Tag Archives: Royce Gracie

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT REMATCH PITTING FORMER CHAMPION EMANUEL NEWTON AGAINST LINTON VASSELL COMPLETES MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 149: SHAMROCK VS. GRACIE’

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (January 5, 2016) –The SPIKE-televised main card of “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” on Feb. 19 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas is now complete, with the addition of a light heavyweight rematch featuring former Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Champion Emanuel Newton (25-9-1) meeting Linton Vassell (15-5, 1 NC).

 

The fight joins a card that already features a double main event — Ken Shamrock (28-16-2) meets Royce Gracie (14-2-3) for a third time and Kimbo Slice (5-2) will fight the man who has been calling him out since their friendship ended years ago, Dhafir Harris, better known as “Dada 5000.” In featherweight action, Emmanuel Sanchez (12-2) will look to continue his torrid pace when he meets Daniel Pineda (21-11) and a pair of lightweight assassins go to battle, when Melvin Guillard (35-15-2) returns to meet Mike Bronzoulis (18-9-1). Preliminary contests will be announced shortly.

 

Tickets for this mixed martial arts extravaganza start at just $30 and are on sale now at Bellator.com, as well as HoustonToyotaCenter.com, the Toyota Center Box Office and Houston area Randall’s locations.

 

“Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App.

 

Both Newton and Vassell were participants in the four-man, light-heavyweight No. 1 contender tournament at “Bellator MMA: Dynamite.” Now, the pair of 205-pounders will look to re-establish themselves atop one of the deepest and most competitive divisions in Bellator MMA.

 

A former champion, Newton will be making his 12th appearance for the Scott Coker-led promotion and hopes to duplicate the success he experienced at the expense of Vassell during “Bellator 130: Newton vs. Vassell” back in 2014. Better known as “The Hardcore Kid,” the 31-year-old has been half of some of the most memorable contests in Bellator MMA history, namely, his spinning-backfist finish of “King Mo” and his back-and-forth war with current Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Champion Liam McGeary.

 

Undoubtedly one of the goals for Vassell in 2016 is finding his way onto the recently announced Bellator MMA debut in London later this year. For this to come to fruition, “The Swarm” surely needs to redeem himself from the fifth-round, rear-naked choke submission defeat he suffered at the hands of his“Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” opponent. February 19 will mark the seventh time Vassell has competed under the Bellator MMA banner and “The Swarm” will be looking to add to his impressive finishing mark of 13 stoppages in 15 victories.

 

 “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” Updated Fight Card

 

Bellator MMA Openweight Main Event: Ken Shamrock (28-16-2) vs. Royce Gracie (14-2-3)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (5-2) vs. Dada 5000 (2-0)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Emanuel Newton (25-9-1) vs. Linton Vassell (15-5, 1 NC)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Feature Bout: Emmanuel Sanchez (12-2) vs. Daniel Pineda (21-11)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Feature Bout: Melvin Guillard (32-15-2) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (18-9-1)

‘THE YOUNG ASSASSIN’ VS. ‘THE GREEK ASSASSIN’   MELVIN GUILLARD TAKES ON HOUSTON’S MIKE BRONZOULIS AT ‘BELLATOR 149: SHAMROCK VS. GRACIE’

 

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (December 16, 2015) – A lightweight contest pitting Melvin Guillard (32-15-2) against Houston’s Mike Bronzoulis (18-9-1) has been added to the SPIKE-televised main card of “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” on Feb. 19 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Bellator MMA President Scott Coker announced the new addition on his Twitter account last night.

 

The fight joins a card that already features a double main event — Ken Shamrock (28-16-2) meets Royce Gracie (14-2-3) for a third time and Kimbo Slice (5-2) will fight the man who has been calling him out since their friendship ended years ago, Dhafir Harris, better known as “Dada 5000.” In featherweight action, Emmanuel Sanchez (12-2) will look to continue his torrid pace when he meets Daniel Pineda (21-11). Preliminary contests will be announced shortly.

 

Tickets for this mixed martial arts extravaganza start at just $30 and are on sale now at Bellator.com, as well as HoustonToyotaCenter.com, the Toyota Center Box Office and Houston area Randall’s locations.

 

“Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App.

 

Guillard suffered a horrific broken hand during his Bellator MMA debut against Brandon Girtz earlier this year. “The Young Assassin” has made it clear that he intends on eventually fighting for the 155-pound title, and his road to the gold begins on Feb. 19 against a tough Houston, Texas native. Of Guillard’s 32 wins as a professional, 23 victories have come before reaching the judges’ scorecards.

