CAPE TOWN – June 2, 2025 – The Professional Fighters League has finalized the lineup for the upcoming PFL Cape Town event, marking the debut of MMA in Africa with the continent’s first-ever global MMA event. Set for Saturday, Yuli 19 at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town, Afirka ta Kudu, this landmark event marks a groundbreaking moment in PFL’s global expansion.
The event will feature the launch of the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament with First Round matchups in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions, each featuring an eight-man bracket. In addition to the tournament bouts, the evening will be headlined by five high-stakes PFL Champions Series fights featuring elite global talent.
Tickets for this landmark event are on sale now via Ticketpro.
At 145-pounds, former Bellator Featherweight World ChampionAJ “Mercenary” McKee(22-2) returns to the SmartCage againstAkhmed Magomedov (11-1), a rising Russian star and protégé of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Also confirmed is a Heavyweight Showcase featuring current Light Heavyweight World ChampionCorey Anderson(18-6) moving up a division to face 2024 PFL Heavyweight ChampionDenis Goltsov (36-8).
Artur Zaynukov(16-4) returns to the PFL following an impressive showing at Battle of the Giants, aiming to extend his win streak to six. He will meet RIZIN veteranTakeshi Izumi (6-3) of Japan, a decorated wrestler who earned a unanimous decision win over Spike Carlyle in his most recent outing.
These marquee matchups round out an already stacked PFL Champions Series card, showcasing some of the world’s top MMA talent on African soil. Headlining the evening is undefeated Middleweight World ChampionJohnny “Pressure” Eblen(16-0), who puts his perfect record and title on the line against Spain’s surging contenderCostello “The Spaniard” van Steenis (16-3). A cikin co-main taron, Women’s Flyweight phenom“Dangerous” Dakota Ditcheva (14-0), widely considered one of the top pound-for-pound female fighters in MMA, faces Hawaii’s elite strikerSumiko “Lady Samurai” Inaba (8-1) in a thrilling penultimate bout.
The PFL Cape Town event fara a 4:30 PM SAST / 10:30 AM ESTwith the PFL Africa portion of the card, bi da PFL Champions Series, wadda ta fara a 8:30 PM SAST / 2:30 PM Est.A U.S. broadcast partner will be announced shortly.
Complete PFL Champions Series Card: Asabar, Yuli 19 – 8:30 PM SAST / 2:30 PM Est
Middleweight World Championship Main Event:Johnny Eblen(16-0) vs.Costello van Steenis (16-3)
Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event:Dakota Ditcheva (14-0) vs. Sumiko Inaba(8-1)
Featherweight Showcase Bout:AJ McKee (22-2) vs. Akhmed Magomedov (11-1)
Lightweight Showcase Bout:Artur Zaynukov (16-4) vs. Takeshi Izumi(6-3)
Heavyweight Showcase Bout:Corey Anderson (18-6) vs. Denis Goltsov (36-8)
Complete PFL Africa Card: SuperSport (Afirka – Turanci) | Canal+ (Afirka – Faransa) DAZN (Faransa, Birtaniya & Ireland) Asabar, Yuli 19 – 4:30 PM SAST / 10:30 AM EST
Bantamweight First Round Bout: Nkosi Ndebele (8-3) vs. Mahmoud Atef(5-2)
Heavyweight First Round Bout:Maxwell Djantou Nana(6-1) vs. Mikael Groguhe (6-2)
Bantamweight First Round Bout:Shannon Van Tonder (7-2) vs.Boule Godogo (3-0)
Heavyweight First Round Bout:Jashell Ticha Awa (3-1) vs. Justin Clarke (2-0)
Bantamweight First Round Bout:Antero Dos Santos (5-0) vs. Karim Henniene(4-0)
Heavyweight First Round Bout:Abdoullah Kane (3-0) vs. Mohammed Ben Yahia (9-4)
Bantamweight First Round Bout:Simbarashe Hokonya (5-0) vs. Alain Majorique (5-0)
Heavyweight First Round Bout:Abraham Bably(5-2) vs. Badredinne Medkouri (7-2)
Showcase Women’s Strawweight Bout:Juliet Ukah (6-0) vs. Ceileigh Niedermayr(3-2)###
Full access to PFL’s Battle of the Giants assetsnan
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA—Francis Ngannouis back and is the winner of theBattle of the Giants.
