Tag Archives: Georgi Karakhanyan

‘Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. SonnenFight Card Complete With Two New Matchups

REBECCA RUTH-COLLEEN SCHNEIDER FLYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN ADDED TO PRELIMINARY CARD

Raug Monica, California. — (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 28, 2016) – The stacked main card of "Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” has added even more ammo to its arsenal with the news that Derek Liaj teb (17-6) thiab Derek Anderson (14-2, 1 NC) will compete in a lightweight feature fight on Lub ib hlis ntuj 21, 2017 inside The Forum in Los Angeles, California. Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, a female flyweight bout pitting Rebecca Ruth (6-2) tiv thaiv Colleen Schneider (10-7) has been added to the preliminary portion of the event.

 

The lightweight clash joins a main card that is highlighted by a legendary faceoff between superstars Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) thiab Chael Sonnen (28-14-1). Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, Ralek Gracie (3-0) thiab Hisaki Kato (7-2) will meet in a middleweight feature fight, thaum lub sij hawm Georgi Karakhanyan (26-6-1) thiab Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3) sib ntaus sib tua. Lastly, a fantastic welterweight co-main event pitting Paul Daley (38-14-2) tiv thaiv Brennan Ward (14-4) is also set for the Spike-televised main card.

 

 

Limited tickets for the mega-event start at $36 and are on sale at Bellator.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com. The event will be broadcast live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. THIAB/8 p.m. I. Lub "Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” undercard, streams live on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App beginning at 6:50 p.m. THIAB / 3:50 p.m. PT.

 

Campos enters the bout riding a recent string of success, as the 28-year-old lightweight put together a flawless 2016 campaign that included a pair of noteworthy victories over Djamil Chan thiab Melvin Guillard. “The Stallion” continues to provide entertaining fights, as the Lubbock, Texas native has finished opponents in 10 ntawm nws 17 victories, including five knockouts and three of the first-round variety. Campos will be searching for his first three-fight winning streak under the Bellator MMA umbrella since 2013.

 

Following an explosive start to his professional career, collecting victories in 11 ntawm nws thawj 12 xaus, including one no-contest, Anderson has continued his success under the direction of Bellator MMA. Since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion in 2013, “The Barbaric” has tallied five impressive wins, highlighted by two knockouts and a pair of victories over Patricky Freire. Hailing from San Diego, California., Anderson has finished 11 ntawm nws 14 victims, and will not have to travel far as he prepares for number 12. With back-to-back victories over the aforementioned Freire and most recently Koj Awad ntawm “Bellator 160,” Anderson has quickly entered the mix as one of the division’s top contenders. The 26-year-old lightweight will now look to take down the Bellator MMA veteran Campos and add yet another big name to his admirable resume.

 

The 37-year-old Ruth will be making her third appearance under the Bellator MMA banner and first of her 2017 phiaj los nqis tes, following a year in which she earned her first promotional victory over Ukrainian submission specialist Lena Ovchynnikova. Prior to joining the Scott Coker-led promotion in 2016, “Ruthless” strung together an impressive 5-1 record to begin her career, including five knockout victories and three first round finishes. With wins in four of her last five contests, Ruth will look to start the year off on the right foot and add to her already impressive MMA resume.

 

The recently signed Schneider will be making her Bellator MMA debut on Jan. 21, as she also enters the contest having won four of her last five bouts. With six of her 10 hauj lwm yeej los ntawm txoj kev ntawm knockout los yog kev mloog lus, look for Schneider to attack early and often in a flyweight clash that features two of the more dangerous opponents in the division. Standing at 5’9”, the 34-year-old Schneider will hold a significant height advantage over the veteran Ruth, who stands about five inches shy of the former Invicta FC product. Hailing from Los Angeles, California., Schneider will also not have to travel far for this incredible event, as the hometown crowd will surely be pulling for “Thoroughbred” at Inglewood’s famous Forum.

 

 

Ruth and Schneider will join a preliminary card that features the promotional debuts of Kevin Casey (9-5-1, 2 NC) thiab Jack May(8-3), as well as the return of Chinzo Machida (4-2), Henry Corrales (12-3), Guilherme “Bomba” (8-3), thiab Cody Bollinger (19-6).

 

Sau kom tiav "Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” Main Card:

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) vs. Chael Sonnen (28-14-1)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Paul Daley (38-14-2) vs. Brennan Ward (14-4)

Middleweight Main Card Bout: Ralek Gracie (3-0) vs. Hisaki Kato (7-2)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (26-6-1) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3)

Lightweight Main Card Bout: Derek Liaj teb (17-6) vs. Derek Anderson (14-2, 1 NC)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Chinzo Machida (4-2) vs. Jamar Ocampo (2-0)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Jack May (8-3) vs. Dave Cryer (11-2)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Henry Corrales (12-3) vs. Cody Bollinger (19-6)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Casey (9-5-1, 2 NC) vs. Keith Berry (15-13)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Guilherme “Bomba” Vasconcelos (8-3) vs. John Mercurio (8-7)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Gabriel Green (3-0) vs. Jalin Turner (2-2)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Christian Gonzalez (2-0) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (2-0)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jacob Rosales (4-2) vs. Ian Butler (3-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Johnny Cisneros (9-5) vs. Curtis Millender (9-3)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Segura (4-4) vs. Tommy Aaron (2-1)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Rob Gooch (4-3) vs. James Barnes (6-2)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Rebecca Ruth (6-2) vs. Colleen Schneider (10-7)

