Deze week op de FNU Combat Sports-show, Tom, Tony en Rich bespreken een trage boksweek en vatten afgelopen weekend twee enorme MMA-kaarten in het Verenigd Koninkrijk samen. We praten ook over het besluit van Michael Bisping om met pensioen te gaan, gewichtsverminderingsproblemen in de UFC, en een politieagent met de bijnaam “Blad” zijn 15 seconden roem in een virale video waarin hij een tiener in een volledig uniform in dozen doet en er als beste uitkomt. Luister naar de hele show hieronder:
RAFAEL CARVALHO VERDEDIGT MIDDLEWIGHT-TITEL TEGEN GEGARD MOUSASI IN NIEUWE HEADLINER, TERWIJL ‘MVP’ DAVID RICKELS IN CO-MAIN OPNEMT
LOS ANGELES - Vanwege letsel, Mirko Cro Cop kan niet langer concurreren in zijn langverwachte Bellator-debuut opBellator 200 tegen Roy Nelson. Als resultaat, de Bellator 200 hoofdevenement ziet nu regerend middengewicht kampioenRafael Carvalho (15-1) verdedig zijn titel tegen de beste mededinger Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2) in een affaire van vijf ronden, terwijl het co-main event een ongeslagen Britse spits kent Michael “Venom” Page (12-0), beter bekend als "MVP,”TegenDavid Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) op weltergewicht. Bellator 200 vindt plaats vrijdag, Mei 25 bij The SSE Arena, Wembley in Londen en wordt uitgezonden op Paramount Network op 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT.
De hoofdkaart bevat ook de voormalige titelhouder Phil Davis (18-4) nemen Linton Vassell (18-6) in een licht zwaargewicht matchup en realityster werd MMA-jager Aaron Chalmers (3-0) maakt zijn promotiedebuut tegen zijn landgenootAsh Griffiths (4-5). De rest van de hoofdkaart wordt later deze week bekend gemaakt.
Voorafgaand aan de hoofdkaart op Paramount Network, Bellator 200 zal ook tal van opwindende voorlopige wedstrijden bevatten waarin veel van het jonge toptalent van het VK wordt getoond. De ongeslagen Anastasia Yankova (5-0) keert terug tegen de altijd stoere Kate Jackson (9-3-1), terwijl een drietal voormalige BAMMA-kampioenen in actie zijn als voormalig middengewichtkampioen Mike Shipman (11-1) gevechten Carl Noon (7-2), voormalige vedergewicht kingpin van BAMMA Daniel Crawford (10-1) uitdagingen Pedro Carvalho (6-3) en voormalige BAMMA lichtgewicht titlist Ryan Scope (11-1) gezichten Martyn Harris(4-4). Fans zullen Bellator-veteraan zien Anatoly Tokov (25-3) botsen met Vladimir Filipovic (10-2), SBG Ierland-productCharlie Ward (4-3) in actie tegen Louis King (1-1) en door Mousasi opgeleide prospect Costello van Steenis (9-1) vergadering Kevin Fryer (6-2).
Tickets voor het evenement zijn nu te koop bij The SSE Arena, Wembley bespreekbureau (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com,ssearena.co.uk en axs.com. Bellator 200 wordt uitgezonden op Paramount Network op 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT, terwijl de voorbereidende actie zal worden gestreamd op Bellator.com en wereldwijd op de Bellator Mobile App vanaf 12:30 p.m. EN / 9:30 a.m. PT.
*Kaart kan worden gewijzigd.
ZAL AS GRIFFITHS IN DE HOOFDKAART AANNEMEN MEI 25 BIJ DE ZEE ARENA, WEMBLEY
LOS ANGELES - Bellator is trots om aan te kondigen dat de realityster een MMA-jager is geworden Aaron Chalmers (3-0) maakt zijn promotiedebuut op de hoofdkaart van historisch Bellator 200 tegen Ash Griffiths (4-5) bij The SSE Arena, Wembley in Londen Vrijdag, Mei 25.
