Cartlann Tag: Bellator

Bellator, healaíona comhraic measctha, 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

LOS ANGELES – Two of Bellator’s top recent free agent signings, Michael McDonald (17-4) agus Valerie LETOURNEAU (8-6), will both make their long-awaited promotional debuts during Bellator 191 at Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England on Dé hAoine, Nollaig. 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) i gcás comh-is mó. Chomh maith leis sin, 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). Ar deireadh, 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).

 

Bellator 191: McDonald vs. Ligier will be broadcast free on SPIKE Dé hAoine, Nollaig. 15 ag 9 p.m. AGUS/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event can be purchased from Ticketmaster.co.uk & event.co.uk.

 

Ag amháin 26 bliain d'aois, 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. Le 15 finishes in his 17 Bhuaigh mar gairmiúil, McDonald will look to hand Ligier his first stoppage loss of his career.

 

Hailing from Paris, France, 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. Anois, 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 Bellator 182 i mí Lúnasa, 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 An Comhraiceoir deiridh séasúr 23. Hailing from Lostwithiel, Corn na Breataine, Sasana, Jackson will have the home crowd to her advantage at Bellator 191.

Comhlánaigh Bellator 191: McDonald vs. Ligier Cárta comhrac:

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)

 

Réamh Cárta:

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mohammad Yahya (3-1) vs. Ash Griffiths (4-4)

 

****

Bellator, healaíona comhraic measctha, 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 ATBELLATOR 192 IN LA ON EAN. 20

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

 

Ag Bellator 192: Lima vs. MacDonald ar Eanáir 20, 2018 at The Forum in Los Angeles, the tournament will begin with former champ Quinton "Rampage" 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.

 

Go gairid ina dhiaidh sin, Matt Mitrione (12-5) le chéile Roy Nelson (23-14) ar Feabhra 16 ag Bellator 194, an event which will emanate from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. In April, the greatest heavyweight of all time 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 "Rí 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.

 

Thíos, you will find the official trailer for the Bellator MMA World Grand Prix 2018 Trom Tournament. Please feel free to share:

Watch video here

 

Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix First-Round Matchups:

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

Bellator 194 at Mohegan Sun Arena – Feabhra. 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)

Bellator, kickboxing, Spike TV

Bellator MMA AGUS FILLEADH Cosdornálaíochta DON FÓRAM NELSON MANDELA IN FLORENCE, AN IODÁIL DÉ SATHAIRN, Nollaig. 9

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ITALIAN Alessio Sakara DÚSHLÁIN RAFAEL CARVALHO FOR Middleweight DOMHAN TEIDEAL AG BELLATOR 190

LOS ANGELES - Filleann Bellator go Florence, An Iodáil ar Dé Sathairn, Nollaig 9, nuair araon Bellator MMA agus Bellator Cosdornálaíochta, chomh maith le Oktagon, eascróidh as an bhFóram Mandela Nelson haghaidh oíche eile ollmhór gníomhaíochta spóirt a chomhrac.

 

Bellator 190 Beidh aer saor in aisce ar Spike ag 8 p.m. AGUS/7 p.m. CT agus déanfar é a díreach ina dhiaidh Bellator Cosdornálaíochta 8. Ticéid le haghaidh an ócáid ​​tosú ag beagáinín € 30 agus tá siad ar fáil ar Bellator.com.

 

Bellator 190 a phríomhfhuirseoir ag champ mBoston ann faoi láthair Rafael Carvalho (14-1), a chosaint a theideal i gcoinne ealaíontóir knockout tóir na hIodáile, Alessio "Legionarius" Sakara (19-11, 2 NC). Chomh maith leis sin, Brandon Girtz (14-7) Bíonn ar Luca Jelcic (10-2) ag lightweight, cé go Michael Nica (6-0) Buaileann carlos Miranda (10-3) i Clash lightweight dara. babhtaí A mban thairiscint flyweight amach an chárta nuair Lena Ovchynnikova (12-4, 1 NC) cathanna Alejandra Lara (6-1).

