Category Archives: Bellator

Bellator, e tsoakiloeng libetsa, Spike 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

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

 

 

Santa Monica, Dorella. (June 2, 2015) – Dynamic British slugger Pauluse “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 Zhenya “Spartan” Koreshkov (17-1), “Bellator MMA: Lima vs.. Koreshkov” etsahala Labohlano, July 16 ka Mohegan Sun Arena a Uncasville, Conn.

 

Additional featured contests include undefeated welterweight prospect Chris “The Cutt” Honeycutt (6-0) vs.. former All-American wrestler and nine-year MMA veteran Pauluse “The Gentleman” Bradley (22-6), as well as the incomparable Michael “Venom” Leqepheng la (7-0) vs.. 29-fight veteran Rudy "Bad News" libere (16-13) le "Irish" Brennan Ward (10-3) vs.. Gavin "Ntoa ea Horse" Sterritt (6-1).

 

Ditekete tsa “Bellator MMA: Lima vs.. Koreshkov,” e leng qala ka feela $25, ba jaanong jaana re Sale at 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 leRudy libere. 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” tla ile a phatlalatsa nakoana ka.

 

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

 

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

Bellator Welterweight Feature Ntoa: Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs.. Pauluse o ile a Bradley (22-6)

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

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

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

Bellator, e tsoakiloeng libetsa, Spike 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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Bonolo Tweet: “‘Irish Bad Boy’ @SwaggleBerryFin returns against the British “War Horse” @GavinSterritt ka #Bellator140, live and free on spike!"

 

 

Santa Monica, Dorella. (Ka 27, 2015) – 26-year-old Connecticut native Brennan Ward (10-3) continues his run at 170-pounds when he meets Gavin Sterritt (6-1) ka labohlano, July 17 ka Mohegan Sun Arena a 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” tla ile a phatlalatsa nakoana ka.

 

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) le Zhenya Koreshkov (17-1), Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs.. Pauluse o ile a Bradley (22-6), moho le Michael "Venom" Page (7-0) ho jara Rudy libere (16-13).

 

Ditekete tsa “Bellator MMA: Lima vs.. Koreshkov,” e leng qala ka feela $25, ba tsa rekisoa hona joale le ka rekoa a le Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office kapa 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.”

 

The Waterford, Conn. habo o na le hore o amana le bakeng sa peiso ho fihlela qetellong, 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 Ntoa: Douglas Lima (26-5) vs.. Zhenya Koreshkov (17-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Ntoa: Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs.. Pauluse o ile a Bradley (22-6)

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

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

Bellator, e tsoakiloeng libetsa, Spike TV

BELLATOR MMA TO AIR ON AMERICAN FORCES NETWORK

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Santa Monica, Dorella. (Ka 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, hammoho le 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 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.

 

Ka June 19, Bellator MMA visits St. Louis’ Scottrade Center for “Bellator MMA: O song ho fele Business,” featuring one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport with Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock. E boetse e, several current Bellator fighters as well as some of the sport’s biggest legends will pay a visit to Scott Air Force Base on Laboraro, June 17.

 

Ka June 26, the promotion touches down at Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Se eka., le “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, e tsoakiloeng libetsa, Spike 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

Bonolo Tweet: ".@2sinsurrJenkins le @JoeNoseMMA set to headline #Bellator139 ka @KansasStarArena ka June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx"

Santa Monica, Dorella. (Ka 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs.. Volkov” ketsahalo, 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, Se eka.

 

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs.. John “The Natural” Alessio(35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pka “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs.. Yamauchi fihlela (18-2) end 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. LE / 8 p.m. CT, ha a ntse a selelekela bouts phallela ho ka Spike.com ka 7 p.m. LE / 6 p.m. CT.

 

Eketsehileng bouts tla ile a phatlalatsa nakoana ka.

 

Ditekete tsa “Bellator: Kongo vs.. Volkov,” e leng qala ka feela $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, Hona joale fumaneha hoTicketmaster.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. Feela 27 le lilemo li, 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 kwa Bellator 132 ka January. The Corona, Dorella. 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 eka ke. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 ea hae 18 career victories by way of submission.