Vechten uit Newcastle, Engeland, Chalmers stapt de Bellator-kooi binnen na drie overwinningen in de eerste ronde onder leiding van BAMMA. Chalmers is een bekend castlid van de Britse reality-televisieserie van MTV "Geordie Shore,”Verschenen voor 10 seizoenen beginnen in 2014, evenals MTV's 'Ex on the Beach'. Hij zou zijn MMA-debuut gaan maken in 2017, het winnen van zijn eerste gevecht via onderwerping in de eerste ronde. "The Joker" heeft sindsdien twee andere tegenstanders in minder dan een minuut verslagen en lijkt nu de volgende stap in zijn professionele carrière te zetten..
Griffiths is een professional geworden 2013, regionaal vechten in Engeland, voorafgaand aan zijn debuut bij Bellator vorig jaar tijdens de hoofdkaart van Bellator 191 in Newcastle. Afkomstig uit Willington, Engeland, de veteraan met negen gevechten zorgt voor een zware test voor de nieuwkomer. Fans kunnen vuurwerk verwachten, wanneer deze twee strijden om opscheppen in het bijzijn van hun U.K. menigte.
De catchweight-wedstrijd voegt zich bij een gestapelde kaart die al een Bellator-middengewicht-titelwedstrijd bevat die de huidige kampioen pakt Rafael Carvalho (15-1) tegen Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2), een rematch tussen favorieten van zwaargewicht fans Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) en Roy Nelson (23-15), terwijl voormalig titelhouder Phil Davis (18-4) neemt Linton Vassell (18-6) in een licht zwaargewicht matchup en ongeslagen Britse spits Michael “Venom” Page (12-0) voldoet aan David "The Caveman" Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) op weltergewicht.
Tickets voor het evenement zijn nu te koop bij The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com, ssearena.co.uk en axs.com. Bellator 200 wordt uitgezonden op Paramount Network op 9 p.m. EN/8 p.m. CT, terwijl de voorbereidende actie zal streamen Bellator.com en wereldwijd op het Bellator Mobile App. De hoofdkaart is nu compleet, aanvullende voorwedstrijden zullen in de komende weken worden aangekondigd.
Compleet Bellator 200 Hoofd Card:
Middengewicht wereldtitelgevecht: Rafael Carvalho (15-1) vs. Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2)
Zwaargewicht hoofdkaartgevecht: Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) vs. Roy Nelson (23-15)
Licht zwaargewicht hoofdkaartgevecht: Phil Davis (18-4) vs. Linton Vassell (18-6)
Weltergewicht Main Card Bout: Michael Pagina (12-0) vs. David Rickels (19-4, 2 NC)
163-Pond catchweight hoofdkaart gevecht: Aaron Chalmers (3-0) vs. Ash Griffiths (4-5)
*Kaart kan worden gewijzigd
Bezoek Bellator.com voor meer informatie.
TICKETS TE KOOP NU
LOS ANGELES - Een spannende strijd tussen favorieten van zwaargewichten Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) en Roy Nelson (23-15) is toegevoegd aan historisch Bellator 200 bij The SSE Arena, Wembley in Londen Vrijdag, Mei 25.
De twee gerenommeerde vechters sluiten zich aan bij een gestapelde kaart die al een Bellator middengewicht titel matchup bevat die de huidige kampioen opneemt Rafael Carvalho (15-1) tegen Gegard Mousasi(43-6-2), terwijl voormalig titelhouder Phil Davis (18-4) neemt Linton Vassell (18-6) in een licht zwaargewicht matchup en ongeslagen Britse spits Michael “Venom” Page (12-0) voldoet aan David "The Caveman" Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) op weltergewicht.
Tickets voor het evenement zijn nu te koop bij The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com, ssearena.co.uk en axs.com. Bellator 200 wordt uitgezonden op Paramount Network op 9 p.m. EN/8 p.m. CT, terwijl de voorbereidende actie zal streamen Bellator.com en wereldwijd op het Bellator Mobile App. Extra wedstrijden worden de komende weken aangekondigd.
