This week on the FNU Combat Sports show, Tom, Tony and Rich discuss a slow week for boxing and recap two huge MMA cards in the United Kingdom last weekend. We also talk about Michael Bisping deciding to retire, weight cutting issues in the UFC, and a cop nicknamed “Blade” getting his 15 seconds of fame in a viral video where he boxes a teen in full uniform and comes out on top. Listen to the whole show below:
RAFAEL CARVALHO DEFENDS MIDDLEWIGHT TITLE AGAINST GEGARD MOUSASI IN NEW HEADLINER, WHILE ‘MVP’ TAKES ON DAVID RICKELS IN CO-MAIN
LOS ANGELES – Due to injury, Mirko Cro Cop can no longer compete in his highly anticipated Bellator debut atBellator 200 դեմ Roy Nelson. Որպես հետեւանք, որ Bellator 200 main event now sees reigning middleweight champՌաֆայել Carvalho (15-1) defend his title against top contender Գեղարդ Մուսասին (43-6-2) in a five-round affair, while the co-main event features undefeated British striker Michael «Venom" Page (12-0), better known as “MVP,” againstDavid Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) ժամը welterweight. Bellator 200 takes place Friday, Մայիս 25 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London and will air on Paramount Network at 9 կեսօրից. ET / 8 p.m. CT.
The main card also includes former titleholder Phil Davis (18-4) հաշվի վրա Linton Vassell (18-6) in a light heavyweight matchup and reality star turned MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers (3-0) making his promotional debut against fellow BritAsh Griffiths (4-5). The remainder of the main card will be announced later this week.
Prior to the main card on Paramount Network, Bellator 200 will also feature plenty of exciting preliminary matchups showcasing many of the U.K.’s top young talent. The անպարտելի Anastasia Yankova (5-0) returns against the always-tough Քեյթ acksեքսոն (9-3-1), while a trio of former BAMMA champions are in action when former middleweight champion Mike Shipman (11-1) մարտեր Carl Noon (7-2), former BAMMA featherweight kingpin Daniel Crawford (10-1) challenges Pedro Carvalho (6-3) and former BAMMA lightweight titlist Ryan Scope (11-1) դեմքերը Martyn Harris(4-4). Fans will see Bellator veteran Anatoly Tokov (25-3) clash with Vladimir Filipovic (10-2), SBG Ireland-productCharlie Ward (4-3) in action against Louis King (1-1) and Mousasi-trained prospect Costello van Steenis (9-1) հանդիպում Kevin Fryer (6-2).
Tickets for the event are on sale now at The SSE Arena, Wembley box office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com,ssearena.co.uk իսկ axs.com. Bellator 200 will be broadcast on Paramount Network at 9 կեսօրից. ET / 8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App beginning at 12:30 կեսօրից. ET/9:30 ի սահմաններում. PT.
*Քարտը ենթակա է փոփոխման.
WILL TAKE ON ASH GRIFFITHS IN MAIN CARD BOUT ON ՄԱՅԻՍԻ 25 AT THE SSE ARENA, WEMBLEY
LOS ANGELES – Bellator is proud to announce that reality star turned MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers (3-0) will make his promotional debut on the main card of historic Bellator 200 դեմ Ash Griffiths (4-5) at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on Ուրբաթ, Մայիս 25.
Fighting out of Newcastle, Անգլիա, Chalmers steps inside the Bellator cage following three first-round stoppage victories under the direction of BAMMA. Chalmers is a well-known cast member of MTV’s British reality television series “Geordie Shore,” having appeared for 10 seasons beginning in 2014, as well as MTV’s “Ex on the Beach.” He would go on to make his MMA debut in 2017, winning his first bout via submission in the first round. “The Joker” has since defeated two other opponents in under a minute and now looks to take the next step in his professional career.
Griffiths turned pro in 2013, fighting regionally in England, prior to making his debut with Bellator last year during the main card of Bellator 191 Նյուքասլ. Hailing from Willington, Անգլիա, the nine-fight veteran provides a tough test for the newcomer. Fans can expect fireworks, when these two compete for bragging rights in front of their U.K. crowd.
