LONDON, UK – Today, BELLATOR MMA has added several explosive fights to BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP, taking place at OVO Arena Wembley – formerly known as The SSE Arena, Wembley – in London on Friday, May 13.
With an electric atmosphere expected in London, fans will be treated to a mouthwatering welterweight co-feature as former champion and No. 2-ranked Douglas Lima (32-10) takes on No. 3-ranked Jason Jackson (15-4). British fan favorite Luke Trainer (5-0) will be looking to make the most of his home crowd advantage when he faces Simon Biyong (7-2) in a light heavyweight match up packed with knockout potential.
The promotion’s exciting return to OVO Arena Wembley for BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP, sees home favorite No. 1-ranked Michael “Venom” Page (20-1) look to steal the world welterweight title from the undefeated champion, Yaroslav Amosov. The Ukrainian, who is 26-0, will be aiming to spoil the party in MVP’s own backyard, and deny the Londoner a slice of MMA history in the process.
Also confirmed previously for what is already shaping up to be an incredible card is a women’s flyweight feature fight between No. 3-ranked Denise Kielholtz (6-3) and No. 4-ranked Kana Watanabe (10-1-1) and a featherweight feature fight between No. 8-ranked Daniel Weichel (41-13) and Robert Whiteford (16-4).
BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP will be broadcast live in the UK at 9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, following last week’s announcement of the major UK broadcast deal with the BBC. SHOWTIME will televise the fight live in America.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online from axs.com/uk and Bellator.com.
Douglas Lima is also set for another visit to the English capital, following his headline bout against MVP last year, with a return to winning form on his mind in familiar territory. He takes on Jason Jackson in what is set to be another exhilarating clash. Lima is one of the most experienced fighters on the Bellator roster and will be hoping to add to his 32 career victories. Standing in his way is the formidable challenge of “The Ass Kicking Machine” who is performing true to his nickname with five straight victories. Jackson’s most recent win was a convincing unanimous decision triumph over Paul Daley at Bellator 260 and he’ll be hoping to continue his strong professional record.
After a devastating knockout victory over Yanick Bahati in his biggest test to date at Bellator 267 in London last year, Luke Trainer will be looking to extend his unbeaten professional record to six fights as “The Gent” takes on Simon Biyong. With both fighters possessing genuine knockout power, the Cameroonian will hope to get on top in the striking exchanges and silence a partisan crowd. Trainer returns to home turf looking to continue his journey as one of Bellator’s fastest rising stars after an explosive performance last time out.
In addition to the aforementioned bouts, Londoner Alfie “The Axe Man” Davis(14-4) is also set to make a homecoming when he takes on fellow countryman Tim “The Experiment” Wilde(14-4) in a lightweight preliminary bout. The pair were due to meet in 2020 but will clash in front of their home faithful in a domestic clash that is certain to grab the attention of English fight fans. “The Axe Man” will be searching for the form that saw him go four fights undefeated prior to a unanimous decision loss last time out at Bellator 259. Wilde will not be in accommodating mood however, as he aims to string together three consecutive victories for the first time in his Bellator career.
There is another English talent on show in the women’s flyweight division as former title challenger Kate Jackson(11-5-1) takes on Greek athlete Elina “Gunner” Kallionidou(8-4). Jackson will be backed all the way by the London crowd but faces an opponent who was victorious on her last appearance in Wembley with a first-round stoppage victory at Bellator 267.
