Tag Archives: Aaron Pico

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Multiple High-Profile Fights Added to Both Nights of BELLATOR MMA’s Hawaii Double-Header on April 21 and 22

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BELLATOR 295 MAIN CARD GETS AN UPDATED MAIN CARD START TIME OF 11 P.M. ET/8 P.M. PT

FRIDAY’S SHOW IS FREE TO ALL FIRST RESPONDERS, MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES, WHILE TICKETS FOR SATURDAY’S EVENT ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE

LOS ANGELES – The two main cards for BELLATOR MMA’s annual doubleheader on the Hawaiian island of Oahu are complete with the addition of today’s confirmed bouts. 

Honolulu’s Neal S. Blaisdell Arena will play home to a pair of events on back-to-back nights with BELLATOR 294 taking place Friday, April 21 and BELLATOR 295 taking place Saturday, April 22. 

BELLATOR 294: Carmouche vs. Bennett 2 – Friday, April 21

Main card airs live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT/4 p.m. local HST

BELLATOR 294: Carmouche vs. Bennett 2 on Fridayhas two new main card contests, bringing Friday’s slate to five fights in total. Former BELLATOR bantamweight title challenger and No. 5-ranked Danny Sabatello (13-2) will return to action for the first time since his shot at the world championship, when he competes against Marcos Breno (15-2), who surprised many people when he bested Josh Hill on the scorecards in his BELLATOR debut. A welterweight contest pitting Levan Chokheli (11-2) and American Top Team’s Michael Lombardo (13-3) is also official for the SHOWTIME-aired portion of the event.

The preliminary card for BELLATOR 294 currently features four fights, including No. 4-ranked heavyweight Tyrell Fortune (12-3), who looks to get back to his winning ways against Russia’s Sergei Bilostennyi (10-2). No. 5-ranked light heavyweight Alex Polizzi (10-2) returns to the BELLATOR cage and will compete against a streaking Karl Moore (11-2), who holds the No. 8 ranking. A lightweight tilt between five-fight BELLATOR veteran Killys Mota (14-3) and promotional newcomer Kenneth Cross (13-3) is official, as is a 145-pound bout between Oregon’s Cris Lencioni (10-3) tangling with Blake Smith (7-3). Rounding out the preliminary card is a middleweight affair between Colorado’s Anthony “Sugafoot” Adams (9-3) and Tajikistan’s Sharaf “Sherkhan” Davlatmurodov (18-4-1).

The card is headlined by a Women’s Flyweight World Championship main event rematch pitting current champion and U.S. Marine Liz Carmouche (18-7) against No. 4 ranked flyweight challenger, DeAnna Bennett (13-7-1). In the evening’s co-main event, No. 6-ranked heavyweight and Minnesota National Guardsman Tim Johnson (15-9) will compete against Said Sowma (8-4). A women’s featherweight contest featuring former UFC title challenger Sara McMann (13-6), who makes her highly anticipated BELLATOR debut against former No. 1 contender, Arlene Blencowe (15-9).

Friday night’s event is being held in honor of America’s Military, Veterans and First-Responders, all of whom are eligible to attend the event with a guest for free entry the day of with valid proof of ID. Free admission is based on a limited capacity and available on a first come-first serve basis.

The BELLATOR 294 preliminary card will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT/2 p.m. HST. The complete bout listing for both events can be found below.

BELLATOR 295: Stots vs. Mix – Saturday, April 22

Updated Start Time – Main card airs live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT/5 p.m. local HST

The main card for Saturday’s BELLATOR 295: Stots vs. Mix event has also been sweetened with the addition of homegrown BELLATOR talent and No. 3-ranked Aaron Pico (10-4), who returns from his highly publicized shoulder injury to square off against Brazil’s Otto Rodrigues (13-1), who makes his BELLATOR debut.

The preliminary portion of Saturday’s event also features multiple new, high-profile additions confirmed including a marquee bout pitting two top-ten contenders against each other at featherweight, when No. 6-ranked Mads Burnell (16-4) tests his skills against No. 7-ranked Justin Gonzales (14-1). No. 8-ranked Ilara Joanne (11-6) meets fellow Brazilian Bruna Ellen (6-4) in a women’s flyweight contest, and a welterweight tilt between Alexey Shurkevich (13-5) and Japan’s Masayuki Kikuiri (8-2-1). 

