-13)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ben Wilhelm (3-0) vs. Keali’i Kanekoa (2-2)

Tuhinga o mua Bantamweight: Swayne Makana Lunasco (Tuatahi Pro) vs. Kaylan Gorospe (Tuatahi Pro)

Flyweight Tuhinga o mua: Nate Yoshimura (Tuatahi Pro) vs. Chas Dunhour (0-1)



*Ka whakarerekehia te kaari



Haere ki Bellator.com hoki ētahi atu mōhiohio.

Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Paramount Whatunga

FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR, BELLATOR AND THE USO TEAM UP TO SALUTE THE TROOPS WITH SPECIAL LIVE EVENT IN HAWAII ON FRIDAY, HAKIHEA 20

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JOSH BARNETT MAKES HIS BELLATOR DEBUT AGAINST RONNY MARKES IN HEAVYWEIGHT MAIN EVENT ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK



Nga anahera - To honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, Bellator MMA has once again partnered with the USO to present a special live event free for the troops, along with their friends and families, i runga i te Paraire, Hakihea 20. Emanating from Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii, this unique show will be headlined by a heavyweight bout featuring the Bellator debuts of “The Warmaster” Josh Barnett (35-8) a Ronny Markes (19-7).



For a second year, the USO and Bellator team up to honor the men and women who fight for our freedom and to bring entertainment and a piece of home to service members based in Hawaii during the holiday season. Tenei Salute the Troops event will bring Bellator athletes and personalities to the military community and provide a live free event as a thank you for their sacrifices and dedication to our country, especially for those who are separated from family and home during the holidays. Much like last year, Bellator and the USO will also partner for a week of special events in Hawaii leading up to the big weekend of exciting fights on December 20 a 21.



As the leading military support organization, the USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. This holiday season, hundreds of thousands of service members will remain on duty, away from home. The USO, through its programs, services and entertainment tours, is committed to bringing a piece of home to our nation’s service men and women. MMA fans and military supporters can help keep troops strong and connected to home by visiting www.USO.org/Holidays and by using the hashtag #USOHolidays when sharing how they have helped the USO’s critical mission to make the holidays special for our military heroes.



Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops will air on Paramount Network on Friday, Hakihea 20 i 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The entire event will also stream on DAZN, while preliminary bouts will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Details for exclusive ticket distribution will be announced in the coming days.



This unforgettable night will be part of an historic weekend culminating with the previously announced Bellator Hawaii: Macfarlane vs. Jackson i runga i Rāhoroi, Hakihea 21. This highly-anticipated fight card includes undefeated Bellator women’s flyweight champ Ilima-Lei Macfarlane defending her title against Kate Jackson, a A.J. McKee tango i runga i Derek Āpure in a quarterfinal matchup of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix.





After signing with Bellator in April, former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett will make his return to MMA competition for the first time since 2016. A second-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Barnett has remained prevalent in the combat sports realm, competing in jiu-jitsu events, promoting and performing at his own professional wrestling shows and working as a color commentator for New Japan Pro Wrestling. Barnett is no stranger to the devoted MMA fanbase in Hawaii, fighting for regional Hawaiian promotion Superbrawl in 1999 a 2000, a stint that included three fights in one night to win the Superbrawl 13 heavyweight tournament. One of the top heavyweights of all-time, the Strikeforce, Whakapehapeha, UFC, K-1, NJPW, Pancrase, and Affliction mainstay owns victories over legendary stars, including Dan Severn (2x), Semmy Schilt (2x), Randy Couture, Mark Hunt, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Pedro Rizzo, Sergei Kharitonov, Frank Mir, Roy Nelson and Andrei Arlovski.



Fighting professionally since 2007, Ronny Markes will join the Bellator ranks following 26-fights all over the globe including three wins in UFC. Competing for a majority of his nearly 13-year career at middleweight, the 31-year-old will now lace up the gloves as a Bellator heavyweight. Hailing from Natal, Brazil, Markes is coming off a TKO victory in June, and will add another big-name fighter to his list of opposition, a list that includes fights against Yoel Romero, Thiago Santos, Aaron Simpson and Paulo Filho.



