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Tag Archives: Bellator
MARCOS GALVAO CLAIMS BELLATOR BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SECOND-ROUND SUBMISSION VICTORY OVER FORMER CHAMPION JOE WARREN
 
CREDIT: Bellator / Eric Coleman – Additional photos below
THACKERVILLE. Okla. – March 27, 2015 – Joe Warren (12-4) may very well be “The Baddest Man on the Planet,” but Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) is the new Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Champion.
In a rematch of a controversial 2011 affair, Galvao earned a verbal submission win after a kneebar forced Warren to scream out in pain. The two met in the headlining contest of Friday’s “Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” event at Winstar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla.
The action was fast-paced from the opening bell with both fighters finding success. It was Warren’s takedowns that served as the primary offense, but Galvao always seemed to find an answer. He would make Warren pay in the second.
As the fight hit the floor again early in the second frame, Galvao transitioned to a kneebar, and as he applied the hold, Warren screamed out in pain, earning an intervention from referee John McCarthy 45 seconds into the second round. The contest was waved off via verbal submission, and Galvao was awarded the win and the Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Title. |
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The night’s co-main event saw L.C. Davis (23-6) and Hideo Tokoro (32-28-2) combine for an instant classic and a candidate for “Fight of the Year”, with Davis eventually earning a hard-fought split-decision victory scored 29-28 Tokoro, 29-28 twice Davis. The action was fast-paced from start to finish, with both men finding success in brutal striking exchanges, as well as slick grappling sequences. It was the type of fight which truly produces no loser, but Davis did just enough to get the official victory.
“The guy has fought the best,” Davis said of Tokoro. “I knew he was going to be tough. I thought I was going to put him away but I wasn’t able to; hats off to him.
Rashad Coulter (5-1) wrapped up the preliminary card with an impressive first-round TKO of Jeremiah O’Neal (13-25). The Bellator MMA newcomer overwhelmed his opponent with heavy punches and brutal knees to the body, scoring the finish by strikes just 1:44 into the opening round.
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About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike TV: Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.
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“BELLATOR: WARREN vs. GALVAO” OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS FIGHT ON SPIKE TV
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“I’m not worried about anything that Marcos Galvao does, he’s just a body in front of me to punish. I have a focus and game plan. If I keep moving forward, no one can stop me.” – Joe Warren
“I am well prepared for wherever the fight goes. I am better than him in all aspects of MMA, including wrestling.” – Marcos Galvao
THACKERVILLE. Okla. – March 26, 2015 – Fighters took to the scales and successfully hit their targeted weights Thursday afternoon at the WinStar World Casino & Resort, the site of tomorrow’s highly anticipated “Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” event, which airs LIVE and FREE on Spike at 9 p.m. ET.
“Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” is headlined by a rematch of a controversial fight between Bellator Bantamweight World Champion Joe Warren (12-3) and Marcos Galvao (16-6-1). Many people felt that the Brazillian Galvao was robbed in their first match up, and now Warren looks to win in convincing fashion tomorrow night.
The event also features a bantamweight co-main event between L.C. Davis (22-6) and Japanese mainstay Hideo Tokoro (32-27-2). |
George “Geo” Pacurariu (135.8 lbs.) vs. J.P. Cole (134.4 lbs.)
Klayton Mai (126 lbs.) vs. Xavier Siller (126 lbs.)
Brad Mitchell (145.4 lbs.) vs. Stephen Banaszak (146.8 lbs.)
Emmanuel Sanchez (145.4 lbs.) vs. Alejandro Villalobos (145.2 lbs.)
Logan Nail (184.8 lbs.) vs. Neil Ewing (184.6 lbs.)
Sean Holden (169.6 lbs.) vs. Tim Roman (170.8 lbs.)
Rashad Coulter (229.8 lbs.) vs. Jeremiah O’Neal (242.4 lbs.)
Additional fighter photos / Credit Bellator/Eric Coleman
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PRE-FIGHT QUOTES:
Joe Warren: “It’s an honor to be fighting again at WinStar Casino. I’ve been here three or four times and my fans show up and we sell out the venue. It’s really exciting to have the opportunity to beat up another Brazilian tomorrow.
“I always perform better in the bigger events in front of my fans. I rise to that level, it’s from my Olympic background.
“I’m not worried about anything that Marcos Galvao does, he’s just a body in front of me to punish. I have a focus and game plan. If I keep moving forward, no one can stop me.
