Tūtohu Archives: Michael Chandler

MICHAEL CHANDLER AND BENSON HENDERSON REMATCH SET FOR BELLATOR 243 HEADLINER FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK AND DAZN

MORE, HEAVYWEIGHTS MATT MITRIONE AND TIMOTHY JOHNSON SQUARE OFF IN EXPLOSIVE CO-MAIN EVENT

Los Angeles – Bellator is pleased to announce multiple upcoming events set to take place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., whai wāhi Bellator 243 i runga i te Paraire, Aug. 7, Bellator 244 i runga i te Paraire, Aug. 21 a Bellator 245 i runga i te Paraire, E whitu. 11.

Bellator 243 sees former world champions Michael Chandler (20-5) a Benson Henderson (28-8) face off once again inside the Bellator cage nearly four years after their first unforgettable meeting, The highly anticipated lightweight main event rematch airs live Friday, Aug. 7 i runga i Paramount Network and DAZN at 10 p.m. AND from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

In the card’s co-main event, perennial heavyweight contender Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) will take on the hard-hitting Timothy Johnson (13-6) in an exciting matchup that will likely not go to the judges’ scorecards.

Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson 2 airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN on Friday, August 7 i 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The event will also air live on Sky Sports in the UK. Preliminary action will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel.

Making his 23rd promotional appearance for Bellator, “Iron” Michael Chandler will have the opportunity to silence his critics and prove that his November 19, 2016 split decision-win over Henderson was no fluke. Following victories in each of his first 12 pāngia ngaio, highlighted by his first Bellator lightweight world title win and a pair of successful title defenses, the High Ridge, Missouri-native quickly made a name for himself in a stacked 155-pound class. The 34-year-old would eventually go on to collect a promotional record three lightweight title reigns that included three successful title defenses. Having won three of his previous five career rematches, including a pair of lightweight world title victories over Patricky Pitbull a Brent primus, te 2009 NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at the University of Missouri will look to add to that total and remind everyone what the former champion is capable of.

Fighting out of Glendale, Ariz., “Smooth” will once again have a shot at revenge with his longtime rival Chandler, following multiple attempts to schedule the fight over the past year. The highly anticipated rematch was originally slated to take place on New Year’s Eve at Rizin.20 i roto i te fenua Tapone, before Henderson was forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered during training. A few months later, the two former lightweight world champions were set to face off in the main event of Bellator’s return to the Windy City on June 6, before the global pandemic led to yet another postponement. Na, the MMA Lab-product will look to settle the score and collect his fifth consecutive victory en route to a final push at Bellator’s 155-pound strap. With half of his 28 mahi toa haere mai i te ara o te knockout tukunga ranei, the 36-year-old former UFC and WEC lightweight world champion will aim to put all doubts to rest and finish his nemesis in emphatic fashion on August 7.

After initially being scheduled to face Ronny Markes i Bellator 241 in March prior to the pandemic, Matt Mitrione is now slated to meet Johnson, a competitor who also prefers to keep the fight upright. Prior to his MMA career, the 41-year old Illinois-native was a standout defensive end at Purdue University who subsequently earned his way into the NFL, playing six seasons as a member of the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. He ultimately found his way into MMA where he became the high-level competitor he is today, defeating the likes of the late Kimbo Poro, Derrick Lewis,Roy Nelson a Fedor Emelianenko.

A heavy betting underdog coming into his last matchup with Tyrell Fortune i Bellator 239, Timothy Johnson shocked many when he finished the undefeated competitor five years his junior via highlight reel-knockout in the opening frame. The win was the first for the Xtreme Couture-fighter inside the Bellator cage, who signed with the promotion in 2018 following seven outings in the UFC. With an impressive finishing mark of 10 stoppages in his 13 toa ano he ngaio, Johnson will be looking to deliver another impressive outing when he returns to action next month.

Whakahōutia Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson 2 Kāri Main:
Whatunga Paramount me DAZN
10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT

Lightweight Main Event: Michael Chandler (20-5) vs. Benson Henderson (28-8)
Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) vs. Timothy Johnson (13-6)

*Ka whakarerekehia te kaari.