The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hosted the return of “The Predator,” who viciously stopped his opponentRenan Ferreiraby knockout in a little over three minutes to win the newly minted PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Championship Belt and reclaim his position atop the mountain in mixed martial arts. Tare da nasara, Ngannou immediately puts the combat sports world on notice that he remains a force to be reckoned with anytime he laces up the four-ounce PFL MMA gloves.
The co-main event of the evening saw the greatest women’s MMA fighter of all-time, Cris “Cyborg,"add to her already impressive resume with a unanimous decision victory over PFL two-division ChampionLarissa Pacheco. By winning the PFL Super Fights Women’s Featherweight World Championship, “Cyborg” has now added her fifth different promotional belt to her trophy case. The loss snaps a ten-fight winning streak for Pacheco, while “Cyborg” has pushed her winning streak to eight bouts.
The Bellator Middleweight Championship was on the line in a rematch between undefeated championJohnny Eblenda kuma Ingila ta Fabian Edwards. It was the world-class grappling of American Top Team’s Eblen that was the difference. The Kansas City-native scored numerous takedowns over the course of 25 minutes, earning a unanimous 48-47 decision despite a fifth round onslaught from Edwards.
Zafar Mohsenentered PFL’s SmartCage for the first time on Saturday as a major underdog for his Featherweight contest against Dagestan’sHusein Kadimagomaev, but it was the German athlete who emerged the favorite, sweeping the scorecards in a one-sided 30-27 unanimous decision victory. Mohsen has now pushed his current winning streak to four bouts.
Opening the PPV card ofPFL Battle of the Giants, a highly anticipated Lightweight fight between former Bellator Featherweight ChampionAJ McKeeand surging Irish prospectPaul Hughesended up being exactly what fight fans were expecting – a high-level, back-and-forth fight between two athletes with title aspirations. Both fighters had their moments, amma a karshen, two judges’ saw Belfast’s Hughes as the winner, moving him to 2-0 in PFL and putting “Big News” one step closer to a world title shot.
Professional Fighters League (PFL) in partnership with the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation (SMMAF), announced earlier today that the Championships for the 2024 PFL Global Season will take place on Friday, Nuwamba 29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event will air live in the U.S. on ESPN+ and additionally can be seen live on DAZN throughout Canada and Europe, with additional premium sports platforms hosting the events worldwide. PFL Battle of the Giants Main Card Results:
Francis Ngannou (18-3) ci Renan Ferreira (13-4, 3 NC) via KO (punches) a 3:32 na zagaye daya
Cris Cyborg (28-2, 1 NC) ci Larissa Pacheco (23-5) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
Johnny Eblen (16-0) ci Fabian Edwards (13-4) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
Zafar Mohsen (14-4) ci Husein Kadimagomaev (11-2) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Paul Hughes (13-1) ci AJ McKee (22-2) via tsaga yanke shawara (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Early Card Results:
Raufeon Stots (21-2) ci Marcos Breno (13-4) via biyayya (raya-tsirara shaƙa) a 3:01 at round three
Makkasharip Zaynukov (16-4) ci Dedrek Sanders(9-5) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (30-26, 30-26. 30-26)
Ibragim Ibragimov (8-0) ci Nacho Campos (5-1) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Taha Bendaoud (4-0) ci Tariq Ismail(8-2) via biyayya (alwatika shaƙa) a 3:51 na zagaye biyu
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league world-wide. PFL has five live fight franchises, offering year-round content: PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Challenger Series, PFL International Leagues, da kuma Bellator. Kafa a 2018, PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors including SURJ, Ares, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sport business of this decade, tare da 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.
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
LOS ANGELES –A plethora of fantastic fighters armed with world-title aspirations have joined the stackedBELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnellcard on Saturday, Maris 12. SHOWTIME will televise the mammoth main card live from inside the Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo., a9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. Santa.
Former title challenger and No. 2 ranked-John Salter (18-5), as well as undefeated BELLATOR MMA No. 3-rankedJohnny Eblen(10-0), and women’s No. 2 featherweightCat 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.