“I am 100 percent looking for the knockout. I am trying to be the champion everybody wants me to.
“If it’s a five round fight, I am ready for that. This is a championship fight and MMA is the most unpredictable sport. Of course I would like to finish every single opponent in the first minute of the first round, but if that doesn’t happen and I am ready for good long fight.
“I am ready for whoever they put in front of me. Whoever is in that cage with me, I am going to punish. I want to keep this belt for as long as I can.”
Marcos Galvao: “I have never felt better going into a fight. I had the best training camp I have ever had, I am ready for tomorrow.
“I am well prepared for wherever the fight goes. I am better than him in all aspects of MMA, including wrestling.
“It is a dream come true to be fighting on SPIKE. Everybody back home in Brazil is very excited to watch me fight. They all have their big screens up in their house and are ready to cheer me on.” “Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” – Friday, March 27, WinStar World Casino, Thackerville, Okla. Bellator Bantamweight Title Fight: Champ Joe Warren (12-3) vs. Marcos Galvao (16-6-1) Bellator Bantamweight Feature Fight: L.C. Davis (22-6) vs. Hideo Tokoro (32-27) Bellator Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Francis Carmont (22-10) vs. Guilherme Viana (6-1) Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Ryan Couture (9-3) vs. Dakota Cochrane (18-7) Preliminary Card (6:30 p.m. ET) Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Sean Holden (2-1) vs. Tim Roman (2-1) Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Neal Ewing (5-0) vs. Logan Nail (1-0) Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Emmanuel Sanchez (9-1) vs. Alejandro Villalobos (17-3) Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Stephen Banaszak (3-4) vs. Brad Mitchell (4-1) Bellator Flyweight Prelim Fight: Klayton Mai (6-1) vs. Xavier Siller (5-3) Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: J.P. Cole (2-2) vs. Geo Pacurariu (8-4) Swing Bout Bellator Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Rashad Coulter (4-1) vs. Jeremiah O’Neal (13-24) About Bellator MMA Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike TV: Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.
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Two of MMA’s biggest superstars clash on Friday, June 19 at “Bellator: Unfinished Business” – Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock
Also: Former Lightweight Champ and Mizzou wrestling star Michael Chandler takes on Derek Campos
Event date changed to June 19 – Tickets on-sale March 27
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 24, 2015) – Their names transcend the sport of MMA. Kimbo. Shamrock.
Two of the most recognizable fighters in combat sports – Kimbo Slice and “The World’s Most Dangerous Man,” Ken Shamrock – will now battle in the Bellator cage on Friday, June 19. “Bellator: Unfinished Business” will air Live and Free on Spike TV from inside St. Louis’ Scottrade Center.
On October 4, 2008, a freak accident robbed the MMA world of one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport. On Friday, June 19, Bellator MMA will right that wrong. Street fighting legend and YouTube sensation Kimbo Slice and “The World’s Most Dangerous Man,” Ken Shamrock, have agreed to renew their rivalry and will now meet in the main event of “Bellator: Unfinished Business,”
“I remember how excited I was when this fight was originally announced, and how disappointed I was when it didn’t come to fruition at that time,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “I’m very happy we were able to put this one together because I know these guys still have a lot of unfinished business to take care of, and when they do, it will be something special.”
Additionally, former Bellator MMA World Lightweight Champion and Mizzou wrestling standout Michael Chandler meets Derek “The Stallion” Campos in a featured contest.
More bouts will be announced shortly.
Tickets for “Bellator: Unfinished Business,” which range from $30 to $200, go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 27, at Bellator.com and Ticketmaster.com. Online presales begin on Wednesday, March 25.
The two superstar headliners each played featured roles in the two most-watched MMA contests in U.S. television history.
For Slice, a chance to revisit the matchup provides an opportunity to rewrite history.
“Ken Shedrack, I owe you this ass whooping,” Slice said. “No more running! No more hiding!”
Meanwhile, Shamrock is an MMA Hall of Famer and multiple-time world champion who is universally recognized as a true pioneer of the sport. Competing professionally since 1993, Shamrock has fought the absolute biggest names in the history of MMA, including Rich Franklin, Don Frye, Royce Gracie, Matt Hume, Ortiz, Bas Rutten, Kazushi Sakuraba and Dan Severn, among many others.
Shamrock believes his drive and determination have him in the best form of his career.
“I am back,” Shamrock said. “It’s good to be performing again for my fans. I feel great, and my health is great. Age should never be a factor if an athlete is healthy, in great shape, and has the drive to continue their sport. I will quit fighting when I want to.”