The catchweight contest joins a stacked card that already includes a Bellator middleweight title matchup pitting current champ Ռաֆայել Carvalho (15-1) դեմ Գեղարդ Մուսասին (43-6-2), a rematch betweenheavyweight fan-favorites Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) իսկ Roy Nelson (23-15), while former titleholder Phil Davis (18-4) վերցնում է Linton Vassell (18-6) in a light heavyweight matchup and undefeated British striker Michael «Venom" Page (12-0) հանդիպել David "The Caveman» Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) ժամը welterweight.
Tickets for the event are on sale now at The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com, ssearena.co.uk իսկ axs.com. Bellator 200 will be broadcast on Paramount Network at 9 կեսօրից. ՈՒ/8 կեսօրից. CT, իսկ նախնական ակցիան կլինի հոսքի վրա Bellator.com եւ գլոբալ վրա Bellator Mobile App. The main card is now complete, additional preliminary contests will be announced in coming weeks.
Complete Bellator 200 Գլխավոր Card:
Middleweight World Title Bout: Ռաֆայել Carvalho (15-1) vs. Գեղարդ Մուսասին (43-6-2)
Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) vs. Roy Nelson (23-15)
Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Phil Davis (18-4) vs. Linton Vassell (18-6)
Welterweight Main Card Bout: Michael Page (12-0) vs. David Rickels (19-4, 2 NC)
163-Pound Catchweight Main Card Bout: Aaron Chalmers (3-0) vs. Ash Griffiths (4-5)
*Քարտը ենթակա է փոփոխման
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
Տոմսերը վաճառքում
LOS ANGELES – An exciting battle between heavyweight fan-favorites Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) իսկ Roy Nelson (23-15) has been added to historic Bellator 200 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on Ուրբաթ, Մայիս 25.
The two renowned fighters join a stacked card that already includes a Bellator middleweight title matchup pitting current champ Ռաֆայել Carvalho (15-1) դեմ Գեղարդ Մուսասին(43-6-2), while former titleholder Phil Davis (18-4) վերցնում է Linton Vassell (18-6) in a light heavyweight matchup and undefeated British striker Michael «Venom" Page (12-0) հանդիպել David "The Caveman» Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) ժամը welterweight.
Tickets for the event are on sale now at The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com, ssearena.co.uk իսկ axs.com. Bellator 200 will be broadcast on Paramount Network at 9 կեսօրից. ՈՒ/8 կեսօրից. CT, իսկ նախնական ակցիան կլինի հոսքի վրա Bellator.com եւ գլոբալ վրա Bellator Mobile App. Additional contests will be announced in coming weeks.
The man synonymous with head kick knockouts, Mirko Cro Cop makes his way to Bellator in the midst of an eight-fight win streak that includes TKO victories over «Քինգ Mo» Lawal, Gabriel Gonzaga and Satoshi Ishii. The proud Croatian famously won the PRIDE 2006 Openweight Grand Prix championship, as well as the RIZIN World Grand Prix 2016 title and K-1 World Grand Prix 2012 Final in kickboxing. One of the most feared strikers in MMA history, Cro Cop owns additional career wins over Wanderlei Սիլվա, Josh Barnett (X3), Pat Barry, Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman.
Պայքար դուրս Լաս Վեգասում, Roy Nelson made his Bellator debut at Bellator 183 in September with a hard-fought victory over Javy Ayala following an eight-year, 19-fight run with UFC that saw him earn wins over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, «Bigfoot« Սիլվա, Cheick Kongo and Mirko Cro Cop. “Big Country” also memorably defeated the late Kimbo Կտորand later went on to win season 10 Հյուրատետր The Ultimate Fighter. Having recently fought Matt Mitrione in the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix, Nelson is looking for a big win over one of the sport’s true legends.
Թարմացվել է Bellator 200 Մարտական քարտ:
Middleweight World Title Bout: Ռաֆայել Carvalho (15-1) vs. Գեղարդ Մուսասին (43-6-2)
Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) vs. Roy Nelson (23-15)
Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Phil Davis (18-4) vs. Linton Vassell (18-6)
Welterweight Main Card Bout: Michael Page (12-0) vs. David Rickels (19-4, 2 NC)
*Քարտը ենթակա է փոփոխման
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
LONDON TO HOST HISTORIC Bellator 200 ON ՄԱՅԻՍԻ 25
ՏՈՄՍԵՐ վաճառքի Այս ուրբաթ
LOS ANGELES – Bellator is pleased to announce its anticipated return to London for Bellator 200 վրա Ուրբաթ, Մայիս 25. The landmark event will emanate from The SSE Arena, Wembley and will air on Paramount Network.
