Tag Archives: Rafael Carvalho

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

BELLATOR MMA™ CONFIRMS FULL FIGHT CARD FOR BELLATOR 258 ON SHOWTIME® THIS FRIDAY, MAY 7 AT 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

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LATE CHANGE SHIFTS BELLATOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX – JOSE ‘GUGU’ AUGUSTO NOW FACES ANTHONY “RUMBLE” JOHNSON IN QUARTERFINAL

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LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has today confirmed the full slate of fights for this Friday’s BELLATOR MMA 258: Archuleta vs Pettis card inside the Mohegan Sun Arena. The event is the first of two being held in May, and kicks off an exciting month of fights on SHOWTIME with the action set to begin live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

In the main event of the evening, Juan “The Spaniard” Archuleta (25-2) puts his BELLATOR Bantamweight World Title on the line for the first time against No. 1 ranked 135-pounder Sergio “SP” Pettis (20-5). In addition to the headliner, three other main card bouts are confirmed, with the co-main event featuring a Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal bout with Team Pitbull product Jose “Gugu” Augusto (7-2, 1 NC) stepping up on a week’s notice to fight a debuting Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (22-6).

Rounding out main card action is a lightweight grudge match pitting the No. 2 ranked Patricky Pitbull (23-9) against the resilient Irishman, Peter Queally (12-5-1), and a must-watch bout between the No. 2 ranked welterweight Michael “Venom” Page (18-1) and No. 6 ranked welterweight Derek Anderson (17-3-1), a fight that has been booked twice previously, but was derailed due to injuries. 

The preliminary card consists of eight fights and is stacked throughout, featuring former 185-pound champion Rafael Carvalho (16-5) stepping in on less than a week’s notice to welcome Lorenz Larkin (22-7) to the BELLATOR middleweight division. Also, No. 5 ranked welterweight Logan Storley (11-1) returns against Omar Hussein (8-2).

Fans will also see the promotion’s bantamweight depth on display, seeing No. 4 ranked Raufeon Stots (15-1) face No. 7 ranked Josh Hill (20-3), as well as appearances from former title challenger and No 2. ranked bantamweight “Patchy” Mix (13-1), Erik “Goyito” Perez (19-8), and the always-game Henry Corrales (18-5), who moves to bantamweight for the first time in his BELLATOR career.

All BELLATOR MMA 258: Archuleta vs Pettis prelims will stream live at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

As part of the launch of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME, the network is offering viewers who are new to the SHOWTIME streaming service 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 at SHO.com/BellatorMMA. Subscribers will be delivered two premier BELLATOR MMA events per month throughout 2021 and beyond, with all events scheduled to air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.  

Full bout listings are below:

BELLATOR MMA 258: Archuleta vs. Pettis Main Card:

Friday, May 7 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Bantamweight Title Bout: c-Juan Archuleta (25-2) vs. #1-Sergio Pettis (20-5)

Light Heavyweight WGP Quarterfinal Bout: Anthony Johnson (22-6) vs. Jose “Gugu” Augusto (7-2, 1 NC)

Lightweight Bout: #2-Patricky Pitbull (23-9) vs. Peter Queally (12-5-1)

175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: #2-Michael Page (18-1) vs. #6-Derek Anderson (17-3, 1 NC)

Preliminary Card: 

BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV

5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT

Bantamweight Bout: #7-Josh Hill (20-3) vs. #4-Raufeon Stots (15-1)

Middleweight Bout: Lorenz Larkin (22-7, 1 NC) vs. Rafael Carvalho (16-5)

Bantamweight Bout: #2-Patchy Mix (13-1) vs. Albert Morales (10-6-1)

Welterweight Bout: #5-Logan Storley (11-1) vs. Omar Hussein (8-2)

Middleweight Bout: #6-Johnny Eblen (7-0) vs. Daniel Madrid (18-6)

Bantamweight Bout: Henry Corrales (18-5) vs. Johnny Campbell (20-13, 1 NC)

Featherweight Bout: Weber Almeida (5-0) vs. Johnny Soto (3-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Erik Perez (19-8) vs. Blaine Shutt (8-4)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Bellator, CBS Sports Network, mixed martial arts, MMA