And for Shamrock, the frustration of that bizarre 2008 night has lingered for years. Now is a chance to prove he would have been the one with his hand raised.
“Kimbo Slice and I have some unfinished business,” Shamrock said. “I am a fighter – that’s who I am. Fighting has always invigorated me.”
Chandler is a former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at the University of Missouri who opened his professional MMA career with 12 consecutive victories, including Bellator MMA wins over Eddie Alvarez, Patricky Pitbull, Marcin Held and Rick Hawn, among others. Along the way, Chandler picked up the Bellator MMA lightweight belt, defending it twice before losing it in a hard-fought split-decision result to Will Brooks.
Campos is a 26-year-old Texas-based fighter who is 6-1 in his past seven overall contests. A professional fighter since 2009, Campos has fought five times under the Bellator MMA banner and now looks to announce himself as a true title contender with an impressive win over a former champion.
THIS WEEK: Catch Bellator Bantamweight World Champion Joe Warren defend his title in a rematch against a very dangerous Marcos Galvao. The event airs Live and Free on Spike this Friday, March 27 at 9/8c from the WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, OK.
About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.
About Scottrade Center:
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this season, Scottrade Center is a contemporary, 12-story glass and concrete structure located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The home of the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, Scottrade Center also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events. Scottrade Center is consistently ranked by Pollstar Magazine as one of the top grossing arenas in the country.
Bellator MMA signs wrestling star Bobby Lashley to a long-term contract extension
Easy tweet: @BellatorMMA signs a long-term contract extension with wrestling superstar@FightBobby! #BellatorMMA
Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Eric Coleman
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 20, 2015) – Bellator MMA announced today that superstar heavyweight Bobby Lashley (12-2) has signed a long-term contract extension with the promotion. Lashley is a perfect 2-0 under the Bellator banner, and 10 of his 12 victories have come by way of stoppage.
The 6’3 wrestling standout started training in the sport at age 12, and would go on to win several titles including three National Championships at Missouri Valley College, an NAIA National Championship, a CISM World Championship Silver Medal and a two-time Armed Forces Wrestling Championship when he served in the United States Army.
With his amazing wrestling pedigree, “The Dominator” signed a developmental contract with the WWE in 2004 and made his professional debut for the organization in 2005. Lashley would go on to fight for ECW and TNA as well, but wanted to prove himself in the world of MMA.
In 2008, Lashley began training in MMA full time with the American Top Team (ATT) gym in Coconut Creek Florida. He would later open his own ATT gym in Denver, CO, and trains between the two facilities with several respected athletes including Josh Barnett, Antonio “Big Foot Silva”, and Todd Duffee.
“I’ve had two fights with Bellator, and I’m happy to be calling the promotion my home,” said Lashley. “Scott Coker and the company have really reignited my desire to fight and I’m looking forward to a huge year with some dominant wins.”
NEXT WEEK: Watch “The Baddest Man on the Planet” Joe Warren defend his bantamweight title against Marcos Galvao next Friday, March 27 at 9/8c Live and Free, only on Spike. For more information visit www.bellator.com.
About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.
Bellator MMA signs Light Heavyweight Champion Liam McGeary to a multi-year, multi-fight contract extension
Easy tweet: @Bellator LHW Champ @Liam_McGeary signs a multi-year, multi-fight contract extension with #BellatorMMA
Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Eric Coleman
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 16, 2015) – Less than a month after making history becoming the first-ever British World Champion in a major MMA organization, Liam McGeary (10-0) has signed a multi-fight, multi-year contract extension with Bellator MMA.
Born in England, but now living in the Bronx, NY where he trains with Renzo Gracie, Liam McGeary set a promotional record for most submission attempts (11) in a fight en route to defeating Emanuel Newton to win the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship at “Bellator: The British Invasion” last month.
“I’m excited to have signed this contract extension with Bellator,” said McGeary. “I know that I’ve got a target on my back as Champion, but I’ve never been one to walk away from a fight. Whoever Scott Coker decides to put across the cage from me next, it doesn’t matter. To me, their name might as well be ‘Victory #11’. I look forward to working with Coker and Spike TV for years to come.”
Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Eric Coleman
Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Lucas Noonan
Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Lucas Noonan
About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.