A babban taron na yamma, Adam Borics (17-1) da kumaMads 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. A co-featured fadan, former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight Champion, 13-time BELLATOR veteran, da kuma Babu. 2-rankedPhil 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. Bugu da žari, the main card will spotlight an international lightweight extravaganza as undefeated New Alliance Jiu-Jitsu team memberJay-Jay Wilson (8-0) of Auckland, New Zealand, moves up in weight to meet Dagestan, Rasha taGadzhi Rabadanov(16-4-2), who is coming off a first-round knockout in his promotional debut atBELLATOR MMA 263 a watan Yuli 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 ChampionGegard Mousasiagainst No. 1-ranked Austin Vanderford a BELLATOR MMA 275later 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 da ya 23 abokan adawar. 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 atBELLATOR MMA 272a watan Disamba 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 abokan adawar.
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, Daga., native Zingano against No.7-ranked lightweightPam Sorenson(9-4) of Blaine, Daga.
Set to make her third straight BELLATOR MMA appearance with aspirations of challenging BELLATOR MMA Women’s Welterweight World ChampionCris 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. Kwanan nan, “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 atBELLATOR MMA 264 a Uncasville, Conn.
Also featured will be a bruising brawl pitting two hard-hitting heavyweights with seven career stoppages apiece as No. 8-rankedAlex “Eazy” Polizzi (9-1) of Madison, Wisc., clashes with Team Pitbull’sJose “Guru” Augusto (7-3, 1 NC). Bugu da žari, San Diego, Calif. 'yan qasar, 11-time BELLATOR MMA veteran, da kuma Babu. 6-ranked“Barbaric” Derek Anderson(17-4, 1 NC) will mix it up with submission specialist, BELLATOR Brazilian bruiser, and Japanese-bornGoiti Yamaguchi (26-5), in a worldwide welterweight war.
Bugu da ƙari kuma, added toBELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnellis a memorable middleweight match pitting undefeated, Kar Ka. 6-ranked 185-pounder and owner of three consecutive stoppagesRomero Cotton (5-0) of Hutchinson, Kansas, who will bravely battle the horrors of“The Boogeyman”Lance Wright (5-2). Bugu da ƙari, former Division II All-American wrestler and fantastic featherweightCody Law(5-0), fresh off his third opening-round finish, strives to avoid being scared off by“Phantom”Johnny Soto (5-2) na Escondido, Calif.
Continuing the unforgettable night of amazing action, undefeated welterweight and American Top-Team memberRoman Faraldo (6-0) will make his fourth consecutive promotional appearance when he challenges BELLATOR MMA rookieKelvin Rayford (5-3), while local combatantJordan Howard (10-5) of Jefferson City hopes to thrill the Missouri faithful against Athens, Illinois’ ownTrevor Ward(5-5). Two flyweights will test their skills as well, a lokacin daDiana Avsaragova(4-0) of Russia welcomesAshley Deen (5-6) to BELLATOR. Lastly, a Show-Me State lightweight showdown between BELLATOR beginnerDan 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 at6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. Santa.
Sat. Maris 12 // BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell //The Family Arena // St. Louis
Free. Mayu 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs.. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA
Free. Mayu 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The SSE Arena, Wembley // London
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About BELLATOR
BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. A karkashin shugabanci na tsohon soja yaki mai kiran kasuwa 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. A Amurka, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live taron orchestration, jirgin saman soja ci gaban / dangantakar, wuri samuwa, tallafawa halittar / raya kasa, kasa da kasa lasisi, marketing, talla, talla da hukumar dangantakar. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, gida don a duniya firaministan nisha brands cewa gama da masu sauraro, ta hanyar tursasawa abun ciki a fadin talabijin, motsi hoto, online da hannu dandamali.
