Category Archives: MMA

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Complete Results, Photos, Quotes, & Videos for BELLATOR MMA 291: Amosov vs. Storley 2

February 28, 2023 FNU47 Leave a comment

FIGHT NIGHT PHOTOS HERE – PLEASE CREDIT: LUCAS NOONAN/BELLATOR MMA

Dublin – BELLATOR 291 saw Yaroslav Amosov (27-0) mark his return to the BELLATOR cage in perfect fashion, as he unified the BELLATOR Welterweight World Title with a victory over Logan Storley. Amosov also continues to boast the longest active win streak in MMA, adding to his record for the first time since returning to Ukraine to defend his country in 2022.

In the co-main event Jeremy Kennedy silenced the home crowd as he defeated Pedro Carvalho with a unanimous decision victory. ‘JBC’ will be hoping to move closer to a title shot as he continues to climb the featherweight rankings following his statement victory in the Irish capital.

BELLATOR announced its return to the ‘Emerald Isle’ will come on Saturday, September 23 with what will undoubtedly be a stacked card at the 3Arena in Dublin. More information will be announced soon. BELLATOR returns to action on Friday, March 10 for BELLATOR 292: Nurmagomedov vs. Henderson at theSAP Center San Jose, CA. The card airs in the U.S. on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

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BELLATOR MMA 291 MAIN CARD RESULTS:

Amosov quotes:“I feel very good because I waited for this for a long time. I train hard training, and I feel a lot of motivation and responsibility. Now, I relax. I’ll relax after the fight, and I’m happy because I think I gave my country a good day. It’s the first time I’ve had big support in the cage. In America, I’ve had support, but not like today. Many Ukrainian flags, many Ukrainian people. My uncle, my friends; I see many people. It was a big support, and it gave me very good energy.”

On His Message to the People of Ukraine: “Thank you for my country, thank you for my army and the fans. It was for my country. Today I think it is a very good day for my country. To hold two gold belts.”

On If He’s the Best Welterweight on the Planet: “I think yes, [that was my best performance]. Of course [I think I’m the best welterweight in the world]. I am here. If a UFC champion wants to fight, come to BELLATOR. Scott Coker will give the contract, and we’ll make the fight.”

On His First Match with Logan Storley: “Before this fight, I said this fight was different. I have many kilograms that I cut for my first match with Logan [Storley]. Now I had a very good camp and recovery as well as different training. Every day I train hard and become better. I have the best team with me. He’s [Logan Storley] a very good fighter, and I knew this. All people who enter the cage are strong, so if you go in the cage, you’re a high-level fighter. It’s not a surprise to me, but I’m ready [for everything].”

On Training with BELLATOR Middleweight World Champion Johnny Eblen: “He’s my friend [Johnny Eblen]. I train with him every time, he’s very high level. He’s a very good fighter and a real champion. When we spar, many people watch and I think it’s beautiful.”

#5-Jeremy Kennedy (19-3) defeated #3-Pedro Carvalho (13-7) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Kennedy quotes: “I’m happy with the win, regardless. I would’ve liked to get the finish, but there’s a lot of circumstances whenever you travel across the world. I’m just ready for the next one. It was my rehydration, I think. I made mistakes on the rehydration. I was really dry – I wasn’t sweating, but I felt exhausted there; my gas tank’s [normally] much better than that. He had a tight squeeze right at the beginning but he jumped for it too early but I think I am the best grappler in the division. He had a little bit of a squeeze but it ultimately got me the takedown. I wanted to really hurt him with some hands, but he’s a pressure fighter. I thought I could sit him down, but as soon as I got ahold of him, I was like, ‘This is my path to victory.’”

On Fighting for the Title Next: “I believe so, I don’t know who else is there for me to fight. Three wins in a row. Sanchez, Pico, and Carvalho and they have all been dominant victories.. I’ve been all around the world; it’s a cool way to see the world. In a perfect world, I get to fight somewhere in the United States, but I’d fight ‘Pitbull’ in a WalMart. I’m coming. I’ve been on his heels the whole time. When I was fighting Borics and I was fighting Pico, I was like: I can’t wait to get the opportunity to fight him. Now there’s talk of him going down to 135; he’s probably calling his nutritionist right now because he doesn’t want this fight. Let’s do it. We can go ASAP. I’ll fight him in any corner of the world, in any timeframe.”

Bryce Logan (12-8) defeated #10-Peter Queally (12-8) via TKO (punches) at 2:32 of round two

#3-Sinead Kavanagh (9-5) defeated Janay Harding (6-7) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Kavanagh quotes: “I feel good. It feels good to get back in there. It was a nice win. I went and put on a show, and that’s all I needed to do. I kept in one piece; I can go again soon, which is great. I put on a clinic. I knew she was a striker, so I showed in there what I’ve done for the last 12 weeks. All is good.”

On a Potential Rematch with Cris Cyborg: “That’s two great wins, and I put on a show both times. I’m ready. I want [Cris] ‘Cyborg’ in Dublin. That’s what I want. Fight the best in Ireland, Sinead Kavanagh. I’ve been well-prepared for Cris ‘Cyborg.’ I won’t rush into things. I’ll be ready.”

“I got a good 15 minutes [in] there. Good strikes. My power was there. I do want ‘Cyborg’ here. I want her in Dublin. But that’s in September, that’s too long. I want another one and then ‘Cyborg.’”

On Rectifying the Outcome from First Harding Fight: “It feels good; I got me win back. It’ll be on my record forever. I did win, and I am better.”

Ciaran Clarke (7-0) defeated Leonardos Sinis (11-6-1) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Clarke quotes: “It was a clean performance. I obviously would’ve liked the finish. [Opponent Leonardos Sinis has] fought at welterweight and lightweight before; he’s a big lad.”

On his Opponent’s Size Advantage, Weight Miss: “I thought he was a good actor. Look, I didn’t think that mattered at all because I knew I was giving up a few kilos anyways. It was a catchweight and he missed weight. I knew he was coming big.”

On What He Wants Next: “Two Dublin shows every year. Get better for the next one, end of June, July. Those decisions, all of my decisions, I had 10-8 rounds. 7-0. I think that’s right up there with the win streaks in the company. It’s a bit gray with BELLATOR; the rankings are solid, then it’s gray underneath that. People are mentioning the rankings — I’m trying to gradually get to that point. If they offer it, I’ll accept it because that’s just who I am, but as long as it makes sense and its progression. I’m here in BELLATOR; whatever they say I’m worthy of.”