BELLATOR 295 on Saturday is main evented by the Finals of the BELLATOR Bantamweight World Grand Prix, which will see current Interim Champion Raufeon Stots (19-1) face No. 2-ranked Patchy Mix (17-1). In the co-main event, the pride of Honolulu, No. 3-ranked Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (12-2) looks to defend home turf against Japan’s No. 2-ranked Kana Watanabe (11-1-1). Also, at 125-pounds, former BELLATOR World Champion Kyoji Horiguchi (31-5) moves down a division to welcome former UFC Title Challenger Ray Borg (16-5) to the Paramount-owned promotion.

Tickets for BELLATOR 295: Stots vs. Mix are on sale now and are available at Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

The BELLATOR 295 preliminary card will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT/1 p.m. HST. The complete bout listing for both events can be found below.

BELLATOR 294: CARMOUCHE VS. BENNETT 2 MAIN CARD:

Friday, April 21 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT/4 p.m. HST (local)

Flyweight World Title Bout: C-Liz Carmouche (18-7) vs. #4-DeAnna Bennett (13-7-1)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #6-Tim Johnson (15-9)vs. Said Sowma (8-4)

Featherweight Bout: #2-Arlene Blencowe (15-9) vs. Sara McMann (13-6)

Bantamweight Bout: #5-Danny Sabatello (13-2) vs. Marcos Breno (15-2)

Welterweight Bout: Levan Chokheli (11-2, 1 NC) vs. Michael Lombardo (13-3, 1 NC)

BELLATOR 294: CARMOUCHE VS. BENNETT 2 PRELIMINARY CARD:

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

8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT/2 p.m. HST (local)

Light Heavyweight Bout: #5-Alex Polizzi (10-2) vs. #8-Karl Moore (11-2)

Lightweight Bout: Killys Mota (14-3) vs. Kenneth Cross (13-3)

Heavyweight Bout: #4-Tyrell Fortune (12-3, 1 NC) vs. Sergei Bilostennyi (10-2)

Featherweight Bout: Cris Lencioni (10-3) vs. Blake Smith (7-3)

Middleweight Bout: Anthony Adams (9-3) vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-4-1)

BELLATOR 295: STOTS VS. MIX MAIN CARD:

Saturday, April 22 – live on SHOWTIME

11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT/5 p.m. HST (local)

Bantamweight World Grand Prix Final: IC-Raufeon Stots (19-2) vs. #2-Patchy Mix (17-1)

Flyweight Bout: #3-Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (12-2) vs. #2-Kana Watanabe (11-1-1)

Featherweight Bout: #3-Aaron Pico (10-4) vs. Otto Rodrigues (13-1)

Flyweight Bout: Kyoji Horiguchi (31-5) vs. Ray Borg (16-5)

BELLATOR 295: STOTS VS. MIX PRELIMINARY CARD:

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

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT/1 p.m. HST (local)

Featherweight Bout: #6-Mads Burnell (16-4) vs. #7-Justin Gonzales (14-1)

Lightweight Bout: Yancy Medeiros (16-8, 1 NC) vs. Charlie Leary (17-13-1)

Featherweight Bout: Kai Kamaka III (10-5-1) vs. Adli Edwards (9-2)

Flyweight Bout: #9–Sumiko Inaba (5-0) vs. #7-Veta Arteaga (7-4)

Featherweight Bout: Keoni Diggs (10-2) vs. Weber Almeida (7-1)

Lightweight Bout: Bobby King (12-5) vs. Aalon Cruz (10-4)

Heavyweight Bout: Davion Franklin (5-1) vs. Kasim Aras (7-1)

Flyweight Bout: #8-Ilara Joanne (11-6) vs. Bruna Ellen (6-4)

Welterweight Bout: Alexey Shurkevich (13-5) vs. Masayuki Kikuiri (8-2-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

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

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

Fri. Apr. 21 // BELLATOR: 294: Carmouche vs. Bennett 2 // Blaisdell Arena // Honolulu, HI

Sat. Apr. 22 // BELLATOR: 295: Stots vs. Mix // Blaisdell Arena // Honolulu, HI

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

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Full Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos For BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh

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Complete Fight Night Photos Here – Please Credit: Lucas Noonan / BELLATOR MMA
 
 
BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH MAIN CARD:

C-Cris “Cyborg” (25-2, 1 NC) defeated #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-5) via KO (strikes) at 1:32 of round one
 
Cris “Cyborg:”
 
“I didn’t do anything we planned. You never know. I had a feeling about the fight. I feel great. I am happy with the win.”
 
