‘The Dream’ Meets Unbeaten Dominican Challenger in Los Angeles on Nov 9
Las Vegas, NV (Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 2, 2019) – Devin Haney will face Alfredo Santiago in the first defense of his WBC World Lightweight title at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Saturday November 9, live on DAZN in the US, Sky Sports in the UK and distributed globally on FITE.
Haney (23-0 15 Kos) was elevated to full champion at the recent WBC Convention in Cancun, Mexico, following his dominant performance against Zaur Abdullaev in New York in September where he overpowered the unbeaten Russian over four blistering rounds to force Abdullaev to retire, and land ‘The Dream’ the interim belt at 135lbs.
Now Haney makes the short trip from his Las Vegas home to Los Angeles where he faces Santiago (12-0 4 Kos) in his maiden defence, the unbeaten Dominican talent, uas puv 25 the day after the fight, will be on looking to derail Haney’s reign as champion at the first hurdle.
“I’m happy we got this deal done,” said Haney. “I’m not just a WBC World Champion that’s holding somebody else’s belt. I’m the sole champion, and I will defend the Lightweight World title on November 9. I’ve been working hard and I’m extremely focused. This will be the perfect gift to myself for my 21st birthday.
“All the fans at STAPLES Center and the millions watching on DAZN, are going to witness another dominant performance. I’m going to continue to show the world that I’m the best in my division.
“Alfredo Santiago is my next opponent; he’s undefeated, nws yog tshaib plab, and he’s coming to win. I take every fight very serious and this fight is no different. Tune in next Saturday and you’ll see that the hype is real.”
“Thawj thiab foremost, I would like to thank Matchroom Boxing and Fresh Productions for this opportunity,” said Santiago. “This is the moment that I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid, and the one I’ve been waiting for since I became a boxer. I am physically and mentally ready, and I am going to show who the best 135lber in the world is.
“Mr. Haney is a formidable fighter who chose the wrong opponent. He cannot beat me. I belong to ‘The Terror Squadron’, the best boxing team in the world. This is my time.”
“I am delighted to see Devin defend his World title on November 9,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We’re going to have a huge crowd of new fight fans at the arena and tuning in all around the world to watch KSI and Logan Paul, and Devin is the perfect fighter to showcase what boxing is all about to a potential crop of new fight fans – nws yog cov tub ntxhais, exciting, confident and relatable – the perfect mix.
“Alfredo Santiago is a hungry young fighter himself and this is a golden opportunity for him to halt Devin’s charge to superstardom – but I believe that ‘The Dream’ will shine and being his reign as World champion in style.”
Haney’s clash with Santiago is part of a huge night of action in Los Angeles as YouTube sensations KSI and Logan Paul clash in a rematch of their controversial draw – this time as professional fighters.
Billy Joe Saunders (28-0 13 Kos) makes his American debut and defends his WBO World Super-Middleweight title against unbeaten Argentine Marcelo Coceres (28-0-1 15 Kos), and he is joined on the card by a quartet of Eddie Hearn’s talented rising US stars in Nikita Ababiy (7-0 6 Kos), Diego Pacheco (6-0 5 Kos), Reshat Mati (4-0 ) and Alexis Espino (4-0 3 Kos).
Las Vegas, NV (Lub kaum hli ntuj 10, 2019) – Prince Ranch Boxing’sundefeated welterweight contender,Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (12-0-1, 8 Kos), who is by promoted byGolden Tub Promotions, ntsej muag Carlos Ortiz (11-4, 11 Kos) of Torreon, Mexico, for the vacant NABF title. The 10-round bout will take place on November 2, 2019, as part of the undercard ofCanelo Alvarez tiv tiag Sergey Kovalev nyob rau ntawm lub MGM Grand vaj Arena nyob rau hauv Las Vegas, Nevada, which will air live on DAZN.
“It is a great opportunity and one I’m going to take full advantage of,” said Blair Cobbs, uas yog tswj los ntawm Greg Hannleyof Prince Ranch Boxing. “I have worked very hard and I feel that fighting on a Canelo card, and for the NABF title, is the perfect chance for me to elevate my game, as well as put on a show for my fans.”