Haere ki Bellator.com no te tahi atu mau haamaramaramaraa.

TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEEK FOR BELLATOR’S RETURN TO ALLSTATE ARENA IN CHICAGO ON MAY 11


BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMP MICHAEL CHANDLER DEFENDS HIS TITLE AGAINST FEATHERWEIGHT KINGPIN PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’ IN LONG-AWAITED GRUDGE MATCH LIVE ON DAZN



THE WELTERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX CONTINUES WITH DOUGLAS LIMA TAKING ON MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE IN SEMI-FINAL ACTION



MORE: UNDEFEATED PROSPECT A.J. MCKEE MEETS CHICAGO’S PAT CURRAN AND THE RETURN OF FORMER WWE STAR JAKE HAGER



Los Angeles – Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Mate. i runga i Rāhoroi, Kia 11 is stacked with a must-see lineup of fights, headlined by current lightweight titleholder Michael Chandler (19-4) in his attempt to become the only man to defeat both Pitbull Brothers and put an end to their years-long rivalry, when he defends his belt against Bellator’s 145-pound champ Patricio “Pitbull” (28-4) i roto i te hui matua o Bellator 221 - which will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.



The co-headliner will see former two-time Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima (30-7) face undefeated Michael whārangi "mana'o" (14-0), better known to fans as “MVP,” in the first semi-final matchup in Bellator’s Welterweight World Grand Prix. Each fighter has their eyes set on moving one step closer to becoming Bellator welterweight champ and taking home one million dollars.



I tua atu, arguably one of the world’s top featherweight prospects A.J. McKee (13-0) will face the stiffest test of his young career when he fights two-time former Bellator featherweight champion Pat Curran (23-7) on Curran’s home turf. Heoi, former WWE champion Jake Hager (1-0) returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since his first-round submission victory in January looking to continue his early dominance inside the cage.



An exclusive online presale for Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull takes place between Wednesday, Feb. 20 i 10 a.m. CT and Thursday, Feb. 21 i 10 p.m. CT, with tickets going on-sale to the general public on Friday, Feb. 22 i 12 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event will be available at the Allstate Arena box office, me te Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.



Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull will be broadcast live on DAZN i 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, ia ka rere mahi tuatahi i runga i Bellator.com me te ao i runga i te Bellator Mobile App. Ka pāngia atu kia kauwhautia i roto i ngā wiki mai.



One of the most-decorated fighters in Bellator history, Michael Chandler reclaimed the lightweight championship this past December to become a three-time titleholder. “Iron” has defeated a who’s who among the division’s elite, whai wāhi Brent primus, Benson Henderson, Patricky Pitbull (x2), Yamauchi ake and Eddie Alvarez. The former University of Missouri wrestler from High Ridge, Mo., who now calls Nashville home, has had a slow-building feud with his May 11 hoariri, verbally sparring with his foe following wins over Patricio’s brother Patricky and on social media. Na, the time for talk is over and both will enter the Bellator cage to finally settle the score.



Hailing from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, two-time featherweight champ Patricio “Pitbull” will enter the Bellator cage for a promotional record 21th time. With impressive wins to his name over Daniel Straus (X3), Daniel Weichel (x2) a Pat Curran, he most recently defeated Emmanuel Sanchez mā te whakatau loto i Bellator 209. Moving up a weight class for the first time since Bellator 160 when he met Benson Henderson, “Pitbull” is planning to leave his mark in a new division and go down as one of the all-time greats. Having earned a finish in 20 o tona 28 toa ano he ngaio, the reigning champion has become synonymous with excitement and fans can certainly expect more fireworks when looks to become a simultaneous two-division champion on May 11.



Fighting out of Atlanta, Ga., by way of Goiania, Brazil, Douglas “The Phenom” Lima has been a mainstay at the top of the 170-pound division for the better part of three years. With wins against the likes of Lorenz Larkin, Andrey Koreshkov (x2), Paora Daley and Ben Saunders, the 31-year-old advanced to the semifinals of the Welterweight World Grand Prix after a technical submission win against Koreshkov. A winner of nine out of his last 11 whakataetae, the American Top Team product remains set on showing the world how dominant he truly is.