 

Bronzoulis returned to the Bellator MMA fray against a debuting Josh Thomson at “Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1” this past September. “The Greek Assassin” has not shied away from tough opponents throughout his career, having competed against guys like Thomson, Joe Riggs, Gerald Harris and Jorge Patino during his 28-fight career. The Houston native hopes to have plenty of hometown support when he takes on Guillard inside the Bellator MMA cage on Feb. 19.

 

“Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” Updated Fight Card

 

Bellator MMA Openweight Main Event: Ken Shamrock (28-16-2) vs. Royce Gracie (14-2-3)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (5-2) vs. Dada 5000 (2-0)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Feature Bout: Emmanuel Sanchez (12-2) vs. Daniel Pineda (21-11)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Feature Bout: Melvin Guillard (32-15-2) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (18-9-1)

EMMANUEL SANCHEZ-DANIEL PINEDA ADDED TO MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 149’

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (November 25) – A featherweight contest pitting Emmanuel Sanchez (12-2) against Daniel Pineda (21-11) has been added to the SPIKE-televised main card of “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” onFeb. 19 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

 

The fight joins a card that already features a double main event — MMA legends Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie meet for a third time and Kimbo Slice will fight the man who has been calling him out since their friendship ended years ago, Dhafir Harris, better known as “Dada 5000.”

 

Tickets for this mixed martial arts extravaganza start at just $30 and are on sale now at Bellator.com, as well as HoustonToyotaCenter.com, Toyota Center Box Office, and Houston area Randall’s locations.

 

“Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” airs live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Spike.com.

 

Sanchez has bounced back from a tough decision loss against former Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion Pat Curran with two wins against young, top-flight 145-pound talent, distancing himself from the title of prospect and solidifying himself as a contender. “El Matador” now boasts a 4-1 record under the Bellator MMA umbrella and will be fighting for the fifth time in a span of 329 days.

 

Standing opposite of the Roufusport fighter will be Pineda, a 30-year-old that already has amassed a 32-fight professional career. A veteran of Legacy Fighting Championship, “The Pit” has never seen a victory reach the judges’ scorecards, finishing 15 pairings via submission, the other six by knockout. This will be Pineda’s first appearance for Bellator MMA since 2010 at “Bellator 19.”

“Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” Updated Fight Card

 

Bellator MMA Openweight Main Event: Ken Shamrock (28-16-2) vs. Royce Gracie (14-2-3)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (5-2) vs. Dada 5000 (2-0)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Feature Bout: Emmanuel Sanchez (12-2) vs. Daniel Pineda (21-11)

‘BELLATOR 149: SHAMROCK VS. GRACIE’ TAKES PLACE FEBRUARY 19 AT TOYOTA CENTER IN HOUSTON

SHAMROCK – GRACIE III PLUS

 KIMBO SLICE RETURNS TO ACTION FOR GRUDGE MATCH AGAINST FELLOW MIAMI BRAWLER ‘DADA 5000’

 

OFFICIAL PRESS CONFERENCE TO TAKE PLACE WED., NOV. 11 AT TOYOTA CENTER DETAILS TO FOLLOW

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (November 6) – It’s a pairing that is synonymous with the sport of mixed martial arts —Ken Shamrock versus Royce Gracie — and Bellator MMA is pleased to bring these two pioneers together for a third time on Feb. 19 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas at “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie.”

 

While this mega-fight is more than enough to round out the latest tentpole offering from Scott Coker and company, everything is bigger in Texas and that’s why in addition to the aforementioned blockbuster main event, Kimbo Slice will meet the man who has been calling him out since the two parted ways years ago, Dhafir Harris, better known as “Dada 5000.”

 

Tickets for this MMA extravaganza start at $30 and go on sale Saturday, November 14 at Bellator.com, as well as HoustonToyotaCenter.com, Toyota Center Box Office and Houston area Randall’s locations.

 

Gracie is a living legend, considered by many as the Godfather of MMA. This iconic pioneer of the sport is returning to competition for the first time in almost a decade for the third fight in his trilogy against fellow MMA great Ken “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” Shamrock.

 

Since returning to action earlier this year, Shamrock has made it clear that his present MMA run is about closing the book on longstanding feuds and solidifying his place as one of the sports all-time greats.

 

The two great warriors fought twice before in their illustrious careers, with Gracie defeating Shamrock in November 1993 via submission and then later in April of 1995, when the two fought to draw in an unforgettable 36-minute bout.

 

Kimbo Slice’s meteoric rise to fame from Miami street fighter to wildly popular MMA fighter is legendary. After his triumphant victory at the record-breaking “Bellator 138: Unfinished Business” event in June, Slice returns to action with more than merely victory on his mind.

