I-LOS ANGELES — Bellator is proud to announce that Russian MMA greatFedor Emelianenko(38-6, 1 NC) has signed an exclusive multi-fight contract extension to finish his career inside the Bellator cage.
Emelianenko’s farewell tour continues in Bellator’s stacked heavyweight division on the heels of a finals run during the promotion’s eight-man Heavyweight World Grand Prix.Fighting out of Stary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russia, “The Last Emperor” recently earned first-round knockouts overEnku- Sonnen futhi Frank Mir in the tourney’s semifinals and opening round, ngokulandelana.
“I am pleased that we were able to sign Fedor, the greatest heavyweight of all time, to a new contract extension,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “He is someone that I consider a friend in this business and am even more pleased that he has decided to finish his storied career with Bellator. There are exciting matchups for him here in Bellator that I know will appeal to his fans from the past, as well as new fans from his recent run in the tournament. As his time in the sport winds down, I am happy to see him close out his career on his own terms.”
“My strong friendship and respect for Scott Coker made reaching a contract extension a simple process,” said Fedor Emelianenko. “Bellator is my home – I look forward to helping Bellator continue to grow and reach its full potential as the world’s top MMA promotion.”
A former PRIDE Heavyweight Champion and PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight World Grand Prix Champion, Emelianenko is often referred to as “The GOAT” by fans around the world. With a career resume that stands as one of the most impressive in the history of the sport that includes victories over Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop, Ukuzingela Maka, Mark Coleman and Andrei Arlovski, sibala ezimbalwa. With 29 career victories ending via finish, the punching power and world-class Sambo of the stoic Russian can always result in yet another accolade in his illustrious career.
Emelianenko’s return to the Bellator cage is yet to be determined, but he is expected to return to action later this year.
FULL FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NYC THIS FRIDAY – AIRING EXCLUSIVELY ON DAZN
NEW YORK –The line-up for the highly anticipatedBellator 222: MacDonald vs. Gracie umcimbihas been completed with two title fights and 18 electric bouts in total filling out Bellator’s return to Madison Square Garden this Friday, June 14 – only onI-DAZN. The star-studded card is headlined by a double main event that will see a Welterweight World Grand Prix semi-final matchup between current Bellator welterweight world championRory MacDonald (20-5-1) defending his title against the unbeaten Renzo Gracie-trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu black beltNeiman Gracie (9-0), as well as two of the sport’s biggest names inLyoto Machida (25-8) futhi Enku- Sonnen (31-16-1) finally meeting after years of parallel careers in the MMA world.
The main card ofBellator 222 will stream live exclusively onI-DAZN at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action begins at 6:30 p.m. EST/3:30 p.m. PST and will also stream onI-DAZNor globally on the Bellator Mobile App.
The DAZN-streamed main card also featuresDarrion Caldwell (13-2) defending his Bellator bantamweight world title against Rizin Fighting Federation’s bantamweight championUKyoji Horiguchi (27-2) in a true “champion vs. champion” matchup, following a Horiguchi submission victory when the two met in Rizin’s ring this past December in Japan, as well as a 175-pound catchweight contest between polarizing grappling aceDillon Danis (1-0) and Max Humphrey (3-2). Ukwengeza, fans will see an intriguing featherweight bout featuring former Bellator 135-pound championEduardo Dantas (21-6) making the leap to 145-pounds in an attempt to handJuan Artuleta (21-1) the first loss of his Bellator career, ngenkathi Ricky Bandejas (11-2) welcomes unbeatenPatrick Mix (10-0) at bantamweight.
Preliminary action forBellator 222 is also must-see andfeatures many of Bellator’s rising stars. Those who tune in will see bouts highlighted byAaron Pico (4-2) Ukuqhathanisa U-Adam Borics (12-0) kumakhilogremu angama-145, as well as a second inter-promotional contest pittingRenaof Rizin (8-2) ngokumelene Lindsay VanZandt (5-1) in a 112-pound catchweight fight. Bellator 222will also see the return of “The Heat” to MSG, when world champion boxerHeather Hardy (2-1) ubuso Taylor Turner (3-5) E-Flyweight. Familiar faces inMike Kimbel (2-1), Robson Gracie Jr. (1-0) futhi Haim Gozali (10-6) will all also compete, while formerThe Ultimate Fighter umhlanganyeli Phil Hawes (4-2) will make his promotional debut. Okokugcina, it was recently announced that undefeated Taekwondo MasterValerie Loureda (1-0) will make her sophomore appearance when she welcomesLarkyn Dasch (0-1) to the Bellator cage on Friday night at Madison Square Garden.
