Category Archives: Bellator

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Ntsia hlau loj TV

“Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” adds another welterweight blockbuster as Paul “Semtex” Daley faces Dennis Olson

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B140_olson_daley_announce

Yooj yim Tweet: “Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley faces Dennis Olson at #Bellator140 @mohegansun live and free on spike!"

 

 

Raug Monica, California. (Lub rau hli ntuj 2, 2015) – Dynamic British slugger Paul “Semtex” Daley (36-13-2) makes his highly anticipated return to the Bellator MMA cage when he meets two-fight Bellator veteran Dennis Olson (14-8).

 

The 170-pound clash completes the all-welterweight Spike-broadcast main card of “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov.”

 

Featuring Bellator MMA World Champion Douglas “The Phenom” Txiv qaub (26-5) putting his title on the line against Russian knockout artist Andrey “Spartan” Koreshkov (17-1), “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” yuav siv sij hawm qhov chaw Friday, Lub Xya hli ntuj 16 ntawm Mohegan Sun Arena nyob rau hauv Uncasville, Conn.

 

Additional featured contests include undefeated welterweight prospect Chris “Lub Cutt” Honeycutt (6-0) vs. former All-American wrestler and nine-year MMA veteran Paul “Cov zoo” Bradley (22-6), as well as the incomparable Michael “Venom” Nplooj ntawv (7-0) vs. 29-fight veteran Rudy "Phem Xov xwm" Bears (16-13) thiab "Irish" Brennan Ward (10-3) vs. Gavin "Tsov rog nees" Sterritt (6-1).

 

Daim pib rau “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” uas pib ntawm cia li $25, uas tam sim no rau cov muag khoom nyob rau ntawm lub Ticketmaster.com.

 

“Once we nailed down our return to Mohegan Sun, we knew that we had to put together an amazing night of fights that would wow the fans,” said Bellator MMA President Scott Coker. “I really feel that we’ve succeeded in doing so by showcasing this wealth of welterweight talent. There are several bonafide stars in the division and we are excited to see several of them fighting on Lub Xya hli ntuj 16."

 

A 12-year veteran of the sport who has competed around the globe, the 32-year-old Daley will make his third appearance under the Bellator MMA banner after previously picking up wins over Lwm Santos thiabRudy Bears. Known as “Semtex” for his explosive striking style, the Nottingham, England native boasts an incredible 26 career knockout victories.

 

Olson returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since 2010, riding a wave of momentum that he has accrued on the regional scene. With experience against the likes of David Branch, Rick Hawn and John Howard, the New Hampshire representative will not be unaccustomed to fighting a competitor with the track record of Daley. It’s safe to say that Olson meets the criteria to be referred to as a “submission specialist,” having racked up nine of his 14 professional wins by making his opponents tap.

 

Additional contests for “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” yuav qhia tawm uas tsocai.

 

“Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” - Friday, Lub Xya hli ntuj 16, Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn. (click for press release)

 

Bellator Welterweight Title sib ntaus: Champ Douglas Lima (26-5) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (17-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature sib ntaus: Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6)

Bellator Welterweight Feature sib ntaus: Michael Page (7-0) vs. Rudy Bears (16-13)

Bellator Welterweight Feature sib ntaus: Brennan Ward (10-3) vs. Gavin Sterritt (6-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature sib ntaus: Paul Daley (36-13-2) vs. Dennis Olson (14-8)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Ntsia hlau loj TV

Welterweight Duel Pitting Brennan “The Irish Bad Boy” Ward Against Gavin “War Horse” Sterritt Added to “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov”

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Yooj yim Tweet: “‘Irish Bad Boy’ @SwaggleBerryFin returns against the British “War Horse” @GavinSterritt ntawm #Bellator140, live and free on spike!"

 

 

Raug Monica, California. (Tej zaum 27, 2015) – 26-year-old Connecticut native Brennan Ward (10-3) continues his run at 170-pounds when he meets Gavin Sterritt (6-1) on Friday, Lub Xya hli ntuj 17 ntawm Mohegan Sun Arena nyob rau hauv Uncasville, Conn.

 

The contest serves as the fourth Spike TV-broadcast main card matchup of the blockbuster fight card. Additional contests for “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” yuav qhia tawm uas tsocai.

 

The July 17 event is shaping up to be a tremendous showcase of welterweight talent, already featuring previously announced bouts between Bellator MMA Welterweight World Champion Douglas Lima (26-5) thiab Andrey Koreshkov (17-1), Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6), raws li zoo raws li Michael "lom" Nplooj ntawv (7-0) kev noj nyob Rudy Bears (16-13).

 

Daim pib rau “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” uas pib ntawm cia li $25, yog ntawm kev muag khoom tam sim no thiab yuav tau muas ntawm tus Mohegan Tshav Arena Box Office los yog Ticketmaster.com.

 

After winning the Bellator Season Nine middleweight tournament, Ward fell short in a bid for the championship against Alexander Shlemenko, who held the title at the time. This past February, Ward would bounce back on short notice in his debut as a welterweight with a first-round rear-naked choke submission victory over Curtis Millender at Bellator MMA: “British Invasion.”

 

Lub Waterford, Conn. haiv neeg muaj ib tug sib ze rau ntawm finish, as he has ended nine of his ten professional tilts before reaching the judges’ scorecards. With his hometown a mere 10 miles away from the venue, “The Irish Bad Boy” is sure to have a strong home cage advantage over his opponent.

