Tag Archives: Warrior

Warrior, mistoa arte martzialak, MMA, Spike TV

MICHAEL ‘MAYDAY’ MCDONALD MAKES PROMOTIONAL DEBUT AGAINST PETER LIGIER DURING MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR 191 IN NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND ON DEC. 15

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VALERIE ‘TROUBLE’ LETOURNEAU ALSO SET FOR BELLATOR DEBUT AGAINST KATE JACKSON

AINGERUAK - Two of Bellator’s top recent free agent signings, Michael McDonald (17-4) eta Valerie Letourneau (8-6), will both make their long-awaited promotional debuts during Warrior 191 at Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England on Ostirala, Abendu. 15.

 

“Mayday” will take on Peter Ligier (8-1-1) in a bantamweight main event, while “Trouble” will compete at flyweight against Kate Jackson (9-2-1) co-nagusia gertatuz gero. Horrez gain, British heavyweights collide when James “The Colossus” Thompson (20-16, 1 NC) returns to the Bellator cage where he meets Philip De Fries (13-6, 1 NC). Azkenik, two lightweight contests have also been added, as Jeremy Petley (11-8) battles Lewis Monarch (9-2) and Ash Griffiths (4-4) takes on Mohammad Yahya (3-1).

 

Warrior 191: McDonald vs. Ligier will be broadcast free on SPIKE Ostirala, Abendu. 15 at 9 p.m. ETA/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event can be purchased from Ticketmaster.co.uk & event.co.uk.

 

At bakarrik 26 urtetik, McDonald will enter the Bellator cage with experience against some of the top bantamweights the sport of MMA has to offer, including Renan Barao, John Lineker, Urijah Faber and Brad Pickett. A veteran of the WEC and UFC veteran, the Modesto, Calif.-native signed with Bellator following a nine-fight, five-year run with his former promotion. With 15 finishes in his 17 profesional gisa irabazi du, McDonald will look to hand Ligier his first stoppage loss of his career.

 

Hailing from Paris, Frantzian, Ligier turned pro in 2013 and has competed exclusively on the European circuit throughout his 10-fight career. Also known as “BadAzz,” the 31-year-old has finished his opponent in five out of eight opportunities, amounting to an impressive finishing rate of 63%. Now making his debut with Bellator, Ligier formerly competed for BAMMA in 2014.

 

The Canadian-born Létourneau, a former UFC strawweight title challenger, carries an impressive track record of thrilling fights, highlighted by a world title contest against former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Orain, moving up to her more natural weight class, the 34-year-old American Top Team product will make her debut for Bellator. On Dec. 15, “Trouble” will look to improve upon her eight victories as a professional, a tally that includes five finishes, with four coming by way of knockout.

 

Fresh off a victory over Colleen Schneider at Warrior 182 abuztuan, the victory gave Jackson five wins in a row, including four stoppages. Jackson hasn’t lost since May of 2013, a period which also included a run on reality television show Ultimate Fighter Denboraldi 23. Hailing from Lostwithiel, Cornwall, Ingalaterra, Jackson will have the home crowd to her advantage at Warrior 191.

Osatua Warrior 191: McDonald vs. Ligier Borroka Txartela:

Bantamweight Main Event: Michael McDonald (17-4) vs. Peter Ligier (8-1-1)

Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event: Valerie Letourneau (8-6) vs. Kate Jackson (9-2-1)

Heavyweight Feature Bout: James Thompson (20-16, 1 NC) vs. Philip De Fries (13-6, 1 NC)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Jeremy Petley (11-8) vs. Lewis Monarch (9-2)

 

Aurrematrikula Txartela:

Aurrez aurreko borroka arina: Mohammad Yahya (3-1) vs. Ash Griffiths (4-4)

 

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Warrior, mistoa arte martzialak, MMA, Spike TV

FIRST-ROUND MATCHUPS SET FOR BELLATOR WORLD GRAND PRIX 2018 HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNAMENT

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TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF WITH ‘RAMPAGE’ JACKSON VS. CHAEL SONNEN ATWarrior 192 IN LA ON JAN. 20

LOS ANGELES –The bracket for the Bellator MMA World Grand Prix 2018 Heavyweight Tournament has been set.

