Tag Archives: Bellator
BELLATOR MMA ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW UK BROADCAST DEAL WITH BBC
New deal sees 2022 European events air live on new broadcast channel BBC Three with USA events airing live on BBC iPlayer
London UK – Leading mixed martial arts promotion BELLATOR MMA has today announced an exciting new partnership with BBC Sport which will see events emanating from outside America air live on the newly launched BBC Three channel and BBC iPlayer.
The ground-breaking broadcast deal will see BELLATOR MMA become one of the staples of the new channel. BBC Three and BBC iPlayer will have live broadcast of BELLATOR events taking place outside of the USA throughout 2022 whilst the promotion’s USA events will be available to watch live on BBC iPlayer.
The deal represents a commitment from the BBC to continue showing all BELLATOR events live across its platforms in 2022 following the promotion’s hugely successful partnership with the broadcaster in 2021. BELLATOR news, features and results will also be regularly featured across BBC Sport’s digital platforms such as the BBC Sport website and app.
BELLATOR MMA is home to some of the most entertaining and skilled mixed martial artists in the world including Ryan Bader, AJ McKee, Gegard Mousasi, Cris “Cyborg,” Yaroslav Amosov and London’s own Michael “Venom” Page.
The BBC Three tie-up will kick off in style with a triple-header of exciting European cards, starting with BELLATOR’s highly anticipated return to Dublin’s 3Arena on Friday, February 25. The card features a middleweight title fight between MMA legend Gegard Mousasi and the undefeated Austin Vanderford.
Following Dublin is another huge night in Paris on Friday, May 6, as BELLATOR Heavyweight World Champion Ryan Bader defends his title against iconic French mixed martial artist Cheick Kongo. The promotion made history in the capital in 2020 by becoming the first major MMA promotion to hold an event in France, which was also the first time an MMA event was shown live on the BBC.
Rounding out the first three massive European events live on BBC Three will be BELLATOR’s return to London on Friday, May 13, with another world title fight topping the bill. After an electric London show in October, the UK’s Michael “Venom” Page takes on the undefeated welterweight champion, Yaroslav Amosov, as he aims to become just the second British BELLATOR MMA champion.
Head of BELLATOR MMA Europe, David Green, said: “We’re thrilled to be renewing our relationship with the BBC and to be on BBC Three. We’ve enjoyed an incredibly successful first year partnered with the broadcaster and we’re looking forward to reaching millions more UK homes as part of an exciting new channel. We’ve worked incredibly hard to bring live action from this amazing sport to as many people in the UK as possible, and this is yet another landmark step on that journey.”
President of BELLATOR MMA, Scott Coker, added: “I’m so excited by the continued growth of MMA in the UK and delighted that we’ll continue to enjoy the support of the BBC by bringing our events live to existing British fans and new audiences in 2022.”
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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 MMA SET FOR RETURN TO PARIS ON FRIDAY, MAY 6 WITH MASSIVE HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT
SEVERAL GREAT FIGHTS ADDED TO BELLATOR 275: MOUSASI VS. VANDERFORD IN DUBLIN ON FEB. 25
NO. 5 RANKED SINEAD KAVANAGH MEETS NO. 4 RANKED LEAH ‘THE CURSE’ MCCOURT IN HUGE FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST AT BELLATOR 275: MOUSASI VS. VANDERFORD
DUBLIN’S 3ARENA PLAYS HOST TO MASSIVE CARD ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25
DUBLIN – Leading mixed martial arts promotion BELLATOR MMA has today added a number of explosive fights to BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford, taking place at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, on Friday, February 25.
In what is set to be the biggest Irish female fight ever, a women’s featherweight bout between Northern Ireland’s Leah McCourt (6-1) and Ireland’s most-recent title challenger Sinead Kavanagh (7-5) is set to light up the main card. Plus, a bantamweight main card attraction between home favorite Brian Moore (14-8), whotakes on No. 9 ranked Jornel Lugo (7-0).
The promotion’s explosive return to the Irish capital for BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs Vanderford, sees middleweight world champion Gegard Mousasi defend his crown against undefeated American Austin Vanderford. The co-main event sees Irish star Peter Queally return to action against Manchester, England’s Kane Mousah (13-4) in the lightweight division.