OFFICIAL FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS & PHOTOS FOR BELLATOR 250: MOUSASI VS. LIMA

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COMPLETE EVENT PHOTOS
 
Bellator 250: Mousasi vs. Lima Main Card:
Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) defeated Douglas Lima (32-8) via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
Henry Corrales (18-5) defeated Brandon Girtz (16-10) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 30-27)
Dalton Rosta (4-0) defeated Ty Gwerder (5-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
 
Preliminary Card:
Jake Hager (3-0, 1 NC) defeated Brandon Calton (2-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Sabah Homasi (14-8) defeated Bobby Voelker (33-14) via knockout (punches) at :20 of round two
Johnny Eblen (7-0) defeated Taylor Johnson (6-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Adam Borics (15-1) defeated Erick Sanchez (9-6) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Cody Law (1-0) defeated Orlando Ortega (0-1) via submission (D’Arce Choke) at 2:41 of round one
 

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

DOUGLAS LIMA SEEKS DOUBLE CHAMP STATUS AGAINST GEGARD MOUSASI IN MIDDLEWEIGHT SUPERFIGHT ON SATURDAY, MAY 9 INSIDE SAP CENTER AT SAN JOSE

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BATTLE FOR VACANT BELLATOR MMA MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE AIRS LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK AND DAZN AT 10 P.M. ET/9 P.M. CT

Tickets go on sale this Friday, Feb. 14

 

LOS ANGELES – A middleweight superfight for the vacant 185-pound title, pitting former divisional champion Gegard Mousasi (46-7-2) against current Bellator welterweight titleholder Douglas Lima (32-7), has been added to Bellator’s exciting return to SAP Center at San Jose on Saturday, May 9 – LIVE on Paramount Network and DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT.

 

The event is anchored by a previously announced heavyweight world title bout, featuring two-division Bellator champ Ryan Bader (27-5, 1 NC) defending his 205-pound title against Russia’s Vadim Nemkov (11-2).

 

Bellator: Bader vs. Nemkov airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN on Saturday, May 9 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. Preliminary action will stream on DAZN, Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Tickets can be purchased at the LexisNexis Risk Solutions Ticket Office at SAP Center, through Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

 

The Bellator middleweight title was recently relinquished by Rafael Lovato Jr. due to ongoing medical complications.

 

Fighting out of Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, Mousasi has cemented legendary status within the sport, having won titles with multiple promotions across a 55-fight career. Most recently, Mousasi defeated Lyoto Machida via split decision, clearing his path to a shot at a second Bellator middleweight title run. With victories in his storied career against Machida, Rory MacDonald, Chris Weidman, Rafael Carvalho, Vitor Belfort, Jacare Souza, Dan Henderson and Mark Hunt, a victory over Douglas Lima will add to his already-impressive resume.

 

Looking to join the ranks of Ryan Bader and Patricio “Pitbull” as two-division champions, Lima moves up 15-pounds to try his hand against Mousasi. Since making his promotional debut in 2011, “The Phenom” has earned 14 victories, including a trio of world titles and 10 finishes, making the American Top Team-product one of the most dominant fighters in the 170-pound division. With 26 of his 32 career victories coming by way of knockout or submission, including consecutive dominant finishes over Andrey Koreshkov and Michael “Venom” Page” in the first two rounds of the World Grand Prix tournament, Lima most recently capped of his 2019 with a win over Rory MacDonald to regain the welterweight world title.

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 

Updated Bellator: Bader vs. Nemkov Main Card:

Paramount Network and DAZN

10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT

 

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Ryan Bader (27-5, 1 NC) vs. Vadim Nemkov (11-2)

Middleweight World Title Bout: Gegard Mousasi (46-7-2) vs. Douglas Lima (32-7)

 

*Card subject to change

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 
Bellator, kickboxing, MMA, Paramount Network

OFFICIAL RESULTS & PHOTOS FOR BELLATOR MILAN, BELLATOR 230 AND BELLATOR KICKBOXING 12

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 Complete Fight Night Photos Here

 

Bellator 230: Carvalho vs. Nemkov Fight Card:

