DUBLIN – BELLATOR’s explosive return to the Irish capital for BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs Vanderford, sees one of the most dominant middleweight fighters of all time and current world champion Gegard Mousasi (48-7, 2 NC)defend his crown against undefeated American Top Team standout Austin Vanderford (11-0). The co-main event sees Northern Ireland’s Leah McCourt (6-1) and Ireland’s most-recent title challenger Sinead Kavanagh (7-5) in what is set to be the biggest Irish female fight ever.

BELLATOR 275 will sport a five-fight main card, including two great featherweight features between Ciaran Clarke (4-0) and Abou Tounkara (7-2), as well as Khasan Magomedsharipov (6-0) versus Jose Sanchez (11-1), plus a bantamweight bout between home favorite Brian Moore (14-8), and No. 9 ranked Jornel Lugo (7-0) to kick things off.

The event will air live on SHOWTIME this Friday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT, while the stacked eight-fight preliminary card airs live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Limited tickets for the event remain and are on sale now and can be purchased online from Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com.

Please find the updated card for BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs Vanderford below:

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BELLATOR 275: MOUSASI VS. VANDERFORD MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME (US) / BBC iPlayer (UK) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Friday, Feb. 25 – 9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Middleweight World Title Main Event: #C-Gegard Mousasi (48-7, 2 NC) vs. #1-Austin Vanderford (11-0)

Women’s Featherweight Bout: #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-5)vs. #4–Leah McCourt (6-1)

Featherweight Bout: Ciaran Clarke (4-0) vs. Abou Tounkara (7-2)

Featherweight Bout: Khasan Magomedsharipov (6-0)vs. Jose Sanchez (11-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Brian Moore (14-8) vs. #9-Jornel Lugo (7-0)

BELLATOR 275: MOUSASI VS. VANDERFORD PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US)

BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

6 p.m. GMT/1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT

Bantamweight Bout: Brett Johns (17-3) vs. Khurshed Kakhorov (8-0)

Lightweight Bout: Charlie Leary (17-11-1) vs. Davy Gallon (19-7-2)

Strawweight Bout: Danni McCormack (5-0) vs. Stephanie Page (5-3)

Lightweight Bout: Darragh Kelly (Pro Debut) vs. Junior Morgan (3-0)

Lightweight Bout: Vladimir Tokov (7-1) vs. Daniele Scatizzi (11-5)

Heavyweight Bout: Gokhan Saricam (6-1) vs. Kirill Sidelnikov (13-6)

Featherweight Bout: Nathan Kelly (Pro Debut) vs. Scott Pedersen (1-2)

Featherweight Bout: Lee Hammond (1-0) vs. Jamie Hay (2-0)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Apply for BELLATOR media credentials

RSVP for BELLATOR virtual media availabilities

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Mar. 12 // BELLATOR 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis, Mo.

Fri. Apr. 15 // BELLATOR 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2/Nemkov vs. Anderson // SAP Center // San Jose, Calif.

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

****

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.

#5-Logan Storley (13-1) defeated #4-Neiman Gracie (11-3) via unanimous decision (48-47, 50-45, 49-46)

Logan Storley following his win: “That fight right there, I had to dig deep. That’s those farm roots. That’s Midwest. Figuring out who you are in the fourth round and coming back. 

“I was stung for a little bit but I was playing and moving. And then he started wearing himself out and I landed it. I’m a fighter now. That proved it right there. Any doubt I ever had about taking a punch, fighting the best guys – that’s the No. 4 guy in the world – and I just beat him. It was 25 minutes on the feet. That was the most fun I’ve ever had competing in my life.

“I want the belt. That’s why I got in this business. I didn’t get it done at the NCAA level and that drives me today. To be the best in the world. Once I’m the best in the world, then it’s time to go do something else. I want to be the best in the world and I want the title next.”

#9-Andrey Koreshkov (25-4) defeated Chance Rencountre (16-5) via TKO (body kick) at :38 of round one

Andrey Koreshkov returns with a vengeance: ““It’s what we prepared for. The spinning back-kick is like a tradition for Storm School. Hey BELLATOR, I know you prepare many tournaments in Europe. And I know one guy – Paul Daley – I want to kick his ass. He doesn’t like wrestling just like me. We will show a great stand-up fight and I will knock him out.”

Adam Piccolotti (13-4) defeated Georgi Karakhanyan (31-13-1, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Adam Piccolotti continues his winning ways: “I’d give myself a B+. My jiujitsu was an A. My jiujitsu was on point. My wrestling felt really strong. My striking was a little hesitant. It was a mixture. It was me being a little hesitant but it was also me having a ton of respect for Georgi. I knew Georgi was ready to come in and have a firefight. He was ready to wait for me to make any sort of opening or any sort of mistake. He was going to try to make it a dogfight which is the opposite fight of what I wanted to have tonight. It was a strong B+.

“I want somebody in the top five. I don’t care. There’s a lot of good guys in my division right now but there’s no one better than me.”