Bellator 222 IKhadi Main:
Welterweight World Grand Prix Semifinal Title Bout: Rory MacDonald (20-5-1) vs. Neiman Gracie (9-0)
Josh Streacker (6-2) wanqoba Scott Writz (2-1) via KO (Punch) at 3:33 round amabili
Bellator MMA
Bellator is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing promotion featuring many of the best athletes in the world. Ngaphansi kokuqondisa esingumakadebona impi umgqugquzeli Scott Coker, Bellator events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on both Paramount Network and DAZN, the world’s first truly dedicated LIVE sports streaming service. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live umcimbi orchestration, ukuthuthukiswa fighter / ubudlelwano, kwempahla kwenkundla yokudlalela, Indalo uxhaso / ukuthuthukiswa, kwamalayisensi international, marketing, ukukhangisa, emphakathini kanye nobudlelwane ikhomishana. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, ekhaya UNdunankulu ukuzijabulisa brand zezwe ukuxhuma izilaleli kokuqukethwe esicindezelayo yonkana ithelevishini, motion picture, intanethi and mobile.
About DAZN:
I-DAZN is the largest global sports streaming platform in the world. Since launching in 2016, DAZN had expanded across four continents with the service available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan, and Brazil. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just affordable access to all the service’s sports on connected devices including smart TVs, Smartphones, Izibhebhe, games consoles and PCs. In the U.S., DAZN has made its mark as an attractive alternative to pay-per-view within the combat sports industry. The platform features more than 100 fight nights per year from Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, Fr Promotions, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series and Combate Americas. DAZN also features live MLB action each day of the season with its new daily show, ChangeUp.
Rory MacDonald (20-5-1) futhi Jon Fitch (32-7-2, 1 NC) fought to a majority draw (48-46, 47-47, 47-47) – MacDonald retains the welterweight title and advances in the Welterweight World Grand Prix
Ilima-Lei MacFarlane (10-0) wanqoba Veta Arteaga (5-3) via TKO (Udokotela stoppage) at 1:50 of round three to retain the women’s flyweight title
San Jose, Calif. - All 18 bouts for the highly anticipatedBellator 220: MacDonald vs. Fitchumcimbi, streamed exclusively onI-DAZN, have been announced when Bellator returns home to the SAP Center at San Jose on Saturday, April 27.
Two title fights sit atop the card, as Bellator welterweight championRory MacDonald (20-5) defends his title world againstJon Fitch (31-7-1, 1 NC) in the final opening round bout of the Welterweight World Grand Prix, while undefeated Bellator flyweight championIlima-Lei MacFarlane(9-0) returns to action againstVeta Arteaga(5-2) in the evening’s co-headliner.
Bellator220: MacDonald vs. Fitchwill stream live exclusively onI-DAZN, the fastest-growing sports streaming service in the world, at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, ngenkathi isinyathelo kwangaphambilini ziyogelezela ku Bellator.com nasemazweni omhlaba phezu Bellator Mobile App.
Limited tickets remain available at the ThreatMetrix Ticket Office at SAP Center at San Jose, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.
Three former world champions will also appear on the main card, njengoba Benson Henderson (26-8) takes on the Bay Area’s ownAdam Piccolot (11-2) at engasindi, ngenkathi Phil Davis(19-5, 1 NC) izoyisebenzisa emuva Liam McGeary (13-3) ekukhanyeni action sosondonzima. Ukwengeza, featherweight Gaston bolanos (4-1) looks to add to hisimpressive highlight reelwhen he kicks off the main card versusUNathan webiwe (8-4).
Preliminary action forBellator 220: MacDonald vs. Fitchwill feature the U.S. debut of second-generation Israeli fighterAviv Gozali (1-0) in his sophomore appearance againstTravis Crain (Pro Debut).