**** UPDATED BELLATOR LONDON: AMOSOV VS. MVP MAIN CARD: SHOWTIME (U.S.) / BBC Three & BBC iPlayer (U.K.) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND) Friday, May 13, 9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT
Welterweight World Title Main Event: #C-Yaroslav Amosov (26-0) vs. #1-Michael Page (20-1) Welterweight Bout: #2-Douglas Lima (32-10) vs. #3-Jason Jackson (15-4) Women’s Flyweight Bout: #3-Denise Kielholtz (6-3) vs. #4-Kana Watanabe (10-1-1) Light Heavyweight Bout:Luke Trainer (5-0)vs. Simon Biyong (7-2) UPDATED BELLATOR LONDON: AMOSOV VS. MVP PRELIMINARY CARD: BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US) BBC iPlayer (UK) Friday, May 13, 5:30 p.m. GMT/12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT
Featherweight Bout: #8-Daniel Weichel (41-13) vs. Robert Whiteford (16-4) Lightweight Bout: Alfie Davis (14-4) vs. Tim Wilde (14-4) Flyweight Bout: Kate Jackson (11-5-1) vs. Elina Kallionidou (8-4)
*Card subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information. Updated schedule of BELLATOR events Sat., Feb. 19 / / BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs.Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn. Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, IRE Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The OVO Arena Wembley // London
COMPLETE WEIGH-IN PHOTOS UNCASVILLE, Conn. – BELLATOR 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky will be broadcast tomorrow, Friday, June 25 on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, while preliminary bouts will stream on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
BELLATOR MMA 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky Main Card: Friday, June 25 – Live on SHOWTIME 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT Interim Heavyweight World Title Main Event: #1-Timothy Johnson (260) vs. #3-Valentin Moldavsky (234) Flyweight Co-Main Event: #2-Liz Carmouche (125.5) vs. #3-Kana Watanabe (125.25) Featherweight Bout: #6-Daniel Weichel (145.5) vs. Keoni Diggs (146) Lightweight Bout: #4-Myles Jury (156) vs. #6-Sidney Outlaw (156) Light Heavyweight Bout:Christian Edwards (206) vs. Simon Biyong (204.5)
Lightweight Bout:Soren Bak (156) vs. Bobby Lee (155.25) Lightweight Bout:Isaiah Hokit (155.75) vs. Corey Samuels (156) Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (136) vs. Cody Matthews (135) Middleweight Bout:Taylor Johnson (185.25) vs. Lance Wright (184.75) Featherweight Bout:John Macapa (144.75) vs. John de Jesus (145.5)
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
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About BELLATOR BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live 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 ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About SHOWTIME Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
LOS ANGELES – No. 1 ranked heavyweight Timothy Johnson and No. 3 ranked heavyweight Valentin Moldavsky previewed their monumental inaugural interim heavyweight title fight at BELLATOR 261 on SHOWTIME during a virtual media day Wednesday. Johnson vs. Moldavsky caps off an amazing main card this Friday, June 25 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The BELLATOR 261 main card also features a top-five women’s flyweight bout in the co-main event slot as the No. 2 ranked Liz Carmouche takes on the undefeated No. 3 ranked Kana Watanabe. Also, lightweights square off as No. 4 ranked Myles Juryclashes with the No. 6 ranked Sidney Outlaw in a contest holding major title implicationsand former title challenger No. 6 ranked featherweight Daniel Weichel battles the undefeated Keoni Diggs in a 145-pound bout.Top prospect Christian Edwards opens the action on SHOWTIME in a light heavyweight banger against Simon Biyong.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
Tim Johnson BELLATOR Heavyweight *Click HERE to view Johnson’s full media session
“I’m counting this as a title, I’ll let everyone else put interim in front of it. Moldavsky is a championship level fighter and so am I, so in my eyes this fight is to become the best heavyweight in the division.”
“It was easy to focus on his gameplan because it is the exact same thing I do. We both are strong wrestlers and have heavy ground and pound. I guess we are going to have see who does it better on Friday.”
“My resurgence in my career comes from me not doubting myself. I lost a few in a row and it was an easy excuse to quit and doubt myself, but I didn’t, and I was able to rip off three in a row and put myself in a position to win a title.”
Valentin Moldavsky BELLATOR Heavyweight *Click HERE to view Moldavsky’s full media session “Yes, there are some similarities between me and Tim. My style is a little different, though, I like to take people down and finish them there.”
“Now that this is a title fight, I understand that there is more on the line, but this is just another fight for me. I plan to do what I always do and that is fight my fight and come out with a victory.”
“It is an honor to train with Fedor and represent his team.”
“His wrestling is not better than mine, and my sambo is going to be more impactful than his wrestling.’ Liz Carmouche BELLATOR Women’s Flyweight
*Click HERE to view Carmouche’s full media session
“I plan to get a dominant finish and earn a title shot. I don’t think either of us want this to go to a decision. Weather it be me knocking her out, cutting her open or ground and pound, I plan to finish this fight in a dominating fashion.”
