Tag Archives: Zoltan Laszak

Bellator, kickboxing, Spike TV

KARIM GHAJJI RECLAIMS WELTERWEIGHT BELLATOR KICKBOXING WORLD TITLE; JORINA BAARS, RAYMOND DANIELS & JOE SCHILLING ALSO EMERGE VICTORIOUS

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ADDITIONAL PHOTOS – CREDIT BELLATOR/LUCAS NOONAN

 

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY –

Official Bellator Kickboxing 6 Main Card Results & Quotes:

Karim Ghajji (98-13-1) defeated Zoltan Laszak (11-3) via split decision (50-45, 48-47, 46-49)

Karim Ghajji Quote:

“We prepared really hard for this fight. Everything that we set out to accomplish, we did. I know I could do even better, but you know in fights it doesn’t go exactly the way you want every time. In the first round when I slipped, I hurt my knee and it was extremely painful but I knew I had to dig down and do more and more to win this belt, which means everything to me,” Ghajji said. “This is the most beautiful day of my life. Like we say: ‘Hallelujah! I got my belt back.’ I felt a lot of pressure to get this belt back, and what an amazing sensation it is to win it back. I look forward to fighting the best fighters Bellator has to offer to confirm that I am the champ, but also, I’d like to compete in MMA. In France we have a lot of tough MMA fighters at our gym and my ground and pound is quite destructive. I would like to do this.”

Joe Schilling (21-9) defeated Alexandru Negrea (10-4) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Joe Schilling Quote:

“The fight was okay I was really surprised that he was so tough. He’s fought in Super Combat in Romania so he’s had a lot of tough European opponents that he’s fought against. Skill level I didn’t think he’s fought against the level of competition that I’ve competed against, but he did a really good job and he was really tough. He was trying to bait me into throwing with him and he’d try to catch me when I would come in, so I was trying to stay a lot more composed and show that I’m not that idiot that fought [Hisaki] Kato twice,” Schilling said. “I’ve made a lot of changes in my personal life. I’m a lot more focused and more serious and my goal tonight was to show the level of competitor and world class kickboxer that I am and I think I did that. Hats off to Alex, he did a great job. There’s not that many people who can take those kinds of shots for three rounds. I think the judges decision was a little ridiculous. I don’t think I’d have given him half of one round let alone a round. I think they gave him the second, which is silly. But, overall it was a good night, vacation starts now.”

Raymond Daniels (13-3) defeated Csaba Gyorfi (20-6) via KO at 0:36 of round three

Raymond Daniels Quote:

“Another opportunity to go out there and make a mark with that Bellator brand. I know my man Nick Diaz says: ‘Cut out all that spinning shit,’ but I think he means everybody but me,” Daniels said. “I’ve been training for many years in sport karate and the martial arts and you know it’s a lot like training to be a sniper so to speak. There’s holes and there’s windows and when your opponent gives you those holes you have to seize that opportunity. I saw that hole, I exposed it, and it happened to be with my spin kick which is one of my most powerful and devastating techniques. If I hit that mark with that kick it’s a home run, grand slam, I’m hitting it out of the park every time. I’ve been able to spar recently with several great MMA veterans like Rory MacDonald, Georges St. Pierre and Tyron Woodley and I’ve had a lot of fun training with those guys so I’m definitely interested in doing MMA again. It’s a lot of fun to go at it with small gloves because people can’t use the big gloves as a shield to block my shots. I want to seize this Bellator Kickboxing title and continue to help build this kickboxing brand because I know they’re investing a lot of time into it. So yea, I’m definitely interested in crossing that bridge and getting some MMA fights, but my main focus is to take home that kickboxing gold.”

 

Jorina Baars (41-0-3) defeated Irene Martens (20-10-2) via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-25)

Jorina Baars Quote:

“It was a good fight, I thought that Irene [Martens] was very tough. I had control from the very beginning of the fight and I kept it for all three of the rounds. I was a little disappointed in the first round but the second and third round I performed much better. She worked hard and moved a lot, so my strategy was to keep the pressure on her and try to put her in the corner and I think I succeeded at that,” Baars said after her win. “It was amazing to finally fight for Bellator. The organization is so professional. I’m looking forward to my future fights here and I hope to win the Bellator title.”