On a Potential Matchup with Khasan Magomedsharipov: “I think we match up well and like said I will fight anyone. They’re all getting behind me: the whole town, the whole country, I feel. They’re bringing buses up. I really feel like a winner already. I’ve brought the whole town here. People talk. That buzz in the town, everyone gets behind me. It’s unreal.”

PRELIMINARY CARD:

#9-Karl Moore (11-2) defeated Maciej Różański (14-4) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mike Shipman (15-4) defeated Charlie Ward (10-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Oleg Popov (16-1) defeatedGokhan Saricam (8-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Norbert Novenyi Jr. (6-0) defeated Andy Manzolo (26-7) via TKO at 3:12 of round one

Brian Moore (16-9) defeated Luca Iovine (18-9) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Richie Smullen (10-2-1) defeated Piotr Niedzielski (17-5) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Darragh Kelly (3-0) defeated Dorval Jordan (2-3) via TKO (punches) at 1:58 of round three

Asaël Adjoudj (5-1) defeated Liam McCracken (3-1) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Khasan Magomedsharipov (8-0) defeated Rafael Hudson (7-5) via TKO at 4:40 of round one

Jena Bishop (5-0) defeated Elina Kallionidou (9-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Kenny Mokhonoana (5-0) defeated Craig McIntosh (3-5) via TKO (elbows) at 3:13 of round one

Dmytrii Hrytsenko (8-0) defeated Daniele Scatizzi (12-7) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Steven Hill (7-0) defeated Joel Kouadja (7-10)via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:03 of round two

*Card subject to change

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For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, visit BELLATOR.com.

Updated Schedule of BELLATOR Events

Fri. March 10 // BELLATOR 292: Nurmagomedov vs. Henderson // SAP Center // San Jose, CA

Fri. March 31 // BELLATOR 293: Golm vs. James // Pechanga Resort Casino // Temecula, CA

Fri. April 21 // BELLATOR 294: Carmouche vs. Bennett 2 // Neal S. Blaisdell Arena // Honolulu, Hawaii

Sat. April 22 // BELLATOR 295: Stos vs. Mix // Neal S. Blaisdell Arena // Honolulu, Hawaii

Fri. May 12 // BELLATOR 296: Mousasi vs. Edwards // Accor Arena // Paris, France

Sat. Sept. 23 // BELLATOR Dublin // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

UNDEFEATED AMATEURS WILL SQUARE OFF IN BANGOR FOR BANTAMWEIGHT STRAP

November 15, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Bangor, Maine (November 14, 2022) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine on February 11, 2023, with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event “NEF 51: Banger in Bangor.” The fight promotion has announced an amateur title fight for the card. Key Baltazar (2-0) is scheduled to face Nate Dorr (2-0) for the vacant NEF Amateur Bantamweight Title.

Key Baltazar remains undefeated after debuting as an amateur in 2022. His first fight took place at “NEF 46” last February in Portland. Baltazar submitted Quinn Poirier that evening in the second round. He would return this past summer at “NEF 48” to take on Hannon Sanford. After a hard-fought, three-round battle, Baltazar got the win by unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards. He currently represents Nostos MMA based in Somersworth, New Hampshire.

“I like the energy Nate brings into the cage,” noted Baltazar. “But that’s about it. I’m excited to show a different side of my style. The bantamweight belt will go home with me to Nostos.”

Like Baltazar, Nate Dorr also made his amateur MMA debut in 2022 and is currently undefeated with two wins. His first fight was against Tyler Parent last spring at “NEF 47” in Auburn, Maine. Dorr was able to pull out a unanimous decision victory in that bout. He would return at “NEF 48” for his sophomore fight against Clifford Redman. Dorr defeated the more experienced Redman via technical knockout in the first round. He represents Acadia BJJ based in Ellsworth, Maine.

“The belt has always been in my sights,” said Dorr. “I’ve been training for that title shot this entire time and I feel ready. Didn’t expect a shot this early, but I have every intention of wearing that belt after the fight.”

“NEF 51: Banger in Bangor” is scheduled for Saturday night, February 11, 2023, at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine. Tickets are available now at www.TicketMaster.com.

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF CLOSES OUT TENTH YEAR OF BUSINESS WITH SOLD-OUT, BLOCKBUSTER EVENT IN PORTLAND

November 15, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

On a milestone New England Fights card dominated by first-round fireworks, Jonathan Piersma went the distance with a ground-and-pound clinic and overwhelmed one of the promotion’s most enduring stars Saturday night.

Piersma followed his gameplan to the letter and hammered out a unanimous decision over Ryan Sanders to win the vacant professional welterweight title in the main event of NEF 50, held at Aura in Portland, Maine.

Fighting in front of a sold-out crowd heavy with Sanders’ supporters and targeted by the Bangor, Maine veteran’s taunts and trash talk in the lead-up to the fight, Piersma (5-1) arrived from Rochester, New York, and did all his talking on the canvas.

True to Sanders’ forecast that he would shoot for the leg and try to force the action to the mat, Piersma did so in every round and never gave Sanders enough breathing room to unleash his vaunted strikes.

Piersma swept all five rounds on each of three scorecards and enjoyed the last word on the microphone in the center of the cage.

“It feels good to win in my first trip to Maine,” Piersma said. “He did a lot of talking, and he’s a tough guy, but I felt like I dominated the fight.”

All but one of Piersma’s wins as a pro have gone to the final bell. The setback for Sanders (20-10) ended a streak of five consecutive wins by stoppage, four in the first round.

Others experienced that rush on the historic anniversary docket with a parade of electrifying, early endings.

Twelve supporting bouts reached a verdict in the first round, several in a matter of a few seconds. Two others were halted in the second stanza, while only one bout prior to the main event went to the scheduled limit.

Jared Turcotte, Ras Hylton, and Robert Gray were the three prime contenders for knockout of the night.

Turcotte, formerly one of Maine’s most decorated high school and college football players, backed up a 35-second choke-out in his summer debut with a 13-second demolition of Regian Da Silva, Jr.

After a brief exchange in the center of the cage, Turcotte landed one shot that sent his New Hampshire opponent by way of Brazil into la-la land.