The first two fights, of what promises to be one of the most exciting event in company history, features middleweight champion Ռաֆայել Carvalho (15-1) defending his crown against Գեղարդ Մուսասին (43-6-2) and the return of London’s own Michael «Venom" Page (12-0), ով վերցնում է David "The Caveman» Rickels (19-4, 2 NC). Additional main card bouts will be announced shortly.
Tickets for the event will be available to the general public on Ուրբաթ, Երթ 2 at The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com, ssearena.co.uk իսկ axs.com. A special SSE pre-sale will take place Չորեքշաբթի, Փետրվար 28, while all other pre-sales, including Bellator Nation, will begin Հինգշաբթի, Երթ 1.
“Bellator continues to place a huge emphasis on its expansion into markets around the globe and creating a strong presence in the U.K. is a very important part of that,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “Our fans are going to be excited about the card we put together for this monumental event, as Bellator 200 will be one of our greatest to date.”
Quietly flying under the radar as Bellator’s current longest-reigning champion, Rafael Carvalho receives his toughest challenge to date when he meets Mousasi in London. A product of Rio de Janeiro, Բրազիլիա, Carvalho joined the Bellator roster in 2014, garnering the attention of fans who tuned into Bellator 125 by emphatically finishing Brian Rogers in the first round. The run hasn’t stopped there, as the 31-year-old has gone onto defeat Joe Schilling, Alessio sakara, Melvin Manhoef (2x) and Brandon Halsey, tying the record for most title defenses in the division’s history in the process.
Gegard Mousasi impressed in his promotional debut over former Bellator middleweight champion Ալեքսանդր Shlemenko, a win that pushed his current unbeaten streak to six fights. “The Dreamcatcher,” who currently trains out of The Netherlands, holds one of the most impressive resumes in all of the sport, at one time winning the STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight title, as well as the DREAM light heavyweight and middleweight titles. With victories against some of the sport’s best, including Chris Weidman, Vitor Belfort, Uriah Hall, Dan Henderson, “Jacare” Souza, Mark Hunt and Ovince Saint-Preux, the Judo black belt will now set his sights on Bellator gold when he enters the cage on May 25.
There are few fighters who in such a short span of time have provided the type of highlight-reel entertainment that Michael Page has. Այժմ, “MVP” returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since 2016, a year that saw Page go viral for his perfectly-timed flying knee finish against 40-fight-veteran “Cyborg” Santos and the well-orchestrated celebration that included the toss of a Pokéball. 2017 saw Page successfully enter the realm of boxing, where he won his debut via TKO. Ի Bellator 200, the London native will make his ninth appearance for Bellator, going unbeaten and finishing his opponent in the opening frame on five occasions.
David Rickels has competed under the Bellator banner more times than anyone in promotional history with 19 and will extend the record when he returns to 170-pounds for the first time since the Bellator Season Six Welterweight Tournament in 2012. The fighting pride of Derby, Kansas is coming off a unanimous decision victory against Ադամ, Piccolot այս անցած Դեկտեմբեր, improving his current winning streak to two. Never one to shy away from a scrap, this matchup should produce fireworks when “The Caveman’s” style clashes with the unorthodox swagger of “MVP.”