 

Nine years Ward’s senior at 35, Sterritt is a submission specialist fighting out of Liverpool, England who has held titles for multiple regional promotions. “War Horse” has competed twice under the Bellator MMA banner already, earning victories at Bellator 99 and Bellator 114.

 

“Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” - Friday, Lub Xya hli ntuj 17, Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.

Bellator Welterweight Title sib ntaus: Douglas Lima (26-5) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (17-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature sib ntaus: Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6)

Bellator Welterweight Feature sib ntaus: Michael Page (7-0) vs. Rudy Bears (16-13)

Bellator Welterweight Feature sib ntaus: Brennan Ward (10-3) vs. Gavin Sterritt (6-1)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Ntsia hlau loj TV

BELLATOR MMA TO AIR ON AMERICAN FORCES NETWORK

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Raug Monica, California. (Tej zaum 25, 2015) – On a holiday when Americans take a moment to remember those who gave their lives serving in the country’s armed forces, Bellator MMA officials are honored to announce a new partnership with the American Forces Network.

 

With the new deal in place, the American Forces Network will now broadcast Bellator MMA events on its global networks to American servicemen and women, raws li tau zoo raws li U.S. Navy ships at sea.

 

“We at Bellator are always looking for ways to give back to our troops,” said Bellator MMA President Scott Coker. “We’re all extremely grateful for all that they do abroad to keep us safe, and we hope that they will enjoy some Bellator fights during any downtime they may have.”

 

Multiple Bellator athletes including Bobby Lashley and Mike Richman have served in the American Military.

 

“I’m personally thrilled for this new partnership,” said Bobby Lashley, who fights James Thompson on Lub rau hli ntuj 19. “AFN is providing a platform for me to be fighting for my brothers and sisters who are away from home, fighting for us.”

 

The new partnership commences with June’s dual Bellator MMA events.

 

Rau Lub rau hli ntuj 19, Bellator MMA visits St. Louis’ Scottrade Center for “Bellator MMA: Unfinished lag luam,” featuring one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport with Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock. Tsis tas li ntawd, several current Bellator fighters as well as some of the sport’s biggest legends will pay a visit to Scott Air Force Base on Wednesday, Lub rau hli ntuj 17.

 

Rau Lub rau hli ntuj 26, the promotion touches down at Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Tej zaum., nrog “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which sees French striking specialist Cheick Kongo and Russian knockout artist and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov stand toe-to-toe in the Bellator MMA cage.

 

Complete details of the new Bellator MMA-American Forces Network partnership will be available shortly.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Ntsia hlau loj TV

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” receives first prelim fight, as featherweight standout Bubba Jenkins meets gritty Midwestern veteran Joe Wilk

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B139_PR_Banner

B139_Jenkins_Wilk

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” receives first prelim fight,

as featherweight standout Bubba Jenkins meets gritty Midwestern veteran Joe Wilk

Yooj yim Tweet: ".@2sinsurrJenkins thiab @JoeNoseMMA set to headline #Bellator139 nyob rau ntawm lub @KansasStarArena Lub rau hli ntuj 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx"

Raug Monica, California. (Tej zaum 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” kev tshwm sim, Bellator MMA officials are now turning their attention to the evening’s Spike.com-streamed preliminary lineup.

 

The first preliminary contest booked features featherweight standout Bubba “The Highlight Kid” Jenkins (8-2), as he looks to build his way back to a title shot against 28-fight veteran Joe “The Nose” Wilk (18-10).

 

Featuring a heavyweight contest between French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5), “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” takes place June 26 at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Tej zaum.

 

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “lub Ntuj” Alessio(35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pntawm “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi li (18-2) ib tugnd a contest between middleweight sluggers with Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1) on the event’s featured portion.

 

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. THIAB / 8 p.m. I, thaum ntej bouts kwj rau Spike.com ntawm 7 p.m. THIAB / 6 p.m. I.

 

Ntxiv bouts yuav qhia tawm uas tsocai.

 

Daim pib rau “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov,” uas pib ntawm cia li $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, uas tam sim no muaj nyob rau ntawmTicketmaster.com.

 

Jenkins, a former NCAA Division I wrestling champion at Arizona State University, also earned All-American honors during a separate stint at Penn State University. Cia li 27 xyoo ntawm hnub nyoog, Jenkins has already fought seven times under the Bellator MMA banner and is considered one of the top up-and-coming fighters in the 145-pound division. “The Highlight Kid” was one step away from a shot at the Bellator MMA Featherweight World Title before coming up short against Georgi Karakhanyan ntawm Bellator 132 nyob rau hauv Lub ib hlis ntuj. The Corona, California. resident now looks to get back on the winning track at Bellator 139.

 

Wilk is a 33-year-old Kansas native who already boasts 28 professional contests to his name and made his Bellator MMA debut this past October, where he suffered a TKO loss to fellow Sunflower State veteran Ricky Musgrave. Wilk has been a staple on the Midwestern scene since 2007 and has incredibly fought to a judges’ decision only once in his 28 tshwm sim. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 ntawm nws 18 career victories by way of submission.