De man die synoniem staat voor knock-outs van het hoofd, Mirko Cro Cop baant zich een weg naar Bellator in het midden van een win streak van acht gevechten, inclusief TKO-overwinningen over "King Mo" Lawal, Gabriel Gonzaga en Satoshi Ishii. De trotse Kroaat won op beroemde wijze de PRIDE 2006 Openweight Grand Prix-kampioenschap, evenals de RIZIN World Grand Prix 2016 titel en K-1 World Grand Prix 2012 Finale in kickboksen. Een van de meest gevreesde stakers in de geschiedenis van MMA, Cro Cop is eigenaar van extra overwinningen in zijn carrière Wanderlei Silva, Josh Barnett (x3), Pat Barry, Mark Coleman en Kevin Randleman.
Uitvechten van Las Vegas, Roy Nelson maakte zijn Bellator-debuut bij Bellator 183 in september met een zwaarbevochten overwinning Javy Ayala na een acht jaar, 19-vechtpartij met UFC die hem overwinningen zag behalen op Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, “Bigfoot” Silva, Cheick Kongo en Mirko Cro Cop. "Big Country" versloeg ook memorabel de late Kimbo Sliceen ging later het seizoen winnen 10 van The Ultimate Fighter. Ik heb onlangs gevochten Matt Mitrione in de Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix, Nelson is op zoek naar een grote overwinning op een van de ware legendes van de sport.
Bijgewerkt Bellator 200 Strijd kaart:
Middengewicht wereldtitelgevecht: Rafael Carvalho (15-1) vs. Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2)
Zwaargewicht hoofdkaartgevecht: Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) vs. Roy Nelson (23-15)
Licht zwaargewicht hoofdkaartgevecht: Phil Davis (18-4) vs. Linton Vassell (18-6)
Weltergewicht Main Card Bout: Michael Pagina (12-0) vs. David Rickels (19-4, 2 NC)
*Kaart kan worden gewijzigd
Bezoek Bellator.com voor meer informatie.
LONDON TO HOST HISTORIC Bellator 200 ON MEI 25
Tickets te koop DEZE VRIJDAG
LOS ANGELES – Bellator is pleased to announce its anticipated return to London for Bellator 200 op Vrijdag, Mei 25. The landmark event will emanate from The SSE Arena, Wembley and will air on Paramount Network.
The first two fights, of what promises to be one of the most exciting event in company history, features middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho (15-1) defending his crown against Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2) and the return of London’s own Michael “Venom” Page (12-0), who takes on David "The Caveman" Rickels (19-4, 2 NC). Additional main card bouts will be announced shortly.
Tickets for the event will be available to the general public on Vrijdag, Maart 2 bij The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com, ssearena.co.uk en axs.com. A special SSE pre-sale will take place Woensdag, Februari 28, while all other pre-sales, including Bellator Nation, zal beginnen Donderdag, Maart 1.
“Bellator continues to place a huge emphasis on its expansion into markets around the globe and creating a strong presence in the U.K. is a very important part of that,'Zei Bellator-president Scott Coker. “Our fans are going to be excited about the card we put together for this monumental event, as Bellator 200 will be one of our greatest to date.”
Quietly flying under the radar as Bellator’s current longest-reigning champion, Rafael Carvalho receives his toughest challenge to date when he meets Mousasi in London. A product of Rio de Janeiro, Brazilië, Carvalho joined the Bellator roster in 2014, garnering the attention of fans who tuned into Bellator 125 by emphatically finishing Brian Rogers in the first round. The run hasn’t stopped there, as the 31-year-old has gone onto defeat Joe Schilling, Alessio Sakara, Melvin Manhoef (2X) and Brandon Halsey, tying the record for most title defenses in the division’s history in the process.