C-Sergio Pettis (22-5) ci Kyoji Horiguchi (29-4) via KO (spinning backfist) a 3:24 na zagaye hudu Sergio Pettis:“I came out here and got beaten up for four rounds. When it happened, I was just like, ‘Man I am losing this fight. I’ve got to do something spectacular.’ It (the decisive punch that ended the fight) came at the right time.” “I needed to face some adversity, and tonight Horiguchi gave me all of that. It was hard trying to time his rhythm, trying to get his movement down.” “My coaches always tell me, ‘If you open up, you could be one of the best in the world.’ That what I’m pushing for.” #9-Jeremy Kennedy (17-3, 1 NC) ci #4-Emmanuel Sanchez (20-7) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jeremy Kennedy:“I can’t seem to find it. My coaches got mad at me in my last fight. I’ve got an atomic bomb. That’s what my coach said. It’s a 100-mile (per hour) fastball. I’ve got to use it. Last fight, Ban yi. I wanted to try and mix it up, change my style. I was competitive, but I had to get back to my roots.” “I would have liked to have mixed it up a bit more, amma (Emmanuel) Sanchez is in your face the whole time. It was hard to dictate that calculated range. He just came right at me.” “I put a lot of pressure on myself. I had a close friend pass away. He was in my corner for my last few fights. I didn’t want to go home with a loss. I didn’t want to take any extra chance. I wanted to win every single exchange. I wanted to win every second, every moment of this fight. I didn’t care what that looked like. I had to get the ‘w.’ “ “Next time, I am going to get back to having fun and find that happy medium. This one is for Boom. I had to get my hand raised at all costs. I wasn’t coming out of this without a win.” #7-Joshuwa (21-4) ci Jared Scoggins (10-2) via KO (naushi) a :56 na zagaye biyu Joshuwa:“This one was about timing. We knew the first round would be hard to get that timing down. Ya (Jared Scoggins) was very jumpy, in and out. That (punch that ended the fight) was right on the button.” “I belong there (in the Bellator MMA World Grand Prix). I know this division is stacked, so I understand (why he wasn’t included). I want in. If there are any injuries or pull outs, I’m your man.” “I saw him (Scoggins) go down and knew he was out. There was no point to keep going.” "Ya (Scoggins) is very traditional, karate-esque. My coach and I worked on timing quite a bit. I knew the first round might be a little tricky. I landed a punch in the first, but it wasn’t on the money. The one in the second (that ended the fight) was.”
#5-Johnny Eblen (10-0) ci Collin Huckbody (10-4) via TKO (punches) a 1:11 na zagaye daya
Johnny Eblen:“I wanted to send that dude (Huckbody) to the metaverse. Abin ba in ciki, I could not do that tonight. I was I could have put on a better show, but it is what it is.” “John Salter, I signed a bout agreement to fight you in Florida, but you [expletive withheld] out. I don’t know if you got hurt, or you [expletive withheld] out. But I want to see you in this [expletive withheld] cage, John. Let’s gear up and let’s get after it.” Na farko katin: Alexander Shabliy (21-3) ci Bobby King (10-4) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Kai Kamaka III (9-4-1) ci John de Jesus (14-10) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Levan Chokheli (10-1, 1 NC) ci Vinicius de Jesus (9-5) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) Justin Montalvo (4-0) ci Jacob Bohn (10-8) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (29-27, 29-28, 29-28) Mike Hamel (8-5) ci Killys Mota (12-3) via tsaga yanke shawara (29-28, 28-29, 30-27) Spike Carlyle (13-3) ci Dan Moret (15-7) via biyayya (raya-tsirara shaƙa) a 2:58 na zagaye uku Kyle Crutchmer (8-1) ci #10-Oliver Enkamp (10-3) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE IS ON THE LINE AS BELLATOR CLOSES OUT THE YEAR AT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA WITH A FLURRY OF ACTION-PACKED FIGHTS
LOS ANGELES –BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card forBELLATOR MMA 272: Pettis vs Horiguchicard at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The event puts a stamp on the 2021 calendar year and is set to begin on SHOWTIME at10 p.m. ET / Santa.
The stacked preliminary card will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. Santa.
A babban taron na yamma, current BELLATOR Bantamweight World ChampionSergio Pettis (21-5) puts his belt on the line against former BELLATOR 135-pound titleholder and current RIZIN championKyoji Horiguchi (29-3). The co-main event features former featherweight world title challenger No. 4-rankedEmmanuel Sanchez (20-6) versus former UFC standout and No. 9-rankedJeremy Kennedy (16-3, 1 NC).
