Tag Archives: Giorgio Petrosyan

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

OFFICIAL BELLATOR 203: PITBULL VS. WEICHEL 2 RESULTS & PHOTOS 

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Full Bellator 203 Photos // Credit: Bellator/Lucas Noonan

 

Bellator 203 Scorecards

 

Bellator 203 Official Results:

 Patricio “Pitbull” (27-4) def. Daniel Weichel (39-10) via split decision (49-46, 48-47, 47-48)

*“Pitbull” retains Bellator featherweight world championship

Alessio Sakara (20-12, 2 NC) def. Jamie Sloane (8-5, 1 NC) via TKO (strikes) at 1:19 of round one

Andrey Koreshkov (21-2) def. Vaso Bakocevic (33-18-1) via KO at 1:06 of round one

Alen Amedovski (6-0) def. Will Fleury (4-1) via KO at 1:39 of round one

Maxim Radu (9-1) def. Simone La Preziosa (3-5) via TKO (strikes) at 4:50 of round one

Michele Martignoni (4-0) def. Simone D’Anna (4-2) via KO (head kick) at :06 seconds of round one

*Martignoni ties record for fastest KO in Bellator history

Bellator, kickboxing, Paramount Network

PHOTOS FROM TODAY’S MONUMENTAL BELLATOR 203 AND BELLATOR KICKBOXING 10 PRESS CONFERENCE FROM ROME’S CAPITOL HILL

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CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS // CREDIT: BELLATOR/LUCAS NOONAN

 

 

 

BELLATOR’S FIRST EVENT IN THE ETERNAL CITY TAKES PLACE THIS SATURDAY, JULY 14 FROM IL CENTRALE LIVE ROMA – FORO ITALICO

 

 

 

ROME – Bellator fighters and officials gathered today at Piazza del Campidoglio (Rome’s Capitol Hill) in advance of the company’s first event in The Eternal City, which takes place at il Centrale Live Roma – Foro Italico this Saturday, July 14.

 

 

 

Fans tuning in Saturday evening are in store for a double main event featuring a rematch between Patricio “Pitbull” (26-4) and Daniel Weichel (39-9) for the featherweight title, as well as Italy’s most famous mixed martial artist, Alessio Sakara(19-12), taking on Jamie Sloane (8-3) at light heavyweight.

 

 

 

Bellator Kickboxing will also be on display, as featherweight champion Kevin Ross (45-13) defends his crown against Gabriel Varga (21-6) and international sensation Giorgio Petrosyan (85-2-2) takes on Chingiz Allazov (53-2).

 

 

 

Bellator 203 will be broadcast Saturday, July 14 free on Paramount Network at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and will be immediately followed by Bellator Kickboxing 10. Limited tickets remain and are on sale now at Bellator.com.

 

 

 

Updated Bellator 203 Fight Card:

Featherweight World Title Bout: Patricio “Pitbull” (26-4) vs. Daniel Weichel (39-9)

Light Heavyweight Feature Event: Alessio Sakara (19-12, 2 NC) vs. Jamie Sloane (8-4, 1 NC)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Andrey Koreshkov (20-2) vs. Vaso Bakocevic (33-17-1)

Middleweight Main Card Bout: Alen Amedovski (5-0) vs. Will Fleury (4-0)

Lightweight Main Card Bout: Simone La Preziosa (3-4) vs. Maxim Radu (8-1)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Simone D’Anna (4-1) vs. Michele Martignoni (3-0)

 

 

 

Updated Bellator Kickboxing 10 Main Card:

Featherweight World Title Bout: Kevin Ross (45-13) vs. Gabriel Varga (15-6)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) vs. Chingiz Allazov (56-2)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Gaston Bolanos (11-1) vs. Domenico Lomurno (31-8)

Women’s Flyweight Main Card Bout: Martine Michieletto (21-11-3) vs. Gloria Peritore (13-2-1)

