Tag Archives: Cheick Kongo

Bellator, wosanganiza asilikali zaluso, MMA, Nthawi Yachiwonetsero

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

Mulole 4, 2022 FNU47 Kusiya ndemanga

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

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

Text

Description automatically generated

PARIS –A massive night of championship-level MMA guaranteed to bring fireworks is set for this Friday, Mulole 6 from the Accor Arena in Paris and airs live at a special time of4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT pa Showtime.

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

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

Newly announced, No.6-ranked middleweightLorenz Larkin(23-7, 1 NC) tsopano amakumanaKyle Stewart(15-5) during theBellator 280waukulu khadi. France’sDavy Gallon(20-7-2) will go to battle in front of his fellow countrymen and women when he faces Switzerland’sBenjamin Brander(13-8) at lightweight. Opening theBellator 280televised card, English middleweightMike Shipman(14-3) will clash with proud ParisianGregory Babene(21-11, 1 NC).

Nine titillating preliminary matchups have been announced, including a smash between former featherweight title challengerPedro Carvalho(12-5) ndipo newly signed Polish standoutPiotr Niedzielski(16-4), plus a 160-pound contract weight clash between “The True Viking”Søren Bak(15-1) ndi England aCharlie Leary(17-12-1).

The preliminary bouts will stream live three and a half hours earlier at12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Limited tickets for the fight remain on sale ataccorarena.com ndipobellator.fr. Follow Bellator France on Instagram @BellatorFrance and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/BellatorFrance/

A picture containing text, person, crowd

Description automatically generated

BELLATOR 280: BADER VS. KONGO 2ZIKULUZIKULU KHADI:

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

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

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

Kuwala katswiri woposa onse Co-Main Chochitika: Yoel Romero (13-6) vs. #7-Alex Polizzi(10-1)

Opepuka podwala: Davy Gallon(20-7-2) vs.Benjamin Brander(13-8)

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

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

BELLATOR 280: BADER VS. KONGO 2Kuyambirira KHADI:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opepuka podwala: Yves Landu (16-9) vs.Gavin Hughes (10-2)

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

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

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

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

*Khadi likhoza kusintha.

Chonde kukaonaBellator.com kuti mudziwe zambiri.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Free. Mulole 6 // BELLATOR 280: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA

Free. Mulole 13 // BELLATOR 281: MVP vs. Storley // The OVO Arena Wembley // London

Free. June 24 // BELLATOR 282: Mousasi vs. Eblen// Mohegan Sun m'bwalomo // Uncasville, CT

Free. Sep. 23 // BELLATOR DUBLIN// 3M'bwalomo // Dublin

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Motsogoleredwa ndi msirikali wakale nkhondo kulimbikitsa Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries by an available audience of over one billion people. Mu United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, moyo chochitika orchestration, womenya chitukuko / anagona, bwaloli zogula, zothandizira chilengedwe / chitukuko, mayiko kupereka malayisensi, malonda, otsatsa, zafalitsidwa ndi ntchito anagona. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Paramount, kunyumba kwa dziko la Premier zosangalatsa zopangidwa kuti kugwirizana ndi omvera mwa kuyenera okhutira kudutsa TV, filimu, Intaneti ndi mafoni nsanja.

AboutNTHAWI YACHIWONETSERO

Showtime Intaneti Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ ndipo FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI misika ndi kugawira masewera ndi zosangalatsa zimene zikuchitika masiku pachionetsero kwa olembetsa pa malipiro-pa-maganizo maziko kudzera Showtime PPV^®. Kuti mudziwe zambiri, kupitawww.SHO.com.

Bellator, wosanganiza asilikali zaluso, MMA, Nthawi Yachiwonetsero

Light Heavyweight Bout Featuring Yoel Romero Against Melvin Manhoef Added to BELLATOR’s Return to Paris on May 6

February 13, 2022 FNU47 Kusiya ndemanga

A group of men posing for a picture

Description automatically generated with medium confidence — **Paris, FRANCE –** Two iconic mixed martial artists with an undeniable track record of thrilling performances will square up as **Yoel Romero** (13-6) zimanyezimira **Melvin Manhoef** (32-15-1, 2 NC) in the co-main event of BELLATOR MMA’s return to Paris’ Accor Arena on Friday, Mulole 6. *BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2* will be televised live in America on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. CEST/4 p.m. AND.