Also anchoring the main card will be a bantamweight bout between UFC veteranJared Scoggins (10-1) da kuma Babu. 7-rankedJoshuwa (20-4), as well as undefeated American Top Team-product, da kuma Babu. 5-ranked middleweightJohnny Eblen (9-0), who looks to protect his unblemished record against BELLATOR newcomerCollin Huckbody (10-3).
With seven thrilling fights in total, daBELLATOR MMA 272preliminary card is highlighted by a pair of welterweight contests between Swedish submission specialist No. 10-rankedOliver Enkamp (10-2) and former Oklahoma State University wrestling standoutKyle Crutchmer (7-1) har daLevan Chokheli (9-1, 1 NC) da kumaVinicius de Jesus (9-4).
Hawaii’sKai Kamaka III (8-4-1) returns to the Scott Coker-led promotion, as he prepares for battle withJohn de Jesus (14-9) a featherweight mataki, yayin daDan Moret(15-6) da kumaSpike Carlyle (12-3) meet in a 160-lb contract weight matchup.
Three additional lightweight matchups have also been announced with Russian sensationAlexander Shabliy (20-3) taking on Utah’sBobby King (10-3), Killys Mota (12-2) famaMike Hamel (8-5), da kumaJustin Montalvo(3-0) squaring up withJacob Bohn (10-7)
C-Juliana Velasquez (12-0) ci #3-Denise Kielholtz(6-3) via tsaga yanke shawara (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Juliana Velasquez: “I think I would be clinching a bit more, her striking didn’t surprise me, but I felt that I did enough to retain the title.”
“I beat her with my jab, if you look at her face, it’s messed up, if you look at mine, my face is fine. I think people in the audience favor her because she has a kickboxing style and I counter, but I think it was my boxing that was the difference tonight.”
“When I come in here, I don’t think of myself as a champion, I think of myself as someone who needs to earn the belt and tonight I felt that I did that.”
#5–Tyrell Fortune(11-1, 1 NC) ci #7-Matt Mitrione (13-9, 1 NC) via biyayya (buga) a 1:45 na zagaye daya Tyrell Fortune: “I feel great coming out of the fight. He stepped forward so I went for the shot instead of throwing the punch and I guess I made contact with my head. Besides that I was running through him for the takedown. As you saw, I finished on top, and the fight went from there.
“I didn’t feel it (the clash of heads), I can only go off of what he was saying at the time. Kamar na ce, I was just looking to get on top and continue to fight so I didn’t really know what else to do. I thought if there was a contact that the ref would have saw and we would have stopped that’s why I paused for a second on top of him. I didn’t go right to punching. Once the ref said to continue, I was continuing to fight.
“I want Tim Johnson. I don’t want a title shot. I’d rather have Tim Johnson first. That’s really the only fight I’ve been training for since that loss. Zuwa gare ni, with him taking that loss (against Valentin Moldavsky) and me getting this win, it should line us right up… I’m gonna’ try to knock his a– out just like he did me.”
Matheus Mattos (13-2-1) ci Cee Jay Hamilton (15-9) via TKO (buga) a 1:33 na zagaye biyu
Matheus Mattos: “He’s a wrestler. Don haka, he could have done the boring game and taken me down. But he chose to go for the striking. Abin farin, he did it because it was a beautiful knockout. If Bellator could send more strikers to me, then they would be welcomed.”
"Ina jin mai girma, perfectly strong. But I felt my knee go ‘thwack.’ And I stopped moving a lot. I didn’t do much footwork. I knew this was going to be on my hands, because my leg was painful. Da fatan, everything went well.
“My two losses were to two of the best in the world. Don haka, I’ve been fighting at a high level a long time and I’m prepared for everyone. They can see that this fight welcomed me to Bellator, and now they know me. They know Matheus Mattos is a striker and he’s coming for us.
“I’m in my prime now so I’m prepared for everyone.”