200-lb. Catchweight Main Card Bout: Mattia Faraoni (27-4) vs. Raffaele Vitale (57-9)

 

 

 

Updated Bellator Kickboxing 10 Preliminary Card:

183-lb. Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Gabriele Casella (18-2-1) vs. Alex Negrea (11-5)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Davide Armanini (29-1) vs. Fatmir Gordi (23-3)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Antonio Campagna (26-15-3) vs. Florenzo Pesare (31-9)

Flyweight Savate Bout: Leonardo Caputi (13-8-4) vs. Tarik Totss (3-10-2)

 

 

 

*Card subject to change

 

 

 

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Bellator, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA

ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME; BELLATOR HOSTS FIRST EVENT IN THE ANCIENT CITY ON JULY 14

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PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’ DEFENDS FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST DANIEL WEICHEL, WHILE ITALY’S ALESSIO SAKARA RETURNS TO ACTION

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IL CENTRALE LIVE ROMA – FORO ITALICO ALSO HOSTS BELLATOR KICKBOXING 10, WHERE TWO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE ON THE LINE

 

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator is primed for a summer return to Italy, this time in the country’s capital city of Rome at the Il Centrale Live Roma – Foro Italico on Saturday, July 14.

 

 

 

 

In a double main event, the card sees a rematch between Patricio “Pitbull” (26-4) and Daniel Weichel (39-9) for the featherweight title, as well as Italy’s most famous mixed martial artist, Alessio Sakara (19-12), taking on Jamie Sloane (8-3) at light heavyweight. Bellator Romewill air on Paramount Network and marks the promotion’s first trek to Rome, after hosting multiple events in both Torino and Florence.

 

 

 

 

Kickboxing will also be on display, as Giorgio Petrosyan (85-2-2) seeks to become the inaugural Bellator Kickboxing lightweight champ when he meets Chingiz Allazov (53-2), while Bellator Kickboxing’s featherweight champion, Kevin Ross (45-13), will defend his crown against Gabriel Varga (21-6).

 

 

 

 

Bellator Rome will be broadcast Saturday, July 14 free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while details about Bellator Kickboxing 10, including additional matchups will be announced in the coming days. Tickets are on sale now at Bellator.com and Oktagon.it.

 

 

 

 

“From the beginning of Bellator’s international expansion, Italy has always played an integral role in our growth,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “Following successful events in the gorgeous cities of both Florence and Torino, it only made sense to bring a card to Rome, the home of the Colosseum, a city that has seen warriors do battle since 80 AD.”

 

 

 

 

“Pitbull” reclaimed the 145-pound championship by defeating Daniel Straus via unanimous decision in April of last year, notching his 14thBellator victory and becoming the winningest athlete in promotional history in the process. On July 14, the 30-year-old Natal, Brazil-native will bring into the Bellator cage his impressive record of 19 stoppages in 25 opportunities against a man he has defeated once already, coming from behind on the judges’ scorecards to knockout Daniel Weichel at Bellator 138.

 

 

 

 

Quietly running rampant through Bellator’s featherweight division during his nine-fight promotional tenure, Daniel Weichel’s only Bellator defeat took place at the hands of his upcoming Bellator Rome opponent. Since the loss, Weichel has climbed the ranks once again, besting notable fighters within the division such as Emmanuel Sanchez, Georgi Karakhanyan and John “Macapa” en route to his current number one contender status. Now, with an opportunity to right the loss, “Drake” will take the two-hour flight from Germany to Rome, with the hopes of winning championship gold on his mind.

 

 

 

 

The pride of Italy, Alessio Sakara is set to make his fourth appearance for Bellator, a promotion where he has already defeated both Joey Beltran and Brett Rogers via knockout, as well as challenged for the Bellator middleweight title. Prior to joining the Viacom-owned organization, “Legionarius” spent the majority of his career with UFC, where he built his reputation as a powerful knockout artist. With 33 fights as a professional, Sakara has collected 19 career victories, including 15 finishes and 10 first-round knockouts.

