COMPLETE WEIGH-IN PHOTOS Uncasville, Conn. - Bellator 261: Johnson vs. Moldavskywill be broadcast tomorrow, Fredag, Juni 25 on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, while preliminary bouts will stream on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel beginning at 6:30 p.m. OCH / 3:30 p.m. PT.
BELLATOR MMA 261: Johnson vs. MoldavskyHuvud Card: Fredag, Juni 25 – Live on Showtime 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT Interim Heavyweight World Title Main Event: #1-Timothy Johnson (260) vs. #3-Valentin Moldavsky(234) Flyweight Co-Main Event: #2-Liz Carmouche (125.5) vs. #3-Kana Watanabe(125.25) Fjädervikt Bout: #6-Daniel Weichel (145.5) vs. Keoni Diggs (146) Lätt Bout: #4-Myles Jury (156) vs. #6-Sidney Outlaw (156) Lätt tungvikt Bout:Christian Edwards (206) vs. Simon Biyong(204.5)
Preliminära kortet: BELLATOR MMA YouTube-kanal | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube-kanal | Pluto TV 6:30 p.m. OCH / 3:30 p.m. PT
Lätt Bout:Soren Bak(156) vs. Bobby Lee (155.25) Lätt Bout:Isaiah Hokit(155.75) vs. Corey Samuels(156) Bantamvikt Bout: Jaylon Bates(136) vs. Cody Matthews(135) Mellanvikt Bout:Taylor Johnson(185.25) vs. Lance Wright(184.75) Fjädervikt Bout:John Macapa (144.75) vs. John de Jesus(145.5)
Om BELLATOR BELLATOR MMA är en ledande global mixed martial arts organisation med många av de bästa fighters i världen. Under ledning av veteranen kamp promotor Scott Coker, BELLATOR-evenemang äger rum i större städer över hela världen och kan ses på tv i över 160 länder till en tillgänglig publik på över en miljard människor. I USA, BELLATOR kan ses på SHOWTIME. BELLATOR består av ett ledningsteam som inkluderar toppbranschproffs inom tv-produktion, live-event orkestrering, jaktplan utveckling / förbindelser, plats upphandling, skapande sponsring / utveckling, internationell licensiering, marknadsföring, reklam, publicitet och provisionsrelationer. BELLATOR är baserat i Hollywood, Calif. och ägs av underhållningsjätten ViacomCBS, hem till världens främsta underhållning varumärken som ansluter med publiken genom övertygande innehåll över tv, spelfilm, online och mobila plattformar.
Om Showtime Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), ett helägt dotterbolag till ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ och FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI marknadsför och distribuerar sport och underhållningsevenemang för utställning till abonnenter på en pay-per-view basis genom SHOWTIME PPV®. För mer information, gå till www.SHO.com.
LOS ANGELES – LÅT BLI. 1 ranked heavyweightTimothy Johnson och nr. 3 ranked heavyweightValentin Moldavskypreviewed their monumental inaugural interim heavyweight title fight atBellator 261 on SHOWTIME during a virtual media day Wednesday. Johnson vs. Moldavsky caps off an amazing main card this Friday, Juni 25 leva på SHOWTIME på 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Den Bellator 261 main card also features a top-five women’s flyweight bout in the co-main event slot as the No. 2 rankad Liz Carmouche takes on the undefeated No. 3 rankad Kana Watanabe. Också, lightweights square off as No. 4 rankad Myles Juryclashes with the No. 6 rankad Sidney Outlawin a contest holding major title implicationsand former title challenger No. 6 rankad fjäder Daniel Weichel battles the undefeatedKeoni Diggsi en anläggning på 145 pund.Top prospectChristian Edwardsopens the action on SHOWTIME in a light heavyweight banger againstSimon Biyong.
Här är vad de stridande hade att säga onsdag:
Tim Johnson BELLATOR Heavyweight *Klicka HÄRto view Johnson’s full media session
“I’m counting this as a title, I’ll let everyone else put interim in front of it. Moldavsky is a championship level fighter and so am I, so in my eyes this fight is to become the best heavyweight in the division.”
“It was easy to focus on his gameplan because it is the exact same thing I do. We both are strong wrestlers and have heavy ground and pound. I guess we are going to have see who does it better on Friday.”
“My resurgence in my career comes from me not doubting myself. I lost a few in a row and it was an easy excuse to quit and doubt myself, but I didn’t, and I was able to rip off three in a row and put myself in a position to win a title.”