#2–Arlene Blencowe (14-8) ci Dayana Silva (9-6) via TKO (punches) a 1:00 na zagaye uku
Arlene Blencowe: "Ina jin mai girma. I want to give a shout out to my kids at home. I’ve been away from home for nine weeks and it’s the longest I’ve ever been without my kids. Don haka, this win is for you.”
“I was just trying to gauge my distance. It was starting to be a little bit of a slow fight, so sorry about that fans. I could hear you yelling. But I was determined to keep my pace and not rush into anything. We knew that she swung with power and that the overhand right and the left hook came pretty quick. We’ve been working a lot on kicks, and I’m going to have a lot of bruises tomorrow. And hopefully her calves will be sore too.”
#5-Johnny Eblen(9-0) ci Travis Davis (10-5) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (30-27, 30-26, 30-26) Johnny Eblen: “My coaches when I came back to the corner told me not to brawl. Don haka, I took their advice and I thought I wrestled smart.”
“He was talking s— yana cewa, 'Hey, let’s brawl in the corner.’ I’m like, ‘Bro, that’s stupid.’ That’s why you’re not where I’m at. Because you don’t fight smart. You’re trying to come out here and brawl. You can do that all you want, but you’re not going to be a world champion like me.”
Na farko Card: Said Sowma(7-2) ci Ronny Markes (19-9) via KO (punches) a 1:09 na zagaye daya Cody Law (4-0) ci Theodore Macuka(1-1) via TKO (punches) a 1:54 na zagaye daya Diana Avsaragova (4-0) ci Gabriella Gulfin (2-3) via tsaga yanke shawara (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Adil Benjilany(6-3, 1 NC) ci Johnny Soto (4-2) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Charlie Campbell (4-1) ci Nicholas Giulietti(2-2) via TKO (punches) a 1:30 na zagaye biyu
About BELLATOR BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. A karkashin shugabanci na tsohon soja yaki mai kiran kasuwa 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. A Amurka, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live taron orchestration, jirgin saman soja ci gaban / dangantakar, wuri samuwa, tallafawa halittar / raya kasa, kasa da kasa lasisi, marketing, talla, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, gida don a duniya firaministan nisha brands cewa gama da masu sauraro, ta hanyar tursasawa abun ciki a fadin talabijin, motsi hoto, online da hannu dandamali.
UNDEFEATED FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION JULIANA VELASQUEZ AND NO. 3 RANKED DENISE KIELHOLTZ SQUARE OFF FOR 125-POUND STRAP WHILE TOP-10 HEAVYWEIGHTS TYRELL FORTUNE AND MATT MITRIONE MEET IN THE CO-MAIN EVENT.
Los Angeles – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card forBELLATOR MMA 262: Velasquez v. Kielholtza kan Jumma'a, Yuli 16at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The event airs LIVE on SHOWTIME at9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. Santaand is headlined by undefeated flyweight world championJuliana Velasquez (11-0) versus BELLATOR Kickboxing’s Flyweight World Champion and No. 3 ranked Denise Kielholtz(6-2) for the promotion’s 125-pound belt.
In addition to the must-see main event, four other exciting main card bouts are confirmed forBELLATOR 262 a kan Showtime, including No. 5 ranked Tyrell Fortune (10-1, 1 NC) taking on former New York Giants football star and No. 7 ranked Matt Mitrione (13-8, 1 NC) a matakin matsakaicin nauyi, a women’s featherweight matchup between No. 2 ranked former title challengerArlene Blencowe (13-8) da kuma Brazil ta Dayana Silva(9-6), a men’s heavyweight contest pitting No. 4 ranked Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC)versus BELLATOR newcomerMarcelo Golm (8-3), and undefeated No. 5 ranked Johnny Eblen (8-0) ta kashe a kan Travis Davis (10-4) in an explosive middleweight bout to open the main card.
The preliminary card is confirmed for six bouts and features a heavyweight slugfest between knockout artistRonny Markes (19-8) da kuma Said Sowma (6-2), as well as a featherweight contest pitting undefeated top prospectCody Law (3-0) da Theodore Macuka (1-0). Bugu da kari, South Florida’sRoman Faraldo (5-0) welcomesJohn Ramirez (5-5) to the fray in a welterweight clash, while Team Pitbull Brothers-productMatheus Mattos (12-2-1) faces off againstCee Jay Hamilton (15-8) in a bantamweight battle. Lastly, Johnny Soto (4-1) da kuma Adil Benjilany (5-3, 1 NC) square off in a 145-pound matchup and the undefeatedDiana Avsaragova (3-0) daukan kan Gabriella Gulfin (2-2) in a flyweight showdown.