Vadim Nemkov (11-2) defeated Rafael Carvalho (16-4) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:56 of round two

Dragos Zubco (3-1) defeated Hesdy Gerges (0-2) via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Kirill Sidelnikov (12-6) defeated Domingos Barros (6-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Walter Pugliesi (5-2) defeated Andrea Fusi (8-5) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Nicolo Solli (3-0) defeated Dan Cassell (4-4-1) via submission (triangle choke) at 3:15 of round one

 

Bellator Milan: Manhoef vs. Bahati Fight Card:

Melvin Manhoef (32-14-1, 2 NC) defeated Yannick Bahati (9-5, 1 NC) via KO (strikes) at 2:29 of round one

Alessio Sakara (24-13, 2 NC) defeated Canaan Grigsby (8-8) via TKO (strikes) at 0:23 of round one

Stefano Paterno (13-3-1) defeated Ashley Reece (8-2) vis unanimous decision (30-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Rafael Macedo (10-4, 1 NC) defeated Kane Mousah (12-3) via split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)

 

Bellator Kickboxing 12: Varga vs. Faustino Fight Card:

Gabriel Varga (18-6) defeated Cristian Faustino (31-12-2) via unanimous decision (50-45 x3) to retain Bellator Kickboxing featherweight title

Chingiz Allazov (60-3, 1 NC) defeated Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee (287-53-4) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Luca Cecchetti (24-5) defeated Alex Avogadro (46-6-3) via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 2:09 of round one

Shan Cangelosi (35-10-1) defeated Kevin Ross (33-12) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Yuri Bessmertny (45-20-2) defeated Giuseppe De Domenico (51-10) via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Jade Jorand (1-0) defeated Silvia La Notte (66-18-4) via KO (kick) at 0:12 of round two

Endy Bonat (32-10-1) vs. Kebrom Neguse (33-2-2) ruled a majority draw (28-28, 28-28, 29-28)

Taras Hnatchuk (12-0-1) defeated Giacomo Licheri (7-1) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Luca Mameli (9-2) defeated Pawel Szymanski (15-14-2) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

  

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 

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Bellator, kickboxing

BELLATOR DEBUTS IN MILAN, ITALY ON SATURDAY, OCT. 12 WITH STACKED EVENT FEATURING DUAL-MMA CARDS AND THE RETURN OF BELLATOR KICKBOXING

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FORMER CHAMP RAFAEL CARVALHO MEETS VADIM NEMKOV IN MAIN EVENT OF PARAMOUNT NETWORK’S BELLATOR 230

BELLATOR EUROPEAN SERIES SEES MELVIN MANHOEF TAKE ON YANNICK BAHATI IN BELLATOR MILAN HEADLINER

Plus, Gabriel Varga Defends His Bellator Kickboxing Featherweight Title Against Cristian Faustino At Bellator Kickboxing 12 and Rome’s Alessio Sakara Looks to Entertain the Italian Crowd


 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator returns to Italy for the seventh time on Saturday, Oct. 12 with a unique event worthy of three separate billings. The MMA and kickboxing action will all emanate from Allianz Cloud (Ex Palalido) in the heart of Milan for one incredible night of combat sports.

 

The Paramount Network (and DAZN simulcast) portion of the card will be headlined by former middleweight titleholder Rafael Carvalho (16-3) squaring off withVadim Nemkov (10-2) in a light heavyweight affair as part of the Bellator 230: Carvalho vs. Nemkov broadcast. Bellator 230 will air on a tape-delay in the U.S. at9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

 

Additionally, the fifth installment of the Bellator European Series, Bellator Milan: Manhoef vs. Bahati, will feature an explosive 205-pound matchup betweenMelvin Manhoef (31-14-1, 2 NC) and Yannick Bahati (9-4, 1 NC) that will stream live on the Bellator Mobile App in the U.S at 5 p.m. ET/4 p.m. CT. Bellator Milanwill air LIVE at 10 p.m. BST on Channel 5 in the U.K. Also on the card, Italian MMA legend and Bellator ambassador Alessio Sakara (20-13, 2 NC) takes on light heavyweight Canaan Grigsby (8-7) in a special feature bout.