Brennan Ward (15-6) defeated Brandon Bell (10-11) via TKO (punches) at 0:32 of round two

Brennan Ward after his return to BELLATOR: “Everybody who came out, thank you. I got support from every aspect of my life. I know I got my Union brothers in here. I got my two coaches right there. They’ve been with me throughout this whole rollercoaster. And my family, my girl, my daughter, my parents, my sister, everybody – I came here tonight for myself and I came here tonight to show the world that you can go to hell and you can come back. You can come back.

“A lot of days away. Brandon Bell took some shots. I thought I was going to knock him out. He’s a tough guy, man. It felt good. It felt good to be back. I’ve got a lot more to show. And I got more to come. You know that you’re going to have to see me face a top 10 guy next. You know it. You know I have to.”

“I see a lot of these dudes in the top 10 I respect. I know Scott Coker is going to pick me out somebody good. Test one of these young guys that you got. Test one of these young guys like I used to get tested when I was a young guy coming up. I’m the gatekeeper now. Test one of these young boys against me!”

#8-Davion Franklin (5-0) defeated#9–Said Sowma (8-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Davion Franklin had this to say following his win: ““I was just trying to get him off me. I knew he wanted to hold me against the fence and try to tire me out. It didn’t work so I knew I needed to figure something out to get him off me. I would like to fight Linton Vassell next sometime over the summer. That would give me enough time to continue to correct some errors I made tonight.”

PRELIMINARY CARD RESULTS: 

Nick Browne (13-1) defeated Mandel Nallo (8-2, 1 NC) via TKO (punches) at 2:20 of round two

Jaylon Bates (5-0) defeated Chris Disonell (6-5) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 0:00 of round three

Bobby King (11-4) defeated #9–Aviv Gozali (6-1) via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of round one

#7-DeAnna Bennett (12-7-1) defeated Justine Kish (7-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

Jordan Newman (4-0) defeated Cody Herbert (2-1) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Justin Montalvo (5-0) defeated Corey Samuels (3-3) via TKO (punches) at 2:43 of round one

Isaiah Hokit (1-1) defeated Theodore Macuka (1-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:59 of round one

Jonathan Di Lorenzo (2-0) defeated Orlando Mendoza (0-2) via submission (D’arce Choke) at 1:07 of round one

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

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. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with an intriguing matchup in a 160-pound catchweight bout, as No. 4 ranked lightweight contender Islam Makhachev aims to halt the momentum of fan favorite Bobby Green, who fills in on short-notice to replace the injured Beneil Dariush. In the middleweight co-main event, renowned finisher Misha Cirkunov looks to secure his first victory in the weight class as he takes on Wellington Turman. 

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: MAKHACHEV vs GREEN will take place Saturday, Feb. 26 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will stream on ESPN+, with the prelims beginning at 1 p.m. PT/ 4 p.m. ET and the main card at 4 p.m. PT/ 7 p.m. ET.

Makhachev (20-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) looks to extend his nine-fight win streak in the UFC. During his run up the rankings, Makhachev proved he is one of the best lightweights with dominant wins over Dan Hooker, Drew Dober, and Thiago Moises. He now aims to to secure a possible shot at UFC gold by defeating the veteran Green. 

Green (29-12-1, fighting out of Fontana, California) steps into the Octagon on 10 days’ notice after a dominanting performance over Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 271. A lightweight bruiser who has nine knockouts and eight submissions to his name, Green continues to rise in the division after victories over Alan Patrick, Clay Guida and Al Iaquinta and he now looks to make a statement and derail the Russian phenom Makhachev and break into the Top 15.   

Former light heavyweight contender Misha Cirkunov (15-7, fighting out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada by way of Riga, Lativa) seeks to start a win streak at 185-pounds. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist has an impressive 11 first-round finishes, with three coming in under a minute. Some of his stoppage victories include Jimmy Crute, Nikita Krylov and Ion Cutelaba. Cirkunov now has his sights set on making a splash in his second fight at middleweight and sending a message to the rest of the division.

Wellington Turman (17-5, fighting out of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil) intends to make the most of his first UFC co-main event opportunity. Coming off a split decision win over UFC veteran Sam Alvey, the jiu-jitsu expert now intends to make it two in a row by taking out Cirkunov and beginning his climb up the middleweight ladder.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Ji Yeon Kim (9-4-2, fighting out of Incheon, South Korea) looks to dominate against Priscila Cachoeira (10-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a women’s flyweight bout
• No. 13 ranked UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan (16-2, fighting out Krasnodar, Russia)faces submission specialist Joel Alvarez (19-2, fighting out of Asturias, Spain)
• Dana White’s Contender Series alum Armen Petrosyan (6-1, fighting out of Yerevan, Armenia by way of Krasnoyarsk, Russia) meets streaking Gregory Rodrigues (11-4, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Florida by way of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil ) at middleweight
• Rong Zhu (18-4, fighting out of Sichuan, China) takes on young knockout artist Ignacio Bahamondes (12-4, fighting out of Chicago, Illinois by way of Santiago, Chile) at lightweight
• Josiane Nunes (8-1, fighting out of Fazenda Rio Grande, Parana, Brazil) looks to spoil the UFC debut of Ramona Pascual (6-2, fighting out of Hong Kong) in a women’s bantamweights clash
• Lightweight action sees Terrance McKinney (11-3, fighting out of Spokane, Wash.) facing off with Fares Ziam (12-3, fighting out of Givors, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, FranceVénissieux, France)
• Women’s strawweight Jinh Yu Frey (11-6, fighting out of Arlington, Tex.) battles Hannah  Goldy (6-2, fighting out of  Orlando, Fla.)
• Bantamweight veterans meet as Alejandro Perez (22-8-1, fighting out of San Jose, Calif. by way of Aguascalientes, Mexico) takes on Jonathan Martinez (14-4, fighting out of Plainview, Tex.)
• Welterweights Ramiz Brahimaj (9-4, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) and Micheal Gillmore (6-4, fighting out of Lansing, Mich.) lock horns
• Flyweights Victor Altamirano (10-1, fighting out of Fort Worth, Tex.) and Carlos Hernandez (7-1, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) face off as they look to make a name for themselves in their first trip to the Octagon

