CAPE TOWN – June 2, 2025 – The Professional Fighters League has finalized the lineup for the upcoming PFL Cape Town event, marking the debut of MMA in Africa with the continent’s first-ever global MMA event. Set for Saturday, July 19 at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town, South Africa, this landmark event marks a groundbreaking moment in PFL’s global expansion.
The event will feature the launch of the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament with First Round matchups in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions, each featuring an eight-man bracket. In addition to the tournament bouts, the evening will be headlined by five high-stakes PFL Champions Series fights featuring elite global talent.
Tickets for this landmark event are on sale now via Ticketpro.
At 145-pounds, former Bellator Featherweight World ChampionAJ “Mercenary” McKee(22-2) returns to the SmartCage againstAkhmed Magomedov (11-1), a rising Russian star and protégé of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Also confirmed is a Heavyweight Showcase featuring current Light Heavyweight World ChampionCorey anderson (18-6) moving up a division to face 2024 PFL Heavyweight ChampionDenis Goltsov (36-8).
Artur Zaynukov(16-4) returns to the PFL following an impressive showing at Battle of the Giants, aiming to extend his win streak to six. He will meet RIZIN veteranTakeshi Izumi (6-3) of Japan, a decorated wrestler who earned a unanimous decision win over Spike Carlyle in his most recent outing.
These marquee matchups round out an already stacked PFL Champions Series card, showcasing some of the world’s top MMA talent on African soil. Headlining the evening is undefeated Middleweight World ChampionJohnny “Pressure” Eblen(16-0), who puts his perfect record and title on the line against Spain’s surging contenderCostello “The Spaniard” van Steenis (16-3). Haddii ay dhacdo in co-weyn, Women’s Flyweight phenom“Dangerous” Dakota Ditcheva (14-0), widely considered one of the top pound-for-pound female fighters in MMA, faces Hawaii’s elite strikerSumiko “Lady Samurai” Inaba (8-1) in a thrilling penultimate bout.
The PFL Cape Town event bilaabantaa 4:30 PM SAST / 10:30 AM ESTwith the PFL Africa portion of the card, followed byPFL Champions Series, taas oo ka bilaabantaa 8:30 PM SAST / 2:30 PM EST.A U.S. broadcast partner will be announced shortly.
Complete PFL Champions Series Card: Saturday, July 19 – 8:30 PM SAST / 2:30 PM EST
Middleweight World Championship Main Event:Johnny Eblen(16-0) vs.Costello van Steenis (16-3)
Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event:Dakota Ditcheva (14-0) vs. Sumiko Inaba(8-1)
Featherweight Showcase Bout:AJ McKee (22-2) vs. Akhmed Magomedov (11-1)
Lightweight Showcase Bout:Artur Zaynukov (16-4) vs. Takeshi Izumi(6-3)
Heavyweight Showcase Bout:Corey anderson (18-6) vs. Denis Goltsov (36-8)
Complete PFL Africa Card: SuperSport (Africa – English) | Canal+ (Africa – Faransiiska) DAZN (France, UK & Ireland) Saturday, July 19 – 4:30 PM SAST / 10:30 AM EST
Bantamweight First Round Bout: Nkosi Ndebele (8-3) vs. Mahmoud Atef(5-2)
Heavyweight First Round Bout:Maxwell Djantou Nana(6-1) vs. Mikael Groguhe (6-2)
Bantamweight First Round Bout:Shannon Van Tonder (7-2) vs.Boule Godogo (3-0)
Heavyweight First Round Bout:Jashell Ticha Awa (3-1) vs. Justin Clarke (2-0)
Bantamweight First Round Bout:Antero Dos Santos (5-0) vs. Karim Henniene(4-0)
Heavyweight First Round Bout:Abdoullah Kane (3-0) vs. Mohammed Ben Yahia (9-4)
Bantamweight First Round Bout:Simbarashe Hokonya (5-0) vs. Alain Majorique (5-0)
Heavyweight First Round Bout:Abraham Bably(5-2) vs. Badredinne Medkouri (7-2)
Showcase Women’s Strawweight Bout:Juliet Ukah (6-0) vs. Ceileigh Niedermayr(3-2)###
Horyaalka Adduunka ee aan laga fiirsanA.J. Mckee Si loo difaaco Beartor Mma 145-rodol oo ah hanashada horyaalka adduunka & Laba-qaybood oo horyaal ahPitricio pitbull
205-Tuhunka PoundVadim Jarmalka In la dagaalamo kaalinta koowaadCorey anderson Loogu tala-galay $1 Mill Abaalmarin ka dhex taal Bellotor Cool Khatarta Dunida Khatarta Grand Priz
Bellotor 277 U dejiso Jimcaha, APRIL 15, AT 10 P.M. ET / 7 P.M. PTKu noolow waqtiga show-ga gudaha Xarunta SAP ee San Jose, Message.