“It is really exciting to fight in front of the fans and feel that energy again. Walking in and walking out is where you feel it, but when I step foot in the cage it is just me and my opponent.”
“This has nothing to do with Kana and her record. I have to put on a dominant performance and show why I deserve to be the champion in this division. When I got to Bellator, I wanted to climb all the way up the rankings, and that is what I have done and plan on continuing to do.”
“Without giving too much away I see a lot of possibilities here. I see a lot of disabilities in her game that I can capitalize on that will enhance my game. This will allow me to put on a great performance and finish her.”
Kana Watanabe BELLATOR Women’s Flyweight *Click HERE to view Watanabe’s full media session “I am very flattered by the comparison to Rhonda, but my judo and my ground and pound is very advanced and much different than Rhonda’s.”
“If I have a positive showing Friday, then I believe I deserve a shot at the title.”
“Liz is one of the biggest names I have ever fought, but this does not change my mindset or make me feel pressure. I am honored to fight Liz and can’t wait to step foot in the cage with her.”
“I am honored to be the co-main event on Friday. That all means nothing, though, if I don’t put on a show and an impressive performance. I plan to do that.’ Myles Jury BELLATOR Lightweight
“I try to focus on the things I can control, but a win Friday along with how I have been fighting should put me in the conversation for a title shot.”
“I credit my toughness for this two-fight win streak. I continue to show up and work hard. When I was on that three-fight losing streak, I did not allow for myself to get down. After Friday I will be on a three-fight win streak and in a great spot for a shot at the title, and I credit my toughness and resilience for that.”
Sidney Outlaw BELLATOR Lightweight “I have improved in every way possible. Jury is just another guy who breathes air, so I have nothing to worry about.”
“Fighting guys like Michael Chandler have helped me, but at the end of the day it is me vs. me. I am confident, and that has translated to every other aspect of my life. I am prepared for this fight and am going to put on a show.”
“I think Keoni is a tough fighter, but I am looking forward to giving him his first loss. I am extremely excited for this fight and giving him his first loss is going to be a challenge for me, and I look forward to It.”
“Honestly, I don’t want to look ahead of this fight. It was easy to do that in the Grand Prix, and I did not like it. Keoni is a tough opponent, and my focus has been on him. I had a great camp and look forward to showing that Friday night.” Keoni Diggs BELLATOR Featherweight
“I’m stoked for the challenge. This is my toughest fight to date, and it’s against the toughest opponent. I am looking forward to making a statement and solidifying myself in this division.”
“My game plan never changes. I am going to take what he gives me and beat him. I believe I am better than him everywhere, I am not really looking forward to wins and losses, but I just want to put on a great performance and show what I am capable of.”
“Just because he has more fights doesn’t mean he has mystical powers. I train with some very tough people, and I am a veteran myself. I have a lot of confidence in myself and don’t see him doing anything that will shock me when we step in the cage.”
Christian Edwards BELLATOR Light Heavyweight *Click HERE to view Edward’s full media session
“Simon is very tough, and it is definitely the toughest opponent of my career. I know my skill set, though, and I know what I can do, and I expect to show that Friday.”
“I know Simon is very powerful and athletic. It is his first fight in the United States, so I expect him to come out flying. I plan to weather the storm and then take him into deep waters where I can finish the fight.” Simon Biyong BELLATOR Light Heavyweight *Click HERE to view Biyong full media session
“It is a dream to fight in the United States and making my debut here is a huge opportunity. I was originally on the prelims and now I am on the main card, what more could I ask for?”
“I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for Edwards, but it doesn’t matter because at the end of the day it is a fight. It is short notice for me, and it is short notices for him. I will be ready and can’t wait to show my skills.”
“I am here to put myself in a position to get a ranked opponent, and Christian Edwards is in my way. I think he looked good in his last fight, but I am not his last opponent. I hope he is ready because I am.”
**** About BELLATOR BELLATOR MMA is a leading global 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 events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live 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 ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About SHOWTIME Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
Limited tickets on sale now! LOS ANGELES – Two exciting marquee bouts have joined Bellator Paris on Saturday, October 10 from Accor Arena in Paris, with the addition of a light heavyweight contest featuring combat sports legend Melvin Manhoef (32-14-1, 2 NC) facing Cameroon’s Simon Biyong (7-1) and a welterweight matchup pitting Sweden’s Oliver Enkamp (9-2) against France’s Emmanuel Dawa (9-3).