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 166 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 21.3 million subscribers. 
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Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

BELLATOR MMA 274: GRACIE VS. STORLEY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Feb. 19 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Welterweight Main Event: #4-Neiman Gracie (170.75) vs. #5-Logan Storley (170.5)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: #9-Andrey Koreshkov (171) vs. Chance Rencountre (169.5)

Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (156) vs. Adam Piccolotti (155.5)

175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Brennan Ward (174.8) vs. Brandon Bell (173.8)

Heavyweight Bout: #8-Davion Franklin (262.75) vs.#9–Said Sowma (243)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

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

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Lightweight Bout: Mandel Nallo (155.4) vs. Nick Browne (155.2)

Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (136) vs. Chris Disonell (135.2)

Lightweight Bout: #9-Aviv Gozali (155.8) vs. Bobby King (156)

Flyweight Bout: #7-DeAnna Bennett (125.4) vs. Justine Kish (125.6)

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (185.6) vs. Cody Herbert (188.6*)

Lightweight Bout: Justin Montalvo (154.2) vs. Corey Samuels (155.4)

Featherweight Bout: Isaiah Hokit (145.8) vs. Theodore Macuka (145.2)

Welterweight Bout: Orlando Mendoza (170.6) vs. Jonathan Di Lorenzo (169.8)

*Missed weight

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

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. 

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Feb. 17, 2022) – No. 4-ranked Neiman Gracie (11-2) will lace up the BELLATOR gloves for the 12^th consecutive time when he takes on former four-time collegiate All-American wrestler and No. 5-ranked Logan Storley (12-1) to headline BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley. The clash of top-10 welterweights takes place on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

In the co-featured bout, former BELLATOR Welterweight Champion and No. 9-ranked Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) will return to action and open his 2002 campaign against Alliance MMA product and owner of seven first-round finishes Chance Rencountre (16-4) of Pawhuska, Okla. The main card also will feature a pair of returning BELLATOR MMA top-10 heavyweights as undefeated Jackson Wink product and No. 8-ranked Davion Franklin (4-0) squares off against three-time BELLATOR MMA veteran, American Top Team standout, and No. 9-ranked Said Sowma (8-2).

In preliminary action, Brennan Ward (14-6) will make his long-awaited return to the BELLATOR MMA cage following a nearly five-year layoff in a 175-pound contract weight bout against kingly Kentuckian Brandon Bell (10-10). Also, undefeated southpaw and Team Body Shop submission ace Jaylon Bates (4-0), of Portland, Ore., will make his fifth consecutive BELLATOR appearance when he takes on Albany, N.Y.’s own Chris Disonell (6-4), who will return to the promotion for the first time since August 2019. Moreover, a scintillating skirmish of once-beaten lightweights will pit fighters with two of the sport’s greatest nicknames as Mandel “Rat Garbage” Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) hopes to send Nick “Nyquil” Browne (12-1) into a glorious slumber.

SHOWTIME will televise the highly anticipated main card live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Additionally, the must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channels, as well as Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley are on sale now at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say on Thursday, Feb. 17:

NEIMAN GRACIE: NO. 4-RANKED BELLATOR WELTERWEIGHT

Click HERE for Gracie’s full media-day session

“It’s hard to say whether this is going to go to the fourth and fifth round. He’s a tough fighter. We never know. But I’m glad that we have more time because I’m a Gracie. I like to fight longer fights. Even no time limit if they let me.

“I think everything is going to be involved in this fight. I think there will be grappling, there will be striking. It’s going to be an all-around fight. It’s hard to predict things but judging by the way that he fights, I think there’s going to be more grappling.

“I’m very comfortable. This is one of the best training camps I’ve had. I’m very confident that I will win this fight. It’s hard to predict how, but I’m sure this fight is not going to go to the decision. I’ve prepared to face him anywhere. Wherever the fight goes, I’m ready.”

LOGAN STORLEY: NO. 5-RANKED BELLATOR WELTERWEIGHT

Click HERE for Storley’s full media-day session

“I’ve trained with the best guys in the world. The likes of Gilbert Burns for the last five years. So I’m ready. But at the same time, I know he’s very good on the ground. The family name. But I’m prepared and I’m ready to do what I have to do.

“You go out there and get a dominant performance, I would hope that puts you in line for the next title shot. But for me, the biggest thing is taking care of Saturday night.