Tigidhada iibka Jimcaha
Los Angeles (Feb. 16, 2022) -Laba ka mid ah bandhiga horyaallada adduunka ee ugu sareeya.. Afar ka mid ah Bellotor MMA ee ugu fiican-rodol-rodol-rodol. Hal saxaafadda sare ee la filayo. Ciyaartoyda ugu weyn ee xayeysiinta waqtiga ugu weyn ee ku dadaalaya inuu ka aargudayo luminta iftiinka ugu sarreeya ee dib-u-dhiska shirkadda 'Placewn superstar'. Tartanka Fikirka Fikirka Abaalmarinta Toddoba-Sawir Jackpot ah Victor.
Kaarka Dagaal ee Afaraad ee Labaad ee Iftiinka 2022 ballanqaadyo inuu noqdo mid ka mid ah da'da.
Fresh Frease Burburkii 117-ka-labaad ee ka soo horjeedda soo socda iyo sheegashada $1 Milyan Fadliga oo ku sugan bellotor Mma Ferathiright World Prik Finale, aan laga badin beltor pellwether worlder worlderA.J. McKee (18-0) Waxaan rajeynayaa inuu u qaado talaabada xigta ee ku saabsan inuu noqdo dagaalyahankii ugu weynaa isboorti isagoo ku dagaalamaya dagaalo hore ee rodolkiisii hore ee Ronol-rodol iyo labo-qeybinPatricio Pitbull (32-5) Markii labaad in ka yar sagaal bilood Jimcaha, April 15, at10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT ku nool yihiin SHOWTIME.
Ciyaarta ka muuqataBELLATOR 277: Mckee vs. Pitbull 2 Xarunta SAP ee San Jose, Message., Jaranjarada 205-rodol ee MMA horyaalnimadaVadim Nemkov (15-2) difaaci doona cinwaankiisa markii saddexaad oo ujeedadiisu tahay inuu guriga ka qaado $1 Mill abaalmarin saddex maalmood ka hor u.s. Maalinta Canshuuraha Markuu Squares ka soo horjeedo ma jiro. 1-tartamaya kaalintaCorey anderson(16-5)ee blatorator mma khafiifka culus ee dunida culayska culus.
Qiimaha tikidhadaBeltor Mma 277: Mckee vs. Pitbull 2 Iibka Tag Jimcaha, Feb. 18 LabadabaTicketmaster.com iyoBellator.com Iyada oo la raacayo qaabab gaar ah oo laga bilaabayo maalinta ka hor.
Intaa waxaa dheer, Afar Good ah oo hordhac ah ayaa lagu dhawaaqay oo ay ku jiraan isbarbardhiga afka ah ee u dhexeeya laba si aad u culus oo miisaan culus ah oo aan ahayn. 5-kaalintaTim Johnson (15-8) wajiga wax yar. 6-kaalintaTylell nasiib(11-2, 1 NC) Meel laga soo galoBELLATOR 239. Dagaalkoodii ugu horreeyay ayaa ku dhammaaday Johnson xaqiijinta guushii ay sii waday tixgelin weyn 2020 Koreys sanadka. Bixinta hordhaca ah waxay ku noolaan doontaa seddex saacadood ka hor7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on blatorator Mma Youtube kanaalka, Show Edusit Sports YouTube Channel iyo TV TV.
Ciyaartoodii ugu horreeyay ee bilowga ah ee madasha ku taal godka Ingled, Message., McKele ayaa la yaabay in uu ku soo degay ciqaabta lugta bidix ee lugta bidix madaxa 1:40 ee Stanza furitaanka atBeltor Mma 263on July 31, 2021. Horyaalka ayaa markaa ku sii waday qulqulka iyadoo la xayeysiisto iyada oo aan la xareyneyso taxane ah rasaas aan si xun u xarixin oo ay dabaqsanaadeen halyeeyga reer Brazil.