 

 

 

 

Sloane will be making his Bellator debut when he looks to play the role of spoiler in Sakara’s home country. With a winning record of 8-3, the BAMMA veteran has also made appearances at heavyweight and middleweight since beginning his professional career in 2014.

 

 

 

 

Referred to by his fans as “The Doctor,” Petrosyan is one man you do not want an appointment with. The top-ranked Armenian-Italian striking ace has put together an incredible 46-fight unbeaten streak, cultivating an extensive trophy case that includes multiple championship belts as well as “Kickboxer of the Year” accolades in both 2011 and 2012.

 

 

 

 

Currently in the midst of a 27-fight winning streak of his own, the 24-year-old Allazov has not suffered defeat since 2014, winning the K-1 super middleweight championship along the way. Hailing from Belarus, Allazov brings a Thai boxing style to the Bellator Kickboxing ring, a discipline that has helped him defeat fighters the likes of Bellator Kickboxing veteran Mustapha Haida, amongst others.

 

 

 

 

With four wins under the Bellator Kickboxing umbrella, Kevin Ross recently added the promotion’s inaugural featherweight belt to his already impressive list of accolades. Throughout his 58-fight career, Ross has previously held the WBC Muay-Thai USA welterweight, WBC Muay-Thai International super lightweight and Lion Fight super lightweight titles.

 

 

 

 

A two-time Glory featherweight champion, Gabriel Varga signed with Bellator in March of 2017, immediately making it clear that his sights were clearly set on competing against Ross. Italian fans may remember the 32-year-old Canadian from his Bellator Kickboxing 8 appearance, where he stopped Roberto Gheorghita in the second round of action.

 

 

 

 

Updated Bellator Rome Main Card:

Featherweight World Title Bout: Patricio “Pitbull” (26-4) vs. Daniel Weichel (39-9)

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Alessio Sakara (19-12, 2 NC) vs. Jamie Sloane (8-3)

 

 

 

 

Updated Bellator Kickboxing 10 Card:

Lightweight World Title Bout: Giorgio Petrosyan (85-2-2) vs. Chingiz Allazov (53-2)

Featherweight World Title Bout: Kevin Ross (45-13) vs. Gabriel Varga (21-6)

 

 

 

 

 

*Card subject to change

 

 

 

 

 

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

 

 

 

****

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

PETROSYAN, KIELHOLTZ, HAIDA, & BOLANOS EMERGE VICTORIOUS FROM BELLATOR KICKBOXING 5 IN TORINO

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For Immediate Release:

April 8, 2017

Giorgio Petrosyan (84-2-2, 1 NC) defeated Amansio Paraschiv (23-5-1) via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-27, 30-26)

Giorgio Petrosyan Quote: “I’ve spent a lot of time studying this opponent and I felt like I knew his fighting style well so I was able to put together a solid game plan and execute it successfully,” Petrosyan said. “Now I’m looking forward to getting some rest, and we will let Scott Coker and Carlo DiBlasi decide what is next for me.”

Petrosyan vs. Paraschiv Photos

Denise Kielholtz (46-3) defeated Martine Michieletto (18-11-3) via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)

Denise Kielholtz Quote: “It was a good night for me with the win, but it was tough fight. She’s a taller southpaw fighter and she really brought it. All rounds were for me and that’s the most important thing for me. It’s great to retain this belt, this is my biggest prize in the sport and I’m honored to be the world champion for Bellator,” Kielholtz said. “Really, for me, Bellator is the biggest kickboxing organization in the world, they are really for the fighters, so I am very happy to be representing this company. The next time you see me out there might be in the Bellator cage fighting MMA. We’re working very hard on all aspects of my training and so hopefully before the end of summer you will see me fighting MMA.”