Թարմացվել է Bellator 200 Մարտական քարտ:
Middleweight World Title Bout: Ռաֆայել Carvalho (15-1) vs. Գեղարդ Մուսասին (43-6-2)
Welterweight Main Card Bout: Michael Page (12-0) vs. David Rickels (19-4, 2 NC)
****
EVENT TAKES PLACE ՎԱՂԸ AT THE SSE ARENA, WEMBLEY IN LONDON — AIRS AT 9 PM ET/8 PM CT ON SPIKE
Պաշտոնյա Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonaldMain Card Weights:
Welterweight Main Event: Rory MacDonald (170.1) vs. Paul Daley (170.8)
Light Ծանրաքաշ Co-Main Event: Linton Vassell (205) vs. Liam McGeary (205.5)
Heavyweight Feature Bout: Augusto Sakai (263.75) vs. Cheick Kongo (244)
Catchweight Feature Bout: D.J. Griffin (164) vs. Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. (165)
Welterweight Feature Bout: Dan Vinni (169.4) vs. Alex Lohore (170)
Bellator.com-Streamed Նախնական Card:
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jay Dods (154.75) vs. Alfie Davis (155)
Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Dan Konecke (227.5) vs. Stav Economou (260.75)
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Jamie Powell (125.2) vs. Amir Albazi (125.5)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Umer Kayani (168.75) vs. Nathan Jones (169)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Ֆաբիան Էդվարդս (184.5) vs. Rafal Cejrowski (185)
Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremy Petley (148.75) vs. Chase Morton (149.75)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Marcin Prostko (185.25) vs. Mike Shipman (185.75)
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout:Salih Kulucan (135.5) vs. Diego Barbosa (136)
Bellator 179 PRELIMINARY MATCHUPS SET
LOS ANGELES — A newly announced heavyweight bout featuring Cheick Kongo (26-10-2) դեմ Augusto Sakai (9-0-1) has been added to the already-electric Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald իրադարձություն, which emanates from The SSE Arena, Wembley on May 19.
Kongo, the French-born heavyweight, is currently riding a four-fight win streak that includes wins over Oli Thompson and Alexander Volkov, while the 25-year-old Sakai looks to stay unbeaten and make a name for himself in the division.
Բացի այդ,, preliminary matchups featuring some of the U.K.’s best up-and-coming talent have been finalized for the event.
Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald will be broadcast on SPIKE at 9 կեսօրից. ՈՒ/8 կեսօրից. CT. Tickets for the event are on sale now at The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), ssearena.co.uk իսկ axs.com.
Թարմացվել է Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald Գլխավոր Card:
Welterweight Main Event: Paul Daley (39-14-2) vs. Rory MacDonald (18-4)
Welterweight Feature Bout: Michael Page (12-0) vs. Derek Anderson (14-3)
Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Liam McGeary (12-1) vs. Linton Vassell (17-5)
Heavyweight Feature Bout: Cheick Kongo (26-10-2) vs. Augusto Sakai (9-0-1)
Նախնական Card:
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jay Dods (6-0) vs. Alfie Davis (6-1)
Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Rob Beech (4-1) vs. Stav Economou (17-5)
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Jamie Powell (6-1) vs. Amir Albazi (8-0)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Umer Kayani (4-3) vs. Nathan Jones (10-5)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Dan Vinni (14-14) vs. Alex Lohore (10-1)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Liam Etebar (6-1) vs. Rafal Cejra Cejrowski (2-0)
Catchweight Preliminary Bout (150 lbs.): Jeremy Petley (10-8) vs. Chase Morton (6-3)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Marcin Prostko (4-5) vs. Mike Shipman (9-1)
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Salih Kulucan (4-5) vs. Diego Barbosa (3-0)
Bellator 179: DALEY VS. MacDONALD EMANATES FROM THE SSE ARENA, WEMBLEY ON ՄԱՅԻՍԻ 19 – TICKETS ON SALE ՄԱՐՏԻ 3
LONDON — (Feb. 9, 2017) - Paul «Semtex» Daley (39-14-2) is getting what he asked for. Թվականի մայիսի 19, the explosive fighter from Nottingham, England will meet Rory MacDonald(18-4) հիմնական դեպքում Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald at The SSE Arena, Wembley.
Rising undefeated British sensation, Michael “Venom” Page (12-0), better known to Bellator fans as “MVP,” is also expected to make his in-cage return in front of a hometown crowd.
Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald will be broadcast on SPIKE at 9 կեսօրից. ՈՒ/8 կեսօրից. CT. Tickets for the event will be available Ուրբաթ, Երթ 3 at The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), ssearena.co.uk իսկ axs.com. A special SSE pre-sale will take place Չորեքշաբթի, Երթ 1 through Thursday, Երթ 2. A pre-sale for The SSE Arena, Wembley will be available Հինգշաբթի, Երթ 2.