One of the most unorthodox strikers to ever compete, “MVP” has steadily worked his way up the welterweight ranks since signing with the organization in 2013. Known for his unique style and personality both inside the cage and out, every Michael Page fight is must-see entertainment. With an undefeated record of 14-0, a 11 of those victories coming by stoppage, the 31-year-old out of London Shootfighters advanced to the semifinals following a closely contested unanimous decision win against rival Paul Daley at Bellator 216.



Fighting out of Long Beach, Calif., A.J. McKee puts his undefeated record on the line against the former champ on May 11. Currently training alongside the likes of Arona Pico,“Baby Slice” a Joey Davis at The Body Shop under the tutelage of his father, MMA veteran Antonio McKee, the second-generation fighter has been making quite the name for himself since joining the professional ranks. I tika 23 tau o te ao, “Mercenary” has set the Bellator record for consecutive wins at 13, having defeated Daniel Crawford, Brian Moore, John “Macapa, Justin Lawrence and Dominic Mazzotta haere i te ara. Known for his highlight-reel finishes, McKee will look to remain unbeaten and keep his name etched in the record books when he meets Curran at Bellator 221. A former two-time Bellator world featherweight champion, Pat Curran returns to the cage near his hometown looking to earn another shot at gold. Fighting out of Crystal Lake, Mate., “Paddy Mike” is in the midst of a three-fight win streak that includes victories over Emmanuel Sanchez, John “Macapa”and Georgi Karakhanyan. The longtime Bellator veteran, who debuted at Bellator 14 i roto i te 2010, owns additional wins over Patricio “Pitbull,” Joe Warren, Roger Huerta a Daniel Straus. Ano, a two-time Bellator tournament winner, the 31-year-old’s return to the top of the 145-pound division begins with a tough test against McKee.



A native of Perry, Okla., Hager emphatically showed the world that he belongs in the sport of MMA with a submission win over J.W. Kizer i Bellator 214 i roto i te Hānuere. A collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he was an All-American and set the school record for most pins at the 285-pound weight class in a single season with 30. Following graduation and a conversation with legendary pro wrestling announcer and fellow Oklahoma Sooner, Jim Ross, Hager made the transition to professional wrestling and signed with World Wrestling Entertainment. While in WWE, Hager would go on to claim multiple coveted professional titles during his time with the organization, including the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Championship and WWE United States Championship. Na, the man also known to fans around the globe as “Jack Swagger” will return to action MMA action in Chicago against a soon-to-be-announced heavyweight opponent.



Whakahōutia Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull Card:

Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (19-4) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” (28-4)

Welterweight World Grand Prix Semi-final: Douglas Lima (30-7) vs. Michael whārangi "mana'o" (14-0)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: A.J. McKee (13-0) vs. Pat Curran (23-7)

Taumaha Kāri Matua Patupatu: Jake Hager (1-0) vs. TBA


*Ka whakarerekehia te kaari



Haere ki Bellator.com hoki ētahi atu mōhiohio.

BELLATOR 197: CHANDLER vs. GIRTZ RESULTS & Whakaahua

 

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FULL EVENT PHOTOS

 

Michael Chandler (18-4) patua Brandon Girtz (15-8) via technical submission (head & arm choke) i 4:00 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

A.J. McKee (11-0) patua Justin Lawrence (11-5) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Logan Storley (8-0) patua Joaquin Buckley (8-2) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

Baby Slice (2-1) patua Devon Brock (1-1) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i :34 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Juliana Velasquez (7-0) patua Rebecca Ruth (6-3) mā TKO (body kick) i :19 o te a tawhio noa e toru

Derek Anderson (15-3) patua Zak Bucia (18-10) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Dominic Mazzotta (14-2) patua Josh Sampo (11-6) mā te whakatau Kotahi tonu (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Eric Ellington (5-0) patua Jordan Howard (10-5) mā te whakatau ritua (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Arama pūtau (9-8) patua DeWayne Diggs (2-2) mā TKO (nifó) i 4:27 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Cort Wahle (3-3) patua Joe Roye (1-5) mā tāpaetanga (pororere) i :21 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