GEORGI KARAKHANYAN LOOKS TO KEEP MOMENTUM ROLLING AT ‘BELLATOR 170: ORTIZ VS. SONNEN’ ON JAN. 21, WHEN HE MEETS EMMANUEL SANCHEZ AT THE FORUM IN LOS ANGELES

 

Raug Monica, California. — (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 8, 2016) – A featherweight showdown pitting Georgi Karakhanyan (26-6-1) tiv thaiv Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3) has been added to the main card of "Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” rau Lub ib hlis ntuj 21, 2017 inside The Forum in Los Angeles, California.

 

Tickets for this monumental event start at $36 thiab yog rau cov muag khoom tam sim no nyob Bellator.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Karakhanyan delivered one of the most spectacular performances of his 10-year career at "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull," thaum nws khob qhov rooj tawm Bubba Jenkins cia li 53 seconds into the contest. Karakhanyan then followed that victory up with another early stoppage, ending Kirill Medvedovsky’s evening via TKO just 3:40 into the first frame at "Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. Txiv qaub 2.” With 20 ntawm nws 26 career wins coming by way of stoppage, “Insane” looks to add to that total and finish “El Matador,” something nobody has been able to accomplish.

 

Watch Georgi Karakhanyan stop Bubba Jenkins at “Bellator 160”

 

“El Matador” will be making his eighth appearance under the Bellator MMA banner, a promotion with which the 26-year-old has had much success to date. Ib tug neeg uas Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he trains at the famed Roufusport gym, Sanchez is riding a recent string of success, having won nine of his last 11 kev sib tw, including three of the past four. Six of Sanchez’s 13 career victories have come by way of knockout or submission, with five of the finishes ending in the opening frame. Sanchez was supposed to compete against A.J. McKee ntawm "Bellator 167: Caldwell vs. Taimanglo 2,” but was forced out of the bout after suffering multiple muscle strains during training. Since signing with Bellator MMA, “El Matador” has competed against a who’s who of talent, facing names the likes of: Pat Curran, Justin Lawrence, Henry Corrales, thiab Daniel Weichel.

 

Watch Emmanuel Sanchez vs. Henry Corrales at “Bellator 143”

 

The fight joins a main card that is headlined by a legendary clash between veterans Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) thiab Chael Sonnen (28-14-1). Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, Ralek Gracie (3-0) tiv thaiv Hisaki Kato (7-2) will also be featured on the main card, as will what promises to be an absolute slugfest, thaum Paul Daley (38-14-2) raws li Brennan Ward (14-4). The event will be broadcast live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. THIAB/8 p.m. I, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App.

 

Tshiab "Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” Main Card:

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) vs. Chael Sonnen (28-14-1)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Paul Daley (38-14-2) vs. Brennan Ward (14-4)

Middleweight Main Card Bout: Ralek Gracie (3-0) vs. Hisaki Kato (7-2)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (26-6-1) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Gabriel Green (3-0) vs. Jalin Turner (2-2)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Christian Gonzalez (2-0) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (2-0)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jacob Rosales (4-2) vs. Ian Butler (3-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Johnny Cisneros (9-5) vs. Curtis Millender (9-3)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Segura (4-4) vs. Tommy Aaron (2-1)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Rob Gooch (4-3) vs. James Barnes (6-2)

 

WEIGH IN RESULTS FROM ‘BELLATOR 164: KORESHKOV VS. LIMA’ – GROUNDBREAKING EVENT FROM ISRAEL AIRS TOMORROW NIGHT ON SPIKE AT 9 P.M. ET/8 P.M CT

 

TEL AVIV, IXAYEES. (Nov. 10, 2016) – All fighters successfully made weight for Israel’s first major mixed martial arts event "Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. Lima” which takes place inside of Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, Neeg Ixayees. The historic event airs FREE on SPIKE Friday, Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 11 ntawm 9 p.m. THIAB/8 p.m. I.

 

The stacked main card is headlined by a must-see welterweight world title main event pitting current champion Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) tiv thaiv Douglas Lima (27-6). Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, a pair of featherweight matchups pitting hometown favorite Noad Lahat (9-2) tiv thaiv Scott Cleve (15-5) thiab Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) tiv thaiv Kirill Medvedovsky (6-1) will also be featured on the Spike-televised main card. Lastly, Ukrainian sensation Lena Ovchynnikova (10-4) returns in a female flyweight contest with Karla Benitez (13-9-1).