 

At Warrior 192: Lima vs. MacDonald on Urtarrilaren 20, 2018 at The Forum in Los Angeles, the tournament will begin with former champ Quinton "Ilusioz" Jackson (37-12) taking on renowned trash-talker Chael Sonnen (30-15-1) in an exciting first-round matchup. The event will air on the soon-to-launch Paramount Network.

 

Handik gutxira, Matt Mitrione (12-5) bilduko Roy Nelson (23-14) on Otsaila 16 at Warrior 194, an event which will emanate from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. In April, garai guztietako pisu astun handiena Fedor Emelianenko (36-5, 1 NC) battles former UFC champ Frank Mir(18-11) inside Allstate Arena in Chicago in a long-awaited clash. The final first round bout will feature current Bellator light heavyweight champion Ryan Bader (24-5) taking on former STRIKEFORCE champ "King Mo" Lawal (21-6, 1 NC) at San Jose, California’s SAP Center in May.

 

Dates for both the semi-finals and final will be determined, as will tournament alternates who will be available to fill in due to any unforeseen circumstances. The year-long World Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament will culminate in the winner becoming the new Bellator world heavyweight champion.

 

Azpian, you will find the official trailer for the Bellator MMA World Grand Prix 2018 Heavyweight Txapelketa. Please feel free to share:

Watch video here

 

Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix First-Round Matchups:

Warrior 192 at The Forum – Jan. 20, 2018: Quinton "Ilusioz" Jackson (37-12) vs. Chael Sonnen (30-15-1)

Warrior 194 at Mohegan Sun Arena – Feb. 16, 2018: Matt Mitrione (12-5) vs. Roy Nelson (23-14)

Bellator at Allstate Arena – April, 2018: Fedor Emelianenko (36-5, 1 NC) vs. Frank Mir (18-11)

Bellator at SAP Center – May, 2018: Ryan Bader (24-5) vs. “King Mo” Lawal (21-6, 1 NC)

Warrior, kickboxing, Spike TV

BELLATOR MMA AND KICKBOXING RETURN TO THE NELSON MANDELA FORUM IN FLORENCE, ITALY ON SATURDAY, DEC. 9

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ITALIAN ALESSIO SAKARA CHALLENGES RAFAEL CARVALHO FOR MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AT Warrior 190

LOS ANGELES – Bellator returns to Florence, Italy on Larunbata, Abendua 9, when both Bellator MMA and Bellator Kickboxing, along with Oktagon, emanate from the Nelson Mandela Forum for another huge evening of combat sports action.

 

Warrior 190 will air free on SPIKE at 8 p.m. ETA/7 p.m. CT and will be immediately followed by Bellator Kickboxing 8. Tickets for the event start at just €30 and are available at Bellator.com.

 

Warrior 190 will be headlined by current middleweight champ Rafael Carvalho (14-1), who will defend his title against Italy’s popular knockout artist, Alessio “Legionarius” Sakara (19-11, 2 NC). Horrez gain, Brandon Girtz (14-7) hartzen Luca Jelcic (10-2) arin at, bitartean Mihail Nica (6-0) cumple Carlos Miranda (10-3) in second lightweight clash. A women’s flyweight offering rounds out the card when Lena Ovchynnikova (12-4, 1 NC) gudu Alejandra Lara (6-1).

 

Bien bitartean, Bellator Kickboxing 8 boasts a pair of world champions in Raymond Daniels (12-3) eta Kevin Ross (45-12) hartzea Giannis Boukis (27-1) eta Hamza Imane (49-12-2) hurrenez hurren, in non-title fights. Other kickboxing stars are on display as Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (22-9) challenges Filipino Verlinden (44-18-1), Aussie legend John Wayne Parr (97-32) competes for the 130garren time versus Piergiulio Paolucci (24-5-1) and Canadian featherweight Gabriel Varga (13-5) rounds out the card in a matchup with Roberto Georghita (30-6-3).