“I work hard at this. My goal is to get knockouts, and that’s what the fuck happened,” Turcotte said. “My goal actually was for this one to get to the second round, but I’ll take a 13-second KO any time.”

Bellator veteran Hylton (9-6) has decked his past two opponents in a total of 29 seconds. He expended only 16 ticks of the watch Saturday in a heavyweight shellacking of Indiana’s Jordan Mitchell.

Hylton followed Mitchell to the canvas after the first haymaker and continued his assault to solidify the stoppage.

He dedicated the win to his wife, Janice, in honor of 10 years together.

“She took a drug-addled moron and turned him into something respectable,” the heavy hitter known to his fans as Rasquatch and the Jamaican Shamrock said.

In an amateur cruiserweight contest, Robert Gray (1-0) knocked out Cody Dular (1-1) in 30 seconds. Gray landed a right hand so powerful that it actually launched Dular off his feet into the air. Dular was unconscious for several moments following the knockout and needed attention from the ringside physician.

In an eagerly anticipated grudge match, Matt Denning (8-16) entered the cage in arguably the best shape of his career and exploded to a convincing win over Carl Langston (2-7) at 145 pounds.

Denning backed up his own self-assured forecast and simultaneously dispelled Langston’s claim that he was merely fighting for the paycheck. After intercepting one of several sweeping kicks from Langston, Denning gained control of his opponent’s back and earned a tap to rear naked choke at 1:01 of the first round.

The quick turn of events ended Langston’s modest two-match winning streak as a pro while giving Denning his third win out of eight fights in the past six months alone.

Three other pro bouts ended in short order.

Mohammad Al Kinani (4-1) spoiled Tymar Miles’ debut with a technical knockout in 1:57. It was the second straight win for the rising lightweight star.

Detroit’s Darren Gibbs (3-10) showed that his record is beyond deceiving with a vicious kick to the inside of Nate Grimard’s leg, followed by a heelhook to end the night for Grimard (2-2) at 1:49 in their 150-pound catchweight clash.

Brian Cosco, a knockout victim of Denning in his pro debut earlier the year, turned the tables and spoiled the maiden paying voyage for Justin Kangas with a keylock at 1:18.

As was the case on the pro side, the main amateur attraction also went to the scorecards, with Zach Faulkner (5-3) grinding out a majority decision over newcomer Chase O’Brien.

O’Brien landed a late barrage that might have ended the fight in a few more seconds. Instead, he settled for a 28-28 draw in one judge’s view and a slim 29-28 loss on the other two cards.

Danny Wahlberg rose from the ashes to defeat Eddy Pena by rear naked choke at 2:13 of the second round in easily the most sensational comeback of the evening.

Pena may have emptied his arsenal with an explosion that nearly persuaded the referee to call a halt on at least two occasions. In desperation mode, Wahlberg threw a couple of token counterpunches before taking Pena’s back to set up the fantastic finish to the featherweight scrap.

In another stunning twist of plot, Nick Mulrey (2-0) escaped a near-guillotine from Chris Strout (0-3) and just as quickly locked in a D’arce choke to hasten the end of their featherweight showdown in only 41 seconds.

The lone women’s bout of the occasion went to Cassidy Bedard (2-0), who subdued Lindsey Kelley by rear naked choke with just 20 seconds remaining in their opening round. It was the mixed martial arts debut for Kelley, who accepted the challenge on two weeks’ notice.

Other amateur results:

Ed Davis (2-0) defeated Patrick Mitchell (1-1) by strikes one minute into the first round.

Tristan Wood (1-0) overpowered Armon Bryant (0-1) via guillotine at 42 seconds of the second round.

Soren Mercer (1-0) finished Rosen Iliev (0-1) with an arm triangle at 1:55 of the first round.

Teddy Politis (3-1) TKO’d Aaron Rodriguez (0-1) in the second round at 1:23.

NEF announced that its next card is set for Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine. One of the featured attractions at NEF 51: “Banger in Bangor” will be an amateur title bout between 2-0 bantamweights Key Baltazar and Nate Dorr. Tickets are available now at www.TicketMaster.com.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rizin FF, Showtime

**NO. 10-RANKED BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT GADZHI RABADANOV WILL REPRESENT THE PROMOTION AT THE HISTORICAL BELLATOR MMA VS. RIZIN EVENT AGAINST JAPAN’S KOJI TAKEDA ON NEW YEAR’S EVE**

November 15, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Los Angeles — BELLATOR MMA has announced that its fifth participant for the New Year’s Eve spectacle against RIZIN Fighting Federation opponents will be No. 10-ranked lightweight, Gadzhi Rabadanov (18-4-2), taking on 27-year-old Japanese standout Koji Takeda (15-3) in a compelling matchup between two competitors riding high on the strength of consecutive victories.

A first-of-its-kind blockbuster co-promotion, BELLATOR MMA vs. RIZIN takes place inside the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on Saturday, December 31, and can be seen in the United States on SHOWTIME at 8 p.m. ET/PT on New Year’s Eve.

Rabadanov versus Takeda will join a star-studded five-fight BELLATOR MMA vs. RIZIN main card, which is stacked from top to bottom with current and former champions competing in the four-sided ring under RIZIN’s unique rules. Headlining the event will be a dream matchup between RIZIN lightweight champion Roberto “Satoshi” de Souza (14-1) against No. 3 BELLATOR pound-for-pound talent AJ “Mercenary” McKee (19-1), with BELLATOR and RIZIN featherweight champions Patricio Pitbull (34-5) and Kleber Koike (31-5-1) co-headlining the must-see event.

Former BELLATOR champions Juan “The Spaniard” Archuleta (26-4) and Kyoji Horiguchi (30-5) will round out the unparalleled main card, facing off with RIZIN’s Soo Chul Kim (18-6-1) and Hiromasa Ougikubo (25-6-2), respectively.

Gadzhi Rabadanov, 29, signed with BELLATOR in 2021 after capturing the Eagle FC lightweight title, and has made an immediate impact on the promotion’s remarkably deep lightweight division. He announced his arrival in thunderous fashion at BELLATOR 263 with an emphatic viral knockout of Daniel Carey, which he followed up with back-to-back dominant unanimous decision victories over Jay Jay Wilson and Bobby King in 2022. The product of the renowned Club Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s School in Dagestan and the prestigious American Kickboxing Academy, Rabadanov’s pedigree is world-class. On New Year’s Eve, Rabadanov will look to continue building upon his momentum with an impressive performance against Koji Takeda.