Daqiiqado ka dib markii Mckee uu gacmihiisii si ka mid ah gacmihiisa ku soo dejiyey dabaaldega, Pitbull ka soo kacay qoto dheer ee guuldaradii kaliya waa in lagu salaamaa cadaabta dagaal ee foorarsata inay xadaan taajkiisa oo ay sheegtaan $1 Milyan abaalmarin. Markii uu jiro 25-jeer ee Beltor Mma ayaa taageeray xayndaabka, MMA ugu iftiimaya ee yar yar ee dhalisay ee ku xidhan guntitine choke. Oo ay la socdaan PitBull oo umuuqda mid lumaya, Garsoore Mike Peltran ayaa joojiyay arrimaha at 1:57 yiilleen furitaanka.
"Marti-gelinta farshaxanka ugu wanaagsan ee adduunka ee magaalada San Jose waa wax muhiim ii ah intii aan ku gudajiray shaqadeyda oo aan ku faraxsanahay in aan ku sii wado arintaas Abriil 15," Madaxweynaha Bellotor Scott ayaa yiri. "Dib-u-habeyn u dhexeysa A.J. Mckee iyo Patricio Pumpull oo loogu tala galay horyaalka Featherweanta, iyo sidoo kale adduunkeena culus ee qarka u weyn ee qadka dhexe ee ciyaarta ee muuqaalka weyn ee Vadim Nemkov ee ka dhanka ah Corey Anderson ayaa ah labo dagaal oo cinwaankooda ah, Laakiin waxaan u soo qaadaneynaa labadaba sareeyo SAP San Jose isla isla maalintaas si aan u tusno taageerayaasha halkan oo aan si dhab ah u qiimeyno taageeradooda sannadihii oo dhan.”
Hooyo xeeb dheer, Message., Dagaalyahankii Round-round-round-round ayaa dhaaftay rajooyinka dhaadheer ee la saaray isaga tan iyo kulankiisii ugu horeysay ee xirfadiisa seddex maalmood ka dib 20th dhalashadiisa. Ku hubaysan lix guntin iyo todobo soo gudbinta, Alaabta Companshop-ka kooxda, kuwaas oo noqon doona 27 sideed maalmood ka hor intaanu demi ka soo gaarin PitBull, waxay muujisay lugta oo ay ku sugan tahay sugida hillaaca 10 Imaatinka wareegga koowaad. "Qabanqaade" ayaa kasbatay guulo badan oo ka sarreeya dagaalyahan kasta oo ka soo horjeeday, oo ay ku jiraan pitbull horyaalkii hore ee adduunka, Pat Curran, iyo Drion Caldwell, YCKEE KU SAABSAN MCKEES CLASS XULASHADA MADAXWEYNE EE LAGU SAMEEYAY IN AY KA SAMEEYSAA "MCKEE-OTINE." Ku guuleystaha 2020 Soo gudbinta abaalmarinta sanadka ee ku saabsan baabi'inta 71-ka-labaad ee baabi'inta Caldwell waxay la dagaallantay wadarta 33 wareegyada guud 18 Tartanka Xirfadaha (1.8 wareegyada halkii), In kasta oo ay ka yaraanayaan wax ka yar 41 Isugeyn daqiiqado ka mid ah qafiska Barator ee ka dib markii loo beddelay Pro bishii Ogosto 2012.
Kala badh ka mid ah bowdada wanaaga ee masterbull, Patricio waxaa muddo dheer loo tixgaliyay in dahabiga ah ee 'Bele peltor Mma', halkaasoo uu hadda fadhiyo maya. 3 Darajada Bellotor Mma Dacwerka Pound-rodol. Qabashada wax cajiib ah 32-5 Rikoor ku saabsan guulaha tartan rasmi ah, oo ay ku jiraan kuwa ka mid ah kuwa la mid ah kuwa hore ee kooxda heysata horyaalka adag ee kooxda Pat Curran, Juan Arcleta, Daanyeel Stuus (laba jeer). In 2019, 34-jirka reer Brazil ee reer Brazil ayaa qabtay ciyaaryahanka garabka uga ciyaara kooxda Bellocher ee khamiirka ciyaariyahanka adduunka ee Michael Chandler, Noqoshada ciyaartooydii labaad ee Bell Metor-ka inuu isku mar qabto laba koob isku mar. Iyadoo 23 ku dhammeeyaan 37 dagaal xirfad, Pitbull ayaa si isdaba joog ah u muujisay inuu leeyahay xirfadaha si fiican ugu wareegsan ee looga baahan yahay inuu xukumo fasallo miisaan badan.