 

Opening the evening’s action will be Bellator Kickboxing 12: Varga vs. Faustino, a card anchored by current Bellator Kickboxing featherweight championGabriel Varga (17-6) defending his title against Palermo, Italy’s Cristian Faustino (48-18), while the co-main will also see Chingiz Allazov (55-3, 1 NC) compete in a 158-pound catchweight bout against Sudsakorn (289-54-4). Bellator Kickboxing 12 will kick off the action live on the Bellator Mobile App at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Tickets for the entire night of action are on sale now and are available at Bellator.com and Bellator.it.

 

Hailing from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, the 33-year-old Carvalho will make his second appearance of the year, following an impressive win over Chidi Njokuani just last month. Since signing with Bellator in 2014, the American Top Team-fighter has collected seven victories, highlighted by his middleweight championship win over Brandon Halsey, which he later followed with three successful title defenses. Standing opposite the Brazilian knockout artist will be fellow international powerhouse Vadim Nemkov, as the 27-year-old Russian will look to add to his current five-fight winning streak. Since making his professional debut in 2013, the former Sambo World Champion and Fedor Emelianenko-protégé has strung together 10 victories over a dozen bouts, with eight knockouts and eight first round finishes highlighting his resume.

 

Making his eighth appearance for Bellator, Melvin Manhoef has built a name for himself over the course of a 24-year career that has seen him finish 28 of his 31 victims via knockout, including 25 in the first round and eight within the opening minute of action. Fighting out of Amsterdam, the versatile 43-year-old also has 38 career kickboxing wins under his belt, making him one of the most experienced and dynamic fighters in the business. With three wins and a pair of impressive knockouts since joining Bellator, “No Mercy” hopes to find his way back into title contention with a win over the recently signed Bahati. “Black Mamba” enters the Bellator cage for the second time of his career, hoping to duplicate the success he had in May when he finished Amir Dadovic in the opening round of Bellator Birmingham. The 29-year-old middleweight will be making the jump up in weight class to challenge what will undoubtedly be the toughest task of his eight-year career in Manhoef.

 

Gabriel Varga is fresh off an emphatic win in his mixed martial arts debut, a fight he finished with a jumping knee and punches at Bellator 224. Now, the Toronto-native returns to the sport where he made his name and became the inaugural Bellator Kickboxing 145-pound champion. The 34-year-old Canadian has tallied three knockout wins over a four-fight run, which includes championship victories over Kevin Ross and Shan Cangelosi. Hailing from Palermo, Italy, Faustino will enter the kickboxing ring with the support of his country behind him. The 29-year-old Italian competes out of Pro Fighting Sempre Avanti Bologna and holds almost 60 fights to his name. Now, he has a shot at Bellator Kickboxing gold when he competes on Oct.12.

 

Fighting out of Minsk, Belarus, Chingiz Allazov will be competing under the direction of Bellator Kickboxing for just the second time in his eight-year career, where the 26-year-old phenom has earned 55 victories over a 59-bout stretch. Having already defeated Klinmee in Italy just last year, the former K-1 Super Middleweight Champion will try to replicate the victory in an exciting rematch. Hailing from Pattaya, Thailand, the 32-year-old Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee will make his Bellator Kickboxing debut on Oct. 12. The reigning Thailand and World Kickboxing Network Muay Thai welterweight world champion also hopes to add to his extensive professional resume, which includes 289 wins and 74 knockouts.

 

Born in Rome, Sakara will return to his home country for the sixth time since signing with Bellator in 2016. When fighting in Italy under the promotion, “Legionarius” has amassed three victories, all of which ended in a knockout. The 37-year-old former world title contender has earned 20 career victories, including 16 finishes and 14 knockouts, making him one of the most dangerous 205-pound athletes on the roster. Tasked with the opportunity to spoil Sakara’s homecoming is 39-year-old Oklahoman Canaan Grigsby, who is also known for his ability to put his adversaries away early in the fight. With seven of his eight career victories coming by way of knockout, including four first round-finishes, “Super Beast” will be looking for the biggest win of his seven-year professional career when he steps inside the Bellator cage for the first time.

