Tag Archives: Brandon Girtz

COMPLETE FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS & PHOTOS FOR BELLATOR 239: RUTH VS. AMOSOV

COMPLETE FIGHT NIGHT PHOTOS


Bellator 239: Ruth vs. Amosov
 Main Card:


Yaroslav Amosov (23-0) defeated Ed Ruth (8-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Myles Jury (18-5) defeated Brandon Girtz (16-9) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Tim Johnson (13-6) defeated Tyrell Fortune (8-1) via KO (punches) at 2:35 of round one

Valentin Moldavsky (9-1) defeated Javy Ayala (11-8) via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-24, 30-24)

 

Preliminary Card:  

Davion Franklin (1-0) defeated J.W. Kiser (5-3) via TKO (punches) at 1:30 of round one

Chris Gonzalez (4-0) defeated Aaron McKenzie (7-2-1) via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

Kevin Croom (21-12) defeated Adil Benjilany (5-3, 1 NC) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Cris Lencioni (6-2) defeated Salim Mukhidinov (7-4) via split decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Kyle Crutchmer (6-0) defeated Scott Futrell (11-10) via submission (anaconda choke) at 2:58 of round one

Grant Neal (3-0) defeated Claude Wilcox (1-2) via TKO (punches) at 3:37 of round three

Josh Hill (19-3)defeated Vinicius Zani (11-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Solo Hatley Jr. (8-2) defeated Gaston Bolanos (5-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Denise Kielholtz (5-2) defeated Kristina Williams (3-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:15 of round one

TeeJay Britton (6-2) defeated Gabriel Varga (1-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Keith Lee (6-3) defeated Shawn Bunch (9-5) via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27)

Christian Edwards (3-0) defeated Marco Hutch (3-3) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-25)

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

FULL FIGHT CARD AND BROADCAST DETAILS FOR BELLATOR 239: RUTH VS. AMOSOV THIS FRIDAY, FEB. 21

MAIN CARD TO AIR ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK & DAZN AT 9 P.M. ET

 

 

LOS ANGELES – The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s return to WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Okla. this Friday, February 21 has been finalized with a stacked four-fight main card airing at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on Paramount Network and DAZN. Additionally, a total of 13 preliminary fights will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel and DAZN beginning at 6:15 p.m. PT/5:15 p.m. CT. 

 

The main event of Bellator 239 will feature an exciting welterweight clash between two of the division’s best prospects, as three-time NCAA National Wrestling Champion Ed Ruth (8-1) takes on undefeated Ukrainian striker Yaroslav Amosov (22-0). Also on the card, a premiere lightweight matchup between Minnesota’s own Brandon Girtz (16-8) and recent Bellator free agent signing Myles Jury (17-5), as well as two pivotal matchups in the heavyweight division as Tyrell Fortune (8-0) is set to meet UFC-veteran Timothy Johnson (12-6) and top contender Javy Ayala (11-7) goes to battle against a member of Fedor Emelianenko’s team in Russia, Valentin Moldavsky (8-1).

 

Preliminary action for Bellator 239: Ruth vs. Amosov will be highlighted by a number of young undefeated prospects returning to the cage, including Oklahoma’s Kyle Crutchmer (5-0), Christian Edwards (2-0), Chris Gonzalez (3-0), Grant Neal (2-0) and Texas’ Lucas Brennan (2-0), while familiar names in Cris Lencioni (5-2), Gaston Bolanos (5-2) and Shawn Bunch (9-4) are also scheduled to compete on the card.

 

Additionally, the prelims will feature appearances by two Bellator Kickboxing champions in flyweight champ Denise Kielholtz (4-2) and featherweight titleholder Gabriel Varga (1-0) as they both return to the Bellator MMA cage.