With mixed martial arts becoming legalized in France in 2020, BELLATOR became the first promotion to hold a major MMA event with *BELLATOR 248* in October of that year. The success of that historic card propelled BELLATOR to make a return to “The City of Lights” in 2022 in a big way with a main event featuring undisputed BELLATOR MMA Heavyweight Champion, **Ryan Bader** (29-7, 1 NC) defending his crown in enemy territory against hometown favorite and No. 2-ranked heavyweight **Cheick Kongo** (31-11-2, 1 NC).

In addition to the main and co-main event, a lightweight tilt pitting the last man to defeat media darling Paddy Pimblett, **Søren Bak** (15-1) against England’s **Saul Rogers** (15-4) is also official. Bak has only tasted defeat once in his 16 professional fights and held both the featherweight and lightweight titles in Cage Warriors before joining the BELLATOR roster. Fighting out of Denmark, “The True Viking” is riding a seven-fight win streak into battle against the SBG Manchester product, Rogers. Known as “The Hangman,” Rogers also has amassed 15 victories on his resume including wins over Artem Lobov, Ryan Hall and Georgi Karakhanyan.

The preliminary card is guaranteed to feature a showcase of French talent and has begun to take shape with the return of **Yves Landu** (16-9), who takes on Liverpool’s **Gavin Hughes** (10-2) in a lightweight affair. Preliminary card action will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6:30 p.m. CEST/12:30 p.m. AND.
Tickets for the fight are on sale now at accorarena.com ndipo bellator.fr. Follow Bellator France on Instagram @BellatorFrance and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorFrance/

Kulimbana kuchokera Miami, Florida, Romero will be making his second BELLATOR appearance on May 6 ku Paris. Following a seven-year stint under the direction of the UFC, the American Top Team-product became one of the most sought-after free agents prior to signing with the Scott Coker-led promotion in 2020. Ndi 11 wake 13 career victories coming by way of knockout, including four of the first-round variety, “Soldier of God” possesses the type of knockout power that can force any opponent into submission. A three-time World Cup Freestyle Wrestling Champion, five-time Pan-American Freestyle Wrestling Champion, ndipo 2000 Olympics Freestyle Wrestling Silver Medalist, the Cuban-born Romero has continuously showcased his elite talents at the highest level of competition. The only missing trophy to a near-flawless legacy is a BELLATOR world title.

Making his tenth appearance for BELLATOR MMA, Dutch superstar Melvin “No Mercy” Manhoef has put together an impressive resume throughout his illustrious career in multiple combat sports disciplines that has seen him finish 29 wake 32 MMA victims via knockout, kuphatikizapo 26 in the first round and eight in the opening minute of action. A native of Amsterdam, Netherlands, the ageless wonder and No. 10-ranked BELLATOR light heavyweight will now look to add to a trio of impressive knockouts that he’s collected since joining the promotion back in 2014.

*BELLATOR PARIS: BADER VS. KONGO 2* ZIKULUZIKULU KHADI:
**NTHAWI YACHIWONETSERO (U.S.) / RMC SPORT (FRANCE) / BBC Three & BBC iPlayer (U.K.) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)**
Friday, Mulole 6, 10 p.m. CEST/9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

*Heavyweight World Title Main Event:* #C-**Ryan Bader** (29-7, 1 NC) vs. #2-**Cheick Kongo** (31-11-2, 1 NC)
*Kuwala katswiri woposa onse Co-Main Chochitika:* **Yoel Romero** (13-6) vs. #10-**Melvin Manhoef** (32-15-1, 2 NC)
*Opepuka podwala:* **Søren Bak** (15-1) vs. **Saul Rogers** (15-4)
*Opepuka podwala:* **Yves Landu** (16-9) vs. **Gavin Hughes** (10-2)

*Khadi likhoza kusintha.

Chonde kukaona www.Bellator.fr ndipo Bellator.com kuti mudziwe zambiri.