Gabor Gorbics (31-10) defeated Gabriel Varga (13-5) via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-30)

Gabor Gorbics Quote:

“I’m very happy with the win and I hope I continue to win here in Bellator,” Gorbics said. “I trained very hard for this. I’ve got a lovely family and team that helped me to prepare and I will get back in the gym on Monday to continue training.”

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION EDUARDO DANTAS WINS FOURTH STRAIGHT FIGHT, DEFEATS BELLATOR NEWCOMER LEANDRO HIGO

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ADDITIONAL PHOTOS – CREDIT BELLATOR/LUCAS NOONAN

 

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY –

Official Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higo Main Card Results & Quotes:

Eduardo Dantas (20-4) defeated Leandro Higo (17-3) via split decision (30-27, 30-27, 28-29)

Eduardo Dantas Quote:

“It was tough to stay motivated for this fight once he missed weight. There was nothing to gain whether I beat him fast or slow. It wasn’t for the belt, it wasn’t going to change my ranking in Bellator,” Dantas said. “When [Darrion] Caldwell got injured, I asked Scott Coker to bring in tough bantamweights and they brought in a tough fighter, but you have to make weight. I train hard for several months, I don’t go out, I train. It’s the very minimum you can do. You have to make weight. Be a professional. I don’t think Caldwell is injured. I think he just doesn’t want to fight out of America. I am looking forward to getting my hands on him.”

Daniel Weichel (39-9) defeated John Macapa (21-2) via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

Daniel Weichel Quote:

“Macapa is definitely a tough opponent. He was almost undefeated coming into this with only one loss and I took him as seriously as I can take an opponent. At this time I treat everyone I fight as if it’s a championship fight. I think he is one of the top featherweight opponents that I could face so I’m pretty happy that I was able to beat him,” Weichel said. “I have to give a big shout out to all of my friends and family that drove 17-18 hours from Frankfurt and Cologne to be here and support me. They’ve been there for me and believed in me since day one and it’s difficult for me to even put into words how much it means to have them in my corner. I have to thank Bellator for putting me on this card and giving them the opportunity to come and watch me fight. I’m hoping that Bellator brings me to Mohegan Sun next week and puts me cage side so I can see who I will get to beat up next when (Daniel) Straus and (Patricio) ‘Pitbull’ fight.

Lena Ovchynnikova (12-4) defeated Helen Harper (4-2) via doctor stoppage at 5:00 of round two

Lena Ovchynnikova Quote:

“Before the fight I was a little bit nervous, and I felt that my first round wasn’t quite as good as I would of liked. But when the second round started she was going to feel my power and I knew that I would win,” Ovchynnikova said. “When the judges stopped the fight I couldn’t believe it. I was ready for a third round and I wanted to win with a knockout but we have what we have.”

Adam Borics (6-0) defeated Anthony Taylor (1-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:12 of round one

Adam Borics Quote:

“When the fight started, I felt a great deal of pressure from the crowd and I was in a bit of a rush. It took me a while to settle down and regain my composure, but once I did that I was able to see the fight much better. I’ve been working on my striking with Henri Hooft and I really was hoping to win with a knockout, but I saw my opening for a submission and I was able to end the fight with the choke,” Borics said. “I’m very happy that I was given this great opportunity to represent Hungary in MMA. This is very important for me to support the development of this sport in Hungary. It is my plan to continue to be an ambassador for the sport here and to continue to bring victories like this in the future.”

