Category Archives: Bellator

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

B140_olson_daley_announce

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

 

 

Santa Monica, Message. (June 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” Lime (26-5) putting his title on the line against Russian knockout artist Andrey “Spartan” Koreshkov (17-1), “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” qaadataa meel Friday, July 16 at Sun Mohegan Arena ee Uncasville, Conn.

 

Additional featured contests include undefeated welterweight prospect Chris “Cutt ayaa” Honeycutt (6-0) vs. former All-American wrestler and nine-year MMA veteran Paul “Mudane” Bradley (22-6), as well as the incomparable Michael “Venom” Page (7-0) vs. 29-fight veteran Rudy Madaxkutidu "Bad News" (16-13) iyo "Irish" Brennan Ward (10-3) vs. Gavin "War Horse" Sterritt (6-1).

 

Qiimaha tikidhada “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” kaas oo bilaaban doono oo kaliya $25, ayaa haatan ku iib 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 July 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 Andre Santos iyoMadaxkutidu Rudy. 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” waxaa lagu dhawaaqi doonaa muddo yar.

 

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

 

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

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

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Michael Page (7-0) vs. Madaxkutidu Rudy (16-13)

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

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

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

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

 

 

Santa Monica, Message. (May 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, July 17 at Sun Mohegan Arena ee 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” waxaa lagu dhawaaqi doonaa muddo yar.

 

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) iyo Andrey Koreshkov (17-1), Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6), iyo sidoo kale Michael Page "mariidka xun" (7-0) qaadashada on Madaxkutidu Rudy (16-13).

 

Qiimaha tikidhada “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” kaas oo bilaaban doono oo kaliya $25, waa on sale hadda oo laga iibsan karaa ka Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office ama 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.”

 

Waterford ayaa, Conn. hooyo uu leeyahay xidhiidh ah kaalinta ay, 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, July 17, Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.

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

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

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Michael Page (7-0) vs. Madaxkutidu Rudy (16-13)

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

BELLATOR MMA TO AIR ON AMERICAN FORCES NETWORK

Santa Monica, Message. (May 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, iyo sidoo kale laga xoreeyo. 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 June 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.

 

On June 19, Bellator MMA visits St. Louis’ Scottrade Center for “Bellator MMA: Aan la Business,” featuring one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport with Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock. Sidoo kale, 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, June 17.

 

On June 26, the promotion touches down at Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, May., la “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 MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” receives first prelim fight, as featherweight standout Bubba Jenkins meets gritty Midwestern veteran Joe Wilk

 

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

Easy Tweet: ".@2sinsurrJenkins iyo @JoeNoseMMA set to headline #Bellator139 ee @KansasStarArena on June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx"

Santa Monica, Message. (May 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” dhacdo, 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 BubbaThe Highlight KidJenkins (8-2), as he looks to build his way back to a title shot against 28-fight veteran Joe “The NoseWilk (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, May.

 

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The CavemanRickels (16-3) vs. John “Dabiiciga The” Alessio(35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi ilaa (18-2) and a contest between middleweight sluggers with Joe “Stitch ‘Em UpSchilling (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. IYO / 8 p.m. CT, halka roonaadaan hordhac qulquli on Spike.com at 7 p.m. IYO / 6 p.m. CT.

 

Roonaadaan dheeraad ah ayaa lagu dhawaaqi doonaa muddo yar.

 

Qiimaha tikidhada “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov,” kaas oo bilaaban doono oo kaliya $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, ayaa haatan laga heli karaaTicketmaster.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. Just 27 sano jir, 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 at Bellator 132 in January. The Corona, Message. 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 saftay. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 ee uu 18 career victories by way of submission.

 

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

Card Main (9 p.m. IYO)

 

Bellator culus Main Event: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Fight Feature cadaa: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator featherweight Feature Fight: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi ilaa (18-2)

Bellator dhexe Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

 

Card hordhac ah

Fight Bellator featherweight Prelim: Bubba Jenkins (8-2) vs. Joe Wolf (18-10)

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

as featherweight standout Bubba Jenkins meets gritty Midwestern veteran Joe Wilk

Easy Tweet: ".@2sinsurrJenkins iyo @JoeNoseMMA set to headline #Bellator139 ee @KansasStarArena on June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx"

Santa Monica, Message. (May 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” dhacdo, 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 BubbaThe Highlight KidJenkins (8-2), as he looks to build his way back to a title shot against 28-fight veteran Joe “The NoseWilk (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, May.