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 

Bellator 239: Ruth vs. Amosov Main Card:

Paramount Network and DAZN

9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT

 

Welterweight Main Event: Ed Ruth (8-1) vs. Yaroslav Amosov (22-0)

Lightweight Co-Main Event: Brandon Girtz (16-8) vs. Myles Jury (17-5)

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Tyrell Fortune (8-0) vs. Tim Johnson (12-6)

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Javy Ayala (11-7) vs. Valentin Moldavsky (8-1)

 

Preliminary Card:

Bellator MMA’s YouTube Channel and DAZN

6:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. CT:

 

Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Christian Edwards (2-0) vs. Marco Hutch (3-2)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Shawn Bunch (9-4) vs. Keith Lee (5-3)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Gabriel Varga (1-0) vs. TeeJay Britton (5-2)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Denise Kielholtz (4-2) vs. Kristina Williams (3-2)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Gaston Bolanos (5-2) vs. Solo Hatley Jr. (7-2)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Josh Hill (18-3) vs. Vinicius Zani (11-5)

Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Grant Neal (2-0) vs. Claude Wilcox (1-1)

175-lb. Contract Weight Bout: Kyle Crutchmer (5-0) vs. Scott Futrell (11-9)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Cris Lencioni (5-2) vs. Salim Mukhidinov (7-3)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Adil Benjilany (5-2, 1 NC) vs. Kevin Croom (20-12)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Lucas Brennan (2-0) vs. Jamese Taylor (0-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Gonzalez (3-0) vs. Aaron McKenzie (7-1-1)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: J.W. Kiser (5-2) vs. Davion Franklin (Pro Debut)

 

*Card subject to change

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 

BELLATOR 197: CHANDLER vs. GIRTZ RESULTS & PHOTOS

 

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FULL EVENT PHOTOS 

 

Michael Chandler (18-4) defeated Brandon Girtz (15-8) via technical submission (head & arm choke) at 4:00 of round one

A.J. McKee (11-0) defeated Justin Lawrence (11-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Logan Storley (8-0) defeated Joaquin Buckley (8-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

Baby Slice (2-1) defeated Devon Brock (1-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at :34 of round one

Juliana Velasquez (7-0) defeated Rebecca Ruth (6-3) via TKO (body kick) at :19 of round three

Derek Anderson (15-3) defeated Zak Bucia (18-10) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Dominic Mazzotta (14-2) defeated Josh Sampo (11-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Eric Ellington (5-0) defeated Jordan Howard (10-5) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Adam Cella (9-8) defeated DeWayne Diggs (2-2) via TKO (punches) at 4:27 of round one

Cort Wahle (3-3) defeated Joe Roye (1-5) via submission (guillotine) at :21 of round one

Jordan Dowdy (5-4) defeated Jeff Crotty (1-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at :29 of round one

A.J. Siscoe (3-2) defeated Justin Robbins (14-19) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:34 of round two

BELLATOR 197: CHANDLER vs. GIRTZ WEIGH-IN RESULTS & PHOTOS

 

 

 

EVENT AIRS ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK AT 9 P.M. ET / 8 P.M. CT

 HOTOS/Main%20Card%20Face%20Offs/A44I1561.jpg

WEIGH IN PHOTOS

 

Bellator 197: Chandler vs. Girtz takes place tomorrow, Friday, April 13 at The Family Arena in St. Charles MO. The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network (formerly Spike) at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.

 

Complete Bellator 197: Chandler vs. Girtz Weigh-in Results:

Lightweight Main Event: Michael Chandler (155.3) vs. Brandon Girtz (156)

Featherweight Co-Main Event: Justin Lawrence (145.8) vs. A.J. McKee (145.8)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Devon Brock (160) vs. Baby Slice (159.8)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Joaquin Buckley (168.3) vs. Logan Storley (170.6)

141-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: A.J. Siscoe (140.6) vs. Justin Robbins (135.6)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Jeff Crotty (170.8) vs. Jordan Dowdy (170.3)

Women’s Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Juliana Velasquez (126) vs. Rebecca Ruth (125.3)

165-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Zak Bucia (164.9) vs. Derek Anderson (164.2)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Josh Sampo (135.4) vs. Dominic Mazzotta (135.4)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Eric Ellington (135.4) vs. Jordan Howard (136)

189-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: DeWayne Diggs (186.8) vs. Adam Cella (189)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Cort Wahle (144.9) vs. Joe Roye (151)*

RAFAEL CARVALHO RETAINS BELLATOR MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE WITH DOMINANT PERFORMANCE

 

 

COMPLETE RESULTS, PHOTOS, VIDEO & QUOTES FROM BELLATOR 190 & BELLATOR KICKBOXING 8 IN FLORENCE, ITALY

 

ALSO, BELLATOR SET FOR HISTORIC ROME DEBUT JULY 7, 2018

 

FLORENCE, Italy – A sold out crowd was on hand for Bellator’s return to the Nelson Mandela Forum in Florence, Italy to cheer on their national hero, Alessio Sakara, in his bid for the middleweight title at Bellator 190.  However, reigning champion Rafael Carvalho emerged victorious in his third defense of the belt with yet another exciting performance. With the victory, Carvalho is now tied with Alexander Shlemenko for most title defenses in promotional history.

