Full access to PFL’s Battle of the Giants assetslapha
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. With the win, 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 championUJohnny EBTS futhi yeNgilandi UFabian Edward. 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 amaminithi, 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 ChampionFuthi 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, kodwa ekugcineni, 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 (I-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, November 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) wanqoba Renan Ferreira (13-4, 3 NC) via KO (punches) at 3:32 eyodwa round
Taha Bendaoud (4-0) wanqoba Tariq Ismail(8-2) via ukuzithoba (triangle binda) at 3:51 round amabili
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE Professional Fighters League (I-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, and Bellator. Wasekelwa in 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, kanye 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
E-Los Angeles -A plethora of fantastic fighters armed with world-title aspirations have joined the stackedBellator mma 276: Borics vs. Isihlathicard on Saturday, March 12. SHOWTIME will televise the mammoth main card live from inside the Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo., at9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Former title challenger and No. 2 zibalwa-John Salter (18-5), as well as undefeated BELLATOR MMA No. 3-zibalwaUJohnny EBTS(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.
In the umcimbi main of the kusihlwa, U-Adam Borics (17-1) futhiMads 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 iziqubu co-iyavela, former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight Champion, 13-time BELLATOR veteran, futhi No. 2-zibalwaPhil 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. Ukwengeza, the main card will spotlight an international lightweight extravaganza as undefeated New Alliance Jiu-Jitsu team memberUJay-Jay Wilson (8-0) of Auckland, E-New Zealand, moves up in weight to meet Dagestan, WaseRussiaGadzhi Rabadanov(16-4-2), who is coming off a first-round knockout in his promotional debut atBellator 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 ChampionGegard Mousasiagainst No. 1-zibalwa U-Austin Vanderford at 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 of yakhe 23 izimbangi. 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 272ngoDisemba 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 izimbangi.
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, From., native Zingano against No.7-ranked lightweightPam Sorenson(9-4) of Blaine, Ibhayisikobho.
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. Muva, “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 in Uncasville, Conn.
Also featured will be a bruising brawl pitting two hard-hitting heavyweights with seven career stoppages apiece as No. 8-zibalwaAlex “Eazy” Polizzi (9-1) of Madison, Wisc., clashes with Team Pitbull’sJose “Guru” Augusto (7-3, 1 NC). Ukwengeza, San Diego, Calif. bomdabu, 11-time BELLATOR MMA veteran, futhi No. 6-zibalwa“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.
Ngaphezu kwalokho, added toBellator mma 276: Borics vs. Isihlathiis a memorable middleweight match pitting undefeated, Ungenzi. 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). Ngaphezu kwalokho, 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) of 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, niniDiana Avsaragova(4-0) of Russia welcomesAshley Deen (5-6) to BELLATOR. Okokugcina, 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, Isiteshi se-Showtime Sports YouTube kanye nePluto TV eqala lapho6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.
Sat. March 12 // Bellator mma 276: Borics vs. Burnell //I-Family Arena // St. Louis
Free. May 6 // UBellator Paris: Babher vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Iparis, Ukusuka
Free. May 13 // Bellator london: Amos vs. I-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. Ngaphansi kokuqondisa esingumakadebona impi umgqugquzeli 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 umcimbi orchestration, ukuthuthukiswa fighter / ubudlelwano, kwempahla kwenkundla yokudlalela, Indalo uxhaso / ukuthuthukiswa, kwamalayisensi international, marketing, ukukhangisa, emphakathini kanye nobudlelwane ikhomishana. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, ekhaya UNdunankulu ukuzijabulisa brand zezwe ukuxhuma izilaleli kokuqukethwe esicindezelayo yonkana ithelevishini, motion picture, intanethi and mobile.
UJuliana 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–I-Tyrell Fortune (11-1, 1 NC) wanqoba #7-Mat Mitrione (13-9, 1 NC) via ukuzithoba (Iziteleka) at 1:45 eyodwa round I-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. Like I said, 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. To me, 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) wanqoba Cee Jay Hamilton (15-9) via TKO (Iziteleka) at 1:33 round amabili
Matheus Mattos: “He’s a wrestler. Ngakho, he could have done the boring game and taken me down. But he chose to go for the striking. Ngenhlanhla, he did it because it was a beautiful knockout. If Bellator could send more strikers to me, then they would be welcomed.”
"Ngizizwa enkulu, 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. Sethemba, everything went well.
“My two losses were to two of the best in the world. Ngakho, 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) wanqoba Dayana Silva (9-6) via TKO (punches) at 1:00 round ezintathu
Arlene Blencowe: "Ngizizwa enkulu. 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. Ngakho, 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-UJohnny EBTS (9-0) wanqoba Travis Davis (10-5) nge isinqumo ngazwilinye (30-27, 30-26, 30-26) UJohnny EBTS: “My coaches when I came back to the corner told me not to brawl. Ngakho, I took their advice and I thought I wrestled smart.”
“He was talking s— wathi, '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.”