 

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The CavemanRickels (16-3) vs. John “Dabiiciga The” Alessio(35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi ilaa (18-2) and a contest between middleweight sluggers with Joe “Stitch ‘Em UpSchilling (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. IYO / 8 p.m. CT, halka roonaadaan hordhac qulquli on Spike.com at 7 p.m. IYO / 6 p.m. CT.

 

Roonaadaan dheeraad ah ayaa lagu dhawaaqi doonaa muddo yar.

 

Qiimaha tikidhada “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov,” kaas oo bilaaban doono oo kaliya $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, ayaa haatan laga heli karaaTicketmaster.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. Just 27 sano jir, 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 at Bellator 132 in January. The Corona, Message. 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 saftay. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 ee uu 18 career victories by way of submission.

 

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

Card Main (9 p.m. IYO)

 

Bellator culus Main Event: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Fight Feature cadaa: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator featherweight Feature Fight: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi ilaa (18-2)

Bellator dhexe Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

 

Card hordhac ah

Fight Bellator featherweight Prelim: Bubba Jenkins (8-2) vs. Joe Wolf (18-10)

Easy Tweet: ".@2sinsurrJenkins iyo @JoeNoseMMA set to headline #Bellator139 ee @KansasStarArena on June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx"

Santa Monica, Message. (May 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” dhacdo, 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 BubbaThe Highlight KidJenkins (8-2), as he looks to build his way back to a title shot against 28-fight veteran Joe “The NoseWilk (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, May.

 

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The CavemanRickels (16-3) vs. John “Dabiiciga The” Alessio(35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi ilaa (18-2) and a contest between middleweight sluggers with Joe “Stitch ‘Em UpSchilling (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. IYO / 8 p.m. CT, halka roonaadaan hordhac qulquli on Spike.com at 7 p.m. IYO / 6 p.m. CT.

 

Roonaadaan dheeraad ah ayaa lagu dhawaaqi doonaa muddo yar.

 

Qiimaha tikidhada “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov,” kaas oo bilaaban doono oo kaliya $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, ayaa haatan laga heli karaaTicketmaster.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. Just 27 sano jir, 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 at Bellator 132 in January. The Corona, Message. 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 saftay. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 ee uu 18 career victories by way of submission.

 

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

Card Main (9 p.m. IYO)

 

Bellator culus Main Event: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Fight Feature cadaa: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator featherweight Feature Fight: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi ilaa (18-2)

Bellator dhexe Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

 

Card hordhac ah

Fight Bellator featherweight Prelim: Bubba Jenkins (8-2) vs. Joe Wolf (18-10)

Reebok Rebellion Could Revolutionize MMA as We Know It

By: Rich 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 MylesFuryJury really threw his Reebok gear in the garbage recently to make a point in a Twitter post that had UFC Head Honcho DanaThe BaldfatherWhite crying foul.

What was more telling about the incident, inkasta oo, ahaa “Uncle Dananot stepping in to punish the frustrated fighter for his blatant disrespect of a major UFC business partner. This was a watershed moment for theReebok Rebellion.

What could Dana do, ka dib oo dhan? 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 “Eekeysiiya” 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, midkood. 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. Weli, waqti isku mid ah, 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. Weli, 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 meansto 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. Inteeda badan, these fans only like White so much because he talks and cusses just like them. Sidaas oo ay tahayna, 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. Hadda, 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 MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” adds middleweight slugfest pitting Joe Schilling vs. Hisaki Kato, making it the fourth and final main-card matchup

Easy Tweet: ".@JoeSchilling187 and Hisaki Kato join #Bellator139 ee @KansasStarArena on June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx"

 

Santa Monica, Message. (May 18, 2015) – A card loaded with explosive contests has received one more potential slugfest, as middleweight sluggers Joe “Stitch ‘Em UpSchilling (2-4) iyo 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” qaadataa meel June 26 at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, May.

 

Additional matchups include lightweights Dave “The CavemanRickels (16-3) vs. John “Dabiiciga The” Alessio (35-17) and former Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) qaadashada on Yamauchi ilaa (18-2).