Valentin Moldavsky BELLATOR Heavyweight *Klicka HÄRto view Moldavsky’s full media session “Yes, there are some similarities between me and Tim. My style is a little different, fast, I like to take people down and finish them there.”
“Now that this is a title fight, I understand that there is more on the line, but this is just another fight for me. I plan to do what I always do and that is fight my fight and come out with a victory.”
“It is an honor to train with Fedor and represent his team.”
“His wrestling is not better than mine, and my sambo is going to be more impactful than his wrestling.’ Liz Carmouche BELLATOR Women’s Flyweight
“I plan to get a dominant finish and earn a title shot. I don’t think either of us want this to go to a decision. Weather it be me knocking her out, cutting her open or ground and pound, I plan to finish this fight in a dominating fashion.”
“It is really exciting to fight in front of the fans and feel that energy again. Walking in and walking out is where you feel it, but when I step foot in the cage it is just me and my opponent.”
“This has nothing to do with Kana and her record. I have to put on a dominant performance and show why I deserve to be the champion in this division. When I got to Bellator, I wanted to climb all the way up the rankings, and that is what I have done and plan on continuing to do.”
“Without giving too much away I see a lot of possibilities here. I see a lot of disabilities in her game that I can capitalize on that will enhance my game. This will allow me to put on a great performance and finish her.”
Kana Watanabe BELLATOR Women’s Flyweight *Klicka HÄRto view Watanabe’s full media session “I am very flattered by the comparison to Rhonda, but my judo and my ground and pound is very advanced and much different than Rhonda’s.”
“If I have a positive showing Friday, then I believe I deserve a shot at the title.”
“Liz is one of the biggest names I have ever fought, but this does not change my mindset or make me feel pressure. I am honored to fight Liz and can’t wait to step foot in the cage with her.”
“I am honored to be the co-main event on Friday. That all means nothing, fast, if I don’t put on a show and an impressive performance. I plan to do that.’ Myles Jury BELLATOR Lightweight
“I try to focus on the things I can control, but a win Friday along with how I have been fighting should put me in the conversation for a title shot.”
“I credit my toughness for this two-fight win streak. I continue to show up and work hard. When I was on that three-fight losing streak, I did not allow for myself to get down. After Friday I will be on a three-fight win streak and in a great spot for a shot at the title, and I credit my toughness and resilience for that.”
Sidney Outlaw BELLATOR Lightweight “I have improved in every way possible. Jury is just another guy who breathes air, so I have nothing to worry about.”
“Fighting guys like Michael Chandler have helped me, but at the end of the day it is me vs. mig. I am confident, and that has translated to every other aspect of my life. I am prepared for this fight and am going to put on a show.”
“I think Keoni is a tough fighter, but I am looking forward to giving him his first loss. I am extremely excited for this fight and giving him his first loss is going to be a challenge for me, and I look forward to It.”
"Ärligt talat, I don’t want to look ahead of this fight. It was easy to do that in the Grand Prix, and I did not like it. Keoni is a tough opponent, and my focus has been on him. I had a great camp and look forward to showing that Friday night.” Keoni Diggs BELLATOR Featherweight
“I’m stoked for the challenge. This is my toughest fight to date, and it’s against the toughest opponent. I am looking forward to making a statement and solidifying myself in this division.”
“My game plan never changes. I am going to take what he gives me and beat him. I believe I am better than him everywhere, I am not really looking forward to wins and losses, but I just want to put on a great performance and show what I am capable of.”
“Just because he has more fights doesn’t mean he has mystical powers. I train with some very tough people, and I am a veteran myself. I have a lot of confidence in myself and don’t see him doing anything that will shock me when we step in the cage.”
Christian Edwards BELLATOR Light Heavyweight *Klicka HÄRto view Edward’s full media session
“Simon is very tough, and it is definitely the toughest opponent of my career. I know my skill set, fast, and I know what I can do, and I expect to show that Friday.”
“I know Simon is very powerful and athletic. It is his first fight in the United States, so I expect him to come out flying. I plan to weather the storm and then take him into deep waters where I can finish the fight.” Simon Biyong BELLATOR Light Heavyweight *Klicka HÄRto view Biyong full media session
“It is a dream to fight in the United States and making my debut here is a huge opportunity. I was originally on the prelims and now I am on the main card, what more could I ask for?"
