Tag Archives: Bellator

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Ntsia hlau loj 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) thiab Valerie Letourneau (8-6), will both make their long-awaited promotional debuts during Bellator 191 at Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England on Friday, Dec. 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) nyob rau hauv lub co-ntsiab kev tshwm sim. Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, 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). Thaum kawg, 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 Friday, Dec. 15 ntawm 9 p.m. THIAB/ 8 p.m. I. Tickets for the event can be purchased from Ticketmaster.co.uk & event.co.uk.

 

Tsuas 26 xyoo ntawm hnub nyoog, 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. Nrog 15 finishes in his 17 yeej raws li ib tug kws, McDonald will look to hand Ligier his first stoppage loss of his career.

 

Hailing from Paris, Fabkis, 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. Tam sim no, 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 nyob rau hauv lub yim hli ntuj, 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 Qhov kawg Fighter lub caij 23. Hailing from Lostwithiel, Cornwall, Hais, Jackson will have the home crowd to her advantage at Bellator 191.

Complete Bellator 191: McDonald vs. Ligier Fight Card:

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)

 

Preliminary Card:

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

 

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Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Ntsia hlau loj 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 Jan. 20

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

 

Ntawm Bellator 192: Lima vs. MacDonald rau Lub ib hlis ntuj 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.

 

Tsis ntev tom qab ntawd, Matt Mitrione (12-5) yuav ua tau raws li Roy Nelson (23-14) rau Lub ob hlis ntuj 16 ntawm 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 "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.

 

Hauv qab no, you will find the official trailer for the Bellator MMA World Grand Prix 2018 Heavyweight kev sib tw. 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 – 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)

Bellator, kickboxing, Ntsia hlau loj 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 Bellator 190

LOS ANGELES – Bellator returns to Florence, Italy on Saturday, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 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.

 

Bellator 190 will air free on SPIKE at 8 p.m. THIAB/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.

 

Bellator 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). Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, Brandon Girtz (14-7) yuav siv sij hawm nyob rau hauv Luca Jelcic (10-2) ntawm khaub-ncaws nyias, thaum lub sij hawm Mihail Nica (6-0) raws li Carlos Miranda (10-3) in second lightweight clash. A women’s flyweight offering rounds out the card when Lena Ovchynnikova (12-4, 1 NC) battles Alejandra Lara (6-1).

 

Meanwhile, Bellator Kickboxing 8 boasts a pair of world champions in Raymond Daniels (12-3) thiab Kevin Ross (45-12) kev noj nyob Giannis Boukis (27-1) thiab Hamza Imane (49-12-2) feem, 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 130th 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).

 

Complete Bellator 190: Carvalho vs. Sakara Card:

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

Lightweight Main Card Bout: 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)

Lightweight Main Card Bout: Mihail Nica (6-0) vs. Carlos Miranda (10-3)

 

Preliminary Card:

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Gregory Babene (18-11) vs. Tony Zanko (1-4)

Complete Bellator Kickboxing 8: Daniels vs. Boukis Card:

Welterweight Main kev tshwm sim (non-title): Raymond Daniels (12-3) vs. Giannis Boukis (27-1)

Middleweight Main Card Bout: 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)

Lightweight Main Card Bout (non-title): Kevin Ross (45-12) vs. Hamza Imane (49-12-2)

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

 

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Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Ntsia hlau loj 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) yeej Yelemi Monaghan (11-6) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (29-27 x 3)

 

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

 

Haim Gozali (8-4) yeej Arsen Faitovich (4-2) ntawm cuav (daim duab peb sab caj pas) ntawm :45 ntawm puag ncig ib

 

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

 

John Salter (15-3) yeej Jason Radcliffe (12-5) ntawm cuav (rear-liab qab caj pas) ntawm 1:55 ntawm puag ncig ib

 

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

 

