Tag Archives: Rory MacDonald

Bellator, MMA

FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS & PHOTOS FOR BELLATOR 232: MACDONALD VS. LIMA 2

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COMPLETE FIGHT NIGHT PHOTOS HERE

 

Bellator 232 Main Card:

Douglas Lima (32-7) defeated Rory MacDonald (21-6-1) via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)

Paul Daley (42-17-2) defeated Saad Awad (23-13) via TKO (punches) at 1:30 of round two

Patrick Mix (12-0) defeated Isaiah Chapman (9-4) via submission (kneebar) at 3:49 of round one

Manny Muro (11-6) defeated Nick Newell (16-3) via split decision (29-28, 27-29, 29-28)

Baby Slice (4-2) defeated Craig Campbell (3-4) via TKO (elbows) at 0:38 of round one

 

Preliminary Card:

Ryan Hardy Evans (1-1) defeated Demetrios Plaza (1-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:03 of round three

Lance Gibson Jr. (3-0) defeated Dominic Jones (2-2) via KO (punches) at 1:58 of round one

Devin Powell (10-4) defeated Marcus Surin (6-2) via technical submission (mounted guillotine) at 5:00 of round two

Johnny Lopez (12-4) defeated Dan Cormier (8-10) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Jornel Lugo (3-0) defeated John Douma (4-2) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Zarrukh Adashev (3-1) defeated Tevin Dyce (3-2) via TKO (strikes) at 1:39 of round two

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 

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Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR 222: MACDONALD VS. GRACIE MAIN CARD SET WITH SIX BOUTS

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FULL FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NYC THIS FRIDAY – AIRING EXCLUSIVELY ON DAZN

NEW YORK – The line-up for the highly anticipated Bellator 222: MacDonald vs. Gracie event has been completed with two title fights and 18 electric bouts in total filling out Bellator’s return to Madison Square Garden this Friday, June 14 – only on DAZN. The star-studded card is headlined by a double main event that will see a Welterweight World Grand Prix semi-final matchup between current Bellator welterweight world champion Rory MacDonald (20-5-1) defending his title against the unbeaten Renzo Gracie-trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Neiman Gracie (9-0), as well as two of the sport’s biggest names in Lyoto Machida (25-8) and Chael Sonnen (31-16-1) finally meeting after years of parallel careers in the MMA world.


 
The main card of Bellator 222 will stream live exclusively on DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action begins at 6:30 p.m. EST/3:30 p.m. PST and will also stream onDAZN or globally on the Bellator Mobile App.


 
Limited tickets remain available and can be purchased online from Ticketmaster.com, MSG.com and Bellator.com.


 
The DAZN-streamed main card also features Darrion Caldwell (13-2) defending his Bellator bantamweight world title against Rizin Fighting Federation’s bantamweight championKyoji Horiguchi (27-2) in a true “champion vs. champion” matchup, following a Horiguchi submission victory when the two met in Rizin’s ring this past December in Japan, as well as a 175-pound catchweight contest between polarizing grappling ace Dillon Danis (1-0) and Max Humphrey (3-2). Additionally, fans will see an intriguing featherweight bout featuring former Bellator 135-pound champion Eduardo Dantas (21-6) making the leap to 145-pounds in an attempt to hand Juan Archuleta (21-1) the first loss of his Bellator career, while Ricky Bandejas (11-2) welcomes unbeaten Patrick Mix (10-0) at bantamweight.


 
Preliminary action for Bellator 222 is also must-see and features many of Bellator’s rising stars. Those who tune in will see bouts highlighted by Aaron Pico (4-2) versus Adam Borics (12-0) at 145-pounds, as well as a second inter-promotional contest pitting Rena of Rizin (8-2) against Lindsay VanZandt (5-1) in a 112-pound catchweight fight. Bellator 222will also see the return of “The Heat” to MSG, when world champion boxer Heather Hardy (2-1) faces Taylor Turner (3-5) at flyweight. Familiar faces in Mike Kimbel (2-1), Robson Gracie Jr. (1-0) and Haim Gozali (10-6) will all also compete, while former The Ultimate Fighter participant Phil Hawes (4-2) will make his promotional debut. Lastly, it was recently announced that undefeated Taekwondo Master Valerie Loureda (1-0) will make her sophomore appearance when she welcomes Larkyn Dasch (0-1) to the Bellator cage on Friday night at Madison Square Garden.