“I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for Edwards, but it doesn’t matter because at the end of the day it is a fight. It is short notice for me, and it is short notices for him. I will be ready and can’t wait to show my skills.”
“I am here to put myself in a position to get a ranked opponent, and Christian Edwards is in my way. I think he looked good in his last fight, but I am not his last opponent. I hope he is ready because I am.”
**** Om BELLATOR BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under ledning av veteranen kamp promotor Scott Coker, BELLATOR-evenemang äger rum i större städer över hela världen och kan ses på tv i över 160 länder till en tillgänglig publik på över en miljard människor. I USA, BELLATOR kan ses på SHOWTIME. BELLATOR består av ett ledningsteam som inkluderar toppbranschproffs inom tv-produktion, live-event orkestrering, jaktplan utveckling / förbindelser, plats upphandling, skapande sponsring / utveckling, internationell licensiering, marknadsföring, reklam, publicitet och provisionsrelationer. BELLATOR är baserat i Hollywood, Calif. och ägs av underhållningsjätten ViacomCBS, hem till världens främsta underhållning varumärken som ansluter med publiken genom övertygande innehåll över tv, spelfilm, online och mobila plattformar.
Om Showtime Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), ett helägt dotterbolag till ViacomCBS Inc., äger och driver premium-tv-nät showtime®, FILMEN CHANNEL™ och FLIX®, och erbjuder även SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, FILMEN CHANNEL™ On Demand och FLIX ON DEMAND®, och nätverkets autentiseringstjänst SHOWTIME HELST®. Showtime Digital Inc., ett helägt dotterbolag till SNI, driver fristående streamingtjänst SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME är för närvarande tillgängligt för abonnenter via kabel, DBS, och telekomleverantörer, och som en fristående streamingtjänst via Amazon, Äpple®, Google, LG Smart TV-apparater, Oculus Go, År®, Samsung Smart TV-apparater, Xbox One och PlayStation®4. Konsumenter kan också prenumerera på SHOWTIME via Amazons Prime Video Channels, Apple TV-kanaler, VID&T TV nu, FuboTV, Hulu, Roku-kanalen, Sling TV och YouTube TV. Tittarna kan också titta på datorer kl Showtime.com. SNI marknadsför och distribuerar sport och underhållningsevenemang för utställning till abonnenter på en pay-per-view basis genom SHOWTIME PPV®. För mer information, gå till www.SHO.com.
LOS ANGELES – Liz Carmouche (15-7), who is No. 5 in the BELLATOR women’s pound-for-pound rankings, will face the promotion’s No. 3 ranked flyweightKana Watanabe (10-0-1) during the co-main event of BELLATOR MMA 261: Johnson vs. Moldavskypå fredag, Juni 25.
Den Bellator 261 main card airs live onShowtime vid 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PTand takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. A limited number of tickets starting at $60 are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.
Newly announced preliminary matchups feature a bantamweight tilt pittingJaylon Bates (2-0) mot Cody Matthews (1-1) and middleweight matchup betweenTaylor Johnson (6-2) och Lance Wright (5-1).
The preliminary portion ofBellator 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky börjar vid 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.
Bellator 261: Johnson vs. Moldavskyis anchored by an interim heavyweight title bout between No. 1 rankad Timothy Johnson (15-6) och nr. 3 rankad Valentin Moldavsky (10-1). A featherweight fight featuring former title challenger No. 5 rankad Daniel Weichel (40-12) against Hawaii’s undefeatedKeoni Diggs (9-0) and a light heavyweight re-booking between No. 10 rankad Christian Edwards (4-0) och Ben Parrish (4-1) have also been confirmed for the main card.
Additional prelims include a lightweight bout featuring No. 6 rankad Myles Jury (19-5) versus No. 7 rankad Sidney Outlaw (15-4), a women’s strawweight fight pittingLena Ovchynnikova (12-6, 1 NC) mot Kyra Batara (8-4), a light heavyweight contest seeingLee Chadwick(26-15-1) kontra Simon Biyong(7-1), and a lightweight affair betweenSøren Bak (14-1) och Bobby Lee (12-5).