Brian Moore (10-5) defeated Michal Horejsi (5-3) via TKO at 3:57 of round two

Brian Moore Quote:

 

“I’m really, really happy that I got the call back from Bellator. To be honest I begged for the call back because Bellator is where I want to be. I want to be signed with Bellator, I want to be a household name. I really believe I’m one of the better featherweights in this division. I was given a guy who is very unpredictable. I was patient in my approach but I cut him down and was able to finish him. Tonight I wanted to make a statement with a knockout because my dream is to fight at Madison Square Garden. I want to open up the show. My teammate James (Gallagher) is already on the card and we’d put on a super camp together and we’d tear that place apart,” Moore said. “My hero, Sugar Ray Robinson used to own the Garden. I’ve watched every bit of footage I can get my hands on of Sugar Ray, he’s my idol. So to fight in the same arena as he has – and obviously my teammate Conor (McGregor) has fought there too – it would be a dream come true. But I want to open up the card and set the tone for the night because when you see a fighter that is as exciting as I am that’ll set the tone. Give me anyone, I don’t give a f-ck.”

Mate Kertesz (3-0) defeated Patrick Szombat (1-3) via TKO at 4:37 of round two

Bellator, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

PHOTOS & QUOTES FROM TODAY’S BELLATOR 177 & BELLATOR KICKBOXING 6 PRESS CONFERENCE

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B177Dantas_Higo 

EVENT SET TO TAKE PLACE FRIDAY, APRIL 14 IN BUDAPEST

 

ADDITIONAL FIGHTER PHOTOS – CREDIT BELLATOR/LUCAS NOONAN

 

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Several fighters from both Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higo and Bellator Kickboxing 6 gathered in Budapest this morning to speak with the media about their upcoming fights this Friday night inside the Budapest Sports Arena.

 

Two titles will be on the line, as Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas defends his Bellator bantamweight belt against former LFA champ Leandro Higo, while Bellator kickboxing welterweight titleholder Zoltan Laszak takes on Karim Ghajji in a championship rematch.

 

Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higo will be broadcast Friday, April 14 on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while Bellator Kickboxing 6 will air immediately following the MMA portion of the event, beginning at 11pm ET/10pm CT.

Below, you can find quotes from today’s press conference.

Bellator Bantamweight World Champion Eduardo Dantas:

“Thank you to Bellator for supporting me and thank you Budapest for the opportunity.”

“I’m very happy to be here. I want to say thank you to my opponent for accepting this fight. And I’m ready to show you what I do best, which is to punch his face.”

Leandro Higo:

“Thank you to Bellator for the opportunity. Thank you, Budapest, for the reception. I’m very happy to be here and I’m looking forward to putting on a good show this Friday!”

“I feel no extra pressure because I’m here to do what I love, which is fighting. I’m looking forward to winning another championship belt.”

Adam Borics:

“I’d like to welcome all of you. This is one of the biggest opportunities of my life. I’m very much looking forward to the fight and I’m well prepared, so I can’t wait. I was fortunate enough to prepare for this fight in America with great professional coaches like Henri Hooft.”

“I’m ready. I can hardly wait for my arm to be lifted at the end.”

Anthony Taylor

“Welcome! Welcome! How’s it going? I am the “Pretty Boy”, the prettiest of them all. I definitely want to thank Budapest and Bellator for bringing me in. Of course, I bring numbers, you know, so I’m expecting this should bring over a million viewers, hands down.”

“I want to thank you all for coming here and showing the support. We’re going to put on a show – one hell of a show. We’re going to get these ratings up and have so much fun. Definitely.”

“Hands down, pound for pound, everyone knows I am the strongest 145-er in the division and if anybody stands in my way or stands in the middle of the cage and wants to bang with me, they’re gonna get knocked out. I kid you not! Anybody in the featherweight division stands toe to toe with me is going to get knocked out.”

“I’m not going to take nothing from this man. He has a 9-0 record so he’s definitely put in work. He beat up nine people, but it doesn’t mean he’s going to beat up me. I tell you that! But I give him credit because he’s coming out here and sacrificing his time and being away from his family to put in his work just as I am. We’re going to put on a show for all you fans out there and all you media out there.”

“You know in my eyes, this is the main event: The Hungarian versus the American. Everyone wants to see this fight. They want to see what is this man can do with a record of 9-0. He earned his wins and I respect him as a fighter. But after Friday he will be 9-1.”