IKhadi Preliminary: Said Sowma(7-2) wanqoba Ronny Markes (19-9) via KO (punches) at 1:09 eyodwa round Cody Law (4-0) wanqoba Theodore Macuka(1-1) via TKO (punches) at 1:54 eyodwa round Diana Avsaragova (4-0) wanqoba Gabriella Gulfin (2-3) nge isinqumo uqhekeko (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Adil Benjilany(6-3, 1 NC) wanqoba Johnny Soto (4-2) nge isinqumo ngazwilinye (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Charlie Campbell (4-1) wanqoba Nicholas Giulietti(2-2) via TKO (punches) at 1:30 round amabili
About BELLATOR BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Ngaphansi kokuqondisa esingumakadebona impi umgqugquzeli 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 umcimbi orchestration, ukuthuthukiswa fighter / ubudlelwano, kwempahla kwenkundla yokudlalela, Indalo uxhaso / ukuthuthukiswa, kwamalayisensi international, marketing, ukukhangisa, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, ekhaya UNdunankulu ukuzijabulisa brand zezwe ukuxhuma izilaleli kokuqukethwe esicindezelayo yonkana ithelevishini, motion picture, intanethi and mobile.
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.
I-LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card forBellator mma 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtzon Friday, July 16at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The event airs LIVE on SHOWTIME at9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PTand is headlined by undefeated flyweight world championUJuliana Velasquez (11-0) versus BELLATOR Kickboxing’s Flyweight World Champion and No. 3 zibalwa Denise Kielthwez (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 on Showtime, including No. 5 zibalwa I-Tyrell Fortune (10-1, 1 NC) taking on former New York Giants football star and No. 7 zibalwa Mat Mitrione (13-8, 1 NC) at wesibhakela, a women’s featherweight matchup between No. 2 ranked former title challengerArlene Blencowe (13-8) and Brazil’sDayana Silva(9-6), a men’s heavyweight contest pitting No. 4 zibalwa Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC)versus BELLATOR newcomerUMarcelo Golm (8-3), and undefeated No. 5 zibalwa UJohnny EBTS (8-0) ezibhekene off against 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) futhi Said Sowma (6-2), as well as a featherweight contest pitting undefeated top prospectCody Law (3-0) ngokumelene Theodore Macuka (1-0). Ngaphezu kwalokho, 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. Okokugcina, Johnny Soto (4-1) futhi Adil Benjilany (5-3, 1 NC) square off in a 145-pound matchup and the undefeatedDiana Avsaragova (3-0) liba Gabriella Gulfin (2-2) in a flyweight showdown.
All prelims will stream live at6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT Esiteshini seBellator MMA YouTube, Isiteshi se-Showtime Sports YouTube nePluto TV. Uhlu oluphelele lwe-bout lungezansi:
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 nangale, anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.
# # #
Bellator mma 262: Velasquez vs. KielholtzIKhadi Main: Friday, July 16 – Live on ISIKHATHI SOMBUKISO 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Flyweight World Title Main Event: C-UJuliana Velasquez (11-0) vs. #3-Denise Kielthwez (6-2) Wesibhakela Bout: #5–I-Tyrell Fortune (10-1, 1 NC) vs. #7-Mat Mitrione (13-8, 1 NC) Wesibhakela Bout: #4-Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC) vs. UMarcelo Golm (8-3) Featherweight Bout: #2–Arlene Blencowe (13-8) vs. Dayana Silva (9-6) Middleweight Bout: #5-UJohnny EBTS (8-0) vs. Travis Davis (10-4)
IKhadi Preliminary: BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT Bantamweight Bout: Matheus Mattos (12-2-1) vs. Cee Jay Hamilton (15-8) Wesibhakela Bout: Ronny Markes (19-8) vs. Said Sowma(6-2) Featherweight Bout:Cody Law (3-0) vs. Theodore Macuka(1-0) Welterweight Bout: Roman Faraldo (5-0) vs. John Ramirez(5-5) Flyweight Bout: Diana Avsaragova (3-0) vs. Gabriella Gulfin (2-2) Featherweight Bout:Johnny Soto (4-1) vs. Adil Benjilany(5-3, 1 NC) *Ikhadi lincike ekushintsheni.
Futhi, Appearances by Fan-Favorite and Monster Energy Athlete 'Rampage’ Jackson and MMA Legend Dan Henderson
I-LOS ANGELES - The I-Monster Eness Energy Bellator MMA Fight Seriescloses its 2017 season with a fourth and final stop atHomestead-Miami Speedwayin Homestead, Fla. on Sunday, Nov. 19. Set to take place during Ford Championship Weekend, fighters will take to the cageSundaymorning 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 ngesonto, Nov. 19, the Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series will feature MMA action throughout the morning beginning at11:30 a.m. KANYEat 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.
Ukwengeza, on Saturday, Nov. 18 kusukela 1-2 p.m. KANYE, 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.”
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway takes placeSunday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m. KANYE. Tickets to the race are available atwww.Homestead-MiamiSpeedway.com noma ngokushayela ucingo 305-230-5255.
Kubuyekeziwe I-Monster Eness Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series at Homestead-Miami Speedway Fight Card:
Featherweight Main Event: Matt Wagy (10-4, Delray Beach, Fla.) vs. Kester Mark (5-4, Hollywood, Fla.)