 

Idir an dá linn, Bellator Cosdornálaíochta 8 bródúil as péire de Seaimpíní domhan i raymond Daniels (12-3) agus kevin Ross (45-12) ag cur ar Giannis Boukis (27-1) agus Hamza Imane (49-12-2) faoi ​​seach, i troideanna neamh-teideal. Tá réaltaí kickboxing eile ar taispeáint mar Joe "Stitch 'Em Up" Schilling (22-9) dúshláin filipino Verlinden (44-18-1), Aussie finscéal John Wayne Parr (97-32) san iomaíocht do na 130ú uair in aghaidh Piergiulio Paolucci (24-5-1) agus featherweight Cheanada Gabriel Varga (13-5) babhtaí amach an cárta i matchup le Roberto Georghita (30-6-3).

 

Comhlánaigh Bellator 190: Carvalho vs. a dhéanamh Cárta:

Middleweight Domhanda Teideal Main Imeacht: Rafael Carvalho (14-1) vs. Alessio Sakara (19-11, 2 NC)

Lightweight Príomh Cárta Bout: Brandon Girtz (14-7) vs. Luke Jelcic (10-2)

Flyweight Príomh Cárta Bout mBan: Lena Ovchynnikova (12-4, 1 NC) vs. Alejandra Lara (6-1)

Lightweight Príomh Cárta Bout: Michael Nica (6-0) vs. carlos Miranda (10-3)

 

Réamh Cárta:

Middleweight Réamh Bout: Gregory Ebene (18-11) vs. Tony Zanko (1-4)

Comhlánaigh Bellator Cosdornálaíochta 8: Daniels vs. Boukis Cárta:

Welterweight Príomh-Imeacht (neamh-title): raymond Daniels (12-3) vs. Giannis Boukis (27-1)

Middleweight Príomh Cárta Bout: Joe Schilling (22-9) vs. filipino Verlinden (44-18-1)

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

Lightweight Príomh Cárta Bout (neamh-title): kevin Ross (45-12) vs. Hamza Imane (49-12-2)

Featherweight Príomh Cárta Bout: Gabriel Varga (13-5) vs. Roberto Gheorghita (30-6)

 

****

Bellator, healaíona comhraic measctha, 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) defeated Jeremiah Muineachán (11-6) trí chinneadh d'aon toil (29-27 x3)

 

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

 

Haim Gozali (8-4) defeated Arsen Faitovich (4-2) via aighneacht (triantán choke) ag :45 de bhabhta amháin

 

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

 

John Salter (15-3) defeated Jason Radcliffe (12-5) via aighneacht (chúl-naked choke) ag 1:55 de bhabhta amháin

 

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

 

Denise Kielholtz (1-1) defeated Jessica Middleton (2-3) via aighneacht (armbar) ag 1:16 de bhabhta amháin

 

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

 

Réamh Cárta:

Luiz Rocha (4-1) defeated Almog Shay (2-2) trí chinneadh d'aon toil (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Assaf Batan (1-0) defeated Mor Attias (0-1) via aighneacht (chúl-naked choke) ag 4:08 de bhabhta trí

Matan Levi (3-0) defeated Erik Sianov (0-1) via cinneadh tromlaigh (28-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Raz Bring (3-0) defeated Nadim Kablan (1-1) trí chinneadh d'aon toil (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Moshe Ben Chimol (2-0) defeated Ivan Solomatov (0-1) via aighneacht (armbar) ag 4:00 de bhabhta amháin

Adam Keresh (1-0) defeated Rómhánach Kushnir (0-1) via TKO (punches ) ag 3:00 de bhabhta dhá

Natanial Parisi (1-0) defeated Or Eliov (0-1) via aighneacht (anaconda choke) ag 3:45 de bhabhta amháin