Carmouche is a highly skilled veteran of the sport who joined BELLATOR’s women’s flyweight division in 2019 following a six-year run in the UFC. Fighting out of San Diego, the 37-year-old Team Hurricane Awesome-product also formerly competed for Strikeforce, notching a pair of victories with the promotion. Since signing with BELLATOR, “Girl-Rilla” has rallied off two straight wins, defeating Vanessa Porto and DeAnna Bennett. Prior to Carmouche’s days as a professional athlete, the Lafayette, Louisiana-native spent five years serving as an aviation electrician in the United Stated Marine Corps, where she completed three tours of duty in the Middle East.
“I’m looking forward to getting back in the cage. I plan to end this fight with a dominant finish that stamps my name as the top contender for the belt,” Carmouche said.
Undefeated through 11 professionella slagsmål, Japan’s Watanabe steps into the BELLATOR MMA cage for the third time in as many years. Med frying-pan-bending styrka, the 32-year-old judoka boasts an impressive 60% finishing rate and has bested fellow BELLATOR flyweights Alejandra Lara and Ilara Joanne since joining the promotion’s ranks. The No. 3 ranked flyweight is looking to make a statement of her own and stake her claim to a shot at BELLATOR’s coveted 125-pound championship.
“I am very grateful to be given another opportunity to fight during these hard times. Liz Carmouche has tons of experience and has constantly been fighting the best which makes her without a doubt one of the best in the world,” Watanabe said. “I fully respect her in every aspect and am truly honored to face such an athlete. Med detta sagt, I am excited to take on this challenge to prove to everybody and myself that I have what it takes to become the best in the world. I want to win this fight in a convincing way, to open up the doors for a title challenge shot.”
Interim Heavyweight Title Main Event: #1-Tim Johnson (15-6) vs. #3-Valentin Moldavsky(10-1) Flyweight Co-Main Event: #2– Liz Carmouche (15-7) vs. #3-Kana Watanabe(10-0-1) Featherweight Main Card Bout: #5-Daniel Weichel (40-12) vs. Keoni Diggs (9-0) Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout: #10– Christian Edwards (4-0) vs. Ben Parrish (4-1)
Strawweight bout:Lena Ovchynnikova (12-6, 1 NC) vs. Kyra Batara (8-4) Lätt skjutningen:#6-Myles Jury(19-5)vs. #7-Sidney Outlaw (15-4) Lätt skjutningen:Søren Bak (14-1) vs. Bobby Lee (12-5) Bantamvikt Bout: Jaylon Bates(2-0) vs. Cody Matthews(1-1) Mellanvikt Bout: Taylor Johnson(6-2) vs. Lance Wright(5-1) Lätt tungvikt Bout: Lee Chadwick(26-15-1) vs. Simon Biyong(7-1)
*Kortet kan ändras.
For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, besök BELLATOR.com.
BELLATOR MMA 256: Bader vs. Machida 2 Huvud Card: #1-Ryan Bader (28-6, 1 NC) besegrade #4-Lyoto Machida (26-11) via enhälligt beslut (49-46, 49-45, 49-45) Bader “I don’t know who I’d rather face next. I don’t know much about [Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov] but I know Corey [Anderson] really well. I brought him in for training camps for Phil Davis. He’s a good guy so I’m rooting for him. But if I have to fight him, I know he’s tough. I’m in this tournament and I ran through another tournament before. I had fun so that’s why I came down here. It doesn’t matter who’s in my way. I want that belt back and this was the first step right here. “There’s redemption this whole tournament. I got one back on Machida but I’ve lost to Nemkov and I’ve lost to Anthony Johnson, so I would like to meet one of them in the finals. But honestly, to make it to the finals and fight for the belt, I’d be happy with whoever it is.”
#2-Liz Carmouche (15-7) besegrade Vanessa Porto(22-8) via enhälligt beslut (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) Carmouche: “As soon as they say I’m clear and I’m good, I’m ready to get right back into fighting camp and go for the belt. If I don’t get a title shot, I’d be disappointed of course. I came in here with the hopes that I would work up the ranks to fight for the title. I just need to know what I need to do. You tell me who I need to beat to get that fight and I’ll do it. I certainly hope that taking somebody who has more fights than I do and beating her tonight would put me in contention for that belt.” #3-Adam Borics(17-1) defeated#8-Jeremy Kennedy (16-3, 1 NC) via enhälligt beslut (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) Borics: “I don’t care who my next opponent is, but just give me the winner of the [Featherweight World Grand Prix] turnering. I’m definitely next in line. My goal is to get the winner but let’s see what BELLATOR wants. I am really happy I got this opportunity to fight during these crazy times. I feel that I am ready for a title. I have eight or nine fights with BELLATOR so yes, I would like to fight for the title next.” #3-Cat Zingano(12-4) besegrade Olivia Parker(4-2) via submission (armbar) vid 2:56 runda en Zingano: “I want to go against the best. I know who’s the best. I know these two girls [Cris Cyborg and Leslie Smith] have a fight coming up in a couple months and I’d love to get a shot at the belt over here in BELLATOR. That would mean a lot to me.” Dan Moret(15-6) besegrade #3-Yamauchi upp (25-5) via delad beslut (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Rising welterweight starJaron “Boots” Enniswas interviewed on the telecast ahead of his SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event debut tomorrow night against former 140-pound world champion Sergey Lipinets.