 
Bellator 222 Main Card:

Welterweight World Grand Prix Semifinal Title Bout: Rory MacDonald (20-5-1) vs. Neiman Gracie (9-0)

Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event Bout: Lyoto Machida (25-8) vs. Chael Sonnen (31-16-1)

175-Pound Catchweight Bout: Dillon Danis (1-0) vs. Max Humphrey (3-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Ricky Bandejas (11-2) vs. Patrick Mix (10-0)

Featherweight Bout: Eduardo Dantas (21-6) vs. Juan Archuleta (22-1)

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Darrion Caldwell (13-2) vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (27-2)

 

Undercard:

Featherweight Bout: Aaron Pico (4-2) vs. Adam Borics (12-0)

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Heather Hardy (2-1) vs. Taylor Turner (3-5)

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Valerie Loureda (1-0) vs. Larkyn Dasch (0-1)

Welterweight Bout: Robson Gracie Jr. (1-0) vs. Oscar Vera (Pro Debut)

Bantamweight Bout: Mike Kimbel (2-1) vs. Sebastian Ruiz (2-2)

175-Pound Catchweight Bout: Haim Gozali (10-6) vs. Gustavo Wurlitzer (22-22, 1 NC)

Women’s 112-Pound Catchweight Bout: Rena Kubota (8-2) vs. Lindsay VanZandt (5-1)

Middleweight Bout: Phil Hawes (4-2) vs. Michael Wilcox (6-3)

Lightweight Bout: Marcus Surin (5-1) vs. Nekruz Mirkhojaev (4-2)

Flyweight Bout: Brandon Medina (Pro Debut) vs. Brandon Polcare (1-2)

165-Pound Catchweight Bout: Kastriot Xhema (2-3) vs. Whitney Jean Francois (2-6-1)

Featherweight Bout: John Beneduce (2-2) vs. Kenny Rivera (2-1)


 
*Card subject to change

 

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

Full Results & Photos for Bellator 220: MacDonald vs. Fitch

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Complete Fight Night Photos

 

Main Card:

Rory MacDonald (20-5-1) and Jon Fitch (32-7-2, 1 NC) fought to a majority draw (48-46, 47-47, 47-47) – MacDonald retains the welterweight title and advances in the Welterweight World Grand Prix

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (10-0) defeated Veta Arteaga (5-3) via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 1:50 of round three to retain the women’s flyweight title

Benson Henderson (27-8) defeated Adam Piccolotti (11-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Phil Davis (20-5, 1 NC) defeated Liam McGeary (13-4) via TKO (strikes) at 4:11 of round three

Gaston Bolanos (5-1) defeated Nathan Stolen (8-5) via KO (punch) at 2:21 of round one

 

Preliminary Card:

Aviv Gozali (2-0) defeated Travis Crain (0-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:15 of round one

Brandon Faumui (5-3) defeated Chris Avila (6-8) via split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)

Matt Perez (5-2) defeated Justin Tenedora (2-2) via KO (punches) at 4:52 of round one

Cass Bell (3-0) defeated Peter Ishiguro (1-1) via KO (punches) 2:59 of round two

Chuck Campbell (2-0) defeated Bruno Casillas (0-1) via KO (knee) at 1:45 of round one

Hyder Amil (3-0) defeated Paradise Vaovasa (6-4, 1 NC) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:34 of round one

Josh San Diego (9-4) defeated Brandon Laroco (5-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Jordan Williams (8-2, 1 NC) defeated Diego Herzog (4-3-1) via TKO at 1:21 of round three

Abraham Vaesau (5-2, 1 NC) defeated Justin Roswell (3-3, 1 NC) via TKO at 1:59 of round one

Chris Inocencio (1-1) defeated Boris Novachkov (0-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Thomas Ponce de Leon (3-0) defeated Jamario Mulder (2-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Ignacio Ortiz (2-0-1) and Roger Severson (3-3-1) fought to a unanimous draw (28-28, 28-28, 28-28)

Erik Gunha (2-0-1) and Jon Adams (0-0-1) fought to a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

 

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

FULL FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR SATURDAY’S BELLATOR 220: MACDONALD VS. FITCH INSIDE THE SAP CENTER AT SAN JOSE – EXCLUSIVELY ON DAZN

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SAN JOSE, Calif. – All 18 bouts for the highly anticipated Bellator 220: MacDonald vs. Fitch event, streamed exclusively on DAZN, have been announced when Bellator returns home to the SAP Center at San Jose on Saturday, April 27.