 

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” - Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 26, Kanas Star Event Center Arena, MULVANE, Kansas

Main Card (9 p.m. THIAB)

 

Bellator Heavyweight Main tshwm sim: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Sib Feature sib ntaus: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator Featherweight Feature sib ntaus: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi li (18-2)

Bellator Middleweight Feature sib ntaus: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

 

Preliminary Card

Bellator Featherweight Prelim sib ntaus: Bubba Jenkins (8-2) vs. Joe Hma (18-10)

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” receives first prelim fight,

as featherweight standout Bubba Jenkins meets gritty Midwestern veteran Joe Wilk

Yooj yim Tweet: ".@2sinsurrJenkins thiab @JoeNoseMMA set to headline #Bellator139 nyob rau ntawm lub @KansasStarArena Lub rau hli ntuj 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx"

Raug Monica, California. (Tej zaum 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” kev tshwm sim, Bellator MMA officials are now turning their attention to the evening’s Spike.com-streamed preliminary lineup.

 

The first preliminary contest booked features featherweight standout Bubba “The Highlight Kid” Jenkins (8-2), as he looks to build his way back to a title shot against 28-fight veteran Joe “The Nose” Wilk (18-10).

 

Featuring a heavyweight contest between French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5), “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” takes place June 26 at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Tej zaum.

 

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “lub Ntuj” Alessio(35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pntawm “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi li (18-2) ib tugnd a contest between middleweight sluggers with Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1) on the event’s featured portion.

 

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. THIAB / 8 p.m. I, thaum ntej bouts kwj rau Spike.com ntawm 7 p.m. THIAB / 6 p.m. I.

 

Ntxiv bouts yuav qhia tawm uas tsocai.

 

Daim pib rau “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov,” uas pib ntawm cia li $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, uas tam sim no muaj nyob rau ntawmTicketmaster.com.

 

Jenkins, a former NCAA Division I wrestling champion at Arizona State University, also earned All-American honors during a separate stint at Penn State University. Cia li 27 xyoo ntawm hnub nyoog, Jenkins has already fought seven times under the Bellator MMA banner and is considered one of the top up-and-coming fighters in the 145-pound division. “The Highlight Kid” was one step away from a shot at the Bellator MMA Featherweight World Title before coming up short against Georgi Karakhanyan ntawm Bellator 132 nyob rau hauv Lub ib hlis ntuj. The Corona, California. resident now looks to get back on the winning track at Bellator 139.

 

Wilk is a 33-year-old Kansas native who already boasts 28 professional contests to his name and made his Bellator MMA debut this past October, where he suffered a TKO loss to fellow Sunflower State veteran Ricky Musgrave. Wilk has been a staple on the Midwestern scene since 2007 and has incredibly fought to a judges’ decision only once in his 28 tshwm sim. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 ntawm nws 18 career victories by way of submission.

 

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” - Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 26, Kanas Star Event Center Arena, MULVANE, Kansas

Main Card (9 p.m. THIAB)

 

Bellator Heavyweight Main tshwm sim: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Sib Feature sib ntaus: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator Featherweight Feature sib ntaus: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi li (18-2)

Bellator Middleweight Feature sib ntaus: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

 

Preliminary Card

Bellator Featherweight Prelim sib ntaus: Bubba Jenkins (8-2) vs. Joe Hma (18-10)

Yooj yim Tweet: ".@2sinsurrJenkins thiab @JoeNoseMMA set to headline #Bellator139 nyob rau ntawm lub @KansasStarArena Lub rau hli ntuj 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx"

Raug Monica, California. (Tej zaum 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” kev tshwm sim, Bellator MMA officials are now turning their attention to the evening’s Spike.com-streamed preliminary lineup.

 

The first preliminary contest booked features featherweight standout Bubba “The Highlight Kid” Jenkins (8-2), as he looks to build his way back to a title shot against 28-fight veteran Joe “The Nose” Wilk (18-10).

 

Featuring a heavyweight contest between French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5), “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” takes place June 26 at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Tej zaum.

 

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “lub Ntuj” Alessio(35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pntawm “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi li (18-2) ib tugnd a contest between middleweight sluggers with Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1) on the event’s featured portion.

 

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. THIAB / 8 p.m. I, thaum ntej bouts kwj rau Spike.com ntawm 7 p.m. THIAB / 6 p.m. I.

 

Ntxiv bouts yuav qhia tawm uas tsocai.

 

Daim pib rau “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov,” uas pib ntawm cia li $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, uas tam sim no muaj nyob rau ntawmTicketmaster.com.

 

Jenkins, a former NCAA Division I wrestling champion at Arizona State University, also earned All-American honors during a separate stint at Penn State University. Cia li 27 xyoo ntawm hnub nyoog, Jenkins has already fought seven times under the Bellator MMA banner and is considered one of the top up-and-coming fighters in the 145-pound division. “The Highlight Kid” was one step away from a shot at the Bellator MMA Featherweight World Title before coming up short against Georgi Karakhanyan ntawm Bellator 132 nyob rau hauv Lub ib hlis ntuj. The Corona, California. resident now looks to get back on the winning track at Bellator 139.

 

Wilk is a 33-year-old Kansas native who already boasts 28 professional contests to his name and made his Bellator MMA debut this past October, where he suffered a TKO loss to fellow Sunflower State veteran Ricky Musgrave. Wilk has been a staple on the Midwestern scene since 2007 and has incredibly fought to a judges’ decision only once in his 28 tshwm sim. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 ntawm nws 18 career victories by way of submission.