Immediately following his flying-knee knockout of Brennan Ward ի Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen, Daley took the microphone during his post-fight interview and made the most of his time, emphatically calling for his Մայիս 19 opponent by name. Այժմ, a little more than 100 miles from his home, “Semtex” will attempt to spoil the Bellator MMA debut of MacDonald. A 55-fight veteran of the sport, with six appearances under the direction of the Scott Coker-led promotion, the British heavy hitter has recorded victories in 10 իր անցյալ 12 bouts with 31 իր 39 victories coming via finish.
After signing MacDonald to an exclusive, multi-year, multi-fight contract in 2016, the must-see talent returned to the gym where he carefully honed his craft and readied himself for an eagerly-anticipated return to MMA. The former No. 1 contender to the UFC welterweight crown now sets his sights on the always-exciting Daley, looking to add to a list of strong career wins, which includes current UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, B.J. Penn, Demian Maia and Nate Diaz. “The Red King” is clearly the most popular active Canadian mixed martial artist since Georges St-Pierre, whom MacDonald has trained under for years at the world-renowned TriStar Gym in Montreal. At only 27-years-old, MacDonald joins Bellator’s welterweight fray poised to immediately make an impact in the division, as he looks to defeat Daley and shock the London crowd.
Թարմացվել է Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald Գլխավոր Card:
Welterweight Main Event: Paul Daley (39-14-2) vs. Rory MacDonald (18-4)
CLICK HERE FOR CONFERENCE CALL AUDIO
SANTA MONICA, CALIF (Նոյեմբեր 15, 2016) – Before the cage door closes Այս շաբաթ ժամը SAP կենտրոնում Սան Խոսե, the main and co-main event fighters from «Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson »participated in a media conference call. If you weren’t on the line, you can listen to it այստեղ, or read a couple of the quotes below.
«Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson » features current champion Michael Chandler (15-3) դեմ Benson Henderson (24-6) ի headlining դերում, while co-main event action will have undefeated British phenom Michael «Venom" Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) duke it out in a welterweight thriller. Bay Area’s own Keri Melendez makes her professional MMA debut, as does Kevin Ferguson Jr. better known as Kimbo Slice Jr.
The event airs LIVE and FREE at 9 կեսօրից. ՈՒ/8 կեսօրից. CT on Spike and completes three consecutive weeks of championship fights on the Viacom-owned network. Tickets for the event remain on sale and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.
Q: For Benson…Is there any extra motivation to prove yourself in this fight after the way the last fight ended?
Benson Henderson: I would say that there’s not a whole lot of extra motivation this fight. I’m a pretty highly self-motivated individual. I want to win all of my fights. I don’t need any extra incentives. I want to have my hand raised in every single fight.
Q: This is your second title fight in Bellator. Is there anything you learned from the first go-around that you’re bringing into this fight?
Benson Henderson: I don’t know if there’s anything that I learned from the last title fight, just being more comfortable inside the Bellator cage and getting used to the walkout and finding my rhythm.
Q: You’re fighting for the title now. Do you think of yourself as a lightweight? Is this where you intend to stay or is another trip to welterweight a possibility in the future?
Benson Henderson: I wouldn’t say that I think of myself as a lightweight necessarily. Ինձ համար, դա 155 lbs. կամ 170 lbs., just wherever the more interesting and fun matchups are. Բայց, first things first, I have to take care of business Շաբաթ օրը գիշեր.
Q: You mentioned fun and interesting fights. Is the title something you think about as well? The story line of the week is a two-division champion in the other promotion. Is that a dream that you have for yourself in your career or do you just want to stay and be the most dominate lightweight champion that you can be?
Benson Henderson: I’m going to go get this belt at 155 lbs., but after that I wouldn’t say that belts offer a whole lot of extra incentive. Obviously belts are great and the meaning behind the belt is that you are the best in the planet and that means a lot to say that you are the best at that weight class, but I don’t fight necessarily just for the belt. You do want the belt, but right now all I’m concentrating on is four days from now and a man named Michael Chandler.