“You’re going to see a lot of speed, ström, and me having fun. It’s about making statements and getting knockouts at the end of the night,” said the 23-year-old Ennis, who will be taking on the toughest challenge of his career in Lipinets as he pursues a world title shot. “It’s going to be a great opportunity for me to headline my first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and it’s the start of me being a pay-per-view star. It’s only up after this. It’s time for me to do my thing tomorrow night.” Preliminära kortet: Dalton Rosta (5-0) besegrade Tony Johnson (9-3) via enhälligt beslut (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Talita Nogueira (8-2) besegrade Jessica Borga (3-3) via enhälligt beslut (29-27, 29-27, 29-27) #10-Jornel Lugo(6-0) besegrade #8-Cass Bell (5-2) via enhälligt beslut (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) Cody Law (3-0) besegrade Nathan Ghareeb (2-1) via enhälligt beslut (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Jaylon Bates (2-0) besegrade Jeffrey Glossner(2-2) via submission (giljotin) vid 1:27 runda två Nainoa Dung (4-2) besegrade Izzy William (4-4) via enhälligt beslut (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) Diana Avsaragova (3-0) besegrade Tara Graff(1-3) via knockout (stansar) vid :29 runda en John Douma (5-2) besegrade Will Smith (3-3) via delad beslut (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Bellator 246: Archuleta vs. Blanda Huvud Card: Juan Archuleta (25-2) besegrade Patchy Mix(13-1) via enhälligt beslut (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) Neiman Gracie (10-1) besegrade Jon Fitch (32-8-2, 1 NC) via submission (häl krok) vid 4:47 runda två Liz Carmouche (14-7) besegrade DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1) via submission (bakre naked choke) vid 3:17 av runda tre Keoni Diggs(9-0) besegrade Derek Fields (20-11) via technical submission (bakre naked choke) vid 4:59 av runda tre
Preliminära kortet: Daniel Madrid(18-6) besegrade Pat Casey(6-3) via delad beslut (29-28, 28-29, 30-27) Ty Gwerder(5-1) besegrade Tuco Tokkos(4-2) via TKO kl 1:05 av runda tre Davion Franklin (2-0) besegrade Ras Hylton(6-5) via technical decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bellator 245: Davis vs. Machida 2 Huvud Card: Phil Davis (22-5, 1 NC) besegrade Lyoto Machida (26-10) via delad beslut (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Cat Zingano(11-4) besegrade Gabby Holloway(6-6) via enhälligt beslut (29-27, 30-26, 30-26) Taylor Johnson(6-1) besegrade Och Ruth (8-3) via submission (häl krok) vid :59 runda en Raymond Daniels (2-1, 1 NC) och Peter Stanonik(5-4, 1 NC)endedin a no content (accidental low blow)
Preliminära kortet: Alex Polizzi (7-0) besegrade Rafael Carvalho (16-5) enhälligt beslut (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Leslie Smith (12-8-1) besegrade Amanda Bell(7-7) via enhälligt beslut (29-28, 29-28. 29-28) Tyrell Fortune(8-1, 1 NC) och Jack May(11-6, 1 NC) ended in a no content (accidental low blow) Keith Lee(7-3) besegrade Vinicius Zani(11-7) via enhälligt beslut (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
FORMER CHAMPS PHIL DAVIS AND LYOTO MACHIDA COLLIDE IN LONG-AWAITED REMATCH ATBellator 245 PÅ FREDAG, SEPTETT. 11 JUAN ARCHULETA FACES UNDEFEATED PATCHY MIX FOR THE VACANT BELLATOR BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ATBellator 246 PÅ LÖRDAG, SEPTETT. 12
MER, THE BELLATOR DEBUTS OF FORMER TITLE CHALLENGERS CAT ZINGANO AND LIZ CARMOUCHE
LOS ANGELES— For the first time, Bellator MMA’s “FightSphere” atMohegan Sun Arena i Uncasville, Conn. will host a stacked doubleheader weekend on Friday, Sju. 11 and Saturday, Sju. 12. On night one, Bellator 245is headlined by former world champsPhil Davis(21-5, 1 NC) ochLyoto Machida (26-9) in a light heavyweight rematch, medanBellator 246on night two sees a bantamweight world championship fight featuring top contenderJuan Archuleta(24-2) taking on the undefeatedPatchy Mix (13-0) for the vacant title.