Cobbs, who is also advised byShahid Malik, made noise earlier this year by defeating Ferdinand “Muaj hmoo Tub” Kerobyan (12-1, 7 Kos), in Kerobyan’s hometown of Hollywood, California, and in his last bout stoppedSteve “Manos de Oro” Villalobos (11-1, 1, 9 Kos) by way of a ninth-round knockout. Blair’s last three opponents had a combined record of (29-1-1, 22 Kos) making Cobbs one of the most battle-tested contenders in the welterweight division.
“We’re very excited with the way that Blair Cobbs has performed as a professional,” stated Greg Hannely, Cobbs manager. “He has defeated great opponents and is rising to the occasion each and every time he steps up in competition. A win in this bout will catapult him to a top-15 ranking. Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, the exposure he will get fighting on this card will be unbelievable. Blair is a fan favorite, and everyone wants to see him fight.”
“I just want to put on a show and have fun like I always do,” Cobbs continued. “I am excited to show off my talent to a bigger audience. Blair “The Flair” is coming…Whooo!”
# # #
Canelo vs. Kovalev is a 12-round fight for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title presented by Golden Boy, Main Events and Krusher Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,”Hennessy“Never Stop. Never Settle”and Brand-New Grapefruit Crush, Knockout Flavor. The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN. The title clash is one of several highlights this fight season on DAZN – an entire fall featuring boxing’s biggest matchups in one of the best schedules in boxing history.
Tickets for Canelo vs. Kovalev are on sale and are priced at $1,754, $1,254, $854, $654, $404 thiab $204, tsis xws li siv cov kev pab cuam nqi thiab se. Mus rau nqi los ntawm lub xov tooj nrog ib tug loj credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.axs.com
Photos and videos are available for download by clickingnoor copying and pasting the linkhttp://bit.ly/CaneloKovalevto a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy or Main Events where applicable for any photo and/or video usage.
SAITAMA SUPER ARENA TO HOSTBELLATOR JAPAN HNUB XYA, KAUM-OB HLI 29 – LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK
TICKETS ON SALE NOVEMBER 3
LOS ANGELES– For the first time in the organization’s history, Bellator travels to Japan and the iconic Saitama Super Arena for an historic event, raws li Fedor Emelianenko(38-6, 1 NC) thiab Quinton "Rampage" Jackson(38-13) square off in a long-awaited heavyweight showdown. Bellator Japan: Fedor vs. Rampage, powered by RIZIN, takes place Sunday, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 29 and will air LIVE on Paramount Network.
Daim pib rau Bellator Japan: Fedor vs. Rampage go on sale November 3. Additional bouts are expected to be announced in the coming days.
“For Bellator’s debut in Japan, we wanted to bring a massive event and fighters that the Japanese fans really connect with,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “Given the vast history of martial arts and MMA in Japan, and especially at Saitama Super Arena, this will be a very special show that no one will want to miss.This will, unquestionably, be a monumental event for Bellator and I am looking forward to the moment that Fedor and ‘Rampage’ walk out to a crowd that has known them since their careers began. I would also like to thank RIZIN for their help in making this event a possibility and we look forward to working together in the near future to showcase the best talent each organization has to offer.”
Fighting out of Stary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russia, Fedor Emelianenko returns to Japan following a successful run in the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix earlier this year, where he earned consecutive first-round knockouts overChael Sonnen thiab Frank Mir. A former PRIDE FC Heavyweight Champion and PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight World Grand Prix Champion, “The Last Emperor” returns to where his career started. Often referred to as “The GOAT” by fans around the world, his career resume stands as one of the most impressive in the history of the sport with victories over Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, Mark Coleman and Andrei Arlovski, mus rau npe rau ob peb. Nrog 29 career victories ending via finish, the punching power and world-class Sambo of the stoic Russian could result in yet another defining moment in his illustrious career.
An eight-fight veteran of Bellator, “Rampage” Jackson’s legendary career has seen him compete against some of the top names in the sport, generating a loyal army of fans along the way. The former PRIDE and UFC champion is the proud owner of many epic highlight reel slams and knockouts that he has racked up throughout his epic battles with the likes of Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, "King Mo" Lawal, Kevin Randleman and, perhaps most-notably, his four-fight series with Wanderlei Silva. The Memphis, Tennessee-native has long been seen as an icon to MMA fans around the globe and has openly voiced a desire to face Fedor in front of a Japanese crowd before his career comes to an end. Tam sim no, the two legends will finally meet inside the Bellator cage on December 29 at the famed Saitama Super Arena.