Two title fights sit atop the card, as Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald (20-5) defends his title world against Jon Fitch (31-7-1, 1 NC) in the final opening round bout of the Welterweight World Grand Prix, while undefeated Bellator flyweight champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (9-0) returns to action against Veta Arteaga (5-2) in the evening’s co-headliner.

 

Bellator220: MacDonald vs. Fitch will stream live exclusively on DAZN, the fastest-growing sports streaming service in the world, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.

 

Limited tickets remain available at the ThreatMetrix Ticket Office at SAP Center at San Jose, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

 

Three former world champions will also appear on the main card, as Benson Henderson (26-8) takes on the Bay Area’s own Adam Piccolotti (11-2) at lightweight, while Phil Davis(19-5, 1 NC) will run it back with Liam McGeary (13-3) in light heavyweight action. Additionally, featherweight Gaston Bolanos (4-1) looks to add to his impressive highlight reelwhen he kicks off the main card versus Nathan Stolen (8-4).

 
 

Preliminary action for Bellator 220: MacDonald vs. Fitch will feature the U.S. debut of second-generation Israeli fighter Aviv Gozali (1-0) in his sophomore appearance againstTravis Crain (Pro Debut).

 

Complete Bellator 220: MacDonald vs. Fitch Main Card:

Welterweight World Grand Prix Title Bout: Rory MacDonald (20-5) vs. Jon Fitch (32-7-1, 1 NC)

Women’s Flyweight World Title Bout: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (9-0) vs. Veta Arteaga (5-2)

Lightweight Main Card Bout: Benson Henderson (26-8) vs. Adam Piccolotti (11-2)

Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Phil Davis (19-5, 1 NC) vs. Liam McGeary (13-3) 

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Gaston Bolanos (4-1) vs. Nathan Stolen (8-4)

 

Preliminary Card:

Lightweight Undercard Bout: Aviv Gozali (1-0) vs. Travis Crain (Pro Debut) 

160-lb. Catchweight Undercard Bout: Chris Avila (6-7) vs. Brandon Faumui (4-3) 

Flyweight Undercard Bout: Justin Tenedora (2-1) vs. Matt Perez (2-2)

140-lb. Catchweight Undercard Bout: Cass Bell (2-0) vs. Peter Ishiguro (1-0)

Featherweight Undercard Bout: Hyder Amil (2-0) vs. Paradise Vaovasa (6-3, 1 NC) 

140-lb. Catchweight Undercard Bout: Josh San Diego (8-4) vs. Brandon Laroco (5-1)

Middleweight Undercard Bout: Diego Herzog (4-2-1) vs. Jordan Williams (7-2, 1 NC) 

Welterweight Undercard Bout: Justin Roswell (3-2, 1 NC) vs. Abraham Vaesau (4-2, 1 NC) 

Featherweight Undercard Bout: Ignacio Ortiz (2-0) vs. Roger Severson (3-3) 

Light Heavyweight Undercard Bout: Chuck Campbell (1-0) vs. Bruno Casillas (Pro Debut)

Featherweight Undercard Bout: Boris Novachkov (Pro Debut) vs. Chris Inocencio (0-1) 

Welterweight Undercard Bout: Thomas Ponce de Leon (2-0) vs. Jamario Mulder (2-3)

Flyweight Undercard Bout: Erik Gunha (Pro Debut) vs. Jon Adams (Pro Debut) 

 

*Card subject to change

 

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

BELLATOR 206: MOUSASI vs. MACDONALD RESULTS & PHOTOS

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Complete Fight Night Photos

  

Bellator 206: Mousasi vs. MacDonald Main Card Results:

Gegard Mousasi (44-6-2) defeated Rory MacDonald (20-5) via TKO (punches) at 3:23 of round two