Two former world title challengers also make their long-awaited Bellator debuts, somCat Zingano(10-4)tar påGabby Holloway(6-5)in a featherweight matchup atBellator 245,medanLiz Carmouche (13-7) meets the newly signedDeAnna Bennett(10-6-1) at flyweight during the main card ofBellator 246.
Bellator 245: Davis vs. Machida 2på fredag, Sju. 11 ochBellator 246: Archuleta vs. Blandapå lördag, Sju. 12 air live onParamount Network ochDAZN vid 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. Preliminary action will stream onBellator MMA’s YouTube channel. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming days.
A former Bellator light heavyweight world champion, Phil Davis returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since stoppingKarl Albrektsson vidBellator 231in October of last year.A four-time NCAA D-I All-American wrestler at Penn State University, "Herr. Wonderful” has earned professional victories over Brian Stann, Alexander Gustafsson, Antônio Rogério Nogueira, and the man he will face again on Sept. 11, Lyoto Machida. With eight Bellator appearances already, the San Diego-based fighter has his sights set on reclaiming his world title in the sport’s toughest light heavyweight division.
After signing with Bellator in 2018, Lyoto Machida made his highly anticipated promotional debut with a victory over former champRafael CarvalhovidBellator 213and would later go on to defeat the now-retiredChael Sonneninside the famed Madison Square Garden atBellator 222. The former UFC light heavyweight champ, known to fans around the globe as “The Dragon,” owns notable career wins over Tito Ortiz, “Shogun” Rua, Dan Henderson, Rashad Evans and Randy Couture. Having lost to Davis in the first matchup in Brazil, the native ofSalvador, Bahia, Brazil is looking for redemption and a future shot at Bellator gold.
Fresh off of an impressive victory overHenry Corrales vidBellator 238 tidigare i år, Juan Archuleta will look to capture the promotion’s vacant bantamweight strap. Fighting out of Hesperia, Calif., the 32-year-old knockout artist will once again drop down a weight class for a shot at the world title, something he successfully accomplished on four separate occasions while competing for regional promotion King of the Cage (light welterweight, lätta, flyweight and bantamweight). Following a hard-fought featherweight world title bout withPatricio Pitbulllast September, “The Spaniard” returns to bantamweight, where he has been undefeated for over five years.
Currently fighting out of Jackson Wink MMA in Albuquerque, N.M., Patchy Mix will make his fourth appearance for Bellator, where he has tallied three first-round submission victories. The 26-year-old Buffalo, N.Y.-native hopes to remain undefeated and build off of his most recent win on New Year’s Eve, which saw “No Love” earn a guillotine choke-submission over Yuki Motoya at Bellator’s co-promotional event with Rizin atRizin.20i Japan. Prior to his time with the Scott Coker-led promotion, Mix dominated his competition in all nine of his fights with King of the Cage, collecting five first round finishes. Nu, the submission specialist will face the toughest test of his young career, a matchup with the former Bellator featherweight world title contender and a shot at Bellator’s vacant 135-pound strap.
Also announced forBellator 245…“Easy” Ed Ruth (8-2) returns to middleweight against the debutingTaylor “Tombstone” Johnson (5-1) on the main card; current Bellator Kickboxing welterweight world champRaymond “The Real Deal” Daniels(2-1) returns to MMA againstPeter Stanonik(5-4); former middleweight champRafael Carvalho(16-4) squares off with undefeatedAlex “Easy” Polizzi(6-0) på lätt tungvikt; hard-hitting heavyweightsTyrell Fortune(8-1) ochJack May(11-6) kollidera; “Killa” Keith Lee (6-3) ansiktenDominic “The Honey Badger” Mazzotta (15-3) in a 140-lb. contract weight preliminary matchup.