 

Scott Coker on the groundbreaking Bellator event in Israel: “This event started about 18 months ago when we came over here to say hello to our international partners Annaney Communications and EGO TOTAL. We sat down with them and they said ‘Hey, there are a lot of great martial artists here. Why don’t we go meet with some of the gyms?’ So, we went to some of the gyms across Tel Aviv where they hosted a nice tryout. We had about 60-70 athletes participate and Royce (Gracie) would say ‘I think this guy could be good. I think this girl could be good. I think that these are some of the talented fighters that you could bring into Bellator.’ From there we started talking about the venues, and talking about the infrastructure of how we could pull of an event of this magnitude here in this city. We have put together an amazing team of people out here that have done a great job helping make this possible. I’ve been in the fight business for 31 xyoo tam sim no, promoting fights all over the world, but this is one that is really a big feather in our cap. Kuv yeej, really excited to be here in Israel promoting our inaugural event, and we already have a date set for next year. We will be back, and we’d like to make this an annual stop for the company.

 

Main Card: (Free on SPIKE – 9 p.m. THIAB/8:00 p.m. I)

Welterweight World Title Fight: Andrey Koreshkov (169.8 lbs.) vs. Douglas Lima (170 lbs.)

 

Featherweight Co-Main Event: Noad Lahat (145.8 lbs.) vs. Scott Cleve (145.8 lbs.)

 

150 lb, catchweight Feature Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (149.5 lbs.) vs. Kirill Medvedovsky (151 lbs.)

 

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (123.5 lbs.) vs. Karla Benitez (124.5 lbs.)

 

Preliminary Card

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Joaquin Buckley (170.5 lbs.) vs. Jackie Gosh (170.8 lbs.)

Light Heavyweight Preliminary Fight: Chen Shhori (205 lbs.) vs. Kfir Eittan (205 lbs.)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Haitham Kiuof (170.3 lbs.) vs. Moshe Rand (173 lbs.)

Lightweight Preliminary Fight: Rob Becker (155.5 lbs.) vs. Ejargew Tariku (155.2 lbs.)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Sol Renato (170.5 lbs.) vs. Alex Trofimov (170.3 lbs.)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Almog Shay (136 lbs.) vs. Vitaly Khmeinytsky (136 lbs.)

Lightweight Preliminary Fight: Olga Rubin (145.8 lbs.) vs. Laurita Cibirite (140.5 lbs.)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Raz Bring (134.8 lbs.) vs. Maor Kazalkopy (135.5 lbs.)

Middleweight Preliminary Fight: Alexander Nikulin (183.8 lbs.) vs. Avi Baron (182.8 lbs.)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Onor Keles (137.5 lbs.) vs. Omri Barel (135 lbs.)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Zane Clerk (170.8 lbs.) vs. Haim Gozali (170 lbs.)

Featherweight Preliminary Fight: Igor Postnikov (144.5 lbs.) vs. Itai Gayer (143 lbs.)

 

WELTERWEIGHT GOLD ON THE LINE FRIDAY NIGHT AT ‘BELLATOR 164’ INSIDE MENORA MIVTACHIM ARENA IN TEL AVIV, IXAYEES

 

TEL AVIV, IXAYEES. (Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 8, 2016) – Bellator MMA has invaded the “Holy Land” for the first time in the history of the promotion and is ready to deliver a plethora of great matchups, including a welterweight world title fight pitting Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) tiv thaiv Douglas Lima(27-6).

 

Nrog "Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. Lima” only a few days away, Bellator’s digital team has put together a collection of exclusive new content to preview the stacked event at Menora Mivtachim Arena. Join us as we dive into a behind-the-scenes look at the competitors’ journey to Fridaynight’s big show. For more in-depth footage of our enticing contests coming your way, look no further than Bellator’s amazing YouTube page.

BELLATOR MMA WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE BOUT

Over a year ago, current division champ Andrey Koreshkov defeated Douglas Lima for the welterweight world title. Tam sim no, the two meet again and it’s Lima who will be seeking revenge. Don’t miss this incredible Bellator MMA title fight in Tel Aviv, Neeg Ixayees, no hnub Friday hmo ntuj!

 

What to Watch: Lima vs. Koreshkov

Let’s take a look at some of Jimmy Smith’s keys to victory in a welterweight world title rematch between Lima and Koreshkov.

Champions: Andrey Koreshkov

Koreshkov is about as dominating of an opponent as you can find in the world of MMA today. Join us as we take a closer look at what makes this welterweight supreme.

Sitdown with Georgi Karakhanyan

Georgi Karakhanyan’s specialty in the cage? Guillotine. What about outside of the cage? We sit down with the featherweight superstar and discuss the mental preparation behind mixed martial arts competition.

5 Ib ncig: Lena Ovchynnikova

Ukrainian powerhouse Lena Ovchynnikova gives us an inside look on her life outside of the cage as she prepares to make her promotional debut.

Event Info

A welterweight world title main event will headline the first ever Bellator MMA event in Israel, as current division champion Andrey Koreshkov(19-1) will attempt to protect his belt against the man who he took it from over a year ago, Douglas Lima (27-6). Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, Noad Lahat (9-2) will challenge Scott Cleve (15-5) in the evening’s featherweight co-main event and Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) will replace James Gallagher to face Israel’s own Kirill Medvedovsky (6-1) in a featherweight feature fight. Thaum kawg, a female flyweight bout pitting Ukrainian star Lena Ovchynnikova (10-4) tiv thaiv Karla Benitez (13-9-1) rounds out the SPIKE-televised main card action.