Tshiab Bellator Japan: Fedor vs. Rampage Fight Card:
Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (38-6, 1 NC) vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (38-13)
NTXIV, BELLATOR’S FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX CONTINUES AS UNDEFEATED A.J. MCKEE MEETS DEREK CAMPOS IN FIRST QUARTERFINAL MATCHUP
Tickets on sale next Friday, Oct. 11
LOS ANGELES– For the second time in as many years, Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii will host the homecoming ofIlima-Lei MacFarlane (10-0), as she puts her undefeated record and Bellator women’s flyweight title on the line against No. 1 contender Kate Jackson (11-3-1) in the main event on Saturday, Dec. 21, streamed exclusively on the DAZN app.
Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, Bellator Hawaiiwill feature the first quarterfinal matchup of Bellator’s Featherweight World Grand Prix, when the man with the longest winning streak in promotional history, A.J. McKee(15-0), takes on the always-excitingDerek Liaj teb (20-9) in the evening’s co-headliner.
Bellator: Macfarlane vs. Jackson –one of the star-powered, year-end highlights of fight season on DAZN – will stream live exclusively onDAZN ntawm 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream onBellator.com, DAZNand globally on theBellator Mobile App. Tickets go on sale next Friday, Oct. 11 and can be purchased through Bellator.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com or the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena box office. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.
Born and raised in Honolulu, current Bellator women’s flyweight champ Macfarlane made her pro debut in 2015 with a KO victory that went viral and has not looked back since, remaining undefeated in her career. With impressive victories overValerie Letourneauthiab Veta Arteaga, Macfarlane was the focal point of Bellator’s debut in Hawaii last year. A proud graduate of Honolulu’s Punahou High School in 2009, Macfarlane later attended San Diego State University, where she would go on to earn her Master’s degree in liberal arts and science with a focus on indigenous issues – a subject she remains passionate about, launching“The Ilimanator Scholarship”for indigenous girls last year. Now Ilima-Lei turns her focus to Kate Jackson, who will be looking to play the role of spoiler when she enters the Bellator cage on December 21.
A winner of seven of her last eight fights, Kate Jackson has earned her way to a title shot against the division’s inaugural champion. A competitor on the 23rd season ofQhov kawg Fighter, Jackson hails from Lostwithiel, Cornwall, Hais, and most recently defeatedLena Ovchynnikova nyob rau hauv London. Jackson made her Bellator debut in 2017 with a first round-victory over ofColleen Schneiderand would later go on to dominate Anastasia Yankova at historicBellator 200in front of her hometown crowd. Facing the biggest test of her career, Jackson looks to reign atop the flyweight division when she leaves Hawaii.
With an undefeated professional record of 15-0, including six knockouts and eight first round finishes, there doesn’t seem to be much more for the talent-oozing 24-year-old to prove to the MMA community before his name is routinely mentioned among the division’s elite. Fighting out of Long Beach, California., “Mercenary” is fresh off of a jaw-dropping performance that saw him finishGeorgi Karakhanyanin only eight seconds just moments after watching his father, Antonio McKee, collect a knockout victory in what was the first ever father-son duo to compete on the same card in the US. With all 15 of his career wins coming under the direction of the Scott Coker-led promotion, the Team BodyShop product has made it clear that he has his sights onPatricio “Pitbull”and his 145-pound belt, as he continues to build a strong argument as the new face of Bellator. Constantly looking for new records to break, McKee may have found the perfect match in Campos, as the two brawlers have combined for a remarkable 22 finishes over 36 hauj lwm victories.
Fighting out of Lubbock, Texas, Campos will be competing in the first of the four quarterfinal matchups in Bellator’s Featherweight World Grand Prix, following a decisive victory over former featherweight world championDaniel Straus ntawm Bellator 226 this past September. The 31-year-old knockout artist is ready to build on his impressive professional record of 20-9, when he takes on undefeated superstar McKee on December 21. Always ready to trade blows, the heavy-handed veteran has spent much of his time competing in Bellator’s lightweight and welterweight divisions over the past six years of his career. Tam sim no, “The Stallion” hopes to continue his impressive surge in the 145-pound class, as he prepares to go toe-to-toe with one of the most dangerous featherweights in the world. With a shot at one million dollars on the line, Campos will rely on his fearless fighting style and sound wrestling background if he wants to advance in what many have pinned as one of the most anticipated matchups in the second round.