 

Osatua Warrior 190: Carvalho vs. Sakara Card:

Middleweight World Title Main Event: Rafael Carvalho (14-1) vs. Alessio Sakara (19-11, 2 NC)

Karta Nagusien Arina: Brandon Girtz (14-7) vs. Luka Jelcic (10-2)

Women’s Flyweight Main Card Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (12-4, 1 NC) vs. Alejandra Lara (6-1)

Karta Nagusien Arina: Mihail Nica (6-0) vs. Carlos Miranda (10-3)

 

Aurrematrikula Txartela:

Pisu ertaineko aurrez aurrekoa: Gregory Babene (18-11) vs. Tony Zanko (1-4)

Osatua Bellator Kickboxing 8: Daniels vs. Boukis Card:

Welterweight gertaera nagusia (non-title): Raymond Daniels (12-3) vs. Giannis Boukis (27-1)

Pisu ertaineko txartel nagusiaren kontra: Joe Schilling (22-9) vs. Filipino Verlinden (44-18-1)

161 lb. Catchweight Main Card Bout: John Wayne Parr (97-32) vs. Piergiulio Paolucci (24-5-1)

Karta Nagusien Arina (non-title): Kevin Ross (45-12) vs. Hamza Imane (49-12-2)

Luma pisuko karta nagusia: Gabriel Varga (13-5) vs. Roberto Gheorghita (30-6)

 

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Warrior, mistoa arte martzialak, MMA, Spike TV

ISRAELI FIGHTERS NOAD LAHAT AND HAIM GOZALI WALK AWAY VICTORIOUS IN FRONT OF SOLD OUT BELLATOR 188 CROWD IN TEL AVIV

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Noad Lahat (12-3) garaitu Jeremiah Labiano (11-6) aho batez erabaki bidez (29-27 x3)

 

Argazkiak: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lqlr8xxw8peeomk/AAAKwiHgTm33fMz6nJjFBDbga?dl=0

 

Haim Gozali (8-4) garaitu Arsen Faitovich (4-2) aurkezteko bidez (triangelu choke) at :45 Bat txandan

 

Argazkiak: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ee0vjzs70r57iaw/AAB-nPS5o_IWkiN2zzcGpkQ5a?dl=0

 

John Salter (15-3) garaitu Jason Radcliffe (12-5) aurkezteko bidez (atzerako biluzik choke) at 1:55 Bat txandan

 

Argazkiak: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zeo87htbnc43m3h/AACnythlTH09nBjv1br0AlYIa?dl=0

 

Denise Kielholtz (1-1) garaitu Jessica Middleton (2-3) aurkezteko bidez (armbar) at 1:16 Bat txandan

 

Argazkiak: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7smow9ic1rokft0/AADpDDq3mRQt3Pj2CTpjcdFxa?dl=0

 

Aurrematrikula Txartela:

Luiz Rocha (4-1) garaitu Almog Shay (2-2) aho batez erabaki bidez (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Assaf Batan (1-0) garaitu Mor Attias (0-1) aurkezteko bidez (atzerako biluzik choke) at 4:08 txandan hiru

Matan Levi (3-0) garaitu Erik Sianov (0-1) gehiengoaren erabakia bidez (28-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Raz Bring (3-0) garaitu Nadim Kablan (1-1) aho batez erabaki bidez (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Moshe Ben Chimol (2-0) garaitu Ivan Solomatov (0-1) aurkezteko bidez (armbar) at 4:00 Bat txandan

Adam Keresh (1-0) garaitu Roman Kushnir (0-1) TKO bidez (punches ) at 3:00 Kopako bi of

Natanial Parisi (1-0) garaitu Or Eliov (0-1) aurkezteko bidez (anaconda choke) at 3:45 Bat txandan

Gad David Abisror (Estreinaldia) vs. Alexander Trofimov (1-0) – Lehiaketa No (accidental foul)

Alexander Nikulin (3-0) garaitu Rami Abuhav (0-1) KOren bidez 1:57 Bat txandan

Oron Kahlon (3-0) garaitu Julian Maloku (0-1) aurkezteko bidez (triangle) at 2:08 Bat txandan

Olga Rubin (4-0) garaitu Joana Filipa (0-1) TKO bidez (grebak) at 3:46 Kopako bi of

Shimon Gosh (6-2) garaitu Francisco Silva (1-1) aho batez erabaki bidez (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

****

 

Bellatorri buruz:

Bellator is a leading mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Beteranoa borroka sustatzailea Scott Coker zuzendaritzapean, Warrior eskuragarri dago ia 1 billion people worldwide in over 160 Herrialde. Ameriketako Estatu Batuetan, Bellator can be seen on SPIKE, the combat sports television leader. Bellator telebistako produkzioan sektoreko profesional nagusiak biltzen dituen talde exekutibo batez osatuta dago, zuzeneko ekitaldi orkestazio, Borrokalari garapena / harremanak, Euskalduna Jauregian kontratazio, babesari / garapenerako, nazioarteko lizentzien, marketing, publizitatea, publizitatea eta batzorde harremanak. Bellator Hollywooden du egoitza, Kalifornia. eta Viacom entretenimendu erraldoiaren jabetzakoa, munduko ataria entertainment marka ikusleak konektatu telebista zehar eduki sinesgarria bidez hasiera, mugimenduaren irudi, plataformen online eta sakelako.