Horano Dowdy (5-4) patua Jeff Crotty (1-1) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i :29 o te tetahi a tawhio noa

A.J. Siscoe (3-2) patua Justin Robbins (14-19) mā tāpaetanga (kowaowaotia iho muri-tahanga) i 4:34 o te a tawhio noa e rua

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

 

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

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WEIGH IN PHOTOS

 

Bellator 197: Chandler vs. Whitiki e wahi apopo, Rāmere, April 13 at The Family Arena in St. Charles MO. The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network (Koi mua) i 9 p.m. AND/8 p.m. CT, ia ka rere mahi tuatahi i runga i Bellator.com me te ao i runga i te Bellator Mobile App.

 

Complete Bellator 197: Chandler vs. Whitiki 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. Horano 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)

Tuhinga o mua Bantamweight: Josh Sampo (135.4) vs. Dominic Mazzotta (135.4)

Tuhinga o mua Bantamweight: Eric Ellington (135.4) vs. Jordan Howard (136)

189-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: DeWayne Diggs (186.8) vs. Arama pūtau (189)

Taumekehiko Whakatekau Mua: Cort Wahle (144.9) vs. Joe Roye (151)*

MONSTER ENERGY BELLATOR MMA FIGHT SERIES VISITS TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY UNDER THE LIGHTS ON NASCAR RACE WEEKEND FRIDAY, Oct. 13

 

Ano, Appearances by Former Bellator Champ and Monster Energy Athlete Michael Chandler and Heavyweight Fan-Favorite Roy Nelson

Los Angeles - Ko te Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series heads to the legendary Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala. for its third event on Rāmere, Oketopa. 13. For the first time, fighters will step into the cage after the sun has set on Friday evening, kicking off an exciting weekend for fans that culminates with the fifth race of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs i runga i te Sabati.

 

Ahead of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Alabama 500 i runga i te Sabati, Oketopa. 15, the Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series will feature MMA action i runga i te Paraire evening beginning at 8:30 p.m. CT at the Monster Energy Fan Zone in the Talladega Infield, immediately following the track’s “Big One on the Blvd” parade and party. Talladega Infield access is required for admission.

 

I tua atu, i runga i Rāmere, October 13 i 3-4 p.m. CT, fans will have the opportunity to meet former Bellator lightweight champion and Monster Energy athlete "Iron" Michael Chandler, as well as heavyweight fan-favorite Roy “Big Country” Nelson, at the Monster Energy Fan Zone in the Talladega Fan Zone, directly outside admission gates behind the north end of the frontstretch grandstands.

 

“The Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series has been a great way for us to share MMA, as well as the Bellator brand, with an entirely new fan base this year,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “With the support of Monster Energy, we’ve already seen the crossover appeal these events offer. I’m excited to head to one of the most iconic tracks in motorsports with Hans Molenkamp, Aaron Quesada, Austin Hodges and the entire Monster Energy team to bring Bellator MMA action to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs at Talladega.

 

Through Bellator MMA, alongside longstanding partner Monster Energy, mixed martial arts will be included as a pre-race activation exclusively for fans in attendance. The lineup i runga i te Paraire will consist of four MMA bouts featuring some of the best regional up-and-coming talent, with the main event prospects in consideration to be signed to a multi-fight Bellator MMA contract.

 

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Alabama 500 at Talladega takes place Rātapu, October 15 i 1 p.m. CT. Tickets to the race are available at ‪NASCAR.com/tickets, TalladegaSuperspeedway.com/tickets or by calling Talladega Superspeedway at 1-855-518-RACE (7223).

 

Whakahōutia Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series at Talladega Superspeedway Fight Card:

Lightweight Main Event: Omar Johnson (8-1, Birmingham, Ala.) vs. Jonathan Pearce (5-3, Johnson City, Tenn.)

Taumahamaha a'ee: Frank Tate (4-4, Birmingham, Ala.) vs. Kem Oti (2-1, Decatur, Ala.)

Whitu a'ee: Marcel Stamps (1-0, Birmingham, Ala.) vs. Derek Wilson (Tuatahi Pro, Atlanta, Ga.)