Gad David Abisror (Tús) vs. Alexander Trofimov (1-0) – Uimh Comórtas (accidental foul)

Alexander Nikulin (3-0) defeated Rami Abuhav (0-1) agus trí ko 1:57 de bhabhta amháin

Oron Kahlon (3-0) defeated Julian Maloku (0-1) via aighneacht (triangle) ag 2:08 de bhabhta amháin

Olga Rubin (4-0) defeated Joana Filipa (0-1) via TKO (stailceanna) ag 3:46 de bhabhta dhá

Shimon Gosh (6-2) defeated Francisco Silva (1-1) trí chinneadh d'aon toil (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

****

 

Maidir Bellator:

Bellator is a leading mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Faoi stiúir an veteran tionscnóir troid i Scott Coker, Is Bellator ar fáil do beagnach 1 billion people worldwide in over 160 tíortha. Sna Stáit Aontaithe, Bellator can be seen on SPIKE, the combat sports television leader. Bellator comhdhéanta d'fhoireann feidhmiúcháin go n-áirítear daoine gairmiúla tionscail is fearr i léiriú teilifíse, orchestration ócáid ​​beo, Forbairt Trodaire / Caidreamh, soláthar ionad, cruthú urraíochta / forbairt, ceadúnú idirnáisiúnta, margaíochta, fógraíocht, caidreamh poiblíochta agus coimisiún. Bellator lonnaithe i Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, baile chun an domhain brandaí premier siamsaíochta a nascadh le lucht féachana tríd an ábhar láidre ar fud an teilifís, pictiúr reatha, ardáin ar líne agus soghluaiste.

 

Maidir Spike:

Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. Aonad Viacom (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, taobh thiar-na pictiúir-eolas agus grianghraif.

Bellator, dornálaíocht, healaíona comhraic measctha, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Chomhrac Spóirt Taispeáin: 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?

 

 

 

 

 

Bellator, healaíona comhraic measctha, MMA

BELLATOR TO GIVE AWAY COMMEMORATIVE BOBBLEHEAD CELEBRATING LIFE OF KIMBO SLICE AT BELLATOR 192 ONSATURDAY, EAN. 20 I LOS ANGELES

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CAD: 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 Dé Sathairn, Jan. 20, and will be limited to the first 5,000 fans in attendance for Bellator 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 Bellator 192 ticketholders***

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

NUAIR: The Forum

3900 An. Manchester Blvd.

Inglewood, Calif. 90305

 

CATHAIN: Dé Sathairn, Eanáir 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 de An Comhraiceoir deiridh, 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 Bellator 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.

 

INFO FIGHT: Bellator 192: Lima vs. MacDonald will be broadcast LIVE and FREE on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. AGUS/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.

 

Nuashonraithe Bellator 192: MacDonald vs. Aol Cárta comhrac:

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

****

Bellator, healaíona comhraic measctha, MMA, Spike TV

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

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TICKETS FOR BELLATOR 193 GO ON SALE SEO Dé hAoine AG 3 P.m. PST

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator returns to Pechanga Resort & Casino i Temecula, Calif. do Bellator 193 ar Dé hAoine, Jan. 26, 2018. The card will be headlined by Riverside, California-native Lorenz Larkin (18-7, 1 NC) against Menifee, California 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. Doirse don imeacht oscailte ag 4 p.m. PST, while the preliminary card will kick-off at 5 p.m. PST. The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. AGUS/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the newly updated Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts for Bellator 193: Larkin vs. Gonzalez a d'fhógair go luath.

 

Larkin enters his main event matchup against Gonzalez following must-see bouts against Douglas Lima agus Paul Daley i 2017. Anois, “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 as 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, Calif. the Millenia MMA-product will represent his nearby hometown proudly on Jan. 26.