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (38-13) defeated Wanderlei Silva (35-14) via TKO (punches) at 4:32 of round two

Douglas Lima (30-7) defeated Andrey Koreshkov (21-3) via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:04 of round five

Aaron Pico (4-1) defeated Leandro Higo (18-5) via KO (punches) at 3:19 of round one

Keri Taylor-Melendez (3-0) defeated Dakota Zimmerman (0-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Gaston Bolanos (4-1) defeated Ysidro Gutierrez (4-3) via knockout (punches) at 1:37 of round two

 

Preliminary Card Results:

Adam Piccolotti (11-2) defeated James Terry (20-10) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Jeremiah Labiano (12-6) defeated Justin Smitley (10-8-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:28 of round one

Arlene Blencowe (11-7) defeated Amber Leibrock (3-2) via TKO (slam, punches) at 1:23 of round three

Josh San Diego (8-4) defeated Joe Neal (6-4) via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)

Chuck Campbell (1-0) defeated Joseph Ramirez (1-2) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Anthony Figueroa Jr. (1-0) defeated Samuel Romero (0-2) via unanimous decision (29-27, 28-26, 29-26)

Cass Bell (2-0) defeated Ty Costa (3-4) via verbal submission (armbar) 3:06 of round two

Isaiah Gonzalez (2-0) vs. Khai Wu (2-1)

Jacob Ycaro (1-0) vs. Ignacio Ortiz (1-0)

Laird Anderson (0-0) vs. Ahmed Abdelaziz (0-0)

 

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR 206: MOUSASI vs. MACDONALD WEIGH-IN RESULTS & PHOTOS

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EVENT AIRS EXCLUSIVELY ON DAZN TOMORROW AT 9 P.M. ET / 6 P.M. PT

 

 

WEIGH-IN PHOTOS | WEIGH-IN VIDEO HERE

  

Complete Bellator 206 Weigh-in Results:

Middleweight World Title Main Event: Gegard Mousasi (184.4) vs. Rory MacDonald (184.9)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (254.4) vs. Wanderlei Silva (226.9)

Welterweight World Grand Prix First Round Bout: Douglas Lima (170) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (169.3)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Aaron Pico (145.7) vs. Leandro Higo (145.1)

Women’s Strawweight Main Card Bout: Keri Taylor-Melendez (116) vs. Dakota Zimmerman (115.6)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Gaston Bolanos (145.2) vs. Ysidro Gutierrez (145.3)

 

Preliminary Card:

160-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Adam Piccolotti (159.1) vs. James Terry (160)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremiah Labiano (144.9) vs. Justin Smitley (144.2)

Women’s Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Amber Leibrock (145.4) vs. Arlene Blencowe (145.3)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Josh San Diego (139.2) vs. Joe Neal (139.9)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Cass Bell (136) vs. Ty Costa (136)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Isaiah Gonzalez (135.8) vs. Khai Wu (136)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jacob Ycaro (145.3) vs. Ignacio Ortiz (144.9)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Laird Anderson (145.8) vs. Ahmed Abdelaziz (147.3)*

Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Chuck Campbell (205.6) vs. Joseph Ramirez (202.4)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Anthony Figueroa Jr. (156) vs. Samuel Romero (156)

 

*Missed weight

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

BELLATOR & DAZN SIGN NINE-FIGURE, MULTI-YEAR DISTRIBUTION DEAL

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LIVE SPORTS STREAMING PLATFORM TO DELIVER SEVEN EXCLUSIVE STAR-STUDDED BELLATOR MMA EVENTS PER YEAR

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CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION – GEGARD MOUSASI-RORY MACDONALD MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT, PLUS ‘RAMPAGE’ JACKSON-WANDERLEI SILVA IV HIGHLIGHT FIRST EVENT ON SEPT. 29 FROM SAP CENTER AT SAN JOSE

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator, a leading global combat sports franchise owned by Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands, and DAZN, the world’s largest dedicated live sports streaming service and part of Perform Group, today announced a multi-year landmark distribution agreement.