 

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

Main Card (9 p.m. LE)

 

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

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

Bellator Featherweight Feature Ntoa: Pat Curran (20-7) vs.. Yamauchi fihlela (18-2)

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

 

Selelekela Card

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Ntoa: 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

Bonolo Tweet: ".@2sinsurrJenkins le @JoeNoseMMA set to headline #Bellator139 ka @KansasStarArena ka June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx"

Santa Monica, Dorella. (Ka 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs.. Volkov” ketsahalo, 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, Se eka.

 

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs.. John “The Natural” Alessio(35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pka “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs.. Yamauchi fihlela (18-2) end 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. LE / 8 p.m. CT, ha a ntse a selelekela bouts phallela ho ka Spike.com ka 7 p.m. LE / 6 p.m. CT.

 

Eketsehileng bouts tla ile a phatlalatsa nakoana ka.

 

Ditekete tsa “Bellator: Kongo vs.. Volkov,” e leng qala ka feela $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, Hona joale fumaneha hoTicketmaster.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. Feela 27 le lilemo li, 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 kwa Bellator 132 ka January. The Corona, Dorella. 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 eka ke. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 ea hae 18 career victories by way of submission.

 

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

Main Card (9 p.m. LE)

 

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

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

Bellator Featherweight Feature Ntoa: Pat Curran (20-7) vs.. Yamauchi fihlela (18-2)

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

 

Selelekela Card

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

Bonolo Tweet: ".@2sinsurrJenkins le @JoeNoseMMA set to headline #Bellator139 ka @KansasStarArena ka June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx"

Santa Monica, Dorella. (Ka 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs.. Volkov” ketsahalo, 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, Se eka.

 

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs.. John “The Natural” Alessio(35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pka “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs.. Yamauchi fihlela (18-2) end 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. LE / 8 p.m. CT, ha a ntse a selelekela bouts phallela ho ka Spike.com ka 7 p.m. LE / 6 p.m. CT.

 

Eketsehileng bouts tla ile a phatlalatsa nakoana ka.

 

Ditekete tsa “Bellator: Kongo vs.. Volkov,” e leng qala ka feela $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, Hona joale fumaneha hoTicketmaster.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. Feela 27 le lilemo li, 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 kwa Bellator 132 ka January. The Corona, Dorella. 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 eka ke. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 ea hae 18 career victories by way of submission.

 

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

Main Card (9 p.m. LE)

 

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

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

Bellator Featherweight Feature Ntoa: Pat Curran (20-7) vs.. Yamauchi fihlela (18-2)

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

 

Selelekela Card

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

Bellator, e tsoakiloeng libetsa, Rich Bergeron, UFC

Reebok Rebellion Could Revolutionize MMA as We Know It

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Ka: 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 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, leha ho le joalo, e ne e le “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, ebile? 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, e ka ba. 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. Leha ho le joalo, ka nako e tšoanang, 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. Leha ho le joalo, 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. Ka nako e ngata, these fans only like White so much because he talks and cusses just like them. E sa ntse e, 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. Hona joale, 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, e tsoakiloeng libetsa, Spike 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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Bonolo Tweet: ".@JoeSchilling187 and Hisaki Kato join #Bellator139 ka @KansasStarArena ka June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx"

 

Santa Monica, Dorella. (Ka 18, 2015) – A card loaded with explosive contests has received one more potential slugfest, as middleweight sluggers Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (2-4) le 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” etsahala June 26 at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Se eka.

 

Additional matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs.. John “The Natural” Alessio (35-17) and former Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) ho jara Yamauchi fihlela (18-2).

 

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. LE/ 8 p.m. CT, ha a ntse a selelekela bouts phallela ho ka Spike.com. Eketsehileng bouts tla ile a phatlalatsa nakoana ka.

 

Ditekete tsa “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs.. Volkov,” e leng qala ka feela $17 and include cage side seats for just $97, Hona joale fumaneha ho Ticketmaster.com.