Broadcast details and additional fights are set to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online from Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com.
Sinead Kavanagh will be hoping to respond to a heartbreaking world title loss against Cyborg in her last outing in November at BELLATOR 271. A winner of her two previous BELLATOR outings before facing the pound-for-pound queen, Kavanagh will be looking to get back to her winning ways and live up to her “KO” moniker in front of the 3Arena crowd.
Currently riding a five-fight win streak, Northern Ireland’s McCourt returns to action following a dominant display in a unanimous decision victory against Jessica Borga during her last outing at BELLATOR 267 in October. Now sitting at No. 4 in BELLATOR’s featherweight rankings, a win at the expense of her opponent on Feb. 25 will go a long way towards moving “The Curse” one step closer to a BELLATOR world title shot against incumbent champion, Cris Cyborg.
Brian Moore’s long-awaited Dublin return will see the Wexford fighter go toe-to-toe with No. 9 ranked bantamweight Jornel Lugo. “The Pikeman” will be hoping the home support helps him hand Lugo his first professional defeat and in doing so climb into the official bantamweight rankings for the first time. Lugo has won all four of his bouts under the BELLATOR banner, including an emphatic first round submission win against Keith Lee at BELLATOR 265 earlier this year.
Several additions have been confirmed for the preliminary card including a bantamweight bout between Welshman Brett Johns (17-3) and Khurshed Kakhorov (8-0). Johns makes his return to European soil looking to make a statement in a must-see match-up against the undefeated Kakhorov. MMA veteran Johns boasts an impressive 17 wins from his 20 professional fights, while Kakhorov has won each of his first eight bouts, including a dominant unanimous decision win in his BELLATOR debut against Jair Junior at BELLATOR 267 in October.
England’s No. 5 ranked Fabian Edwards (9-2) is set to make his return to the cage in Dublin when he takes on Marian Dimitrov (10-2). “The Assassin” won his first nine professional fights and established himself as one of the rising stars in BELLATOR’s middleweight division. He will be looking to bounce back from a defeat in his last fight against Dublin title challenger Austin Vanderford at BELLATOR 259 in May.
Ireland’s Danni McCormack (5-0) returns to action fresh from her win at the 3Arena in November against Audrey Kerouche, when she faces Stephanie Page (5-3) in a strawweight bout. The preliminary card also features a welterweight bout between Italian Stefano Paterno (13-4-1) and BELLATOR debutantLuca Poclit (6-1) and a featherweight fight between Wales’ Scott Pedersen (1-2) and Ireland’s Nathan Kelly (3-2).
Rounding out the additions to the preliminary card is a featherweight affair between up-and-coming Irishman Ciaran Clarke (4-0) and BELLATOR debutant Abou Tounkara (7-2).
Fans can see the updated card for BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs Vanderford below:
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BELLATOR 275: MOUSASI VS. VANDERFORD MAIN CARD:
Middleweight World Title Main Event: #C-Gegard Mousasi (48-7, 2 NC) vs. #1-Austin Vanderford (11-0)
Lightweight Bout: #5-Peter Queally (13-6, 1 NC) vs. Kane Mousah (13-4)
Women’s Featherweight Bout: #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-5)vs. #4–Leah McCourt (6-1)
Bantamweight Bout: Brian Moore (14-8) vs. #9-Jornel Lugo (7-0)
BELLATOR 275: MOUSASI VS. VANDERFORD PRELIMINARY CARD:
Bantamweight Bout: Brett Johns (17-3) vs. Khurshed Kakhorov (8-0)
Lightweight Bout: Charlie Leary (17-11-1) vs. Davy Gallon (19-7-2)
Featherweight Bout: Ciaran Clarke (4-0) vs. Abou Tounkara (7-2)
Middleweight Bout: #5-Fabian Edwards (9-2) vs. Marian Dimitrov (10-2)
Welterweight Bout: Stefano Paterno (13-4-1) vs. Luca Poclit (6-1)
Strawweight Bout: Danni McCormack (5-0) vs. Stephanie Page (5-3)
Lightweight Bout: Junior Morgan (3-0) vs. Darragh Kelly (Pro Debut)
Featherweight Bout: Scott Pedersen (1-2) vs. Nathan Kelly (3-2)
*Card subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
Updated schedule of BELLATOR events
Sat. Jan. 29 // BELLATOR 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ
Fri. Feb. 19 // BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, CT
Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, IRE
GRACIE VS. STORLEY TO HEADLINE NEWLY-ANNOUNCED BELLATOR 274 CARD ON SAT. FEB. 19
BELLATOR’S NO. 4-RANKED WELTERWEIGHT NEIMAN GRACIE TO TAKE ON NO. 5 LOGAN STORLEY IN AN INTERNATIONAL BATTLE OF TOP-10 CONTENDERS IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MMA 274 ON SATURDAY, FEB. 19, LIVE ON SHOWTIME
FORMER BELLATOR CHAMPION ANDREY KORESHKOV FACES FELLOW RUSSIAN STAR MUKHAMED BERKHAMOV IN CO-HEADLINER WHEN BELLATOR RETURNS TO MOHEGAN SUN ARENA IN UNCASVILLE, CONN., WITH AN ACTION-PACKED NIGHT OF FIGHTS
LOS ANGELES – Fresh off an 87-second destruction of Mark Lemminger in the co-main event of BELLATOR MMA 266, No. 4-ranked Neiman Gracie (11-2) will strap on the BELLATOR gloves for the 12th consecutive time when he takes on once-beaten and No. 5-ranked Logan Storley (12-1) in a clash of top-10 170-pounders at BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley on Saturday, Feb. 19.
In the co-featured bout inside Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., former BELLATOR Welterweight Champion and No. 8-ranked Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) will return to action and open his 2022 campaign against Mukhamed Berkhamov (15-1), a winner of his last seven contests. The main card will also see undefeated Keri Taylor Melendez (5-0) compete at flyweight against former title challenger and No. 6-ranked Veta Arteaga (6-4) and a pair of heavyweights who find themselves tied at No. 8 in the official rankings will open the main card, when undefeated prospect Davion Franklin (4-0) fights Said Sowma (8-2).
SHOWTIME will televise the BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley main card live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Additionally, 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/3p.m. PT.
Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley will go on sale Friday, Jan. 7 at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com, with a special presale taking place Thursday, Jan. 6.
Five preliminary contests are also official for BELLATOR MMA 274, three lightweight bouts, the first pitting 44-fight veteran Georgi Karakhanyan (31-12-1) against Northern California’s Adam Piccolotti (12-4), a battle between two of the best nicknames in MMA, Mandel “Rat Garbage” Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) and Nick “Nyquil” Browne (12-1), as well as Corey Samuels (3-2), who won in ten seconds in his BELLATOR debut, returning to face undefeated Justin Montalvo (4-0).
The final two preliminary contests will see Isaiah Hokit (0-1) will move down to featherweight in his second BELLATOR outing, when he takes on Albert Birckhead (0-1) in his promotional debut. Lastly, top-flight bantamweight prospect Jaylon Bates (4-0) welcomes Chris Disonell (6-4) back to BELLATOR for the first time since 2019.
Originating from the exalted Brazilian jiu-jitsu family, Gracie scored his first professional TKO when he backed his opponent against the fence and unleashed a barrage of unanswered punches to Lemminger’s head, forcing referee Jason Herzog to stop the contest at 1:27 of the opening round on Sept. 18, 2021, in San Jose, Calif.
The great grandson of Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu founder Carlos Gracie, nephew of MMA icon Royce Gracie, and cousin to Renzo Gracie, Neiman Gracie opened his outstanding MMA career by recording nine consecutive wins of then-undefeated opponents, including eight by submission.
A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the 33-year-old BELLATOR veteran currently holds a 9-2 promotional record. While others his age were learning to speak their native language, Gracie began jiu-jitsu training at age four. Fast forward to 18 years later when the multi-faceted fighter earned the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt at 22. Additionally, the Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Kings MMA fighter captured the 2011 U.S National Jiu-Jitsu title, 2008 Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu crown, and 2007 American National Jiu-Jitsu championship during an illustrious amateur career.