Kielholtz vs. Michieletto Photos

John Wayne Parr (96-32) def. Nando Calzetta (45-10) via Head Kick at 2:59 of Round 2

John Wayne Parr Quote: “He was tough, he came to fight. He wanted to mix and trade but I was more than happy to do that with the hands. I thought I was a little bit sharper, but he had a crack – he had a good go and hopefully it was entertaining for the crowd,” John Wayne Parr said. “Before this fight I really wanted to do something impressive and get an impressive finish so to score a head kick knockout is like a slam dunk. I feel like Michael Jordan right now. I’ve been watching Bellator and I just want to be a star here and hopefully tonight is gonna put that notch in my belt and help me fulfill that dream.”

Parr vs. Calzetta Photos

Mustapha Haida (46-5-2) defeated Enriko Kehl (45-12-1) via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Mustapha Haida Quote: I’m very happy for with the victory. I think I broke my hand or my wrist in the second round so I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to finish the fight, but I dug down deep and was able to get through the match,” Haida said. “Fighting for Bellator Kickboxing here in Italy has been a great experience for me and I hope to continue to fight here.”

Haida vs. Kehl Photos

Gaston Bolanos defeated Luca D’Isanto via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Gaston Bolanos Quote: “I came into someone’s home town tonight, and the guy had a lot more experience in kickboxing than I do, so I’m quite happy with the win. It’s a different rhythm out there. I’m used to Muay-Thai, which I’ve been practicing my whole life. I’ve done a few fights without elbows even though it’s still Muay-Thai so it’s a bit different from what I just did tonight. I just came from an MMA fight so I had to switch up my whole camp but this is what I want to do and this is the opportunity that Bellator has provided for me, so I’m going to take it and stay as busy as possible,” Bolanos said. “I want to thank Bellator, Scott Coker, my coach Kirian Fitzgibbons and my team at CSA Gym for helping me and giving me all the opportunities that I’ve been given in my career. I’m hoping to get another MMA fight in here soon and develop a rhythm there. I want to become the biggest star in both sports and I know that I’ve got the opportunity and the talent to do just that.”

Bolanos vs. D’Isanto Photos

Bellator, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

RAFAEL CARVALHO STOPS MELVIN MANHOEF IN MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH

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TORINO, ITALY —

Rafael Carvalho (14-1) defeated Melvin Manhoef (30-14) via Head Kick at 3:15 of Round 4

Quote from Rafael Carvalho: “The last fight didn’t go as I expected or like the public expected,” Carvalho said. “This fight I knew that there needed to be an undisputed winner with a finish and I’m very glad that I was the one who came away with the victory. I’m going to continue to defend my middleweight title here at Bellator, but I’m also interested in a super fight in our light heavyweight division or maybe a bout in Bellator Kickboxing. That would be fun for me.”

Carvalho vs. Manhoef Fight Photos Here

Anastasia Yankova (5-0) defeated Elina Kallionidou (5-2) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Quote from Anastasia Yankova: “I feel okay after this fight. My face looks much better right now than it did after my last fight,” Yankova said “It wasn’t perfect but I’m improving every day and I’ll continue to train hard with Mike [Swick] at AKA Thailand. I am working to get my weight down to 125 lbs. where I want to soon be Bellator’s champion.”

Yankova vs. Kallionidou Fight Photos Here

Valeriu Mircea (14-4) defeated Djamil Chan (12-4) via Majority Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)

Quote from Valeriu Mircea: “I’m very proud of my performance out there. It was part of my game plan to remain calm and patient throughout the fight and I am happy to have gotten the positive result,” Mircea said. “I am coming off of a frustrating knee injury that left me with only a month and a half to prepare. Victory is sweet and I am happy that my sacrifices have provided a good result.”

Mircea vs. Chan Fight Photos Here

Mihail Nica (6-0) defeated Samba Coulibaly (11-4) via Anaconda Choke at 0:36 of Round 1

Quote from Mihail Nica: “I am feeling very positive and happy that my hard work has paid off,” Nica said. “I look forward to getting back in the gym tomorrow to better my skills. I want to continue my undefeated career here at Bellator, maybe soon in America. I think it would be great to fight there because of the level of popularity out there. I want to be a hero for the Italian fans to cheer for and grow the passion for MMA in this country.”