“I knew she was more of a striker, so I went to the ground game.  The right hand did it fast and was the key. I was very excited for the count.”
 
“I really appreciate Kayla Harrison coming to the fight. If she wants to fight me one day, that would be great.” 
 
#6-Linton Vassell (22-8, 1 NC) defeated #5-Tyrell Fortune (11-2, 1 NC) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
 
Linton Vassell:
 
“I am happy that I was able to out grapple a wrestler considering I’m from the U.K. and I have no wrestling background”
 
“I give myself a good 7. I am not 100 percent happy with my performance, but I am super happy with the outcome.”
 
“I was able to reverse him (Tyrell Fortune), get on top of him, and add some damage.”
 
“I used to watch WWE. When I first started to train, I did wrestling moves like that.”
 
“I always feel like we’re our own worst enemies. I wanted a knockout.”
 
“Tyrell was so strong and powerful. There were a few times where he just stood up and shook me off.”
 
“I went for the submission. I just carried on and tried to wear him down but couldn’t do it.”
 
#6-Aaron Pico (9-3) defeated #8-Justin Gonzales (12-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
 
Aaron Pico:
“I knew going into the fight that he (Justin Gonzales) was going to be a tough fighter. He is a former wrestler. One thing about us wrestlers is we don’t quit. All my coaches knew he was going to be tough.” 
 
“He was just holding on to me and is really strong. When people hold on to you, it’s kind of hard to get strikes.”
 
“Thank God I walked out of here relatively healthy. I’m just happy I got my full paycheck.”
 
“It is the first time I’ve gone three rounds. It’s my first decision. I need the experience. I’m happy I got the win.”
 
“I knew I was the dominant performer, but I have to get better. I am just so hard on myself. I want to finish guys.”
 
“Let’s go back to the drawing board. Once I step out of this cage, it’s going to be a whole different ballgame. I have to get prepared for the next opponent, so let’s get to work.”
 
#1-Arlene Blencowe (15-8)defeated #7-Pam Sorenson (9-4) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Arlene Blencowe:
 
“I am my own worst critic. It wasn’t the performance that we trained for, or that I was hoping for.”
 
“I felt my first right hand land and then just went head hunting with my hands. I was respecting her take downs.”
 
“I feel like I’m such a well-rounded fighter now. I didn’t showcase any of that. I didn’t hit the ground though.”
 
“You know what is not next? Retirement. I’m 38. Old girls rule. Retirement is nowhere near on the horizon. I’m No. 1 in the division. It is only up from here.”
 
“I’m heading home to Australia. I haven’t been home in six months. I haven’t seen my kids, my partner, my family, my friends. I’m just going to go home and enjoy the rest of the year. I’ll just enjoy some family time.”
 
“Pam Sorenson is a tough girl. She tried to take me down. I went head hunting and really wanted the knockout. I am convinced that I did enough to win the fight.”
 
PRELIMINARY CARD:
#7-Steve Mowry (10-0)defeated Rakim Cleveland (22-14-1, 1 NC) via submission (kimura) at 3:28 of round one
Bruna Ellen (6-3) defeated Desiree Yanez (5-4) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Roman Faraldo (6-0) defeated Robert Turnquest (11-8) via KO (flying knee) at 1:17 of round one
Cody Law (6-0) defeated Colton Hamm (4-4) via knockout (elbows) at 4:21 of round one
Valerie Loureda (4-1) defeated Taylor Turner (5-7) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (4-0) defeated Muhammed DeReese (9-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ethan Hughes (3-0) defeated Mahmoud Sebie (3-1) via TKO (punches) at 4:05 of round three
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
 
****
 
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.
 