Hailing from Webster, S.D., the hard-hitting Storley commenced his pro vocation with six consecutive knockouts, including five in the initial stanza, en route to 11 straight triumphs overall. Furthermore, “The Storm” will make his ninth consecutive BELLATOR appearance where he currently holds a magnificent 7-1 record.
Like his counterpart on Feb. 19, Storley began wresting at a young age, albeit one year later at age five. Additionally, the Sanford MMA product and former folkstyle wrestler completed a fabled amateur career as a four-time NCAA Division-I champion at the University of Minnesota, as well as a six-time South Dakota High School Activities Association titlist.
The 29-year-old Storley, who holds academic degrees in both business and marketing, thrilled his hometown crowd in his last turn by earning a split-decision victory over Dante Schiro in the co-featured bout of BELLATOR MMA 265 in Sioux Falls, S.D.
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: #8-Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs. Mukhamed Berkamov (15-1)
Flyweight Bout: #6–Veta Arteaga (6-4) vs. Keri Taylor Melendez (5-0)
Heavyweight Bout: #8-Said Sowma (8-2) vs.#8–Davion Franklin (4-0)
PRELIMINARY CARD:
BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV
6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT
Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (31-12-1) vs. Adam Piccolotti (12-4)
Lightweight Bout: Mandel Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) vs. Nick Browne (12-1)
Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (4-0) vs. Chris Disonell (6-4)
Lightweight Bout: Corey Samuels (3-2) vs. Justin Montalvo (4-0)
Featherweight Bout: Isaiah Hokit (0-1) vs. Albert Birckhead (0-1)
*Card subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
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Updated schedule of BELLATOR events
Sat. Jan. 29 // BELLATOR 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky // Footprint Center // Phoenix, Ariz.
Sat., Feb. 19/ / BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Area // Uncasville, Conn.
Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland
Full Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos For BELLATOR MMA 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi
2022 is the Year of the BELLATOR Bantamweight World Grand Prix
HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EIGHT-MAN TOURNAMENT SET TO DETERMINE 135-POUND WORLD CHAMPION AND $1 MILLION DOLLAR GRAND PRIZE WINNER
YEARLONG TOURNAMENT BEGINS IN FIRST QUARTER OF NEXT YEAR, EXCLUSIVELY ON SHOWTIME
WATCH TONIGHT’S ANNOUNCEMENT BY CLICKING HERE
LOS ANGELES – It was officially announced at tonight’s BELLATOR 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi event that next year’s prestigious BELLATOR World Grand Prix will take place in the promotion’s incredibly stacked bantamweight division. The winner of tonight’s 135-Pound World Championship fight between Sergio Pettis and Kyoji Horiguchi will defend their title next year in the Bantamweight World Grand Prix featuring a gauntlet of the eight best athletes the weight class has to offer.
In addition to both Pettis and Horiguchi, the Bantamweight World Grand Prix is set to feature former divisional champion Juan Archuleta, No. 2 ranked-Raufeon Stots, No. 3 ranked-Patchy Mix, No. 4 ranked-Magomed Magomedov, No. 5 ranked-Leandro Higo, and No. 6 ranked-James Gallagher, who will all vie for the right to be named the next BELLATOR Bantamweight World Champion and take home a grand prize of one-million-dollars.
First-round matchups and additional details such as dates, locations and tournament alternates will be revealed soon.
All tournament bouts will be five-round contests and will be telecast in the United States exclusively on SHOWTIME.
Former BELLATOR Bantamweight World Champion Kyoji Horiguchi enters tonight’s contest unranked due to inactivity within the promotion. Official BELLATOR Rankings will be updated and distributed on Monday, Dec. 6.
Champion – Sergio Pettis (21-5):
Fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc., Sergio Pettis captured the BELLATOR bantamweight crown in May 2021 by outpointing former champion Juan Archuleta in a fast-paced contest at BELLATOR 258. During a nearly six-year, 14-fight UFC stint, the Roufusport-product competed in both the flyweight and bantamweight classes, collecting nine victories and a pair of “Fight of the Night” honors against Alex Caceres and Matt Hobar in 2014. Prior to his UFC tenure, Pettis, the younger brother of former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, earned world titles in Resurrection Fighting Alliance’s flyweight division and North American Fighting Championship’s 135-pound class. Following a trio of impressive triumphs over some of the division’s elite, BELLATOR’s bantamweight champion is set to protect his belt and an unblemished 3-0 promotional mark entering the tournament.