Q: For Michael…Have you ever thought about trying for another belt? I know it’s early in your title reign, but has that ever crossed your mind? Իսկ, if you did go for another belt, would it be for welterweight or featherweight?
Michael Chandler: I haven’t put a lot of thought into it. Ինձ համար, I’m just looking for the biggest fight I can get. I know there’s no way I could make 145 lbs., since I walk around at about 190 lbs., between fights. Այնքան, I’m not interested in losing the muscle mass that I’ve worked so hard to build. Եթե մի բան, I would jump up to 170 lbs., but right now I’m focused on my fight Այս շաբաթ night and I’m excited to get out there and perform.
Q: Why is Henderson an important opponent for your career?
Michael Chandler: Every opponent is important. Every single time we fight, we’re putting ourselves, our livelihood, our records, and our reputation on the line. It just so happens for me, I get an opportunity to fight a guy who’s been a champion and has done some great things in the sport. But luckily, it’s the right time for me and the wrong time for him. I’m extremely excited to go out there and make a statement with this fight Շաբաթ օրը գիշեր. He’s definitely a great, willing opponent, but I’m excited to go out there and get the finish.
Q: For MVP…Obviously, it’s been a fantastic year for you in Bellator, especially your performance in London. Have you got your finger on the pulse of pop culture right now and is there something out there that you’re drawing inspiration from that you’re looking to utilize in some entertainment factor on fight night?
MVP: Yeah, I’m always socially aware, but I have to get the job done first and that’s the most important thing.
Q: At the moment, fighting at multiple weight classes and fighting in multiple divisions seems to be the rage right now and I know in the past you’ve mentioned the possibility of dropping down to 155 lbs., is that something that you’re still interested in?
MVP: At the moment, չեն. Հենց հիմա, I’m just focused on fighting in the welterweight division.
Q: If you can record a win over Fernando Gonzalez, how many more fights and how many more wins do you think before you are in that title picture and fighting for a title shot?
MVP: That’s not really my main concern. I just go out there and entertain and I’ll keep doing that until I end up in the position I’m supposed to be in.
Q: For Michael Chandler…With you watching Benson from a far for a long time, what did you think of him as his career progressed?
Michael Chandler: Benson’s had a phenomenal career. Ետ օրը, he was the UFC champion and I was the Bellator champion. He was ranked number one and I was ranked number three in the world and it was always that “what if” matchup. What if these two guys could fight…and now we finally get to see. He’s continued to impress. He’s continued to win. Great careers and great legacies can’t be had without great opponents. I look at Benson Henderson as exactly that, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to step into that cage Շաբաթ օրը night and lose this belt. I’ve trained my tail off, I’ve gone through some of the toughest hardships that anyone can go through in this sport…losing three fights in a row, coming back, and believing that no matter what, my next big breakthrough is right around the corner. I never once thought about quitting, where I think a lot of people in that situation would. Where I’ve been and where I am now, I’m confident and I’m excited to just go out there and put it all on the line against one of the best in the world and one of the biggest names in the sport. This is a great opportunity on Spike TV, կենդանի եւ ազատ.
Q: For Fernando…question regarding the video packages that Michael Page has produced and released this year, most recently during Halloween. Did you watch them and what was your reaction to the video packages?
Fernando Gonzalez: I watched both of the videos and thought it was kind of funny, especially the last one. Bad choice of food products I guess. He’s basically eating balls and drinking milk, while cupping and savoring the taste. Այնքան, I don’t know if I should take that as a call out, but I think the victory alone will be enough for me.
Q: With Michael (Էջ) on the line right now, does Fernando have any sort of message for him leading up to the fight?
Fernando Gonzalez: It’s the same message that I gave before. Just show up. I respect the fighter, but after this he’ll congratulate me and thank me for making him a better fighter. Նա կոշտ, but he hasn’t been tested and I’m going to give him his first loss.
Q: Michael do you have a response to that?
MVP: I’m allergic to bullshit, so there’s no point in responding.
Q: For Benson Henderson…In the title eliminator fight in Anaheim, you had a calm and deliberate demeanor throughout that fight and before we could really see you explode, Pitbull was taken away with an injury. Are you going to look to set a faster pace with Chandler, or are we going to see a more measured response?