 

Updated Bellator 230: Carvalho vs. Nemkov Fight Card:

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Rafael Carvalho (16-3) vs. Vadim Nemkov (10-2)

 

Updated Bellator Milan: Manhoef vs. Bahati Fight Card:

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Melvin Manhoef (31-14-1, 2 NC) vs. Yannick Bahati (9-4, 1 NC)

Light Heavyweight Feature Event: Alessio Sakara (20-13, 2 NC) vs. Canaan Grigsby (8-7)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Andrea Fusi (8-4) vs. Walter Pugliesi (4-2)

 

Updated Bellator Kickboxing 12: Varga vs. Faustino Fight Card:

Kickboxing Featherweight World Title Main Event: Gabriel Varga (17-6) vs. Cristian Faustino (48-18)

158-Pound Catchweight Co-Main Event: Chingiz Allazov (55-3, 1 NC) vs. Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee (289-54-4)

Featherweight Bout: Enderson Bonat (21-9) vs. Kebrom Neguse (33-2-2) 

 

*Card subject to change.

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

BELLATOR AND USO TEAM UP TO SALUTE THE TROOPS WITH SPECIAL LIVE EVENT IN HAWAII ON DECEMBER 14

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Brent Primus Defends Lightweight Title Against Michael Chandler in Long-Awaited Main Event Rematch to Kick Off Honolulu Doubleheader

 

LOS ANGELES – To honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, Bellator MMA has partnered with the USO to present a special live event free for the troops, along with their friends and families, on December 14.

 

 

“Having worked with the Army Combatives Program to evaluate and update their combat readiness, I have long respected the military and their courage,” said Royce Gracie, MMA Legend and Bellator Ambassador. “When I found out we were doing an event in Hawaii, knowing the large military population there, I knew we had to show our support and appreciation through MMA.”

 

 

 

Bellator President Scott Coker is proud of this new relationship with USO and is eager to show his support to the brave service men and women.

 

 

 

“The USO is a historic military support organization – not just in entertainment but in connecting them back to the things they love and fight for,” said Coker. “It made perfect sense for Bellator to establish a relationship with the USO and provide a unique opportunity to Hawaii’s military population. We appreciate their service to the nation, and we hope this is just the first of many opportunities for us to work together.”

 

 

 

Emanating from the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, this unique show will be headlined by a title fight featuring current lightweight champ Brett Primus (8-0) against two-time former titlist Michael Chandler (18-4), while heavyweight icon Frank Mir (18-12) meets Javy Ayala (10-7) in a heavyweight clash.

 

 

Bellator and USO Present: Salute the Troops will air on Paramount Network on Friday, December 14 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT and will be simulcast on CMT. The event will also stream LIVE on DAZN, while preliminary bouts will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in coming weeks.

 

 

 

Reigning champ Brent Primus puts both his title and undefeated streak on the line in a highly anticipated rematch for the Bellator lightweight title. After upsetting Chandler last year, the Eugene, Ore.-native has since battled injuries that have delayed his return to the cage. Now, he looks to silence the critics and prove that he is the rightful and deserving 155-pound champion. One of the most-decorated fighters in Bellator history, Michael Chandler has plans to reclaim the championship and become a three-time titleholder. “Iron” has defeated a who’s who among the division’s elite, including Benson

 

Henderson, Patricky Pitbull (x2), Goiti Yamauchi and Eddie Alvarez. The former University of Missouri wrestler, who now calls Nashville home, has earned his way back to No. 1-contender status with his sights set on leaving Hawaii with the belt.

 

 

 

Former UFC heavyweight champ Frank Mir returns to the Bellator cage following his exciting back-and-forth battle with Fedor Emelianenko last spring. With career wins over Roy Nelson, Antonio “Big Nog” Nogueira (x2), Brock Lesnar and Mirko Cro Cop, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt looks for another impressive victory to add to his illustrious career. After shocking the world when he KO’d Sergei Kharitonov, Javy Ayala become an overnight sensation to MMA fans. Known to fans as “Eye Candy,” the heavyweight has also impressively defeated Eric Prindle and Raphael Butler. Fighting out of Porterville, Calif., Ayala returns hoping to yet again shock the world and defeat one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history.