Also announced forBellator 246…top welterweight contendersJon Fitch (32-7-2, 1 NC) ochNeiman Gracie (9-1) square off in the co-main event; Derek "The Stallion" Campos(20-10) ochRoger “El Matador” Huerta(24-12-1, 1 NC) go toe-to-toe in a lightweight battle; Jackson Wink MMA heavyweight prospectDavion “The Don” Franklin (1-0) tar påRas “The Jamaican Shamrock” Hylton (6-4) on the prelims; Hawaii’sTy “Savage” Gwerder(4-1) meets London’sGeorge “Tuco” Tokkos(4-1) in a middleweight contest.
UppdateradBellator 245: Davis vs.Machida 2Huvud Card:
Paramount Network and DAZN
Fredag, Sju. 11 - 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT
Lätt tungvikt Main Event: Phil Davis(21-5, 1 NC) mot.Lyoto Machida (26-9)
EVENT SET FOR FRIDAY, MAJ 29 VID 10 P.m. ET/9 P.M. CT ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK & DAZN
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, MARS 13!
LOS ANGELES– Bellator officials today announced that the eagerly anticipated promotional debut ofLizCarmouche(13-7) will take place on Friday, Maj 29 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. against undefeated SBG Ireland’s flyweight prospectMandy Böhm (6-0, 1 NC).
Biljetter för Bellator 243: Carmouche vs. Böhmgo on sale March 13 vid 3 p.m. PT and are available at the Pechanga box office, samtBellator.com, Ticketmaster.com och Pechanga.com.
The event will be broadcast live Friday, Maj 29 på Paramount Network och DAZN vid 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream onBellator’s MMA YouTubechannel. Ytterligare skjutningarna kommer att tillkännages i kommande veckor.
A United States Marine Corps veteran and established flyweight competitor, Carmouche joined Bellator’s women’s flyweight division this past December following a six-year run in UFC – a tenure that includes world title bouts in both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, as well as notable wins over Katlyn Chookagian and Jessica Andrade.
Fighting out of San Diego, the 36-year-old Team Hurricane Awesome-product also formerly competed for Strikeforce, notching a pair of victories with the promotion. She also earned a win over Valentina Shevchenko earlier in her career. Prior to “Girl-Rilla’s” days as a professional athlete, the Lafayette, Louisiana-native spent five years serving as an aviation electrician in the United Stated Marine Corps, where she completed three tours of duty in the Middle East.
Fresh off a flyweight title victory on the regional MMA scene last May, Mandy Böhm is ready to bring her undefeated mark as a professional to the highest levels of the sport when she meets former two-division title challenger Liz Carmouche on May 29. Hailing from Germany, but training under the tutelage of John Kavanagh at SBG Ireland in Dublin, “Monster” is a force to be reckoned with on the feet, but showcased her strong submission skills when she handed top Canadian prospect Jade Masson-Wong the first loss of her career in 2019.
Uppdaterad Bellator 243: Carmouche vs. Böhm Kampkort:
Flyweight Main Event: Liz Carmouche (13-7) vs. Mandy Böhm(6-0, 1 NC)
HONOLULU-On the same night asBellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops, Bellator is proud to announce the signing of United States Marine Corps veteran and established flyweight competitorLiz Carmouche (13-7) till en exklusiv flerårigt, multi-kamp kontrakt.
Carmouche joins Bellator’s women’s flyweight division following a six-year run in UFC – a tenure that includes world title bouts in both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, as well as notable wins over Katlyn Chookagian and Jessica Andrade.
Fighting out of San Diego, the 35-year-old Team Hurricane Awesome-product also formerly competed for Strikeforce, notching a pair of victories with the promotion. She earned an additional win over Valentina Shevchenko earlier in her career.
Prior to her days as a professional athlete, the Lafayette, Louisiana-native spent five years serving as an aviation electrician in the United Stated Marine Corps, where she completed three tours of duty in the Middle East. A longtime friend and teammate of Hawaii’s ownIlima-Lei Macfarlane, “Girl-Rilla” finally has the opportunity to compete alongside Bellator women’s flyweight world champion in an already-stacked 125-pound division.
Carmouche’s promotional debut will take place early 2020 in the flyweight division, which is championed by her training partner, Ilima-lei Macfarlane, vem rubriker Bellator 236on DAZN tomorrow night in Honolulu, Hawaii. The division also features Macfarlane’s opponentKate Jackson, as well as other top athletes competing this weekend in Hawaii, Inklusive Juliana Velasquez, Veta Arteaga, Bruna Ellen och Alejandra Lara.