Nica vs. Coulibaly Fight Photos Here

Bellator, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

PHOTOS FROM TODAY’S BELLATOR 176 AND BELLATOR KICKBOXING 5 PRESS CONFERENCE

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EVENT SET TO TAKE PLACE SATURDAY IN TORINO, ITALY

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ADDITIONAL PHOTOS – CREDIT BELLATOR/LUCAS NOONAN

 

TORINO, ITALY – Fighters from both Bellator 176: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2 and Bellator Kickboxing 5 converged on the historic Comune di Torino for the official press conference for the events taking place at the Pala Alpitour in Torino, Italy. In addition to the fighters, Bellator President Scott Coker, along with Okatagon President Carlo DiBlasi and Torino Minister of Sport Roberto Finardi, all spoke about Saturday nights anticipated card.

 

Bellator 176: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2 airs this Saturday, April 8 on Spike at 3 p.m. ET and will be immediately followed by Bellator Kickboxing 5, which airs at 5 p.m. ET. Tickets for the event are available now at www.oktagon.it and include access to an Oktagon Kickboxing event in addition to both Bellator events.

 

Bellator 176 is headlined by a middleweight championship fight pitting Rafael Carvalho (13-1) against Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC) and also features  Russia’s Anastasia Yankova (4-0) versus Elina Kallionidou (5-1).

 

Bellator Kickboxing 5 will feature a lightweight bout between “The Doctor” Giorgio Petrosyan (83-2-2, 1NC), who takes on Romanian veteran Amansio Paraschiv (23-5-1) and Bellator Kickboxng Women’s Flyweight World Champion Denise Kielholtz (46-3), who is set to defend her belt for the first time against ISKA and WKU World Champion Martine Michieletto (34-12-5).

 

Updated Bellator 176: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2 Main Card:

Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (13-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC)

Women’s Catchweight Fight: Anastasia Yankova (4-0) vs. Elina Kallionidou (5-1)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Djamil Chan (12-3) vs. Valeriu Mircea (13-4)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Samba Coulibaly (11-4) vs. Mihail Nica (5-0)

 

Updated Bellator Kickboxing 5 Main Card:

Lightweight Feature Fight: Giorgio Petrosyan (83-2-2, 1NC) vs. Amansio Paraschiv (23-5-1)

Women’s Flyweight World Title Bout: Denise Kielholtz (46-3) vs. Martine Michieletto (34-12-5)

Catchweight Feature Fight: Nando Calzetta (45-9) vs. John Wayne Parr (95-32)

Welterweight Feature Fight: Mustapha Haida (45-5-2) vs. Enriko Kehl (45-11-1)

Featherweight Feature Fight: Gaston Bolanos (8-1) vs. Luca D’isanto (36-13-4)

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

BELLATOR ANNOUNCES IT RETURN TO PALA ALPITOUR IN TORINO, ITALY FOR MORE MMA & KICKBOXING ACTION ON APRIL 8, 2017

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THE INTERNATIONAL BELLA – TOUR CONTINUES

 

Coker and Di Blasi

 

Above: Scott Coker and Carlo Di Blasi

TORINO (Feb. 7, 2017) – Bellator President Scott Coker today announced that his fast-rising promotion will be revisiting Torino, Italy for Bellator 176, which will be immediatelyfollowed by Bellator Kickboxing 5 at the Pala Alpitour on Saturday, April 8.

Less than one year ago, Bellator hosted it’s first-ever international event at the Pala Alpitour in front of a sold-out crowd of over 15,000 fans. Since that show, the company has rapidly and successfully expanded across the globe under the direction of Coker, visiting London, Dublin, Budapest, Israel, Florence and has an event booked in Belfast later this month.