 

Additionally, Bellator has announced plans for a summer return to Italy in the country’s capital city of Rome on July 7 with an event that will air on the soon-to-launch Paramount Network. The date marks the company’s first trip to Rome, after hosting multiple events in both Torino and Florence.

 

“After the success of our events in Torino and Florence, Italy over the last two years, we knew that it was time to do a show in Rome, a city rooted deep in combat sports history,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “The Italian fans have shown their passion for the sport and we look forward to bringing a huge card to Rome next year on July 7.”

 

Additional details about the card, including matchups, ticket and broadcast details will be announced shortly.

 

Bellator 190: Carvalho vs. Sakara Results:

 

Rafael Carvalho (15-1) defeated Alessio Sakara (19-12, 2 NC) via KO at 0:44 of round one

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1mimwbtlv7zjc8q/AAATYi5x1XR6AT9CWR9XW1aNa?dl=0

 

Quote: “I trained really hard for this fight. I made many sacrifices to get here and get ready for a tough fight with [Alessio] Sakara. With my preparation, I was able to get a good result quickly and I’m happy about that. I hurt my hand a little bit in the final sequence, maybe I punched the mat, but I hope to get back in the cage as soon as possible to continue defending my belt.”

 

Brandon Girtz (15-7) defeated Luka Jelcic (10-3) via TKO at 1:57 of round one

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/42f9tpuq9tlmmo2/AAAVZtpCY5RiOtfhqwGxQ2oIa?dl=0

 

Quote: “I was just going out there to throw bombs and put him away quickly and that’s exactly what happened. That’s what I usually do. Training camp was great, I was able to actually prepare for my opponent and it worked out well. I’ve had a great experience out here in Italy, it has been a journey and I treated it like an adventure. It was my first time fighting out of the country so everything was an adjustment and I came out nine days in advance to get acclimated. I want another tough opponent. Luka [Jelcic] was a tough guy, he was no slouch whatsoever. I want another top guy, that’s why I’m here – to fight the top guys and that’s what I’ve been doing since I got here to Bellator.”

 

Alejandra Lara (7-1) defeated Lena Ovchynnikova (12-5, 1 NC) via rear-naked choke at 4:09 of round one

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j0e20cweikosmcr/AACc1OTFCsi6xmFNIxCRdFTwa?dl=0

 

Quote: “I was very excited for my Bellator debut and to be the first Colombian female in the promotion. I’ve been training incredibly hard, I felt that I was very well prepared for this fight. I just wanted to show the world how tough I am and I think I did that tonight. I spent half of my camp in Guadalajara with Alexa Grasso and Team Grasso there, and then I also went up to work with Roufusport Academy in Milwaukee to prepare for the fight. Both camps were amazing for me, and I learned a great deal, I just want to keep learning and competing. I am prepared for whatever is next. I look forward to big challenges in Bellator.”

 

Carlos Miranda (11-3) defeated Mihail Nica (6-1) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h2xekntid4tt03r/AAB1CBdvVX4cfuFA3FWKTDgva?dl=0

 

Gregory Babene (19-11) defeated Tony Zanko (1-5) via arm bar at 2:04 of round one

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rqyfbyrdps1oejo/AABdgCAaFdb7u-MeN_ONq8ITa?dl=0

 

Video Highlights Here: http://qlnk.io/ql/5a2c8784e4b073ff34846f4f

 

Bellator Kickboxing 8 Results:

 

Raymond Daniels (13-3) defeated Giannis Boukis (27-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dacqyn8gk1t6ov1/AABXyk_AvcaG8WUVZM3bWLJTa?dl=0

 

Quote: “Speed is definitely my advantage every time I get in the ring, and it was no different tonight. First and foremost, I’d like to give all the glory to God, because through him, all things are possible. I’d like to thank my opponent for taking this fight. It’s an honor to come here and fight in front of the Italian people. This is an incredible country with beautiful people, beautiful food, beautiful wine, great history. This is a fighting country. I think I might have some Italian in my DNA because every time I come here my blood boils and I feel like I’m ready to spar, I’m ready to fight. To anyone who wants it: come on, take a number and stand in line. You have seen my highlight reel, if you want to be part of it – I promise you, I can make you famous.”