Complete Bellator 220: MacDonald vs. FitchIKhadi Main:
Welterweight World Grand Prix Title Bout: Rory MacDonald (20-5) vs. Jon Fitch (32-7-1, 1 NC)
Women’s Flyweight World Title Bout: Ilima-Lei MacFarlane (9-0) vs. Veta Arteaga (5-2)
Ikhadi Elikhulu Elincane Light: Benson Henderson (26-8) vs. Adam Piccolot (11-2)
Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Phil Davis (19-5, 1 NC) vs. Liam McGeary (13-3)
I-Featherweight Card Bout: Gaston bolanos (4-1) vs. UNathan webiwe (8-4)
I-LOS ANGELES– Bellator’s return to WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Okla. ngolwesihlanu, July 12 will be headlined by a women’s featherweight title fight featuring Canada’sJulia Budd(12-2) defending her title for a third time against undefeatedOlga Rubin(6-0) of Israel.
Umcimbi uzosakazwa bukhoma futhi mahhala kwinethiwekhi yeParamount at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT, as well as DAZN.com, Ngenkathi isenzo sokuqala sizohamba sihamba Bellator.com nasemhlabeni jikelele ku I-Bellator Mobile App. Amathikithiare on sale now and can be purchased at the WinStar World Casino and Resort box office, as well as through Ticketmaster and Bellator.com. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.
Fighting out of Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada, Budd is set to enter the Bellator cage for the first time in 2019 and for the third time since claiming the inaugural Bellator women’s featherweight world title in 2017. Currently riding a winning streak of 10 imikhawulo, including six straight since joining forces with Bellator in 2015, “The Jewel” has her eyes set on a third consecutive world title defense when she challenges the undefeated Rubin on July 12. Since knocking off Dutch legend Marloes Coenen for the 145-pound strap atBellator 174, the Gibson MMA-product has since collected back-to-back victories over top contendersArlene Blencowe futhi Talita Nogueira. With six of her 12 umsebenzi uwina uyeza ngendlela Knockout noma ukuzithoba, the former kickboxing standout will look to hand Rubin the first loss of her professional career.
Making her fifth appearance since signing with Bellator in 2017, Rubin looks to protect her unblemished professional mark en route to her first career women’s featherweight world title on July 12. Following a pair of notable knockouts in her first two promotional appearances atBellator 164 futhi Bellator 188, the 29-year-old prospect has bolstered her resume with dominating victories over the likes of Cindy Dandois and Iony Razafiarisonin each of her past two bouts. Now residing in Holon, Israel, Rubin splits her time training between Tel Aviv and London’s Team Titan under the tutelage of veteran Brad Pickett. “Big Bad” will look to become the first fighter to beat Budd in almost eight years and join a select group of women that includes just Ronda Rousey and Amanda Nunes, who have succeeded against the champ in the past.
Updated Bellator: Budd vs. RubinIkhadi Lokulwa Nekhadi:
Women’s Featherweight World Title Bout:Julia Budd (12-2) vs. Olga Rubin(6-0)
I-LOS ANGELES– The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s return to WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Okla. lokhu Friday, March 22 has been completed with a stacked four-fight main card and a total of 10 preliminary contests.
The main event of Friday’s card at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT on Paramount Network, and simulcast on DAZN, will feature a 145-pound headliner, when former featherweight title contenderEmmanuel Sanchez (17-4) rematches the returningGeorgi Karakhanyan (28-8-1, 1 NC). Rounding out the stacked main card will see a heavyweight matchup pitting England’sLinton Vassell (18-7, 1 NC) in his divisional debut against Russia’sValentin Moldavsky (7-1), the always-gameGerald Harris (25-7-1) returning to action against the surgingAnatoly Tokov (27-2) in a middleweight contest and an intriguing middleweight contest between undefeated London Shootfighters-prospectNorbert Novenyi(2-0) and Kansas’Will Lavine (1-1).