 

 

 

The nine-figure deal will feature seven exclusive stacked fight cards per year on DAZN and another 15 that are simulcast across Paramount Network and DAZN. All fights will stream in any country where DAZN is available. As part of the platform’s global expansion, DAZN will launch in the U.S. and Italy in 2018, with the service already live in Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Japan.

 

 

 

“The exciting new partnership with DAZN is a game-changer for Bellator,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “The investment will enable us to continue expanding our roster with free agents that make sense, so we can put on PPV-worthy fight cards that fans want to see. Plus, on DAZN’s worldwide platform, our fights will be seen live for the first time to new audiences around the globe.”

 

 

 

“It’s simple; fans want to see great fighters in competitive fights so we’ve handed the keys to Scott Coker and his venerable team to go out and recruit even more top-level talent to further stack Bellator fight cards and build on their success,” said DAZN CEO James Rushton.  “With the combination of this investment and our recent announcement to bring more than 30 nights of boxing to the platform annually, DAZN will be a must-have for fight fans in the U.S.”

 

 

 

“The DAZN partnership speaks to the incredible growth of Bellator into a global sports powerhouse and high-valued franchise in the Viacom portfolio,” said Kevin Kay, President, Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT.

 

 

 

The deal begins with an epic event on Saturday, Sept. 29 from SAP Center at San Jose. The card features a highly anticipated middleweight title fight pitting Gegard Mousasi (44-6-2) against Rory MacDonald (20-4), who is moving up a weight class for a title shot against the 185-pound champ, along with the fourth fight in the legendary rivalry between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (37-13) and Wanderlei Silva(35-13).

 

 

 

Also included on Sept. 29, will be the opening fight of Bellator’s first-ever Welterweight World Grand Prix, which will feature eight of the best welterweight fighters on the planet. The Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix will be a major component of the first year of the multi-year agreement between Bellator and DAZN.

 

 

 

An exclusive online presale for this event takes place tomorrow, June 27 through Thursday, June 28, with tickets going on sale to the general public on Friday, June 29 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets start at just $30 and will be available at the ThreatMetrix Ticket Office at SAP Center at San Jose, as well as Bellator.com and Ticketmaster.

 

 

 

The event will air live on DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.  DAZN, which now streams 15,000 live events and 100 million hours of sports content globally each year, will be available in the U.S. this September with exact pricing and dates being announced this summer.

 

 

 

Mousasi vs. MacDonald:

 

 

 

Gegard Mousasi impressed in his promotional debut over former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko, a win that earned him a shot at Rafael Carvalho, where 185-pound gold was on the line. Now, after a decisive victory against Carvalho at Bellator 200, Mousasi will defend his crown against Rory MacDonald, entering the bout with his current unbeaten streak at seven fights. “The Dreamcatcher,” who 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.

 

 

 

Over the last several years, “The Red King” Rory MacDonald has become the most popular Canadian mixed martial artist due to his classic stand-up wars and wins over some of MMA’s best in Paul Daley, Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley, B.J. Penn and Demian Maia. Bellator’s welterweight champion joined the Viacom-owned promotion in 2016 and went on to defeat Douglas Lima for the welterweight title at Bellator 192. Now, the Tristar Gym-trained fighter sets his sights on winning gold in not one, but two separate weight classes.

 

 

 

“Rampage” vs. Silva:

 

 

A six-fight veteran of Bellator, “Rampage” Jackson’s legendary career has seen him compete against some of the top names in the sport, generating a loyal army of fans along the way. The former PRIDE and UFC champion is the proud owner of many epic highlight reel slams and knockouts that he has racked up throughout his epic battles with the likes of Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, “King Mo,” Kevin Randleman and, perhaps most-notably, his trilogy with fellow Bellator athlete Wanderlei Silva, who he now meets at heavyweight on Sept. 29.

 

 

Wanderlei Silva’s wars with “Rampage,” Tito Ortiz, Mirko Cro Cop, Vitor Belfort, Dan Henderson, Kazushi Sakuraba, Chuck Liddell and Michael Bisping remain some of the more memorable bouts in MMA history. “The Axe Murderer” is far from ready to close the book on his illustrious career, returning to action against a man he has already competed against three times before. In addition to the PRIDE middleweight title, Silva’s trophy case includes awards for “Fight of the Year” (2003, 2004, 2007), KO of the Year (2008) and multiple “Fight of the Night” awards. Most recently, the Brazilian native made his Bellator debut against Chael Sonnen in the main event of Bellator: NYC.