 

Harris, a childhood friend and former bodyguard of Kimbo, also gained acclaim from his promotion and participation in the rugged world of street fighting. The story of the South Florida-resident was brought to the forefront of the combat sports world recently in the documentary entitled “Dawg Fight.”

 

Now, the two former street warriors are set to write the final chapter of their beef in front of millions of people worldwide as Dada 5000 takes his prodigious brawling skills to the Bellator MMA cage against Kimbo Slice.

 

You won’t want to miss “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” on Feb. 19. With not one, but two main events airing live and free on Spike, the latest and greatest from Bellator MMA promises to close the book on two very different rivalries.

IT’S TRUE! IT’S DAMN TRUE! – BELLATOR MMA SIGNS FORMER WWE AND CURRENT TNA SUPERSTAR, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST KURT ANGLE

 

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ANGLE SET TO JOIN THE ALREADY-AWESOME ‘BELLATOR MMA FAN FEST’ AT DAVE & BUSTER’S ON NOV. 5 AND ATTEND ‘BELLATOR 145’ ON NOV. 6 AT SCOTTRADE CENTER IN ST. LOUIS

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Click for Bellator 145 Official Fan Fest video

Fan Fest is exclusively for Bellator Nation Members only, becoming an official Bellator Nation Member is simple and FREE. Click here to register and RSVP to Fan Fest.

 

CLICK HERE TO GET PUMPED FOR THE NEXT 10 HOURS

 

 

Click for Bellator 145 Official Fan Fest video

 

Santa Monica (Oct. 28, 2015) – On November 5, combat sports fans from all around the country will converge on the Dave & Busters in Maryland Heights, Missouri for the “Official Bellator Fan Fest,” where they can meet several of their favorite athletes and receive photos and autographs.

 

Bellator officials announced today that TNA superstar, former WWE superstar and Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle will join the epic line up, which is already packed with star power the likes of Kimbo SliceLiam McGearyRoyce GracieKen Shamrock and Tito Ortiz.

 

WHAT:                     Bellator Fan Fest at Dave & Buster’s

Fans of all ages are invited to Dave and Buster’s in Maryland Heights, MO to meet and receive autographs from some of the greatest and most popular MMA fighters of all time. Fans will also have the opportunity to win tickets and great prizes, as well as snap a photograph with the Bellator ring girls.

Fan Fest is exclusively for Bellator Nation Members only, becoming an official Bellator Nation Member is simple and FREE. Click here to register and RSVP to Fan Fest. If you are already a member of Bellator Nation you will receive an email invitation to RSVP.

 

WHERE:                  Dave & Buster’s

13857 Riverport Dr.

Maryland Heights, MO

 

WHEN:                    Thursday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. CT

 

WHO:                       Kurt Angle was a Pennsylvania High School State Champion Wrestler, and an All-State linebacker on the Mt. Lebanon High School Football team. The two-sport star pursued wrestling at Clarion University’s D-1 program, where he collected a slew of accolades including one National runner up, two National Championships, three All-American honors, and countless additional championships.

 

After college, Angle won gold at the FILA Wrestling World Championships and began training for the 1996 Olympic games under the tutelage of Dave Schultz at the Foxcatcher Club before his highly publicized murder. After Schultz’s death, Angle would leave Foxcatcher and join the Dave Schultz Wrestling Club in his memory.

 

When the Olympic trials concluded, Angle had earned his spot to compete in the Olympics, but suffered two fractures of his cervical vertebrae, two herniated discs and four pulled muscles in the process. With five months to rest and rehab, Angle would win his Olympic gold medal in the 90-100 kg division.

 

After winning the gold, Angle parlayed his wrestling skills into an amazing career in professional wrestling in several organizations such as TNA, ECW, NWA, WCW, IGF and most notably the WWF/WWE.

 

Angle is the only professional wrestler in history to have won championships in WWE, WCW, TNA and IWGP, totaling an impressive 13 World Championships and 21 total championship belts.  In 2010, Dave Meltzer’s “Wrestling Observer Newsletter” named Angle the “Wrestler of the Decade” for the 2000s.

 

                                There is only one Kimbo Slice. The unmistakable bearded brawler achieved fame through a series of street fights that garnered extreme levels of attention on YouTube. After parlaying his fame into an MMA career, Kimbo exploded onto the scene and became one of the sports most popular stars of all-time.  Kimbo has been the focal point of the first and third-most watched MMA fights in the sport’s history. This past June in St. Louis, his fight against Ken Shamrock shattered Bellator MMA’s viewership records.

