Tag Archives: Patricio Pitbull

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, Paramount Network

FULL FIGHT CARD AND BROADCAST DETAILS FOR THIS FRIDAY’S BELLATOR 241: PITBULL VS. CARVALHO EVENT AT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA – LIVE ON DAZN

March 10, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

**UNCASVILLE, Conn.** – The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s return to **Mohegan Sun Arena** this **Friday, March 13** is official with a stacked six-fight main card, headlined by current two-division champ **Patricio Pitbull** (30-4) defending his 145-lb. title in the Featherweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinals against upstart SBG-product and tournament dark horse **Pedro Carvalho** (11-3).

*Bellator 241: Pitbull vs. Carvalho* will stream live exclusively on **DAZN** at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream on **Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel**, as well as **DAZN,** beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

The exciting main card will also see a Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal take place in the co-main event,when **Daniel Weichel** (40-11) rematches **Emmanuel Sanchez** (19-4) for a future shot at the world title. In addition, former New York Giants lineman **Matt Mitrione** (13-7, 1 NC) will be taking on **Ronny Markes** (19-7) in a heavyweight main card bout, while England’s **Paul Daley** (42-17-2) and heavy-handed **Sabah Homasi** (13-8) go toe-to-toe in a 170-pound matchup that is sure to produce fireworks. Rounding out the main card will see Connecticut’s own **Nick Newell** (16-3) taking on **Zach Zane** (14-9) of Hawaii at lightweight and a must-see middleweight contest showcasing **Anatoly Tokov** (29-2) vs. **Fabio Aguiar** (17-1).

The preliminary card for *Bellator 241: Pitbull vs. Carvalho* will stream live stream on **Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel** and **DAZN** at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. The prelims feature appearances from Bellator prospects and other familiar names in **Baby Slice** (3-2, 1 NC), **Robson Gracie Jr.** (3-0), **Leslie Smith** (11-8-1), **Romero Cotton** (4-0), **Mike Kimbel**
(3-2), and **Leandro Higo** (19-5) meeting **Dominic Mazzotta** (15-3) at featherweight.

**Complete *Bellator 241: Pitbull vs. Carvalho* Main Card:**

**DAZN**

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

*Featherweight WGP Quarterfinal World Title Bout:* **Patricio Pitbull** (30-4) vs. **Pedro Carvalho** (11-3)

*Featherweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal Bout:* **Daniel Weichel** (40-11) vs. **Emmanuel Sanchez** (19-4)

*Heavyweight Main Card Bout:* **Matt Mitrione** (13-7, 1 NC) vs. **Ronny Markes** (19-7)

*Welterweight Main Card Bout:* **Paul Daley** (42-17-2) vs. **Sabah Homasi** (13-8)

*Lightweight Main Card Bout:* **Nick Newell** (16-3) vs. **Zach Zane** (14-9)

*Middleweight Main Card Bout:* **Anatoly Tokov** (29-2) vs. **Fabio Aguiar** (17-1)

**Preliminary Card:**

**Bellator’s YouTube Channel | DAZN**

7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT

*Welterweight Preliminary Bout:* **Robson Gracie Jr.** (3-0) vs. **Billy Goff** (2-2)

*160-lb. Contract Weight Preliminary Bout:* **Baby Slice** (3-2, 1 NC) vs. Kaheem Murray (3-3)

*Middleweight Preliminary Bout:* **Jordan Newman** (2-0) vs. **Pat McCrohan** (4-3)

*Middleweight Preliminary Bout:* **Romero Cotton** (4-0) vs. Justin Sumter (7-3)

*140-lb. Contract Weight Preliminary Bout:* **Mike Kimbel** (3-2) vs. **Kenny Rivera** (2-2)

*Lightweight Preliminary Bout:* **Killys Mota** (12-1) vs. **Nate Andrews** (16-3)

*Featherweight Preliminary Bout:* **Leandro Higo** (19-5) vs. **Dominic Mazzotta** (15-3)

*Featherweight Preliminary Bout:* **Leslie Smith** (11-8-1) vs. **Jessy Miele** (9-3)

*Welterweight Preliminary Bout:* **Ion Pascu** (18-10) vs. **Mark Lemminger** (10-1)

*Lightweight Preliminary Bout:* **Vladimir Tokov** (7-0) vs. **Marcus Surin** (6-2)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts

BELLATOR BRINGS FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX TO MOHEGAN SUN ARENA ON MARCH 13 WHEN CHAMP PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’ DEFENDS HIS TITLE AGAINST PEDRO CARVALHO