 

Joe Schilling (23-9) defeated Filip Verlinden (44-19-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/liprom6xnlsvco3/AABPJD0B3Pe8d_8Gm5LmbNYua?dl=0

 

Quote: “I’ve got to watch the replay again. I thought Filip did a really good job and I was really excited to be fighting somebody of his caliber. Going into the fight, I thought he was the toughest guy Bellator has given me. When we were both with my last promotion, we were both top three the entire time I was there. I knew he was going to be a tough opponent, that’s why there was no trash talk from either one of us, I think we were both ready for a great fight and we delivered. I honestly was pretty frustrated with my performance and after the fight I told Jimmy (Smith) that I thought he had won. Now I’m back here in the locker room and everyone is telling me that I’m crazy for that take. I’d love to fight him again and finish him off. Maybe for a world championship. That’d be nice. But for now, I’m excited to go enjoy my vacation.”

 

John Wayne Parr (98-32) defeated Piergiulio Paolucci (24-6-1) via TKO at 2:32 of round three

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/er6m9gzbvk7knb5/AAAqbhlfJSLrXjwPsBMetIe9a?dl=0

 

Quote: “I’m very excited coming off of this performance. I thought my opponent was a bit awkward. I wanted to give him respect because I knew he had heavy hands. But once I felt that I could win, I started walking forward more and I threw a couple spinning back kicks just for fun, just to entertain. I had the one spinning heel kick that landed and thought that was pretty cool. I was pretty excited about that. I was just happy to get the stoppage really, because nobody wants to win by points. I’m inching closer to 100 victories and I’d love to hit that milestone here in such a major promotion like Bellator. Especially at my age of 41, being able to fight on the big stage is so surreal. I can’t believe that I’m still here competing in this sport that I love, and more than just competing, I’m being successful. I’ve got to thank Scott Coker, everyone at Bellator and Spike, and everyone that follows the sport for giving me the opportunity to do what I do. I’m really scared to be 41 and know that one day I’m going to have to retire, but right now, I’m having too much fun to stop.”

 

Hamza Imane (50-12-2) defeated Kevin Ross (45-13) via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tz29hlhly6x48b6/AAC3AugQrbNxNWFAQXtIvc-2a?dl=0

 

Gabriel Varga (14-5) defeated Roberto Gheorghita (30-7-3) via TKO at 2:49 of round two

 

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7s75mm0hl33pzse/AAD-U3845d0GcdY83eBB0EM6a?dl=0

 

Video Highlights Here: http://qlnk.io/ql/5a2c8784e4b073ff34846f4f

 

****

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 BELLATOR 190 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator returns to Florence, Italy on Saturday, December 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. ET/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). In addition, Brandon Girtz (14-7) takes on Luca Jelcic (10-2) at lightweight, while Mihail Nica (6-0) meets 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) and Kevin Ross (45-12) taking on Giannis Boukis (27-1) and Hamza Imane (49-12-2) respectively, 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 Event (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)

 

****

OFFICIAL BELLATOR 181: CAMPOS VS. GIRTZ 3 RESULTS & PHOTOS

Derek Campos (18-6) defeated Brandon Girtz (14-6) via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of round two

Photos Here

John Salter (14-3) defeated Kendall Grove (23-17) via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:37 of round one

Photos Here

Emily Ducote (6-2) defeated Jessica Middleton (2-2) via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Photos Here

Joe Warren (15-6) defeated Steve Garcia (7-2) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Photos Here

Preliminary Card Results:

Jonathan Gary (13-8-2) defeated Will Florentino (5-5)via unanimous decision (29-27 x3)

Romero Cotton (1-0) defeated Aaron Rodriguez (0-1) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)