Med tanke på att det är skattesäsongen, det är en bra tid att komma ihåg att finns det tre garantier i livet: död, skatter och Ronda Rousey gång visar varför hon är den bästa kvinnliga fighter på planeten med en första rundan rivning av hennes motståndare.
Rousey prestanda på UFC 184 förra månaden var hennes finaste hittills. Hon lämnade in en nål Katt, allmänt betraktas som Rousey största utmaning, i 14 sekunder. Medan Rousey fick hjälp av en absolut hemskt strategi genom Zingano, hennes virtuosa prestanda ledde till en annan diskussion om vem som har vad som krävs för att detronisera Rousey. Det ledde också till en löjlig konversation om huruvida Rousey kunde konkurrera mot och besegra manliga fighters i UFC: s bantamvikt division. Ju mindre tid på att absurda tanken att utför ingenting men försöker misskreditera stor kämpe Rousey är, desto bättre.
Naturligtvis, det första namnet som alltid kommer upp är Cris "Cyborg" Justino, fjäderlätta mästaren Invicta FC. Hon väntas sjunka till 135 pund för en kamp med Invicta i sommar innan vi går vidare till en kamp med Rousey. Emellertid, Cyborg försökte en droppe till bantamvikt förra året och övergav dessa planer. Så jag skulle inte hålla andan på den efterlängtade agg match mellan Rousey och Cyborg händer något snart.
Rousey nyligen uttryckt en önskan att slåss Bethe Correia, som misshandlade två av Rousey s "Fyra Horsewomen" lagkamrater och har varit kallar Rousey ut ända sedan. Jessica Eye har också satsat sitt anspråk på en titel skott, men ingen av dessa kvinnor utgör ett verkligt hot mot Rousey. Under UFC 184 s postfight täckning, Daniel Cormier flöt idén om hans kollega Miesha Tate få en tredje spricka på Rousey.
Förutom det faktum tror jag trilogier bör reserveras endast när varje fighter har en seger över den andra, Jag ser ingen anledning till varför tredje gången skulle vara en charm för Tate. Medan hon är den enda kvinnan att gå längre än den första omgången med Rousey, Tate har planat som en kämpe, medan Rousey har blivit bättre. Om de två var att bekämpa en tredje gång, Jag ser ingen anledning att tro att resultatet skulle vara annorlunda.
Så varifrån kommer denna ledighet Rousey? Enligt min åsikt, hon har rensat ut UFC kvinnors bantamvikt division. Det finns ingen som utgör ett trovärdigt hot mot henne. Om Zingano justerade hennes strategi och fått en ny chans på Rousey, Hon kanske har en chans att vinna. Utöver det, om Rousey beslutat att gå ut på toppen och bygga vidare på sin spirande filmkarriär, Jag tror inte att någon skulle hålla den mot hennes.
Rousey är för närvarande på en körning besläktad med Anderson Silvas run ovanpå UFC: s mellanvikt. Han dominerade alla i hans väg, och med undantag för hans första kamp med Chael Sonnen, gjorde det ser lätt. Rousey hårdast kamp hittills var mot Liz Carmouche, när hon hade Rousey i en rear naked choke i den första omgången av deras kamp i 2013 innan Rousey lyckades fly och säkra en annan armbar segern.
Silvas regeringstid ovanpå mellanvikt tog slut när den tidigare okända Chris Weidman kom och visade ingen rädsla och tog kampen till Silva. Kanske det är vad som måste ske med Rousey. Hon måste hitta en motståndare som kommer att få rätt i ansiktet, ge henne något kvartal och ta kampen till henne. Nål som försökte på UFC 184, men hennes overzealousness hamnade kostar henne dyrt.
Fram Rousey finner sin egen Chris Weidman, Vi kan lägga till ytterligare superlativ till de många som redan är knutna till kvinno bantamvikt mästare: renare. Rousey är färskt av värdiga utmanare till hennes krona, en uppgift som hon åstadkommit genom att rensa ut sin division.
Chris Huntemann skriver om mixed martial arts i delstaten Maryland. Han delar också hans tankar om UFC, Bellator, och World Series of Fighting. Kolla in hans blogg, eller följa honom på Twitter: mmamaryland.