The highly-anticipated return to Torino will feature MMA action starting with Carrington “Jetsetter” Banks (6-0) vs. Mihail Nica (5-0) in welterweight action  as well as Djamal Chan (12-3) vs. Valeriu Mircea (13-4) in a lightweight affair. Additional bouts, including a main event will be announced shortly.

In kickboxing action, Bellator’s female flyweight World Champion Denise Kielholtz (46-3) defends her strap for the first time against ISKA and WKU World Champion Martine Michieletto (34-12-5) in the main event while Giorgio Petrosyan (83-2-2, 1NC) takes on Amansio Paraschiv (23-5-1)

Bellator 176 and Bellator Kickboxing 5 will be aired on SPIKE in America and further broadcast details will be announced shortly.

Tickets for the event are available now at www.oktagon.it and include access to an Oktagon Kickboxing event in addition to the Bellator 176 and Bellator Kickboxing 5 events.

“We are thrilled to be returning to the amazing city of Torino and once again working with my friend Carlo Di Blasi and his team,” said Coker. “Carlo is a great partner, and we look forward to replicating the success we had in this sold-out arena last year.”

“Oktagon is fortunate to be based in Italy, which is home to the most loyal and passionate sports fans in the world,” said Oktagon President  Di Blasi. “The past two co-promotions with Scott and Bellator have been incredibly successful, and I know that this show will be no different.”

About Bellator MMA:

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA 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 Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:

Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

 

About Oktagon:

Oktagon has been a mainstay in combat sports for over 20 years now, after officially being founded by Carlo Di Blasi in 1996. At its beginning the show was dedicated to free fight, the name that was given initially to MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Other disciplines such as Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Savate were gradually added. From the early 2000’s onwards. During the last years Oktagon has reached a huge popularity, both in Italy and abroad, creating many superstars in the process. Under the watchful eye of Di Blasi, the promotion has put on some memorable matchups throughout the years with top fighters including Bellator welterweight Paul Daley as well as The Petrosyan brothers (Giorgio and Armen), Robin Van Roosmalen, Valentijn Overeem, Rico Verhoeven and Artem Levin.

 

Bellator, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

ALESSIO SAKARA-JOEY BELTRAN SET FOR ‘BELLATOR 168’ MAIN EVENT — TOMORROW, LIVE & FREE AT 4 PM ET/3 PM CT ON SPIKE

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Complete “Bellator 168” Weigh-In Photos / Full “Bellator 168” Weigh-In Video

FLORENCE, ITALY — (December 9, 2016) — Following weigh-ins on Friday morning from Grand Hotel Mediterraneo in the capital city of Tuscany, all 10 competitors fighting during the main card of “Bellator 168: Sakara vs. Beltran” are now ready to compete tomorrow night at 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT, LIVE and FREE on SPIKE.

The mixed martial arts portion of action is headlined by a light heavyweight main event contest featuring Italy’s own Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC), who will take on Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC). In addition, John Salter (12-3) meets Claudio Annicchiarico (1-4) in a middleweight bout, Philipe Lins (10-1) competes against Kleber Raimundo Silva (12-7), Goiti Yamauchi (20-3) returns to lightweight action against Valeriu Mircea (12-3), and Ed Ruth (1-0)looks to remain undefeated in 2016 on short notice against Emanuele Palombi (5-2)

See below for complete weights and photos from today’s weigh-in proceedings.

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Joey Beltran (205.2) vs. Alessio Sakara (203.6)

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Kleber Raimundo Silva (205.9) vs. Philipe Lins (205.8)

Middleweight Feature Fight: Claudio Annicchiarico (185.2) vs. John Salter (185.2)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Valeriu Mircea (154.5) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (156)

Catchweight Feature Fight: Ed Ruth (189.2) vs. Emanuele Palombi (187.2)

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

TOP PROSPECT ED RUTH JOINS THIS FRIDAY’S ‘BELLATOR 168’ CARD IN FLORENCE FOR HIS SECOND FIGHT IN AS MANY MONTHS

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SANTA MONICA, CALIF (Dec. 6, 2016) – It was announced today that one of MMA’s hottest prospects, Ed Ruth (1-0), will waste no time continuing to build his resume, as he fights Emanuele Palombi (5-2) for his second fight in as many months. The bout takes place this Friday at “Bellator 168: Sakara vs. Beltran,” on Dec. 10 from the Mandela Forum in Florence and will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 4pm ET/PT.