 

Hailing from Menifee, Calif., 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 foircinn, including a pair of first round knockouts. Le 17 de chuid 27 hOilimpeacha gairme ag teacht ar mhodh knockout nó aighneacht, “The Menifee Maniac” will look to see his win-streak continue following his recent success against Brennan Ward at Bellator 193.

 

Nuashonraithe Bellator 193: Larkin vs. Gonzalez Cárta comhrac:

Catchweight (180 lb..) Imeacht Main: Lorenz Larkin (18-7, 1 NC) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (27-14)

Bellator, healaíona comhraic measctha, MMA, Spike TV

AHEAD OF BELLATOR 188 SEACHTAIN SEO, 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, Bellator 188 competitors Noad Lahat (11-3) agus 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. Ina theannta sin, the preliminary bouts feature many of Israel’s best up-and-coming regional talent.

 

Bellator 188: Lahat vs. Labiano ar siúl Déardaoin, Samhain. 16 at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv and airs free on Spike this Dé hAoine, Samhain. 17 ag 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST. Full card details can be found below.

 

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

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

 

 

Comhlánaigh Bellator 188: Lahat vs. Labiano Cárta comhrac:

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

 

Réamh Cárta:

Welterweight Réamh Bout: Kiril Medvedovsky (11-5) vs. Luiz Rocha (3-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mor Attias (Tús) vs. Assaf Batan (Tús)

Welterweight Réamh Bout: Erik Sianov (0-1) vs. Matan Levi (2-0)

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

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Moshe Ben Chimol (1-0) vs. Ivan Solomatov (Tús)

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

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Or Eliov (Tús) vs. Natanial Parisi (Tús)

Welterweight Réamh Bout: Gad David Abisror (Tús) vs. Alexander Trofimov (1-0)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Anthony Nisim Mor (Tús) vs. Shay Almog (2-1)

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

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Julian Maloku (Tús) vs. Oron Kahlon (2-0)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Joana Filipa (Tús) vs. Olga Rubin (3-0)

Welterweight Réamh Bout: Francisco Silva (1-0) vs. Shimon Gosh (5-2)

Bellator, healaíona comhraic measctha, 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 "Rampage" 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. Roimhe, 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.

 

Troid as Las Vegas, 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 de An Comhraiceoir deiridh. Le 19 de chuid 22 gairme Bhuaigh teacht ar mhodh knockout nó aighneacht, 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 (faoi ​​dhó), 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 ag Bellator 170 in January and then went on to defeat Wanderlei Silva in the main event of Bellator: NYC.

 

Frank Mir Thosaigh Bellator níos luaithe i mbliana méid seo a leanas 15 years under in the UFC where he became a two-time world champion, bailíodh 16 victories and defeated the who’s who of heavyweight contenders, lena n-áirítear Brock Lesnar, "Bigfoot" Silva, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Roy Nelson. Troid as Las Vegas, Mir leagtha taifid iomadúla agus iomaíocht lena cur chun cinn iar, chun suntais ag an troideanna is mó (27), victories (16), agus aighneachtaí (8) i stair na trom-mheáchain. Le 14 de chuid 18 gairme Bhuaigh teacht ar mhodh knockout nó aighneacht, 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 troideanna, 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.

 

Is iar-PRIDE curadh, Is "An Impire Last" ar cheann de na trodaithe trom is revered agus meas go bhfuil an spórt le feiceáil. Stone-aghaidh agus ciúin, Emelianenko boasted ar cheann de na streaks unbeaten is suntasaí i stair MMA, ní chailliúint bout idir 2001 agus 2009. A curadh domhanda il-am i MMA agus Sambo, Fedor ais le déanaí chuig an spórt tar éis bearna gearr, accumulating two decisive wins since his return to action and competing against Matt Mitrione in an instant classic at Bellator: 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 Bellator 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 An Comhraiceoir deiridh 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 "Rampage" 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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Bellator, healaíona comhraic measctha, MMA, Spike TV, wrestling, WWE

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

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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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