‘SMOOTH’ BENSON HENDERSON TAKES ON THE RETURNING ROGER ‘EL MATADOR’ HUERTA IN NEW MAIN EVENT
BELLATOR KICKBOXING 9 MAIN EVENT REVEALED
LOS ANGELES – Due to an undisclosed injury, James Gallagher’s highly anticipated return to the Bellator cage will be delayed.
As a result, the new headliner for Bellator’s third event in Budapest, Hungary on Friday, April 6, will feature former world champion Benson Henderson (24-8) in a lightweight matchup against Roger Huerta (24-9-1, 1 NC), who returns to Bellator for the first time since 2010. Gallagher’s opponent, Hungary’s Adam Borics (6-0), will remain on the card and take on the undefeated Manuel Gaxhja (6-0) in the featherweight co-main event. In addition, Bellator 196 will also feature a flyweight contest pitting Bellator women’s 125-pound kickboxing champion Denise Kielholtz (1-1) versus Lena Ovchynnikova (12-5, 1 NC) and a featherweight battle between SBG Ireland’s Brian Moore (10-6) and Giorgio Belsanti (7-6-1).
With marquee victories over Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone (x2), Frankie Edgar (x2), Gilbert Melendez and Jorge Masvidal, Glendale, Ariz.’s “Smooth” Benson Henderson looks to add another name to his already-impressive resume. The former UFC and WEC champ owns a win over a Patricio “Pitbull” inside the Bellator cage and is looking to make a statement on his way back to title contention when he meets Roger Huerta on April 6 in Budapest, Hungary. Fighting out of Austin, Texas, the 34-year-old Los Angeles native returns to Bellator for the first time since facing Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 33. The first MMA fighter to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Huerta’s entertaining fight style saw him memorably defeat Clay Guida and Leonard Garcia. Now, fresh off of two consecutive victories, “El Matador” is not shying away from elite competition for his first fight of 2018.
The April 6 card at BOK Hall will also feature world-class kickboxing action, as Bellator Kickboxing returns for another great night of fights. In the main event, Raymond Daniels (33-3) defends his welterweight crown against Djibril Ehouo (38-9-2) of France, while the undefeated Jorina Baars (44-0-3) returns to face Julie Burton (7-1) at 145-pounds. Additionally, fan-favorite Alexy Ignashov (85-21) will compete in a heavyweight matchup.
Bellator 196: Henderson vs. Huerta will be broadcast Friday, April 6 free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Bellator Kickboxing 9 will air immediately following at 11 p.m. ET/10 p.m. CT.Tickets for the event are on sale now and are available at www.Bellator.hu.
Updated Bellator 196: Henderson vs. Huerta Fight Card:
Lightweight Main Event: Benson Henderson (24-8) vs. Roger Huerta (24-9-1, 1 NC)
Featherweight Co-Main Event: Adam Borics (6-0) vs. Manuel Gaxhja (6-0)
Women’s Flyweight Main Card Bout: Denise Kielholtz (1-1) vs. Lena Ovchynnikova (12-5, 1 NC)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Brian Moore (10-6) vs. Giorgio Belsanti (7-6-1)
Updated Bellator Kickboxing 9 Fight Card:
Welterweight World Title Bout: Raymond Daniels (33-3) vs. Djibril Ehouo (38-9-2)
Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Alexy Ignashov (85-21) vs. TBD
Women’s Featherweight Main Card Bout: Jorina Baars (44-0-3) vs. Julie Burton (7-1)
*Card subject to change.
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