“It is a childhood dream come true to fight in Japan at the legendary Saitama Super Arena,” said Rabadanov. “I’m very excited and I know I have a tough opponent, who always leaves everything in the ring. Expect a masterpiece from me, it will be a memorable fight.”

A former DEEP lightweight champion, Japan’s Koji Takeda has been an active fighter since his 2017 professional debut. Takeda boasts a compelling case for inclusion on this historic fight card, winning seven of his last ten and three of his last four outings under the RIZIN and DEEP banners. Takeda is also familiar with BELLATOR foes; he has previously fought Spike Carlyle and submitted Zach Zane by armbar, both of whom fought recently for the Scott Coker-led promotion. Takeda will look to add a third straight win to his resume against the highly-touted Rabadanov in his hometown of Saitama, Japan, on December 31.

BELLATOR MMA VS. RIZIN MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME

Saturday, December 31 — 8 PM ET/PT

Lightweight Non-Title Main Event: AJ McKee (19-1) vs. Roberto de Souza (14-1)

Featherweight Non-Title Main Event: Patricio Pitbull (34-5) vs. Kleber Koike (31-5-1)

Bantamweight Feature Bout: Juan Archuleta (26-4) vs. Soo Chul Kim (18-6-1)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Kyoji Horiguchi (30-5) vs. Hiromasa Ougikubo (25-6-2)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Gadzhi Rabadanov (18-4-2) vs. Koji Takeda (15-3)

For more information on this and other upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, visit Bellator.com.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events – click links for updated fight cards

Fri. Nov. 18 // BELLATOR 288: Nemkov vs. Anderson 2 / Pitbull vs. Nurmagomedov // Wintrust Arena // Chicago, Il.

Fri. Dec. 9 // BELLATOR 289: Stots vs. Sabatello // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

Sat. Dec. 31 // BELLATOR MMA vs. RIZIN // Saitama Super Arena // Tokyo, Japan

Fri. Feb. 24 //BELLATOR: DUBLIN // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

COMPLETE BELLATOR 280: BADER VS. KONGO FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED FOR THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

May 4, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

RYAN BADER DEFENDS HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST NO. 2 RANKED CHEICK KONGO IN MAIN EVENT REMATCH IN PARIS

MELVIN MANHOEF’S FAREWELL BOUT DELAYED AFTER THE DUTCHMAN WITHDRAWS DUE TO INJURY, YOEL ROMERO NOW MEETS NO. 7 RANKED LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT ALEX POLIZZI IN CO-MAIN EVENT

PARIS – A massive night of championship-level MMA guaranteed to bring fireworks is set for this Friday, May 6 from the Accor Arena in Paris and airs live at a special time of 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME.

Anchoring the card will be a heated rematch between BELLATOR Heavyweight World Champion Ryan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) against French combat sports legend and No. 2-ranked heavyweight Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC). Both Bader and Kongo will be looking for closure when they run it back inside the BELLATOR cage, following a controversial no-contest stemming from a disputed eye-poke during their first meeting in 2019.

In an equally action-packed co-feature event, Yoel Romero (13-6) who was originally slated to take on Melvin Manhoef at 205-pounds, has agreed to meet No. 7 ranked-Alex Polizzi (10-1) on less than a week’s notice. Polizzi has won three consecutive contests en route to his opportunity in Paris against one of the sport’s most popular athletes.

Newly announced, No.6-ranked middleweight Lorenz Larkin (23-7, 1 NC) will now face Kyle Stewart (15-5) during the Bellator 280 main card. France’s Davy Gallon (20-7-2) will go to battle in front of his fellow countrymen and women when he faces Switzerland’s Benjamin Brander (13-8) at lightweight. Opening the Bellator 280 televised card, English middleweight Mike Shipman (14-3) will clash with proud Parisian Gregory Babene (21-11, 1 NC).

Nine titillating preliminary matchups have been announced, including a smash between former featherweight title challenger Pedro Carvalho (12-5) and newly signed Polish standout Piotr Niedzielski (16-4), plus a 160-pound contract weight clash between “The True Viking” Søren Bak (15-1) and England’s Charlie Leary (17-12-1).

The preliminary bouts will stream live three and a half hours earlier at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Limited tickets for the fight remain on sale at accorarena.com and bellator.fr. Follow Bellator France on Instagram @BellatorFrance and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorFrance/

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BELLATOR 280: BADER VS. KONGO 2 MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME (U.S.) / RMC SPORT (FRANCE) / BBC Three & BBC iPlayer (U.K.) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Friday, May 6, 10 p.m. CEST/9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Heavyweight World Title Main Event: C-Ryan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) vs. #2-Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC)

Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Yoel Romero (13-6) vs. #7-Alex Polizzi (10-1)

Lightweight Bout: Davy Gallon (20-7-2) vs. Benjamin Brander (13-8)

Middleweight Bout: #6-Lorenz Larkin (23-7, 1 NC) vs. Kyle Stewart (15-5)

Middleweight Bout: Mike Shipman (14-3) vs. Gregory Babene (21-11, 1 NC)

BELLATOR 280: BADER VS. KONGO 2 PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

6:30 p.m. CEST/12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT

Featherweight Bout: Pedro Carvalho (12-5) vs. Piotr Niedzielski (16-4)

Welterweight Bout: Lewis Long (19-6) vs. Thibault Gouti (14-5)

Featherweight Bout: Fabacary Diatta (8-0) vs. Jordan Barton (6-2-1)

160-lb Contract Weight Bout Søren Bak (15-1) vs. Charlie Leary (17-12-1)

Lightweight Bout: Yves Landu (16-9) vs. Gavin Hughes (10-2)

Welterweight Bout: Nicolò Solli (3-1, 1 NC) vs. Levy Carriel (3-0)

Flyweight Bout: Lucie Bertaud (3-3) vs. Katarzyna Sadura (5-4)

Middleweight Bout: Youcef Ouabbas (2-0) vs. Matthieu Duclos (2-1)

Welterweight Bout: Victor Verchere (5-1) vs. Bourama Camara (4-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR 280: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR 281: MVP vs. Storley // The OVO Arena Wembley // London