 

The preliminary portion of the event features a welterweight clash between Joaquin Buckley (6-0) and hometown favorite Jackie Gosh (6-0). Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, over a dozen local competitors will be making their professional debut on the preliminary card of the Scott Coker-led promotion’s first event in the Middle East.

 

"Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. LIma” takes place at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, Neeg Ixayees, and will air in America on SPIKE Friday, Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 11 ntawm 9 p.m. THIAB / 8 p.m. I. Bellator has partnered with Ananey Communications, an Israeli television conglomerate boasting 14 channels, several of which showcase Viacom content including the EGO and EGO TOTAL channels which have broadcast Bellator in Israel since 2012.

 

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com or Eventim.co.il/mma.

 

"Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. Lima” Fight Card

Welterweight World Title Bout: Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) vs. Douglas Lima (27-6)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Noad Lahat (9-2) vs. Scott Cleve (15-5)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) vs. Kirill Medvedovsky (6-1)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (10-4) vs. Karla Benitez (13-9-1)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Joaquin Buckley (6-0) vs. Jackie Gosh (6-0)

Light Heavyweight Preliminary Fight: Chen Shhori (Debut) vs. Kfir Eittan (2-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Haitham Kiuof (Debut) vs. Moshe Rand (3-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Fight: Rob Becker (Debut) vs. Ejargew Tariku (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Sol Renato (Debut) vs. Alex Trofimov (Debut)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Almog Shay (Debut) vs. Vitaly Khmeinytsky (Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Fight: Olga Rubin (Debut) vs. Laurita Cibirite (Debut)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Raz Bring (Debut) vs. Maor Kazalkopy (Debut)

Middleweight Preliminary Fight: Alexander Nikulin (Debut) vs. Avi Baron (Debut)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Onor Keles (Debut) vs. Omri Barel (Debut)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Zane Clerk (Debut) vs. Haim Gozali (6-3)

Welterweight Kickboxing Fight: Igor Postnikov (Debut) vs. Itai Gayer (Debut)

BENSON HENDERSON EARNS LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE SHOT FOLLOWING INJURY TO FOOT OF PATRICIO ‘PITBULL

 

Complete Fight Night Photos Here / Event Highlights Here

ANAHEIM, California. (Lub yim hli ntuj 26, 2016) - Benson Henderson (24-6) earned his first victory since joining the Bellator MMA fray at Honda Center in Anaheim, California., Friday yav hmo ntuj. A faulty kick by Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (25-4) led to a leg injury, forcing him to forfeit the loss two minutes and 26 vib nas this mus rau hauv lub thib ob puag ncig.

 

After making the jump up to Bellator MMA’s 170-pound division, Henderson returned to where he was dominant in the UFC as a lightweight. Tom qab lub yeej, Henderson received word of his next opponent; Bellator MMA’s current Lightweight Champion, Michael Chandler. The two are scheduled to tangle November 19 in the main event of the recently announced “Bellator MMA in San Jose.”

‘Fight of the Year Candidate Ends in Unanimous Decision Victory for Anderson

It took all three rounds to determine a winner in the evening’s co-main event, tab sis nyob rau hauv lub kawg, Derek Anderson (14-2) emerged victorious with a unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 ob zaug) yeej tshaj Koj Awad (19-8). “The Barbaric” continues his recent trend of extending fights through the final round, as the win marks his third consecutive fight to go to the judges’ scorecards. The San Diego native has now recorded five wins under the direction of the Scott Coker-led promotion, including multiple victories over fellow lightweight Patricky "Pitbull" Freire, earning himself well-deserved respect among the division’s elite.

Karakhanyan’s “Insane” Knockout Puts Early end to Jenkins’ Night

Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) needed only 53 seconds to finish Bubba Jenkins (11-3), as the Russian featherweight took care of “The Highlight Kid” for the second time in two years. “Insane” came out firing, landing multiple blows that sent Jenkins to the mat with an early knockout, earning his 11th win in his last 14 fights. The loss is only the third of Jenkins’ young career and second of the first round variety, both of which Karakhanyan is now responsible for. The win is the fifth knockout of Karakhanyan’s career and is his third in the opening frame.

McKee Remains Undefeated With Impressive Guillotine Finish

 

In the opening contest at "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull," A.J. “Mercenary” McKee (5-0) remained unbeaten with a guillotine choke submission 32 vib nas this mus rau hauv lub thib ob puag ncig. By extending the fight past the opening frame, Walker was able to do what no other opponent has done, as each of McKee’s previous four wins had resulted in a first round finish. The win capped off an impressive night by Team Bodyshop, as McKee’s teammates Joey Davis (1-0) thiab Gabriel Green (4-0) also had their arms raised in the preliminary portion of the event. As one of Bellator MMA’s top young talents, the 21-year-old McKee was able to prove once again that he belongs among the division’s elite. Tom qab kev sib ntaus, the Long Beach native called out Patricio “Pitbull," saying “It’s nothing personal, Kuv xav (Daniel) Straus."