**Updated schedule of BELLATOR events**
Sat., Feb. 19 / / *BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs.* *Storley* // Mohegan Sun m'bwalomo // Uncasville, Conn.
Free. Feb. 25 // *BELLATOR MMA 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford* // 3M'bwalomo // Dublin, IRE
Anakhala. March 12 // *BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell //* The Family Arena // St. Louis
Free. Mulole 6 // *BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2* // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA
Free. Mulole 13 // *BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP* // The SSE Arena, Wembley // London

Bellator, wosanganiza asilikali zaluso, MMA, Nthawi Yachiwonetsero

BELLATOR MMA SET FOR RETURN TO PARIS ON FRIDAY, MAY 6 WITH MASSIVE HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT

February 1, 2022 FNU47 Kusiya ndemanga

A collage of a person

Description automatically generated with low confidence — **UNDISPUTED CHAMP RYAN BADER WILL DEFEND TITLE IN REMATCH AGAINST FRENCH MMA LEGEND CHEICK KONGO DURING MAIN EVENT AT ACCOR ARENA**

**Paris, FRANCE –** Fresh off unifying the BELLATOR MMA Heavyweight Championship, **Ryan Bader** (29-7, 1 NC) will defend his crown in enemy territory against hometown favorite and No. 2-ranked heavyweight **Cheick Kongo** (31-11-2, 1 NC) pa Lachisanu, Mulole 6. Paris’ Accor Arena is set to play host to the world title fight, which will headline the *BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo* chochitika.

Matikiti *BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2* are on sale now at accorarena.com ndipo bellator.fr.

Broadcast details and additional fights, including a plethora of French talent, are set to be announced in the coming weeks. Follow Bellator France on Instagram @BellatorFrance and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorFrance/.

With mixed martial arts becoming legalized in France in 2020, BELLATOR became the first promotion to hold a major MMA event with *BELLATOR 248* in October of that year. The success of that historic card propelled BELLATOR to make a return to “The City of Lights.”

“Bringing BELLATOR to France in 2020 was one of the highlights of my career, and I knew that it was the start of a long run of big events in Paris,” BELLATOR President Scott Coker said. “Here we are ready for our second trip to France and this time we are bringing a heavyweight world title rematch featuring arguably the most recognizable French mixed martial artist in our sports history. It’s personally important to me to help grow the sport in France and give these athletes a chance to perform on a large stage.”

The main event is a rematch from *BELLATOR 226* mu 2019 that ended in a controversial no-contest following a disputed eye poke, creating heightened tension between the two fight camps that will surely boil over on May 6.

Successfully returning to the 265-pound division following an impressive run in the BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix, **Ryan Bader** (29-7) is fresh off a dominant BELLATOR MMA World Heavyweight Title defense over interim champion **Valentin Moldavsky** in front of a partisan Phoenix crowd on Jan. 29. A former two-division champion, Bader has defeated nine of his last 12 opponents at both heavyweight and light heavyweight. Fighting out of Chandler, Ariz., the former two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler from Arizona State University opened his professional career by winning season eight of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Never one to shy away from an opponent, Bader has had nothing but high-profile bouts since signing with BELLATOR MMA in 2017, defeating Fedor Emelianenko, Mfumu Mo, Mat Mitrione, Linton Vassell, Lyoto Machida, and Phil Davis. In his initial 265-pound title defense against Kongo, Bader controlled the action before referee Mike Beltran stopped the contest due to an accidental poke to Kongo’s left eye at 3:52 wa kutsegula kuzungulira.

Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat at *BELLATOR MMA 265*, longtime BELLATOR veteran **Cheick Kongo** (31-11-2, 1 NC) was on the verge of being stopped by Sergei Kharitonov in the initial stanza during his last outing on Aug. 20, 2021. After hitting the canvas and becoming badly hurt, the exhausted Parisian rallied to secure a tap out via rear-naked choke with one second remaining in round two. Ten months prior to the dramatic triumph, the former UFC standout headlined the first major MMA event in his native France as he took on **Tim Johnson** in a rematch on Oct. 10, 2020. Since signing with the Scott Coker-led company in late August 2013, the promotional mainstay, who currently sports a 13-3 promotional record with one no contest, holds the records for most fights (17) and wins (12) in BELLATOR heavyweight history. Just three years shy of 50, Kongo has proven that age is just a number as he continues to challenge the best that BELLATOR MMA has to offer.