ANDRE BERTO STOPS JOSESITO LOPEZ IN DEBUT PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE TV SHOW IN FRONT OF A BOISTEROUS CROWD AT CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA IN ONTARIO, CALIF.
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“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” lineup complete with 13 fights; new contests include Tony Johnson vs. Alexander Volkov, Fabricio Guerreiro vs. John Teixeira
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 11, 2015) – The star-studded 13-bout lineup for “Bellator MMA: Brooks vs. Jansen” is now complete with the addition of a main-card heavyweight slugfest of Alexander “Drago” Volkov(24-4) vs. Tony Johnson (8-2) and six new preliminary matchups, including featherweights Fabricio Guerreiro (20-3) vs. John “Macapa” Teixeira (17-1-2).
Additional new preliminary contests added to the lineup include a 150-pound catchweight contest of Cleber Luciano (10-5) vs. Aaron “Blood Spiller” Miller (14-9) bantamweights Chad “Savage” George (15-8) vs.Mark Vorgeas (5-2-1), middleweights Ben Jones (4-4) vs. Luc Bondole (4-1-1), welterweights John “Johnny Merc” Mercurio (6-7) vs. Greg Parker (4-1) and featherweights Marcos “Murder Marx” Bonilla (1-1) vs. A.J. McKee (0-0).
A previously announced preliminary contest of bantamweights Jared Papazian (18-11) vs. Raja Shippen (14-9-1) has been removed from the card.
“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” takes place on Friday, April 10, at Bren Events Center in Irvine, Calif. The night’s televised main card, featuring Bellator MMA Lightweight World Champion Will Brooks vs. top contender Dave Jansen, airs live on Spike TV (9 p.m. ET), while preliminary bouts stream live on Spike.com (7 p.m. ET).
Tickets for “Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen,” which start at just $38, are already on sale at Bellator.com andBren.UCI.edu.
Johnson, of North Platte, Neb., is an American Kickboxing Academy product who returns to the Bellator MMA cage for the first time since a 2011 victory over Derrick Lewis. Including a pair of appearances fighting overseas in Maylasia and the Philippines, Johnson is currently 4-1 in his past five contests, most recently needing just 81 seconds to score a TKO win over Robert Neal. Johnson also owns a win over former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia.
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Russian slugger Volkov, a Moscow native, has earned 17 of his 24 career victories through strikes. An incredible 15-1 in his past 16 appearances, Volkov’s only loss in that span came in a 25-minute matchup with current Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Vitaly Minakov. Aiming for another shot at that belt, Volkov appears primed for a breakout performance.
At just 24 years old, Guerreiro, of Santana, Amapa, Brazil, already boasts 20 career victories, 17 of which have come by way of stoppage. With Bellator MMA wins over Shahbulat Shamhalaev and Desmond Green already under his belt, Guerreiro makes his fourth Bellator MMA appearance.
Meanwhile, Teixeira is a 28-year-old who hails from just 12 miles away from his opponent, growing up in Macapa, Amapa, Brazil. With just one loss in a 20-fight career that dates back to 2007, Teixeira was victorious in his Bellator MMA debut and now looks to defeat a cross-state rival on an international stage.
Brazilian-born Luciano now lives in Huntington Beach, Calif., where he serves as a jiu-jitsu instructor in his own academy. A Royler Gracie black belt since he was 19 years old, Luciano has started to focus more on MMA in recent years and is an impressive 10-2 in his past 12 appearances, with seven submission wins in that span. He’ll face Miller, of Hacienda Heights, Calif., who returns to action following 16 months on the sidelines after a submission loss to Michael Guymon. Prior to the result, Miller had boasted a five-fight winning streak.
George, of Los Angeles, Calif., is nearing 10 years in the sport but now makes his Bellator MMA debut. While George has never been knocked out in 23 professional contests, he has been tapped out in six of his eight career losses. He now faces Vorgeas, of Laguna Hills, Calif., who owns four of his five career victories by tapout.
Bondole is originally from Portland, Maine, but now makes his home in Huntington Beach, Calif., where he trains with Kings MMA. Bondole seeks revenge after suffering his first career loss in his Bellator MMA debut. He now meets Jones, of Riverside, Calif., who fights for the first time under the Bellator MMA banner. Jones has never fought to a judges’ decision in his eight career contests to date.
Mercurio, of Huntington Beach, Calif., seeks his first victory under the Bellator MMA banner. He meets crosstown rival Parker, who has yet to fight to a judges’ decision in his first five appearances.
