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Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Former Title Challenger John Salter Meets Undefeated Johnny Eblen During Main Card of BELLATOR 276 on March 12

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TOP FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDERS CAT ZINGANO AND PAM SORENSON WILL BATTLE ON PRELIMINARY CARD, ALONG WITH PIVOTAL WELTERWEIGHT CLASH BETWEEN DEREK ANDERSON VS. GOITI YAMAUCHI

TOP PROSPECTS ROMERO COTTON, CODY LAW, ROMAN FARALDO ALSO SET FOR ACTION

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LOS ANGELES – A plethora of fantastic fighters armed with world-title aspirations have joined the stacked BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell card on Saturday, March 12. SHOWTIME will televise the mammoth main card live from inside the Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo., at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Former title challenger and No. 2 ranked-John Salter (18-5), as well as undefeated BELLATOR MMA No. 3-ranked Johnny Eblen (10-0), and women’s No. 2 featherweight Cat Zingano (12-4) hope to take the next step toward BELLATOR MMA gold as they join the four co-headline brawlers currently ranked among the upper echelon of their respective divisions.

Featured among the magnificent MMA melees will be three of the top-ten middleweights, five undefeated and one unblemished amateur, four top-two contenders, and ten fighters ranked along with BELLATOR MMA’s elite.

In the main event of the evening, Adam Borics (17-1) and Mads Burnell (16-3), two featherweights currently tied at No. 2 in the official BELLATOR MMA rankings, will square off for a future shot at the BELLATOR 145-pound world title. In the co-featured bout, former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight Champion, 13-time BELLATOR veteran, and No. 2-ranked Phil Davis (23-6, 1 NC) will open his 2022 campaign against No. 4 Julius Anglickas (10-2), who most recently challenged for the 205-pound title. Additionally, the main card will spotlight an international lightweight extravaganza as undefeated New Alliance Jiu-Jitsu team member Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) of Auckland, New Zealand, moves up in weight to meet Dagestan, Russia’s Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2), who is coming off a first-round knockout in his promotional debut at BELLATOR MMA 263 in July 2021.

Prior to the consequential co-featured contests, a pair of top middleweights will round out the main card as Salter and Eblen square off for a shot at the winner of the upcoming world title bout pitting 185-pound Champion Gegard Mousasi against No. 1-ranked Austin Vanderford at BELLATOR MMA 275 later this month in Dublin, Ireland.

Armed with an 8-2 BELLATOR record, Salter, a 15-year pro MMA veteran out of Nashville, Tenn., holds the promotional record for most submissions in BELLATOR MMA middleweight history, and has stopped 17 of his 23 opponents. Nicknamed “Diamond Hands” due to his love for crypto currency and willingness to hold onto his investments, Eblen is coming off a 71-second annihilation of Collin Huckbody at BELLATOR MMA 272 in December 2021. The six-time BELLATOR MMA veteran and American Top-Team product, who recently signed a six-fight BELLATOR contract extension, has secured six opening-round stoppages, including two of his three 2021 opponents.

In addition to the magnificent main card, a veritable cornucopia of pulsating preliminary punch ups will commence the preeminent night of action, including a Minnesota midwestern melee pitting former UFC title challenger and Winona, Minn., native Zingano against No.7-ranked lightweight Pam Sorenson (9-4) of Blaine, Minn.

Set to make her third straight BELLATOR MMA appearance with aspirations of challenging BELLATOR MMA Women’s Welterweight World Champion Cris Cyborg, Zingano has had a decorated fighting career. The former NCAA Division III All-American wrestler became the first mother to compete in the UFC and initial woman to capture the company’s “Fight of the Night” award, counting victories over Miesha Tate, Amanda Nunes, Marion Reneau, and Gabrielle Holloway. Recently, “Alpha” was featured in the series “Double Duty” that chronicled the attempts to maintain a balance between the daily responsibilities of parenthood and earning a living as a pro athlete.

A former Invicta FC women’s featherweight champion, Sorenson started kickboxing after the passing of her best friend. After vacating her crown and requesting a release from Invicta in July 2021, the Minneapolis mauler signed a multi-fight deal with BELLATOR MMA in mid-2021. Soon after joining the pioneering company, the 35-year-old recorded a hard-fought split decision over Roberta Samad at BELLATOR MMA 264 in Uncasville, Conn.

Also featured will be a bruising brawl pitting two hard-hitting heavyweights with seven career stoppages apiece as No. 8-ranked Alex “Eazy” Polizzi (9-1) of Madison, Wisc., clashes with Team Pitbull’s Jose “Guru” Augusto (7-3, 1 NC). Additionally, San Diego, Calif. native, 11-time BELLATOR MMA veteran, and No. 6-ranked “Barbaric” Derek Anderson (17-4, 1 NC) will mix it up with submission specialist, BELLATOR Brazilian bruiser, and Japanese-born Goiti Yamaguchi (26-5), in a worldwide welterweight war.