 

 

 

This unforgettable night will be part of an historic weekend culminating with the previously announced Bellator Hawaii on Saturday, December 15, airing exclusively on DAZN. This highly-anticipated fight card includes Bellator women’s flyweight champ Ilima-Lei Macfarlane defending her title against Valérie Létourneau, Lyoto Machida making his Bellator debut against former champ Rafael Carvalho, Neiman Gracie taking on Ed Ruth in an opening round matchup in the Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix and much more.

 

 

Bellator and the USO will also partner for a week of special events in Hawaii leading up to the big weekend of exciting fights on December 14 and 15. More details to come soon.

 

 

 

Updated Bellator and USO Present: Salute the Troops Fight Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Brent Primus (8-0) vs. Michael Chandler (18-4)

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Frank Mir (18-12) vs. Javy Ayala (10-7)

 

 

 

*Card subject to change

 

 

 

Please visit Bellator.com and USO.org for more information.

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, wrestling

This Week’s FNU Combat Sports Show: UFC and Bellator UK Show Recaps, Bisping Retires, Cop Boxing Teen Goes Viral

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This week on the FNU Combat Sports show, Tom, Tony and Rich discuss a slow week for boxing and recap two huge MMA cards in the United Kingdom last weekend. We also talk about Michael Bisping deciding to retire, weight cutting issues in the UFC, and a cop nicknamed “Blade” getting his 15 seconds of fame in a viral video where he boxes a teen in full uniform and comes out on top. Listen to the whole show below:

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

MIRKO CRO COP OUT OF BELLATOR 200 DUE TO INJRY

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RAFAEL CARVALHO DEFENDS MIDDLEWIGHT TITLE AGAINST GEGARD MOUSASI IN NEW HEADLINER, WHILE ‘MVP’ TAKES ON DAVID RICKELS IN CO-MAIN

 

LOS ANGELES – Due to injury, Mirko Cro Cop can no longer compete in his highly anticipated Bellator debut atBellator 200 against Roy Nelson. As a result, the Bellator 200 main event now sees reigning middleweight champRafael Carvalho (15-1) defend his title against top contender Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2) in a five-round affair, while the co-main event features undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (12-0), better known as “MVP,” againstDavid Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) at welterweight. Bellator 200 takes place Friday, May 25 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London and will air on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

 

 

 

The main card also includes former titleholder Phil Davis (18-4) taking on Linton Vassell (18-6) in a light heavyweight matchup and reality star turned MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers (3-0) making his promotional debut against fellow BritAsh Griffiths (4-5). The remainder of the main card will be announced later this week.

 

 

 

Prior to the main card on Paramount Network, Bellator 200 will also feature plenty of exciting preliminary matchups showcasing many of the U.K.’s top young talent. The undefeated Anastasia Yankova (5-0) returns against the always-tough Kate Jackson (9-3-1), while a trio of former BAMMA champions are in action when former middleweight champion Mike Shipman (11-1) fights Carl Noon (7-2), former BAMMA featherweight kingpin Daniel Crawford (10-1) challenges Pedro Carvalho (6-3) and former BAMMA lightweight titlist Ryan Scope (11-1) faces Martyn Harris(4-4). Fans will see Bellator veteran Anatoly Tokov (25-3) clash with Vladimir Filipovic (10-2), SBG Ireland-productCharlie Ward (4-3) in action against Louis King (1-1) and Mousasi-trained prospect Costello van Steenis (9-1) meeting Kevin Fryer (6-2).

 

 

 

Tickets for the event are on sale now at The SSE Arena, Wembley box office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com,ssearena.co.uk and axs.com. Bellator 200 will be broadcast on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT.

 

 

 

*Card subject to change.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

AARON CHALMERS, STAR OF MTV’S ‘GEORDIE SHORE,’ SET TO MAKE PROMOTIONAL DEBUT AT BELLATOR 200 IN LONDON

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WILL TAKE ON ASH GRIFFITHS IN MAIN CARD BOUT ON MAY 25 AT THE SSE ARENA, WEMBLEY

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LOS ANGELES – Bellator is proud to announce that reality star turned MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers (3-0) will make his promotional debut on the main card of historic Bellator 200 against Ash Griffiths (4-5) at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on Friday, May 25.