Bonilla, of Los Angeles, Calif., recently picked up his first official career win and now meets McKee, of Lakewood, Calif., who makes his professional debut.
“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” – Friday, April 10, Bren Events Center, Irvine, Calif.
Main Card (9 p.m. ET)
Bellator Lightweight Title Fight: Champ Will Brooks (15-1) vs. Dave Jansen (20-2)
Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-3) vs. Rafael Carvalho (10-1)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Marcin Held (20-3) vs. Alexander “Tiger” Sarnavskiy (30-2)
Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Alexander Volkov (24-4) vs. Tony Johnson (8-2)
Preliminary Card (7 p.m. ET)
Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: John Mercurio (6-7) vs. Greg Parker (4-1)
Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Joey Beltran (15-11) vs. Brian Rogers (11-7)
Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Saad Awad (17-6) vs. Rob Sinclair (12-2)
Bellator Flyweight Prelim Fight: Fabricio Guerreiro (20-3) vs. John Teixeira (17-1-2)
Bellator Flyweight Prelim Fight: Jonathan Santa Maria (3-0) vs. Steve Ramirez (0-1)
Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Marcos Bonilla (1-1) vs. A.J. McKee (0-0)
Dark Bouts (Following Spike TV broadcast)
Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Ben Jones (4-4) vs. Luc Bondole (4-1-1)
Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Chad George (15-8) vs. Mark Vorgeas (5-2-1)
Bellator Catchweight (150 pounds) Prelim Fight: Cleber Luciano (10-5) vs. Aaron Miller (14-9)
About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.
Injury delays Eduardo Dantas vs. Mike Richman at “Bellator MMA: Warren vs. Galvao”
L.C. Davis vs. Hideo Tokoro promoted to Spike TV-televised co-main event
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 10, 2015) – A Mike Richman injury has delayed a highly anticipated bantamweight matchup with former Bellator MMA World Champion Eduardo Dantas at this month’s “Bellator MMA: Warren vs. Galvao” event. However, Bellator MMA officials have promoted a previously announced gem from the preliminary card, as a 135-pound contest between L.C. Davis
(22-6) vs. Hideo Tokoro (32-27) will now take center stage as the co-main event on the evening’s Spike TV-televised main card.
Dantas (16-4) vs. Richman (18-5) will be rescheduled at a later date.
“Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” takes place on Friday, March 27, at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla. The night’s televised main card, featuring Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Champion Joe Warren vs. top contender Marcos Galvao, airs live on Spike TV (9 p.m. ET).
A seven-bout preliminary card streams live on Spike.com (6:30 p.m. ET).
Tickets for “Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao,” which include VIP Seating for just $75, are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.
Davis, of Kansas City, Mo., is a nine-year veteran of the sport who is currently 6-1 in his past seven appearances, including a pair of wins under the Bellator MMA banner. He faces 14-year Japanese veteran Tokoro, a longtime mainstay in his native country who now makes his Bellator MMA debut.
“Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” – Friday, March 27, WinStar World Casino, Thackerville, Okla.
Main Card (9 p.m. ET)
Bellator Bantamweight Title Fight: Champ Joe Warren (12-3) vs. Marcos Galvao (16-6-1)
Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: L.C. Davis (22-6) vs. Hideo Tokoro (32-27)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Francis Carmont (22-10) vs. Guilherme Viana (6-1)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Ryan Couture (9-3) vs. Dakota Cochrane (18-7)
Preliminary Card (6:30 p.m. ET)
Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Sean Holden (2-1) vs. Tim Roman (2-1)
Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Neal Ewing (5-0) vs. Logan Nail (1-0)
Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Emmanuel Sanchez (9-1) vs. Alejandro Villalobos (17-3)
Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Stephen Banaszak (3-4) vs. Brad Mitchell (4-1)
Bellator Flyweight Prelim Fight: Klayton Mai (6-1) vs. Xavier Siller (5-3)
Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: J.P. Cole (2-2) vs. Geo Pacurariu (8-4)
Swing Bout
Bellator Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Rashad Coulter (4-1) vs. Jeremiah O’Neal (13-24)
About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.
“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” adds five new contests, including Marcin Held vs. “Tiger” Sarnavskiy, Joey Beltran vs. Brian Rogers and more
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 5, 2015) – The action-packed lineup for “Bellator MMA: Brooks vs. Jansen” continues to fill, and the latest round of additions includes a key lightweight matchup between two international contenders with a combined 50 career victories, as well as four intriguing preliminary contests.