“Being in the main event is the same thing, I guess. I’m excited that people are here for you. You’re the headliner. People are waiting for you for the main event. So that’s exciting. But once you step in there, it’s the same thing as any other fight.”

ANDREY KORESHKOV: NO. 9-RANKED BELLATOR WELTERWEIGHT

Click HERE for Koreshkov’s full media-day session

“For me, it doesn’t matter that my opponent changed. They are the same height, same reach, same stance. Southpaw. A little bit of the same style. Almost nothing changed.

“If I win against Chance, I want to fight a top guy. Somebody who is above me in the rankings. And after the next win, maybe I can fight for the title.

“Amasov vs. Page is a very interesting fight because Michael “Venom” Page has outstanding skills. He’s very uncomfortable for any fighter. Amasov has good wrestling. I think if he finds his distance and can take down “Venom” Page, he’ll win this fight. If he can’t find the distance, he has a big problem.”

DAVION FRANKLIN: NO. 8-RANKED BELLATOR HEAVYWEIGHT

Click HERE for Franklin’s full media-day session

“I don’t pay any attention to the rankings. I just pay attention to the kind of performances that I’m going to have. That’s what I look forward to. Said Sowma can be salty about the rankings all he wants, but none of that is going to matter when he steps into the cage with me.

“I’m looking to go in there and do my thing. The same as always. Nothing has changed. I’m fighting my fight.

“I think if I go out there and have the performance that I know I’m capable of, nobody is going to keep discrediting me and telling me I’m fighting bums. I’m not going to get these kinds of DM’s anymore. I think this is the fight to shut up all the critics. Shut up all the haters. And I’m going to do it.”

SAID SOWMA: NO. 9-RANKED BELLATOR HEAVYWEIGHT

Click HERE for Sowma’s full media-day session

“I was a little bit surprised I didn’t get a more established name. Franklin is a new up-and-coming prospect. Pretty powerful guy. Fast starter. I was hoping I would get someone more experienced or higher up in the rankings. But I guess he is above me, so he’s next on the list.

“I see this being a fast start and maybe a faster finish.

“I haven’t seen Franklin on the ground. I know he wrestled but I don’t know how long he’s been doing jiujitsu. I think he’s pretty new in the MMA world and jiujitsu experience comes a long way. I’ve been doing it for ten years so if it does go to the ground, I definitely have the advantage there.”

BRENNAN WARD: BELLATOR MIDDLEWEIGHT

Click HERE for Ward’s full media-day session

“It’s good to be back. It was a long road back. I struggled a lot. It was tough. It was a long four years away from the cage and I’m happy to be back at Mohegan Sun. I’m real proud to make my comeback at Mohegan Sun and put on a show for the fans and show everyone where I’ve been. I worked real hard to get back here. I’m going to put on a good show.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time. My first fight with BELLATOR was 2012. That’s 10 years ago. And before that, I wrestled at a high level collegiately. It is like riding a bike. I’m right back to feeling good. Cutting weight sucks. Who loves cutting weight? It’s like riding a bike. I’m right back to it. It’s natural. It doesn’t feel like four years to me. It really doesn’t.”

“I’ve watched some video on Bell. He’s a little muscle ball. He looks like he’s a strong dude. He looks like he’s pretty explosive but nothing that I haven’t seen before. I’ve fought some of the best dudes in the world. But I respect him as an opponent. I take everybody seriously. I don’t think that he can hang with me at any facet of the game. I guarantee you I’m in better shape than him. I’m probably just as strong, if not stronger. I can wrestle and I can swing. I’m going to bring you into a dog fight. That’s all I know how to do. That’s all I want to do. I don’t want to fight any other way.”

JAYLON BATES: BELLATOR LIGHT BANTAMWEIGHT

Click HERE for Bates’ full media-day session

“Disonell is a good opponent. I don’t know too much about him. I don’t look into my opponents too much but he’s a good opponent and were’ going to go handle business and have us a fight on Saturday.

“I do like the matchup this weekend. Make a statement or not. I might just take him down and submit him. I don’t know. It depends on how I feel when I get in there. But we’re going to come out with a ‘dub’ that’s for sure. And he’s not making it all three.

“I actually want four fights this year. I like to fight. I’m willing to even keep my pay the same to fight more. I just want to fight more. Get the constant experience of being in the cage, being around the BELLATOR team, being in the hotels, managing the weight, cutting the weight. I would like to fight more consistent. Every two or three months would be perfect. If I can get four in this year from BELLATOR, that would be a blessing but if not, I’m not complaining either. They’re doing a hell of a job with me.”