Logan Storley (6-0) defeated Kemmyelle Haley (7-5) via TKO (elbows) at 1:44 of round one

Andre Fialho (19-1) defeated A.J. Matthews (8-7) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Amanda Bell (5-4) defeated Brittney Elkin (3-4) via TKO (punches) 4:56 of round two

E.J. Brooks (11-5) defeated Guilherme Bomba (9-4) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Rafael Lovato Jr. (6-0) defeated Mike Rhodes (10-5) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:59 of round one

Justin Lawrence (10-4) defeated Treston Thomison (10-6) via TKO (doctor stoppage) 3:34 of round one

Valentin Moldavsky (6-1) defeated Carl Seumanutafa (10-8) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

Katy Collins (7-2) defeated Bruna Vargas (2-2) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Jordan Howard (10-3) defeated Johnny Marigo (4-1) via KO (punches) 1:26 of round one

Guillermo Gomez (0-0) vs. Fernando Trevino (1-0) – Scratched

Preliminary Card Photos Here

DEREK CAMPOS-BRANDON GIRTZ MEET FOR TRILOGY REMATCH DURING MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR 181TOMORROW NIGHT

Complete Weigh-In Photos Here

THACKERVILLE, OKLA. — The official weigh-ins for Bellator 181: Campos vs. Girtz 3 took place this evening at the WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, OKLA. The competitors are now ready for action tomorrow, with the event airing LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

Main Card: (Live on SPIKE – 9 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT)

Catchweight Main Event: Derek Campos (155.4) vs. Brandon Girtz (157.7)

 

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Kendall Grove (185.7) vs. John Salter (185)

 

Women’s Flyweight Feature Bout: Emily Ducote (124.4) vs. Jessica Middleton (125.9)

 

Bantamweight Feature Bout: Joe Warren (135.9) vs. Steve Garcia (134.5)

Preliminary Card: (Bellator.com – 7:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. CT)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Will Florentino (170.9) vs. Jonathan Gary (169.1)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Aaron Rodriguez (184.8) vs. Romero Cotton (185.1)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kemmyelle Haley (170.1) vs. Logan Storley (170.3)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Andre Fialho (169.9) vs. A.J. Matthews (169.9)

Women’s Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Brittney Elkin (146) vs. Amanda Bell (144.2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: E.J. Brooks (170.9) vs. Guilherme Bomba (169.2)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Rhodes (185.2) vs. Rafael Lovato Jr. (185.6)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Treston Thomison (145.9) vs. Justin Lawrence (145.6)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Valentin Moldavsky (234.8) vs. Carl Seumanutafa (263.6)

Women’s Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Katy Collins (124.2) vs. Bruna Vargas (125)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jordan Howard (135) vs. Johnny Marigo (135.1)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Guillermo Gomez (169.4) vs. Fernando Trevino (170.5)

‘BELLATOR 165: CHANDLER VS. HENDERSON’ OFFICIAL CONFERENCE CALL STREAM AND TRANSCRIBED QUOTES FROM MICHAEL CHANDLER, BENSON HENDERSON, MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE AND FERNANDO GONZALEZ

 

CLICK HERE FOR CONFERENCE CALL AUDIO

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (November 15, 2016) – Before the cage door closes this Saturday at the SAP Center in San Jose, the main and co-main event fighters from “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson”participated in a media conference call. If you weren’t on the line, you can listen to it here, or read a couple of the quotes below.

 

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” features current champion Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6) in the headlining role, while co-main event action will have undefeated British phenom Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) duke it out in a welterweight thriller. Bay Area’s own Keri Melendez makes her professional MMA debut, as does Kevin Ferguson Jr. better known as Kimbo Slice Jr.

 

The event airs LIVE and FREE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on Spike and completes three consecutive weeks of championship fights on the Viacom-owned network. Tickets for the event remain on sale and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

 

Q: For Benson…Is there any extra motivation to prove yourself in this fight after the way the last fight ended?

Benson Henderson: I would say that there’s not a whole lot of extra motivation this fight. I’m a pretty highly self-motivated individual. I want to win all of my fights. I don’t need any extra incentives. I want to have my hand raised in every single fight.

 

Q: This is your second title fight in Bellator. Is there anything you learned from the first go-around that you’re bringing into this fight?