 

Spike buruz:

Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. Viacom unitatea (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, atzean-eszenak informazioa eta argazkiak.

Warrior, boxeo, mistoa arte martzialak, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat Kirol Show: Tony, Tom and Rich Discuss All Things Combat Sports

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Tom, Tony and Rich are back this week with a great show! We feature lots of engaging discussion about mixed martial arts and boxing, from Connor McGregor’s slapping a Bellator official to Deontay Wilder wanting to end Anthony Joshua’s career. We also chat about Dana White getting into boxing and Bellator’s 8 Man Heavyweight tournament. Again we get back to the nagging question of where are the legends in MMA, and we also cross over to where are the legends in boxing?

 

 

 

 

 

Warrior, mistoa arte martzialak, MMA

BELLATOR TO GIVE AWAY COMMEMORATIVE BOBBLEHEAD CELEBRATING LIFE OF KIMBO SLICE AT BELLATOR 192 ONSATURDAY, JAN. 20 Los Angelesen

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ZER: Limited-Edition KIMBO Slice Bobblehead Giveaway

 

The world lost an icon in June of 2016 with the passing of KIMBO Slice. The unmistakable backyard brawler and mixed martial artist will be commemorated, along with his signature golden smile and chain, with a limited-edition bobblehead.

 

The giveaway will take place Larunbata, Jan. 20, and will be limited to the first 5,000 fans in attendance for Warrior 192: Lima vs. MacDonald at The Forum in Los Angeles.

 

The bobblehead giveaway is limited to one per person and will only be available to ticketholders upon entry into the arena.

***Bobblehead giveaway is exclusively for Warrior 192 ticketholders***

***Bobbleheads distributed at venue points of entry, only while supplies last at each entry***

NON: The Forum

3900 The. Manchester Blvd.

Inglewood, Kalifornia. 90305

 

NOIZ: Larunbata, Urtarrilaren 20

KIMBO Slice (5-2, 1 NC)

A native of the Bahamas, the late Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson was one of the most recognizable figures in all of combat sports. After making a name for himself in the infamous world of street fighting, where he was labeled “The King of the Web Brawlers” by Rolling Stone, the internet sensation left underground fighting to become a professional mixed martial artist. The street brawler found the same success inside the cage that he had in his backyard in South Florida, collecting victories in each of his first three professional fights. Slice would go onto compete on season 10 of Ultimate Fighter, where his bout with Roy Nelson on Spike TV set a viewership ratings record for the series that still stands today. Slice also made a flawless transition into professional boxing, where he earned seven consecutive victories. The multi-dimensional mixed martial artist, boxer and actor debuted inside the Bellator cage in 2015, where he collected his final win over Ken Shamrock at Warrior 138. A fan-favorite throughout his career, Slice was known just as much for his entertaining personality and signature look, as he was for his knockout power. Kimbo’s legacy in MMA is carried on by his son, Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr.

 

BORROKA INFO: Warrior 192: Lima vs. MacDonald will be broadcast LIVE and FREE on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ETA/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com.

 

Eguneratua Warrior 192: MacDonald vs. Karea Borroka Txartela:

Welterweight World Title Main Event: Douglas Lima (29-6) vs. Rory MacDonald (19-4)

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Warrior, mistoa arte martzialak, MMA, Spike TV

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S LORENZ LARKIN AND FERNANDO GONZALEZ MEET IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR 193 AT PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO ON JAN. 26

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TICKETS FOR Warrior 193 GO ON SALE Ostiral honetan AT 3 P.m. PST

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator returns to Pechanga Resort & Temecula Casino, Kalifornia. egiteko Warrior 193 on Ostirala, Jan. 26, 2018. The card will be headlined by Riverside, California-native Lorenz Larkin (18-7, 1 NC) against Menifee, Kaliforniako Fernando Gonzalez (27-14) in a 180-pound catchweight bout.