Bellator Kickboxing Welterweight World Champion Zoltan Laszak

“I’d like to thank Bellator very much for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to this this rematch with Ghajji. This is a great chance to really entertain and I appreciate the support from all of the Hungarian fans. I feel their cheers and support every day.”

“This is the most important fight of my life because there has been much more promotion here in Budapest leading up to the event. I realize that most people in the arena will be cheering for me, and for Hungary. I’ve done my preparation and my homework. I’m excellently prepared and I’m looking forward to this challenge.”

Karim Ghajji

“Thank you for the rematch. It was a big mistake in the first fight. Now I’m going to make it right and bring the belt back home to France.”

“Two days before the first fight I was sick and I had dealt with injuries during that camp, but this time I had a great camp, I’ve prepared myself very well, and this will be an explosive fight on Friday.”

Complete Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higo Main Card:

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Eduardo Dantas (19-4) vs. Leandro Higo (17-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Daniel Weichel (38-9) vs. John “Macapa” (21-1-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) vs. Helen Harper (4-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Adam Borics (5-0) vs. Anthony Taylor (1-2)

 

Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Brian Moore (9-5) vs. Michal Horejsi (5-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Patrick Szombat (1-2) vs. Mate Kertesz (3-0)

 

Complete Bellator Kickboxing 6 Main Card:

Welterweight World Title Bout: Zoltan Laszak (83-2-2, 1 NC) vs. Karim Ghajji (23-5-1)

Middleweight Feature Bout: Joe Schilling (20-9) vs. Alexandru Negrea (9-2)

Welterweight Feature Bout: Raymond Daniels (10-3) vs. Gyorfi Csaba (20-5)

Women’s Featherweight Feature Bout: Jorina Baars (40-0-3) vs. Irene Martens (20-9-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Gabriel Varga (13-4) vs. Gabor Gorbics (30-10)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

FOLLOWING INJURY TO DARRION CALDWELL, LEANDRO HIGO RECEIVES TITLE SHOT AGAINST EDUARDO DANTAS AT BELLATOR 177 IN BUDAPEST ON FRIDAY, APRIL 14

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LOS ANGELES — (March 14, 2017) – Following an undisclosed injury to Darrion Caldwell, budding superstar Leandro “Pitbull” Higo (17-2) will now challenge current champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (19-4) in a bantamweight world title fight at Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higoinside the Budapest Sports Arena on April 14.

In addition, John “Macapa”(21-1-2) will face Daniel Weichel (38-9) in a featherweight contest and Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) meets Helen Harper (4-1) at 125-pounds. Rounding out the Spike-televised MMA action will be a featherweight matchup pitting Hungarian-born Adam “The Kid” Borics (5-0) against Anthony “Pretty Boy” Taylor(1-2).

 

Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higowill be broadcast on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while Bellator Kickboxing 6 will air immediately following the MMA portion of the event, beginning at 11pm ET/10pm CT.

 

Complete Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higo Main Card:

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Eduardo Dantas (19-4) vs. Leandro Higo (17-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Daniel Weichel (38-9) vs. John “Macapa”Teixeira (21-1-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) vs. Helen Harper (4-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Anthony Taylor (1-2) vs. Adam Borics (5-0)

Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Brian Moore (9-5) vs. Ludovit Klein (6-0)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mate Kertesz (3-0) vs. Adam Polgar (10-8)

Bellator, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

BELLATOR RETURNS TO BUDAPEST FOR A BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT PITTING EDUARDO DANTAS AGAINST DARRION CALDWELL AT BELLATOR 177 ON FRIDAY, APRIL 14

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WELTERWEIGHT BELLATOR KICKBOXING TITLE ALSO ON THE LINE WHEN ZOLTAN LASZAK DEFENDS BELT AGAINST KARIM GHAJJI AT BELLATOR KICKBOXING 6

 

 

BUDAPEST — (February 8, 2017) – Bellator is returning to Hungary with a bantamweight world title fight pitting Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (19-4) against Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (10-1) serving as the main event of Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Caldwell from the Budapest Sports Arena on April 14. The MMA portion of the evening will also feature a featherweight bout between Hungarian-born Adam “The Kid” Borics (5-0) and Anthony “Pretty Boy” Taylor (1-2).