***BELLATOR PARIS:*** *BADER VS. KONGO 2* ZIKULUZIKULU KHADI:

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

*Khadi likhoza kusintha.

Chonde kukaona www.Bellator.fr ndipo Bellator.com kuti mudziwe zambiri.

**Updated schedule of BELLATOR events**
Sat., Feb. 19 / / *BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs.* *Storley* // Mohegan Sun Area // Uncasville, Conn.
Free. Feb. 25 // *BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford* // 3M'bwalomo // Dublin, IRE
Free. Mulole 6 // *BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2* // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA
Free. Mulole 13 // *BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP* // The SSE Arena, Wembley // London

****

Bellator, wosanganiza asilikali zaluso, MMA, Nthawi Yachiwonetsero, Showtime Maseŵera a nkhonya

Complete Fight Night Results & Photos For BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo motsutsana. Kharitonov

August 22, 2021 FNU47 Kusiya ndemanga

A picture containing person, sport

Description automatically generated — **Complete Event Photos Here – Please Credit: Lucas Noonan / BELLATOR MMA**

#3-**Cheick Kongo** (31-11-2, 1 NC) anagonjetsa **Sergei Kharitonov** (32-9, 2 NC) kudzera kugonjera (kumbuyo-maliseche Choke) pa 4:59 wa kuzungulira awiri

#5-**Logan Storley** (12-1) anagonjetsa **Dante Schiro** (8-3) kudzera kugawanika zochita (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

**Marcelo Golm** (9-3) anagonjetsa **Billy Swanson** (4-1) kudzera TKO (inawomba) pa 4:57 wa kuzungulira limodzi

#6-**Jornel Lugo** (7-0) anagonjetsa **Keith Lee** (7-4) via technical submission (kumbuyo-maliseche Choke) pa 5:00 wa kuzungulira limodzi

**Kuyambirira Khadi:**
**Fabio Aguiar** (18-2) anagonjetsa **Taylor Johnson** (7-3) kudzera kugawanika zochita (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
**Mike Hamel** (8-5) anagonjetsa **Bryce Logan** (12-6) kudzera akamakambirana (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
**Archie Colgan** (3-0) anagonjetsa **Ben Simons** (3-3) kudzera TKO (nkhonya) pa 00:00 wa kuzungulira limodzi
**Duane Johnson** (6-2)anagonjetsa **Deven Fisher**(4-9) kudzera kugonjera (D’arce Choke) pa 1:04 wa kuzungulira limodzi
**Bailey Schoenfelder** (2-0) anagonjetsa **Kory Moegenburg** (1-3) kudzera TKO (inawomba) pa 4:11 wa kuzungulira limodzi

Chonde kukaona Bellator.com kuti mudziwe zambiri.

****

Bellator, wosanganiza asilikali zaluso, MMA, Nthawi Yachiwonetsero

Cheick Kongo Set to Rumble With Sergei Kharitonov in Heavyweight Main Event of BELLATOR MMA 265 pa Aug. 20 at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, Sd

July 21, 2021 FNU47 Kusiya ndemanga

A picture containing text, person

Description automatically generated — **LOS ANGELES –** Today, BELLATOR officials confirmed a must-see main event pitting hard-hitting heavyweights **Cheick Kongo** (30-11-2) ndipo **Sergei Kharitonov** (32-8) against one another tops *BELLATOR MMA 265* pa Lachisanu, August 20 from the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. and airs live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. Opuma / 6 p.m. PT.

The card has also confirmed top featherweights No. 3 **Adam Borics** (17-1) ndipo No. 4 **Jay-Jay Wilson** (8-0) will meet for the right to face the winner of the BELLATOR Featherweight World Grand Prix Final between **Patricio “Pitbull”** (32-4) ndipo **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 of *BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo motsutsana. Kharitonov* currentlyfeatures a flyweight bout pitting No.5-ranked **Alejandra Lara** (9-4) motsutsa **DeAnna Bennett** (10-7-1) and willbegin at 6:00 p.m. NDI / 3:00 p.m. PT and stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. Additional preliminary bouts will be announced in the near future.