 

The first British World Champion in the history of MMA will always be Liam McGeary. At 6’6 the towering fighter has achieved notoriety around the world with his impressive skillset which has seen him end fights with impressive knockout power as well as jiu-jitsu prowess.  Currently undefeated at 11-0, the future is bright for the Bellator MMA Champion. Most recently, McGeary defeated fellow Fan Fest participant Tito Ortiz in the main event of the groundbreaking “Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1.”

                                   

The name Gracie is synonymous with MMA, and that is largely in part to Royce Gracie, the man who is considered to have invented the sport as we know it today.  The winner of the first several UFC events, Gracie would dismantle multiple opponents in a single night, many of whom were much larger than him.  For many years there was no answer for the Gracie jiu-jitsu technique that he brought into a fight.  Today, it’s hard to find an MMA fighter who hasn’t trained in the art of jiu-jitsu.

 

Often referred to as “The Godfather” of MMA, Ken Shamrock is a pioneer of the sport, and introduced an incredible brand of MMA that helped shape the sport into what it is today. With incredible suplexes and leg locks, “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” always made for must-see TV.  His heated rivalries with guys like Royce Gracie and Tito Ortiz generated incredible buzz, and helped popularize the sport.  His fight with Tito Ortiz was at one time the second-most watched MMA fight of all time.

                                   

                                 “The People’s Champion” Tito Ortiz is a fan-favorite all over the world.  The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion was one of the toughest competitors in the cage.  Utilizing his wrestling background, Ortiz was a grinder who defended his title an impressive five times.  Always with a flare for the dramatic, Ortiz had intense rivalries in the cage with guys like Ken Shamrock, as well as outside the cage with UFC President Dana White.

 

FIGHT INFO:           “Bellator 145” features two world title bouts. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (24-2) defends his featherweight strap against Daniel Straus (23-6) and Will “Ill Will” Brooks (16-1) meets submission specialist Marcin Held (21-3), with the 155-pound belt on the line. The event will also feature a trio of Missouri natives with Michael Chandler (13-3), who fights David Rickels (16-3, 1 NC); heavyweight Bobby “The Dominator” Lashley (13-2) who looks to avenge a previous loss on his record when he finally meets James Thompson (20-14) in a rematch; and Justin Lawrence (8-2) who meets Emmanuel Sanchez (11-2).

 

Tickets for “Bellator 145,” which start at just $30, are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and at the Ford Box Office at Scottrade Center. Doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, and the first contest takes place one hour after.

LIAM MCGEARY BECOMES MMA’S FIRST-EVER BRITISH WORLD CHAMPION AT “BELLATOR: THE BRITISH INVASION”

 

Photo credit: Bellator MMA / Eric Coleman ALL FIGHT PHOTOS AND SCORE CARDS
 

 

Englishman Liam McGeary (10-0) kept his professional record unblemished, capping off a successful “British Invasion” and claiming the Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight title with a five-round decision win over former champion Emanuel Newton (25-8-1).

The contest served as the headlining bout of Friday’s “Bellator MMA: British Invasion” event at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

McGeary attacked from the start, as he used his lanky frame and incredible grappling to move from submission attempt to submission attempt in entertaining fashion. From triangle choke to kimura to armbar, McGeary was constantly on the move, but Newton showed capable defense and pulled free from each hold.

Despite the obvious danger on the ground, Newton continued to take the fight to the floor in the second round, working from his opponent’s extremely active guard. Once again, McGeary’s submission attempts were relentless, but Newton pulled free from each hold.

The remainder of the fight played out in similar fashion, with Newton able to take the fight to the floor with ease but forced to defend constant grappling attacks from McGeary. Both fighters could make arguments for the win, with Newton enjoying extended stretches in the dominant position. However, McGeary’s constant offense set the tone for the action. In the end, judges sided with McGeary, awarding him the win with scores of 48-46, 48-47 and 48-47.

McGeary remains perfect through the first 10 fights of his career.

Meanwhile, Newton sees a seven-fight winning streak come to an end.

“It was a close fight,” Newton said. “I was on the ground. I didn’t stop hitting and moving with triangle hits. That guy is so slippery and tough.”

In the night’s co-feature, light heavyweight contender Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (15-4) moved up to the heavyweight division and earned an impressive decision win over Cheick Kongo (22-10-2).

Facing a massive size differential, Lawal turned to his wrestling base rather than try and trade with the bigger man. The plan worked, as Lawal controlled the action in the clinch and racked up points with takedowns. While the crowd tried to entice Lawal to take a more risky approach, “King Mo” remained disciplined in his approach and cruised to what looked like a clear-cut decision win, though he had to settle for a split result, 30-27, 28-29 and 29-28.