Fighting out of Newcastle, England, Chalmers steps inside the Bellator cage following three first-round stoppage victories under the direction of BAMMA. Chalmers is a well-known cast member of MTV’s British reality television series “Geordie Shore,” having appeared for 10 seasons beginning in 2014, as well as MTV’s “Ex on the Beach.” He would go on to make his MMA debut in 2017, winning his first bout via submission in the first round. “The Joker” has since defeated two other opponents in under a minute and now looks to take the next step in his professional career.

Griffiths turned pro in 2013, fighting regionally in England, prior to making his debut with Bellator last year during the main card of Bellator 191 in Newcastle. Hailing from Willington, England, the nine-fight veteran provides a tough test for the newcomer. Fans can expect fireworks, when these two compete for bragging rights in front of their U.K. crowd.

The catchweight contest joins a stacked card that already includes a Bellator middleweight title matchup pitting current champ Rafael Carvalho (15-1) against Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2), a rematch betweenheavyweight fan-favorites Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) and Roy Nelson (23-15), while former titleholder Phil Davis (18-4) takes on Linton Vassell (18-6) in a light heavyweight matchup and undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (12-0) meets David “The Caveman” Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) at welterweight.

Tickets for the event are on sale now at The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com, ssearena.co.uk and axs.com. Bellator 200 will be broadcast on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. The main card is now complete, additional preliminary contests will be announced in coming weeks.

Complete Bellator 200 Main Card:

Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (15-1) vs. Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2)

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) vs. Roy Nelson (23-15)

Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Phil Davis (18-4) vs. Linton Vassell (18-6)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Michael Page (12-0) vs. David Rickels (19-4, 2 NC)

163-Pound Catchweight Main Card Bout: Aaron Chalmers (3-0) vs. Ash Griffiths (4-5)

*Card subject to change

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH FEATURING MIRKO CRO COP AND ROY NELSON SLATED FOR BELLATOR 200 IN LONDON ON MAY 25

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW

 

 

LOS ANGELES – An exciting battle between heavyweight fan-favorites Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) and Roy Nelson (23-15) has been added to historic Bellator 200 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on Friday, May 25.

 

The two renowned fighters join a stacked card that already includes a Bellator middleweight title matchup pitting current champ Rafael Carvalho (15-1) against Gegard Mousasi(43-6-2), while former titleholder Phil Davis (18-4) takes on Linton Vassell (18-6) in a light heavyweight matchup and undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (12-0) meets David “The Caveman” Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) at welterweight.

 

Tickets for the event are on sale now at The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com, ssearena.co.uk and axs.com. Bellator 200 will be broadcast on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Additional contests will be announced in coming weeks.

 

The man synonymous with head kick knockouts, Mirko Cro Cop makes his way to Bellator in the midst of an eight-fight win streak that includes TKO victories over “King Mo” Lawal, Gabriel Gonzaga and Satoshi Ishii. The proud Croatian famously won the PRIDE 2006 Openweight Grand Prix championship, as well as the RIZIN World Grand Prix 2016 title and K-1 World Grand Prix 2012 Final in kickboxing. One of the most feared strikers in MMA history, Cro Cop owns additional career wins over Wanderlei Silva, Josh Barnett (x3), Pat Barry, Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman.

 

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Roy Nelson made his Bellator debut at Bellator 183 in September with a hard-fought victory over Javy Ayala following an eight-year, 19-fight run with UFC that saw him earn wins over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, “Bigfoot” Silva, Cheick Kongo and Mirko Cro Cop. “Big Country” also memorably defeated the late Kimbo Sliceand later went on to win season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter. Having recently fought Matt Mitrione in the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix, Nelson is looking for a big win over one of the sport’s true legends.

 

Updated Bellator 200 Fight Card:

Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (15-1) vs. Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2)

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) vs. Roy Nelson (23-15)

Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Phil Davis (18-4) vs. Linton Vassell (18-6)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Michael Page (12-0) vs. David Rickels (19-4, 2 NC)

 

*Card subject to change

 

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.