 

In addition, Bellator Kickboxing 6 will be headlined by a welterweight world title rematch featuring Zoltan Laszak (11-2) against Karim Ghajji (97-13-1). Additional bouts for both events will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Caldwell will be broadcast on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while Bellator Kickboxing 6 will air immediately following the MMA portion of the event, beginning at 11pm ET/10pm CT.

 

Dantas made his presence felt during his last outing, successfully defending his bantamweight championship belt in a five-round victory over Joe Warren. A 10-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, “Dudu” has recorded victories in 12 of his last 14 bouts, including nine under the direction of the Scott Coker-led promotion. Hailing from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, the flashy 27-year-old is widely known as one of the most dynamic competitors in the division, tallying four knockouts and six submissions over his 23-fight career. A two-time Bellator MMA bantamweight world champion, Dantas will look to defend his title for the second time since winning the belt in a victory over former champion Marcos Galvao, and for the fourth time overall.

 

The 29-year-old Caldwell will be competing for division gold for the first time in his career and is coming off of a crucial victory over Joe Taimanglo at Bellator 167. “The Wolf” was able to avenge his earlier loss to Taimanglo, earning his 10th career victory and seventh under the Bellator MMA banner. Caldwell has collected five wins by way of first round knockout or submission, making him one of the most dangerous compeititors in the 135-pound class. Hailing from Rahway, N.J., the 11-fight veteran has quickly put together an impressive professional resume inside the cage, highlighted by a remarkable first round finish over former multi-division champion Joe Warren, a man whom Caldwell idolized coming into the sport. The Alliance MMA product now has the opportunity of a lifetime, as he prepares for the next chapter of his career and a shot at championship glory.

 

After winning the welterweight kickboxing championship at Bellator’s inaugural kickboxing show in Turin, Italy in 2016, Ghajji dropped his belt to world-renowned Hungarian champion Laszak when the pair met during Bellator’s first visit to Budapest last year. Now, fresh off an impressive win in Florence, Ghajji hopes to reclaim the belt that he feels is his.

 

If you missed their first enthralling encounter, watch it here.

 

Updated Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Caldwell Main Card:

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Eduardo Dantas (19-4) vs. Darrion Caldwell (10-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Adam Borics (5-0) vs. Anthony Taylor (1-2)

 

Updated Bellator Kickboxing 6 Main Card:

Welterweight World Title Bout: Zoltan Laszak (11-2) vs. Karim Ghajji (97-13-1)

Bellator, kickboxing, Spike TV

A NEW WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION IS CROWNED AT “BELLATOR KICKBOXING: BUDAPEST”

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RAYMOND DANIELS & DENISE KIELHOLTZ ALSO VICTORIOUS

Complete Event Photos Here

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (September 23, 2016) – Bellator Kickboxing returned to Spike TV on Friday night from Budapest, Hungary and by the conclusion of the evening, the promotion had crowned a new welterweight champion.

In the main event of “Bellator Kickboxing: Budapest,” Zoltan Laszak (11-2) defeated the immensely more experienced Karim Ghajji (96-13) via unanimous decision, taking away the belt that Ghajji had earned following his performance at “Bellator Kickboxing: Torino.” 

In addition to the welterweight world title bout, the always-exciting Raymond Daniels (12-3) returned to action against Zsolt Benedek (15-4) of Hungary. The man many fans refer to as “RD The Goat,” utilized his highlight-reel style of offense to defeat Benedek via unanimous decision in front of his fellow Hungarians, improving to 3-0 under the Bellator Kickboxing banner.