Heavyweight Amateur Bout: Christian Echols (2-0, Cullman, Ala.) vs. Billy Swanson (7-1, Cleveland, Tenn.)

 

Please visit Bellator.com for details.

*Event schedule subject to change.

SPIKE PRESENTS AN ENCORE PRESENTATION OF BELLATOR’S BIGGEST EVENT EVER – BELLATOR NYC: SONNEN VS SILVA

Special Broadcast on Friday, Hōngongoi 28 i 9-11:30pm ET/PT

Los Angeles – From a wild and rare double-knockdown featuring an MMA icon, to a back-and-forth battle for the lightweight title fight, to an even more shocking upset of an MMA prodigy – Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva was certainly entertaining, exciting and often unpredictable.

 

For those who missed the Pay-Per-View telecast on Pipiri 24, Spike will present a special encore presentation of this memorable event onRāmere, Hōngongoi 28 i 9-11:30 p.m. AND/PT.

 

Emanating from Madison Square Garden in in the heart of New York, Bellator’s biggest fight card featured a double main event between fierce rivals Chael a Wanderlei Silva, ia Matt Mitrione stood toe-to-toe with the iconic Fedor Emelianenko in a heavyweight showdown for the ages. I tua atu, two explosive title fights took place, rite Douglas Lima looked to defend his welterweight crown against Lorenz Larkin and lightweight champ Michael Chandler took on the undefeated Brent primus. Rounding out the action, Arona Pico made his long-awaited MMA debut against Zach Freeman in a lightweight bout and Brazilian jiu-jitsu aceNeiman Gracie put his skills on display against New York’s Dave Marfone.

FANS INVITED TO BELLATOR NATION RALLY AND BELLATOR NYC: SONNEN VS. SILVA WEIGH-INS INSIDE THE THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ON FRIDAY, JUNE 23

MORE, A CHANCE TO WIN CAGESIDE TICKETS

Los Angeles – Ahead of Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva, fans are invited to the first ever Bellator Nation Rally on Rāmere, Pipiri 23 i 4:30 p.m. AND inside the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Members of the Bellator Nation will have the opportunity to meet with MMA legends Randy Couture and Dan Henderson, current Bellator heavyweight Cheick Kongo, as well as Bellator personalities, including Mike Goldberg and the Bellator Ring Girls. The event is FREE and OPEN to the public. Space is limited, so fans are encouraged to arrive early.

I tua atu, prizes, including two cageside tickets to Bellator NYC, will be given away to fans in attendance.

I 6 p.m. AND, fans are also invited to be a part of the Bellator NYC a Bellator 180 weigh-ins inside The Theater at Madison Square Garden, as the fighters take the scale and square off for the final time prior to entering the cage i runga i Rāhoroi po. The event is FREE and OPEN to the public.

One of the most recognizable MMA fighters of all time, Hall o Famer Randy Couture transitioned nicely into the entertainment world after his fighting career, starring in several television shows and movies, whai wāhi The Expendables movie franchise and Dancing with the Stars. Inside the cage, Couture was a fearless underdog, often defeating men with great size advantages. “The Natural” was a multi-time heavyweight and multi-time light heavyweight champion in the UFC.

Dan Henderson, known simply as “Hendo,” is one of the most feared one-punch strikers in all of MMA and put away many opponents with his “H-Bomb” overhand right. A former PRIDE and STRIKEFORCE champion, Henderson owns notable wins over Michael Bisping, Fedor Emelianenko, “Shogun” Rua and Wanderlei Silva. Now retired, Henderson also represented the U.S. during the 1992 a 1996 Olympics as a member of the Greco-Roman wrestling teams.

Mai hono i te whakawehi Bellator MMA i roto i 2013, Cheick Congo, a French-born kickboxer, has strung together an impressive run that has seen him emerge victorious in nine of 11 whakataetae, including five consecutive victories. Ki te 39 career fights under his belt, “The Darknesshas tallied 27 toa ano he ngaio, whai wāhi 12 by way of knockout. Kongo most recently handed Augusto Sakai the first loss of his professional career at Bellator 179 i roto i te London.