Bellator Hawaii: Macfarlane vs. Jackson Main Card:
Flyweight World Title Bout: Ilima-Lei MacFarlane (10-0) vs. Kate Jackson(11-3-1)
Featherweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal Bout: A.J. McKee (15-0) vs. Derek Liaj teb (20-9)
Lub yim hli ntuj 6, 2019 – Devin Haney can take a giant leap towards World title glory when he faces fellow unbeaten star Zaur Abdullaev in a final eliminator for the WBC World Lightweight title on Friday September 13 at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
Haney (22-0 14 Kos) made an electrifying debut with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN in May, destroying Antonio Moran with a KO of the year contender in the seventh round of their clash in Maryland. Lub 20 year old fights in the Big Apple for the first time in his career and the Las Vegas native, ranked #2 with the WBC, hits Manhattan for his biggest fight yet in association with DHP Promotions and Titov Boxing.
Abdullaev (11-0 7 Kos) is ranked #3 with the WBC having landed the Silver Lightweight strap in just his ninth pro outing in April 2018, and the highly rated and dangerous Russian registered his 11thpro win and seventh inside the distance in February, stopping Humberto Martinez in Ekaterinburg, and now fights outside his homeland for the first time in his career.
The WBC crown will be in the hands of either Vasiliy Lomachenko or Luke Campbell MBE when the clash at The O2 in London on August 31, with Haney and Abdullaev keenly observing that clash from their training camps become locking horns on September 13.
“It always feels good when I get the official date,” said Haney. “I stay in the gym because I’m a dog and I love to fight. I want the world to see me rise to my competition. The better they are the better I am. I’m fighting an undefeated fighter at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
“New York fans are some of the most loyal fans in sports and I’m looking forward to really putting on a show for them. Abdullaev likes to apply pressure and I expect nothing less on September 13. I’ve seen him fight and he’s a hungry fighter, there’s no doubt he is my toughest opponent to date. This fight is one step away from a World title fight so we both have a lot on the line.
“Abdullaev doesn’t have a big name, but he’s ranked #3 for a reason, and I’m not ducking him or anyone else that stands in my way. I’m blessed to have tremendous support from DAZN and Eddie Hearn. With this partnership I have an opportunity to fight the best in the world. I encourage everyone in NYC to buy their tickets or get the DAZN App and watch my growth into the next superstar in boxing. This fight is going to be lit!”
“I’m delighted that the fight is happening,” said Abdullaev. “I was panicking when I saw some posts from Haney on social media that nobody wants to fight him at 135lbs, and he might have to move up in weight. I kept biting my nails and really wanted to get engaged but been told to stay patient. Allah the gracious has delivered this fight and now its reality.
“I am a bit disappointed that the fight won’t be at Haney’s Las Vegas back yard as it would have been great to dethrone him in front of his home crowed, but New York is a great boxing city. I’m not silly and I do understand that I’m coming as an underdog but on September 13, I’m coming to crash the hype against all odds.”
WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman leads a stacked undercard in a mouth-watering chief-support bout as he takes on lethal WBA mandatory challenger Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Roman (27-2-1 10 Kos) unified his WBA crown with the IBF strap of Irishman TJ Doheny in a fight of the year contender at home in Los Angeles in April, a fifth World title win on the bounce a fourth inside 14 months for the 29 xyoo laus.
Roman’s fifth defense of his WBA crown pits him against dangerous Uzbek talent Akhmadaliev (6-0 5 Kos) – the highly decorated amateur has looked fearsome in ending five of his six pro outings to date inside the distance, nrog rau cov 25 year old’s last win coming on the same LA bill as Roman’s dust-up with Doheny. Roman vs. Akhmadaliev is brought to you in association with Thompson Boxing and World of Boxing.
“Anyone that knows me understands that I’m a real fighter,” said Roman. “I’ll fight anyone they put in front of me. Akhmadaliev is hungry, tab sis yog li kuv. It wasn’t that long ago [2017] when I challenged for the WBA title so we’re not going to give it up. I’m here to fight and defend the WBA belt once more. I have two belts [WBA thiab IBF], but I want more. My goal is to get all of them so by no means am I overlooking Akhmadaliev. He has that amateur pedigree, can punch with power and likes to come forward. The second you underestimate someone, that’s when bad things happen. I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.
“As a unified champion, I understand that I have a target on my back. That’s why I’ve been in the gym, staying sharp like I always do. There’s no time to relax and look back at what I’ve done because my work isn’t finished.”