Denise Kielholtz (1-1) yeej Jessica Middleton (2-3) ntawm cuav (armbar) ntawm 1:16 ntawm puag ncig ib

 

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

 

Preliminary Card:

Luiz Rocha (4-1) yeej Almog Shay (2-2) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Assaf Batan (1-0) yeej Mor Attias (0-1) ntawm cuav (rear-liab qab caj pas) ntawm 4:08 ntawm puag ncig peb

Matan Levi (3-0) yeej Erik Sianov (0-1) ntawm feem ntau txiav txim (28-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Raz Bring (3-0) yeej Nadim Kablan (1-1) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Moshe Ben Chimol (2-0) yeej Ivan Solomatov (0-1) ntawm cuav (armbar) ntawm 4:00 ntawm puag ncig ib

Adam Keresh (1-0) yeej Roman Kushnir (0-1) ntawm TKO (punches ) ntawm 3:00 ntawm round ob

Natanial Parisi (1-0) yeej Or Eliov (0-1) ntawm cuav (anaconda choke) ntawm 3:45 ntawm puag ncig ib

Gad David Abisror (Debut) vs. Alexander Trofimov (1-0) – Tsis Contest (accidental foul)

Alexander Nikulin (3-0) yeej Rami Abuhav (0-1) via KO at 1:57 ntawm puag ncig ib

Oron Kahlon (3-0) yeej Julian Maloku (0-1) ntawm cuav (triangle) ntawm 2:08 ntawm puag ncig ib

Olga Rubin (4-0) yeej Joana Filipa (0-1) ntawm TKO (ntaus) ntawm 3:46 ntawm round ob

Shimon Gosh (6-2) yeej Francisco Silva (1-1) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

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About Bellator:

Bellator is a leading mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Nyob rau hauv cov kev coj ntawm qub tub rog sib ntaus pab txhawb Scott Coker, Bellator yog muaj rau ze li ntawm 1 billion people worldwide in over 160 lub teb chaws. Nyob rau hauv lub tebchaws United States, Bellator can be seen on SPIKE, the combat sports television leader. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, nyob kev tshwm sim orchestration, fighter txoj kev loj hlob / kev sib raug zoo, venue ceev, sponsorship creation / kev loj hlob, thoob ntiaj teb daim ntawv tso cai, marketing, advertising, tshaj tawm thiab commission kev sib raug zoo. Bellator is based in Hollywood, California. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, lub tsev mus rau lub ntiaj teb premier lom zem hom uas txuas nrog audiences los ntawm yuam cov ntsiab lus nyob rau hauv TV, tsab ntawv tsa suab duab, hauv internet thiab mobile platforms.

 

Hais txog ntsia hlau loj:

Ntsia hlau loj is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. Ib tug unit ntawm 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, qab-lub-scenes cov ntaub ntawv thiab cov duab.

Bellator, boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Nplua nuj Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat kev ua si Qhia: 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, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR TO GIVE AWAY COMMEMORATIVE BOBBLEHEAD CELEBRATING LIFE OF KIMBO SLICE AT BELLATOR 192 ONSATURDAY, Jan. 20 NYOB RAU HAUV LOS ANGELES

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DAB TSI: Limited-Edition Kimbo Hlais Bobblehead Giveaway

 

The world lost an icon in June of 2016 with the passing of Kimbo Hlais. 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 Saturday, 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***

QHOV TWG: The Forum

3900 Lub. Manchester Blvd.

Inglewood, California. 90305

 

THAUM: Saturday, Lub ib hlis ntuj 20

Kimbo Hlais (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 ntawm Qhov kawg 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 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.

 

Sib ntaus INFO: Bellator 192: Lima vs. MacDonald will be broadcast LIVE and FREE on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. THIAB/8 p.m. I, 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.