 

Benson Henderson: I don’t know if there’s anything that I learned from the last title fight, just being more comfortable inside the Bellator cage and getting used to the walkout and finding my rhythm.

 

Q: You’re fighting for the title now. Do you think of yourself as a lightweight? Is this where you intend to stay or is another trip to welterweight a possibility in the future?

 

Benson Henderson: I wouldn’t say that I think of myself as a lightweight necessarily. For me, it’s 155 lbs. or 170 lbs., just wherever the more interesting and fun matchups are. But, first things first, I have to take care of business on Saturday night.

 

Q: You mentioned fun and interesting fights. Is the title something you think about as well? The story line of the week is a two-division champion in the other promotion. Is that a dream that you have for yourself in your career or do you just want to stay and be the most dominate lightweight champion that you can be?

 

Benson Henderson: I’m going to go get this belt at 155 lbs., but after that I wouldn’t say that belts offer a whole lot of extra incentive. Obviously belts are great and the meaning behind the belt is that you are the best in the planet and that means a lot to say that you are the best at that weight class, but I don’t fight necessarily just for the belt. You do want the belt, but right now all I’m concentrating on is four days from now and a man named Michael Chandler.

 

Q: For Michael…Have you ever thought about trying for another belt? I know it’s early in your title reign, but has that ever crossed your mind? And, if you did go for another belt, would it be for welterweight or featherweight?

 

Michael Chandler: I haven’t put a lot of thought into it. For me, I’m just looking for the biggest fight I can get. I know there’s no way I could make 145 lbs., since I walk around at about 190 lbs., between fights. So, I’m not interested in losing the muscle mass that I’ve worked so hard to build. If anything, I would jump up to 170 lbs., but right now I’m focused on my fight this Saturday night and I’m excited to get out there and perform.

 

Q: Why is Henderson an important opponent for your career?

 

Michael Chandler: Every opponent is important. Every single time we fight, we’re putting ourselves, our livelihood, our records, and our reputation on the line. It just so happens for me, I get an opportunity to fight a guy who’s been a champion and has done some great things in the sport. But luckily, it’s the right time for me and the wrong time for him. I’m extremely excited to go out there and make a statement with this fight on Saturday night. He’s definitely a great, willing opponent, but I’m excited to go out there and get the finish.

 

Q: For MVP…Obviously, it’s been a fantastic year for you in Bellator, especially your performance in London. Have you got your finger on the pulse of pop culture right now and is there something out there that you’re drawing inspiration from that you’re looking to utilize in some entertainment factor on fight night?

 

MVP: Yeah, I’m always socially aware, but I have to get the job done first and that’s the most important thing.

 

Q: At the moment, fighting at multiple weight classes and fighting in multiple divisions seems to be the rage right now and I know in the past you’ve mentioned the possibility of dropping down to 155 lbs., is that something that you’re still interested in?

 

MVP: At the moment, no. Right now, I’m just focused on fighting in the welterweight division.

 

Q: If you can record a win over Fernando Gonzalez, how many more fights and how many more wins do you think before you are in that title picture and fighting for a title shot?

 

MVP: That’s not really my main concern. I just go out there and entertain and I’ll keep doing that until I end up in the position I’m supposed to be in.

 

Q: For Michael Chandler…With you watching Benson from a far for a long time, what did you think of him as his career progressed?

 

Michael Chandler: Benson’s had a phenomenal career. Back in the day, he was the UFC champion and I was the Bellator champion. He was ranked number one and I was ranked number three in the world and it was always that “what if” matchup. What if these two guys could fight…and now we finally get to see. He’s continued to impress. He’s continued to win. Great careers and great legacies can’t be had without great opponents. I look at Benson Henderson as exactly that, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to step into that cage on Saturday night and lose this belt. I’ve trained my tail off, I’ve gone through some of the toughest hardships that anyone can go through in this sport…losing three fights in a row, coming back, and believing that no matter what, my next big breakthrough is right around the corner. I never once thought about quitting, where I think a lot of people in that situation would. Where I’ve been and where I am now, I’m confident and I’m excited to just go out there and put it all on the line against one of the best in the world and one of the biggest names in the sport. This is a great opportunity on Spike TV, live and free.