About SHOWTIME
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., 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

Official Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos for BELLATOR MMA 260: Lima vs. Amosov

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COMPLETE FIGHT NIGHT PHOTOS HERE – (PLEASE CREDIT: BELLATOR MMA / LUCAS NOONAN)
 
POST-FIGHT VIDEO INTERVIEWS HERE   
 
#1-Yaroslav Amosov (26-0) defeated c-Douglas Lima (32-9) via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
 
Yaroslav Amosov after winning the title:
 
“I am happy because this is my life. It’s been a long time in training. It’s the result I wanted and I am happy. Now I must recover. But, it doesn’t matter, I have my undefeated record.”
 
#3-Jason Jackson (15-4) defeated #6-Paul Daley (43-18-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
 
Jason Jackson following his unanimous decision win:
 
“It’s not easy to come out here and do what me and Paul Daley just did. We came out here, we fought our ass off. 
 
“I needed to prove to myself that I could go in there and fight the champ. This guy went five rounds with Douglas Lima. So, I knew if I take this opportunity to fight him and go and fight the way I trained, then I could beat Douglas Lima and win the championship.”
 
#6-Aaron Pico (8-3) defeated Aiden Lee (9-5) via submission (anaconda choke) at 1:33 of round three
 
Aaron Pico speaks post victory: 
 
“He’s a warrior, first of all. My team and I put in a lot of work, but I feel like I could’ve done a little bit better. Thank God I have no injuries, I can fight next month if I needed to. And I just want to say thank you to all of the fans.”
 
“I’ll fight anybody in the top ten honestly. I’ll fight anybody. I feel like I’m ready. I’m sorry I didn’t get the knockout tonight but I’m happy with the submission.”
 
Mark Lemminger (12-3) defeated Demarques Jackson (11-6) via TKO (punches) at 3:30 of round two
 
Mark Lemminger on his win:
 
“He’s strong. He was slowing down [as the fight went on], but he still felt pretty strong. I was able to control my position. I didn’t make the same mistake I made last time I was here and I put him belly down and I got the stoppage.”
 
Preliminary Card: 
Kyle Crutchmer (7-1) defeated Levan Chokheli (9-1, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Justin Gonzales (12-0) defeated #9-Tywan Claxton (6-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Bobby King (10-3) defeated Nick Newell (16-4) via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Lucas Brennan (5-0) defeated Matthew Skibicki (4-4) via submission (anaconda choke) at 1:54 of round one
Marina Mokhnatkina (5-2) defeated #8-Amanda Bell (7-8) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Alex Polizzi (8-1) defeated Gustavo Trujillo (3-2) via submission (straight armbar) at 4:22 of round one
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

BELLATOR MMA Confirms Full Fight Card for BELLATOR 260 on SHOWTIME Next Friday, June 11 at 9 p.m. ET

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DOUGLAS LIMA DEFENDS WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST NO. 1 RANKED YAROSLAV AMOSOV IN MAIN EVENT

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LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card for BELLATOR MMA 260: Lima vs. Amosov on Friday, June 11 at Mohegan Sun Arena. The event is the promotion’s first show in America with fans in attendance since the start of the pandemic and airs LIVE on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

BELLATOR’s 170-pound kingpin Douglas Lima (32-8) returns to the welterweight division to put his title on the line against undefeated and No. 1 ranked Yaroslav Amosov (25-0) in a must-watch main event clash.

In addition to the headliner, the entirety of the BELLATOR 260 main card on SHOWTIME is stacked, including a 175-pound contract weight co-main event pitting legendary No. 6 ranked welterweight Paul Daley (43-17-2) against the streaking No. 3 ranked welterweight Jason Jackson (14-4). Also, a featherweight feature fight between the hard-hitting No. 6 ranked Aaron Pico (7-3) versus Birmingham’s Aiden Lee (9-4) and a welterweight showdown between Demarques Jackson (11-5) and Mark Lemminger (9-0, 1 NC). The newly announced fifth and final main card bout features a showdown between No. 10 ranked Vanessa Porto (5-3) and Pitbull Brothers-product Ilara Joanne (9-5) in a 128-pound contract weight bout.

The preliminary card is locked in with six action-packed fights, highlighted by a featherweight battle between No. 9 ranked Tywan Claxton (6-2) and the undefeated Justin Gonzales (11-0), who is making his BELLATOR debut. Meanwhile, hometown hero and fan-favorite Nick Newell (16-3) is set to square off against Bobby King (9-3) in a lightweight bout and 20-year-old phenom Lucas Brennan (4-0) prepares for a 150-pound contract weight clash with Matthew Skibicki (4-3). Also, two-time NCAA All-American wrestling standout Kyle Crutchmer (6-1) will take on undefeated welterweight Levan Chokheli (9-0, 1 NC) to cap off this stacked preliminary card.