“Danny is among the most committed and disciplined World champions out there,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He relishes challenges and at this point in his career, he only wants the toughest and biggest fights. Akhmadaliev is a young and dangerous opponent, but Danny has all the tools to continue his reign as the best talent in the division. We’re confident that he’ll deliver another excellent performance and retain his WBA title for the fifth time.”
“I am very glad that Daniel Roman took this fight,” said Akhmadaliev. “I know that we are both warriors and this will be a real war! Tsis txhob nco no sib ntaus!”
“We have been waiting for this fight for some time,” said Vadim Kornilov from World of Boxing. “I believe with the will, character, and power of both of these guys, this fight will be a fight of the year candidate.”
There’s more World title action on the bill as record-breaking seven-weight World champion Amanda Serrano challenges WBO World Featherweight champion Heather Hardy in an all-Brooklyn affair, brought to you by DiBella Entertainment in association with Matchroom Boxing USA.
Serrano (36-1-1 27 Kos) conquered her seventh weight class at the Hulu Theater in title in January when the Puerto Rican destroyed Eva Voraberger inside the opening round to claim the vacant WBO Super-Flyweight title.
Serrano held the WBO Featherweight strap in 2016 before vacating it then her sister Cindy picked it up later that year. Hardy (22-0 4 Kos) was next in line to win the vacant title in October in a rematch against Shelley Vincent in the Hulu Theater. Hardy put boxing on hold to return to MMA in June with an outing at Bellator 222 at Madison Square Garden but returns to boxing to go head-to-head with her fellow Brooklynite.
“We found out in February that as a super-champion Amanda could call out any champion in any weight division and she would be the next defense — and she chose me. I didn’t get this far in the boxing game to not know how it works, they’re hyping up a big fight between her and Katie Taylor and this is the second of Amanda’s three-fight deal.
“It will be my first time competing as an underdog even as the current world champion but I’m excited as hell. Everyone knows I have the balls for it. I grew up with a tough mamma, trust me – nobody scares me.”
“I’m very excited to be back in the ring and excited to be fighting Heather Hardy,” Hais Serrano. “Heather is 22-0 for a reason, she always finds a way to win. We’ve sparred in the past and I’ve never had an easy day with her.
“So many of the other champions vacated their belts to avoid fighting me but Heather is a true world champion who will not give up her belt.
“We know each other well and I’m honored to fight her for her World title. It’s nothing personal, just business for two girls from Brooklyn in the ring.”
“Nyob rau hnub Friday, Cuaj hlis 13, seven-division world champion Amanda ‘The Real Deal’ Serrano will attempt to wrest the WBO Featherweight title from undefeated champion Heather ‘The Heat’ Hardy in what promises to be an explosive matchup,” hais tias Lou DiBella, Thawj Tswj Hwm ntawm DiBella Lom ze. “Neither Hardy nor Serrano have ever been in a bad fight, both Brooklynites have passionate fan bases and are tremendous ambassadors for women’s boxing. This is a must-win fight for both boxers and will steal the show.”
The Heavyweight landscape remains a hot one and there’s a great 50-50 clash on the card as Michael Hunter challenges Sergey Kuzmin for the WBA Intercontinental title. Hunter (17-1 12 Kos) holds the International strap with the WBA having KO’d Alexander Ustinov in Monte Carlo in November and defended that with a second round KO of Fabio Maldonado in Maryland in May. Lub 31 year old is rapidly rising in the rankings and can take a huge leap towards World title action with a win but faces a crunch challenge in the form of Kuzmin (15-0 11 Kos).
The unbeaten Russian puts the strap he won at Wembley Stadium in London in September against David Price and first saw off LaRon Mitchell and then Joey Dawejko in successful Stateside defenses. With Kuzmin ranked #5 and Hunter #8 with the WBA, the victor in New York will be knocking on the door for a title shot, raising the stakes in this pick’em match-up, in association with World of Boxing.
“I’m excited to be fighting Sergey,” said Hunter. “I know that this is not going to be an easy fight, but I am definitely up for the challenge and I want to show people that I am the best in the division.”
“I have worked very hard for this opportunity,” said Kuzmin. “I am here to win this fight and go after the World title. It doesn’t matter to me whether this fight is in the USA or in Russia, I am very confident in my victory. I know my opponent very well, he’s a good boxer, but only one of us is going to be victorious.”