 

Q: For Fernando…question regarding the video packages that Michael Page has produced and released this year, most recently during Halloween. Did you watch them and what was your reaction to the video packages?

 

Fernando Gonzalez: I watched both of the videos and thought it was kind of funny, especially the last one. Bad choice of food products I guess. He’s basically eating balls and drinking milk, while cupping and savoring the taste. So, I don’t know if I should take that as a call out, but I think the victory alone will be enough for me.

 

Q: With Michael (Page) on the line right now, does Fernando have any sort of message for him leading up to the fight?

 

Fernando Gonzalez: It’s the same message that I gave before. Just show up. I respect the fighter, but after this he’ll congratulate me and thank me for making him a better fighter. He’s tough, but he hasn’t been tested and I’m going to give him his first loss.

 

Q: Michael do you have a response to that?

 

MVP: I’m allergic to bullshit, so there’s no point in responding.

 

Q: For Benson Henderson…In the title eliminator fight in Anaheim, you had a calm and deliberate demeanor throughout that fight and before we could really see you explode, Pitbull was taken away with an injury. Are you going to look to set a faster pace with Chandler, or are we going to see a more measured response?

 

Benson Henderson: We’ll see how it plays out. It’s hard to dictate and say exactly what I’m going to do. If I was an NFL coach, I would not be one of those coaches that has the first 15 plays of the game scripted out and no matter what happens, we’re sticking to these 15 plays. For me, I have to feel it out and go with the flow. But, for me I don’t think this is going to be a slow pace fight. I’m expecting this to be one of the most high paced, action-packed fights you’ve seen in the Bellator cage.

 

Complete “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Debut) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)

 

Complete Preliminary Card:

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Debut) vs. Aaron Hamilton (0-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremiah Labiano (9-5) vs. Vince Murdock (8-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Steve Ramirez (5-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Victor Jones (0-2) vs. Beau Hamilton (1-7)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)

Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumner (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

PROFESSIONAL DEBUT OF KEVIN ‘BABY SLICE’ FERGUSON JR. ADDED TO PRELIMINARY CARD OF “BELLATOR 165: CHANDLER VS. HENDERSON” AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2016) – One week ahead of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., Bellator MMA is pleased to announce the highly anticipated professional mixed martial arts debut of Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. will come against Aaron Hamilton in a welterweight bout during the preliminary portion of the card on Nov. 19.

The contest anchors an electric preliminary card and joins a Spike-televised main card that features a lightweight world title main event pitting current champion Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In the evening’s co-main event, undefeated British phenom Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) duke it out in a welterweight thriller and Adam Piccolotti (8-0) takes on Brandon Girtz(14-4) in a lightweight clash. Lastly, a light heavyweight showdown pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) against Francis Carmont (14-4) and female flyweight action pitting Keri Melendez (Debut) against Sheila Padilla (2-0) are also set for the main card.

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” airs LIVE and FREE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on Spike and completes three consecutive weeks of championship fights on the Viacom-owned network. Tickets for the event remain on sale and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

After originally being slated to make his professional debut at both “Bellator 160” and “Bellator 162,“ “Baby Slice” will now look to showcase his fine-tuned mixed martial arts repertoire on Nov. 19. The son of the late, great “Kimbo Slice,” made a splash in the world of MMA during an amateur contest in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where he delivered a brutal knockout punch just 1:23 into the first round. In what is unquestionably one of the most talked-about debuts in promotion history, Slice hopes to parlay his amateur success with a memorable performance on the professional circuit and carry on the legacy that his father let behind. Hailing from Miami, Florida, the Team Body Shop product now has his eyes set on joining teammate A.J. McKee as one of Bellator MMA’s top young prospects.

Hamilton will once again compete in his home state of California, after previous bouts against the likes of Max Griffin. “The Snake” will be making both his Bellator MMA debut and welterweight debut, as the 185-pound slugger attempts to trim down for what is surely the biggest fight of his career. Hamilton last competed in March and hopes to spoil the long-awaited debut of Slice.

 

Complete “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Debut) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)

 

Complete Preliminary Card:

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Debut) vs. Aaron Hamilton (0-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremiah Labiano (9-5) vs. Vince Murdock (8-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Steve Ramirez (5-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Victor Jones (0-2) vs. Beau Hamilton (1-7)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)

Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)