A limited number of fans will be allowed in attendance for this historic event. Tickets are currently available at accorarena.com and bellator.fr.
Additionally, several French fighters are now scheduled to compete at this landmark event on October 10 and represent their country at Bellator Paris, including the recently signed Yves Landu(15-8),who goes to battle with England’s Terry Brazier(11-3) at lightweight andDavy Gallon(18-7-2), who meets Dutch competitor Brian Hooi (16-7, 1 NC) in a 158-pound contract weight bout. Additionally, Aubervilliers’ undefeated Fabacary Diatta (6-0) faces England’s Dominique Wooding (6-3) at featherweight, Paris’ Jean N’Doye (8-1) looks to hand Ireland’s Ciaran Clarke (2-0) the first loss of his career in a 145-pound contest,and knockout artist William Gomis (6-2) takes on SBG Ireland’s Dylan Logan (4-4) at featherweight. Also on the card, Creteil’s decorated fighterMaguy Berchel (10-4-1) meets French combat sports veteran Lucie Bertaud(2-2) in a women’s flyweight contest.
Just announced last week, the main event of Bellator Paris features renowned Frenchman Cheick Kongo (30-10-2, 1 NC), who will face off against Tim Johnson (14-6) in a heavyweight clash, while an exciting welterweight showcasing Michael “Venom” Page (17-1), better known to fans as “MVP,” who returns with the intention of spoiling the Bellator debut of undefeated former Cage Warriors champion, Ross Houston(8-0, 1 NC).
Making his ninth appearance for Bellator MMA, the Dutch superstar has put together an impressive resume over a 25-year career that has seen him finish 29 of his 32 victims via knockout, including 26 in the first round and eight in the opening minute of action. A native of Amsterdam, Netherlands, the 44-year-old will now look to add to a trio of impressive knockouts that he’s collected since joining the promotion back in 2014, a run that includes a highlight-reel first round knockout over Hisaki Kato at Bellator 146. Fighting out of Genova, Italy, the 29-year-old knockout artist Simon Biyongwill be searching for his fifth consecutive victory and first under with Bellator MMA on October 10. With six of his seven career wins coming by way of knockout, including three in the first round of action, the Yaoundé, Cameroon-native hopes to make quick work of his veteran opponent once again when he makes his promotional debut inside Accor Arena.
Following a seven-fight winning streak to begin his professional career, Oliver Enkamp earned a pair of bouts with the UFC, before collecting consecutive victories at Bellator 223 and Bellator 240 to begin his highly anticipated Bellator MMA tenure. Now, the 29-year-old Stockholm, Sweden-native will look to collect his 10th career win and add to an already impressive resume that includes eight career finishes and has earned him the nickname “The Future.” Hailing from Paris, France, the 35-year-old Emmanuel Dawa will be making his promotional debut on his home turf inside the Accor Arena on October 10. The Snake Team-product enters the contest having won eight of his last 10 bouts, including a pair of first round knockouts in an unblemished 2019 campaign. With six of his nine career victories coming by way of knockout, including four of the first-round variety, Dawa hopes to add to that total and make the most of his Paris homecoming.
Heavyweight Feature Bout: Cheick Kongo (30-10-2, 1 NC) vs. Tim Johnson (14-6) Welterweight Feature Bout: Michael Page (17-1) vs. Ross Houston (8-0, 1 NC) Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Melvin Manhoef (32-14-1, 2 NC) vs. Simon Biyong (7-1) Welterweight Feature Bout: Oliver Enkamp (9-2) vs. Emmanuel Dawa (9-3) Lightweight Bout: Terry Brazier (11-3) vs. Yves Landu (15-8) 158-Pound Contract Weight Bout:Davy Gallon (18-7-2) vs. Brian Hooi (16-7, 1 NC) Featherweight Bout:Dominique Wooding (6-3) vs. Fabacary Diatta (6-0) Featherweight Bout:Jean N’Doye (8-1) vs. Ciaran Clarke (2-0) Featherweight Bout:Dylan Logan (4-4) vs. William Gomis (6-2) Flyweight Bout: Maguy Berchel (10-4-1) vs.Lucie Bertaud (2-2)