 

Tickets for this event start at $39 and are available at the Pechanga Box Office and Pechanga.com. Ekitaldia irekia dagoen Doors 4 p.m. PST, while the preliminary card will kick-off at 5 p.m. PST. Gertaera zuzenean eta doan emango da Paramount Network helbidean 9 p.m. ETA/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the newly updated Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts for Warrior 193: Larkin vs. Gonzalez laster jakinaraziko dugu.

 

Larkin enters his main event matchup against Gonzalez following must-see bouts against Douglas Lima eta Paul Daley in 2017. Orain, “Da Monsoon” looks to add to his impressive resume – which includes marquee wins over Robbie Lawler, Santiago Ponzinibbio, Jorge Masvidal and Neil Magny and stoppages in 11 kanpo 18 victories – by adding the name of a competitor that has nearly 50-fights as a professional. A short trek from Larkin’s hometown of Riverside, Kalifornia. the Millenia MMA-product will represent his nearby hometown proudly on Jan. 26.

 

Hailing from Menifee, Kalifornia., 33-year-old Fernando Gonzalez will enter the Bellator cage for the ninth time in his nearly 15-year professional career. Gonzalez has seen a great deal of success since joining forces with Bellator MMA, having collected seven victories over an eight-fight, four-year span.Gonzalez has come on strong as of late, tallying 10 wins over his last 13 muturretan, including a pair of first round knockouts. With 17 bere 27 career victories coming by way of knockout or submission, “The Menifee Maniac” will look to see his win-streak continue following his recent success against Brennan Ward at Warrior 193.

 

Eguneratua Warrior 193: Larkin vs. Gonzalez Borroka Txartela:

Catchweight (180 kgs.) Gertaera nagusiak: Lorenz Larkin (18-7, 1 NC) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (27-14)

Warrior, mistoa arte martzialak, MMA, Spike TV

AHEAD OF BELLATOR 188 Aste honetan, BELLATOR FIGHTERS MEET WITH ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU IN JERUSALEM

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Complete Photos Here — (c/o Office of Israel Prime Minister)

 

JERUSALEM – Earlier today, Warrior 188 lehiakideen Noad Lahat (11-3) eta Haim Gozali (7-4), along with Bellator heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko (36-5, 1 NC) and Bellator brand ambassador Royce Gracie, met with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu at the nation’s Parliament in Jerusalem.

 

During the visit, Netanyahu expressed his support for the upcoming Bellator event in Tel Aviv later this week. This event marks Bellator’s second show in Israel and features two prominent Israeli fighters at the top of the card, as Lahat headlines and Gozali competes in the co-main event. Gainera, the preliminary bouts feature many of Israel’s best up-and-coming regional talent.

 

Warrior 188: Lahat vs. Labiano gertatzen Osteguna, Aza. 16 at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv and airs free on Spike this Ostirala, Aza. 17 at 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST. Full card details can be found below.

 

Watch video of the meeting here, bidez The Prime Minister of Israel’s Official YouTube kontua:

Direct Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfFWS8cAbmQ

 

 

Osatua Warrior 188: Lahat vs. Labiano Borroka Txartela:

Featherweight Main Event: Noad Lahat (11-3) vs. Jeremiah Labiano (11-5)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Haim Gozali (7-4) vs. Arsen Faitovich (4-1)

Middleweight Feature Bout: John Salter (14-3) vs. Jason Radcliffe (12-4)

Women’s Flyweight Feature Bout: Denise Kielholtz (0-1) vs. Jessica Middleton (2-2)

 

Aurrematrikula Txartela:

Pisu oneko pisua: Kiril Medvedovsky (11-5) vs. Luiz Rocha (3-1)

Aurrez aurreko borroka arina: Mor Attias (Estreinaldia) vs. Assaf Batan (Estreinaldia)

Pisu oneko pisua: Erik Sianov (0-1) vs. Matan Levi (2-0)

Catchweight (128 kgs.) Preliminary Bout: Nadim Kablan (Estreinaldia) vs. Raz Bring (2-1)

Luma Pisuko Aurretiazko Borroka: Moshe Ben Chimol (1-0) vs. Ivan Solomatov (Estreinaldia)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Adam Keresh (Estreinaldia) vs. Roman Kushnir (Estreinaldia)

Luma Pisuko Aurretiazko Borroka: Or Eliov (Estreinaldia) vs. Natanial Parisi (Estreinaldia)