Waqtigan xaadirka ah ee loo yaqaan 'Benator MMA' ee Daan-maroodi ee Daar Dabayaajada, Nemkov wuxuu qabtay blator Mma taaj culusi culus oo culus isagoo ka adkaanaya Ryan Badder iyada oo loo marayo wareega labaad ee TKOBeltor Mma 244 Bishii Agoosto 2020 2016, Ciyaartoyda 29-sano jirka ah ee ciyaaraha ayaa todobadii wareega ugu horreeyay ee wareega wareega wareega, oo leh laba daqiiqada ugu horeysa ee ficil. Ka dib markii ay si guul leh u difaacday suunkiisii khafiifka ah ee qafiifka ah ee uu kasbaday go'aan adag oo isku mid ah Phil Davis, kibirka Belgor, Russia iyo Felian Emeliancé ayaa dhaliyay goolkiisii afaraad ee wareega dambe ee Julius Anglius Anglickas ee semi-finalka Bellotor Strifity Strifightrive Well Prix inta lagu gudajiray Oct. 16, 2021.
Anderson, ee Robbinsville, N.J., ayaa u soo baxay dusha sare ee qiimeynta beltor 205-rodol iyadoo lagu dhawaaqayo toddobo ka mid ah sideedii qof ee soo horjeeday, oo ay ku jiraan joojinta wareega saddexaad ee loo yaqaan 'dvletdzhan yagshimuradov'Beltor Mma 257 on April 16, 2021. Waa sax lix bilood ka dibBeltor Mma 268, Rockford, Jirrado., Dhaladka u dhex galay qafiska dhawaqa dhawaaqa albaabka albaabada "shan ilaa mid,"Oo wuxuu qaatay galka heesta suulka gacanta si dhab ah u garaacaya Arizona Jaamacadda Arizona State Legend Ryan Ryan Bader gudaha 51 ilbidhiqsiyo hortiisa ee boqolaal ee magaalada Bader ee badhtamaha fiidka ee Phoenix, Ariz. Muuqaalkiisii ugu horreeyay ee xayeysiinta koowaad, "Waqti dheeri ah" ayaa ka diiwaangashan wareega labaad ee TKO ee kubadyada Dutch-ka ee lugta ee Melvin Manhof atBeltor Mma 251 ee November 2020. Kahor intaadan ku biirin blator, Anderson oo dheereeya a 10-5 Ku diiwaan geli xayeysiinta iska soo horjeeda, Ku guuleysiga "dagaalyahankii ugu dambaysa ee 19ka" Tartanka " 2014, oo ku faanaya guul aaddan oo aad u wanaagsan oo ka dhasha glaver Teixeira, Jan Błachowicz iyo Johnny Walker, kuwo kale.
Roonaadaan dheeraad ah ugu dhakhsaha badan lagu dhawaaqi doono.
BELLATOR 277: Mckee vs. Pitbull 2KAARKA MAIN:
Friday, April 15 - Ku noolaadaSHOWTIME
10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
Horyaalka Adduunka ee Featherweanta: C–A.J. McKee (18-0) vs. maya. 1-Patricio Pitbull (15-5)
Dunida ugu culus ee qafiifka ah ee ganaax culus: C-Vadim Nemkov (15-2) vs. Ha. 1-Corey anderson (16-5)
KAARKA hordhac ah:
Bellotor Mma Youtube kanaalka | Show ESTOME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV
7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
Saadaalinayaa in xumad: Ha. 5-Tim Johnson(15-8) vs. maya. 6-Tylell nasiib(11-2, 1 NC)
Welterweight xumad: Ha. 10-Kyle Chatchmer(8-1) vs.Michael Lombardo(12-2, 1 NC)
Welterweight xumad: Shane kefe(2-0) vs.Tyson Miller (2-0)
LOS ANGELES – Maanta, BELLATOR officials confirmed a must-see main event pitting hard-hitting heavyweightsCheick Kongo (30-11-2) iyo Sergei Kharitonov (32-8) against one another topsBeltor Mma 265 on Friday, August 20 from the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. and airs live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
The card has also confirmed top featherweights No. 3 Adam Borics (17-1) iyo No. 4 Jay-Jay Wilson(8-0) will meet for the right to face the winner of the BELLATOR Featherweight World Grand Prix Final betweenPatricio “Pitbull”(32-4) iyo AJ McKee (17-0), which takes place on Saturday, July 31.
Tickets for the event go on sale this Thursday at 10 a.m. CT and are available at Sanford Pentagon Box Office & Ticketmaster.