BELLATOR MMA 274: GRACIE VS. STORLEY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Feb. 19 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Welterweight Main Event: #4-Neiman Gracie (11-2) vs. #5-Logan Storley (12-1)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: #9-Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs. Chance Rencountre (16-4)

Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (31-12-1) vs. Adam Piccolotti (12-4)

Heavyweight Bout: #8-Davion Franklin (4-0) vs.#9–Said Sowma (8-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Lightweight Bout: Mandel Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) vs. Nick Browne (12-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (4-0) vs. Chris Disonell (6-4)

Lightweight Bout: #9-Aviv Gozali (6-0) vs. Bobby King (10-4)

Flyweight Bout: #7-DeAnna Bennett (11-7-1) vs. Justine Kish (7-4)

175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Brennan Ward (14-6) vs. Brandon Bell (10-10)

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (3-0) vs. Cody Herbert (2-0)

Lightweight Bout: Justin Montalvo (4-0) vs. Corey Samuels (3-2)

Featherweight Bout: Isaiah Hokit (0-1) vs. Theodore Macuka (1-2)

Welterweight Bout: Orlando Mendoza (0-1) vs. Jonathan Di Lorenzo (1-0)

*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, Ireland

Fri. Mar. 12 // BELLATOR 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis, Mo.

Fri. Apr. 15 // BELLATOR 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2/Nemkov vs. Anderson // SAP Center // San Jose, Calif.

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

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 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. 

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 16, 2022) – Two outstanding world-championship showdowns. Four of BELLATOR MMA’s best pound-for-pound fighters. One highly anticipated rematch. The promotion’s all-time greatest athlete striving to avenge a highlight-reel loss to the company’s homegrown superstar. A tournament final awarding a seven-figure jackpot to the victor.

BELLATOR’s fourth phenomenal fight card of 2022 promises to be one for the ages.

Fresh off a 117-second destruction of his upcoming opponent and claiming the $1 million bounty at the BELLATOR MMA Featherweight World Grand Prix Finale, unbeaten BELLATOR Featherweight World Titleholder A.J. McKee (18-0) hopes to take the next step toward becoming the sport’s greatest fighter as he battles former top pound-for-pound and two-division champion Patricio Pitbull (32-5) for the second time in less than nine months on Friday, April 15, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME.

In the co-feature of BELLATOR 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2 at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., current 205-pound BELLATOR MMA World Champion Vadim Nemkov (15-2) will defend his title for the third time and aims to take home the $1 million prize three days before U.S. Tax Day when he squares off against the surging No. 1-ranked contender Corey Anderson (16-5)in the BELLATOR MMA Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix final.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2 go on sale this Friday, Feb. 18 at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com with a special presale starting the day prior.

Additionally, four preliminary bouts have been announced including a mouthwatering matchup between two highly ranked heavyweights as No. 5-ranked Tim Johnson (15-8) faces surging No. 6-ranked Tyrell Fortune (11-2, 1 NC) in a rematch from BELLATOR 239. Their first fight ended with Johnson securing a win that earned great consideration for the 2020 KO of the Year. The preliminary bouts will stream live three hours earlier at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

In their historic initial matchup at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif., McKee stunned Pitbull by landing a punishing left leg kick to the head at 1:40 of the opening stanza at BELLATOR MMA 263 on July 31, 2021. The champion then continued the onslaught by unleashing a series of brutal unanswered head shots that floored the Brazilian legend.

Moments later as McKee prematurely raised his arms in celebration, Pitbull rose from the depths of defeat only to be greeted by a fighter hell bent on stealing his crown and claiming the $1 million prize. With the 25-time BELLATOR MMA veteran backed up against the fence, MMA’s brightest young brawler locked in a guillotine choke. With Pitbull seeming to lose consciousness, referee Mike Beltran halted matters at 1:57 of the opening frame.

“Hosting the world’s best mixed martial artists in the great city of San Jose is something that has been important to me during my career as a fight promoter and I’m happy to continue that with our card on April 15,” BELLATOR President Scott Coker said. “The rematch between A.J. McKee and Patricio Pitbull for the featherweight title, as well as our Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Final featuring Vadim Nemkov against Corey Anderson are two fights that could headline any event on their own, but we are bringing both to SAP Center at San Jose on the same night to show the fans here that we truly value their support throughout the years.”

A native of Long Beach, Calif., BELLATOR’s top-rated pound-for-pound fighter has exceeded the lofty expectations placed on him since his professional debut three days following his 20^th birthday. Armed with six knockouts and seven submissions, the Team Bodyshop product, who will turn 27 eight days before his rematch against Pitbull, has shown a knack for securing lightning-fast finishes with 10 coming in the first round. “Mercenary” has earned dominant victories over every fighter who has opposed him, including former World Champions Pitbull, Pat Curran, and Darrion Caldwell, who McKee submitted with a rare-modified neck crank that was later dubbed the “McKee-otine.” The winner of the 2020 Submission of the Year Award for his 71-second annihilation of Caldwell has fought a total of 33 rounds across 18 career contests (1.8 rounds per bout), while logging less than 41 total minutes in the BELLATOR cage since turning pro in August 2012.

One half of the vaunted Pitbull Brothers duo, Patricio has long been considered the crown jewel of BELLATOR MMA, where he currently sits at No. 3 in the BELLATOR MMA men’s pound-for-pound rankings. Holding a remarkable 32-5 record with wins over elite competition, including the likes of former World Champions Pat Curran, Juan Archuleta, and Daniel Straus (twice). In 2019, the 34-year-old Brazilian captured the BELLATOR Lightweight World Championship from Michael Chandler, becoming only the second BELLATOR athlete to hold two titles simultaneously. With 23 finishes in 37 professional fights, Pitbull has shown repeatedly that he possesses the well-rounded skillset required to reign over multiple weight classes.