January 16, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

**FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX QUARTERFINALS CONTINUE AS DANIEL WEICHEL MEETS EMMANUEL SANCHEZ IN THE CO-MAIN EVENT**

**Tickets on sale next Friday, January 17**

**LOS ANGELES** – On Friday, March 13, Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. will host Bellator 241, an event featuring TWO quarterfinal matchups of the Featherweight World Grand Prix. In the main event, fans will see a featherweight world title bout with two-division Bellator champion **Patricio “Pitbull”** (30-4) defending his 145-pound crown against SBG Ireland-product **Pedro Carvalho** (11-3).

In addition to the five-round championship main event, a second Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal will also take place, as two former title challengers, **Daniel Weichel** (40-11) and **Emmanuel Sanchez** (19-4), meet for the first time since their 2016 razor-thin split decision.

Tickets for *Bellator 241: Pitbull vs. Carvalho* are available early through an exclusive Bellator Nation pre-sale beginning Thursday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets will go on sale to the general public Friday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Arena box office, as well Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

*Bellator 241: Pitbull vs. Carvalho* will stream exclusively on DAZN on Friday, March 13 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Preliminary action will stream on DAZN, Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in coming weeks.

Hailing from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, two-time featherweight champ Patricio “Pitbull” will enter the Bellator cage for a promotional record 23rd time on March 13. With impressive wins to his name over **Daniel Straus** (x3), **Daniel Weichel** (x2) and **Pat Curran**, the 32-year old continues in the Featherweight World Grand Prix not far removed from his lightweight championship win over **Michael Chandler** in May of last year. Having earned a finish in 21 of his 30 wins as a professional, the simultaneous two-division champion most recently bested **Juan Archuleta** on the scorecards in an exciting opening round grand prix matchup and fans can certainly expect more fireworks when he meets Carvalho on March 13.

Portuguese submission specialist Pedro Carvalho will be entering the Bellator cage for just the fifth time in his eight-year professional career, looking for his seventh consecutive victory and his first world title victory. With victories in nine of his last 11 contests, including against **Derek Campos, Daniel Crawford** and a face crank submission over **Sam Sicilia** in the opening round, the 23-year-old SBG Ireland-product is on the cusp of becoming an elite force in the 145-pound division – winning the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix would be the perfect way to solidify it.

With over 50 professional fights to his name, Germany’s Daniel Weichel is ready to make his 2020 debut in a highly anticipated grand prix quarterfinal bout with Sanchez, a fighter Weichel got the better of nearly four years ago at *Bellator 159*. Following his Bellator debut in 2014, “Drake” has enjoyed an impressive promotional mark of 9-3, including pivotal victories over Sanchez, Pat Curran,**Georgi Karakhanyan** and **Saul Rogers**.

On the heels of yet another masterful performance that ended in a submission victory over **Tywan Claxton** in the opening round of the grand prix, “El Matador” is ready for another title run as he prepares for the undefeated 50-fight veteran and the man who beat him once before, Daniel Weichel. Since joining forces with Bellator in 2014, the Milwaukee, Wisc. resident has collected 11 victories over a 14-fight stint, including key wins over the likes of Claxton, Daniel Straus, Marcos Galvao and Georgi Karakhanyan (2x).

Updated *Bellator 241: Pitbull vs. Carvalho* **Main Card:**

**DAZN**

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

*Featherweight World Title Bout/FWGP Quarterfinal:* **Patricio “Pitbull”** **Freire** (30-4) vs. **Pedro Carvalho** (11-3)

*Featherweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal:* **Daniel Weichel** (40-11) vs. **Emmanuel Sanchez** (19-4)

*Card subject to change

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA

OFFICIAL BELLATOR 228 FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS & PHOTOS

October 1, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

Complete Event Photos Here

*Bellator 228* Main Card Results:

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

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

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

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

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

**Preliminary Card:**

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR SIGNS ‘PITBULL’ BROTHERS TO MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT EXTENSIONS

February 22, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**LOS ANGELES** – Bellator is proud to announce that both Patricio and Patricky Freire, better known to fans as the infamous “Pitbull Brothers,” will continue to compete inside the Bellator cage after signing exclusive multi-year, multi-fight extensions to remain with the promotion.

Fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, the brothers have become synonymous with Bellator throughout their prolific careers. Having held titles and established themselves among the elite, there are very few names that appear in the Bellator record books more often than current featherweight champ **Patricio Pitbull** (28-4) and his older brother **Patricky Pitbull** (21-8).