Former BELLATOR Bantamweight Champion – Kyoji Horiguchi (29-3):
Hailing from Takasaki, Japan, the 31-year-old Kyoji Horiguchi is the reigning RIZIN bantamweight champion who notoriously became a simultaneous, two-promotion champion in 2019 after taking down and upsetting then-BELLATOR champion Darrion Caldwell at Madison Square Garden. Unfortunately, an injury would force Horiguchi to relinquish his BELLATOR title in 2019, and he now looks to reclaim his belt in a main event clash with current champion Sergio Pettis at BELLATOR 272. While with RIZIN, the American Top Team-product amassed an impressive 10-1 promotional mark, highlighted by eight finishes and five first-round knockouts. Additionally, more than half of Horiguchi’s career victories have come via knockout. Now, after reclaiming his RIZIN bantamweight strap and avenging only his third loss in 32 outings with a highlight-reel, opening-round knockout over Kai Asakura on New Year’s Eve 2020, the Japanese sensation fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla., aims to get his hands back on BELLATOR’s title
No. 1 Ranked Bantamweight – Juan Archuleta (25-3):
With the Bantamweight World Grand Prix set, former BELLATOR World Champion and No. 1-ranked Juan Archuleta sees a clear path toward regaining the 135-pound crown. Armed with 25 professional victories, including 12 by way of K.O. or submission, the “Spaniard” has no issues stopping opponents inside the BELLATOR cage. The former four-division King of the Cage world champion, who holds victories over Patchy Mix, Henry Corrales, and Ricky Bandejas, strives to keep that trend going throughout the Grand Prix.
No. 2 Ranked Bantamweight – Raufeon Stots (17-1):
Considered one of the world’s best 135-pound fighters, Raufeon “Supa” Stots has been in the title conversation since his 2019 BELLATOR debut. Currently riding a nine-fight winning streak, the No. 2-ranked bantamweight has defeated some of BELLATOR’s finest, including Magomed Magomedov and Josh Hill, by smothering opponents with top-tier grappling ability. Sporting a near-perfect 17-1 record, the Roufusport product and two-time NCAA Division II Champion now has an opportunity to compete for a long-awaited crown.
No. 3 Ranked Bantamweight – Patchy Mix (15-1):
Set to make his sixth promotional appearance under the BELLATOR umbrella, the pride of Angola, N.Y., has collected two-first round submission victories while compiling a 4-1 record with the Scott Coker-led promotion. The 28-year-old Buffalo, N.Y. native looks to build off his most recent win at BELLATOR 270 over James Gallagher in his opponent’s hometown of Dublin, Ireland, last month. Prior to his time with BELLATOR, Mix dominated the competition while on the regional scene by collecting nine of his 15 professional victories, including five first-round finishes. Now, the submission specialist will face the toughest challenge of his career, a shot at the tournament’s $1 million prize and BELLATOR’s 135-pound strap.
No. 4 Ranked Bantamweight – Magomed Magomedov (18-2):
After capturing belts in different organizations, Dagestani phenom Magomed Magomedov hopes to add to his collection by taking home BELLATOR gold. Amassing an impressive 18-2 career record with 12 via finish, “Tiger” has made a swift impact on the BELLATOR 135-pound division since his December 2020 promotional debut by climbing to No. 4 in the rankings. Possessing both a blistering pace and superior grappling, Magomedov has the potential to be a nightmare matchup for anyone in the BELLATOR Bantamweight World Grand Prix.
No. 5 Ranked Bantamweight – Leandro Higo (21-5):
After dropping in weight to 135-pounds, Leandro Higo has been on a tear by winning three consecutive fights and putting the entire bantamweight division on notice. Under the tutelage of the famed Pitbull Brothers camp, the Brazilian is coming off a hard-fought, split-decision victory over former Bantamweight World Champion Darrion Caldwellat BELLATOR 259 in May 2021. As 12 of Higo’s 21 pro victories have come by submission, the entire bracket knows that the No. 5-ranked bantamweight will not be an easy out.