 

A 31 a lilemo li Schilling e se e loantša ya seporofesenale ho tloha ka 2006, starting his combat sports career in muay Thai, moo a ileng a e sebelelitseng ka bobeli U.S. and world titles. Since he’s turned his focus to MMA, Schilling continues to compete in kickboxing events, hammoho, ho sebetsa ea hae ho ea FAME oa Last Man Together kgaisano sena se fetileng June, competing ka makhetlo a mararo e le 'ngoe mantsiboea. Schilling ba hae ka Bellator MMA qalo ka November, bona maduo a e “Knockout ea Year” 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. ka June 26go th ka lekhetlo la pele. 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 metsotsoana e.

 

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

 

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

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

Bellator Featherweight Feature Ntoa: Pat Curran (20-7) vs.. Yamauchi fihlela (18-2)

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

Bellator, e tsoakiloeng libetsa, Spike 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, Dorella. (Ka 15, 2015) – While Brandon “Poho” 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 “The Spyder” Grove (21-15).

 

The contest served as the feature main event of Labohlano oa “Bellator: Halsey vs.. Grove” card at Pechanga Resort & Casino a Temecula, Dorella.

 

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. E sa ntse e, 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. Ha ho ikemela, 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 “Ke 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 “The Marine” Richman, of Rose Mount, Ho.

 

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

 

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 ya makgaolakgannyeng.

 

“Ke 4-0 hona joale,” 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, Krrish tsepo 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. Ho e-na, Caldwell kept his pressure high, and judges awarded him the fight, 29-28 ohle a mararo ho dikarete tsa.

 

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 lik'hilograma tse, or as fast,” Caldwell said. “Qetellong, 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).

 

Ekelletsa moo, featherweight tšepo Jordane Parsons (11-1), ea San Diego, Dorella., earned a third-round decision win over the previously undefeated Brazilian Julio Cesar Neves Jr. (30-1).

 

A leseli heavyweight tlholisanong, Virgil Zwicker (14-4-1), of Temecula, Dorella., earned a first-round knockout win over Razak Al-Hassan (12-5), ea Milwaukee, Wisc.

 

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

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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Ka Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA ke e itlhomme pele Mixed Martial Arts mokhatlo o hlophisitsoeng featuring ba bangata ba molemo ka ho fetisisa bahlabani lefatšeng. Tlas'a tataiso ea veteran ntoa a ntsetsa pele Scott Coker, Bellator e fumaneha hoo li ka bang 400 limilione tse malapeng a lefatseng ka bophara ka ka 120 linaheng. United States, Bellator ka bonoa ka Spike, le MMA thelevishene moeta-pele. Bellator MMA e comprised ea wa lekgotla la phethahatso sehlopha e kenyeletsang holimo kgwebong ya a thelevishene tlhahiso, phela ketsahalo mogokaganyi, ntoa se ntshetsopele / dikamano, lefelo la phumantsho ya thepa ka, lihlapiso tlholego ya ditiro / ntshetsopele, machaba dilaesense, tsa mebaraka, papatso, phatlalatsoa le taelo e e kopanela liphate. Bellator e thehiloe a Santa Monica, California le ruilweng ke boithabiso senatla Viacom, ba lula ho lefatse Tonakgolo boithabiso Brands hore amahanya le bamameli ba ka ho le qobellang dikahare ka mose thelevishene, tshisinyo setšoantšo, Inthaneteng 'me Mobile platforms.

 

Ka Spike:

Spike e fumaneha ka 98.7 limilione tse malapeng a 'me ke ho makala a Viacom Media Networks. A yuniti ya Viacom (NASDAQ: Via, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks ke e mong oa eona e itlhommeng pele bakeli ya merero le dikahare ka mose bohle mecha ea litaba platforms. Aterese ea Inthanete ea Spike ke www.spike.com le bakeng sa morao-le metsotso le bobolokelo-tshedimosetso o tobetsa boitsebiso bo le litsoantso, etela sebaka sa khatiso sa Spike ho -http://www.spike.com/press. Latela re on Twitter spiketvpr ya moraorao ya a ho tlōla diapdeite tsa ditaba, ka mor'a-e-litšoantšo tlhahisoleseding le foto.

Bellator, e tsoakiloeng libetsa, Spike TV

Official sekaseka-IN RESULTS, PHOTOS AND INFORMATION FROM “BELLATOR: HALSEY VS. GROVE”

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TEMECULA, Dorella. (Ka 14, 2015) – All twenty-six athletes competing at hosasane "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, Dorella.