 

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” - Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 26, Kanas Star Event Center Arena, MULVANE, Kansas

Main Card (9 p.m. THIAB)

 

Bellator Heavyweight Main tshwm sim: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Sib Feature sib ntaus: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator Featherweight Feature sib ntaus: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi li (18-2)

Bellator Middleweight Feature sib ntaus: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

 

Preliminary Card

Bellator Featherweight Prelim sib ntaus: Bubba Jenkins (8-2) vs. Joe Hma (18-10)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Nplua nuj Bergeron, UFC

Reebok Rebellion Could Revolutionize MMA as We Know It

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Los ntawm: Nplua nuj Bergeron

You know the Reebok battle is getting heated when people are trashing the terms of the deal both figuratively and LITERALLY:

UFC Lightweight Contender Myles “Fury” Jury really threw his Reebok gear in the garbage recently to make a point in a Twitter post that had UFC Head Honcho Dana “The Baldfather” White crying foul.

What was more telling about the incident, tab sis yog, yog “Uncle Dana” not stepping in to punish the frustrated fighter for his blatant disrespect of a major UFC business partner. This was a watershed moment for the “Reebok Rebellion.”

What could Dana do, tom qab tag nrho cov? Myles was actually pulling a page right out of the UFC President’s own marketing handbook. Jury was being in-your-face offensive to sell his argument. Dana does that every day.

Higher-profile fighters are consistently rubbing Mr. White the wrong way these days when it comes to the Reebok deal, and though he gave Jury and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone a pass for their recent criticism, he bit back against the likes of Brandon Schaub.

There may be a different kind of fireworks in July when this raw deal officially takes effect and all the fighters who don’t agree with Schaub and Jury start to realize their shortsightedness. Some of those UFC fighters might even regret not joining their peers on the unofficial public picket line when it might have actually mattered.

The worst part about this whole fiasco is the timing. The Federal Trade Commission is once again reportedly investigating the UFC in the wake of a series of high-profile Class-Action Anti-Trust complaints winding their way through the civil courts.

It’s hard not to question whether the world’s most powerful mixed martial arts promotion is overstepping its bounds in the way they are trying to control every aspect of a fighter’s career. It seems like a really bad deal to exchange a little bit of money and the right to fight under the UFC banner for the blood, sweat and tears it takes to stay at the top of the MMA game these days. Even to be at the middle of the pack in the UFC is a heck of a challenge. Fighters have to be starting to ask themselves when the accumulated bumps bruises, dislocations, torn ligaments, broken bones and concussions become so bad that the money doesn’t matter anymore.

What will happen when a tidal wave of former UFC fighters find out that the glory of having fought their hearts out for the fans isn’t paying the bills and/or sending their kids to college? What happens when the cushy medical coverage expires and your legendary fighter status means nothing to the doctors and the hospital billing you outrageous and astronomical fees to keep you healthy enough to live to old age?

Ask Marc Coleman. It’s not pretty.

The more the UFC fight or flight equation turns toward having no freedom to be an entrepreneur and no ability to build your own brand, the more Scott Coker’s phone is going to continue to ring off the hook. At least in Bellator, fighters can still have their own personal sponsors on their shorts.

They don’t throw all their fighters out for losing a few fights in a row, yog. They don’t publicly berate their fighters at post-fight press conferences for not putting on a show. They pay what they can, and they do their best to just be considered a UFC competitor.

Phil Davis may be the first of many UFC defectors that could begin to trickle in if this Reebok deal eliminates as much income and opportunity as it sounds like it will.

I am actually disappointed that Viacom isn’t making a bigger push to acquire more UFC fighters with more lucrative contracts, but no business wants to lose money. It’s harder for Bellator to gain massive revenues in return for their investments in their fighters due to the overhead of doing their own production for free television. Tsis tau, nyob rau tib lub sij hawm, Coker and Bellator’s current management seems to actually care a little more about the people who do battle under their banner. They know better than anyone that your sponsors can really keep you alive.

Fighters who value their freedom and want a little more control over their careers might start to see the only UFC competition as a much greener pasture in the wake of this sneaker giant’s exclusive apparel contract. What is supposed to look like a major step forward for the UFC might actually represent three steps back for this organization that is already struggling with cancelled and postponed fights due primarily to an increasing amount of training injuries to top fighters.

Of course we can’t forget Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones allegedly crashing a rented SUV into a pregnant woman’s car and breaking her arm before fleeing the scene on foot. This is yet another unfortunate example of the UFC not caring enough about their fighters. How could they not recognize this guy had a problem that needed to be addressed a long time before this tragic incident unfolded? How can the UFC justify not having their own random drug testing in place like other professional sports? How are illegal drugs OK for a fighter to do out of competition in the first place? Who made the rules with that gaping loophole in them?

Georges St. Pierre has been one of the UFC’s most vociferous critics on the PED-testing front. The former champion continues to sit on the sidelines after one of the most punishing fights of his career led him to announce his retirement with the door left open only a crack. Only a broad, comprehensive drug testing program can bring him back now, St. Pierre maintains.