Fri. June 24 // BELLATOR 282: Mousasi vs. Eblen // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, CT

Fri. Sep. 23 // BELLATOR DUBLIN // 3Arena // Dublin

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries by an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Paramount, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

BELLATOR MMA RETURNS TO OAHU FOR AN EXPLOSIVE TWO-NIGHT DOUBLEHEADER APRIL 22-23

March 10, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS! MCKEE-PITBULL 2, NEMKOV-ANDERSON TOP INCREDIBLY STACKED NEW FIGHT CARD SET FOR APRIL 15

February 16, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

UNDEFEATED WORLD CHAMPION A.J. MCKEE TO DEFEND BELLATOR MMA 145-POUND WORLD TITLE IN REMATCH AGAINST FORMER NUMBER ONE POUND-FOR-POUND & TWO-DIVISION CHAMPION PATRICIO PITBULL

205-POUND CHAMPION VADIM NEMKOV TO BATTLE TOP-RANKED COREY ANDERSON FOR $1 MILLION PRIZE IN BELLATOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX FINAL

A group of men

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BELLATOR 277 SET FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 15, AT 10 P.M. ET/7 P.M. PT LIVE ON SHOWTIME INSIDE THE SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE, CALIF.

TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 16, 2022) – Two outstanding world-championship showdowns. Four of BELLATOR MMA’s best pound-for-pound fighters. One highly anticipated rematch. The promotion’s all-time greatest athlete striving to avenge a highlight-reel loss to the company’s homegrown superstar. A tournament final awarding a seven-figure jackpot to the victor.

BELLATOR’s fourth phenomenal fight card of 2022 promises to be one for the ages.

Fresh off a 117-second destruction of his upcoming opponent and claiming the $1 million bounty at the BELLATOR MMA Featherweight World Grand Prix Finale, unbeaten BELLATOR Featherweight World Titleholder A.J. McKee (18-0) hopes to take the next step toward becoming the sport’s greatest fighter as he battles former top pound-for-pound and two-division champion Patricio Pitbull (32-5) for the second time in less than nine months on Friday, April 15, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME.

In the co-feature of BELLATOR 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2 at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., current 205-pound BELLATOR MMA World Champion Vadim Nemkov (15-2) will defend his title for the third time and aims to take home the $1 million prize three days before U.S. Tax Day when he squares off against the surging No. 1-ranked contender Corey Anderson (16-5)in the BELLATOR MMA Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix final.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2 go on sale this Friday, Feb. 18 at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com with a special presale starting the day prior.

Additionally, four preliminary bouts have been announced including a mouthwatering matchup between two highly ranked heavyweights as No. 5-ranked Tim Johnson (15-8) faces surging No. 6-ranked Tyrell Fortune (11-2, 1 NC) in a rematch from BELLATOR 239. Their first fight ended with Johnson securing a win that earned great consideration for the 2020 KO of the Year. The preliminary bouts will stream live three hours earlier at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

In their historic initial matchup at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif., McKee stunned Pitbull by landing a punishing left leg kick to the head at 1:40 of the opening stanza at BELLATOR MMA 263 on July 31, 2021. The champion then continued the onslaught by unleashing a series of brutal unanswered head shots that floored the Brazilian legend.

Moments later as McKee prematurely raised his arms in celebration, Pitbull rose from the depths of defeat only to be greeted by a fighter hell bent on stealing his crown and claiming the $1 million prize. With the 25-time BELLATOR MMA veteran backed up against the fence, MMA’s brightest young brawler locked in a guillotine choke. With Pitbull seeming to lose consciousness, referee Mike Beltran halted matters at 1:57 of the opening frame.

“Hosting the world’s best mixed martial artists in the great city of San Jose is something that has been important to me during my career as a fight promoter and I’m happy to continue that with our card on April 15,” BELLATOR President Scott Coker said. “The rematch between A.J. McKee and Patricio Pitbull for the featherweight title, as well as our Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Final featuring Vadim Nemkov against Corey Anderson are two fights that could headline any event on their own, but we are bringing both to SAP Center at San Jose on the same night to show the fans here that we truly value their support throughout the years.”

A native of Long Beach, Calif., BELLATOR’s top-rated pound-for-pound fighter has exceeded the lofty expectations placed on him since his professional debut three days following his 20^th birthday. Armed with six knockouts and seven submissions, the Team Bodyshop product, who will turn 27 eight days before his rematch against Pitbull, has shown a knack for securing lightning-fast finishes with 10 coming in the first round. “Mercenary” has earned dominant victories over every fighter who has opposed him, including former World Champions Pitbull, Pat Curran, and Darrion Caldwell, who McKee submitted with a rare-modified neck crank that was later dubbed the “McKee-otine.” The winner of the 2020 Submission of the Year Award for his 71-second annihilation of Caldwell has fought a total of 33 rounds across 18 career contests (1.8 rounds per bout), while logging less than 41 total minutes in the BELLATOR cage since turning pro in August 2012.

One half of the vaunted Pitbull Brothers duo, Patricio has long been considered the crown jewel of BELLATOR MMA, where he currently sits at No. 3 in the BELLATOR MMA men’s pound-for-pound rankings. Holding a remarkable 32-5 record with wins over elite competition, including the likes of former World Champions Pat Curran, Juan Archuleta, and Daniel Straus (twice). In 2019, the 34-year-old Brazilian captured the BELLATOR Lightweight World Championship from Michael Chandler, becoming only the second BELLATOR athlete to hold two titles simultaneously. With 23 finishes in 37 professional fights, Pitbull has shown repeatedly that he possesses the well-rounded skillset required to reign over multiple weight classes.

Currently BELLATOR MMA’s second-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, Nemkov captured the BELLATOR MMA light heavyweight crown by defeating Ryan Bader via second-round TKO at BELLATOR MMA 244 in August 2020. Riding a nine-fight winning streak dating back to June 2016, the ferocious 29-year-old sports seven first-round knockouts, with two in the initial minute of action. After successfully defending his light heavyweight belt by earning a tough unanimous decision over Phil Davis, the pride of Belgorod, Russia and Fedor Emelianenko protégé scored a fourth-round submission of late replacement Julius Anglickas in the semifinals of the BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix during his last outing on Oct. 16, 2021.