All prelims will stream live at6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. Santaon the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. Full bout listings are below:
SHOWTIME streaming service is offering 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 atSHO.com/BellatorMMA. Subscribers will be delivered two live premier BELLATOR MMA events per month throughout 2021 da kuma bayan, anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.
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BELLATOR MMA 262: Velasquez v. KielholtzBabban Card: Jumma'a, Yuli 16 – Live on LOKACIN WASAN KWAIKWAYO 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. Santa
Flyweight World Title Main Event: C-Juliana Velasquez (11-0) vs. #3-Denise Kielholtz(6-2) Matakin matsakaicin nauyi fadan: #5–Tyrell Fortune(10-1, 1 NC) vs. #7-Matt Mitrione (13-8, 1 NC) Matakin matsakaicin nauyi fadan: #4-Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC) vs. Marcelo Golm (8-3) Featherweight fadan: #2–Arlene Blencowe (13-8) vs. Dayana Silva (9-6) Middleweight fadan: #5-Johnny Eblen(8-0) vs. Travis Davis (10-4)
Na farko Card: BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. Santa Bantamweight fadan: Matheus Mattos (12-2-1) vs. Cee Jay Hamilton (15-8) Matakin matsakaicin nauyi fadan: Ronny Markes (19-8) vs. Said Sowma(6-2) Featherweight fadan:Cody Law (3-0) vs. Theodore Macuka(1-0) Welterweight fadan: Roman Faraldo (5-0) vs. John Ramirez(5-5) Flyweight fadan: Diana Avsaragova (3-0) vs. Gabriella Gulfin (2-2) Featherweight fadan:Johnny Soto (4-1) vs. Adil Benjilany(5-3, 1 NC) *Katin batun canzawa.
For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, Ziyarar BELLATOR.com.
Har ila yau,, Appearances by Fan-Favorite and Monster Energy Athlete 'Rampage’ Jackson and MMA Legend Dan Henderson
Los Angeles - The Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Seriescloses its 2017 season with a fourth and final stop atHomestead-Miami Speedwayin Homestead, Fla. a kan Lahadi, Jan. 19. Set to take place during Ford Championship Weekend, fighters will take to the cageLahadimorning ahead of the final race of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs that will determine the next Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
Just hours prior to the start of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 ran Lahadi, Jan. 19, the Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series will feature MMA action throughout the morning beginning at11:30 a.m. DAat the Monster Energy Fan Zone at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the display area on the north side of the track. Admission to the event is free and open to fans.
Bugu da žari, a kan Asabar, Jan. 18 daga 1-2 p.m. DA, fans will have the opportunity to meet former world champ and Monster Energy athleteQuinton "Rampage" Jackson, as well as former PRIDE and STRIKEFORCE titleholderDan “Hendo” Henderson, at the Monster Energy Fan Zone at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the display area on the north side of the track. Admission to the event is free and open to fans.
“The Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series has been a huge success this year and I’m looking forward to heading to Homestead-Miami Speedway during NASCAR’s championship weekend for another great event to end 2017,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “This is a monumental weekend for Monster Energy, including Hans Molenkamp, Tom Norwood, Cody Dresser, Mitch Covington and their entire team, as they close out their first season with NASCAR, and I’m excited to once again make Bellator MMA a part of the fan experience.”
Through Bellator MMA, alongside longstanding partner Monster Energy, mixed martial arts will be included as a pre-race activation exclusively for fans in attendance. The lineupran Lahadiwill consist of four MMA bouts featuring some of the best regional up-and-coming talent, with the main event prospects in consideration to be signed to a multi-fight Bellator MMA contract.
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway takes placeLahadi, Nuwamba 19 a 2:30 p.m. DA. Tickets to the race are available atwww.Homestead-MiamiSpeedway.com ko ta kira 305-230-5255.