Gegard Mousasi impressed in his promotional debut over former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko, a win that pushed his current unbeaten streak to six fights. “The Dreamcatcher,” who currently trains out of The Netherlands, holds one of the most impressive resumes in all of the sport, at one time winning the STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight title, as well as the DREAM light heavyweight and middleweight titles. With victories against some of the sport’s best, including Chris Weidman, Vitor Belfort, Uriah Hall, Dan Henderson |, “Jacare” Souza, Mark Hunt and Ovince Saint-Preux, the Judo black belt will now set his sights on Bellator gold when he enters the cage on May 25.
There are few fighters who in such a short span of time have provided the type of highlight-reel entertainment that Michael Page has. Nu, “MVP” returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since 2016, a year that saw Page go viral for his perfectly-timed flying knee finish against 40-fight-veteran “Cyborg” Santos and the well-orchestrated celebration that included the toss of a Pokéball. 2017 saw Page successfully enter the realm of boxing, where he won his debut via TKO. Bij Bellator 200, the London native will make his ninth appearance for Bellator, going unbeaten and finishing his opponent in the opening frame on five occasions.
David Rickels has competed under the Bellator banner more times than anyone in promotional history with 19 and will extend the record when he returns to 170-pounds for the first time since the Bellator Season Six Welterweight Tournament in 2012. The fighting pride of Derby, Kansas is coming off a unanimous decision victory against Adam Piccolot afgelopen december, improving his current winning streak to two. Never one to shy away from a scrap, this matchup should produce fireworks when “The Caveman’s” style clashes with the unorthodox swagger of “MVP.”
Bijgewerkt Bellator 200 Strijd kaart:
Middengewicht wereldtitelgevecht: Rafael Carvalho (15-1) vs. Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2)
Weltergewicht Main Card Bout: Michael Pagina (12-0) vs. David Rickels (19-4, 2 NC)
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EVENT TAKES PLACE MORGEN BIJ DE ZEE ARENA, WEMBLEY IN LONDON — AIRS AT 9 PM ET/8 PM CT ON SPIKE
VOLLEDIGE INGEWOGEN FOTO'S HIER
Officieel Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonaldMain Card Weights:
Weltergewicht Main Event: Rory MacDonald (170.1) vs. Paul Daley (170.8)
Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Linton Vassell (205) vs. Liam McGeary (205.5)
Zwaargewicht Feature Bout: Augusto Sakai (263.75) vs. Cheick Kongo (244)
Catchweight Feature Bout: D.J.. Griffin (164) vs. Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. (165)
Weltergewicht Feature Bout: Dan Vinni (169.4) vs. Alex Lohore (170)
Bellator.com-Streamed Voorlopige Card:
Lichtgewicht voorronde: Jay Dods (154.75) vs. Alfie Davis (155)
Zwaargewicht voorronde: Dan Konecke (227.5) vs. Stav Economou (260.75)
Vlieggewicht Voorlopige aanval: Jamie Powell (125.2) vs. Amir Albazi (125.5)
Weltergewicht Voorlopige aanval: Umer Kayani (168.75) vs. Nathan Jones (169)
Middengewicht Voorlopige aanval: Fabian Edwards (184.5) vs. Rafal Cejrowski (185)
Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremy Petley (148.75) vs. Chase Morton (149.75)
Middengewicht Voorlopige aanval: Marcin Prostko (185.25) vs. Mike Shipman (185.75)
Bantamweight Voorlopige aanval:Salih Kulucan (135.5) vs. Diego Barbosa (136)
Bellator 179 PRELIMINARY MATCHUPS SET
LOS ANGELES — A newly announced heavyweight bout featuring Cheick Kongo (26-10-2) tegen Augusto Sakai (9-0-1) has been added to the already-electric Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald evenement, which emanates from The SSE Arena, Wembley on May 19.
Kongo, the French-born heavyweight, is currently riding a four-fight win streak that includes wins over Oli Thompson and Alexander Volkov, while the 25-year-old Sakai looks to stay unbeaten and make a name for himself in the division.