No. 6 Ranked Bantamweight – James Gallagher (11-2):
Hailing from Strabane, Ireland, one of MMA’s brightest young fighters strives to notch his 12th career victory in a tournament stacked with 135-pound talent. Following a finish over Anthony Taylor at BELLATOR 169 in December 2016 and a pair of first-round submissions the following year, “The Strabanimal” has tallied four victories over his past six contests, including three first-round finishes and a highlight reel 35-second win at BELLATOR 227. Poised for the biggest test of his young career, the former SBG Ireland-product aims to shed the shadow of former training partner, Conor McGregor, and add to his own legacy with a shot at BELLATOR bantamweight gold.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
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BELLATOR MMA Confirms Full Fight Card for BELLATOR MMA 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi on SHOWTIME This Friday, Dec. 3 at 10 P.M. ET/PTBELLATOR MMA Confirms Full Fight Card for BELLATOR MMA 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi on SHOWTIME This Friday, Dec. 3 at 10 P.M. ET/PT
BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE IS ON THE LINE AS BELLATOR CLOSES OUT THE YEAR AT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA WITH A FLURRY OF ACTION-PACKED FIGHTS
LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card for BELLATOR MMA 272: Pettis vs Horiguchi card at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The event puts a stamp on the 2021 calendar year and is set to begin on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
The stacked 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.
In the main event of the evening, current BELLATOR Bantamweight World Champion Sergio Pettis (21-5) puts his belt on the line against former BELLATOR 135-pound titleholder and current RIZIN champion Kyoji Horiguchi (29-3). The co-main event features former featherweight world title challenger No. 4-ranked Emmanuel Sanchez (20-6) versus former UFC standout and No. 9-ranked Jeremy Kennedy (16-3, 1 NC).
Also anchoring the main card will be a bantamweight bout between UFC veteran Jared Scoggins (10-1) and No. 7-ranked Josh Hill (20-4), as well as undefeated American Top Team-product, and No. 5-ranked middleweight Johnny Eblen (9-0), who looks to protect his unblemished record against BELLATOR newcomer Collin Huckbody (10-3).
With seven thrilling fights in total, the BELLATOR MMA 272 preliminary card is highlighted by a pair of welterweight contests between Swedish submission specialist No. 10-ranked Oliver Enkamp (10-2) and former Oklahoma State University wrestling standout Kyle Crutchmer (7-1) as well as Levan Chokheli (9-1, 1 NC) and Vinicius de Jesus (9-4).
Hawaii’s Kai Kamaka III (8-4-1) returns to the Scott Coker-led promotion, as he prepares for battle with John de Jesus (14-9) in featherweight action, while Dan Moret (15-6) and Spike Carlyle (12-3) meet in a 160-lb contract weight matchup.
Three additional lightweight matchups have also been announced with Russian sensation Alexander Shabliy (20-3) taking on Utah’s Bobby King (10-3), Killys Mota (12-2) battling Mike Hamel (8-5), and Justin Montalvo (3-0) squaring up with Jacob Bohn (10-7)
Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 272 are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.