Pisu oneko pisua: Gad David Abisror (Estreinaldia) vs. Alexander Trofimov (1-0)

Pisu galantak aurrez aurre: Anthony Nisim Mor (Estreinaldia) vs. Shay Almog (2-1)

Catchweight (187 kgs.) Preliminary Bout: Rami Abuhav (Estreinaldia) vs. Alexander Nikulin (2-0)

Aurrez aurreko borroka arina: Julian Maloku (Estreinaldia) vs. Oron Kahlon (2-0)

Luma Pisuko Aurretiazko Borroka: Joana Filipa (Estreinaldia) vs. Olga Rubin (3-0)

Pisu oneko pisua: Francisco Silva (1-0) vs. Shimon Gosh (5-2)

Warrior, mistoa arte martzialak, MMA, Spike TV

BELLATOR TO HOLD EIGHT-MAN WORLD GRAND PRIX HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNAMENT IN 2018

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WINNER TO BE CROWNED NEW BELLATOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

LOS ANGELES – Bellator has announced plans to host a year-long grand prix heavyweight tournament in 2018 featuring eight of the roster’s biggest stars with the winner becoming the new Bellator world heavyweight champion. The Bellator MMA World Grand Prix 2018 Heavyweight Tournament will air on the soon-to-launch Paramount Network.

 

The star-studded list of participants includes newly signed Quinton "Ilusioz" Jackson (37-12), Roy Nelson (23-14), Chael Sonnen (30-15-1),Frank Mir (18-11), “King Mo” (21-6, 1 NC), Fedor Emelianenko (36-5, 1 NC), Matt Mitrione (12-5) and Bellator light heavyweight champion Ryan Bader (24-5).

 

Spanning multiple events and locations throughout 2018, the three-round tournament allows for matchups never before thought possible and will ultimately crown a new Bellator heavyweight champion. Aurretik, Bellator President Scott Coker orchestrated the most recent successful heavyweight tournament in mixed martial arts with the STRIKEFORCE Heavyweight Grand Prix that spanned from 2011-12.

 

Matchups, dates and locations for the single-elimination grand prix will be determined shortly, as will tournament alternates who will be available to fill in due to any unforeseen circumstances.

 

A five-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, “Rampage’s” legendary career has seen him compete against some of the top names in the sport, generating a loyal army of fans along the way. The former PRIDE and UFC champion is the proud owner of many epic highlight reel slams and knockouts that he has racked up throughout his epic battles with the likes of Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, “King Mo,” Kevin Randleman and, perhaps most-notably, his trilogy with fellow Bellator athlete Wanderlei Silva.

 

Las Vegas kanpo Fighting, Roy Nelson made his Bellator debut earlier this year with a hard-fought victory over Javy Ayala following an eight-year, 19-fight run with UFC that saw him earn wins over Mirko Cro Cop, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, “Bigfoot” Silva and Cheick Kongo. “Big Country” also memorably defeated the late KIMBO Slice and later went on to win season 10 of Ultimate Fighter. With 19 bere 22 karrera irabazi datozen knockout edo aurkezteko bidez, the long-time fan-favorite looks to add a championship to his impressive resume.

 

Chael Sonnen spent a majority of his 44-fight career with the UFC and WEC, a run that saw him defeat former middleweight champion Michael Bisping, and compete against the likes of Jon Jones, Anderson Silva (bitan), Rashad Evans, “Shogun” Rua, Demian Maia and Brian Stann. In addition to his in-ring action, the West Linn, Ore. native has mastered the art of being in front of the camera, having done broadcast work for both ESPN and Fox Sports. Following a three-year hiatus from active MMA competition, Sonnen returned to the cage against Tito Ortiz at Warrior 170 in January and then went on to defeat Wanderlei Silva in the main event of Warrior: NYC.

 

Frank Mir elkartu Bellator lehenago aurten honako 15 years under in the UFC where he became a two-time world champion, bildutako 16 victories and defeated the who’s who of heavyweight contenders, barne Brock Lesnar, "Bigfoot" Silva, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Roy Nelson. Las Vegas kanpo Fighting, Mir ezarri erregistro ugari bitartean bere lehengo promozioa lehian, nabarmendu borrokak gehien dituen (27), garaipenekin (16), eta bidalketen (8) heavyweight historian. With 14 bere 18 karrera irabazi datozen knockout edo aurkezteko bidez, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt will now try his hand in Bellator’s heavyweight division.