Anderson, of Robbinsville, N.J., has ascended to the top of the BELLATOR 205-pound rankings by vanquishing seven of his past eight opponents, including a third-round stoppage of Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov at BELLATOR MMA 257 on April 16, 2021. Exactly six months later at BELLATOR MMA 268, the Rockford, Ill., native walked into the cage to the spellbinding sounds of The Doors’ “Five to One,” and took the song title literally by knocking out Arizona State University wrestling legend Ryan Bader in 51 seconds in front of Bader’s hometown crowd at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz. In his first promotional appearance, “Overtime” registered a second-round TKO over Dutch kickboxing legend Melvin Manhoef at BELLATOR MMA 251 in November 2020. Prior to joining BELLATOR, Anderson tallied a 10-5 record with a rival promotion, winning “The Ultimate Fighter 19” tournament in 2014, and boasting impressive wins over Glover Teixeira, Jan Błachowicz and Johnny Walker, among others.

Timeline

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Additional bouts will be announced soon.

BELLATOR 277: McKEE VS. PITBULL 2 MAIN CARD:

Friday, April 15 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Featherweight World Championship: C–A.J. McKee (18-0) vs. No. 1-Patricio Pitbull (15-5)

Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Final: C-Vadim Nemkov (15-2) vs. No. 1-Corey Anderson (16-5)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Heavyweight Bout: No. 5-Tim Johnson (15-8) vs. No. 6-Tyrell Fortune (11-2, 1 NC)

Welterweight Bout: No. 10-Kyle Crutchmer (8-1) vs. Michael Lombardo (12-2, 1 NC)

Welterweight Bout: Shane Keefe (2-0) vs. Tyson Miller (2-0)

140-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Gaston Bolanos (5-3) vs. Cass Bell (5-2)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Apply for BELLATOR media credentials

RSVP for BELLATOR virtual media availabilities

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat., Feb. 19 // BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Mar. 12 // BELLATOR 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis, Mo.

Fri. Apr. 15 // BELLATOR 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2/Nemkov vs. Anderson // SAP Center // San Jose, Calif.

Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The OVO Arena Wembley // London

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Former Title Challenger John Salter Meets Undefeated Johnny Eblen During Main Card of BELLATOR 276 on March 12

February 16, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

TOP FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDERS CAT ZINGANO AND PAM SORENSON WILL BATTLE ON PRELIMINARY CARD, ALONG WITH PIVOTAL WELTERWEIGHT CLASH BETWEEN DEREK ANDERSON VS. GOITI YAMAUCHI

TOP PROSPECTS ROMERO COTTON, CODY LAW, ROMAN FARALDO ALSO SET FOR ACTION

LOS ANGELES – A plethora of fantastic fighters armed with world-title aspirations have joined the stacked BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell card on Saturday, March 12. SHOWTIME will televise the mammoth main card live from inside the Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo., at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Former title challenger and No. 2 ranked-John Salter (18-5), as well as undefeated BELLATOR MMA No. 3-ranked Johnny Eblen (10-0), and women’s No. 2 featherweight Cat Zingano (12-4) hope to take the next step toward BELLATOR MMA gold as they join the four co-headline brawlers currently ranked among the upper echelon of their respective divisions.

Featured among the magnificent MMA melees will be three of the top-ten middleweights, five undefeated and one unblemished amateur, four top-two contenders, and ten fighters ranked along with BELLATOR MMA’s elite.

In the main event of the evening, Adam Borics (17-1) and Mads Burnell (16-3), two featherweights currently tied at No. 2 in the official BELLATOR MMA rankings, will square off for a future shot at the BELLATOR 145-pound world title. In the co-featured bout, former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight Champion, 13-time BELLATOR veteran, and No. 2-ranked Phil Davis (23-6, 1 NC) will open his 2022 campaign against No. 4 Julius Anglickas (10-2), who most recently challenged for the 205-pound title. Additionally, the main card will spotlight an international lightweight extravaganza as undefeated New Alliance Jiu-Jitsu team member Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) of Auckland, New Zealand, moves up in weight to meet Dagestan, Russia’s Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2), who is coming off a first-round knockout in his promotional debut at BELLATOR MMA 263 in July 2021.

Prior to the consequential co-featured contests, a pair of top middleweights will round out the main card as Salter and Eblen square off for a shot at the winner of the upcoming world title bout pitting 185-pound Champion Gegard Mousasi against No. 1-ranked Austin Vanderford at BELLATOR MMA 275 later this month in Dublin, Ireland.

Armed with an 8-2 BELLATOR record, Salter, a 15-year pro MMA veteran out of Nashville, Tenn., holds the promotional record for most submissions in BELLATOR MMA middleweight history, and has stopped 17 of his 23 opponents. Nicknamed “Diamond Hands” due to his love for crypto currency and willingness to hold onto his investments, Eblen is coming off a 71-second annihilation of Collin Huckbody at BELLATOR MMA 272 in December 2021. The six-time BELLATOR MMA veteran and American Top-Team product, who recently signed a six-fight BELLATOR contract extension, has secured six opening-round stoppages, including two of his three 2021 opponents.

In addition to the magnificent main card, a veritable cornucopia of pulsating preliminary punch ups will commence the preeminent night of action, including a Minnesota midwestern melee pitting former UFC title challenger and Winona, Minn., native Zingano against No.7-ranked lightweight Pam Sorenson (9-4) of Blaine, Minn.

Set to make her third straight BELLATOR MMA appearance with aspirations of challenging BELLATOR MMA Women’s Welterweight World Champion Cris Cyborg, Zingano has had a decorated fighting career. The former NCAA Division III All-American wrestler became the first mother to compete in the UFC and initial woman to capture the company’s “Fight of the Night” award, counting victories over Miesha Tate, Amanda Nunes, Marion Reneau, and Gabrielle Holloway. Recently, “Alpha” was featured in the series “Double Duty” that chronicled the attempts to maintain a balance between the daily responsibilities of parenthood and earning a living as a pro athlete.

A former Invicta FC women’s featherweight champion, Sorenson started kickboxing after the passing of her best friend. After vacating her crown and requesting a release from Invicta in July 2021, the Minneapolis mauler signed a multi-fight deal with BELLATOR MMA in mid-2021. Soon after joining the pioneering company, the 35-year-old recorded a hard-fought split decision over Roberta Samad at BELLATOR MMA 264 in Uncasville, Conn.