“When I think about the talent on the Bellator roster, the Pitbull brothers are two of the fighters that immediately come to mind,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “They started early on in their careers here, have climbed to the top of their respective divisions and have come to represent what this promotion is all about. I’m thrilled that we’ll continue to see them compete inside the Bellator cage for our fans around the world for many years to come!”

“There are a lot of people on the Bellator roster I want to put my hands on – the first on the list, I’m fighting on May 11th, so renewing made perfect sense for me,” said Patricio. “I’m happy with the agreement and the plans for the future. Of all the fighters currently active on the promotion, I’m with Bellator the longest and the most successful. I plan to set that bar even higher. For years, I said ‘I’d become the number one in the world here.’ If anyone still has any doubt, keep an eye on the next chapters.”

Patricky added, “Bellator is growing and so am I. I’m in the best moment of my career and the same can be said of the promotion with the quality of shows, the new TV deals and names under the roster. I’ve set the goal of becoming world champion and setting records. I already am the fighter with most finishes and fights in the organization and I don’t plan to let anyone catch up with me. I have grudges to settle and names to add to my belt. If things line up well, I’m looking at making noise in three weight classes in the near future, so expect the best of me! I’m glad to have reached a new agreement with Bellator and very excited for the new things to come.”

A two-time featherweight champion, Patricio “Pitbull” has competed for the promotion 20 times – winning 16 of those outings – and has successfully defended his belt three times since reclaiming the championship at *Bellator 178* against **Daniel Straus**. Most recently, Patricio defeated **Emmanuel Sanchez**, edging out his opponent via unanimous decision at *Bellator 209* in Tel Aviv, Israel. Having earned a finish in 20 of his 28 wins as a professional, the reigning champion always brings an exciting style and fans can certainly expect more fireworks as he continues his run in Bellator. Patricio will now move up in weight to challenge current champ **Michael Chandler** for his lightweight crown in a long-awaited grudge match at Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Chicago on May 11.

A perennial lightweight contender since joining Bellator in 2011 at *Bellator 36,* the 33-year-old Patricky made an immediate impact by emphatically knocking out two true veterans of the sport and eventually competing in two tournament finals. Additionally, he holds the Bellator record for most fights with 21 and knockout wins with 10, including highlight-reel finishes over **Ryan Couture** and **David Rickels.** However, his most impressive run has come as of late, stringing together seven wins in eight bouts and winning his last five against **Josh Thomson**, **Benson Henderson**, **Derek Campos**, **Roger Huerta** and most recently against **Ryan Scope** at *Bellator Newcastle* on Feb. 9.

Please visit www.Bellator.com for more information.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

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

July 16, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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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

July 13, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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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, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

BENSON HENDERSON EARNS LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE SHOT FOLLOWING INJURY TO FOOT OF PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’

August 27, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

Complete Fight Night Photos Here / Event Highlights Here

ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 26, 2016) – Benson Henderson (24-6) earned his first victory since joining the Bellator MMA fray at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., Friday night. A faulty kick by Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (25-4) led to a leg injury, forcing him to forfeit the loss two minutes and 26 seconds into the second round.

After making the jump up to Bellator MMA’s 170-pound division, Henderson returned to where he was dominant in the UFC as a lightweight. After the win, Henderson received word of his next opponent; Bellator MMA’s current Lightweight Champion, Michael Chandler. The two are scheduled to tangle November 19 in the main event of the recently announced “Bellator MMA in San Jose.”

‘Fight of the Year Candidate Ends in Unanimous Decision Victory for Anderson

It took all three rounds to determine a winner in the evening’s co-main event, but in the end, Derek Anderson (14-2) emerged victorious with a unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 twice) win over Saad Awad (19-8). “The Barbaric” continues his recent trend of extending fights through the final round, as the win marks his third consecutive fight to go to the judges’ scorecards. The San Diego native has now recorded five wins under the direction of the Scott Coker-led promotion, including multiple victories over fellow lightweight Patricky “Pitbull” Freire, earning himself well-deserved respect among the division’s elite.

Karakhanyan’s “Insane” Knockout Puts Early end to Jenkins’ Night

Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) needed only 53 seconds to finish Bubba Jenkins (11-3), as the Russian featherweight took care of “The Highlight Kid” for the second time in two years. “Insane” came out firing, landing multiple blows that sent Jenkins to the mat with an early knockout, earning his 11^th win in his last 14 fights. The loss is only the third of Jenkins’ young career and second of the first round variety, both of which Karakhanyan is now responsible for. The win is the fifth knockout of Karakhanyan’s career and is his third in the opening frame.