Furthermore, added to BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell is a memorable middleweight match pitting undefeated, No. 6-ranked 185-pounder and owner of three consecutive stoppages Romero Cotton (5-0) of Hutchinson, Kansas, who will bravely battle the horrors of “The Boogeyman” Lance Wright (5-2). Moreover, former Division II All-American wrestler and fantastic featherweight Cody Law (5-0), fresh off his third opening-round finish, strives to avoid being scared off by “Phantom” Johnny Soto (5-2) of Escondido, Calif.

Continuing the unforgettable night of amazing action, undefeated welterweight and American Top-Team member Roman Faraldo (6-0) will make his fourth consecutive promotional appearance when he challenges BELLATOR MMA rookie Kelvin Rayford (5-3), while local combatant Jordan Howard (10-5) of Jefferson City hopes to thrill the Missouri faithful against Athens, Illinois’ own Trevor Ward (5-5). Two flyweights will test their skills as well, when Diana Avsaragova (4-0) of Russia welcomes Ashley Deen (5-6) to BELLATOR. Lastly, a Show-Me State lightweight showdown between BELLATOR beginner Dan Busch (4-1) makes his sixth straight Missouri appearance by confronting St. Louis’ Josh Augustine (5-2).

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/3 p.m. PT.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell are on sale now at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com

BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell Main Card:

Saturday, March 12 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Featherweight Main Event: #2-Adam Borics (17-1) vs. #2-Mads Burnell (16-3)

Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #2-Phil Davis (23-6, 1 NC) vs. #4-Julius Anglickas (10-2)

Middleweight Bout: #2-John Salter (18-5) vs. #3-Johnny Eblen (10-0)

Lightweight Bout: Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

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

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

Featherweight Bout: #2-Cat Zingano (12-4) vs. #7-Pam Sorenson (9-4)

Light Heavyweight Bout: #8-Alex Polizzi (9-1) vs. Jose Augusto (7-3, 1 NC)

Welterweight Bout: #6-Derek Anderson (17-4-1) vs. Goiti Yamaguchi (26-5)

Middleweight Bout: #6-Romero Cotton (5-0) vs. Lance Wright (5-2)

Flyweight Bout: Diana Avsaragova (4-0) vs. Ashley Deen (5-6)

Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (5-0) vs. Johnny Soto (4-2)

Welterweight Bout: Roman Faraldo (6-0) vs. Kelvin Rayford (5-3)

Bantamweight Bout: Jordan Howard (10-5) vs. Trevor Ward (5-5)

Lightweight Bout: Dan Busch (4-1) vs. Josh Augustine (5-2)

*Card subject to change.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat., Feb. 19 / / BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR MMA 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, IRE

Sat. March 12 // BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis

Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The SSE Arena, Wembley // London

****

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, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SEVERAL GREAT FIGHTS ADDED TO BELLATOR 275: MOUSASI VS. VANDERFORD IN DUBLIN ON FEB. 25

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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

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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:

****

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

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Official Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos for BELLATOR MMA 264: Mousasi vs. Salte

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COMPLETE FIGHT NIGHT PHOTOS HERE – (PLEASE CREDIT: BELLATOR MMA / LUCAS NOONAN)
 
POST-FIGHT VIDEO INTERVIEWS HERE  
 
c-Gegard Mousasi (48-7-2) defeated #1-John Salter (18-5) via TKO (punches) at 2:07 of round three
 
Gegard Mousasi following retaining his middleweight title:
 
“He’s a southpaw so everything is more difficult. It was a little bit more difficult to get my punches in, but other than that I felt good. I’m way stronger than people think. Maybe I look skinny but I’m a lot stronger and physically I was the stronger guy in there. On top, I felt like I could just pressure him, put my weight on him and hurt him with my punches. Make him feel the pressure. It was a five-rounder so in my mind, I’m saying ‘Okay, don’t do everything now because we can go five.’”
  
Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) defeated #10-Sabah Homasi (15-10) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
 
Andrey Koreshkov following his return to the BELLATOR MMA Cage:
 
“I try to show everybody that I’m here, I can compete, and I can beat anyone. I think I’m one of the top fighters in this division. In my opinion, I must fight with somebody for the third, second or first place. I’m open to anybody. It doesn’t matter. Neiman Gracie, Jason Jackson, Paul Daley, Michael “Venom” Page – anybody!”
  