Also featured will be a bruising brawl pitting two hard-hitting heavyweights with seven career stoppages apiece as No. 8-ranked Alex “Eazy” Polizzi (9-1) of Madison, Wisc., clashes with Team Pitbull’s Jose “Guru” Augusto (7-3, 1 NC). Additionally, San Diego, Calif. native, 11-time BELLATOR MMA veteran, and No. 6-ranked “Barbaric” Derek Anderson (17-4, 1 NC) will mix it up with submission specialist, BELLATOR Brazilian bruiser, and Japanese-born Goiti Yamaguchi (26-5), in a worldwide welterweight war.

Furthermore, added to BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell is a memorable middleweight match pitting undefeated, No. 6-ranked 185-pounder and owner of three consecutive stoppages Romero Cotton (5-0) of Hutchinson, Kansas, who will bravely battle the horrors of “The Boogeyman” Lance Wright (5-2). Moreover, former Division II All-American wrestler and fantastic featherweight Cody Law (5-0), fresh off his third opening-round finish, strives to avoid being scared off by “Phantom” Johnny Soto (5-2) of Escondido, Calif.

Continuing the unforgettable night of amazing action, undefeated welterweight and American Top-Team member Roman Faraldo (6-0) will make his fourth consecutive promotional appearance when he challenges BELLATOR MMA rookie Kelvin Rayford (5-3), while local combatant Jordan Howard (10-5) of Jefferson City hopes to thrill the Missouri faithful against Athens, Illinois’ own Trevor Ward (5-5). Two flyweights will test their skills as well, when Diana Avsaragova (4-0) of Russia welcomes Ashley Deen (5-6) to BELLATOR. Lastly, a Show-Me State lightweight showdown between BELLATOR beginner Dan Busch (4-1) makes his sixth straight Missouri appearance by confronting St. Louis’ Josh Augustine (5-2).

The thrilling preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell are on sale now at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com

BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell Main Card:

Saturday, March 12 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Featherweight Main Event: #2-Adam Borics (17-1) vs. #2-Mads Burnell (16-3)

Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #2-Phil Davis (23-6, 1 NC) vs. #4-Julius Anglickas (10-2)

Middleweight Bout: #2-John Salter (18-5) vs. #3-Johnny Eblen (10-0)

Lightweight Bout: Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Featherweight Bout: #2-Cat Zingano (12-4) vs. #7-Pam Sorenson (9-4)

Light Heavyweight Bout: #8-Alex Polizzi (9-1) vs. Jose Augusto (7-3, 1 NC)

Welterweight Bout: #6-Derek Anderson (17-4-1) vs. Goiti Yamaguchi (26-5)

Middleweight Bout: #6-Romero Cotton (5-0) vs. Lance Wright (5-2)

Flyweight Bout: Diana Avsaragova (4-0) vs. Ashley Deen (5-6)

Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (5-0) vs. Johnny Soto (4-2)

Welterweight Bout: Roman Faraldo (6-0) vs. Kelvin Rayford (5-3)

Bantamweight Bout: Jordan Howard (10-5) vs. Trevor Ward (5-5)

Lightweight Bout: Dan Busch (4-1) vs. Josh Augustine (5-2)

*Card subject to change.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat., Feb. 19 / / BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR MMA 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, IRE

Sat. March 12 // BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis

Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The SSE Arena, Wembley // London

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

TOP-FIVE Welterweights Neiman Gracie & Logan Storley to Headline Bellator 274 Saturday, Feb. 19

February 16, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

FULL CARD CONFIRMED FOR BELLATOR 274 EVENT

AT THE MOHEGAN SUN ARENA IN UNCASVILLE, CONN.

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LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card for BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley this Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. SHOWTIME will televise the phenomenal main card live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Additionally, nine thrilling preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3p.m. PT.

In the main event of the evening, No. 4-ranked Neiman Gracie (11-2) will strap on the BELLATOR gloves for the 12^th consecutive time when he takes on former four-time collegiate All-American wrestler and No. 5-ranked Logan Storley (12-1) in a five-round clash of top-5 welterweights. In the co-featured bout, former BELLATOR Welterweight Champion and No. 9-ranked Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) will return to action and open his 2002 campaign against Alliance MMA product and owner of seven first-round finishes Chance Rencountre (16-4) of Pawhuska, Okla.

The updated and complete listing of bouts can be found below.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley are on sale now at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

BELLATOR MMA 274: GRACIE VS. STORLEY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Feb. 19 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Welterweight Main Event: #4-Neiman Gracie (11-2) vs. #5-Logan Storley (12-1)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: #9-Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs. Chance Rencountre (16-4)

Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (31-12-1) vs. Adam Piccolotti (12-4)

Heavyweight Bout: #8-Davion Franklin (4-0) vs.#9–Said Sowma (8-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Lightweight Bout: Mandel Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) vs. Nick Browne (12-1)

175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Brennan Ward (14-6) vs. Brandon Bell (10-10)

Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (4-0) vs. Chris Disonell (6-4)

Lightweight Bout: #9-Aviv Gozali (6-0) vs. Bobby King (10-4)

Flyweight Bout: #7-DeAnna Bennett (11-7-1) vs. Justine Kish (7-4)

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (3-0) vs. Cody Herbert (2-0)

Lightweight Bout: Justin Montalvo (4-0) vs. Corey Samuels (3-2)

Featherweight Bout: Isaiah Hokit (0-1) vs. Theodore Macuka (1-2)

Welterweight Bout: Orlando Mendoza (0-1) vs. Jonathan Di Lorenzo (1-0)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat., Feb. 19 // BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Sat. March 12 // BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis

Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The OVO Arena Wembley // London

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF CELEBRATES TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH RIVETING FIGHT NIGHT IN PORTLAND; RETURN TO L/A AREA ANNOUNCED

February 16, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Portland, Maine (February 13, 2022) – One new champion and one successful title defense in the amateur ranks and one stunning reversal of fortune at the professional level highlighted New England Fights’ 10-year anniversary card Saturday night.

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” was a jam-packed, 15-fight fusillade before another sold-out, energetic crowd at Aura in Portland, Maine.

Mike Murray and Zach Faulkner thrilled those fans with an early “Fight of the Year” candidate in their brouhaha for the vacant 170-pound title. Murray (4-2) applied the lessons he learned in prior losses to Zac Richard and Tim Birkenhead at NEF 40 and 41, respectively, by rallying for a split decision victory over Faulkner (4-2).