Whakahōutia Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops Fight Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7)



*Ka whakarerekehia te kaari



Haere ki Bellator.com a USO.org hoki ētahi atu mōhiohio.
Bellator, DAZN, whakauru toi hōia, MMA

OFFICIAL BELLATOR 228 FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS & Whakaahua

Waiho he tākupu
Complete Event Photos Here



Bellator 228 Hua Kāri Main:

Gegard Mousasi (46-7-2) patua Lyoto Machida (26-9) mā te whakatau ritua (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (30-4) patua Juan Archuleta (23-2) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (49-46, 50-45, 49-46)

A.J. McKee (15-0) patua Georgi Karakhanyan (28-10-1, 1 NC) mā KO (nifó) i :08 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Darrion Caldwell (14-3) patua Henry Corrales (17-4) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (29-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Daniel Weichel (40-11) patua Saul Rogers (13-3) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)



Kāri hukihuki:

Adrian Najera (2-0) patua Jason Edwards (2-1) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 2:28 o te a tawhio noa e toru

Benji Gomez (9-12) patua Johnny Santa Maria (3-5) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27 X3)

Ozzy Diaz (4-1) patua Andre Walker (5-3) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 3:05 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Ian Butler (7-6) patua Emilio Williams (4-3) mā TKO (nifó) i :53 o te a tawhio noa e rua

AJ Agazarm (2-1) patua Honatana Quiroz (3-4) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (29-28 X3)

ava Knight (1-0) patua Shannon Goughary (4-4) mā TKO (meke) i 1:46 o te a tawhio noa e toru

Antonio McKee (30-6-2) patua William Sriyapai (14-9) mā TKO (nifó) i 1:17 o te a tawhio noa e rua

Johnny Cisneros (13-7) patua Mike Jasper (13-6) mā TKO (leg injury) i 4:28 o te a tawhio noa e rua

Leandro Higo (19-5) patua Shawn paihere (9-4) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho pororere) i 4:34 o te a tawhio noa e rua

Weber Almeida (2-0) vs. Castle Williams (4-2) via TKO at 0:20 o te a tawhio noa e rua

Joshua Jones (9-4) patua Dominic Clark (14-9) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho pororere) i 2:39 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

James Barnes (12-4) patua David Duran (8-6) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 1:51 o te a tawhio noa e rua







Haere ki Bellator.com hoki ētahi atu mōhiohio.
Bellator, DAZN, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Paramount Whatunga

TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEEK FOR BELLATOR’S RETURN TO ALLSTATE ARENA IN CHICAGO ON MAY 11

Waiho he tākupu

BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMP MICHAEL CHANDLER DEFENDS HIS TITLE AGAINST FEATHERWEIGHT KINGPIN PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’ IN LONG-AWAITED GRUDGE MATCH LIVE ON DAZN



THE WELTERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX CONTINUES WITH DOUGLAS LIMA TAKING ON MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE IN SEMI-FINAL ACTION



MORE: UNDEFEATED PROSPECT A.J. MCKEE MEETS CHICAGO’S PAT CURRAN AND THE RETURN OF FORMER WWE STAR JAKE HAGER



Los Angeles – Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Mate. i runga i Rāhoroi, Kia 11 is stacked with a must-see lineup of fights, headlined by current lightweight titleholder Michael Chandler (19-4) in his attempt to become the only man to defeat both Pitbull Brothers and put an end to their years-long rivalry, when he defends his belt against Bellator’s 145-pound champ Patricio “Pitbull” (28-4) i roto i te hui matua o Bellator 221 - which will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.



The co-headliner will see former two-time Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima (30-7) face undefeated Michael whārangi "mana'o" (14-0), better known to fans as “MVP,” in the first semi-final matchup in Bellator’s Welterweight World Grand Prix. Each fighter has their eyes set on moving one step closer to becoming Bellator welterweight champ and taking home one million dollars.



I tua atu, arguably one of the world’s top featherweight prospects A.J. McKee (13-0) will face the stiffest test of his young career when he fights two-time former Bellator featherweight champion Pat Curran (23-7) on Curran’s home turf. Heoi, former WWE champion Jake Hager (1-0) returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since his first-round submission victory in January looking to continue his early dominance inside the cage.



An exclusive online presale for Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull takes place between Wednesday, Feb. 20 i 10 a.m. CT and Thursday, Feb. 21 i 10 p.m. CT, with tickets going on-sale to the general public on Friday, Feb. 22 i 12 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event will be available at the Allstate Arena box office, me te Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.



Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull will be broadcast live on DAZN i 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, ia ka rere mahi tuatahi i runga i Bellator.com me te ao i runga i te Bellator Mobile App. Ka pāngia atu kia kauwhautia i roto i ngā wiki mai.



One of the most-decorated fighters in Bellator history, Michael Chandler reclaimed the lightweight championship this past December to become a three-time titleholder. “Iron” has defeated a who’s who among the division’s elite, whai wāhi Brent primus, Benson Henderson, Patricky Pitbull (x2), Yamauchi ake and Eddie Alvarez. The former University of Missouri wrestler from High Ridge, Mo., who now calls Nashville home, has had a slow-building feud with his May 11 hoariri, verbally sparring with his foe following wins over Patricio’s brother Patricky and on social media. Na, the time for talk is over and both will enter the Bellator cage to finally settle the score.