The preliminary portion ofBeltor Mma 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov currentlyfeatures a flyweight bout pitting No.5-rankedAlejandra Lara (9-4) ka dhanka ah DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1) and willbegin at 6:00 p.m. IYO / 3:00 p.m. PT and stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, Show Edusit Sports YouTube Channel iyo TV TV. Additional preliminary bouts will be announced in the near future.
Holding an impressive MMA record of 30-11-2, 1 NC, Ha. 3-ranked Cheick Kongo returns to action for the first time since headlining the first-ever major MMA event in his native France last October. The former kickboxer remains a force to be reckoned with and holds records for the most fights (16) and wins (12) in BELLATOR heavyweight history. With high-profile victories overVitaly Minakov, Mirko Cro Cop, Antoni Hardonk, and Matt Mitrione, the Parisian is keen to pad his current promotional records, set new ones, and earn his shot at BELLATOR gold.
The man nicknamed “The Paratrooper,” Kharitonov is the owner of an equally notable MMA resume, with the Russian scoring vicious wins against some of the sport’s marquee names, such as Fabricio Werdum, Andrei Arlovski, Pedro Rizzo, Murilo “Ninja” Rua, Matt Mitrione, and Alistair Overeem. Hadda, fresh off two championship victories on the regional circuit, Kharitonov returns to the BELLATOR cage with the intention of climbing the heavyweight rankings and asserting himself as a BELLATOR title contender.
28-year-old Hungarian Adam “The Kid” Borics has won 17 of 18 fights to begin his professional career, bouncing back from his only loss with three straight victories. Training out of South Florida’s Sanford MMA gym, Borics has firmly established himself as a true threat to anyone in the 145-pound division, where he is currently ranked third.
Undefeated in his first eight fights as a professional, New Zealand’s Wilson has won in style, accumulating six finishes in those eight wins. Following a split decision win against Tywan Claxton, Wilson scored a violent knockout of Sergio DeBari, then followed that victory up with an equally vicious spinning backfist stoppage over SBG’s Pedro Carvalho in April. The Kiwi fighter will be looking to secure a high-stakes victory over Borics with a world title shot awaiting the winner.
# # #
Beltor Mma 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov Card Main: SHOWTIME Friday, August 20 - 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Heavyweight Main Event: #3-Cheick Kongo (30-11-2) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (32-8) Featherweight No. 1 Contender’s Bout: #3-Adam Borics(17-1) vs. #4-Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0)
Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the TroopsCard Main:
Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7) was cancelled by the Hawaii State Boxing Commission deeming Barnett unable to compete tonight due to severe illness
Toby Misech(12-7) adkaaday Erik Perez(19-7) via Ko (qaad) at 0:54 ka mid ah wareega
Alejandra Lara (9-3) adkaaday Veta Artega(5-3) via go'aan loo dhan yahay (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Tywan Claxton (6-1) adkaaday Braydon Akeo (3-1) via go'aan loo dhan yahay (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Joey Davis(7-0) adkaaday Chris Cisneros (19-11) via TKO (qaad) at 3:55 ka mid ah wareega
Card hordhac ah:
Hunter Ewald (1-0) adkaaday Brysen Bolohao (0-2)via soo gudbinta (gadaal qaawan ceejiya) at 1:42 ka mid ah wareega
Joseph Creer (7-1-1) adkaaday Ty Gwerder (4-1) via go'aan loo dhan yahay (30-27, 30-27, 29-26)
Gambal (5-0) adkaaday Pierre Daguzan(5-4, 1 NC) via go'aan loo dhan yahay (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
JOSH BARNETT AND RONNY MARKES HEADLINEBELLATOR & THE USO PRESENT: SALUTE THE TROOPSJimcadii, DEC. 20
BELLATOR 236 Sabtidii, DEC. 21 SEES ILIMA-LEI MACFARLANE DEFEND HER WORLD TITLE AGAINST KATE JACKSON
Los Angeles– The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s return to Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii this Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21 is official with a stacked doubleheader featuring something for every mixed martial arts fan.
Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troopswill air on Paramount Network on Friday, December 20 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The entire event will also stream on DAZN, while preliminary bouts will stream onBellator.com, DAZNand globally on theBellator Mobile App.
Bellator 236: Macfarlane vs. Jackson –one of the star-powered, year-end highlights of fight season on DAZN – will stream Saturday, December 21 live exclusively onDAZN at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream onBellator.com, DAZNand globally on theBellator Mobile App.