McKee Remains Undefeated With Impressive Guillotine Finish

In the opening contest at “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull,” A.J. “Mercenary” McKee (5-0) remained unbeaten with a guillotine choke submission 32 seconds into the second round. By extending the fight past the opening frame, Walker was able to do what no other opponent has done, as each of McKee’s previous four wins had resulted in a first round finish. The win capped off an impressive night by Team Bodyshop, as McKee’s teammates Joey Davis (1-0) and Gabriel Green (4-0) also had their arms raised in the preliminary portion of the event. As one of Bellator MMA’s top young talents, the 21-year-old McKee was able to prove once again that he belongs among the division’s elite. After the fight, the Long Beach native called out Patricio “Pitbull,” saying “It’s nothing personal, I want (Daniel) Straus.”

Preliminary Card Results:

Jake Roberts (7-0) defeated Stephen Martinez (11-5) via TKO at 4:24 of round one

Chinzo Machida (4-2) defeated Mario Navarro (4-5) via TKO at 2:57 of round one

Jacob Rosales (4-2) defeated Mike Segura (4-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 twice)

Andy Murad (13-2) defeated Jonny Cisneros (9-5) via unanimous decision (29-28)

Gabriel Green (4-0) defeated Alex Trinidad (1-2) via TKO at 2:01 of round two

Joey Davis (1-0) defeated Keith Cutrone (1-1) via unanimous decision (30-27)

Steve Ramirez (5-1) defeated Ron Henderson (4-3) via TKO at 2:24 of round one

David Duran (4-4) defeated Kyle Estrada (3-3) via split decision (29-28)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

PAIR OF INJURIES FORCE CHANGES TO MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 160: HENDERSON VS. PITBULL’

August 18, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

CODY WALKER STEPS UP ON SHORT NOTICE TO CHALLENGE UNDEFEATED A.J. MCKEE, WHILE GEORGI KARAKHANYAN-BUBBA JENKINS MOVED TO SPIKE-TELEVISED CARD

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (August 16, 2016) – Just nine days before the highly anticipated “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” event on August 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., injuries sustained by main card fighters Henry Corrales and Lena Ovchynnikova have shaken things up a bit. Undefeated featherweight A.J. McKee (4-0) will now face Cody Walker (7-2), while Bubba Jenkins (11-2) and Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1) find themselves in a featherweight feature fight during the SPIKE-televised main card.

The fights join a main card that spotlights a super fight at 155-pounds between Benson Henderson (23-6) and Patricio “Pitbull” (25-3), as the two will duke it out for a shot at Michael Chandler’s championship belt. In addition, an explosive lightweight contest pitting Saad Awad (19-7) against Derek Anderson (13-2) will serve as the evening’s co-main event.

In preliminary action, welterweights Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. and Joey Davis will make their professional debuts, while Chinzo Machida (3-2) will compete for the first time under the Bellator MMA banner.

Tickets for the event start at $30 and can be purchased now on Ticketmaster and at Honda Center Box Office. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. PT local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App — begins at 5:00 p.m. PT.

After beginning his career 7-1 as an amateur, the 21-year-old “Mercenary” has made a splash on the professional circuit, recording a perfect 4-0 mark through his first four bouts. McKee has fought under the Bellator MMA banner ever since he made his professional debut in 2015, finishing all of his contests in the opening frame, including three knockouts and a rear-naked choke submission. McKee’s most recent victory came at the expense of Italian Danilo Belluardo during the mixed martial arts portion of Bellator MMA’s first-ever event overseas, “Bellator 152: Freire vs. Souza.” The Long Beach, Calif. native will now take his flashy personality to the Honda Center, where he will have the chance to put his unique skill set on full display in front of his hometown fans.

Agreeing to take a professional mixed martial arts contest on short notice is no easy task, doing so against an undefeated fighter the caliber of McKee is even more daunting. But that’s exactly the scenario Walker finds himself in now ahead of next Friday’s event. A two-time competitor for Bellator, “The Crow” will look to move above .500 within the promotion when he enters the cage at Honda Center. The 28-year-old Texan has ended all seven of his professional victories via TKO or KO, including four in the first round.