All BELLATOR 260 prelims will stream live at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

As part of the launch of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME, the network is offering viewers who are new to the SHOWTIME streaming service a 30-day free trial, followed by a discounted monthly subscription fee of $4.99/month for the next six months. Viewers can sign up at SHO.com/BellatorMMA. Subscribers will be delivered two premier BELLATOR MMA events per month throughout 2021 and beyond, with all events scheduled to air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.

Full bout listings are below:

 BELLATOR MMA 260: Lima vs. Amosov Main Card:

Friday, June 11 – Live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Welterweight World Title Main Event: c-Douglas Lima (32-8) vs. #1-Yaroslav Amosov (25-0)

175-pound Contract Weight Co-Main Event: #6-Paul Daley (43-17-2) vs. #3-Jason Jackson (14-4)

Featherweight Bout: #6-Aaron Pico (7-3) vs. Aiden Lee (9-4)

128-pound Contract Weight Bout: #10-Vanessa Porto (22-9) vs. Ilara Joanne (9-5)

Welterweight Bout: Demarques Jackson (11-5) vs. Mark Lemminger (11-3)

Preliminary Card:

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

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

Welterweight Bout: Kyle Crutchmer (6-1) vs. Levan Chokheli (9-0, 1 NC)

Featherweight Bout: #9-Tywan Claxton (6-2) vs. Justin Gonzales (11-0)

Lightweight Bout: Nick Newell (16-3) vs. Bobby King (9-3)

150-pound Contract Weight Bout: Lucas Brennan (4-0) vs. Matthew Skibicki (4-3)

Featherweight Bout: #8-Amanda Bell (7-7) vs. Marina Mokhnatkina (4-2)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Alex Polizzi (7-1) vs. Gustavo Trujillo (3-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Featherweight Sensation Aaron Pico Meets Birmingham’s Aiden Lee During Main Card of BELLATOR 260 on Friday, June 11 – Live on SHOWTIME

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR BELLATOR’S FIRST FAN-ATTENDED EVENT STATESIDE IN OVER A YEAR

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LOS ANGELES — Today, BELLATOR MMA confirmed that No. 6 ranked featherweight Aaron Pico (7-3) has been added to the BELLATOR MMA 260: Lima vs. Amosov main card on Friday, June 11, where he will oppose grappling ace Aiden Lee (9-4), in a 145-pound bout. The fight will take place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. and will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

BELLATOR 260 will be headlined by welterweight world champion Douglas Lima (32-8), who will defend his 170-pound title against the undefeated and top-ranked Yaroslav Amosov (25-0).

The event marks BELLATOR’s first fan-attended event in the United States since BELLATOR 239 took place on February 21, 2020. A limited number of tickets starting at $60 are available now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at Bellator.com.

Since his professional MMA debut in 2017, Aaron Pico has widely been considered one of the brightest prospects in the sport. The Jackson Wink fighter has showcased a wrestling acumen that stacks up with the best in the world, coupled with vicious punching power that has earned him stunning KO victories with both his left and right hand. The 24-year-old has shown steady growth each time out in the BELLATOR cage and is currently riding a three-fight winning streak.

Fighting for the first time on American soil, the 26-year-old Lee looks to secure his third straight victory inside the BELLATOR cage. An underrated submission specialist, the Englishman earned his fourth career victory via rear-naked choke against Damian Frankiewicz and a stunning head-kick knockout against Jeremy Petley in the first round of their matchup last September.

Additionally, a welterweight fight between BELLATOR veteran Kyle Crutchmer (6-1) and promotional debutant Levan Chokheli (9-0, 1 NC) has been added as a preliminary bout. Crutchmer, who trains out of AKA in San Jose, wrestled at Oklahoma State University, where he became a two-time All-American and two-time Big 12 champion. Meanwhile, Chokheli looks to keep his record flawless while making a sound first impression in his BELLATOR debut. The 24-year-old Georgian boasts an impressive 100% finishing rate, having never seen the final bell in all nine of his fights.