 

Preliminary Card tau:

Jake Roberts (7-0) yeej Stephen Martinez (11-5) via TKO at 4:24 ntawm puag ncig ib

Chinzo Machida (4-2) yeej Mario Navarro (4-5) via TKO at 2:57 ntawm puag ncig ib

Jacob Rosales (4-2) yeej Mike Segura (4-4) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 29-28 ob zaug)

Andy Murad (13-2) yeej Jonny Cisneros (9-5) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (29-28)

Gabriel Green (4-0) yeej Alex Trinidad (1-2) via TKO at 2:01 ntawm round ob

Joey Davis (1-0) yeej Keith Cutrone (1-1) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27)

Steve Ramirez (5-1) yeej Ron Henderson (4-3) via TKO at 2:24 ntawm puag ncig ib

David Duran (4-4) yeej Kyle Estrada (3-3) ntawm cais kev txiav txim siab (29-28)

PAIR OF INJURIES FORCE CHANGES TO MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 160: HENDERSON VS. PITBULL’

CODY WALKER STEPS UP ON SHORT NOTICE TO CHALLENGE UNDEFEATED A.J. MCKEE, WHILE GEORGI KARAKHANYAN-BUBBA JENKINS MOVED TO SPIKE-TELEVISED CARD

Raug Monica, California (Lub yim hli ntuj 16, 2016) – Just nine days before the highly anticipated "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” kev tshwm sim rau Lub yim hli ntuj 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California., injuries sustained by main card fighters Henry Corrales thiab Lena Ovchynnikova have shaken things up a bit. Undefeated featherweight A.J. McKee (4-0) yuav tam sim no fim Cody Walker (7-2), thaum lub sij hawm Bubba Jenkins (11-2) thiab Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1) find themselves in a featherweight feature fight during the SPIKE-televised main card.

The fights join a main card that spotlights a super fight at 155-pounds between Benson Henderson (23-6) thiab Patricio “Pitbull” (25-3), as the two will duke it out for a shot at Michael Chandler’s championship belt. Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, an explosive lightweight contest pitting Koj Awad (19-7) tiv thaiv Derek Anderson (13-2) will serve as the evening’s co-main event.

In preliminary action, welterweights Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. thiab Joey Davis will make their professional debuts, thaum lub sij hawm Chinzo Machida (3-2) will compete for the first time under the Bellator MMA banner.

Tickets for the event start at $30 and can be purchased now on Ticketmaster and at Honda Center Box Office. Qhov rooj qhib rau ntawm 4:45 p.m. PT local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com thiab Lub Bellator Mobile App — pib thaum 5:00 p.m. PT.

After beginning his career 7-1 raws li ib tug pib xyaum ua, the 21-year-old “Mercenary” has made a splash on the professional circuit, recording a perfect 4-0 mark through his first four bouts. McKee has fought under the Bellator MMA banner ever since he made his professional debut in 2015, finishing all of his contests in the opening frame, including three knockouts and a rear-naked choke submission. McKee’s most recent victory came at the expense of Italian Danilo Belluardo during the mixed martial arts portion of Bellator MMA’s first-ever event overseas, "Bellator 152: Freire vs. Souza.” The Long Beach, California. native will now take his flashy personality to the Honda Center, where he will have the chance to put his unique skill set on full display in front of his hometown fans.

Agreeing to take a professional mixed martial arts contest on short notice is no easy task, doing so against an undefeated fighter the caliber of McKee is even more daunting. But that’s exactly the scenario Walker finds himself in now ahead of next Friday’s kev tshwm sim. A two-time competitor for Bellator, “The Crow” will look to move above .500 within the promotion when he enters the cage at Honda Center. The 28-year-old Texan has ended all seven of his professional victories via TKO or KO, including four in the first round.

A longtime veteran of Bellator MMA, Karakhanyan will look to get back on track after dropping two closely contested decision losses against Jenkins, who he handily defeated nearly two years ago via guillotine submission. Known to many mixed martial arts fans as “Insane,” the 31-year-old has finished 18 ntawm nws 24 yeej raws li ib tug kws, earning himself multiple titles in regional promotions along the way. Following multiple setbacks to his knee, the Russian fighter is finally healthy and now looks to climb the 145-pound ladder in a competitive division that he once sat atop as the No. 1 contender.

Just a few years ago, Bubba Jenkins was widely regarded as the top MMA prospect in all of the sport, though the title became tainted following the aforementioned loss to Karakhanyan at “Bellator 132.” The former NCAA National Champion wrestler with Arizona State University now has three consecutive wins under his belt, and is looking for redemption. Heading into his 11th fight under the Scot Coker-led promotion, the 28-year-old “Highlight Kid” looks to put on a standout performance in Bellator’s incredibly deep featherweight division. Tune in Lub yim hli ntuj 26 to see if the Corona, California., native can return the favor and finish Karakhanyan in front of his local supporters.