“I don’t agree with the split decision at all,” Lawal said after the fight. “I won all three rounds. He knows he lost that fight. I got the victory and that’s all that matters. Wrestling works and it showed in this fight.

“I have a great coaching staff at American Top Team. I could’ve gone another two rounds. At the end of the third round, I knew he was gassed, so I just walked him off. I hope to get the chance to fight for a title next.”

In welterweight action, Brazilian veteran Andre “Chatuba” Santos (37-10) proved himself a game opponent against Paul “Semtex” Daley (36-13-2), but the British slugger ultimately cruised to a decision win.

In typical Daley fashion, he fired heavy punches on the feet, looking for the knockout. However, Santos proved resilient, answering with strikes of his own while also looking to work from the clinch. The action went back and forth for the opening two rounds before Daley took over in the third.

An early Daley knockdown set the tone for the final frame, and Daley worked hard for the finish. Santos, however, simply wouldn’t quit, and despite being dominated in the final round, he did survive until the final bell, where Daley was awarded a decision win.

“It feels good to be back in MMA; I was a little rusty,” Daley, who had been focusing on his kickboxing career, admitted after the win. “This guy was so tough. I caught him with heavy, wild shots, and normally I would’ve taken my opponent out in the second or third round, but he didn’t quit; he has a ton of heart. It was a great fight.”

Fighting for the first time since a failed bid for the Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight World Title, Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (15-4) scored a second-round TKO over Rameau “The African Assassin” Sokoudjou (16-13).

Vassell controlled the action from the start, taking Sokoudjou to the floor and scoring with ground-and-pound blows while hunting out opportunities to end the fight with a submission. That opening would come in the second round.

Again working hard to take the fight to the floor, Vassell refused to give Sokoudjou any room to work, scoring top position and utilizing superior grappling skills. Sokoudjou was unable to get back to his feet, and Vassell eventually unleashed a flurry of strikes that earned the stoppage at the 3:18 mark of the second.

“I wanted to finish him in the first round,” Vassell said after the win. “He held my arms and stopped me from taking him down.

“It feels great representing my country and to come here and fight in front of all the American fans is a great honor.”

In the night’s first main-card contest, welterweight Brennan “The Irish Bad Boy” Ward (10-3) made quick work of “Courteous” Curtis Millender (7-1), needing just 64 seconds to score a submission win.

The two went toe-to-toe on the feet to open, and it appeared Millender was getting the best of the initial exchanges. But after coming up short on a takedown, Ward scored a crisp two-punch combination that sent his opponent to the floor. Ward took advantage of the opening, hopping on his opponent’s back and sinking in a rear-naked choke, ending the fight at the 1:37 mark of the first round.

“You know me, man,” Ward said after the quick win. “I come straight at guys like always.”

In bouts shown on Spike TV, around the world on Spike.com, hometown fighters did not disappoint here at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT as Blair Tugman (North Haven), Matt Bessette(Hartford) and Dean Hancock (Danbury) all won their bouts in impressive fashion.

Tugman (7-5) started off the night with a dominating performance over Marvin Maldonado (2-4) of Latham, N.Y, scored 30-26, 30-27 twice, all in favor of Tugman.

“Felt great to get another win in Bellator against a tough opponent in Marvin,” said Tugman. “I was excited to fight in front of my home crowd. I have a great coach (Andrew Calandrelli) and training partners at Ultimate MMA Training Center in North Haven, CT. And was confident that if I implemented my game plan I would come out with the victory. I’m upset I didn’t finish Marvin but he’s a tough guy to finish. I hope my dominant performance shows Bellator I am ready for bigger fights.

Bessette (14-6), who was able to break free of Josh Laberge’s (9-5) attack by striking him with power punches and stuns to the jaw. “Everything went right tonight, I won,” said an ecstatic Bessette.” I was able to throw my power shots and did to him what he does to other people.

“I got the win, which is the most important thing. Josh [Laberge] gave me an awesome fight and I couldn’t be happier.”

In a swing bout, Hancock looked poised in his professional debut against Mike Mangan (0-3), despite early jitters.  “It felt great coming out of the cage, the first few seconds were like a blur to me,” said Hancock. “Once I got my bearings I was able to go to work and do what I do best. It was a huge moment for me.

“I feel like I belong in Bellator, it was great to get my first professional win. I need to just keep moving forward.”

Also on tonight’s preliminary card

New York transplant Neiman Gracie did what Gracie’s do best: win via rear naked choke at 2:36 of round 1 over Massachusetts’s Bobby Flynn (4-3).  With the win, Gracie keeps his unbeaten streak intact at 3-0.