The new matchups include a main-card lightweight contest of Marcin Held (20-3) vs. Alexander “Tiger” Sarnavskiy (30-2), as well as preliminary bouts of bantamweights Jared “The Jackhammer” Papazian (18-11) vs. Raja Shippen (14-9-1), middleweights Joey “Mexicutioner” Beltran (15-11) vs. Brian “The Professional Predator” Rogers (11-7), lightweights Saad “Assassin” Awad (17-6) vs. Rob “C4” Sinclair (12-2) and flyweights Jonathan Santa Maria (3-0) vs. Steve Ramirez (0-1).
“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” takes place on Friday, April 10, at Bren Events Center in Irvine, Calif. The night’s televised main card, featuring Bellator MMA Lightweight World Champion Will Brooks vs. top contender Dave Jansen, airs live on Spike TV (9 p.m. ET), while preliminary bouts stream live on Spike.com (7 p.m. ET).
Tickets for “Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen,” which start at just $38, are already on sale atBellator.com and Bren.UCI.edu
The 23-year-old Held, a native of Tychy, Poland, is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who boasts one of the most dangerous submission games in the world. A former no-gi grappling world champion, Held has been competing in mixed martial arts professionally since 2008 and has earned 11 of his 20 career wins by tapout. With just one loss in his past 11 appearances, Held owns Bellator MMA wins over Patricky Pitbull, Nate Jolly, Derek Anderson, Rodrigo Cavalheiro, Ryan Healy, Rich Clementi, Murad Machaev, Derrick Kennington and Phillipe Nover.
The 26-year-old Sarnavskiy, from Omsk, Russia, has an equally impressive record and has earned the rank of Master of Sport in hand-to-hand combat. A seven-time Bellator MMA veteran, Sarnavskiy is currently enjoying a five-fight winning streak and is 10-1 in his past 11 appearances. In his 30 career victories, 25 have come by stoppage, including 18 submissions and seven knockouts.
Papazian, of West Hills, Calif., is a seven-year veteran of the sport who has been training in martial arts since he was just 6 years old. A former King of the Cage flyweight champion, Papazian is 3-1 in his past four outings. He faces Shippen, of Lake Forest, Calif. A Reign Training Center product, Shippen is 11-1 in his past 12 appearances and has earned 13 of his 14 career wins by stoppage, including five knockouts and eight submissions.
The hard-hitting Beltran, of San Diego, Calif., Beltran is a three-time Bellator MMA veteran and former light heavyweight who now makes his first appearance in the middleweight divisions. A slugger by trade, 11 of Beltran’s 15 career wins have come by way of knockout. He now meets fellow knockout artist Rogers, of Denver, Colo. With nine Bellator MMA appearances to his name, Rogers also prefers to stand and bang and has earned nine of his 11 career wins with strikes.
Awad, of San Bernadino, Calif., is a Millennia MMA product who owns five wins under the Bellator MMA banner, four of which have come by stoppage. Fourteen of his 17 career wins have come by stoppage, including seven knockouts and seven submissions. He faces Sinclair, of Manchester, England, who is 8-1 in his past nine appearances. Ten of Sinclair’s 12 career wins have come by way of finish, including nine knockouts, and he now makes his Bellator MMA debut.
Santa Maria, of Whittier, Calif., is a Reign Training Center fighter who made his professional debut in March 2014 and has already picked up three victories, including a November win under the Bellator MMA banner. He now faces Ramirez, of Corona, Calif., who suffered a split-decision loss in his professional debut and now hopes to earn his first official career victory.
Additional contests, including one more main-card matchup, will be announced shortly
“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” – Friday, April 10, Bren Events Center, Irvine, Calif.
Main Card (9 p.m. ET)
Bellator Lightweight Title Fight: Champ Will Brooks (15-1) vs. Dave Jansen (20-2)
Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Rafael Carvalho (10-1) vs. Joe Schilling (2-3)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Marcin Held (20-3) vs. Alexander “Tiger” Sarnavskiy (30-2)
Preliminary Card (7 p.m. ET)
Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Jared Papazian (18-11) vs. Raja Shippen (14-9-1)
Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Joey Beltran (15-11) vs. Brian Rogers (11-7)
Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Saad Awad (17-6) vs. Rob Sinclair (12-2)
Bellator Flyweight Prelim Fight: Jonathan Santa Maria (3-0) vs. Steve Ramirez (0-1)
About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.