Mike Goldberg, set to make his Bellator broadcast debut at Bellator NYC a Bellator 180, is best known for his 20 plus years of play-by-play work in professional MMA and trademark calls that made him popular with fans around the globe. In addition to his two decades in mixed martial arts, he has broadcast every major sport at the network level, most notably his 900 games in the NHL, both nationally and with the Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings. He has also hosted entertainment shows, whai wāhi Shaq Vs. A graduate of Miami (Ohio) University, Goldberg now resides in Phoenix, Ariz.

Haere ki Bellator.com a BellatorNYC.com for upcoming event information.

Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva Card (Pay-Per-View):

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Chael (29-15-1) vs. Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC)

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1 NC) vs. Matt Mitrione (11-5)

Welterweight World Title Bout: Douglas Lima (28-6) vs. Lorenz Larkin (18-5, 1 NC)

Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (16-3) vs. Brent primus (7-0)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Arona Pico (Tuatahi) vs. Zach Freeman (8-2)

 

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Card (Koi):

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) vs. Ryan Bader (22-5)

Mā whitu a'ee: James Gallagher (6-0) vs. Chinzo Machida (5-2)

Welterweight a'ee: Neiman Gracie (5-0) vs. Dave Marfone (5-2)

Women’s Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Heather Hardy (Tuatahi) vs. Alice Yauger (4-5)

 

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Kāri hukihuki (Bellator.com):

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ryan Couture (10-5) vs. Haim Gozali (7-3)

Kōmāmātanga Tuhinga o mua: Jerome Mickle (2-1) vs. Anthony Giacchina (1-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (168 1bs.): John Salgado (4-7-1) vs. Hugh McKenna (0-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (130 1bs.): Matt Rizzo (9-2, 1 NC) vs. Sergio da Silva (6-8)

Kōmāmātanga Tuhinga o mua: Nate Grebb (3-1) vs. Bradley Desir (9-5)

BELLATOR ANNOUNCES BROADCAST DUTIES FOR HISTORIC EVENT AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ON SATURDAY, JUNE 24

 

 

Los Angeles – With the recently announced additions of veteran commentators Mauro Ranallo and Mike Goldberg to the current Bellator broadcast team, fight night roles have been determined for the biggest evening in the promotion’s history when Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva a Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader air live on Saturday, Pipiri 24 from Madison Square Garden in New York.

Bellator’s stacked pay-per-view event, Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva, will see play-by-play analyst Mauro Ranallo join longtime Bellator color commentator Jimmy Smith for the first time live at 10 p.m. AND/7p.m. PT, ia Mike Goldberg will anchor the desk for the historic broadcast.

Earlier that evening, Goldbergis set to call the play-by-play action alongside Smith, with Ranallo set to hostBellator 180: Davis vs. Bader from the desk live on SPIKE at 8 p.m. AND/5 p.m. Goldberg and Smith will alsocall the additional preliminary match-ups on Bellator.com at 6 p.m. AND/3 p.m. PT.

Jenn Brown will host SPIKE’s live pre-show during preliminary action, where she will be joined by popular MMA personality Brendan Schaub and Bellator lightweight Josh Thomson, who will offer unique insight and analysis leading into the historic event. Schaub and Thomson will later join Ranallo at the desk duringBellator 180. The voice of Bellator, Michael C. Williams, will take his familiar position inside the cage as the evening’s ring announcer.

Headlined by the long-awaited bout between two of the biggest names in mixed martial arts history, Chael (29-15-1) a Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC), Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva airs live on pay-per-view beginning at 10 p.m. AND/7 p.m. PT. Emanating from Madison Square in New York City, the mecca of combat sports, this blockbuster event includes a heavyweight bout between MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko me te pakeke-patu Matt Mitrione, along with two championship bouts, whai wāhi Douglas Lima (28-6) defending his 170-pound strap against Lorenz Larkin(18-5, 1 NC) and current lightweight champion Michael Chandler (16-3) putting his world title on the line against the undefeated Brent primus (7-0).