Daarnaast, preliminary matchups featuring some of the U.K.’s best up-and-coming talent have been finalized for the event.
Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald will be broadcast on SPIKE at 9 p.m. EN/8 p.m. CT. Tickets voor het evenement zijn nu te koop bij The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), ssearena.co.uk en axs.com.
Bijgewerkt Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald Hoofd Card:
Weltergewicht Main Event: Paul Daley (39-14-2) vs. Rory MacDonald (18-4)
Weltergewicht Feature Bout: Michael Pagina (12-0) vs. Derek Anderson (14-3)
Licht zwaargewicht feature-gevecht: Liam McGeary (12-1) vs. Linton Vassell (17-5)
Zwaargewicht Feature Bout: Cheick Kongo (26-10-2) vs. Augusto Sakai (9-0-1)
Voorlopige Card:
Lichtgewicht voorronde: Jay Dods (6-0) vs. Alfie Davis (6-1)
Zwaargewicht voorronde: Rob Beech (4-1) vs. Stav Economou (17-5)
Vlieggewicht Voorlopige aanval: Jamie Powell (6-1) vs. Amir Albazi (8-0)
Weltergewicht Voorlopige aanval: Umer Kayani (4-3) vs. Nathan Jones (10-5)
Weltergewicht Voorlopige aanval: Dan Vinni (14-14) vs. Alex Lohore (10-1)
Middengewicht Voorlopige aanval: Liam Etebar (6-1) vs. Rafal Cejra Cejrowski (2-0)
Catchweight Preliminary Bout (150 lbs.): Jeremy Petley (10-8) vs. Chase Morton (6-3)
Middengewicht Voorlopige aanval: Marcin Prostko (4-5) vs. Mike Shipman (9-1)
Bantamweight Voorlopige aanval: Salih Kulucan (4-5) vs. Diego Barbosa (3-0)
Bellator 179: DALEY VS. MacDONALD EMANATES FROM THE SSE ARENA, WEMBLEY ON MEI 19 – TICKETS ON SALE MAART 3
LONDEN — (Februari. 9, 2017) - Paul "Semtex" Daley (39-14-2) is getting what he asked for. Op mei 19, the explosive fighter from Nottingham, England will meet Rory MacDonald(18-4) in het main event van Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald bij The SSE Arena, Wembley.
Rising undefeated British sensation, Michael “Venom” Page (12-0), better known to Bellator fans as “MVP,” is also expected to make his in-cage return in front of a hometown crowd.
Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald will be broadcast on SPIKE at 9 p.m. EN/8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event will be available Vrijdag, Maart 3 bij The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), ssearena.co.uk en axs.com. A special SSE pre-sale will take place Woensdag, Maart 1 tot en met donderdag, Maart 2. A pre-sale for The SSE Arena, Wembley will be available Donderdag, Maart 2.
Immediately following his flying-knee knockout of Brennan Ward bij Bellator 170: Ortiz tegen. Sonnen, Daley took the microphone during his post-fight interview and made the most of his time, emphatically calling for his Mei 19 opponent by name. Nu, a little more than 100 miles from his home, “Semtex” will attempt to spoil the Bellator MMA debut of MacDonald. A 55-fight veteran of the sport, with six appearances under the direction of the Scott Coker-led promotion, the British heavy hitter has recorded victories in 10 van zijn laatste 12 bouts with 31 zijn 39 victories coming via finish.
After signing MacDonald to an exclusive, multi-year, multi-fight contract in 2016, the must-see talent returned to the gym where he carefully honed his craft and readied himself for an eagerly-anticipated return to MMA. The former No. 1 contender to the UFC welterweight crown now sets his sights on the always-exciting Daley, looking to add to a list of strong career wins, which includes current UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, B.J. Penn, Demian Maia and Nate Diaz. “The Red King” is clearly the most popular active Canadian mixed martial artist since Georges St-Pierre, whom MacDonald has trained under for years at the world-renowned TriStar Gym in Montreal. At only 27-years-old, MacDonald joins Bellator’s welterweight fray poised to immediately make an impact in the division, as he looks to defeat Daley and shock the London crowd.