#4-Raufeon Stots (17-1) defeated #3-Magomed Magomedov (18-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
 
Raufeon Stots following his impressive victory:
 
“I’ve never claimed to be the best wrestler in MMA, but y’all better stop sleeping on my wrestling. I’m a two-time national champion for a reason. Ain’t nobody stopping me in the wrestling division. I’m the best wrestler in the division.”
 
#7-Davion Franklin (4-0) defeated Everett Cummings (15-1) via KO (punches) at :21 of round one
 
Davion Franklin has his sights set on fellow BELLATOR heavyweight Cheick Kongo:
 
“I was just thinking about putting him out. Getting him out in the first round. That was my goal this whole time. I learned just to keep going. By the way, I heard Cheick Kongo commented under Everett Cummings’ Instagram post saying that Everett’s gonna’ tap me out. Hey Cheick Kongo, step up, you’ll get done the same way, if not worse.”
 
Khadzhi Bestaev (11-4) defeated Ty Gwerder (5-3) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
 
Khadzhi Bestaev had this to say following a successful BELLATOR debut:

“He was bigger than me and very tough, but I knew he was going to gas out. He started gassing out in the second or third round, but I’m still surprised by the decision. I thought it was a draw or maybe a split-decision. But I have to see the fight. In my head, he kicked and punched me so many times so hats off to him. He didn’t give up. I just dropped him a couple of times and that was the difference.”
 
Preliminary Card: 
Pam Sorenson (9-3) defeated Roberta Samad (5-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Jeffrey Glossner (3-2) defeated Sebastian Ruiz (2-4) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28-29-28)
Jon McNeil (1-0) defeated Orlando Mendoza (0-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:57 of round three
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
 
About BELLATOR
BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing 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, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

FULL FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED FOR BELLATOR 264: MOUSASI VS. SALTER THIS FRIDAY

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LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card for BELLATOR MMA 264: Mousasi vs Salter card at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The event contributes to an action-packed month of fights on SHOWTIME and is set to begin live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

In the main event of the evening, BELLATOR middleweight king Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) puts his world title on the line against jiu-jitsu ace No. 1 ranked middleweight John Salter (18-4). Complimenting this amazing main event is a clash between two of the hardest hitting welterweights on the planet, as former champion Andrey Koreshkov (23-4) takes on the No. 10 ranked welterweight Sabah Homasi (15-9) in the co-main event and No. 3 ranked bantamweight Magomed Magomedov (18-1) squares off with No. 4 ranked Raufeon Stots (16-1) in a bout holding major title implications.

Rounding out the main card is a battle between undefeated heavyweights No. 7 ranked Davion Franklin (3-0) and Everett Cummings (16-0), along with a middleweight bout between KO-machine Ty Gwerder (5-2) and the BELLATOR-debuting AKA-product Khadzhi Bestaev (10-4).

The preliminary card consists of seven fights and is stacked throughout, featuring the highly anticipated debut of former Invicta Featherweight Champion Pam Sorenson (8-3) taking on Roberta Samad (5-1) and a bantamweight battle between the brash American Top Team-fighter Danny Sabatello (11-1) taking on the Boston-born veteran Johnny Campbell (21-13, 1 NC).

All BELLATOR MMA 264: Mousasi vs. Salter prelims will stream live at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 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 264: Mousasi vs. Salter Main Card:

Friday, August 13 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Middleweight Title Bout: c-Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) vs. #1-John Salter (18-4)

Welterweight Bout: Andrey Koreshkov (23-4) vs. #10-Sabah Homasi (15-9)

Bantamweight Bout: #3-Magomed Magomedov (18-1) vs. #4-Raufeon Stots (16-1)

Heavyweight Bout: #7-Davion Franklin (3-0) vs. Everett Cummings (16-0, 1 NC)

 Middleweight Bout: Ty Gwerder (5-2) vs. Khadzhi Bestaev (10-4)

Preliminary Card: 

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

6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT

Women’s Featherweight Bout: Pam Sorenson (8-3) vs. Roberta Samad (5-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Danny Sabatello (11-1) vs. Johnny Campbell (21-13, 1 NC)

Lightweight Bout: Justin Montalvo (2-0) vs. Kendly St Louis (3-4)

Featherweight Bout: Nekruz Mirkhojaev (5-3) vs. James Adcock (7-4)

142-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Jeffrey Glossner (2-2) vs. Sebastian Ruiz (2-3)

195-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Orlando Mendoza (pro debut) vs. Jon McNeil (pro debut)

*Card subject to change.