Also from New York, Binghamton’s Tamdan McCrory (13-3) scored an armbar victory over Jason Butcher (8-2) at 1:06 of the first frame.

Emergency! Raphael Butler is now 9-1-1 after scoring a guillotine choke victory over Josh Diekmann (15-6) at 1:04 of round 1.

Main Card Results

Liam McGeary def Emanuel Newton by unanimous decision (48-46, 48-47, 48-47) to win Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight title

Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal def. Cheick Kongo by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Paul Daley def. Andre Santos by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Linton Vassell def. Rameau Sokoudjou by TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:18

Brennan Ward def. Curtis Millender by submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:37

Preliminary Card Results

Dean Hancock def. Mike Mangan by submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:33

Matt Bessette def. Josh LaBerge by TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 2, 5:00

Raphael Butler def. Josh Diekmann by submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 1:04

Tamdan McCrory def. Jason Butcher by submission (armbar) – Round 1, 1:06

Neiman Gracie def. Bobby Flynn by submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:36

Blair Tugman def. Marvin Maldonado by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

ONE IF BY LAND. TWO IF BY SEA.  THREE AMAZING BRITS FIGHTING ON SPIKE TV

THE BRITISH ARE COMING

 

OFFICIAL WEIGH IN RESULTS, QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM

BELLATOR’S “BRITISH INVASION”

 

Light Heavyweight Champion Emanuel Newton vs. Liam McGeary

Photo Credit: Bellator MMA/ Eric Coleman / CLICK HERE FOR FULL PHOTO GALLERY

The official weigh-ins concluded this afternoon for Bellator’s highly anticipated “British Invasion” show which will serve as the first tentpole event of the year and takes place tomorrow, Feb. 27..  The night of fights airs LIVE and FREE on Spike TV at 9/8c from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT, and features three of the UK’s top MMA fighters competing on American soil, as well as a super fight between “King Mo” Lawal and Cheick Kongo.

 

Champ Emanuel Newton (204.5 lbs.) vs. Liam McGeary (204 lbs.)

Cheick Kongo (239 lbs.) vs. “King Mo” Lawal (217 lbs.)

Paul Daley (171 lbs.) vs. Andre Santos (171 lbs.)

Linton Vassell (205 lbs.) vs. Rameau Sokoudjou (205 lbs.)

Brennan Ward (171 lbs.) vs. Curtis Millender (170 lbs.)

Matt Bessette (145 3/4 lbs.) vs. Josh Laberge (145 lbs.)

Raphael Butler (260 lbs.) vs. Josh Diekmann (238 1/4 lbs.)

Jason Butcher (186 lbs.) vs. Tamdan McCrory (185.5 lbs.)

Bobby Flynn (170.5 lbs.) vs. Neiman Gracie (171 lbs.)

Marvin Maldonado (136 lbs.) vs. Blair Tugman (136 lbs.)

Michael Mangan (155 1/4 lbs.) vs. Dean Hancock (155.5 lbs.)

Newton: “I am going to finish [Liam McGeary] tomorrow. Whether it be by choke, KO, TKO or submission, I am going to finish him.

 

“I am connected to my inner-being. All I ever request of myself is victory. I don’t request a nice car or a big house, all I request is victory and it will be given to me.”

 

Liam McGeary: “I am going to become the first Englishmen to win a major title in America tomorrow. I put the work in. I have sacrificed too much to come up short. I have a great team behind me.”

 

Chieck Kongo: “Two big guys are getting in that cage tomorrow, and at the end I will be the winner.

 

“I trained like crazy for this fight. I finished training camp without injury and I came to get what I deserve.

 

“If he gives me the opportunity to knock him out, I surely will do it. But if not, we will go the full rounds and I will claim victory.”

 

King Mo: “I am going to have my hand raised tomorrow. I am not sure how exactly it’s going to happen, but I will make sure of it.

 

“I train hard and smart. I have seen everything there is to see in this game. My camp was great.

 

“Whatever he gives me, I’m going to take.”

 

Daley: “Andres Santos is in a lot of trouble. He is going to get knocked spark out. He says he’s Brazilian and a lot of these guys are getting laid out on the floor; he’s going to be another one of them.”

 

Andres Santos: “I am very confident in my ability tomorrow. I know I will come out with the victory. I have prepared very long and hard for this fight and I will come out the victor.”

 

Vassell: “I’m going to finish him [Sokoudjou] either on the ground, pound or by submission. He only has a couple minutes in him and that’s when I will be looking for the knockout. If not, then I will take him down and save up for the TKO or submission.”

 

Sokoudjou: “I’m going to beat him to the ground, that’s the game plan. Whether it is on our feet or on the ground, I am going to beat him.