 

Sau kom tiav "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” SPIKE-Televised Main Card:

Lightweight No. 1 Contender Main Event: Benson Henderson (23-6) vs. Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (25-3)

Hnav Co-Main kev tshwm sim: Koj Awad (19-7) vs. Derek Anderson (13-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (4-0) vs. Cody Walker (7-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Bubba Jenkins (11-2) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Chinzo Machida (3-2) vs. Mario Navarro (4-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joey Davis (Pro Debut) vs. Keith Cutrone (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Pro Debut) vs. Jon Tomasian (Pro Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Gabriel Green (2-0) vs. Alex Trinidad (1-0)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Steve Ramirez (4-1) vs. Ron Henderson (4-2)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Kyle Estrada (3-2) vs. David Duran (3-4)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Segura (4-3) vs. Jacob Rosales (3-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Jonny Cisneros (9-4) vs. Andy Murad (12-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jake Roberts (6-0) vs. Stephen Martinez (11-4)

CHINZO MACHIDA SET FOR BELLATOR MMA DEBUT DURING PRELIMINARY PORTION OF ‘BELLATOR 160: HENDERSON VS. PITBULL’

 

Raug Monica, California (Lub yim hli ntuj 8, 2016) - Chinzo Machida (3-2) will make his promotional debut in featherweight preliminary action at "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” rau Lub yim hli ntuj 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California., tiv thaiv Mario Navarro (4-4).

The fight joins a main card that includes a lightweight main event between fellow superstars Benson Henderson (23-6) thiab Patricio “Pitbull” (25-3). Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, undefeated knockout artist A.J. McKee (4-0) clashes with former KOTC titlist Henry Corrales (12-3), while explosive lightweights Koj Awad(19-7) thiab Derek Anderson (13-2) go toe-to-toe in a matchup that you do not want to miss. Rounding out the televised action is a women’s flyweight encounter pitting Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) tiv thaiv Jaimelene Nievera (4-1).

During the must-see preliminary portion of the event, Bubba Jenkins (11-2) will look for revenge against Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan (24-6-1) in a featherweight rematch. Nyob rau hauv Welterweight txiav txim, both Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. thiab Joey Davis will both suit up for the first time under the Bellator umbrella and make their professional debuts.

"Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” yuav siv sij hawm qhov chaw nyob rau Lub yim hli ntuj 26 inside Anaheim California’s Honda Center, and will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 10 p.m. THIAB/9 p.m. I.

Qhov rooj rau cov kev tshwm sim qhib 4:45 p.m. PT local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com thiab Lub Bellator Mobile App — pib thaum 5:00 p.m. PT. Daim pib rau cov kev tshwm sim pib thaum nyuam qhuav $30 and can be purchased now on Ticketmaster and at the Honda Center Box Office.

Machida, the elder brother of former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, has only fought five times in his career, but is currently riding a two-fight winning streak. Machida impressively finished Brian Wood via flying knee for Resurrection Fighting Alliance in 2014 thiab nyob rau Lub yim hli ntuj 26 Machida will be fighting an opponent who’s currently on the opposite end of the spectrum, and has lost his last two outings. If unfamiliar with Machida’s handy work, look no further than his aforementioned finish of Wood here.

Navarro, 33, has competed almost exclusively in his home state of California, nrog 7 ntawm 8 fights taking place a short drive from his home in Huntington Beach. A two-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, “Handsome” has competed against Cleber Luciano and Brandon Bender under the Scott Coker-led promotion and will look to get back to his winning ways in Anaheim, California., on Aug. 26.

Sau kom tiav "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” SPIKE-Televised Main Card:

Lightweight No. 1 Contender Main Event: Benson Henderson (23-6) vs. Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (25-3)

Hnav Co-Main kev tshwm sim: Koj Awad (19-7) vs. Derek Anderson (13-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (4-0) vs. Henry Corrales (12-3)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Chinzo Machida (3-2) vs. Mario Navarro (4-4)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Bubba Jenkins (11-2) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joey Davis (Pro Debut) vs. Keith Cutrone (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Pro Debut) vs. Jon Tomasian (Pro Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Gabriel Green (2-0) vs. Alex Trinidad (1-0)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Steve Ramirez (4-1) vs. Ron Henderson (4-2)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Kyle Estrada (3-2) vs. David Duran (3-4)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Segura (4-3) vs. Jacob Rosales (3-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Jonny Cisneros (9-4) vs. Andy Murad (12-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jake Roberts (6-0) vs. Stephen Martinez (11-4)

LENA OVCHYNNIKOVA-JAIMELENE NIEVERA FLYWEIGHT ENCOUNTER COMPLETES STACKED MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 160’ AT HONDA CENTER ON AUG. 26

PRELIMINARY CARD CONTINUES TO TAKE SHAPE

Raug Monica, California (Lub yim hli ntuj 2, 2016) – A flyweight matchup pitting Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) tiv thaiv Jaimelene Nievera (4-1) has been added to the main card of "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” rau Lub yim hli ntuj 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

 

The fight joins a main card that includes a lightweight main event between fellow superstars Benson Henderson (23-6) thiab Patricio “Pitbull”(25-3). Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, undefeated knockout artist A.J. McKee (4-0) clashes with former KOTC titlist Henry Corrales (12-3), while explosive lightweights Koj Awad (19-7) thiab Derek Anderson (13-2) go toe-to-toe in a matchup that you do not want to miss.

 

During the must-see preliminary portion of the event, Bubba Jenkins (11-2) will look for revenge against Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan (24-6-1) in a featherweight rematch. Nyob rau hauv Welterweight txiav txim, both Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. thiab Joey Davis will both suit up for the first time under the Bellator umbrella when they make their professional debuts.