Hailing from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, two-time featherweight champ Patricio “Pitbull” will enter the Bellator cage for a promotional record 21th time. With impressive wins to his name over Daniel Straus (X3), Daniel Weichel (x2) a Pat Curran, he most recently defeated Emmanuel Sanchez mā te whakatau loto i Bellator 209. Moving up a weight class for the first time since Bellator 160 when he met Benson Henderson, “Pitbull” is planning to leave his mark in a new division and go down as one of the all-time greats. Having earned a finish in 20 o tona 28 toa ano he ngaio, the reigning champion has become synonymous with excitement and fans can certainly expect more fireworks when looks to become a simultaneous two-division champion on May 11.



Fighting out of Atlanta, Ga., by way of Goiania, Brazil, Douglas “The Phenom” Lima has been a mainstay at the top of the 170-pound division for the better part of three years. With wins against the likes of Lorenz Larkin, Andrey Koreshkov (x2), Paora Daley and Ben Saunders, the 31-year-old advanced to the semifinals of the Welterweight World Grand Prix after a technical submission win against Koreshkov. A winner of nine out of his last 11 whakataetae, the American Top Team product remains set on showing the world how dominant he truly is.



One of the most unorthodox strikers to ever compete, “MVP” has steadily worked his way up the welterweight ranks since signing with the organization in 2013. Known for his unique style and personality both inside the cage and out, every Michael Page fight is must-see entertainment. With an undefeated record of 14-0, a 11 of those victories coming by stoppage, the 31-year-old out of London Shootfighters advanced to the semifinals following a closely contested unanimous decision win against rival Paul Daley at Bellator 216.



Fighting out of Long Beach, Calif., A.J. McKee puts his undefeated record on the line against the former champ on May 11. Currently training alongside the likes of Arona Pico,“Baby Slice” a Joey Davis at The Body Shop under the tutelage of his father, MMA veteran Antonio McKee, the second-generation fighter has been making quite the name for himself since joining the professional ranks. I tika 23 tau o te ao, “Mercenary” has set the Bellator record for consecutive wins at 13, having defeated Daniel Crawford, Brian Moore, John “Macapa, Justin Lawrence and Dominic Mazzotta haere i te ara. Known for his highlight-reel finishes, McKee will look to remain unbeaten and keep his name etched in the record books when he meets Curran at Bellator 221. A former two-time Bellator world featherweight champion, Pat Curran returns to the cage near his hometown looking to earn another shot at gold. Fighting out of Crystal Lake, Mate., “Paddy Mike” is in the midst of a three-fight win streak that includes victories over Emmanuel Sanchez, John “Macapa”and Georgi Karakhanyan. The longtime Bellator veteran, who debuted at Bellator 14 i roto i te 2010, owns additional wins over Patricio “Pitbull,” Joe Warren, Roger Huerta a Daniel Straus. Ano, a two-time Bellator tournament winner, the 31-year-old’s return to the top of the 145-pound division begins with a tough test against McKee.



A native of Perry, Okla., Hager emphatically showed the world that he belongs in the sport of MMA with a submission win over J.W. Kizer i Bellator 214 i roto i te Hānuere. A collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he was an All-American and set the school record for most pins at the 285-pound weight class in a single season with 30. Following graduation and a conversation with legendary pro wrestling announcer and fellow Oklahoma Sooner, Jim Ross, Hager made the transition to professional wrestling and signed with World Wrestling Entertainment. While in WWE, Hager would go on to claim multiple coveted professional titles during his time with the organization, including the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Championship and WWE United States Championship. Na, the man also known to fans around the globe as “Jack Swagger” will return to action MMA action in Chicago against a soon-to-be-announced heavyweight opponent.



Whakahōutia Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull Card:

Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (19-4) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” (28-4)

Welterweight World Grand Prix Semi-final: Douglas Lima (30-7) vs. Michael whārangi "mana'o" (14-0)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: A.J. McKee (13-0) vs. Pat Curran (23-7)

Taumaha Kāri Matua Patupatu: Jake Hager (1-0) vs. TBA


*Ka whakarerekehia te kaari



Haere ki Bellator.com hoki ētahi atu mōhiohio.

Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Paramount Whatunga

OFFICIAL BELLATOR 205: MCKEE VS. MACAPA RESULTS & Whakaahua

Waiho he tākupu

 

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Bellator 205 Hua Kāri Main:

 

A.J. McKee (12-0) DEF. John Macapa (21-4-2) mā KO (meke) i 1:09 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

 

Photos Here

 

Rafael Lovato Jr. (9-0) DEF. John Salter (15-4) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 4:27 o te a tawhio noa e toru

 

Photos Here

 

Veta Arteaga (5-2) DEF. Denise Kielholtz (2-2) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho pororere) i 4:24 o te a tawhio noa e rua

 

Photos Here

Patricky Pitbull (20-8) DEF. Roger Huerta (24-11-1, 1 NC) mā KO (nifó) i 0:43 o te a tawhio noa e rua

 

Photos Here

 

Hua Kāri hukihuki:

Adam Borics (8-0) DEF. Josenaldo Silva (25-7) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 1:46 o te a tawhio noa e toru

Steve Mowry (5-0) DEF. Ben Moa (4-1) mā tāpaetanga (Americana) i 2:40 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Jarod Trice (4-0) DEF. Sean Powers (9-7) mā te whakatau ritua (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Emilio Trevino (3-0) DEF. Sua Tuani (2-1) mā TKO (nifó) i 1:55 o te a tawhio noa e rua

Vince Morales (8-2) DEF. Justin Hugo (3-5) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-25, 30-26, 29-27)

Johnny Nunez (7-1) DEF. Josh Wick (9-4) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Andrew Cruz (4-3) DEF. Nathan Stolen (8-4) mā tāpaetanga (arm bar) i 3:41 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Kyle Frost (3-0) DEF. David Rangel (0-2) via technical submission (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 3:29 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Bryce Edminister (2-1) DEF. Leon Taylor (0-1) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 1:34 o te a tawhio noa e rua

Stephen Stirewalt (2-0) DEF. Joe Aguirre (2-1) via submission at 2:13 round one

 

 

****

Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Paramount Whatunga

BELLATOR 197: CHANDLER vs. GIRTZ RESULTS & Whakaahua

Waiho he tākupu

 

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FULL EVENT PHOTOS

 

Michael Chandler (18-4) patua Brandon Girtz (15-8) via technical submission (head & arm choke) i 4:00 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

A.J. McKee (11-0) patua Justin Lawrence (11-5) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Logan Storley (8-0) patua Joaquin Buckley (8-2) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

Baby Slice (2-1) patua Devon Brock (1-1) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i :34 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Juliana Velasquez (7-0) patua Rebecca Ruth (6-3) mā TKO (body kick) i :19 o te a tawhio noa e toru

Derek Anderson (15-3) patua Zak Bucia (18-10) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Dominic Mazzotta (14-2) patua Josh Sampo (11-6) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Eric Ellington (5-0) patua Jordan Howard (10-5) mā te whakatau ritua (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Arama pūtau (9-8) patua DeWayne Diggs (2-2) mā TKO (nifó) i 4:27 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Cort Wahle (3-3) patua Joe Roye (1-5) mā tāpaetanga (pororere) i :21 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Horano Dowdy (5-4) patua Jeff Crotty (1-1) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i :29 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

A.J. Siscoe (3-2) patua Justin Robbins (14-19) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 4:34 o te a tawhio noa e rua

Bellator, whakauru toi hōia, MMA

BELLATOR 197: CHANDLER vs. GIRTZ WEIGH-IN RESULTS & Whakaahua

Waiho he tākupu

 

EVENT AIRS ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK AT 9 P.M. AND / 8 P.M. CT

HOTOS/Main%20Card%20Face%20Offs/A44I1561.jpg

WEIGH IN PHOTOS

 

Bellator 197: Chandler vs. Whitiki e wahi apopo, Rāmere, April 13 at The Family Arena in St. Charles MO. The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network (Koi mua) i 9 p.m. AND/8 p.m. CT, ia ka rere mahi tuatahi i runga i Bellator.com me te ao i runga i te Bellator Mobile App.

 

Complete Bellator 197: Chandler vs. Whitiki Weigh-in Results:

Lightweight Main Event: Michael Chandler (155.3) vs. Brandon Girtz (156)

Featherweight Co-Main Event: Justin Lawrence (145.8) vs. A.J. McKee (145.8)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Devon Brock (160) vs. Baby Slice (159.8)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Joaquin Buckley (168.3) vs. Logan Storley (170.6)

141-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: A.J. Siscoe (140.6) vs. Justin Robbins (135.6)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Jeff Crotty (170.8) vs. Horano Dowdy (170.3)

Women’s Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Juliana Velasquez (126) vs. Rebecca Ruth (125.3)

165-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Zak Bucia (164.9) vs. Derek Anderson (164.2)

Tuhinga o mua Bantamweight: Josh Sampo (135.4) vs. Dominic Mazzotta (135.4)

Tuhinga o mua Bantamweight: Eric Ellington (135.4) vs. Jordan Howard (136)

189-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: DeWayne Diggs (186.8) vs. Arama pūtau (189)

Taumekehiko Whakatekau Mua: Cort Wahle (144.9) vs. Joe Roye (151)*