Tag Achiv: La ap

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

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) ak Valerie Letourneau (8-6), will both make their long-awaited promotional debuts during La ap 191 at Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England on Vandredi, 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) nan evènman an ko-prensipal. Anplis de sa, 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). Finalman, 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).

 

La ap 191: McDonald vs. Ligier will be broadcast free on SPIKE Vandredi, Dec. 15 nan 9 p.m. AK/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event can be purchased from Ticketmaster.co.uk & event.co.uk.

 

Nan sèlman 26 ane ki gen laj, McDonald will enter the Bellator cage with experience against some of the top bantamweights the sport of MMA has to offer, including Renan Barao, Jan 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. Avèk 15 finishes in his 17 ranport kòm yon pwofesyonèl, McDonald will look to hand Ligier his first stoppage loss of his career.

 

Hailing from Paris, Lafrans, 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. Koulye a,, 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 La ap 182 nan mwa Out, 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 Ultim konba a sezon 23. Hailing from Lostwithiel, Cornwall, Angletè, Jackson will have the home crowd to her advantage at La ap 191.

Complete La ap 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)

 

Kat Preliminè:

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

Nan La ap 192: Lima vs. MacDonald sou Janvye 20, 2018 at The Forum in Los Angeles, the tournament will begin with former champ Quinton "sakaje" 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.

 

Yon ti tan apre, Matt Mitrione (12-5) ap rankontre Roy Nelson (23-14) sou Fevriye 16 nan La ap 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 "Wa 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.

 

Pi ba a, you will find the official trailer for the Bellator MMA World Grand Prix 2018 Pwa loud chanpyona. Please feel free to share:

Watch video here

 

Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix First-Round Matchups:

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

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

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

LOS ANGELES – Bellator returns to Florence, Italy on Samdi, Desanm 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.

 

La ap 190 will air free on SPIKE at 8 p.m. AK/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.

 

La ap 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). Anplis de sa, Brandon Girtz (14-7) pran sou Luca Jelcic (10-2) a ki lejè, pandan y ap Mihail Nica (6-0) satisfè Carlos Miranda (10-3) in second lightweight clash. A women’s flyweight offering rounds out the card when Lena Ovchynnikova (12-4, 1 NC) batay Alejandra Lara (6-1).

 

Pandan se tan, Bellator Kickboxing 8 boasts a pair of world champions in Raymond Daniels (12-3) ak Kevin Ross (45-12) pran sou Giannis Boukis (27-1) ak Hamza Imane (49-12-2) respektivman, 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 La ap 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)

 

Kat Preliminè:

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

Complete Bellator Kickboxing 8: Daniels vs. Boukis Card:

Wèltèr Main Evènman (non-title): Raymond Daniels (12-3) vs. Giannis Boukis (27-1)

Middleweight Main Card Bout: Joe childinc (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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ISRAELI FIGHTERS NOAD LAHAT AND HAIM GOZALI WALK AWAY VICTORIOUS IN FRONT OF SOLD OUT BELLATOR 188 CROWD IN TEL AVIV

 

Noad Lahat (12-3) bat Jeremi Monaghan (11-6) via desizyon inanim (29-27 x3)

 

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

 

Haim Gozali (8-4) bat Arsen Faitovich (4-2) via soumisyon (triyang toufe) nan :45 nan yon sèl wonn

 

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

 

Jan saleur (15-3) bat Jason Radcliffe (12-5) via soumisyon (dèyè-toutouni toufe) nan 1:55 nan yon sèl wonn

 

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

 

Denise Kielholtz (1-1) bat Jessica Middleton (2-3) via soumisyon (armbar) nan 1:16 nan yon sèl wonn

 

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

 

Kat Preliminè:

Luiz Rocha (4-1) bat Almog Shay (2-2) via desizyon inanim (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Assaf Batan (1-0) bat Mor Attias (0-1) via soumisyon (dèyè-toutouni toufe) nan 4:08 fè wonn tant twa

Matan Levi (3-0) bat Erik Sianov (0-1) atravè desizyon majorite (28-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Raz Bring (3-0) bat Nadim Kablan (1-1) via desizyon inanim (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Moshe Ben Chimol (2-0) bat Ivan Solomatov (0-1) via soumisyon (armbar) nan 4:00 nan yon sèl wonn

Adam Keresh (1-0) bat Women Kushnir (0-1) via TKO (pwenson ) nan 3:00 nan wonn de

Natanial Parisi (1-0) bat Or Eliov (0-1) via soumisyon (anaconda choke) nan 3:45 nan yon sèl wonn

Gad David Abisror (Premye) vs. Alexander Trofimov (1-0) – Pa gen Konkou (accidental foul)

Alexander Nikulin (3-0) bat Rami Abuhav (0-1) via KO at 1:57 nan yon sèl wonn

Oron Kahlon (3-0) bat Julian Maloku (0-1) via soumisyon (triangle) nan 2:08 nan yon sèl wonn

Olga Rubin (4-0) bat Joana Filipa (0-1) via TKO (grèv) nan 3:46 nan wonn de

Shimon Gosh (6-2) bat Francisco Silva (1-1) via desizyon inanim (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. Sou direksyon veteran pwomotè batay Scott Coker, La ap se disponib nan prèske 1 billion people worldwide in over 160 peyi. Nan peyi Etazini an, 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, ap viv òkestrasyon evènman, devlopman avyon de gè / relasyon, pidevan akizisyon, kreyasyon parennaj / devlopman, lisans entènasyonal, maketing, piblisite, piblisite ak komisyon relasyon. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Kalifòni. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, lakay yo nan mak nan mond lan premye minis amizman ki konekte ak odyans nan kontni irezistib toupatou nan televizyon, foto mouvman, sou entènèt ak mobil tribin.