Even fighters like Ronda Rousey are getting a little upset with the career control measures being wielded over them by their bigwig bosses. The UFC will not even let Ronda appear in a few scripted WWE events. Just because these skits last longer than some of her actual fights doesn’t mean they are much different than what she does in her movie career. Her UFC bosses are fine with her pursuing action movie roles, so why not a little fake wrestling? Maybe it’s the fact that WWE stole the Tapout brand and took it right out of the cage and into the wrestling ring. Maybe it’s jealousy that WWE has the kind of fan base that makes them a legitimate threat, and it’s the kind of fans the UFC desperately needs. Maybe it’s the fact that the UFC lost their chance at retaining Brock Lesnar’s services again and they are still getting over it.

Whatever the reason, the UFC is clamping down more and more on what fighters can and can’t do inside and outside the cage, and it goes far beyond fake wrestling. Contracts are becoming more and more restrictive in every way.

The UFC also used to foster a climate where no fighter would dare speak a foul word about management or any business deal management put in place. The punishment would be worse than a fine if Dana decided to give you the Brendan Schaub treatment in the press.

Complain, and you’d be called a coward or a bum. You’re not a team player, some ignorant fans will still say when you stick your neck out while under UFC contract. Tsis tau, this climate is not enough to stop this new little wave of protest that might grow to a frightening crescendo just before or after this Reebok deal officially becomes reality.

The mindless minions who criticize fighters for speaking out for their own best interests just eat right out of Dana White’s hand, even when he’s passing out rat poison. It is disgusting to hear and see so many people agreeing with a guy who never even fought an official amateur bout of any kind instead of listening to someone who actually put in the effort to compete in even one professional cage fight.

When it comes to matters of what it really means “to be a F#$%ing fighter,” Dana can give all the foul-mouthed speeches he wants, but it’s the actual fighters who bled for years under the UFC banner who gave that speech real meaning and resonance to the fans who now worship the ground Dana walks on. Rau feem ntau feem, these fans only like White so much because he talks and cusses just like them. Tseem, one UFC fighter I interviewed years ago told me there is something wrong with the sport when the most recognizable figure in MMA is Dana White. I couldn’t agree more.

Freedom is not a word to be taken lightly, and free speech is not as free as it used to be. You sign on the dotted line to step in the UFC cage, and you have to play by their rules, even the ones you don’t like or don’t agree with. That was bad enough when that was the only problem fighters faced. Tam sim no, it’s much worse because of the Reebok deal and the ramifications and ripple effects it will cause.

Some people forget this deal also alienates other long time sponsors of the UFC and its fighters. Think of all those apparel companies who will not be able to sell their products now in association with any official UFC event. The upcoming UFC Fan Expo situation is a prime example of how the UFC just doesn’t seem to care about the businesses and backers that helped put them on the map in the first place.

The people behind this powerhouse MMA league will alienate anyone or any group of people to make a buck off the backs of better men than themselves. This Reebok deal is living proof of that. Even if all the money from the Reebok partnership does go to the fighters, all those businesses that end up locked out of fighter sponsorship deals will have to line up to sign exclusive contracts with the organization itself. Either that, or they will convert to Bellator supporters and follow burned UFC fighters to that organization.

Suddenly that second fiddle is sounding like it could steal the show, and my prediction that Bellator could fail looks premature and presumptuous now.

“So you want to be a f$%^ing fighter?”

Let me give you Scott Coker’s number.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Ntsia hlau loj TV

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” adds middleweight slugfest pitting Joe Schilling vs. Hisaki Kato, making it the fourth and final main-card matchup

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Yooj yim Tweet: ".@JoeSchilling187 and Hisaki Kato join #Bellator139 nyob rau ntawm lub @KansasStarArena rau Lub rau hli ntuj 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx"

 

Raug Monica, California. (Tej zaum 18, 2015) – A card loaded with explosive contests has received one more potential slugfest, as middleweight sluggers Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (2-4) thiab Hisaki Kato (4-1) will clash in the fourth and final main-card matchup of next month’s “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” event which airs live on Spike.

 

Headlined by a heavyweight contest between French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5), “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” yuav siv sij hawm qhov chaw Lub rau hli ntuj 26 at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Tej zaum.

 

Additional matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “lub Ntuj” Alessio (35-17) and former Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) kev noj nyob Yamauchi li (18-2).

 

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. THIAB/ 8 p.m. I, thaum ntej bouts kwj rau Spike.com. Ntxiv bouts yuav qhia tawm uas tsocai.

 

Daim pib rau “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” uas pib ntawm cia li $17 and include cage side seats for just $97, uas tam sim no muaj nyob rau ntawm Ticketmaster.com.

 

31-xyoo-laus Schilling tau sib ntaus sib tua tso txij li thaum 2006, starting his combat sports career in muay Thai, qhov chaw uas nws khwv tau ob U.S. and world titles. Since he’s turned his focus to MMA, Schilling continues to compete in kickboxing events, raws li zoo, ua hauj lwm nws txoj kev mus KOOB MEEJ lub Xeem txiv neej sawv sib tw dhau los no rau hli ntuj, sib tw peb zaug nyob rau hauv ib thaum yav tsaus ntuj. Schilling ua nws Bellator MMA debut nyob rau hauv Kaum ib hlis, kos ib tug “Knockout ntawm lub xyoo” candidate stoppage of noted striker Melvin Manhoef.