 

“King Mo” will again fight at heavyweight and look to build off his success within the division following recent wins against Satoshi Ishii and Cheick Kongo. A winner in nine out of his last 11 Borrokak, the 36-year-old will look to claim heavyweight gold in 2018 and add to his championship collection that already includes a STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight title. The “Moneyweight” fighter owns additional wins over Linton Vassell, Gegard Mousasi, Roger Gracie and has split a pair of bouts with “Rampage” Jackson with their series tied at one win each.

 

A ohia PRIDE txapelduna, "The Last Emperor" gehien revered eta errespetatu heavyweight borrokalariak kirolaren ikusi du bat. Stone-aurre eta lasaia, Emelianenko zirraragarrienetarikoa unbeaten zain bat boasted MMA historian, Ez arteko bout bat galdu 2001 eta 2009. multi aldiz munduko txapelduna A MMA eta Sambo in, Fedor berriki kirolaren itzuli hiatoak labur baten ondoren, accumulating two decisive wins since his return to action and competing against Matt Mitrione in an instant classic at Warrior: NYC.

 

Matt Mitrione remains poised to make an impact in the Bellator heavyweight division following three knockout wins since signing with Bellator in 2016, including a first-round KO of Fedor Emelianenko at Bellator NYC this June. The Illinois native and standout defensive end at Purdue University earned All-Big Ten honors in 2000 and subsequently earned his way into the NFL where he played six seasons as a member of the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. Mitrione ultimately found his way into MMA where he became a high-level competitor, defeating the likes of the late Kimbo Slice, Derrick Lewis and Gabriel Gonzaga.

 

Bader will make his third appearance for Bellator and first since defending his light heavyweight championship at Warrior 186. Fighting out of Tempe, Ariz., Bader began his professional career on an impressive run, steamrolling the competition en route to a 12-fight winning streak and winning one of the most competitive seasons of Ultimate Fighter in franchise history on Spike in 2008. “Darth” continued his path of dominance by collecting 15 over some of the 105-pound division’s top talent, including victories over former world champions Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Rashad Evans, as well as two wins over Phil Davis. Currently riding a four-fight winning streak with victories in nine of his past ten bouts, the former two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler from Arizona State University will look to become a current two-division champion in Bellator MMA.

 

Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix Participants:

Bellator World Light Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader (24-5)

Fedor Emelianenko (36-5, 1 NC)

Quinton "Ilusioz" Jackson (37-12)

“King Mo” Lawal (21-6, 1 NC)

Frank Mir (18-11)

Matt Mitrione (12-5)

Roy Nelson (23-14)

Chael Sonnen (30-15-1)

 

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Warrior, mistoa arte martzialak, MMA, Spike TV, Borroka, WWE

JAKE HAGER, FORMERLY KNOWN AS WWE’S JACK SWAGGER, SIGNS EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH BELLATOR MMA

Erantzun

LOS ANGELES – Bellator is pleased to announce that it has reached a multi-fight, multi-year deal with Jake Hager, who was formerly known as “Jack Swagger” during his nearly nine-year run with WWE. The deal will see Hager make his MMA debut inside a Bellator cage.

 

Hager will compete at heavyweight and is expected to debut in 2018.

 

A native of Perry, Okla., Hager would go on to be 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 WWE.

 

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.

 

After ending his run with the WWE earlier this year, Hager turned his sights toward another avenue, fully focusing on his mixed martial arts skillset and testing himself against some of the best athletes in the world.

 

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. It’s something that’s a part of me, so it makes sense. I’m very happy with the deal. I’ve felt a lot of love from Bellator,” said Hager. “I think there are certain types of guys who need to be punched in the face and taste blood. I’ve always been a fan of MMA, I’ve been wrestling since I was five-years-old. It’s awesome to be with Bellator. They’re really going to put 100 percent towards it!"

 

“I’m excited to see Jake Hager debut for Bellator in 2018,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “When I heard he was seriously interested in competing in MMA and when you look at what he did at the collegiate level, I was very interested in having him on our roster. I think Jake will expose new fans to Bellator from his previous run with WWE and he will be given every opportunity to prove that he’s the real deal inside the cage.”

 

Hager is the latest in a long line of high-profile signings Bellator has made recently and joins a heavyweight division that will crown a champion in 2018 through the recently announced eight-man Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix.

 

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