 

 

Updated Bellator Fight Card:

 

Middleweight World Title Bout: Gegard Mousasi (44-6-2) vs. Rory MacDonald (20-4)

 

Heavyweight Feature Bout: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (37-13) vs. Wanderlei Silva (35-13)

 

Welterweight World Grand Prix First Round Bout

 

 

*Card subject to change.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

‘BIG’ JOHN MCCARTHY TO JOIN BELLATOR BROADCAST TEAM

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WILL MAKE COLOR COMMENTARY DEBUT AT BELLATOR 192 ON JAN. 20 – LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK

ALSO, CHAEL SONNEN SIGNS EXTENSION TO REMAIN IN BROADCAST BOOTH

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator is pleased to announce that it has come to an agreement with John McCarthy to serve as color commentator during broadcasts on the soon-to-launch Paramount Network, which kicks off with Bellator 192 on Saturday, January 20.

 

“With the addition of ‘Big’ John to our broadcast team, we have put together the premier group of MMA commentators ahead of our Jan. 20 debut on the Paramount Network,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “With John and Chael providing analysis, you’re getting two people who have spent more time in the cage than they have spent with a headset on, and that will translate to a positive viewing experience for Bellator fans.”

 

Over the past 20 years, “Big” John McCarthy has set the bar when it comes to officiating in MMA, a sport where he has overseen countless fights promoted by Bellator and other promotions all over the world, serving as the referee for some of the biggest bouts in the history of the sport. A former Los Angeles Police Officer, and a Self-Defense Instructor at the Los Angeles Police Academy, McCarthy is also the founder of “C.O.M.M.A.N.D.,” a program that trains and certifies hopeful MMA referees and judges. McCarthy’s regulatory work is equally as impressive, as he was a key figure in the writing of the sport’s Unified Rules, which are recognized by the ABC and athletic commissions all across North America.

 

Along with his broadcasting duties, the man behind the catchphrase “Let’s get it on!” will also provide a unique level of first-hand insight to the plethora of original content produced by Bellator’s digital team.

 

“I first want to say how grateful I am for the opportunity I have been given to work with the incredible team Bellator has assembled. It is always so hard to leave something you love, but I have always wanted to step away based on my terms rather than someone else’s. My goals are to work as hard as I can to meet the expectations everyone will have for me and to hopefully someday exceed them.” McCarthy said. “I cannot think of anyone I would rather be working with than Scott Coker. Scott has always been a person I admire because of his honesty, loyalty and love for the martial arts. I want to thank everyone from Bellator and Viacom for the trust you are bestowing upon me to keep the commentating of Bellator MMA at the highest levels of the sport.”

 

In addition, Chael Sonnen has signed an extension to remain a part of select Bellator broadcasts, breaking down all the action alongside Bellator announcers Mike Goldberg and Mauro Ranallo.

 

Chael Sonnen spent a majority of his 44-fight career with the UFC and WEC, a run that saw him defeat former middleweight champion Michael Bisping, and compete against the likes of Jon Jones, Anderson Silva (twice), Rashad Evans, “Shogun” Rua, Demian Maia and Brian Stann. In addition to his in-ring action, the West Linn, Ore. native has mastered the art of being in front of the camera, having done broadcast work for both ESPN and Fox Sports. Following a three-year hiatus from active MMA competition, Sonnen returned to the cage against Tito Ortiz at Bellator 170 in January and then went on to defeat Wanderlei Silva during the main event of Bellator: NYC.

 

Bellator and the soon-to-launch Paramount Network open 2018 with a bang when Bellator 192: Lima vs. MacDonald emanates from The Forum in California on Jan. 20. Anchored by a welterweight world title fight featuring Douglas Lima defending his championship against Rory MacDonald, the blockbuster event also will see the aforementioned Chael Sonnen compete against “Rampage” Jackson in the opening contest of 2018’s Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR TO GIVE AWAY COMMEMORATIVE BOBBLEHEAD CELEBRATING LIFE OF KIMBO SLICE AT BELLATOR 192 ONSATURDAY, JAN. 20 IN LOS ANGELES

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WHAT: Limited-Edition Kimbo Slice Bobblehead Giveaway

 

The world lost an icon in June of 2016 with the passing of Kimbo Slice. The unmistakable backyard brawler and mixed martial artist will be commemorated, along with his signature golden smile and chain, with a limited-edition bobblehead.