Holding an impressive MMA record of 30-11-2, 1 NC, Osa. 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 over **Vitaly 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, Mat Mitrione, and Alistair Overeem. Tsopano, 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 a 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.

# # #

*BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo motsutsana. Kharitonov* Main Khadi:
**NTHAWI YACHIWONETSERO**
Friday, August 20 - 9 p.m. Opuma / 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)

**Kuyambirira Khadi:**
**BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV**
6:00 p.m. NDI / 3:00 p.m. PT

*Flyweight Bout: #5-***Alejandra Lara** (9-4) vs. **DeAnna Bennett** (10-7-1)

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

Bellator, CBS Sports Network, wosanganiza asilikali zaluso, MMA

BELLATOR MMA AND CBS SPORTS NETWORK TEAM UP ON NEW TELEVISION PARTNERSHIP

September 15, 2020 FNU47 Kusiya ndemanga

**COVERAGE KICKS OFF THURSDAY, Oct. 1 WITH *BELLATOR 247* LIVE FROM MILAN, ITALY**

**ZAMBIRI, CHAMPION CRIS ‘CYBORG’ AND ARLENE BLENCOWE MEET IN EPIC WORLD TITLE BOUT IN PRIMETIME ON OCT. 15**

Los Angeles-Bellator MMA, a leading mixed martial arts promotion owned by ViacomCBS, ndipoCBS Sports Networkhave announced an exciting new partnership that will see the organization’s live events featured on the 24-hour home of CBS Sports beginning this fall.

CBS Sports Network will televise Bellator events, both domestic and international, LIVE in all U.S. m'misika, while preliminary matchups will stream on CBSSports.com and Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

To kick off the new partnership, CBS Sports Network will air Bellator events live from Europe, kuphatikizapoBellator 247Lachinayi, Oct. 1 (4 p.m. AND) ku Milan, Italy, as well as the monumentalBellator Parischochitika lachiwelu, Oct. 10 (11:30 a.m. AND) in France.Bellator 247is headlined by a welterweight battle between veteranPaul Daley (42-17-2) ndipoDerek Anderson (16-3, 1 NC), pameneBellator Parissees“MVP” Michael Page (17-1) kutengaRoss Houston (8-0, 1 NC) at welterweight andCheick Kongo (30-10-2, 1 NC) nkhopeTim Johnson (14-6) mu podwala ndi katswiri woposa onse.

The first primetime event live from the U.S. takes place Thursday, Oct. 15 (9 p.m. AND) with a massive card anchored by the first world title defense of current championCris “Cyborg” (22-2, 1 NC), who takes on Australia’sArlene Blencowe (13-7), paBellator 249from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

“We’re excited to have CBS Sports Network serve as the new home of live Bellator MMA events. It’s a great opportunity to showcase some of the best events and biggest names in the sport,” said CBS Sports Executive Vice President of Programming Dan Weinberg. “Adding Bellator MMA to the CBS Sports portfolio will allow for greater promotion, engagement and exposure across all our platforms and assets including CBS Sports Network, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports HQ as well as our various social accounts.”

“I am thrilled that Bellator live events will be coming to CBS Sports Network beginning on Oct. 1, as well as the unique opportunities the partnership creates across all CBS Sports platforms,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “CBS Sports is synonymous with iconic sports broadcasting and it is incredible to now have Bellator MMA included in that family. I would like to thank Paramount Network, formerly Spike TV, for the years of support that helped build Bellator into the organization that it is today, and this news marks yet another exciting relationship between two ViacomCBS properties. I look forward to bringing the biggest fights, featuring the top athletes in the world, live to CBS Sports Network and introducing Bellator to an entirely new audience this fall.”

CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, is available through all major cable, satellite and telco distributors as well as via OTT streaming service providers YouTube TV, fuboTV, DirecTV and Hulu.

Bellator will continue to produce all of its own live events, led by Executive Producer Scott Fishman.