Following her controversial split decision defeat at “Bellator: Dynamite 2,” Denise Kielholtz (45-3) returned to form against Renata Lantos (5-5), taking home a unanimous decision victory. Following what was arguably the most important fight of Kielholz’s career, the talented Dutch kick boxer now sets her sights on a rematch with Gloria Peritore at the recently announced “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence”in December

Rounding out the main card action, the man that defeated Melvin Manhoef earlier this year, Alexandru Negrea (10-3), improved his record at the expense of Ali El Ameri (42-11-2), taking home the win on all three of the ringside judges’ scorecards.

Bellator, kickboxing, Spike TV

BELLATOR MMA & KICKBOXING TO HOLD ANOTHER SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL TAG-TEAM EVENT AT THE MANDELA FORUM IN FLORENCE, ITALY ON DEC. 10

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“BELLATOR 167” TO FEATURE ALESSIO SAKARA VS. JOEY BELTRAN

 

“BELLATOR KICKBOXING: FLORENCE” WILL SEE DENISE KIELHOLTZ VS. GLORIA PERITORE FOR INAGURAL FEMALE FLYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE

 

(Lto R: Denise Kielholtz, Armen Petrosyan, GiorgioPetrosyan, Florence Minister of Sport Andrea Vannucci, Bellator President Scott Coker, Gloria Peritore, Mustapha Haida, Oktagon President Carlo DiBlasi gather at PalazzoVecchio for a press conference to announce Dec. 10 event at Mandela Forum.)

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (September 21, 2016) – Within days of “Bellator Kickboxing: Budapest,” the Scott Coker-led promotion hosted a press conference yesterday at the historic Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy to announce its next international extravaganza. The Viacom-owned fight company is returning to Italy with another combo-event featuring heart-pounding action from the Bellator MMA and Bellator Kickboxing brands, both taking place onDec. 10 from the Mandela Forum in Florence. Both events will air on SPIKE, and exact broadcast details will be revealed at a later date.

 

“Bellator 167” will boast Italy’s most popular and beloved mixed martial artist, Alessio “Legionarius” Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) who takes on Mexican-American slugger Joey “The Mexicutioner” Beltran (17-13, 1 NC) in a light heavyweight headlining matchup.

 

Meanwhile, “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” features an anticipated female flyweight rematch between Dutch striking ace Denise “Miss Dynamite” Kielholtz (45-3) and the woman who defeated her this past June, Gloria Peritore (11-1-1) for the inaugural Bellator Kickboxing Female Flyweight World Championship. Additionally, Italian superstar striker Giorgio Petrosyan will be making his Bellator Kickboxing debut and other Bellator Kickboxing superstars Raymond Daniels, Kevin Ross and Joe Schilling are also likely to compete on the card against opponents to be named later.

 

“International expansion was a major goal for us in 2016, and I feel that we’ve really nailed it thus far,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “After the incredible success of our first event in Italy this past April where we packed the Pala Alpitour with over 14,000 people, we knew that we wanted to return for a second go-round before the end of the year.  With our great partner Carlo DiBlasi and his team at Oktagon, we are looking forward to another epic event on December 10.”

 

“Our partnership with Bellator is producing incredible results, so as to double the stages in Italy and start a European course that has seen us protagonists in recent days in Budapest,” said Oktagon President Carlo DiBlasi. “I am sure that Florence will respond to the appointment on December 10 and will not be disappointed by the spectacle that the best fighters in the world will bring on Mandela forum ring.”

 

Not to be confused with current pop sensation “Alessia Cara,” Italy’s favorite mixed martial arts superstar Alessio Sakara returns to the Bellator MMA fray fresh off an emphatic finish of Brian Rogers at “Bellator 152: Pitbull vs. Souza.” Known for his knack for the spectacular, “Legionarius” will be making his second appearance for the Viacom-owned promotion in his home country, a locale he’s undefeated in throughout his career as a professional, a run that began in 2002. A longtime member of the world-renown “American Top Team,” there’s no doubt that Sakara comes to the cage looking to finish, ending the proceedings before reaching the judges’ scorecards in 14 of his 18 wins; a similar record to his opponent on Dec. 10.