Currently BELLATOR MMA’s second-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, Nemkov captured the BELLATOR MMA light heavyweight crown by defeating Ryan Bader via second-round TKO at BELLATOR MMA 244 in August 2020.  Riding a nine-fight winning streak dating back to June 2016, the ferocious 29-year-old sports seven first-round knockouts, with two in the initial minute of action. After successfully defending his light heavyweight belt by earning a tough unanimous decision over Phil Davis, the pride of Belgorod, Russia and Fedor Emelianenko protégé scored a fourth-round submission of late replacement Julius Anglickas in the semifinals of the BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix during his last outing on Oct. 16, 2021.

Anderson, of Robbinsville, N.J., has ascended to the top of the BELLATOR 205-pound rankings by vanquishing seven of his past eight opponents, including a third-round stoppage of Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov at BELLATOR MMA 257 on April 16, 2021. Exactly six months later at BELLATOR MMA 268, the Rockford, Ill., native walked into the cage to the spellbinding sounds of The Doors’ “Five to One,” and took the song title literally by knocking out Arizona State University wrestling legend Ryan Bader in 51 seconds in front of Bader’s hometown crowd at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz.  In his first promotional appearance, “Overtime” registered a second-round TKO over Dutch kickboxing legend Melvin Manhoef at BELLATOR MMA 251 in November 2020. Prior to joining BELLATOR, Anderson tallied a 10-5 record with a rival promotion, winning “The Ultimate Fighter 19” tournament in 2014, and boasting impressive wins over Glover Teixeira, Jan B?achowicz and Johnny Walker, among others.

Additional bouts will be announced soon.

BELLATOR 277: McKEE VS. PITBULL 2 MAIN CARD:

Friday, April 15 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT 

Featherweight World Championship: C–A.J. McKee (18-0) vs. No. 1-Patricio Pitbull (15-5)

 Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Final: C-Vadim Nemkov (15-2) vs. No. 1-Corey Anderson (16-5)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

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

Heavyweight Bout: No. 5-Tim Johnson (15-8) vs. No. 6-Tyrell Fortune (11-2, 1 NC)

Welterweight Bout: No. 10-Kyle Crutchmer (8-1) vs. Michael Lombardo (12-2, 1 NC)

Welterweight Bout: Shane Keefe (2-0) vs. Tyson Miller (2-0)

140-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Gaston Bolanos (5-3) vs. Cass Bell (5-2)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Apply for BELLATOR media credentials

RSVP for BELLATOR virtual media availabilities

****

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, Ireland

Fri. Mar. 12 // BELLATOR 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis, Mo.

Fri. Apr. 15 // BELLATOR 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2/Nemkov vs. Anderson // SAP Center // San Jose, Calif.

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

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 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. 

LOS ANGELES – A plethora of fantastic fighters armed with world-title aspirations have joined the stacked BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell card on Saturday, March 12. SHOWTIME will televise the mammoth main card live from inside the Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo., at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Former title challenger and No. 2 ranked-John Salter (18-5), as well as undefeated BELLATOR MMA No. 3-ranked Johnny Eblen (10-0), and women’s No. 2 featherweight Cat Zingano (12-4) hope to take the next step toward BELLATOR MMA gold as they join the four co-headline brawlers currently ranked among the upper echelon of their respective divisions.

Featured among the magnificent MMA melees will be three of the top-ten middleweights, five undefeated and one unblemished amateur, four top-two contenders, and ten fighters ranked along with BELLATOR MMA’s elite.

In the main event of the evening, Adam Borics (17-1) and Mads Burnell (16-3), two featherweights currently tied at No. 2 in the official BELLATOR MMA rankings, will square off for a future shot at the BELLATOR 145-pound world title. In the co-featured bout, former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight Champion, 13-time BELLATOR veteran, and No. 2-ranked Phil Davis (23-6, 1 NC) will open his 2022 campaign against No. 4 Julius Anglickas (10-2), who most recently challenged for the 205-pound title. Additionally, the main card will spotlight an international lightweight extravaganza as undefeated New Alliance Jiu-Jitsu team member Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) of Auckland, New Zealand, moves up in weight to meet Dagestan, Russia’s Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2), who is coming off a first-round knockout in his promotional debut at BELLATOR MMA 263 in July 2021.

Prior to the consequential co-featured contests, a pair of top middleweights will round out the main card as Salter and Eblen square off for a shot at the winner of the upcoming world title bout pitting 185-pound Champion Gegard Mousasi against No. 1-ranked Austin Vanderfordat BELLATOR MMA 275 later this month in Dublin, Ireland.

Armed with an 8-2 BELLATOR record, Salter, a 15-year pro MMA veteran out of Nashville, Tenn., holds the promotional record for most submissions in BELLATOR MMA middleweight history, and has stopped 17 of his 23 opponents. Nicknamed “Diamond Hands” due to his love for crypto currency and willingness to hold onto his investments, Eblen is coming off a 71-second annihilation of Collin Huckbody at BELLATOR MMA 272 in December 2021. The six-time BELLATOR MMA veteran and American Top-Team product, who recently signed a six-fight BELLATOR contract extension, has secured six opening-round stoppages, including two of his three 2021 opponents.