Ama-prelims we Bellator 218: Sanchez vs. Karakhanyan 2 will be highlighted by multiple bouts featuring recent Bellator signings, including Duke Rufus-trained prospectJordan Newman,the professional debut ofChristian Edwardsof Jackson-Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, N.M., Sweden’sMalin Hermansson(2-0) futhi UJohnny EBTS (4-0), who brings his undefeated record to Bellator. Anatoly Tokov’s younger brother, Vladimir Tokov(3-0), will also enter the Bellator cage for the first time when he competes at lightweight againstRyan Walker (8-4). Ukwengeza, seven-fight Bellator veteranUJohn "Macapa" (21-4) meets 30-fight veteranKevin Croom (19-11) at featherweight.
Bellator 218: Sanchez vs. Karakhanyan 2 will be broadcast Friday, March 22 on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT and will stream LIVE on DAZN. Preliminary action for both events will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.
Complete Bellator 218: Sanchez vs. Karakhanyan 2 IKhadi Main:
Featherweight Main Event Bout:Emmanuel Sanchez (17-4) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (28-8-1, 1 NC)
I-LOS ANGELES– Bellator is proud to announce that both Patricio and Patricky Freire, better known to fans as the infamous “Pitbull Brothers,” will continue to compete inside the Bellator cage after signing exclusive multi-year, multi-fight extensions to remain with the promotion.
Fighting out of Natal, URio Grande do Norte, Brazil, the brothers have become synonymous with Bellator throughout their prolific careers. Having held titles and established themselves among the elite, there are very few names that appear in the Bellator record books more often than current featherweight champPatricio Pitbull (28-4) and his older brotherPatricky Pitbull(21-8).
“When I think about the talent on the Bellator roster, the Pitbull brothers are two of the fighters that immediately come to mind,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “They started early on in their careers here, have climbed to the top of their respective divisions and have come to represent what this promotion is all about. I’m thrilled that we’ll continue to see them compete inside the Bellator cage for our fans around the world for many years to come!"
“There are a lot of people on the Bellator roster I want to put my hands on – the first on the list, I’m fighting on May 11th, so renewing made perfect sense for me,” said Patricio. “I’m happy with the agreement and the plans for the future. Of all the fighters currently active on the promotion, I’m with Bellator the longest and the most successful. I plan to set that bar even higher. Iminyaka, I said ‘I’d become the number one in the world here.’ If anyone still has any doubt, keep an eye on the next chapters.”
Patricky added, “Bellator is growing and so am I. I’m in the best moment of my career and the same can be said of the promotion with the quality of shows, the new TV deals and names under the roster. I’ve set the goal of becoming world champion and setting records. I already am the fighter with most finishes and fights in the organization and I don’t plan to let anyone catch up with me. I have grudges to settle and names to add to my belt. If things line up well, I’m looking at making noise in three weight classes in the near future, so expect the best of me! I’m glad to have reached a new agreement with Bellator and very excited for the new things to come.”
A two-time featherweight champion, Patricio “Pitbull” has competed for the promotion 20 times – winning 16 of those outings – and has successfully defended his belt three times since reclaiming the championship atBellator 178 ngokumelene Daniel Straus. Iningi muva, Patricio defeatedEmmanuel Sanchez, edging out his opponent via unanimous decision atBellator 209 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Sengithole ukuqeda ngaphakathi 20 of yakhe 28 iwina njengoba professional, the reigning champion always brings an exciting style and fans can certainly expect more fireworks as he continues his run in Bellator. Patricio will now move up in weight to challenge current champMichael Chandlerfor his lightweight crown in a long-awaited grudge match at Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Chicago on May 11.
A perennial lightweight contender since joining Bellator in 2011 at Bellator 36, the 33-year-old Patricky made an immediate impact by emphatically knocking out two true veterans of the sport and eventually competing in two tournament finals. Ukwengeza, he holds the Bellator record for most fights with 21 and knockout wins with 10, including highlight-reel finishes overRyan Couture futhi David Rickels. Nokho, his most impressive run has come as of late, stringing together seven wins in eight bouts and winning his last five againstJosh Thomson, Benson Henderson, Derek Fields, URoger Huerta futhi iningi muva ngokumelene Ryan Scopeat Bellator Newcastleon Feb. 9.