 

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. IYO/ 8 p.m. CT, halka roonaadaan hordhac qulquli on Spike.com. Roonaadaan dheeraad ah ayaa lagu dhawaaqi doonaa muddo yar.

 

Qiimaha tikidhada “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” kaas oo bilaaban doono oo kaliya $17 and include cage side seats for just $97, ayaa haatan laga heli karaa Ticketmaster.com.

 

31-sano jirka ah Schilling ayaa si xirfad leh u dagaalamaya tan 2006, starting his combat sports career in muay Thai, halkaas oo uu labadaba laga xoreeyo kasbatay. and world titles. Since he’s turned his focus to MMA, Schilling continues to compete in kickboxing events, sidoo, ka shaqeynaya sidii uu ammaan u ah ee la soo dhaafay Man Joogtada tartankan ee la soo dhaafay June, ku tartamaya saddex jeer hal fiidkii ah. Schilling ayaa kulankiisii ​​ugu horeysay Bellator MMA ee November, goolasha a “Knockout ee sannadka” 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. on June 26th markii ugu horeysay. 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 seconds.

 

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

 

Bellator culus Main Event: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Fight Feature cadaa: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator featherweight Feature Fight: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Yamauchi ilaa (18-2)

Bellator featherweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

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, Message. (May 15, 2015) – While Brandon “Bull” 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 “Spyder The” Grove (21-15).

 

The contest served as the feature main event of Friday ee “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” card at Pechanga Resort & Casino ee Temecula, Message.

 

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. Sidaas oo ay tahayna, 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. Marmarsiiyo No, 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 “Marine ayaa” Richman, of Rose Mount, Laga soo bilaabo.

 

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 “Xukun Menifee The” Gonzalez (24-13), of Menifee, Message., scored a thrilling, come-from-behind victory over “Curtious” Curtis Millender (7-2), of San Bernardino, Message.

 

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 ee wareega ugu danbeeya.

 

“Waxaan ahay 4-0 hadda,” 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, rajo badinin DarrionThe WolfCaldwell (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. Halkii, Caldwell kept his pressure high, and judges awarded him the fight, 29-28 on dhan saddex kaararka.

 

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 pounds, or as fast,” Caldwell said. “Ugu dambayntii, 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).

 

Intaa waxaa dheer, rajo featherweight Urdun Parsons (11-1), of San Diego, Message., earned a third-round decision win over the previously undefeated Brazilian Julio Cesar Neves Jr. (30-1).

 

In tartanka fudud feerka, Virgil Zwicker (14-4-1), of Temecula, Message., earned a first-round knockout win over Razak Al-Hassan (12-5), of Milwaukee, Wisc.

 

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

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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About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA waa urur hoggaamineed Mixed Martial Arts oo xambaarsan badan oo ka mid ah dagaalyahanada ugu fiican adduunka. Under jihada of halyeeyga dagaalka horumariyaha Scott Coker, Bellator waa la heli karaa si ku dhow 400 million guryaha dunida oo dhan in ka badan 120 dalalka. Maraykanka, Bellator waxaa lagu arki karaa Spike, Hogaamiyaha MMA-ga. Bellator MMA ka kooban yahay koox-fulineed ka mid ah shaqaale warshadaha sare ee wax soo saarka television, dhacdo orchestration live, horumarinta dagaalka / xiriirka, iibsiga goobta, abuuridda taageeradu / horumarinta, liisan caalami ah, marketing, advertising, xiriirka sumcad iyo Komishanka. Bellator ku salaysan yahay in Santa Monica, California iyo iska leh Rafaa madadaalada Viacom, guriga si aad caanka madadaalo ugu horeeyey dunida ee isku xidha leh dhageystayaasha marayo content qasab ah guud ahaan television, sawir soconaya, online iyo mobile.

 

About Spike:

Spike waxaa laga heli karaa 98.7 milyan oo guryo iyo waa qayb ka mid ah Viacom Media Networks. Unit ka mid ah Viacom (Raxanreeb Online: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks waa mid ka mid ah kuwo abuura ee adduunka ee hormuudka ka ah barnaamijyada iyo content dhamaan warbaahinta. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com iyo dib-u-u-daqiiqo iyo macluumaad jaraa'id arkiifiyo iyo sawiro, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Raac na on Twitter spiketvpr ee ugu dambeeyay ee jabiyay updates news, ka danbeeya-the-Muuqaallo warbixin iyo sawiro.