Bijgewerkt Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald Hoofd Card:
Weltergewicht Main Event: Paul Daley (39-14-2) vs. Rory MacDonald (18-4)
CLICK HERE FOR CONFERENCE CALL AUDIO
SANTA MONICA, CALIF (November 15, 2016) – Before the cage door closes deze zaterdag het SAP Center in San Jose, the main and co-main event fighters from "Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson "participated in a media conference call. If you weren’t on the line, you can listen to it hier, or read a couple of the quotes below.
"Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson " features current champion Michael Chandler (15-3) tegen Benson Henderson (24-6) in de hemelbekleding rol, while co-main event action will have undefeated British phenom Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) duke it out in a welterweight thriller. Bay Area’s own Keri Melendez makes her professional MMA debut, as does Kevin Ferguson Jr. better known as Kimbo Slice Jr.
The event airs LIVE and FREE at 9 p.m. EN/8 p.m. CT on Spike and completes three consecutive weeks of championship fights on the Viacom-owned network. Tickets for the event remain on sale and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.
Q: For Benson…Is there any extra motivation to prove yourself in this fight after the way the last fight ended?
Benson Henderson: I would say that there’s not a whole lot of extra motivation this fight. I’m a pretty highly self-motivated individual. I want to win all of my fights. I don’t need any extra incentives. I want to have my hand raised in every single fight.
Q: This is your second title fight in Bellator. Is there anything you learned from the first go-around that you’re bringing into this fight?
Benson Henderson: I don’t know if there’s anything that I learned from the last title fight, just being more comfortable inside the Bellator cage and getting used to the walkout and finding my rhythm.
Q: You’re fighting for the title now. Do you think of yourself as a lightweight? Is this where you intend to stay or is another trip to welterweight a possibility in the future?
Benson Henderson: I wouldn’t say that I think of myself as a lightweight necessarily. Voor mij, het 155 lbs. of 170 lbs., just wherever the more interesting and fun matchups are. Maar, first things first, Ik moet zaken regelen op zaterdag nacht.
Q: You mentioned fun and interesting fights. Is the title something you think about as well? The story line of the week is a two-division champion in the other promotion. Is that a dream that you have for yourself in your career or do you just want to stay and be the most dominate lightweight champion that you can be?
Benson Henderson: I’m going to go get this belt at 155 lbs., but after that I wouldn’t say that belts offer a whole lot of extra incentive. Obviously belts are great and the meaning behind the belt is that you are the best in the planet and that means a lot to say that you are the best at that weight class, but I don’t fight necessarily just for the belt. You do want the belt, but right now all I’m concentrating on is four days from now and a man named Michael Chandler.
Q: For Michael…Have you ever thought about trying for another belt? I know it’s early in your title reign, but has that ever crossed your mind? En, if you did go for another belt, would it be for welterweight or featherweight?
Michael Chandler: I haven’t put a lot of thought into it. Voor mij, I’m just looking for the biggest fight I can get. I know there’s no way I could make 145 lbs., since I walk around at about 190 lbs., between fights. Zo, I’m not interested in losing the muscle mass that I’ve worked so hard to build. Als iets, I would jump up to 170 lbs., but right now I’m focused on my fight deze zaterdag night and I’m excited to get out there and perform.
Q: Why is Henderson an important opponent for your career?
Michael Chandler: Every opponent is important. Every single time we fight, we’re putting ourselves, our livelihood, our records, and our reputation on the line. It just so happens for me, I get an opportunity to fight a guy who’s been a champion and has done some great things in the sport. But luckily, it’s the right time for me and the wrong time for him. I’m extremely excited to go out there and make a statement with this fight op zaterdag nacht. He’s definitely a great, willing opponent, but I’m excited to go out there and get the finish.