“This is a fight between two top ten prospects, both hold regional titles,” said Vadim Kornilov of World of Boxing. “This fight will hopefully be an eliminator for the World championship mandatory.”
“This is a brilliant show and a big chance for Devin to take NYC by storm,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Abdullaev is a dangerous undefeated fighter but Devin is ready for all comers and wants to win this fight and then go straight into the Lomachenko vs. Campbell winner. It’s crazy to believe he is just 20 xyoo ntawm hnub nyoog – I think it’s fair to say he is the most exciting young fighter in the world right now.
“Roman vs. Akhmadaliev is an absolute war, Danny refused to vacate the belt and like a true champion will face a young fearless, hard hitting mandatory challenger who is taking a giant leap after just six fights.
“The Heavyweight division is red hot and Hunter v Kuzmin maybe one of the match ups of the year – do not blink on this one! We probably could have filled this venue with Serrano vs. Hardy alone, it’s an amazing fight for NYC with the winner set for a defining Katie Taylor fight next. Do not miss this show!”
“We are excited to kick off our busy fall line-up with the return of blue-chip prospect Devin Haney on DAZN,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America. “Matchroom has put together a stacked card for New York fight fans and those watching around the world on DAZN. We are preparing to close out our first year in boxing with a bang and it all starts September 13 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.”
An announcement on ticket prices and on-sale dates will be made later this week.
# # #
About Devin Haney Promotions: Based in California, Devin Haney Promotions (DHP) is a first-class promotional company headed by boxing phenom, Devin “The Dream” Haney. The company was founded in September of 2018. Devin Haney at 19-yrs old became the youngest active fighter/promoter in boxing history. DHP has a commitment to bring fans the most exciting shows with some of the best fighters in the world. Globally, DHP is respected as a premier promoter in boxing.
FULL FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NYC THIS FRIDAY – AIRING EXCLUSIVELY ON DAZN
NEW YORK –The line-up for the highly anticipatedBellator 222: MacDonald vs. Gracie kev tshwm simhas been completed with two title fights and 18 electric bouts in total filling out Bellator’s return to Madison Square Garden this Friday, Lub rau hli ntuj 14 – only onDAZN. The star-studded card is headlined by a double main event that will see a Welterweight World Grand Prix semi-final matchup between current Bellator welterweight world championRory MacDonald (20-5-1) defending his title against the unbeaten Renzo Gracie-trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu black beltNeiman Gracie (9-0), as well as two of the sport’s biggest names inLyoto Machida (25-8) thiab Chael Sonnen (31-16-1) finally meeting after years of parallel careers in the MMA world.
The main card ofBellator 222 will stream live exclusively onDAZN ntawm 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action begins at 6:30 p.m. EST/3:30 p.m. PST and will also stream onDAZNor globally on the Bellator Mobile App.
The DAZN-streamed main card also featuresDarrion Caldwell (13-2) defending his Bellator bantamweight world title against Rizin Fighting Federation’s bantamweight championKyoji Horiguchi (27-2) in a true “champion vs. champion” matchup, following a Horiguchi submission victory when the two met in Rizin’s ring this past December in Japan, as well as a 175-pound catchweight contest between polarizing grappling aceDillon Danis (1-0) and Max Humphrey (3-2). Tsis tas li ntawd, fans will see an intriguing featherweight bout featuring former Bellator 135-pound championEduardo Dantas (21-6) making the leap to 145-pounds in an attempt to handJuan Archuleta (21-1) the first loss of his Bellator career, thaum lub sij hawm Ricky Bandejas (11-2) welcomes unbeatenPatrick Mix (10-0) ntawm bantamweight.
Preliminary action forBellator 222 is also must-see andfeatures many of Bellator’s rising stars. Those who tune in will see bouts highlighted byAaron Pico (4-2) tiv tiag Adam Borics (12-0) at 145-pounds, as well as a second inter-promotional contest pittingRenaof Rizin (8-2) tiv thaiv Lindsay VanZandt (5-1) in a 112-pound catchweight fight. Bellator 222will also see the return of “The Heat” to MSG, when world champion boxerHeather Hardy (2-1) ntsej muag Taylor Turner (3-5) at flyweight. Familiar faces inMike Kimbel (2-1), Robson Gracie Jr. (1-0) thiab Haim Gozali (10-6) will all also compete, while formerQhov kawg Fighter muab kev koom tes Phil Hawes (4-2) will make his promotional debut. Lastly, it was recently announced that undefeated Taekwondo MasterValerie Loureda (1-0) will make her sophomore appearance when she welcomesLarkyn Dasch (0-1) to the Bellator cage on Friday night at Madison Square Garden.