 

"Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” yuav siv sij hawm qhov chaw nyob rau Lub yim hli ntuj 26 inside Anaheim California’s Honda Center, and will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 10 p.m. THIAB/9 p.m. I.

 

Qhov rooj rau cov kev tshwm sim qhib 4:45 p.m. PT local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com thiab Lub Bellator Mobile App — pib thaum 5:00 p.m. PT. Daim pib rau cov kev tshwm sim pib thaum nyuam qhuav $30 and can be purchased now on Ticketmaster and at the Honda Center Box Office.

 

Fighting out of Ukraine, Ovchynnikova will enter the cage in search of her first win under the Bellator MMA banner since joining the promotion at the beginning of this year. After making her professional debut in 2006, “Hunter” came out guns blazing, earning victories in each of her initial eight bouts. Of her 11 career wins, eight have come by way of submission, including six of the armbar variety.

 

Nievera will prepare to challenge the Ukrainian star in what is surely the stiffest test of her young career. Fresh off an emphatic knockout win over Stephanie Frausto at "Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo," the Union City, California., native is eager to once again step back into the cage and represent Bellator MMA. Nicknamed “Queenie,” the 31-year-old Dragon House MMA product has her eyes set on building off of her current three-fight winning streak when she takes center stage in Anaheim on Lub yim hli ntuj 26.

 

Tshiab "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” SPIKE-Televised Main Card:

Lightweight No. 1 Contender Main Event: Benson Henderson (23-6) vs. Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (25-3)

Hnav Co-Main kev tshwm sim: Koj Awad (19-7) vs. Derek Anderson (13-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (4-0) vs. Henry Corrales (12-3)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Bubba Jenkins (11-2) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joey Davis (Pro Debut) vs. Keith Cutrone (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Pro Debut) vs. Johnny Tomasian (Pro Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Gabriel Green (2-0) vs. Alex Trinidad (1-0)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Steve Ramirez (4-1) vs. Ron Henderson (4-2)

RAFAEL CARVALHO STEALS SPLIT DECISION, RETAINING MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE IN ‘BELLATOR 155’ MAIN kev tshwm sim

 

Complete Event Photos Here

BOISE, IDAHO (Tej zaum 20, 2016) - Rafael Carvalho (13-1) defended his middleweight belt in controversial fashion at the CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho on Friday hmo ntuj, taking home a split decision win over at the expense of Melvin Manhoef (30-13).

The packed house was less than enthusiastic with the judges’ kev txiav txim siab, which amounted to two 48-47 scores for Carvalho, while Manhoef took home one of the same tally.

Nrog lub yeej, the 29-year old Brazilian is now 4-0 under the Bellator MMA umbrella and continues to ride his remarkable 13-fight winning streak.

BELLATOR KICKBOXING: ST. LOUIS ANNOUNCED

The first fight for “Bellator Kickboxing: St. Louis” has been announced in a rematch of sorts, Pitting Joe Schilling tiv thaiv Hisaki Kato. When the two first met atBellator 139: Kongo vs. Volkov,Kato stunned Schilling with a “Superman punch” knockout that many pundits considered to be the “2015 Knockout of the Year.” That was MMA, and this time the two will fight in a kickboxing match. A world champion kickboxer, “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling will look for revenge against Kato, a karate striker.

Ntxiv fights, including a main event matchup will be announced shortly.

The second event for the brand new Bellator Kickboxing promotion will take place on Lub rau hli ntuj 24, immediately following “Bellator: Dynamite 2” at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, and will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE.

Featherweight Co-Main Event Ends in Unanimous Decision Victory for Pat Curran

It took all three rounds to determine a winner in the evening’s co-main event, tab sis nyob rau hauv lub kawg, former two-time Bellator champion Pat Curran (22-7) emerged victorious with a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) yeej tshaj Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1). “Paddy Mike” connected with a great left hook that dropped Karakhanyan to the mat. The Chicago native relied heavily on his ground game in this one, consistently forcing Karakhanyan into uncomfortable positions and ultimately leading to the featherweight’s 12th win under the Bellator MMA fray.

Heavyweight Slugfest Ends in Draw for Dan Charles and Augusto Sakai

The evening’s second heavyweight feature fight was heavily overshadowed by multiple low blows from the foot of Augusto Sakai (9-0-1), leaving Dan Charles (10-3-1) curled over the canvas and gasping for air. In a bout that took every bit of 15 feeb, the judges’ scorecard concluded a majority draw (30-26 Charles, 28-28, 28-28), making it just the ninth in Bellator MMA history. Although the Brazilian Sakai remains undefeated, his nine-fight winning streak came to an end with the bittersweet finish at CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho. For Charles, it was the third time in his five-year career that a fight went the distance and the first of his 14 bouts to end in a majority draw.

Alexis Dufresne Shocks MMA World With Submission Victory Over Marloes Coenen

In a highly-anticipated female catchweight bout, Alexis Dufresne (6-2) delivered one of the largest upsets of the year by finishing Dutch superstar Marloes Coenen (23-7) with an armbar submission 4:33 mus rau hauv tus thawj puag ncig. Along with Miesha Tate, “Sneaky Zebra” becomes just the second fighter ever to force Coenen to tap out. Not far removed from the birth of her first child, the 25-year-old Dufresne was able to impress in her Bellator MMA debut, despite being a +500 underdog.