Q: For MVP…Obviously, it’s been a fantastic year for you in Bellator, especially your performance in London. Have you got your finger on the pulse of pop culture right now and is there something out there that you’re drawing inspiration from that you’re looking to utilize in some entertainment factor on fight night?
MVP: Ja, I’m always socially aware, but I have to get the job done first and that’s the most important thing.
Q: At the moment, fighting at multiple weight classes and fighting in multiple divisions seems to be the rage right now and I know in the past you’ve mentioned the possibility of dropping down to 155 lbs., is that something that you’re still interested in?
MVP: At the moment, niet doen. Op dit moment, I’m just focused on fighting in the welterweight division.
Q: If you can record a win over Fernando Gonzalez, how many more fights and how many more wins do you think before you are in that title picture and fighting for a title shot?
MVP: That’s not really my main concern. I just go out there and entertain and I’ll keep doing that until I end up in the position I’m supposed to be in.
Q: For Michael Chandler…With you watching Benson from a far for a long time, what did you think of him as his career progressed?
Michael Chandler: Benson’s had a phenomenal career. Vroeger, he was the UFC champion and I was the Bellator champion. He was ranked number one and I was ranked number three in the world and it was always that “what if” matchup. What if these two guys could fight…and now we finally get to see. He’s continued to impress. He’s continued to win. Great careers and great legacies can’t be had without great opponents. I look at Benson Henderson as exactly that, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to step into that cage op zaterdag night and lose this belt. I’ve trained my tail off, I’ve gone through some of the toughest hardships that anyone can go through in this sport…losing three fights in a row, coming back, and believing that no matter what, my next big breakthrough is right around the corner. I never once thought about quitting, where I think a lot of people in that situation would. Where I’ve been and where I am now, I’m confident and I’m excited to just go out there and put it all on the line against one of the best in the world and one of the biggest names in the sport. This is a great opportunity on Spike TV, levend en gratis.
Q: For Fernando…question regarding the video packages that Michael Page has produced and released this year, most recently during Halloween. Did you watch them and what was your reaction to the video packages?
Fernando Gonzalez: I watched both of the videos and thought it was kind of funny, especially the last one. Bad choice of food products I guess. He’s basically eating balls and drinking milk, while cupping and savoring the taste. Zo, I don’t know if I should take that as a call out, but I think the victory alone will be enough for me.
Q: With Michael (Pagina) on the line right now, does Fernando have any sort of message for him leading up to the fight?
Fernando Gonzalez: It’s the same message that I gave before. Just show up. I respect the fighter, but after this he’ll congratulate me and thank me for making him a better fighter. Hij is taai, but he hasn’t been tested and I’m going to give him his first loss.
Q: Michael do you have a response to that?
MVP: I’m allergic to bullshit, so there’s no point in responding.
Q: For Benson Henderson…In the title eliminator fight in Anaheim, you had a calm and deliberate demeanor throughout that fight and before we could really see you explode, Pitbull was taken away with an injury. Are you going to look to set a faster pace with Chandler, or are we going to see a more measured response?
Benson Henderson: We’ll see how it plays out. It’s hard to dictate and say exactly what I’m going to do. If I was an NFL coach, I would not be one of those coaches that has the first 15 plays of the game scripted out and no matter what happens, we’re sticking to these 15 plays. Voor mij, I have to feel it out and go with the flow. Maar, for me I don’t think this is going to be a slow pace fight. I’m expecting this to be one of the most high paced, action-packed fights you’ve seen in the Bellator cage.