The second Bellator woman’s featherweight champion in the company’s history, Cris “Cyborg” is coming off of a dominant performance over Julia Budd in January to win the 145-pound world title. Already an MMA legend at 35-years-old, “Cyborg” will be looking to further her legacy as the greatest woman’s mixed martial artist of all-time when she meets Arlene Blencowe on Oct. 15. After winning the Bellator belt in her 12th career title fight, “Cyborg” made history by becoming a world champion in her fourth major promotion, previously holding belts in both the UFC and Strikeforce. With a professional record of 22-2, 1 NC, kuphatikizapo 18 wins by way of finish, the Brazilian-born fighter holds victories over tough competition such as Budd, Holly Holm, Felicia Spencer and Gina Carano.

With wins in six of her last seven fights, including five knockouts, “Angerfist” has put herself in position to challenge for the women’s featherweight title. Coming off a unanimous decision victory over Leslie Smith, the former two-time boxing world champion will look to keep her momentum rolling and claim her first MMA title. Tied for the most knockouts in Bellator woman’s featherweight history, the fighter out of New South Wales, Australia aims to claim sole possession of that record, as she takes on her toughest challenge to date in Cris “Cyborg.”

A longtime MMA veteran, Paul Daley has competed professionally since 2003, amassing over 60 career fights. Throughout his tenure, “Semtex” has been one half of some of the most memorable bouts in MMA history, kuphatikizapoknockout of the year over Brennan Ward in 2017. Ambiri posachedwapa, the Nottingham, England native notched consecutive wins over Erick Silva and Saad Awad, running his record in Bellator MMA to 8-4. Fighting out of San Diego, Calif., the 30-year-old Derek Anderson will be making his 11th appearance for Bellator MMA in search of his third consecutive victory. Ndi 11 wake 16 career wins coming by way of finish, “The Barbaric” hopes to earn his eighth promotional victory and first of his 2020 ndawala.

Currently riding a three-fight win streak, Michael "njoka" Page, better known to fans as “MVP,” returns with the intention of spoiling the debut of European welterweight prospect, Ross Houston. Holding a career record of 17-1, ndi 14 wins coming by way of stoppage, the pride of London Shootfighters looks to remind people why he is one of the most exciting strikers in all of MMA. After signing with Bellator in February, Scotland’s Houston will make his promotional debut against one of Bellator’s biggest stars in Page. “The Hitman” plans on keeping his 8-0, 1 NC undefeated record intact and improve on the three submission victories already to his name by using his known Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills.

Holding an impressive MMA record of 30-10-2, 1 NC, France’s Cheick Kongo returns to action following a title fight against heavyweight champion Ryan Bader last September. The former kickboxer remains unbeaten since 2015 and will enter the Bellator cage on home soil for a rematch against a familiar opponent in heavyweight contender in Tim Johnson. Coming off a dominant TKO victory over veteran Matt Mitrione atBellator 243 mu August, Johnson is set to compete for the third time in 2020 seeking revenge in a rematch from 2018 against Kongo. Now training out of Las Vegas, Johnson has quickly earned his place near the top of the Bellator heavyweight division with his recent wins, including a viral knockout over top prospect Tyrell Fortune in February.

*Fight cards subject to change.

Chonde kukaonaBellator.com kuti mudziwe zambiri.

Bellator, wosanganiza asilikali zaluso

BELLATOR TO HOLD FIRST MAJOR MMA EVENT IN FRANCE ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 AT ACCOR ARENA IN PARIS

September 15, 2020 FNU47 Kusiya ndemanga

**WITH FANS IN ATTENDANCE, FRANCE’S CHEICK KONGO FACES TIM JOHNSON AT HEAVYWEIGHT, WHILE MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE TAKES ON THE DEBUTING ROSS HOUSTON**

***Tickets on sale Tuesday, Zisanu Ndi Ziwiri. 15!***

LOS ANGELES – France has approved the practice of mixed martial arts and has placed the sport under the supervision of the French Boxing Federation (FFB). With these recent government approvals, Bellator is pleased to announce that it will become the first promotion to hold a major MMA event in France with a monumental show on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Accor Arena in Paris. Bellator Paris izikhala 13 MMA bouts and three boxing matchups.