In addition to the magnificent main card, a veritable cornucopia of pulsating preliminary punch ups will commence the preeminent night of action, including a Minnesota midwestern melee pitting former UFC title challenger and Winona, Minn., native Zingano against No.7-ranked lightweight Pam Sorenson (9-4) of Blaine, Minn.

Set to make her third straight BELLATOR MMA appearance with aspirations of challenging BELLATOR MMA Women’s Welterweight World Champion Cris Cyborg, Zingano has had a decorated fighting career. The former NCAA Division III All-American wrestler became the first mother to compete in the UFC and initial woman to capture the company’s “Fight of the Night” award, counting victories over Miesha Tate, Amanda Nunes, Marion Reneau, and Gabrielle Holloway. Recently, “Alpha” was featured in the series “Double Duty” that chronicled the attempts to maintain a balance between the daily responsibilities of parenthood and earning a living as a pro athlete.

A former Invicta FC women’s featherweight champion, Sorenson started kickboxing after the passing of her best friend. After vacating her crown and requesting a release from Invicta in July 2021, the Minneapolis mauler signed a multi-fight deal with BELLATOR MMA in mid-2021. Soon after joining the pioneering company, the 35-year-old recorded a hard-fought split decision over Roberta Samad at BELLATOR MMA 264 in Uncasville, Conn.

Also featured will be a bruising brawl pitting two hard-hitting heavyweights with seven career stoppages apiece as No. 8-ranked Alex “Eazy” Polizzi (9-1) of Madison, Wisc., clashes with Team Pitbull’s Jose “Guru” Augusto (7-3, 1 NC). Additionally, San Diego, Calif. native, 11-time BELLATOR MMA veteran, and No. 6-ranked “Barbaric” Derek Anderson (17-4, 1 NC) will mix it up with submission specialist, BELLATOR Brazilian bruiser, and Japanese-born Goiti Yamaguchi (26-5), in a worldwide welterweight war.

Furthermore, added to BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell is a memorable middleweight match pitting undefeated, No. 6-ranked 185-pounder and owner of three consecutive stoppages Romero Cotton (5-0) of Hutchinson, Kansas, who will bravely battle the horrors of “The Boogeyman” Lance Wright (5-2). Moreover, former Division II All-American wrestler and fantastic featherweight Cody Law (5-0), fresh off his third opening-round finish, strives to avoid being scared off by “Phantom” Johnny Soto (5-2) of Escondido, Calif.

Continuing the unforgettable night of amazing action, undefeated welterweight and American Top-Team member Roman Faraldo (6-0) will make his fourth consecutive promotional appearance when he challenges BELLATOR MMA rookie Kelvin Rayford (5-3), while local combatant Jordan Howard (10-5) of Jefferson City hopes to thrill the Missouri faithful against Athens, Illinois’ own Trevor Ward (5-5). Two flyweights will test their skills as well, when Diana Avsaragova (4-0) of Russia welcomes Ashley Deen (5-6) to BELLATOR. Lastly, a Show-Me State lightweight showdown between BELLATOR beginner Dan Busch (4-1) makes his sixth straight Missouri appearance by confronting St. Louis’ Josh Augustine (5-2).

The thrilling preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell are on sale now at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com

BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell Main Card:

Saturday, March 12 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Featherweight Main Event: #2-Adam Borics (17-1) vs. #2-Mads Burnell (16-3)

Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #2-Phil Davis (23-6, 1 NC) vs. #4-Julius Anglickas (10-2)

Middleweight Bout: #2-John Salter (18-5) vs. #3-Johnny Eblen (10-0)

Lightweight Bout: Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

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

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Featherweight Bout: #2-Cat Zingano (12-4) vs. #7-Pam Sorenson (9-4)

Light Heavyweight Bout: #8-Alex Polizzi (9-1) vs. Jose Augusto (7-3, 1 NC)

Welterweight Bout: #6-Derek Anderson (17-4-1) vs. Goiti Yamaguchi (26-5)

Middleweight Bout: #6-Romero Cotton (5-0) vs. Lance Wright (5-2)

Flyweight Bout: Diana Avsaragova (4-0) vs. Ashley Deen (5-6)

Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (5-0) vs. Johnny Soto (4-2)

Welterweight Bout: Roman Faraldo (6-0) vs. Kelvin Rayford (5-3)

Bantamweight Bout: Jordan Howard (10-5) vs. Trevor Ward (5-5)

Lightweight Bout: Dan Busch (4-1) vs. Josh Augustine (5-2)

*Card subject to change.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat., Feb. 19 / / BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR MMA 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, IRE

Sat. March 12 // BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis

Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The SSE Arena, Wembley // London

****

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.

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card for BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley this Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. SHOWTIME will televise the phenomenal main card live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Additionally, nine thrilling preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3p.m. PT. 