Complete "Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:
Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)
Weltergewicht Co-Main Event: Michael Pagina (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)
Licht zwaargewicht feature-gevecht: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)
Lichtgewicht Feature Bout: Adam Piccolot (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)
Vlieggewicht Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Debuut) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)
Complete Preliminary Card:
Weltergewicht Voorlopige aanval: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Debuut) vs. Aaron Hamilton (0-2)
Lichtgewicht voorronde: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)
Middengewicht Voorlopige aanval: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)
Bantamweight Voorlopige aanval: Jeremiah Monaghan (9-5) vs. Vince Murdock (8-2)
Weltergewicht Voorlopige aanval: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)
Bantamweight Voorlopige aanval: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Steve Ramirez (5-1)
Lichtgewicht voorronde: GEEN WOORD. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debuut)
Vedergewicht voorlopige wedstrijd: Victor Jones (0-2) vs. Beau Hamilton (1-7)
Lichtgewicht voorronde: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debuut)
Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumner (Debuut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)
Weltergewicht Voorlopige aanval: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)
Vlieggewicht Voorlopige aanval: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (November. 7, 2016) – One week ahead of "Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson " bij SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., Bellator MMA is pleased to announce the highly anticipated professional mixed martial arts debut of Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. will come against Aaron Hamilton in a welterweight bout during the preliminary portion of the card on Nov. 19.
The contest anchors an electric preliminary card and joins a Spike-televised main card that features a lightweight world title main event pitting current champion Michael Chandler (15-3) tegen Benson Henderson (24-6). In de avond van de co-main event, undefeated British phenom Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) duke it out in a welterweight thriller and Adam Piccolot (8-0) neemt Brandon Girtz(14-4) in a lightweight clash. Ten slotte, a light heavyweight showdown pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) tegen Francis Carmont (14-4) and female flyweight action pitting Keri Melendez (Debuut) tegen Sheila Padilla (2-0) are also set for the main card.
"Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson " airs LIVE and FREE at 9 p.m. EN/8 p.m. CT on Spike and completes three consecutive weeks of championship fights on the Viacom-owned network. Tickets for the event remain on sale and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.
After originally being slated to make his professional debut at both “Bellator 160” en "Bellator 162,“ “Baby Slice” will now look to showcase his fine-tuned mixed martial arts repertoire on November. 19. The son of the late, great “Kimbo Slice,” made a splash in the world of MMA during an amateur contest in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where he delivered a brutal knockout punch just 1:23 in de eerste ronde. In what is unquestionably one of the most talked-about debuts in promotion history, Slice hopes to parlay his amateur success with a memorable performance on the professional circuit and carry on the legacy that his father let behind. Afkomstig uit Miami, Florida, the Team Body Shop product now has his eyes set on joining teammate A.J. McKee as one of Bellator MMA’s top young prospects.
Hamilton will once again compete in his home state of California, after previous bouts against the likes of Max Griffin. “The Snake” will be making both his Bellator MMA debut and welterweight debut, as the 185-pound slugger attempts to trim down for what is surely the biggest fight of his career. Hamilton last competed in March and hopes to spoil the long-awaited debut of Slice.
Complete "Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:
Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)
Weltergewicht Co-Main Event: Michael Pagina (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)
Licht zwaargewicht feature-gevecht: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)
Lichtgewicht Feature Bout: Adam Piccolot (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)
Vlieggewicht Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Debuut) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)
Complete Preliminary Card:
Weltergewicht Voorlopige aanval: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Debuut) vs. Aaron Hamilton (0-2)
Lichtgewicht voorronde: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)
Middengewicht Voorlopige aanval: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)
Bantamweight Voorlopige aanval: Jeremiah Monaghan (9-5) vs. Vince Murdock (8-2)
Weltergewicht Voorlopige aanval: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)
Bantamweight Voorlopige aanval: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Steve Ramirez (5-1)
Lichtgewicht voorronde: GEEN WOORD. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debuut)
Vedergewicht voorlopige wedstrijd: Victor Jones (0-2) vs. Beau Hamilton (1-7)
Lichtgewicht voorronde: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debuut)
Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debuut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)
Weltergewicht Voorlopige aanval: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)
Vlieggewicht Voorlopige aanval: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)