Gormley Outlasts Beltran in Heavyweight Opener

During the opening contest at "Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef," Joey Beltran (17-13) thiab Chase Gormley (13-5) traded blows in what was a heavyweight dogfight that took all three rounds to claim a victor. Nyob rau hauv lub kawg, it was Gormley that came out on top with the split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) win over “The Mexicutioner.” Gormley, a 32-year-old native of Los Angeles is now 7-0 when his fights go to the judges table. The win is his first with the Bellator MMA promotion and sixth of his last seven bouts.

Preliminary Card tau:

Vince Morales (4-1) yeej Hamilton Tshauv (3-2) via KO at 2:32 ntawm puag ncig peb

Joe Hamilton (4-0) yeej Tyler Freeland (3-1) ntawm cuav (rear-liab qab caj pas) ntawm 0:22 ntawm puag ncig ib

Casey Johnson (5-0) yeej Brendon Raftery (4-3) ntawm cuav (rear-liab qab caj pas) ntawm 1:16 ntawm round ob

Marcin Tuav (22-4) yeej Dave Jansen (20-4) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 29-28 2x)

Jesse Brock (22-8) yeej Olly Bradstreet (39-13) ntawm cuav (rear-liab qab caj pas) ntawm 3:57 ntawm puag ncig peb

yuav Noland (16-6) yeej Sean Powers (9-6) ntawm KO (punches) ntawm 3:29 ntawm puag ncig ib

Scott Thometz (10-5) yeej Josh Tyler (7-4) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 30-25, 30-25)

Veta Arteaga (2-0) yeej Jackie Vandenburgh (0-2) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (29-27, 30-27, 29-28)

 

GET READY FOR SOME KICKBOXING WITH SMALL GLOVES!

 

MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE BOUT BETWEEN RAFAEL CARVALHO AND MELVIN MANHOEF HEADLINES ‘BELLATOR 155’ Tag kis NIGHT – LIVE AND FREE ON SPIKE

 

Complete Weigh-In Photos Here

 

BOISE, IDAHO. (Tej zaum 19, 2016) –The official weigh-ins for "Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef "took place this afternoon in front of a packed house at the Knitting Factory here in Boise, ID. All competitors are now ready for action tag kis at CenturyLink Arena, with the event airing LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m. THIAB/8 p.m. I.

 

Middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho (12-1) will defend his title against Dutch striking ace Melvin Manhoef (30-12-1) in the main event of a fantastic night of fights that also includes a co-main event between Pat Curran (21-7) thiab Georgi Karakhanyan (24-5-1), who square off in a featherweight scrap that has future title-shot implications written all over it. The main card also includes a women’s catchweight showdown between slick Dutch veteran Marloes Coenen (23-6) thiab Alexis Dufresne (5-2). Dufresne, who returns to action after a recent pregnancy and on short notice, missed the 146-pound weight limit, but the fight will proceed as planned.

 

"Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef " will also feature a duo of heavyweight matchups with Joey Beltran (17-12) nyuaj Chase Gormley (12-5) thiab Dan Charles (20-3) looking to put an end to Augusto Sakai’s (9-0) unblemished record.

 

An undercard bout between Ricky Steele (5-0) thiab Eric Cronkhite (2-1) was cancelled when Cronkhite missed weight by nine pounds.

 

Very few tickets for the event remain, thiab yog muaj nyob rau ntawm Bellator.com, the CenturyLink Arena Box Office or CenturyLinkArenaBoise.com.

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

 

Bellator MMA Middleweight ntiaj teb Title sib ntaus: Rafael Carvalho (184.3) vs. Melvin Manhoef (185)

 

Bellator MMA Featherweight Co-Main kev tshwm sim: Pat Curran (145.6) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (145.1)

 

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Feature Bout: Dan Charles (242.2) vs. Augusto Sakai (262.5)

 

Bellator MMA Catchweight Feature Bout: Marloes Coenen (145.6) vs. Alexis Dufresne (150.7)

 

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Feature Bout: Joey Beltran (236.8) vs. Chase Gormley (264.5)

 

Preliminary Card: (Bellator.com – 7:00 p.m. THIAB/6:00 p.m. I)

 

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Yam ua ntej Bout: Tyler Freeland (137.4) vs. Joe Hamilton (135.4)

Bellator MMA Hnav Yam ua ntej Bout: Dave Jansen (155.9) vs. Marcin Tuav (155.9)

Bellator MMA Flyweight Yam ua ntej Bout: Veta Arteaga (127.1) vs. Jackie Vandenburgh (122.7)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Yam ua ntej Bout: Hamilton Tshauv (145.8) vs. Vince Morales (144.9)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Yam ua ntej Bout: Brendon Raftery (134) vs. Casey Johnson (134.9)

Bellator MMA Hnav Yam ua ntej Bout: Scott Thometz (155.7) vs. Josh Tyler (155.7)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Yam ua ntej Bout: Sean Powers (182.4) vs. yuav Noland (185.6)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Yam ua ntej Bout: Jesse Brock (135.7) vs. Olly Bradstreet (135.7)