 

At only 26 years old, Ruth is looking to pave the way for the other members of “The New Breed,” a group of highly accomplished wrestlers who have all signed to fight under the Bellator MMA banner including: Joey Davis (1-0), Tyrell Fortune (1-0), Jarod Trice (1-0) as well as Aaron Pico and Romero Cotton – the last of which have yet to make their highly anticipated professional debuts. Before he was a three-time National Champion and four-time All-American wrestler at Penn State University, Ruth attended the world-renown Blair Academy in Susquehanna Township, PA, where he was the top-ranked recruit in the nation for his weight class. Having achieved great success at every stage of competition throughout his life, Ruth aspires to have the Bellator middleweight gold around his waist before long. After making the move across the country to Fresno, Calif., where he now trains at Dethrone Basecamp with other Bellator MMA fighters like Josh Koscheck and Chris Honeycutt, Ruth made his professional MMA debut just last month on Nov. 4, when he finished Dustin Collins-Miles with strikes at 3:19 into the first round.

 

Ruth now faces Rome’s Palombi, a seven-fight veteran with five victories including three KO’s and one submission.  Ruth, who is taking the fight on less than a week’s notice, must quickly learn how to tune out a hometown crowd, who will certainly be heavily in favor of the Italian fighter.

 

The evening is highlighted by a main event featuring Italy’s most renowned mixed martial artist Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC), who will duke it out with Joey “The Mexicutioner” Beltran (17-13, 1 NC) in a light heavyweight main event. Other Bellator MMA competitors will also be in action, including John Salter (12-3), Goiti Yamauchi (31-9) and Philipe Lins(10-1).

 

The Bellator Kickboxing brand will also be on display in Italy with a card that features a female flyweight rematch between Denise Kielholtz (45-3) and Gloria Peritore (11-1-1), but this time, a world title will be on the line. “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” will also include a lightweight clash between Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) and British kickboxing champion Jordan Watson (48-11-2), a middleweight matchup pitting Joe Schilling (19-9) against Victorio Lermano (30-7), a welterweight contest pairing Luca Novello (22-4-2) with Karim Ghajji (96-13-1), and Kevin Ross(31-9) will meet Alessio Arduini (26-14-2) in a lightweight fight. “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” airs Friday, Dec. 16 at 11:15 pm ET, immediately following “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii.”

 

Complete “Bellator 168: Sakara vs. Beltran” Card:

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) vs. Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC)

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Philipe Lins (10-1) vs. Kleber Raimundo Silva (12-7)

Middleweight Feature Fight: John Salter (12-3) vs. Claudio Annicchiarico (1-4)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Goiti Yamauchi (31-9) vs. Valeriu Mircea (12-3)

Middleweight Feature Fight: Ed Ruth (1-0) vs. Emanuele Palombi (5-2)

 

Complete “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” Card:

Lightweight Feature Fight: Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) vs. Jordan Watson (48-11-2)

Flyweight World Title: Denise Kielholtz (45-3) vs. Gloria Peritore (11-1-1)

Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (19-9) vs. Victorio Lermano (30-7)

Welterweight Feature Fight: Luca Novello (22-4-2) vs. Karim Ghajji (96-13-1)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Kevin Ross (31-9) vs. Alessio Arduini (26-14-2)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

LIGHTWEIGHT CLASH PITTING GOITI YAMAUCHI AGAINST VALERIU MIRCEA ADDED TO “BELLATOR 168: CARVALHO VS. MANHOEF 2” IN FLORENCE

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ALSO: PHILIPE LINS NOW MEETS KLEBER RAIMUNDO SILVA

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (November 30, 2016) – A lightweight bout pitting Goiti Yamauchi (20-3) against Valeriu Mircea (12-3) completes the MMA portion of “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2,” on a night which will feature both Bellator MMA and Bellator Kickboxing brands inside the Mandela Forum in Florence.