 

Sou Spike:

Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. Yon inite nan 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, dèyè-sèn-enfòmasyon an ak foto.

FNU Espò konba Montre: Tony, Tom and Rich Discuss All Things Combat Sports

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

 

 

KISA: Limited-Edition KIMBO Tranch Bobblehead Giveaway

 

The world lost an icon in June of 2016 with the passing of KIMBO Tranch. 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 Samdi, Jan. 20, and will be limited to the first 5,000 fans in attendance for La ap 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 La ap 192 ticketholders***

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

KI KOTE: The Forum

3900 Nan. Manchester Blvd.

INGLEWOOD, Kalifòni. 90305

 

LÈ: Samdi, Janvye 20

KIMBO Tranch (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 nan Ultim konba a, 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 La ap 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 BATAY: La ap 192: Lima vs. MacDonald will be broadcast LIVE and FREE on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. AK/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.

 

À La ap 192: MacDonald vs. Lime Fight Card:

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

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

TICKETS FOR La ap 193 GO ON SALE Sa a Vandredi AT 3 P.m. PST

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator returns to Pechanga Resort & Kazino nan Temecula, Kalifòni. pou La ap 193 sou Vandredi, Jan. 26, 2018. The card will be headlined by Riverside, California-native Lorenz Larkin (18-7, 1 NC) against Menifee, California a 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. Pòt pou evènman an louvri nan 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. AK/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the newly updated Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts for La ap 193: Larkin vs. Gonzalez pral anonse yon ti tan.

 

Larkin enters his main event matchup against Gonzalez following must-see bouts against Douglas Lima ak Pòl Daley nan 2017. Koulye a,, “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 soti nan 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, Kalifòni. the Millenia MMA-product will represent his nearby hometown proudly on Jan. 26.

 

Hailing from Menifee, Kalifòni., 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 bout, including a pair of first round knockouts. Avèk 17 nan l ' 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 La ap 193.

 

À La ap 193: Larkin vs. Gonzalez Fight Card:

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

AHEAD OF BELLATOR 188 SEMÈN SA A, BELLATOR FIGHTERS MEET WITH ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU IN JERUSALEM

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

 

JERUSALEM – Earlier today, La ap 188 competitors Noad Lahat (11-3) ak 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. Anplis de sa, the preliminary bouts feature many of Israel’s best up-and-coming regional talent.

 

La ap 188: Lahat vs. Labiano pran plas Jedi, Nov. 16 at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv and airs free on Spike this Vandredi, Nov. 17 nan 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST. Full card details can be found below.

 

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

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

 

 

Complete La ap 188: Lahat vs. Labiano Fight Card:

Featherweight Main Event: Noad Lahat (11-3) vs. Jeremi Monaghan (11-5)

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

Middleweight Feature Bout: Jan saleur (14-3) vs. Jason Radcliffe (12-4)

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

 

Kat Preliminè:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 "sakaje" 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. Précédemment, 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.

 

Goumen soti nan 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 Tranch and later went on to win season 10 nan Ultim konba a. Avèk 19 nan l ' 22 karyè ranport vini pa fason pou pentch oswa soumèt, 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 (de fwa), 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 nan La ap 170 in January and then went on to defeat Wanderlei Silva in the main event of La ap: NYC.

 

Frank Mir ansanm la ap pi bonè ane sa a apre 15 years under in the UFC where he became a two-time world champion, ranmase 16 victories and defeated the who’s who of heavyweight contenders, ki gen ladan Brock HT, "Bigfout" Silva, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Roy Nelson. Goumen soti nan Las Vegas, Mir mete dosye anpil pandan y ap ak konpetisyon ak pwomosyon ansyen l ', make pa batay yo pi (27), viktwa (16), ak soumèt (8) nan istwa pwa loud. Avèk 14 nan l ' 18 karyè ranport vini pa fason pou pentch oswa soumèt, 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 batay, 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.

 

Yon ansyen PRIDE chanpyon, "Anperè a Denye" ​​se youn nan konbatan yo ki pi venere ak respekte pwa loud te espò a wè. Stone-fè fas ak trankil, Emelianenko pwogram youn nan tach yo pi enpresyonan envenku nan istwa a nan mma, pa pèdi yon bout ant 2001 ak 2009. Yon chanpyon nan lemonn milti-tan nan mma ak Sambo, Fedor fèk tounen nan espò a apre yon lakun kout, accumulating two decisive wins since his return to action and competing against Matt Mitrione in an instant classic at La ap: 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 la ap 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 La ap 186. Fighting out of Tempe, Arizona., 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 Ultim konba a 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 "sakaje" 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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JAKE HAGER, FORMERLY KNOWN AS WWE’S JACK SWAGGER, SIGNS EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH BELLATOR MMA

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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