Also added to the preliminary card, “The Boogeyman,” Lance Wright (5-1) will be making his BELLATOR debut after an impressive showing on the American regional scene. He will be tasked with fighting Taylor “Tombstone” Johnson (6-2), a two-fight veteran of the BELLATOR cage.

All prelims will stream live at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. Full bout listings are below.

BELLATOR MMA 260: Lima vs. Amosov Main Card:

Friday, June 11 – Live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Welterweight World Title Main Event: c-Douglas Lima (32-8) vs. #1-Yaroslav Amosov (25-0)

175-pound Contract Weight Co-Main Event: #6–Paul Daley (43-17-2) vs. #3-Jason Jackson (14-4)

Featherweight Bout: #6-Aaron Pico (7-3) vs. Aiden Lee (9-4)

Welterweight Bout: Demarques Jackson (11-5) vs. Mark Lemminger (11-3)

Preliminary Card:

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

5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT

Welterweight Bout: Kyle Crutchmer (6-1) vs. Levan Chokheli (9-0, 1 NC)

Featherweight Bout: #9-Tywan Claxton (6-2) vs. Justin Gonzales (11-0)

Lightweight Bout: Nick Newell (16-3) vs. Bobby King (9-3)

Featherweight Bout: Lucas Brennan (4-0) vs. Matthew Skibicki (4-3)

Featherweight Bout: Amanda Bell (7-7) vs. Marina Mokhnatkina (4-2)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Alex Polizzi (7-1) vs. Gustavo Trujillo (3-1)

Middleweight Bout: Taylor Johnson (6-2) vs. Lance Wright (5-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

FULL RESULTS & PHOTOS FROM BELLATOR 242: BANDEJAS VS. PETTIS

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COMPLETE EVENT PHOTOS
 
Bellator 242: Bandejas vs. Pettis Main Card:
Sergio Pettis (20-5) defeated Ricky Bandejas (13-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jason Jackson (12-4) defeated Jordan Mein (31-13) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jay Jay Wilson (6-0) defeated Tywan Claxton (6-2) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
Aaron Pico (6-3) defeated Solo Hatley, Jr. (8-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:10 of round one
 
Preliminary Card:
Mark Lemminger (1-1) defeated Jake Smith (7-4) via TKO (strikes) at 4:46 of round two
Raufeon Stots (14-1) defeated Cass Bell (5-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:24 of round three
Ras Hylton (6-4) defeated Rudy Schaffroth (6-2, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

FULL FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR BELLATOR 214: FEDOR VS. BADER ON SATURDAY, JAN. 26

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LOS ANGELES – The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s return to the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, Calif. on Jan. 26 has been completed with a five-fight main card and 11 preliminary contests.

The main event of the card will feature the Finals of the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix, where the greatest heavyweight of all-time Fedor Emelianenko (38-5, 1 NC) faces current light heavyweight champ Ryan Bader (26-5) for the Bellator world heavyweight title. The co-main event will feature the highly touted prospect Aaron Pico (4-1) against the always-tough Henry Corrales (16-3) at featherweight.

In addition, professional wrestling superstar Jake Hager begins his MMA career against J.W. Kiser (1-1) at heavyweight, Juan Archuleta (21-1) squares off with Ricky Bandejas (11-1) in a battle of surging bantamweights and Adel Altamimi (7-5), a coach with Jay Glazer’s Merging Vets and Players program, will make his Bellator debut against Brandon McMahan (5-6) in the main card opener. The prelims for Bellator 214: Fedor vs. Bader will feature the anticipated MMA debut of jiu-jitsu ace A.J. Agazarm (0-0) against Jesse Roberts (0-0), as well as the Bellator debut of 2016 Greco-Roman Word team member Chris Gonzalez (1-0) taking on Henry Mendez (0-1) and Lyoto Machida-training partner, Weber Almeida (1-0), facing Odan Chinchilla (1-0) at bantamweight.

Tickets for Bellator 214: Fedor vs. Bader are on sale now and can be purchased at the Forum box office, as well as Bellator.com and Ticketmaster.com. The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and will be simulcast live on DAZN. Preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.