On the heels of a unanimous win on the scorecards in his most recent fight, Faulkner set the tone with a thunderous slam in the opening round. He fought out of a guillotine attempt in the second stanza and bounced back from a pair of early Murray takedowns to inflict a fair share of punishment in the third.

Murray turned momentum in his direction by landing a bundle of bombs in round four, and Faulkner’s takedown late in the fifth likely wasn’t enough to seal the deal after Murray connected with a series of body punches.

The other title bout took much less time and left far less to interpretation. Tyler Smythe (4-1) was authoritative in his first defense of the 125-pound strap, dispatching Ryan Burgess (3-3) via rear naked choke at 2:37 of the opening round.

Burgess ended a four-year layoff from the NEF hexagon to challenge Smythe, who won the title with a technical knockout of Caleb Austin.

He pushed the issue early, but Smythe turned the tables on that aggression by throwing Burgess to the mat. Burgess’ attempt at a retaliatory armbar failed, and Smythe ultimately locked in a guillotine choke that ended his night.

In a highlight among the five professional bouts, Carl Langston – winless in six prior pro bouts after an extensive amateur career – avenged his most recent defeat with a rear naked choke of Zac Richard.

The end came 81 seconds after the opening bell, when Richard (1-1), a past NEF amateur champion and decorated wrestler, went for a takedown. He initially succeeded but gave up his back and fell victim to the choke.

Both fighters accepted the 140-pound bout on only a few days’ notice after their initial opponents became unavailable. Richard lowered the boom on Langston with a knockout at 3:52 of the first round in his pro debut back in November.

Langston, who went 7-9 as an amateur and took four of his six pro conquerors to the scorecards, promised a different outcome in his pre-fight remarks, and he delivered.

Aaron Lacey of Bangor, Maine, making his first appearance in the cage since September 2018, improved to 7-2 in the pro main event with a second-round technical knockout to strikes over Bronx bomber and Bellator veteran Jerome Mickle (4-12). In an emotional moment to end the night, Mickle announced his retirement after nearly nine years of cage competition.

Lacey took advantage of an early takedown to dominate the first round of the 155-pound showcase, then ramped up his ground-and-pound assault to another level in the second chapter before the referee waved off the proceedings at 1:42.

In the sole women’s fight on the card, crowd-pleasing Glory Watson (2-1) continued her winning ways with a rear naked choke of previously undefeated Alibeth Milliron (2-1) at 2:23 of the second round in their 115-pound tussle.

Both women landed early haymakers, with Watson’s facial expressions indicating she was anything but hurt. She further demonstrated that point by taking Milliron to the canvas and narrowly running out of time in her first attempt to turn out the lights.

Milliron made more overtures with the stand-up game in round two. A quick takedown and a series of punches gave Watson another opportunity for the choke, however, and she sealed the deal.

In a battle of two 140-pounders making their pro debut, Nate Grimard exercised top control throughout and breezed to a unanimous decision over Anthony Vasta. Grimard’s success as a pro comes as no surprise to fans. He is a former NEF Amateur Featherweight Champion who put together a record of 4-1 in the amateur ranks.

Mohammad Al Kinani also enjoyed a victorious dive into the pro waters, needing only 42 seconds to dismiss Chris Rooney (0-2) via strikes at 155. Al Kinani countered Rooney’s early kick with a flurry, dropping Rooney and subjecting him to another barrage that hastened the stoppage.

First Class MMA stablemates Cody Kilton and Justin Kangas passed muster with the judges in back-to-back amateur bouts.

Kilton (2-1) carved out a unanimous decision over Kaleb Kenney (0-2) at 155. Kangas (1-3) tasted victory for the first time with a split decision verdict at the expense of Jon Assam (2-4). Kangas kept control on the ground through the second and third rounds to put the long-awaited mark in the left-hand column of his ledger.

Three amateur bouts featured the rookie outing for both combatants.

Mike Jolicoeur used an arm triangle to take care of business against Will Smith at 145. In a 125-pound collision, Key Baltazar locked in a rear naked choke at 1:33 of the second round against Quinn Poirier. Baltazar’s team, Nostos MMA, was an undefeated 3-0 at “NEF 46.” Jack Burke punctuated his win over Nick Legrande with a brutal knockout blow at 1:25 of the opening frame in their 265-pound rumble.

Curtis Ouellette (2-3) spoiled Christopher Smith’s debut with a TKO via accumulation of strikes in round three.

Two other amateur scraps produced first-round finishes. Jeff Reynolds (3-2) won by rear naked choke over David McCarty (1-1) at 185, and Ben Grady (3-0) kept his record spotless when Brandon Maillet-Fevens (3-3) couldn’t continue after injuring his arm while blocking a kick. Reynolds’ win gave his team of Karasu Tengu Academy a perfect record of 2-0 on the night.

The quick results from Portland, Maine:

PROFESSIONAL MMA

Aaron Lacey def. Jerome Mickle via TKO (round two)

Carl Lagston def. Zac Richard via rear-naked choke (round one)

Glory Watson def. Alibeth Milliron via rear-naked choke (round two)

Nathaniel Grimard def. Anthony Vasta via unanimous decision

Mohammad Al Kinani def. Chris Rooney via TKO (round one)

AMATEUR MMA

Mike Murray def. Zach Faulkner via unanimous decision

Tyler Smythe def. Ryan Burgess via guillotine (round one)

Mike Jolicoeur def. Will Smith via arm triangle (round one)

Key Baltazar def. Quinn Poirier via rear-naked choke (round two)

Jack Burke def. Nick Legrande via KO (round one)

Jeff Reynolds def. David McCarty via rear-naked choke (round one)

Ben Grady def. Brandon Maillet-Fevens via TKO (round one)

Cody Kilton def. Kaleb Kenney via unanimous decision

Justin Kangas def. Jon Assam via split decision

Curtis Ouellette def. Christopher Smith via TKO (round three)

NEF announced that it will return to the Twin Cities for its next installment. “NEF 47: Good Friends, Better Enemies” will pit Lewiston-Auburn mainstays Jesse Erickson and Matthew Denning in the main event. The card is scheduled for Saturday, April 30 at Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn, Maine. For more details or to get your seats now, go to newenglandfights.com/tickets.

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