“I trained very hard during training camp, it was very tough. I am healthy and ready to go.”

 

Brennan Ward: “Im going to go out there and punch [Millender] him on his head. I’m Brennan Ward and I’m going to do when I do. When I’m on my game, no one can stop me.

 

“It means a lot to be fighting in front of my hometown friends and family. I’m going to put on a show.”

 

Millender: “I’m going to take him down and beat him at his own game. My striking is my biggest strength.

 

“He’s not going to expect me to be the wrestler that I am. He’s going to be in a lot of trouble.

 

“I am absolutely looking for the knockout, it doesn’t matter how I get it.”

  Cheick Kongo vs. King Mo


Paul Daley vs. Andre Santos

Linton Vassell vs. Sokoudjou
 

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Champ Emanuel Newton (25-7) vs. Liam McGeary (9-0)

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Cheick Kongo (22-9-2) vs. “King Mo” Lawal (14-4)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Paul Daley (35-13) vs. Andre Santos (37-9)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Linton Vassell (14-4) vs. Rameau Sokoudjou (16-12)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Brennan Ward (9-3) vs. Curtis Millender (7-0)

 

Preliminary Card (6:45 p.m. ET)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Matt Bessette (13-6) vs. Josh Laberge (9-4)

Bellator Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Josh Diekmann (15-5) vs. Raphael Butler (8-1-1)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Tamdan McCrory (12-3) vs. Jason Butcher (8-1)

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight:  Neiman Gracie (2-0) vs. Bobby Flynn (4-2)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Marvin Maldonado (2-2) vs. Blair Tugman (6-5)

 

Dark Bout (approx. 11 p.m. ET)

Bellator Featherweight Dark Bout: Michael Mangan (2-0) vs. Dean Hancock (pro debut)


About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
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QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM WEDNESDAY’S “BELLATOR: BRITISH INVASION” MEDIA DAY AT BRISTOL’S BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

Photo Credit: Bellator/Lucas Noonan – CLICK FOR FULL PHOTO GALLERY

BRISTOL, Conn. (Feb. 25, 2015) — Bellator MMA kicked off fight week for “Bellator: The British Invasion” on Wednesday with a very special event at the Bristol Boys and Girls Club that catered to high school wrestlers and mixed martial artists from all over Connecticut.

Prior to the official “Bellator: British Invasion” press conference, fans in attendance were treated to a very special Q&A session comprised of a panel of the biggest names of MMA’s past, present and future with MMA’s inventor Royce Gracie, MMA Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz and wrestling phenom Aaron Pico.

After the special Q&A, Bellator President Scott Coker and all 10 fighters scheduled for the televised portion of the event converged to preview the highly anticipated bouts.

The “Bellator: British Invasion” event takes place this Friday, Feb. 27 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. and airs LIVE and FREE on Spike TV.

A limited number of tickets for “Bellator: The British Invasion” are still available at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Scott Coker, Bellator President:

“These guys are amazing world-class athletes, and you’re going to see some great fights Friday. We were in London a few months ago, and I can tell you that the people over there are really excited about these fights.”

Emanuel Newton:

“I’m the champion, and I’m planning to keep my belt. It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting – I’m going to keep my belt. I’ve been training smarter.”

Liam McGeary:

“There’s a whole lot more British fighters than just the guys who are here this week who are looking for the opportunity we have. I think we have something to prove for sure.”

“King Mo” Lawal:

“I’m a wrestler. I’ve wrestled all throughout my career, and I’m going to be successful Friday night. So I’m not going to change anything no matter who I’m going up against. I’m all Team America.”

“I’m a ‘moneyweight.’ If someone offers me a contract to fight, I’m going to take it. I’m a fighter – my job is to fight.”

Paul Daley:

“Being from England, fighting’s part of our culture. I’m a fighter, that’s it.”

“It’s a fight for us (British guys). Fighting’s just a part of our culture. The Americans see this as a sport, but we don’t treat it like that. I think I can speak for the rest of the British guys when I say that we’re not here to play a sport – we’re here to fight.”

Sokoudjou:

“I’m going to beat [Linton Vassell’s] ass.”

Brennan Ward:

“It’s great to be fighting at home.”

“I always love fighting in front of a packed house, and I’m sure I’ll be responsible for at least a few hundred tickets that are sold. It’s electric in there.