 

A karate stylist who first made his name in Japan in the sport of Kudo – a hybrid version of MMA that involves fighting in a gi, gloves and a mask – the 32-year-old Kato will fight in the U.S. Lub rau hli ntuj 26th rau thawj lub sij hawm. Kato’s transition in 2013 to traditional MMA rules has proven to be a rousing success, as he’s earned four knockout victories in his first five bouts. Three of those wins were earned in the first round, including an April 2014 victory that came in just 53 vib nas this.

 

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” - Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 26, Kanas Star Event Center Arena, MULVANE, Kansas

 

Bellator Heavyweight Main tshwm sim: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Sib Feature sib ntaus: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator Featherweight Feature sib ntaus: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi li (18-2)

Bellator Featherweight Feature sib ntaus: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Ntsia hlau loj TV

Brandon Halsey Defeats Kendall Grove Via Technical Knockout Vacates Bellator Middleweight Title Due To Missing Weight

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All photos by: Bellator MMA/Eric Coleman

TEMECULA, California. (Tej zaum 15, 2015) – While Brandon “Heev nyuj” Halsey (9-0) can no longer say he’s Bellator MMA’s Middleweight World Champion, he’s still managed to show his talent with a one-sided destruction of proven veteran Kendall “Lub Spyder” Grove (21-15).

 

The contest served as the feature main event of Friday tus “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” card at Pechanga Resort & Twv txiaj yuam pov nyob rau hauv Temecula, California.

 

Halsey nearly finished the fight in the early going, moving to an arm-triangle choke that would have finished a lesser opponent, but Grove somehow battled through the effort. Tseem, it was a one-sided round for the former champ.

 

Grove was able to avoid such a precarious position in the second, but he was still forced to be on the defensive throughout most of the frame. With a high-paced wrestling attack, Halsey simply pushed his way to the floor and enjoyed top position for almost the entirety of the round.

 

The pattern continued as the fight wore on, with Halsey simply overpowering his opponent and constantly earning himself the dominant position. Grove briefly threatened with an armbar in the fourth frame, but Halsey simply yanked his limb free and pounded away with punches shortly after until he earned the TKO win at the 2:25 mark of the frame.

 

The undefeated Halsey, who was stripped of the Bellator MMA Middleweight World Title for failing to make weight, will look to again earn the belt in his next appearance.

 

“I was my own worst enemy. It was how I performed. He didn’t throw anything at me that I wasn’t ready for. I was just trying to tough through the injury. I had to tough it out and come out with the victory,” Halsey said.

 

“Obviously, you want to be as dominant as possible. I just felt like I couldn’t explode through my combinations or explode through the fight and finish how I wanted to. But like I said, you’ve got to deal with adversity, and I did it the best I could,” Halsey continued.

 

“I learned my lesson. I thank Bellator. I apologize to the commission. It’s unprofessional not to make weight. Tsis excuses, but anybody knows that it’s hard to cut weight with an injury. The belt’s just a decoration, so I’m still the champ in my eyes. No one has taken the belt from me.”

 

In the night’s co-main event, former Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (17-4), of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, took a step toward another shot at the title with a hard-fought decision victory over the hard-hitting Mike “Lub Tubrog nkoj” Richman, of Rose Mount, Los ntawm.

 

While Richman showed excellent takedown defense throughout the 15-minute affair, Dantas’ work rate helped him earn the favor of the judges. Constantly pressing and looking to bring the fight to the floor, Dantas was able to just edge out Richman on the cards, 29-28 according to all three officials.

 

“I went out there and fought the way I trained to fight,” Dantas said after the win. “I knew Mike Richman was going to come with everything, but I wanted to win this fight and get back to the title. The only fight that makes sense next is for the title.

 

In a welterweight contest, Fernando “Lub Menifee cov neeg vwm Flash” Gonzalez (24-13), of Menifee, California., scored a thrilling, come-from-behind victory over “Curtious” Curtis Millender (7-2), ntawm San Bernardino, California.

 

With Millender enjoying a six-inch height advantage, the smaller Gonzalez struggled to score points in the first two rounds. But when the fight hit the floor in the third, Gonzalez latched onto a guillotine choke and earned a tap from his opponent at the 1:14 ntawm qhov kawg puag ncig.

 

“Kuv 4-0 txoj cai tam sim no,” Gonzalez said after the win. “That’s one step closer to the title, and I’m excited to get in there and mix it up with whoever is next.”

 

With the result, Gonzalez now boasts four-straight Bellator MMA victories and put himself in line for a potential shot at the promotion’s Welterweight Title.

 

In the night’s first main-card matchup, undefeated prospect Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (7-0), of Rahway, N.J., used a superior wrestling game to outwork more experienced opponent Rafael “Morcego” Silva (22-5), of Lajes, Brazil, en route a unanimous-decision victory.

 

With Caldwell scoring takedowns throughout the matchup, Silva looked for submissions when available, but he simply couldn’t find the necessary hold to work past his opponent’s defense. Es tsis txhob, Caldwell kept his pressure high, and judges awarded him the fight, 29-28 rau tag nrho peb cov ntawv teev lus.

 

After the victory, Caldwell made it clear he’s clearing his way to a shot at the Bellator MMA World Title.