Complete Bellator: Fedor vs. Bader Fight Card:

Heavyweight World Grand Prix Finals Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (38-5, 1 NC) vs. Ryan Bader (26-5)

Featherweight Co-Main Event: Aaron Pico (4-1) vs. Henry Corrales (16-3)

Heavyweight Feature Bout: Jake Hager (Pro Debut) vs. J.W. Kiser (1-1)

Bantamweight Feature Bout: Juan Archuleta (21-1) vs. Ricky Bandejas (11-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Brandon McMahan (5-6) vs. Adel Altamimi (7-5)

Preliminary Card:

160-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: A.J. Agazarm (Pro Debut) vs. Jesse Roberts (Pro Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Gonzalez (1-0) vs. Henry Mendez (0-1)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Weber Almeida (1-0) vs. Odan Chinchilla (1-0)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jay Jay Wilson (1-0) vs. Tyler Beneke (Pro Debut)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Sean Johnson (3-1) vs. Art Rivas (5-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jorge Juarez (3-0) vs. David Pacheco (Pro Debut)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Jesse Merritt (5-4) vs. Thor Skancke (10-8-1)

190-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Osman Diaz (2-1) vs. Christopher Reyes (Pro Debut)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: James Barnes (11-3) vs. Ryan Lilley (9-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ian Butler (4-5, 1 NC) vs. Craig Plaskett (3-3)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Steve Ramirez (6-3) vs. Desmond Torres (5-1)

*Card subject to change

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

TWO TITLES ON THE LINE AT BELLATOR 214 IN L.A. ON JANUARY 26

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GEGARD MOUSASI DEFENDS BELLATOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST UNBEATEN RAFAEL LOVATO JR.

 

LOS ANGELES – The co-main event of Bellator’s return to the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, Calif. on Jan. 26 will see reigning middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi (45-6-2) defend his title against undefeated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Rafael Lovato Jr. (9-0).

 

 

 

The main event of the card will feature the Finals of the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix, where the greatest heavyweight of all-time Fedor Emelianenko (38-5, 1 NC) faces current light heavyweight champ Ryan Bader (26-5) for the Bellator world heavyweight title. A recently added featherweight bout will pit super-prospect Aaron Pico (4-1) against the always-tough Henry Corrales (16-3). Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

 

 

Tickets for Bellator 214: Fedor vs. Bader are on sale now and can be purchased at the Forum box office, as well as Bellator.com and Ticketmaster.com. The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and will be simulcast live on DAZN. Preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.

 

 

 

Fighting out of Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, Gegard Mousasi will be looking to follow-up his decisive TKO victory over Rory MacDonald at Bellator 206 in what will be his second title defense since becoming champion earlier this year. “The Dreamcatcher” is currently in the midst of an impressive eight-fight win streak that dates back to 2016. The 33-year-old judo black belt has dominated the stacked middleweight class since signing with Bellator in 2017, collecting three victories in as many bouts, including a pair of knockouts against Rafael Carvalho and MacDonald in both of his world title fights. The former Strikeforce champion, who debuted in impressive fashion against Alexander Shlemenko, now looks to extend his current win streak and defend the middleweight belt for the second time in just five months.

 

 

 

Rafael Lovato Jr. will be making his sixth appearance for Bellator, a bout where not only will the 35-year-old’s unblemished mark of 9-0 be on the line, but also a world championship belt. Since signing with the Viacom-owned promotion in 2017, the Oklahoma City-based fighter has tallied five wins and four finishes, three of which came in the opening round, including his most recent submission win over top middleweight contender John Salter at Bellator 205. A fourth-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the former Legacy FC middleweight champ will finally have his shot at Bellator gold when he takes on current 185-pound champion Mousasi in the co-main event of Bellator’s return to Los Angeles on Jan. 26.

 

 

 

Updated Bellator: Fedor vs. Bader Fight Card:

 

 

Heavyweight World Grand Prix Final Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (38-5, 1NC) vs. Ryan Bader (26-5)

Middleweight World Title Bout: Gegard Mousasi (45-6-2) vs. Rafael Lovato Jr. (9-0)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Aaron Pico (4-1) vs. Henry Corrales (16-3)

 

 

 

Updated Preliminary Card:

 

 

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Segura (9-6) vs. Richard Leroy (7-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jorge Juarez (3-0) vs. David Pacheco (Pro Debut)

 

 

 

*Card subject to change

 

 

 

For more information, please visit Bellator.com.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