Prior to the pay-per-view, SPIKE will air Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader LIVE and FREE on both coasts beginning at 8 p.m. AND/5 p.m. PT. The event is headlined by a light heavyweight title bout between current champ Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) me te nguha runga Ryan Bader (22-5). I tua atu, Bellator 180 prelims will air exclusively on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App at 6 p.m. AND/3 p.m. PT.

Haere ki Bellator.com a BellatorNYC.com for upcoming event information.

 

Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva Card (Pay-Per-View):

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Chael (29-15-1) vs. Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC)

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1 NC) vs. Matt Mitrione (11-5)

Welterweight World Title Bout: Douglas Lima (28-6) vs. Lorenz Larkin (18-5, 1 NC)

Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (16-3) vs. Brent primus (7-0)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Arona Pico (Tuatahi) vs. Zach Freeman (8-2)

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Card (Koi):

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) vs. Ryan Bader (22-5)

Mā whitu a'ee: James Gallagher (6-0) vs. Chinzo Machida (5-2)

Welterweight a'ee: Neiman Gracie (5-0) vs. Dave Marfone (5-2)

Women¹s Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Heather Hardy (Tuatahi) vs. Alice Yauger (4-5)

 

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Kāri hukihuki (Bellator.com):

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ryan Couture (10-5) vs. Haim Gozali (7-3)

Kōmāmātanga Tuhinga o mua: Jerome Mickle (2-1) vs. Anthony Giacchina (1-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (168 1bs.): John Salgado (4-7-1) vs. Hugh McKenna (0-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (130 1bs.): Matt Rizzo (9-2, 1 NC) vs. Sergio da Silva (6-8)

VOW Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nate Grebb (3-1) vs. Bradley Desir (9-5)

BELLATOR NATION INVITED TO EXCLUSIVE FAN FEST DURING BELLATOR NYC FIGHT WEEK

 

MEET MMA LEGENDS TITO ORTIZ AND ROYCE GRACIE ON FRIDAY, JUNE 23 AT DAVE & BUSTER’S TIMES SQUARE

Los Angeles – Prior to the biggest event in Bellator history, Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva, fans have the opportunity to meet MMA legends Tito Ortiz a Royce Gracie during an exclusive Fan Fest on Rāmere, Pipiri 23 timata i 8 p.m. AND at the Dave & Buster’s Times Square location.

 

Dave & Buster o, a season-long partner of Bellator MMA, is offering Bellator Nation members the chance to meet two of the biggest names in the sport. Fan Fest is free for Bellator Nation Members with RSVP, who can sign up at www.Bellator.com/fan-fest.

 

Known as one of the toughest competitors in MMA, Tito Ortiz is a fan-favorite across the world. Utilizing his wrestling background, Ortiz was a punishing competitor who defended his title an impressive five times. Always with a flair for the dramatic, Ortiz engaged in several intense rivalries over his career with the likes of Ken Shamrock and Chuck Liddell. Under the direction of Bellator MMA, the 42-year-old Ortiz claimed a trio of victories that included a pair of first-round finishes over Alexander Shlemenko and Chael Sonnen.

 

Ko te ingoa Gracie he longo ki MMA, and that is in large part to Royce Gracie, te tangata whakaaro nei ki te i whakaaro te hākinakina ta tatou i ite i te reira i teie mahana. The winner of the first several UFC events, Gracie dismantled multiple opponents in a single night, many of which were much larger than him. For many years, there was no answer for the Gracie jiu-jitsu technique that he brought to the cage. I teie mahana,, it’s difficult to find an MMA fighter who has not trained in the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu that his father invented. In February of 2016, Gracie headlined Bellator 149, an event that shattered company viewership records.

 

Headlined by the long-awaited bout between two of the biggest names in mixed martial arts history, Chael (29-15-1) aWanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC), Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva airs live on pay-per-view beginning at 10 p.m. AND/7 p.m. PT. Emanating from Madison Square in New York City, the mecca of combat sports, this blockbuster event includes a heavyweight bout between MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko me te pakeke-patu Matt Mitrione, along with two championship bouts, whai wāhi Douglas Lima (28-6) defending his 170-pound strap against Lorenz Larkin(18-5, 1 NC) and current lightweight champion Michael Chandler (16-3) putting his world title on the line against the undefeated Brent primus (7-0).