Full bout listings are below:
BELLATOR MMA 272: PETTIS VS. HORIGUCHI MAIN CARD:
Friday, Dec. 3 – live on SHOWTIME
10 p.m. ET/PT
Bantamweight World Title bout: C-Sergio Pettis (21-5) vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (29-3)
Featherweight bout: #4-Emmanuel Sanchez (20-6) vs. #9-Jeremy Kennedy (16-3, 1 NC)
Bantamweight bout: Josh Hill (20-4) vs. Jared Scoggins (10-1)
Middleweight bout: #5-Johnny Eblen (9-0) vs. Collin Huckbody (10-3)
PRELIMINARY CARD:
BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV
7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT
Lightweight bout: Alexander Shabliy (20-3) vs. Bobby King (10-3)
Featherweight bout: John de Jesus (14-9) vs. Kai Kamaka III (8-4-1)
Welterweight bout: Levan Chokheli (9-1, 1 NC) vs. Vinicius de Jesus (9-4)
Lightweight bout: Justin Montalvo (3-0) vs. Jacob Bohn (10-7)
Lightweight bout: Killys Mota (12-2) vs. Mike Hamel (8-5)
160-Pound Contract Weight bout: Dan Moret (15-6) vs. Spike Carlyle (12-3)
Welterweight bout: #10-Oliver Enkamp (10-2) vs. Kyle Crutchmer (7-1)
*Card subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
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Updated schedule of BELLATOR events
Fri. Dec. 3 // BELLATOR 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, CT
Full Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos For BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh
Five New Preliminary Matchups Added to BELLATOR MMA 271 on Friday, Nov. 12, Live on SHOWTIME
FIVE FRESH PRELIMINARY MATCHUPS ADDED TO BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH ON FRIDAY, NOV. 12, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
TONS OF SOUTH FLORIDA TALENT SET TO THRILL HOMETOWN CROWD AT HARD ROCK LIVE AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN HOLLYWOOD, FLA., AS BELLATOR™ RETURNS TO THE SUNSHINE STATE FOR FIRST TIME IN EIGHT YEARS
LOS ANGELES – In addition to the Featherweight World Title main event pitting current 145-pound champion Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) against No. 5-ranked Sinead Kavanagh (7-4), BELLATOR MMA has added several star-studded matchups to the preliminary portion of BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh on Friday, Nov. 12, at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.
SHOWTIME will televise the fantastic five-fight main card live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additionally, the must-watch preliminary fights 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.
Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.
In female flyweight action, Miami’s “Master” Valerie Loureda (3-1) hopes to steal the show yet again, as the 23-year-old star prepares for Knoxville’s Taylor Turner (5-7), while Brazilian sensation Bruna Ellen (5-3) challenges the heavy-handed Desiree “Dirty Dez” Yanez (5-3).
Fighting out of Key West, Fla., the undefeated knockout artist Roman Faraldo (5-0) returns to the BELLATOR cage to face fellow Floridian and Pensacola-native Robert Turnquest (11-7) in a 170-pound contest. Additionally, Roufusport product Jordan Newman (3-0) hopes to keep his perfect record intact in a middleweight showdown against Palm Beach, Florida’s Shane O’Shea (4-2).
Lastly, former Penn State wrestler and current American Top Team standout Cody Law (4-0) puts his unblemished professional mark on the line in a featherweight clash with Fort Smith, Arkansas’ Colton Hamm (4-3).
In the co-main event., top-10 heavyweights will go toe-to-toe as No. 5-ranked Tyrell Fortune (11-1, 1 NC) squares up with No. 8 Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC).
Rounding out the five-bout SHOWTIME telecast, the always electric and No. 5-ranked Aaron Pico (8-3) will square off against undefeated No. 8 Justin Gonzales (12-0), while No. 1-ranked Arlene Blencowe (14-8) attempts to cement her place as the next in line for a shot at the 145-pound crown against No. 7 Pam Sorenson (9-3). Kicking off the main card, undefeated No. 7-ranked Boca Raton, Fla., resident Steve Mowry (9-0) will continue his quest toward the top of the heavyweight ranks as he takes on veteran Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1, 1 NC).
Updated BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH MAIN CARD:
Friday, Nov. 12 – live on SHOWTIME
10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Featherweight World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) vs. #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-4)
Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #5-Tyrell Fortune (11-1, 1 NC) vs. #8-Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC)
Featherweight Bout: #5-Aaron Pico (8-3) vs. No. 8-Justin Gonzales (12-0)
Featherweight Bout: #1-Arlene Blencowe (14-8)vs. #7-Pam Sorenson (9-3)
Heavyweight Bout: #7-Steve Mowry (9-0)vs. Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1, 1 NC)
PRELIMINARY CARD:
BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV
7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT
Flyweight Bout: Bruna Ellen (5-3) vs. Desiree Yanez (5-3)
Welterweight Bout: Roman Faraldo (5-0) vs. Robert Turnquest (11-7)
Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (4-0) vs. Colton Hamm (4-3)
Flyweight Bout: Valerie Loureda (3-1) vs. Taylor Turner (5-7)
Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (3-0) vs. Shane O’Shea (4-2)
For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, please visit BELLATOR.com.
** Card subject to change **
Updated schedule of BELLATOR events
Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland
Fri. Nov. 12 // BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL
Fri. Dec. 3 // BELLATOR 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.
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