OFFICIAL BELLATOR 199: BADER vs. KING MO RESULTS & PHOTOS

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Ryan Bader (25-5) defeated “King Mo” Lawal (21-7, 1 NC) via knockout (punch) at :15 of round one

 

Photos: https://tinyurl.com/ycysrnua

 

Jon Fitch (31-7-1, 1 NC) defeated Paul Daley (40-16-2) via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-26, 29-26)

 

Photos: https://tinyurl.com/y98s82hr

 

Aaron Pico (3-1) defeated Lee Morrison (19-9) via TKO (punch to body) at 1:10 of round one

 

Photos: https://tinyurl.com/ycdhxdko

 

Cheick Kongo (28-10-2) defeated Javy Ayala (10-7) via knockout (punches) at 2:29 of round one

 

Photos: https://tinyurl.com/yalv99d6

 

Adam Piccolotti (10-2) defeated Carrington Banks (7-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:41 of round three

 

Photos: https://tinyurl.com/y9bo2tea

 

Hyder Amil (2-0) defeated Elias Anderson (0-1) via TKO at 3:01 of round two

Ignacio Ortiz (1-0) defeated Matt Aragoni (1-1) via TKO at 2:57 of round three

Mark Climaco (2-0) defeated Daniel Oseguera (0-1) via TKO at 2:21 of round one

J.J. Okanovich (6-1) defeated Hugo Lujan (3-3) via unanimous decision

Tom Ponce de Leon (2-0) defeated Dominic Sumner (1-2) via TKO at 2:48 of round two

Nohelin Hernandez (7-2) defeated Josh San Diego (7-4) via unanimous decision

Josh Paiva (10-2) defeated Adam Antolin (13-4) via KO at :32 of round one

Cass Bell (1-0) defeated Khai Wu (1-1) via submission (guillotine choke) at 3:27 of round two

Jordan Williams (7-2) defeated Brandon Hester (4-1) via TKO (punches) at 1:11 of round two

Amber Leibrock (3-1) defeated Janay Harding (3-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

James Terry (20-9) defeated Danasabe Mohammed (5-2) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Gaston Bolanos (3-1) defeated Malcom Hill (3-5) via TKO (leg kicks) at 2:54 of round one

Justin Tenedora (2-1) defeated David Rivera (0-3) via submission (triangle-choke) at 4:27 of round one

Deron Winn (4-0) defeated Ahmed White (0-1) via knockout (punches) at 2:32 of round one

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

BELLATOR 199: BADER vs. KING MO WEIGH-IN RESULTS & PHOTOS

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EVENT AIRS ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK AT 9 P.M. ET / 8 P.M. CT

 

WEIGH-IN PHOTOS HERE | RE-WATCH WEIGH-INS HERE

 

Bellator 199: Bader vs. King Mo takes place tomorrow at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.

 

Complete Bellator 199: Bader vs. King Mo Weigh-in Results:

Heavyweight Grand Prix Main Event: Ryan Bader (225.1) vs. “King Mo” Lawal (217.4)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Paul Daley (170.3) vs. Jon Fitch (171)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Lee Morrison (144) vs. Aaron Pico (145.7)

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Cheick Kongo (241.7) vs. Javy Ayala (265.5)

Lightweight Main Card Bout: Carrington Banks (155.6) vs. Adam Piccolotti (155.3)

140-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Elias Anderson (139.8) vs. Hyder Amil (137.9)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Matt Aragoni (144.9) vs. Ignacio Ortiz (145)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Mark Climaco (125) vs. Daniel Oseguera (124.7)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (154.7) vs. J.J. Okanovich (155.4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Tom Ponce de Leon (169.7) vs. Dominic Sumner (170.9)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Nohelin Hernandez (135.9) vs. Josh San Diego (135.5)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Josh Paiva (125.7) vs. Adam Antolin (124.8)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Cass Bell (135.8) vs. Khai Wu (136)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Jordan Williams (184.1) vs. Brandon Hester (185.4)

Women’s Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Janay Harding (145.8) vs. Amber Leibrock (145)

165-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (164) vs. James Terry (164.7)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Malcom Hill (144.4) vs. Gaston Bolanos (145.6)

137-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Justin Tenedora (135.8) vs. David Rivera (135.1)

190-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Deron Winn (192.1*) vs. Ahmed White (188.4)

 

*Missed weight