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 television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. 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

Gegard Mousasi Set to Defend BELLATOR MMA Middleweight World Championship Against John Salter on Friday, August 13

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LOS ANGELES – The BELLATOR MMA Middleweight World Championship will be up for grabs on Friday, August 13 at Mohegan Sun Arena when current 185-pound titlist Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) defends his belt against No. 1-ranked John Salter (18-4).
 
The main card of BELLATOR 263: Mousasi vs. Salter airs live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, while the preliminary portion of the event 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. Additional contests for the event will be announced shortly.
 
Tickets for the event go on sale next Thursday, July 1 at BELLATOR.com and Ticketmaster.com with a pre-sale taking place on Wednesday, June 30.
 
Fighting out of Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, Mousasi has cemented legendary status within the sport, having won titles with multiple promotions across a 56-fight career. Most recently, Mousasi defeated former BELLATOR Welterweight Champion Douglas Lima, clearing his path to a shot at a second middleweight title run. With victories in his storied career against Lyoto Machida, Rory MacDonald, Chris Weidman, Vitor Belfort, Jacare Souza, Dan Henderson and Mark Hunt, the Dutch MMA legend now faces a stiff challenge from John Salter.
 
North Carolina’s Salter enters his title shot on August 13 riding a three-fight winning streak with victories over Chidi Njokuani, Andrew Kapel and Mousasi’s teammate Costello van Steenis. The 36-year-old boasts a suffocating grappling and wrestling repertoire, ending six of his eight BELLATOR victories via submission. The bout will be Salter’s tenth with the promotion and his first opportunity to capture BELLATOR gold.
 
BELLATOR MMA 263: Mousasi vs. Salter Main Card:
Friday, August 13 – Live on SHOWTIME
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 
 
Middleweight World Title Main Event: C-Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) vs. #1-John Salter (18-4)
 
*Card subject to change.
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
 
Bellator, CBS Sports Network, mixed martial arts, MMA

OFFICIAL FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS & PHOTOS FOR BELLATOR 250: MOUSASI VS. LIMA

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COMPLETE EVENT PHOTOS
 
Bellator 250: Mousasi vs. Lima Main Card:
Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) defeated Douglas Lima (32-8) via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
Henry Corrales (18-5) defeated Brandon Girtz (16-10) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 30-27)
Dalton Rosta (4-0) defeated Ty Gwerder (5-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
 
Preliminary Card:
Jake Hager (3-0, 1 NC) defeated Brandon Calton (2-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Sabah Homasi (14-8) defeated Bobby Voelker (33-14) via knockout (punches) at :20 of round two
Johnny Eblen (7-0) defeated Taylor Johnson (6-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Adam Borics (15-1) defeated Erick Sanchez (9-6) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Cody Law (1-0) defeated Orlando Ortega (0-1) via submission (D’Arce Choke) at 2:41 of round one
 

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

DOUGLAS LIMA SEEKS DOUBLE CHAMP STATUS AGAINST GEGARD MOUSASI IN MIDDLEWEIGHT SUPERFIGHT ON SATURDAY, MAY 9 INSIDE SAP CENTER AT SAN JOSE

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BATTLE FOR VACANT BELLATOR MMA MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE AIRS LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK AND DAZN AT 10 P.M. ET/9 P.M. CT

Tickets go on sale this Friday, Feb. 14

 

LOS ANGELES – A middleweight superfight for the vacant 185-pound title, pitting former divisional champion Gegard Mousasi (46-7-2) against current Bellator welterweight titleholder Douglas Lima (32-7), has been added to Bellator’s exciting return to SAP Center at San Jose on Saturday, May 9 – LIVE on Paramount Network and DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT.

 

The event is anchored by a previously announced heavyweight world title bout, featuring two-division Bellator champ Ryan Bader (27-5, 1 NC) defending his 205-pound title against Russia’s Vadim Nemkov (11-2).

 

Bellator: Bader vs. Nemkov airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN on Saturday, May 9 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. Preliminary action will stream on DAZN, Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Tickets can be purchased at the LexisNexis Risk Solutions Ticket Office at SAP Center, through Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

 

The Bellator middleweight title was recently relinquished by Rafael Lovato Jr. due to ongoing medical complications.

 

Fighting out of Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, Mousasi has cemented legendary status within the sport, having won titles with multiple promotions across a 55-fight career. Most recently, Mousasi defeated Lyoto Machida via split decision, clearing his path to a shot at a second Bellator middleweight title run. With victories in his storied career against Machida, Rory MacDonald, Chris Weidman, Rafael Carvalho, Vitor Belfort, Jacare Souza, Dan Henderson and Mark Hunt, a victory over Douglas Lima will add to his already-impressive resume.