Bellator 222 Main Card:
Welterweight World Grand Prix Semifinal Title Bout: Rory MacDonald (20-5-1) vs. Neiman Gracie (9-0)
‘COMBATE PERU,’ THE BIGGEST MMA EVENT IN PERU HISTORY, AIRS LIVE ON UNIVISION, UDN AND DAZN FROM COLISEO MANUEL BONILLA
Daim pib RAU MUAG KHOOM TAM SIM NO
LOS ANGELES – May 20, 2019 – Combate Americas today announced the completion of a 10-bout fight card, including a new main event, for its much-anticipated debut in South America with the largest-scale Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event in Peru history, at Coliseo Manuel Bonilla in the capital city of Lima, on Friday, Tej zaum 31.
‘Combate Peru’ airs live on television in Spanish in the U.S. on both Univision (12 a.m. ET / PT) and UDN (12 a.m. ET/9p.m.PT), and in English in the U.S. and Canada on DAZN (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT).
The flagship show will mark Combate Americas’ entry into a third country and second continent with its aggressively expanding live television event series.
In the new lightweight (155 phaus) ntsiab kev tshwm sim, previously announced, undefeated Daniel “Golden Boy” Zellhuber (6-0) will collide with fellow unbeaten, nce lub hnub qub Gian Franco Cortez(4-0).
The 19-year-old Zellhuber of Mexico City, Mexico was originally slated to faceRolando Bedoya (11-1), but Bedoya has since withdrawn from the commitment.
Fighting out of Lima, the 22-year-old Cortez is coming off a spectacular, thawj round (1:35) LEEJ TWG (punches) ntawm Steven Muñoz on Lub peb hlis ntuj 23.
Cortez made his professional debut on October 7, 2017, scoring a knockout onBenji Ayala cia li 15 seconds into the first round of action.
Also announced today was a new bantamweight (135 phaus) matchup between undefeatedDavid “The Black Spartan” Martinez (3-0) of Mexico City andWilliam Sanchez (0-0) of Lima.
Sanchez will make his professional debut after a nearly untarnished, 5-1 run as an amateur.
Martinez was originally slated to face 2017 “COPA COMBATE” tournament competitorKevin “El Frio” Moreyra (4-2) of Lima before Moreyra’s camp determined he would no longer be able to make the contracted weight of the bout.
Moreyra will move up to the next weight class, featherweight (145 phaus), and will square off withBruno “Jacunda” Pereira (10-6-1) of Lima via Macapa, Amapa, Brazil in a ‘Combate Peru’ preliminary card bout.
In other preliminary card action announced today, fellow Lima competitorsYuri Valenzuela (12-6-1) thiab Vicente Vargas (10-4) will face off at bantamweight, while unbeaten upstartsJose Alberto Ochoa (2-0) of Lima andOmar Torres (2-0) of Arequipa, Peru will battle each other in a flyweight (125 phaus) yi.
The previously announced co-main event betweenMarlon “Deriko Siete” Gonzales (14-4-2) Lima andPablo Villaseca (14-5) of Santiago, Chile will be contested at a catchweight of 150 phaus.
COMBATE AMERICAS: COMBATE PERU
LIGHTWEIGHT MAIN EVENT: Daniel Zellhuber vs. Gian Franco Cortez
CATCHWEIGHT (150 LBS.) CO-MAIN kev tshwm sim: Marlon Gonzales vs. Pablo Villaseca
FEATURED STRAWWEIGHT BOUT: Alitzel Mariscal vs. Maria Paola Buzaglo
PRELIMINARY BOUT CARD: Bantamweight: Rodrigo Vera vs. Eduardo Torres Bantamweight: Renzo Mendez vs. Andres Ayala Featherweight: Kevin Moreyra vs. Bruno Pereira Bantamweight: Yuri Valenzuela vs. Vicente Vargas Catchweight (120 phaus): Jennifer Gonzalez vs. Dana Zighelboim Grau Bantamweight: David Martinez vs. William Sanchez Flyweight: Jose Alberto Ochoa vs. Omar Torres