 

Tshiab Bellator 192: MacDonald vs. Txiv qaub Fight Card:

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

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Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Ntsia hlau loj 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 Bellator 193 GO ON SALE NO Friday AT 3 P.M. PST

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator returns to Pechanga Resort & Twv txiaj yuam pov nyob rau hauv Temecula, California. rau Bellator 193 rau Friday, Jan. 26, 2018. The card will be headlined by Riverside, California-native Lorenz Larkin (18-7, 1 NC) against Menifee, California lub 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. Qhov rooj rau cov kev tshwm sim qhib 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. THIAB/8 p.m. I, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the newly updated Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts for Bellator 193: Larkin vs. Gonzalez yuav qhia tawm uas tsocai.

 

Larkin enters his main event matchup against Gonzalez following must-see bouts against Douglas Lima thiab Paul Daley nyob rau hauv 2017. Tam sim no, “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 tawm ntawm 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, California. the Millenia MMA-product will represent his nearby hometown proudly on Jan. 26.

 

Hailing from Menifee, California., 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 xaus, including a pair of first round knockouts. Nrog 17 ntawm nws 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 Bellator 193.

 

Tshiab Bellator 193: Larkin vs. Gonzalez Fight Card:

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

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Ntsia hlau loj TV

AHEAD OF BELLATOR 188 QHOV NO LIMTIAM, 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) thiab 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. Tsis tas li ntawd, the preliminary bouts feature many of Israel’s best up-and-coming regional talent.

 

Bellator 188: Lahat vs. Labiano yuav siv sij hawm qhov chaw Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv and airs free on Spike this Friday, Nov. 17 ntawm 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST. Full card details can be found below.

 

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

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

 

 

Complete Bellator 188: Lahat vs. Labiano Fight Card:

Featherweight Main Event: Noad Lahat (11-3) vs. Yelemi Monaghan (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)

 

Preliminary Card:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Gad David Abisror (Debut) vs. Alexander Trofimov (1-0)

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

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

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

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

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

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Ntsia hlau loj 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. Yav tas los, 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.

 

Sib ntaus sib tua tawm ntawm 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 Hlais and later went on to win season 10 ntawm Qhov kawg Fighter. Nrog 19 ntawm nws 22 hauj lwm yeej los ntawm txoj kev ntawm knockout los yog kev mloog lus, 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 (ob zaug), 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 ntawm Bellator 170 in January and then went on to defeat Wanderlei Silva in the main event of Bellator: NYC.

 

Frank Mir koom Bellator nyuam qhuav pib lub xyoo nram qab no 15 years under in the UFC where he became a two-time world champion, sau 16 victories and defeated the who’s who of heavyweight contenders, xws li Brock Lesnar, "Bigfoot" Silva, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Roy Nelson. Sib ntaus sib tua tawm ntawm Las Vegas, Mir teem heev heev cov ntaub ntawv thaum sib tw nrog nws tus qub nce qib, tseem ceeb los ntawm cov feem ntau fights (27), victories (16), thiab submissions (8) nyob rau hauv heavyweight keeb kwm. Nrog 14 ntawm nws 18 hauj lwm yeej los ntawm txoj kev ntawm knockout los yog kev mloog lus, 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 fights, 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.

 

Ib tug qub muaj nuj nqis yeej, "Lub Xeem huab tais" yog ib qho ntawm feem revered thiab respected heavyweight fighters kev ua si nawv tau pom. Pob zeb-faced thiab nyob ntsiag to, Emelianenko khav ib qho ntawm feem impressive unbeaten streaks nyob rau hauv lub keeb kwm ntawm MMA, tsis poob ib tug bout ntawm 2001 thiab 2009. Ib tug multi-lub sij hawm lub ntiaj teb no yeej nyob rau hauv MMA thiab Sambo, Fedor nyuam qhuav rov qab mus rau lub kev ua si nawv tom qab ib nyuag hiatus, 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 Qhov kawg 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 "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, mixed martial arts, MMA, Ntsia hlau loj TV, wrestling, WWE

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

Cia ib saib

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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