The main event of Friday’s card on Paramount Network will see a heavyweight headliner, featuring the Bellator debuts of former world championJosh Barnett (35-8) iyo Ronny Markes (19-7). Rounding out the stacked main card will see another Bellator debut, sida Erik Perez(19-6) enters the cage to meet Hawaii’s ownToby Misech (11-7), former flyweight No. 1 U Tartami Alejandra Lara (8-3) iyo veta Arteaga (5-3) return to action and Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix participantTywan Claxton (5-1) takes on the undefeated prospect out of Maili, Hawaii, Braydon Akeo (3-0). Sidoo kale, undefeated teammate of A.J. McKee Joey Davis (6-0) returns to the Bellator cage when he faces the “Big Island’s” 29-fight MMA veteran, Chris Cisneros (19-10).
The prelims forBellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troopswill feature an appearance from undefeated Bay Area-fighter fighterGambal (4-0), as well as undefeated Hawaiian prospectTy Gwerder (4-0).
A mere 24-hours later, Bellator 236 will take place exclusively on DAZN and will be headlined by a flyweight world title bout between Honolulu’sIlima-Lei MacFarlane (10-0) iyo England ee Kate Jackson (11-3-1). The co-main event is a quarterfinal matchup of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix withA.J. McKee (15-0)qaadashada on Derek Fields (20-9.).
Waxaa intaa dheer, recently signed Bellator welterweightJason Jackson (10-4) ee Hollywood, Fla. returns to the Bellator cage on short notice to take onKiichi Kunimotoof Osaka, Japan. Juliana Velasquez (9-0) looks to remain undefeated with Bellator when she meetsBruna Ellen (10-6) at flyweight, while local Hawaiian standoutsCheyden Leialoha(7-1) iyo Nainoa Dung (3-0) go to battle againstModot rauushen (12-1) iyoZach Zane (13-9), siday u kala horreeyaan, to complete the main card.
Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the TroopsCard Main:
Shabakada 'Paramount Network' & DAZN
10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT/5 p.m. HST
Heavyweight Main Event:Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7)
Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Toby Misech(11-7) vs. Erik Perez(19-6)
Flyweight Main Card Bout: Alejandra Lara (8-3) vs. Veta Artega(5-3)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Tywan Claxton (5-1) vs. Braydon Akeo (3-0)
Welterweight Main Card Bout: Joey Davis(6-0) vs. Chris Cisneros (19-10)
Card hordhac ah:
DAZN, Bellator.com & the Bellator Mobile App
8:45 p.m. IYO / 7:45 p.m. CT/3:45 p.m. HST
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Gambal (4-0) vs. Pierre Daguzan(5-3, 1 NC)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Ty Gwerder (4-0) vs.Joseph Creer (6-1-1)
JOSH BARNETT MAKES HIS BELLATOR DEBUT AGAINST RONNY MARKES IN HEAVYWEIGHT MAIN EVENT ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK
LOS ANGELES –To honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, Bellator MMA has once again partnered with the USO to present a special live event free for the troops, along with their friends and families, on Friday, December 20. Emanating from Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii, this unique show will be headlined by a heavyweight bout featuring the Bellator debuts of “The Warmaster”Josh Barnett (35-8) iyo Ronny Markes (19-7).
For a second year, the USO and Bellator team up to honor the men and women who fight for our freedom and to bring entertainment and a piece of home to service members based in Hawaii during the holiday season. Tani Salute the Troopsevent will bring Bellator athletes and personalities to the military community and provide a live free event as a thank you for their sacrifices and dedication to our country, especially for those who are separated from family and home during the holidays. Much like last year, Bellator and the USO will also partner for a week of special events in Hawaii leading up to the big weekend of exciting fights on December 20 iyo 21.
As the leading military support organization, the USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. This holiday season, hundreds of thousands of service members will remain on duty, away from home. The USO, through its programs, services and entertainment tours, is committed to bringing a piece of home to our nation’s service men and women. MMA fans and military supporters can help keep troops strong and connected to home by visitingwww.USO.org/Holidaysand by using the hashtag#USOHolidayswhen sharing how they have helped the USO’s critical mission to make the holidays special for our military heroes.
Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troopswill air on Paramount Network on Friday, December 20 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The entire event will also stream on DAZN, while preliminary bouts will stream onBellator.comand globally on theBellator Mobile App. Details for exclusive ticket distribution will be announced in the coming days.