Among the athletes competing atBellator Paris, 10 French fighters will appear on the card, including the renownedCheick Kongo (30-10-2, 1 NC), who will face off againstTim Johnson (14-6) in a heavyweight clash. Kuwonjezera, an exciting welterweight bout betweenMichael “Venom” Page (17-1), better known to fans as “MVP,” and the debuting undefeatedRoss Houston (8-0,1 NC) is also booked for the event.

A limited number of fans will be allowed in attendance for this historic event. Tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. CEST on Tuesday, September 15 paaccorarena.com ndipobellator.fr.

Following the governmental decree, the French Boxing Federation is responsible for the implementation of MMA in France. “If I made the choice to initiate a delegation procedure for MMA, it was for its recognition; it is to liberate, supervise and develop its practice,” indicates the Minister of Sports, Roxana Maracineanu. This is a turning point in the history of French sport, as MMA is a discipline that is enjoying growing success, proven by these events capable of bringing together thousands of people and attracting millions of spectators.

“This is a monumental moment in the history of the sport, as well as our organization, and I am honored that Bellator will promote the very first MMA event in France by a major promotion,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “Many people have worked tirelessly to bring this to fruition, and it would not have been possible without the support of the Minister of Sports, Roxana Maracineanu, as well as the French Kickboxing Federation sanctioning body. I would also like to thank Accor Arena, who have been an incredible venue partner, and I cannot wait for the French fans to be in attendance and join us live for what will be an unforgettable night of action in Paris on Oct 10.”

Holding an impressive MMA record of 30-10-2, 1 NC, France’s Cheick Kongo returns to action following a title fight against heavyweight champion Ryan Bader last September. The former kickboxer remains unbeaten since 2015 and will enter the Bellator cage on home soil for a rematch against a familiar opponent in heavyweight contender, Tim Johnson. With the most fights (15) and wins (12) in Bellator heavyweight history, as well as victories over Vitaly Minakov, Mirko Cro Cop, Antoni Hardonk and Matt Mitrione, the Parisian is planning for a successful homecoming on Oct. 10.

On the heels of a dominant TKO victory over veteran Matt Mitrione atBellator 243 mu August, Tim Johnson is set to compete for the third time in 2020 seeking revenge in a rematch from 2018 against Cheick Kongo. Now training out of Las Vegas, Johnson has quickly earned his place near the top of the Bellator heavyweight division with his recent wins, including a viral knockout over top prospect Tyrell Fortune in February. Boasting a career record of 14-6, ndi 11 coming by way of finish, the Minnesota-born military veteran looks to carry his momentum into a fight that has future world title implications.

Currently riding a three-fight win streak, Michael "njoka" Page, better known to fans as “MVP,” returns with the intention of spoiling the debut of European welterweight prospect, Ross Houston. Holding a career record of 17-1, ndi 14 wins coming by way of stoppage, the pride of London Shootfighters looks to remind people why he is one of the most exciting strikers in all of MMA. In addition to his MMA accolades, Page is a 10-time kickboxing world champion and also undefeated as a professional boxer.

After signing with Bellator in February, Scotland’s Ross Houston will make his promotional debut against one of Bellator’s biggest stars in Michael Page. “The Hitman” plans on keeping his 8-0, 1 NC undefeated record intact and moving one step closer to Bellator gold in the toughest test of his career to date. With three submission victories to his name, Houston’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills make him a viable threat if the fight goes to the ground against one of Bellator’s most feared strikers.

Follow Bellator France on Instagram@BellatorFrance ndi pa Facebook pawww.facebook.com/BellatorFrance/.

Chonde kukaonawww.Bellator.fr ndipoBellator.com kuti mudziwe zambiri.

KusinthidwaBellator ParisCard:

Heavyweight Feature Fight: Cheick Kongo(30-10-2, 1 NC) vs.Tim Johnson(14-6)

Welterweight Mbali Nkhondo: Michael Page(17-1) vs.Ross Houston(8-0, 1 NC)

*Khadi likhoza kusintha.

****