A longtime veteran of Bellator MMA, Karakhanyan will look to get back on track after dropping two closely contested decision losses against Jenkins, who he handily defeated nearly two years ago via guillotine submission. Known to many mixed martial arts fans as “Insane,” the 31-year-old has finished 18 of his 24 wins as a professional, earning himself multiple titles in regional promotions along the way. Following multiple setbacks to his knee, the Russian fighter is finally healthy and now looks to climb the 145-pound ladder in a competitive division that he once sat atop as the No. 1 contender.

Just a few years ago, Bubba Jenkins was widely regarded as the top MMA prospect in all of the sport, though the title became tainted following the aforementioned loss to Karakhanyan at “Bellator 132.” The former NCAA National Champion wrestler with Arizona State University now has three consecutive wins under his belt, and is looking for redemption. Heading into his 11th fight under the Scot Coker-led promotion, the 28-year-old “Highlight Kid” looks to put on a standout performance in Bellator’s incredibly deep featherweight division. Tune in August 26 to see if the Corona, Calif., native can return the favor and finish Karakhanyan in front of his local supporters.

Complete “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” SPIKE-Televised Main Card:

Lightweight No. 1 Contender Main Event: Benson Henderson (23-6) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (25-3)

Lightweight Co-Main Event: Saad Awad (19-7) vs. Derek Anderson (13-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (4-0) vs. Cody Walker (7-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Bubba Jenkins (11-2) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1)

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Chinzo Machida (3-2) vs. Mario Navarro (4-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joey Davis (Pro Debut) vs. Keith Cutrone (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Pro Debut) vs. Jon Tomasian (Pro Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Gabriel Green (2-0) vs. Alex Trinidad (1-0)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Steve Ramirez (4-1) vs. Ron Henderson (4-2)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Kyle Estrada (3-2) vs. David Duran (3-4)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Segura (4-3) vs. Jacob Rosales (3-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Jonny Cisneros (9-4) vs. Andy Murad (12-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jake Roberts (6-0) vs. Stephen Martinez (11-4)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

CHINZO MACHIDA SET FOR BELLATOR MMA DEBUT DURING PRELIMINARY PORTION OF ‘BELLATOR 160: HENDERSON VS. PITBULL’

August 10, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (August 8, 2016) – Chinzo Machida (3-2) will make his promotional debut in featherweight preliminary action at “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” on August 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., against Mario Navarro (4-4).

The fight joins a main card that includes a lightweight main event between fellow superstars Benson Henderson (23-6) and Patricio “Pitbull” (25-3). In addition, undefeated knockout artist A.J. McKee (4-0) clashes with former KOTC titlist Henry Corrales (12-3), while explosive lightweights Saad Awad(19-7) and Derek Anderson (13-2) go toe-to-toe in a matchup that you do not want to miss. Rounding out the televised action is a women’s flyweight encounter pitting Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) against Jaimelene Nievera (4-1).

During the must-see preliminary portion of the event, Bubba Jenkins (11-2) will look for revenge against Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan (24-6-1) in a featherweight rematch. In welterweight action, both Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. and Joey Davis will both suit up for the first time under the Bellator umbrella and make their professional debuts.

“Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” takes place on August 26 inside Anaheim California’s Honda Center, and will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT.

Doors for the event open at 4:45 p.m. PT local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App — begins at 5:00 p.m. PT. Tickets for the event start at just $30 and can be purchased now on Ticketmaster and at the Honda Center Box Office.

Machida, the elder brother of former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, has only fought five times in his career, but is currently riding a two-fight winning streak. Machida impressively finished Brian Wood via flying knee for Resurrection Fighting Alliance in 2014 and on August 26 Machida will be fighting an opponent who’s currently on the opposite end of the spectrum, and has lost his last two outings. If unfamiliar with Machida’s handy work, look no further than his aforementioned finish of Wood here.

Navarro, 33, has competed almost exclusively in his home state of California, with 7 of 8 fights taking place a short drive from his home in Huntington Beach. A two-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, “Handsome” has competed against Cleber Luciano and Brandon Bender under the Scott Coker-led promotion and will look to get back to his winning ways in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 26.

Complete “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” SPIKE-Televised Main Card:

Lightweight No. 1 Contender Main Event: Benson Henderson (23-6) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (25-3)

Lightweight Co-Main Event: Saad Awad (19-7) vs. Derek Anderson (13-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (4-0) vs. Henry Corrales (12-3)

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Chinzo Machida (3-2) vs. Mario Navarro (4-4)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Bubba Jenkins (11-2) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1)