 

Prior to the pay-per-view, SPIKE will air Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader LIVE and FREE on both coasts beginning at 8 p.m. AND/5 p.m. PT. The event is headlined by a light heavyweight title bout between current champ Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) me te nguha runga Ryan Bader (22-5). I tua atu, Bellator 180 prelims will air exclusively on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App at 6 p.m. AND/3 p.m. PT.

 

Haere ki Bellator.com a BellatorNYC.com for upcoming event information.

 

Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva Card (Pay-Per-View):

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Chael (29-15-1) vs. Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC)

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1 NC) vs. Matt Mitrione (11-5)

Welterweight World Title Bout: Douglas Lima (28-6) vs. Lorenz Larkin (18-5, 1 NC)

Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (16-3) vs. Brent primus (7-0)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Arona Pico (Tuatahi) vs. Zach Freeman (8-2)

 

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Card (Koi):

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) vs. Ryan Bader (22-5)

Mā whitu a'ee: James Gallagher (6-0) vs. Chinzo Machida (5-2)

Welterweight a'ee: Neiman Gracie (5-0) vs. Dave Marfone (5-2)

Women’s Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Heather Hardy (Tuatahi) vs. Alice Yauger (4-5)

 

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Kāri hukihuki (Bellator.com):

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ryan Couture (10-5) vs. Haim Gozali (7-3)

Kōmāmātanga Tuhinga o mua: Jerome Mickle (2-1) vs. Anthony Giacchina (1-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (168 1bs.): John Salgado (4-7-1) vs. Hugh McKenna (0-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (130 1bs.): Matt Rizzo (9-2, 1 NC) vs. Sergio da Silva (6-8)

VOW Fight – Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nate Grebb (3-1) vs. Bradley Desir (9-5)

BELLATOR SIGNS VETERAN MMA COMMENTATORS MIKE GOLDBERG AND MAURO RANALLO

 

BOTH SET TO CALL THE ACTION FOR BELLATOR NYC ONSATURDAY, JUNE 24 AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

Los AngelesBellator has signed longstanding MMA commentators Mike Goldberg a Mauro Ranallo to multi-event broadcast agreements beginning with Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva a Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader i runga i Rāhoroi, Pipiri 24. The move sees Goldberg return to SPIKE for the first time since 2011, while Ranallo reunites with Bellator President Scott Coker, having worked together through 2013. The pair will join a broadcast team that currently includes Jimmy Smith, Jenn Brown and Chael Sonnen.

“Mike Goldberg and Mauro Ranallo are two of the best in our business and I couldn’t be happier about them joining the Bellator family,"Ka mea a Scott Coker. “In addition to Pipiri 24, we look forward to working together to make future Spike broadcasts even more exciting for our fans as we add further depth to an already-exceptional broadcast team.

“The addition of highly-regarded announcers Mauro and Mike to our fantastic lineup of broadcasters, and our first-rate production led by Scott Fishman, further demonstrates our commitment MMA fans and expanding the global Bellator brand,” added Spike SVP, Sports and Specials Jon Slugger.

Mike Goldberg is best known for his 20 plus years of play-by-play work in professional MMA and trademark calls that made him popular with fans around the globe. In addition to his two decades in mixed martial arts, he has broadcast every major sport at the network level, most notably his 900 games in the NHL, both nationally and with the Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings. He has also hosted entertainment shows, whai wāhi Shaq Vs. A graduate of Miami (Ohio) University, Goldberg now resides in Phoenix, Ariz.

Mauro Ranallo gained notoriety with MMA fans during his tenure with PRIDE, and later STRIKEFORCE, where his voice became synonymous with the now-legendary events. Throughout his career, Ranallo has spent time working with various sports outside of MMA, including boxing, mamau ngaio, kickboxing and ice hockey, and will continue his work with Showtime Boxing. Ranallo, a native of British Columbia, Canada, now resides in Los Angeles, Calif.

Haere ki Bellator.com a BellatorNYC.com for upcoming event information.