 

“Bellator: British Invasion” – Friday, February 27, Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Champ Emanuel Newton (25-7) vs. Liam McGeary (9-0)

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Cheick Kongo (22-9-2) vs. “King Mo” Lawal (14-4)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Paul Daley (35-13) vs. Andre Santos (37-9)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Linton Vassell (14-4) vs. Rameau Sokoudjou (16-12)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Brennan Ward (9-3) vs. Curtis Millender (7-0)

Preliminary Card (6:45 p.m. ET)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Matt Bessette (13-6) vs. Josh Laberge (9-4)

Bellator Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Josh Diekmann (15-5) vs. Raphael Butler (8-1-1)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Tamdan McCrory (12-3) vs. Jason Butcher (8-1)

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight:  Neiman Gracie (2-0) vs. Bobby Flynn (4-2)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Marvin Maldonado (2-2) vs. Blair Tugman (6-5)

Dark Bout (approx. 11 p.m. ET)

Bellator Featherweight Dark Fight: Michael Mangan (2-0) vs. Dean Hancock (Pro Debut)

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
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134 header

LEGENDARY MMA GREATS SET TO MEET FANS DURING BELLATOR MMA FAN FEST AT CONNECTICUT’S DAVE AND BUSTERS

“The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko Returns to America to Join Fellow Legends of MMA Royce Gracie, Tito Ortiz & Ken Shamrock at Fan Fest Prior to Friday’s “Bellator: The British Invasion” Event at Mohegan Sun

 

WHAT:

Bellator Fan Fest at Dave and Busters

Fans of all ages are invited to Dave and Busters in Manchester, CT to meet and get autographs from some of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.

Fans will also have the opportunity to win tickets and great prizes, as well as snap a photograph with the Bellator ring girls.

WHERE:
Dave and Busters
100 Buckland Hills Dr.
Manchester, CT

WHEN:
Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. ET
WHO: 
Widely considered to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time,

Fedor Emelianenko is one of the most revered and respected fighters the sport has ever seen.  Stone-faced and quiet, Emelianenko boasted one of the most impressive unbeaten streaks in the history of the sport.  A multi-time World Champion in MMA and Sambo, Fedor returns to America for the first time in several years to participate in the “Bellator: British Invasion” fight week festivities.

The name Gracie is synonymous with MMA, and that is largely in part to Royce Gracie, the man who is considered to have invented the sport as we know it today.  The winner of the first several UFC events, Gracie would dismantle multiple opponents in a single night, many of whom were much larger than him.  For many years there was no answer for the Gracie Jiu Jitsu technique that he brought into a fight.  Today, it’s hard to find an MMA fighter who hasn’t trained in the art of jiu jitsu.

Tito Ortiz is an undisputed legend of the sport who still fights for Bellator. The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion is one of the fiercest competitors the sport has ever seen.   With a rabid fan-base supporting him, his last fight at Bellator 131 against Stephan Bonnar drew over 2 million viewers!

When Ken Shamrock participated in UFC 1, he already had three professional MMA bouts to his name. Much like the other legends, Shamrock is recognized internationally wherever he goes.  Shamrock competed in, and won championships at several fighting organizations including UFC, Pancrase, Pride, King of the Ring, as well as WWF and TNA.

 

FIGHT INFO:
Bellator MMA returns to The Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday, February 27 for “Bellator: The British Invasion” featuring four of the UK’s biggest and brightest MMA stars fighting on American soil. Light Heavyweight Champion Emanuel Newton defends his title against Liam McGeary in the headlining match, while “King Mo” Lawal meets Cheick Kongo in a heavyweight superfight.

 

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com, Bellator.com or by visiting the Mohegan Sun Box Office.

 

FULL MEDIA FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE

 

Bellator: British Invasion” – Friday, February 27, Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Champ Emanuel Newton (25-7) vs. Liam McGeary (9-0)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Paul Daley (35-13) vs. Andre Santos (37-9)

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Cheick Kongo (22-9-2) vs. “King Mo” Lawal (14-4)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Rameau Sokoudjou (16-12) vs. Linton Vassell (14-4)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Michael Page (7-0) vs. Curtis Millender (7-0)

Preliminary Card (6:45 p.m. ET)

Bellator Featherweight Dark Fight: Matt Bessette (13-6) vs. Josh Laberge (9-4)

Bellator Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Raphael Butler (8-1-1) vs. Josh Diekmann (15-5)

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Jesse Juarez (22-9) vs. Brennan Ward (9-3)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Jason Butcher (8-1) vs. Tamdan McCrory (12-3)

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Bobby Flynn (4-2) vs. Neiman Gracie (2-0)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Marvin Maldonado (2-2) vs. Blair Tugman (6-5)

Dark Bout (approx. 11 p.m. ET)

Bellator Lightweight Dark Fight: Michael Mangan (0-2) vs. Dean Hancock (Pro Debut)

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
Access the application for each fight by clicking on the banner below