Benson Henderson: We’ll see how it plays out. It’s hard to dictate and say exactly what I’m going to do. If I was an NFL coach, I would not be one of those coaches that has the first 15 plays of the game scripted out and no matter what happens, we’re sticking to these 15 plays. Ինձ համար, I have to feel it out and go with the flow. Բայց, for me I don’t think this is going to be a slow pace fight. I’m expecting this to be one of the most high paced, action-packed fights you’ve seen in the Bellator cage.
Complete »Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:
Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)
Միջին քաշային կարգի համահիմնական իրադարձություն: Michael Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)
Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)
Lightweight Feature Bout: Ադամ, Piccolot (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)
Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Դեբյուտ) vs. Շեյլա Պադիլա (2-0)
Complete Preliminary Card:
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Դեբյուտ) vs. Aaron Hamilton (0-2)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremiah Monaghan (9-5) vs. Vince Murdock (8-2)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Steve Ramirez (5-1)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Դեբյուտ)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Victor Jones (0-2) vs. Beau Hamilton (1-7)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Դեբյուտ)
Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumner (Դեբյուտ) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)
SANTA MONICA, Կրոնապետ. (Nov. 7, 2016) – One week ahead of «Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson » ժամը SAP կենտրոնում Սան Խոսե, Կալիֆոռնիա, Bellator MMA is pleased to announce the highly anticipated professional mixed martial arts debut of Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. will come against Aaron Hamilton in a welterweight bout during the preliminary portion of the card on Nov. 19.
The contest anchors an electric preliminary card and joins a Spike-televised main card that features a lightweight world title main event pitting current champion Michael Chandler (15-3) դեմ Benson Henderson (24-6). Ըստ երեկոյան համատեղ հիմնական միջոցառմանը, undefeated British phenom Michael «Venom" Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) duke it out in a welterweight thriller and Ադամ, Piccolot (8-0) վերցնում է Brandon Girtz(14-4) in a lightweight clash. Վերջապես, a light heavyweight showdown pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) դեմ Francis Carmont (14-4) and female flyweight action pitting Keri Melendez (Դեբյուտ) դեմ Շեյլա Պադիլա (2-0) are also set for the main card.
«Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson » airs LIVE and FREE at 9 կեսօրից. ՈՒ/8 կեսօրից. CT on Spike and completes three consecutive weeks of championship fights on the Viacom-owned network. Tickets for the event remain on sale and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.
After originally being slated to make his professional debut at both “Bellator 160” իսկ «Bellator 162,“ “Baby Slice” will now look to showcase his fine-tuned mixed martial arts repertoire on Nov. 19. The son of the late, great “Kimbo Slice,” made a splash in the world of MMA during an amateur contest in Chicopee, Մասաչուսեթս, where he delivered a brutal knockout punch just 1:23 մեջ առաջին տուրում. In what is unquestionably one of the most talked-about debuts in promotion history, Slice hopes to parlay his amateur success with a memorable performance on the professional circuit and carry on the legacy that his father let behind. Hailing from Miami, Florida, the Team Body Shop product now has his eyes set on joining teammate A.J. McKee as one of Bellator MMA’s top young prospects.
Hamilton will once again compete in his home state of California, after previous bouts against the likes of Max Griffin. “The Snake” will be making both his Bellator MMA debut and welterweight debut, as the 185-pound slugger attempts to trim down for what is surely the biggest fight of his career. Hamilton last competed in March and hopes to spoil the long-awaited debut of Slice.
Complete »Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:
Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)
Միջին քաշային կարգի համահիմնական իրադարձություն: Michael Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)
Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)
Lightweight Feature Bout: Ադամ, Piccolot (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)
Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Դեբյուտ) vs. Շեյլա Պադիլա (2-0)
Complete Preliminary Card:
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Դեբյուտ) vs. Aaron Hamilton (0-2)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremiah Monaghan (9-5) vs. Vince Murdock (8-2)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Steve Ramirez (5-1)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Դեբյուտ)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Victor Jones (0-2) vs. Beau Hamilton (1-7)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Դեբյուտ)
Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Դեբյուտ) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)