 

“I don’t think there are any fighters out there as explosive as me at 135 phaus, or as fast,” Caldwell said. “Nws thiaj li, I’ll be able to prove that.”

 

In the night’s final preliminary bout, Guam’s Joe Taimanglo (21-6-1) scored a third-round knockout of Mexico’s Antonio Duarte (18-6).

 

Tsis tas li ntawd, featherweight prospect Jordan Parsons (11-1), ntawm San Diego, California., earned a third-round decision win over the previously undefeated Brazilian Julio Cesar Neves Jr. (30-1).

 

Nyob rau hauv ib lub teeb Heavyweight contest, Virgil Zwicker (14-4-1), of Temecula, California., earned a first-round knockout win over Razak Al-Hassan (12-5), ntawm Milwaukee, Wisc.

 

And in the night’s first fight, Ricky “Lub Sniper” Rainey (11-3), of Gastonia, N.C., earned a second-round knockout win over Jessie Juarez (22-10), ntawm Torrance, California.

Brandon Halsey (9-0) def. Kendall Grove (21-15)

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Eduardo Dantas (17-4) def. Mike Richman (18-6 )

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Fernando Gonzalez (24-14) def. Curtis Millender (7-2)

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Darrion Caldwell (7-0) def. Rafael Silva (22-5)

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Hais txog Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA yog ib tug uas Mixed Martial Arts lub koom haum featuring ntau ntawm qhov zoo tshaj plaws neeg tua hluav taws nyob rau hauv lub ntiaj teb no. Nyob rau hauv cov kev coj ntawm qub tub rog sib ntaus pab txhawb Scott Coker, Bellator yog muaj rau ze li ntawm 400 lab tsev thoob ntiaj teb nyob rau hauv dhau 120 lub teb chaws. Nyob rau hauv lub tebchaws United States, Bellator yuav pom nyob rau hauv ntsia hlau loj, lub MMA TV thawj coj. Bellator MMA yog dub ntawm ib tug thawj pab neeg uas muaj xws li kev lag luam sab saum toj cov tub txawg nyob rau hauv TV lawm, nyob kev tshwm sim orchestration, fighter txoj kev loj hlob / kev sib raug zoo, venue ceev, sponsorship creation / kev loj hlob, thoob ntiaj teb daim ntawv tso cai, marketing, advertising, tshaj tawm thiab commission kev sib raug zoo. Bellator yog raws li nyob rau hauv Santa Monica, California thiab uas los ntawm kev lom zem loj heev Viacom, lub tsev mus rau lub ntiaj teb premier lom zem hom uas txuas nrog audiences los ntawm yuam cov ntsiab lus nyob rau hauv TV, tsab ntawv tsa suab duab, hauv internet thiab mobile platforms.

 

Hais txog ntsia hlau loj:

Ntsia hlau loj yog muaj nyob rau hauv 98.7 lab tsev thiab yog ib tug faib ntawm Viacom Media tes hauj lwm. Ib tug unit ntawm Viacom (Nasdaq: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media tes hauj lwm yog ib tug ntawm lub ntiaj teb uas creators ntawm programming thiab cov ntsiab lus nyob rau tag nrho tawm platforms. Ntsia hlau loj lub Internet chaw nyob yog www.spike.com thiab mus txog-rau-tus-feeb thiab archival xovxwm ntaub ntawv thiab duab, mus saib cov ntsia hlau loj tus xovxwm site ntawm http://www.spike.com/press. Raws li peb ntawm Twitter spiketvpr rau qhov tseeb nyob rau hauv tawg xov xwm tshiab, qab-lub-scenes cov ntaub ntawv thiab cov duab.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Ntsia hlau loj TV

RAWS NTAUB NTAWV Weigh-HAUV TAU, PHOTOS AND INFORMATION FROM “BELLATOR: HALSEY VS. GROVE”

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TEMECULA, California. (Tej zaum 14, 2015) – All twenty-six athletes competing at tag kis tus "Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” event were happy to rehydrate after stepping on the scales at today’s official weigh-in, which took place at the Cabaret Theatre inside the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California.

"Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,"Uas airs nyob thiab free rau ntsia hlau loj ntawm 9 p.m. THIAB / 8 p.m. I, features a main event between Brandon "Phaw" Halsey (8-0) and well-respected veteran Kendall “Da Spyda” Grove (21-14). The incumbent champion failed to hit the required mark of 185-pounds. Raws li ib tug tshwm sim, Grove is the only fighter who can leave the event as the champion, if Halsey does manage to win, he will be forced to vacate the belt.

Nyob rau hauv lub co-ntsiab kev tshwm sim, a bantamweight battle will go on as planned between former 135-pound champion Eduardo "Dudu" Dantas(16-4) and a streaking Mike “The Marine” Richman (18-5), despite Richman missing weight.

In a critical welterweight battle between two hometown fighters, Cinderella Man Fernando "Lub Menifee cov neeg vwm" Gonzalez (23-13) looks to continue his hot streak against a young Curtis “Curtious” Millender (7-1).

Nyob rau hauv lub qhib televised bout ntawm yav tsaus ntuj, one of MMA’s most promising prospects Darrion "Tus Hma" Caldwell (6-0), looks to keep his record unblemished against a tough Rafael “Morcego” Silva (22-4), who has only suffered one defeat in his last 15 xaus

NYEM QHOV NO RAU TXHUA Weigh-HAUV DUAB

Main Card (9 p.m. THIAB)

 

Bellator Middleweight Title sib ntaus: Champ Brandon Halsey (188.1 lbs.) vs. Kendall Grove (184.9 lbs.)