This unforgettable night will be part of an historic weekend culminating with the previously announcedBellator Hawaii: Macfarlane vs. Jackson on Saturday, December 21. This highly-anticipated fight card includes undefeated Bellator women’s flyweight champIlima-Lei MacFarlanedefending her title againstKate Jackson, iyo A.J. McKee qaadashada on Derek Fieldsin a quarterfinal matchup of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix.
After signing with Bellator in April, former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett will make his return to MMA competition for the first time since 2016. A second-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Barnett has remained prevalent in the combat sports realm, competing in jiu-jitsu events, promoting and performing at his own professional wrestling shows and working as a color commentator for New Japan Pro Wrestling. Barnett is no stranger to the devoted MMA fanbase in Hawaii, fighting for regional Hawaiian promotion Superbrawl in 1999 iyo 2000, a stint that included three fights in one night to win the Superbrawl 13 heavyweight tournament. One of the top heavyweights of all-time, the Strikeforce, Pride, UFC, K-1, NJPW, Pancrase, and Affliction mainstay owns victories over legendary stars, including Dan Severn (2x), Semmy Schilt (2x), Randy Couture, Mark Hunt, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Pedro Rizzo, Sergei Kharitonov, Frank Mir, Roy Nelsonand Andrei Arlovski.
Fighting professionally since 2007, Ronny Markes will join the Bellator ranks following 26-fights all over the globe including three wins in UFC. Competing for a majority of his nearly 13-year career at middleweight, the 31-year-old will now lace up the gloves as a Bellator heavyweight. Hailing from Natal, Brazil, Markes is coming off a TKO victory in June, and will add another big-name fighter to his list of opposition, a list that includes fights against Yoel Romero, Thiago Santos, Aaron Simpson and Paulo Filho.
Updated Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the TroopsFight Card:
Heavyweight Main Event:Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7)
BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMP MICHAEL CHANDLER DEFENDS HIS TITLE AGAINST FEATHERWEIGHT KINGPIN PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’ IN LONG-AWAITED GRUDGE MATCH LIVE ON DAZN
THE WELTERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX CONTINUES WITH DOUGLAS LIMA TAKING ON MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE IN SEMI-FINAL ACTION
MORE: UNDEFEATED PROSPECT A.J. MCKEE MEETS CHICAGO’S PAT CURRAN AND THE RETURN OF FORMER WWE STAR JAKE HAGER
Los Angeles– Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. on Saturday, May 11 is stacked with a must-see lineup of fights, headlined by current lightweight titleholderMichael Chandler(19-4) in his attempt to become the only man to defeat both Pitbull Brothers and put an end to their years-long rivalry, when he defends his belt against Bellator’s 145-pound champPatricio “Pitbull” (28-4) haddii ay dhacdo weyn ee Bellator 221 - which will be streamed live exclusively onDAZN.
The co-headliner will see former two-time Bellator welterweight championDouglas Lima (30-7) face undefeatedMichael Page "mariidka xun" (14-0), better known to fans as “MVP,” in the first semi-final matchup in Bellator’s Welterweight World Grand Prix. Each fighter has their eyes set on moving one step closer to becoming Bellator welterweight champ and taking home one million dollars.
Waxaa intaa dheer, arguably one of the world’s top featherweight prospectsA.J. McKee (13-0) will face the stiffest test of his young career when he fights two-time former Bellator featherweight championPat Curran(23-7) on Curran’s home turf. Ugu dambeyntii, former WWE championJake Hager (1-0) returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since his first-round submission victory in January looking to continue his early dominance inside the cage.
An exclusive online presale forBellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull takes place between Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. CT and Thursday, Feb. 21 at 10 p.m. CT, with tickets going on-sale to the general public on Friday, Feb. 22 at 12 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event will be available at the Allstate Arena box office, iyo sidoo kale Ticketmaster.comand Bellator.com.
Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull will be broadcast live onDAZN at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, halka tallaabo hordhaca ah qulquli doonaan on Bellator.com oo caalami ah oo ku saabsan Mobile Bellator ku App. roonaadaan dheeraad ah ayaa lagu dhawaaqi doonaa toddobaadyada soo socda.