 

The giveaway will take place Saturday, Jan. 20, and will be limited to the first 5,000 fans in attendance for Bellator 192: Lima vs. MacDonald at The Forum in Los Angeles.

 

The bobblehead giveaway is limited to one per person and will only be available to ticketholders upon entry into the arena.

 

***Bobblehead giveaway is exclusively for Bellator 192 ticketholders***

***Bobbleheads distributed at venue points of entry, only while supplies last at each entry***

 

WHERE: The Forum

3900 W. Manchester Blvd.

Inglewood, Calif. 90305

 

WHEN: Saturday, January 20

 

Kimbo Slice (5-2, 1 NC)

A native of the Bahamas, the late Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson was one of the most recognizable figures in all of combat sports. After making a name for himself in the infamous world of street fighting, where he was labeled “The King of the Web Brawlers” by Rolling Stone, the internet sensation left underground fighting to become a professional mixed martial artist. The street brawler found the same success inside the cage that he had in his backyard in South Florida, collecting victories in each of his first three professional fights. Slice would go onto compete on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter, where his bout with Roy Nelson on Spike TV set a viewership ratings record for the series that still stands today. Slice also made a flawless transition into professional boxing, where he earned seven consecutive victories. The multi-dimensional mixed martial artist, boxer and actor debuted inside the Bellator cage in 2015, where he collected his final win over Ken Shamrock at Bellator 138. A fan-favorite throughout his career, Slice was known just as much for his entertaining personality and signature look, as he was for his knockout power. Kimbo’s legacy in MMA is carried on by his son, Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr.

 

FIGHT INFO: Bellator 192: Lima vs. MacDonald will be broadcast LIVE and FREE on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com.

 

Updated Bellator 192: MacDonald vs. Lima Fight Card:

Welterweight World Title Main Event: Douglas Lima (29-6) vs. Rory MacDonald (19-4)

 

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Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

CHAMP DOUGLAS LIMA SET FOR BELLATOR WELTERWEIGHT TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST RORY MACDONALD AT THE FORUM IN LOS ANGELES ON JAN. 20

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TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY

LOS ANGELES – One year removed from its previous event at the world-famous Forum, Bellator returns to Los Angeles to kick off its 2018 schedule with a championship bout on Saturday, January 20.

The main event features two of the best 170-pounders in the world, as champ Douglas Lima (29-6) defends his Bellator welterweight world title against Rory MacDonald (19-4) in a thrilling five-round matchup.

A special Bellator Nation presale takes place Wednesday, Sept. 27 and Thursday, Sept. 28, while tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at the Forum box office, as well as Ticketmaster.com. The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network (formerly named Spike TV) at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fighting out of Atlanta, Ga., Douglas “The Phenom” Lima has been ruling the roost at 170-pounds in Bellator for the better part of three years. With wins against the likes of Lorenz Larkin, Andrey Koreshkov, Paul Daley and Ben Saunders, the 29-year-old has quietly placed himself among division’s elite. A winner of 17 of his last 19 contests, the American Top Team product remains set on showing the world how dominant he is.

 

Over the last several years, “The Red King” Rory MacDonald has become the most popular Canadian mixed martial artist due to his classic stand-up wars and wins over some of MMA’s best in Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley, B.J. Penn and Demian Maia. A training partner of Georges St-Pierre at the world-renowned TriStar Gym in Montreal, the 28-year-old joined Bellator’s welterweight fray in 2016 and immediately made an impact by submittingPaul Daley at Bellator 179 in the second round.

 

Updated Bellator Card:

Welterweight World Title Main Event: Douglas Lima (29-6) vs. Rory MacDonald (19-4)

 

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About Bellator:

Bellator is a leading mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 1 billion people worldwide in over 160 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on SPIKE, the combat sports television leader. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:

Spike  is available in 98.7 million  homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is  www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at  http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter  @spiketvpr  for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.