 

Bellator Bantamweight sib ntaus: Eduardo Dantas (135.2 lbs.) vs. Mike Richman (139.8 lbs.)

 

Bellator Welterweight sib ntaus: Fernando Gonzalez (170.9 lbs.) vs. Curtis Millender (170.8 lbs.)

 

Bellator Bantamweight sib ntaus: Darrion Caldwell (135.7 lbs.) vs. Rafael Silva (135.7 lbs.)

Preliminary Card (7:45 p.m. THIAB)

Bellator Middleweight sib ntaus: Benji Radach (186 lbs.) vs. Ben Reiter (186 lbs.)

 

Bellator Bantamweight sib ntaus: Joe Taimanglo (136.2 lbs.) vs. Antonio Duarte (135.1 lbs.)

 

Bellator Featherweight sib ntaus: Jordan Parsons (145.5 lbs.) vs. Julio Cesar Neves Jr. (146 lbs.)

 

Bellator Light Heavyweight Fight: Virgil Zwicker (206.7 lbs.) vs. Razak Al-Hassan (205.6 lbs.)

 

Bellator Welterweight sib ntaus: Jesse Juarez (171 lbs.) vs. Ricky Rainey (170.7 lbs.)

 

Bellator Featherweight sib ntaus: A.J. Jenkins (146 lbs.) vs. Arlene Blencowe (145.8 lbs.)

 

Bellator Hnav sib ntaus: Steve Kozola (155.8 lbs.) vs. Ian Butler (155.2 lbs.)

 

Bellator Bantamweight sib ntaus: Shawn Rev (135.4 lbs.) vs. Rolando Perez (135.3 lbs.)

 

Bellator Bantamweight sib ntaus: John Yoo (135.4 lbs.) vs. Albert Morales (134.4 lbs.)

 

Hais txog Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA yog ib tug uas Mixed Martial Arts lub koom haum featuring ntau ntawm qhov zoo tshaj plaws neeg tua hluav taws nyob rau hauv lub ntiaj teb no. Nyob rau hauv cov kev coj ntawm qub tub rog sib ntaus pab txhawb Scott Coker, Bellator yog muaj rau ze li ntawm 400 lab tsev thoob ntiaj teb nyob rau hauv dhau 120 lub teb chaws. Nyob rau hauv lub tebchaws United States, Bellator yuav pom nyob rau hauv ntsia hlau loj, lub MMA TV thawj coj. Bellator MMA yog dub ntawm ib tug thawj pab neeg uas muaj xws li kev lag luam sab saum toj cov tub txawg nyob rau hauv TV lawm, nyob kev tshwm sim orchestration, fighter txoj kev loj hlob / kev sib raug zoo, venue ceev, sponsorship creation / kev loj hlob, thoob ntiaj teb daim ntawv tso cai, marketing, advertising, tshaj tawm thiab commission kev sib raug zoo. Bellator yog raws li nyob rau hauv Santa Monica, California thiab uas los ntawm kev lom zem loj heev Viacom, lub tsev mus rau lub ntiaj teb premier lom zem hom uas txuas nrog audiences los ntawm yuam cov ntsiab lus nyob rau hauv TV, tsab ntawv tsa suab duab, hauv internet thiab mobile platforms.

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Ntsia hlau loj TV

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS ONE OF THE MOST DOMINANT COLLEGE WRESTLERS OF ALL-TIME, OLYMPIC CONTENDER ED RUTH

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Raug Monica, California. (Tej zaum 11, 2015) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of one of mixed martial art’s most sought-after prospects, Thiab Ruth. A dominant and decorated collegiate wrestler, Ruth joins Bellator MMA with an exclusive, multi-sib ntaus deal.

 

The 25-year-old’s focus is currently set on the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, where the general consensus is that he will be a shoo-in to compete in the 86kg. division.

 

“I’ve known for a long time now that after I get Olympic gold around my neck, I was going to go get some MMA gold for my waist,” said the phenom Ruth. “I’ve been talking with all the major organizations, and at the end of the day, I really believe in what Scott Coker is doing with Bellator. They’re signing the top talent, they’re putting on exciting fights, and they’re letting me secure my own sponsors. It will be a little while until I step into the cage for the first time — but when I do, everyone they put in front of me is in for a world of hurt.”

 

Ruth attended High School at Blair Academy in Susquehanna Township, PA, where he was the top-ranked recruit in Nation for his weight class. Ruth would elect to stay local and attend wrestling powerhouse Penn State University. The masterful grappler added three National Championships and four All-American accolades to his trophy room while wrestling with the Penn State University’s Nittany Lions.

 

The three-time national champion joins blue-chip amateur wrestling prospect Aaron Pico on the roster. Both competitors will turn their focus to MMA following the Olympic Games next year. Thaum lub sij hawm los, Ruth will be competing in Bellator’s middleweight division alongside current title-holder Brandon Halsey, Kendall Grove, Rafael Carvalho, Joe Schilling, Alexander Shlemenko, Melvin Manhoef, nrad lwm tus.