RASMI NATIIJOOYINKA miisaankoodu-IN, PHOTOS AND INFORMATION FROM “BELLATOR: HALSEY VS. GROVE”

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TEMECULA, Message. (May 14, 2015) – All twenty-six athletes competing at berri "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, Message.

"Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,"Kaas oo hawada live oo lacag la'aan ah ku Spike at 9 p.m. IYO / 8 p.m. CT, features a main event between Brandon "Bull" 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. Sidaas darteed, 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.

Haddii ay dhacdo in co-weyn, 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 "The Menifee xukun" Gonzalez (23-13) looks to continue his hot streak against a young Curtis “Curtious” Millender (7-1).

In xumad la furay telefishanka ee fiidkii, one of MMA’s most promising prospects Darrion "Wolf ayaa" 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 shishaysa

Riix halkan DHAMMAAN miisaankoodu-IN PHOTOS

Card Main (9 p.m. IYO)

 

Bellator dhexe Title Fight: Champ Brandon Halsey (188.1 lbs.) vs. Kendall Grove (184.9 lbs.)

 

Dagaallami Bellator bantamweight: Eduardo Dantas (135.2 lbs.) vs. Mike Richman (139.8 lbs.)

 

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

 

Dagaallami Bellator bantamweight: Darrion Caldwell (135.7 lbs.) vs. Rafael Silva (135.7 lbs.)

Card hordhac ah (7:45 p.m. IYO)

Dagaallami Bellator dhexe: Benji Radach (186 lbs.) vs. Ben Reiter (186 lbs.)

 

Dagaallami Bellator bantamweight: Joe Taimanglo (136.2 lbs.) vs. Antonio Duarte (135.1 lbs.)

 

Dagaallami Bellator featherweight: Urdun 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.)

 

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

 

Dagaallami Bellator featherweight: A.J. Jenkins (146 lbs.) vs. Arlene Blencowe (145.8 lbs.)

 

Bellator dagaalama khafiif: Steve Kozola (155.8 lbs.) vs. Ian Butler (155.2 lbs.)

 

Dagaallami Bellator bantamweight: Shawn Farabadan (135.4 lbs.) vs. Rolando Perez (135.3 lbs.)

 

Dagaallami Bellator bantamweight: John Yoo (135.4 lbs.) vs. Albert Morales (134.4 lbs.)

 

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA waa urur hoggaamineed Mixed Martial Arts oo xambaarsan badan oo ka mid ah dagaalyahanada ugu fiican adduunka. Under jihada of halyeeyga dagaalka horumariyaha Scott Coker, Bellator waa la heli karaa si ku dhow 400 million guryaha dunida oo dhan in ka badan 120 dalalka. Maraykanka, Bellator waxaa lagu arki karaa Spike, Hogaamiyaha MMA-ga. Bellator MMA ka kooban yahay koox-fulineed ka mid ah shaqaale warshadaha sare ee wax soo saarka television, dhacdo orchestration live, horumarinta dagaalka / xiriirka, iibsiga goobta, abuuridda taageeradu / horumarinta, liisan caalami ah, marketing, advertising, xiriirka sumcad iyo Komishanka. Bellator ku salaysan yahay in Santa Monica, California iyo iska leh Rafaa madadaalada Viacom, guriga si aad caanka madadaalo ugu horeeyey dunida ee isku xidha leh dhageystayaasha marayo content qasab ah guud ahaan television, sawir soconaya, online iyo mobile.

 

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

Santa Monica, Message. (May 11, 2015) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of one of mixed martial art’s most sought-after prospects, Markaasaa Ruud. A dominant and decorated collegiate wrestler, Ruth joins Bellator MMA with an exclusive, multi-dagaalanka heshiis.

 

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. kala qaybsameen.

 

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 timebut 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 Haaruun Pico on the roster. Both competitors will turn their focus to MMA following the Olympic Games next year. When the time comes, 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, iyo kuwo kale.