One of the most-decorated fighters in Bellator history, Michael Chandler reclaimed the lightweight championship this past December to become a three-time titleholder. “Iron” has defeated a who’s who among the division’s elite, lugu daro Brent Primus, Benson Henderson, Patricky Pitbull (x2), Yamauchi ilaa and Eddie Alvarez. The former University of Missouri wrestler from High Ridge, Mo., who now calls Nashville home, has had a slow-building feud with his May 11 horjeeda, verbally sparring with his foe following wins over Patricio’s brother Patricky and on social media. Hadda, the time for talk is over and both will enter the Bellator cage to finally settle the score.
Hailing from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, two-time featherweight champ Patricio “Pitbull” will enter the Bellator cage for a promotional record 21th time. With impressive wins to his name overDaniel Straus (x3), Daniel Weichel (x2) iyo Pat Curran, he most recently defeatedEmmanuel Sanchez via go'aan loo dhan yahay ee Bellator 209. Moving up a weight class for the first time sinceBellator 160when he met Benson Henderson, “Pitbull” is planning to leave his mark in a new division and go down as one of the all-time greats. Having earned a finish in 20 ee uu 28 Ku Guuleystay sida xirfadle, the reigning champion has become synonymous with excitement and fans can certainly expect more fireworks when looks to become a simultaneous two-division champion on May 11.
Fighting out of Atlanta, GA., by way of Goiania, Brazil, Douglas “The Phenom” Lima has been a mainstay at the top of the 170-pound division for the better part of three years. With wins against the likes ofLorenz Larkin, Andrey Koreshkov (x2), Paul Daleyand Ben Saunders, the 31-year-old advanced to the semifinals of the Welterweight World Grand Prix after a technical submission win against Koreshkov. A winner of nine out of his last 11 tartanka, the American Top Team product remains set on showing the world how dominant he truly is.
One of the most unorthodox strikers to ever compete, “MVP” has steadily worked his way up the welterweight ranks since signing with the organization in 2013. Known for his unique style and personality both inside the cage and out, every Michael Page fight is must-see entertainment. With an undefeated record of 14-0, iyo 11 of those victories coming by stoppage, the 31-year-old out of London Shootfighters advanced to the semifinals following a closely contested unanimous decision win against rival Paul Daley atBellator 216.
Fighting out of Long Beach, Message., A.J. McKeeputs his undefeated record on the line against the former champ on May 11. Currently training alongside the likes ofHaaruun Pico,“Baby Slice”iyo Joey Davisat The Body Shop under the tutelage of his father, MMA veteran Antonio McKee, the second-generation fighter has been making quite the name for himself since joining the professional ranks. Ugu kaliya 23 sano jir, “Mercenary” has set the Bellator record for consecutive wins at 13, having defeatedDaniel Crawford,Brian Moore, John “Macapa, Justin Lawrence andDominic Mazzotta jidka. Known for his highlight-reel finishes, McKee will look to remain unbeaten and keep his name etched in the record books when he meets Curran atBellator 221. A former two-time Bellator world featherweight champion, Pat Curranreturns to the cage near his hometown looking to earn another shot at gold. Fighting out of Crystal Lake, Jirrado., “Paddy Mike” is in the midst of a three-fight win streak that includes victories overEmmanuel Sanchez, John “Macapa”and Georgi Karakhanyan. The longtime Bellator veteran, who debuted atBellator 14 in 2010, owns additional wins overPatricio “Pitbull,” Joe Warren,Roger Huertaiyo Daniel Straus. Sidoo kale, a two-time Bellator tournament winner, the 31-year-old’s return to the top of the 145-pound division begins with a tough test against McKee.
A native of Perry, Okla.-., Hager emphatically showed the world that he belongs in the sport of MMA with a submission win over J.W. Kizerat Bellator 214 in January. A collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he was an All-American and set the school record for most pins at the 285-pound weight class in a single season with 30. Following graduation and a conversation with legendary pro wrestling announcer and fellow Oklahoma Sooner, Jim Ross, Hager made the transition to professional wrestling and signed with World Wrestling Entertainment. While in WWE, Hager would go on to claim multiple coveted professional titles during his time with the organization, including the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Championship and WWE United States Championship. Hadda, the man also known to fans around the globe as “Jack Swagger” will return to action MMA action in Chicago against a soon-to-be-announced heavyweight opponent.
Updated Bellator 221: Chandler vs. PitbullCard:
Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (19-4) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” (28-4)
Welterweight World Grand Prix Semi-final: Douglas Lima (30-7) vs. Michael Page "mariidka xun" (14-0)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: A.J. McKee (13-0) vs. Pat Curran (23-7)
Heavyweight Main Card Bout:Jake Hager (1-0) vs. TBA