"Bellator: Halsey vs.. Grove,"E leng airs phela le ya mahala ka Spike kwa 9 p.m. LE / 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. Ka hoo, 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.

A ho sebdisana ka sehloohong ketsahalo, 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 Maniac" Gonzalez (23-13) looks to continue his hot streak against a young Curtis “Curtious” Millender (7-1).

A a qalang televised gia ea lijo tsa mantsiboea, one of MMA’s most promising prospects Darrion "The Wolf" 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 lipheletsong

To become ALL sekaseka-IN PHOTOS

Main Card (9 p.m. LE)

 

Bellator Middleweight Title Ntoa: Champ Brandon Halsey (188.1 liponto.) vs.. Kendall Grove (184.9 liponto.)

 

Bellator Bantamweight Ntoa: Eduardo Dantas (135.2 liponto.) vs.. Mike Richman (139.8 liponto.)

 

Bellator Welterweight Ntoa: Fernando Gonzalez (170.9 liponto.) vs.. Curtis Millender (170.8 liponto.)

 

Bellator Bantamweight Ntoa: Darrion Caldwell (135.7 liponto.) vs.. Rafael Silva (135.7 liponto.)

Selelekela Card (7:45 p.m. LE)

Bellator Middleweight Ntoa: Benji Radach (186 liponto.) vs.. Ben Reiter (186 liponto.)

 

Bellator Bantamweight Ntoa: Joe Taimanglo (136.2 liponto.) vs.. Antonio Duarte (135.1 liponto.)

 

Bellator Featherweight Ntoa: Jordane Parsons (145.5 liponto.) vs.. Julio Cesar Neves Jr. (146 liponto.)

 

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

 

Bellator Welterweight Ntoa: Jese Juárez (171 liponto.) vs.. Ricky Rainey (170.7 liponto.)

 

Bellator Featherweight Ntoa: A.J. Jenkins (146 liponto.) vs.. Arlene Blencowe (145.8 liponto.)

 

Bellator bobebe Ntoa: Steve Kozola (155.8 liponto.) vs.. Ian Butler (155.2 liponto.)

 

Bellator Bantamweight Ntoa: Shawn Bunch (135.4 liponto.) vs.. Rolando Perez (135.3 liponto.)

 

Bellator Bantamweight Ntoa: John Yoo (135.4 liponto.) vs.. Albert Morales (134.4 liponto.)

 

Ka Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA ke e itlhomme pele Mixed Martial Arts mokhatlo o hlophisitsoeng featuring ba bangata ba molemo ka ho fetisisa bahlabani lefatšeng. Tlas'a tataiso ea veteran ntoa a ntsetsa pele Scott Coker, Bellator e fumaneha hoo li ka bang 400 limilione tse malapeng a lefatseng ka bophara ka ka 120 linaheng. United States, Bellator ka bonoa ka Spike, le MMA thelevishene moeta-pele. Bellator MMA e comprised ea wa lekgotla la phethahatso sehlopha e kenyeletsang holimo kgwebong ya a thelevishene tlhahiso, phela ketsahalo mogokaganyi, ntoa se ntshetsopele / dikamano, lefelo la phumantsho ya thepa ka, lihlapiso tlholego ya ditiro / ntshetsopele, machaba dilaesense, tsa mebaraka, papatso, phatlalatsoa le taelo e e kopanela liphate. Bellator e thehiloe a Santa Monica, California le ruilweng ke boithabiso senatla Viacom, ba lula ho lefatse Tonakgolo boithabiso Brands hore amahanya le bamameli ba ka ho le qobellang dikahare ka mose thelevishene, tshisinyo setšoantšo, Inthaneteng 'me Mobile platforms.

 

Bellator, e tsoakiloeng libetsa, Spike TV

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

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Santa Monica, Dorella. (Ka 11, 2015) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of one of mixed martial art’s most sought-after prospects, Le Ruthe. A dominant and decorated collegiate wrestler, Ruth joins Bellator MMA with an exclusive, selotlolo loana sebetsana.

 

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. arola.

 

“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 Arone 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, E rafael Carvalho, Joe Schilling, Alexander Shlemenko, Melvin Manhoef, hara tse ding.