In addition, due to an injury suffered by Pietro Cappelli, Philipe Lins (10-1) will now meet Kleber Raimundo Silva (12-7) in light heavyweight action on Dec. 10.

The mixed martial arts portion of action on Dec. 10 is headlined by a middleweight world title fight featuring a rematch between Rafael Carvalho (13-1) and Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC), while Italy’s own Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) will take on Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC) at 205-pounds, and John Salter (12-3) meets Claudio Annicchiarico (1-4) in a middleweight bout. “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 4pm ET/PT.

The Bellator Kickboxing card features a female flyweight rematch between Denise Kielholtz (45-3) and Gloria Peritore (11-1-1), but this time, a world title will be on the line. “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” will also feature a lightweight clash between Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) and British kickboxing champion Jordan Watson (48-11-2), a middleweight matchup pitting Joe Schilling (19-9) against Victorio Lermano(30-7), a welterweight contest pairing Luca Novello (22-4-2) with Karim Ghajji (96-13-1), and Kevin Ross(31-9) will meet Alessio Arduini (26-14-2) in a lightweight fight. “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” airs Friday, Dec. 16 at 11:15 pm ET, immediately following “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii.”

An 8-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Yamauchi enters the cage in search of his 21st career win and seventh under the Scott Coker-led promotion. You would be hard-pressed to find a fighter with more promise than the 23-year-old top prospect, who has already taken down proven veterans the likes of Martin Stapleton, Isao Kobayashi, and most recently Ryan Couture. The former featherweight returned to the lightweight division to face the aforementioned Couture earlier in the year at “Bellator 162: Shlemenko vs. Grove,” a fight in which Yamauchi dominated from the get-go, earning yet another first round submission victory. Yamauchi has finished his opponent in 17 of his 20 career wins, including 14 in the opening round of action. The Japanese-Brazilian submission specialist continues to make great strides in the sport, consistently displaying the flawless Brazilian jiu-jitsu technique that has given opponents many nightmares year after year.

Challenging Yamauchi will be Valeriu Mircea, a Moldova-born competitor that has also seen a great deal of success early on in his MMA career. The 23-year-old knockout artist will be making his Bellator MMA debut following three consecutive victories, including a pair of first round knockouts. Dating back to 2015, Mircea has collected wins in nine of his last 10 bouts and has already tallied six victories over his 2016 campaign. With three of his last four wins coming by way of first round knockout, you can expect an early array of attack in this pairing of two top prospects.

Taking on Lins will now be Raimundo Silva, a 28-year-old striker who will be making both his 2016 and Bellator MMA debut. Dating back to 2011, “Orgulho” has won seven of his last 11 contests, highlighted by his most recent knockout victory over Claudio Rocha, which came just 3:25 into the first round.

 

Complete “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” Card:

Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (13-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC)

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) vs. Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC)

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Philipe Lins (10-1) vs. Kleber Raimundo Silva (12-7)

Middleweight Feature Fight: John Salter (12-3) vs. Claudio Annicchiarico (1-4)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Goiti Yamauchi (31-9) vs. Valeriu Mircea (12-3)

Complete “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” Card:

Lightweight Feature Fight: Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) vs. Jordan Watson (48-11-2)

Flyweight World Title: Denise Kielholtz (45-3) vs. Gloria Peritore (11-1-1)

Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (19-9) vs. Victorio Lermano (30-7)

Welterweight Feature Fight: Luca Novello (22-4-2) vs. Karim Ghajji (96-13-1)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Kevin Ross (31-9) vs. Alessio Arduini (26-14-2)