 

Having competed across multiple weight classes from heavyweight down to middleweight, the man fondly referred to as “The Mexicutioner” always comes ready to go toe-to-toe. A six-fight Bellator MMA competitor, Beltran has competed against the elite in multiple promotions and weight divisions, facing names like: “Rampage” Jackson, Kendall Grove, Emanuel Newton, and Stipe Miocic. Now, the 34-year-old San Diego native returns to light heavyweight, looking to add to his impressive total of 14 finishes in 17 wins as a professional. A veteran of Strikeforce, as well as the UFC, it’s surprising Beltran hasn’t previously crossed paths with Sakara, but all that changes when the cage door closes in Florence.

 

The streaking Dutch striker Denise Kielholz had her progress temporarily slowed when she was upset by Peritore at “Bellator: Dynamite 2” this past June. A 27-year-old native of Sicily, Italy, Peritore has won titles such as the ISKA & WTKA Amateur World Kickboxing Champion and IASKA Amateur World K-1 Championship. The first meeting between these two ladies was a tightly contested and technical, with both competitors picking their spots wisely over the course of three rounds. The ante has been upped the second go around though, with the news that a freshly minted Bellator Kickboxing belt will be waiting for the victor.

 

Updated “Bellator 167” Card:

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) vs. Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC)

 

Updated “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” Card:

Female Flyweight World Title: Denise Kielholtz (45-3) vs. Gloria Peritore (11-1-1)

Bellator, kickboxing, Spike TV

“BELLATOR KICKBOXING: BUDAPEST” SET TO AIR ON SPIKE TV THIS FRIDAY, SEPT. 23

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WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION KARIM GHAJJI, RAYMOND DANIELS, DENISE KIELHOLTZ RETURN TO ACTION

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (September 19, 2016) – Bellator’s world tour continues this Friday, September 23 when Bellator Kickboxing brings top-flight action to SPIKE TV all the way from Budapest, Hungary. The event will be headlined by Bellator Kickboxing’s welterweight champion Karim Ghajji (96-12) defending his belt against Zoltan Laszak (10-2).

 

In addition to this welterweight world title bout, the always-exciting Raymond Daniels(11-3) will return to action against Zsolt Benedek (15-3) of Hungary. Following her controversial defeat at “Bellator: Dynamite 2,” Denise Kielholtz (44-3) will also compete, when she takes on Renata Lantos (5-4).

 

The must-see kickboxing event will also feature the man who upset Melvin Manhoefearlier this year, Alexandru Negrea (9-3), who meets Ali El Ameri (42-10-2) at a catchweight of 189-pounds.

 

“Bellator Kickboxing: Budapest” will air on Spike Friday, September 23 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

 

Fresh off winning his championship at Bellator’s inaugural kickboxing show in Turin, Italy, Ghajji will defend the title he won at the expense of Mustapha Haida when he meets world-renowned Hungarian champion Zoltan Laszak in five, three minute rounds.

 

Raymond Daniels is never involved in a boring fight; look no further than his first two Bellator Kickboxing bouts, which have produced highlight-reel stoppages. This go-round, the showman will face the Hungarian Zsolt Benedek at 170-pounds. While Daniels will enter the ring as the favorite, Benedek will have the advantage of the home-town crowd, who he hopes will help propel him towards upsetting the American Superstar.

 

Arguably the most important fight of Denise Kielholz’s career, the talented Dutch Kickboxer will face another fighter of Hungarian descent when she meets Renata Lantos in a flyweight encounter. After dropping a decision Gloria Peritore, Kielholtz has been hell-bent on earning a rematch against the Italian, but will have to get through Lantos first.

 

Complete “Bellator Kickboxing: Budapest” Card:

 

Welterweight World Title Main Event: Karim Ghajji (96-12) vs. Zoltan Laszak (10-2)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Raymond Daniels (11-3) vs. Zsolt Benedek (15-3)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Denise Kielholtz (44-3) vs. Renata Lantos (5-4)

189 lb. Catchweight Feature Bout: Alexandru Negrea (9-3) vs. Ali El Ameri (42-10-2)