 

Looking to join the ranks of Ryan Bader and Patricio “Pitbull” as two-division champions, Lima moves up 15-pounds to try his hand against Mousasi. Since making his promotional debut in 2011, “The Phenom” has earned 14 victories, including a trio of world titles and 10 finishes, making the American Top Team-product one of the most dominant fighters in the 170-pound division. With 26 of his 32 career victories coming by way of knockout or submission, including consecutive dominant finishes over Andrey Koreshkov and Michael “Venom” Page” in the first two rounds of the World Grand Prix tournament, Lima most recently capped of his 2019 with a win over Rory MacDonald to regain the welterweight world title.

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 

Updated Bellator: Bader vs. Nemkov Main Card:

Paramount Network and DAZN

10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT

 

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Ryan Bader (27-5, 1 NC) vs. Vadim Nemkov (11-2)

Middleweight World Title Bout: Gegard Mousasi (46-7-2) vs. Douglas Lima (32-7)

 

*Card subject to change

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 
Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA

OFFICIAL BELLATOR 228 FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS & PHOTOS

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Complete Event Photos Here

 

Bellator 228 Main Card Results:

Gegard Mousasi (46-7-2) defeated Lyoto Machida (26-9) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (30-4) defeated Juan Archuleta (23-2) via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 49-46)

A.J. McKee (15-0) defeated Georgi Karakhanyan (28-10-1, 1 NC) via KO (punches) at :08 of round one

Darrion Caldwell (14-3) defeated Henry Corrales (17-4) via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Daniel Weichel (40-11) defeated Saul Rogers (13-3) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

 

Preliminary Card:

Adrian Najera (2-0) defeated Jason Edwards (2-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:28 of round three

Benji Gomez (9-12) defeated Johnny Santa Maria (3-5) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Ozzy Diaz (4-1) defeated Andre Walker (5-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:05 of round one

Ian Butler (7-6) defeated Emilio Williams (4-3) via TKO (punches) at :53 of round two 

AJ Agazarm (2-1) defeated Jonathan Quiroz (3-4) via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Ava Knight (1-0) defeated Shannon Goughary (4-4) via TKO (punch) at 1:46 of round three

Antonio McKee (30-6-2) defeated William Sriyapai (14-9) via TKO (punches) at 1:17 of round two

Johnny Cisneros (13-7) defeated Mike Jasper (13-6) via TKO (leg injury) at 4:28 of round two

Leandro Higo (19-5) defeated Shawn Bunch (9-4) via submission (guillotine choke) at 4:34 of round two

Weber Almeida (2-0) vs. Castle Williams (4-2) via TKO at 0:20 of round two

 Joshua Jones (9-4) defeated Dominic Clark (14-9) via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:39 of round one

James Barnes (12-4) defeated David Duran (8-6) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:51 of round two

 

 

 

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, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR 206: MOUSASI vs. MACDONALD RESULTS & PHOTOS

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Complete Fight Night Photos

  

Bellator 206: Mousasi vs. MacDonald Main Card Results:

Gegard Mousasi (44-6-2) defeated Rory MacDonald (20-5) via TKO (punches) at 3:23 of round two

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (38-13) defeated Wanderlei Silva (35-14) via TKO (punches) at 4:32 of round two

Douglas Lima (30-7) defeated Andrey Koreshkov (21-3) via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:04 of round five

Aaron Pico (4-1) defeated Leandro Higo (18-5) via KO (punches) at 3:19 of round one

Keri Taylor-Melendez (3-0) defeated Dakota Zimmerman (0-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Gaston Bolanos (4-1) defeated Ysidro Gutierrez (4-3) via knockout (punches) at 1:37 of round two

 

Preliminary Card Results:

Adam Piccolotti (11-2) defeated James Terry (20-10) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Jeremiah Labiano (12-6) defeated Justin Smitley (10-8-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:28 of round one

Arlene Blencowe (11-7) defeated Amber Leibrock (3-2) via TKO (slam, punches) at 1:23 of round three

Josh San Diego (8-4) defeated Joe Neal (6-4) via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)

Chuck Campbell (1-0) defeated Joseph Ramirez (1-2) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Anthony Figueroa Jr. (1-0) defeated Samuel Romero (0-2) via unanimous decision (29-27, 28-26, 29-26)

Cass Bell (2-0) defeated Ty Costa (3-4) via verbal submission (armbar) 3:06 of round two

Isaiah Gonzalez (2-0) vs. Khai Wu (2-1)

Jacob Ycaro (1-0) vs. Ignacio Ortiz (1-0)

Laird Anderson (0-0) vs. Ahmed Abdelaziz (0-0)