In the main event of the evening, No. 4-ranked Neiman Gracie (11-2) will strap on the BELLATOR gloves for the 12^th consecutive time when he takes on former four-time collegiate All-American wrestler and No. 5-ranked Logan Storley (12-1) in a five-round clash of top-5 welterweights. In the co-featured bout, former BELLATOR Welterweight Champion and No. 9-ranked Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) will return to action and open his 2002 campaign against Alliance MMA product and owner of seven first-round finishes Chance Rencountre (16-4) of Pawhuska, Okla.

The updated and complete listing of bouts can be found below.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley are on sale now at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

BELLATOR MMA 274: GRACIE VS. STORLEY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Feb. 19 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Welterweight Main Event: #4-Neiman Gracie (11-2) vs. #5-Logan Storley (12-1)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: #9-Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs. Chance Rencountre (16-4)

Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (31-12-1) vs. Adam Piccolotti (12-4)

Heavyweight Bout: #8-Davion Franklin (4-0) vs.#9–Said Sowma (8-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Lightweight Bout: Mandel Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) vs. Nick Browne (12-1)

175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Brennan Ward (14-6) vs. Brandon Bell (10-10)

Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (4-0) vs. Chris Disonell (6-4)

Lightweight Bout: #9-Aviv Gozali (6-0) vs. Bobby King (10-4)

Flyweight Bout: #7-DeAnna Bennett (11-7-1) vs. Justine Kish (7-4)

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (3-0) vs. Cody Herbert (2-0)

Lightweight Bout: Justin Montalvo (4-0) vs. Corey Samuels (3-2)

Featherweight Bout: Isaiah Hokit (0-1) vs. Theodore Macuka (1-2)

Welterweight Bout: Orlando Mendoza (0-1) vs. Jonathan Di Lorenzo (1-0)

*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, Ireland

Sat. March 12 // BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis

Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The OVO Arena Wembley // London

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 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. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with an intriguing lightweight contenders’ bout that will see former champion and No. 6 ranked Rafael Dos Anjos battle rising No. 11 Rafael Fiziev. Also, No. 10 ranked Johnny Walker faces No. 12 Jamahal Hill in a thrilling matchup of light heavyweight strikers

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: DOS ANJOS vs. FIZIEV will take place Saturday, Feb. 19 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will be available exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish), with the main card beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

A limited number of tickets will be available on Monday, Feb. 14 at www.axs.com.

Former champion Dos Anjos (30-13, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) returned to the 155-pound division with a Fight of the Night win over Paul Felder in late 2020. Throughout his UFC run, he has also delivered memorable victories over Nate Diaz, Robbie Lawler and Donald Cerrone (twice). Dos Anjos now aims to stop Fiziev’s momentum and continue his climb back to a lightweight title shot.

Rising contender Fiziev (11-1, fighting out of Phuket, Thailand by way of Miami, Fla.) has wasted no time dazzling fans with his diverse striking arsenal. Currently riding a five-fight win streak, he holds spectacular wins against Brad Riddell, Bobby Green and Renato Moicano. Fiziev now has his sights set on finishing his first former UFC champion to crack the lightweight top 10.

KO artist Walker (18-6, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland by way of Rio das Ostras, Brazil) immediately turned heads upon joining the UFC roster in 2018. A powerful striker, he has secured impressive finishes against Ryan Spann, Misha Cirkunov and Khalil Rountree Jr. Walker is now gunning to get back to his winning ways with another show-stealing performance.

Hill (9-1 1NC, fighting out of Grand Rapids, Mich.) entered the UFC following a TKO victory over Alexander Poppeck on Dana White’s Contender Series. He has since climbed the ranks quickly with notable wins against Jimmy Crute, Ovince Saint Preux and Darko Stosic. Hill now intends to continue his ascent up the 205-pound ladder with another highlight-reel KO.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Kyle Daukaus (10-2 1NC, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) battles Jamie Pickett (13-6, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) in a 195-pound catchweight bout
• Parker Porter (12-6, fighting out of West Hartford, Conn.) faces Alan Baudot (8-3, fighting out of Paris, France) in a heavyweight bout
• Lightweight legend Jim Miller (33-16 1NC, fighting out of Sparta, N.J.) squares off with Dana White’s Contender Series signee Nikolas Motta (13-3, fighting out of Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil)
• Joaquin Buckley (13-4, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) takes on Abdul Razak Alhassan (11-4, fighting out of Denver, Colo. by way of Accra, Ghana) in a clash of middleweight finishers
• Gabriel Benitez (22-10, fighting out of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico) meets David Onama (8-1, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo. by way of Kyangwali, Uganda) at featherweight
• Jessica-Rose Clark (11-6 1NC, fighting out of Innisfail, Australia) squares off with Stephanie Egger (6-2, fighting out of St. Gallen, Switzerland) in a bantamweight bout
• Chas Skelly (16-3 1NC, fighting out of Arlington, Texas) returns to action against Mark Striegl (18-3 1NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Baguio City, Philippines) at featherweight
• Diana Belbita (14-6, fighting out of Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada) looks to build off the momentum of her first UFC win when she takes on Gloria de Paula (5-4, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) at strawweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Chad Anheliger (11-5, fighting out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada) debuts against Jesse Strader (5-2, fighting out of Antelope Valley, Calif.) in a bantamweight bout

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 688 million fans and 188 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

LOS ANGELES – A future shot at the BELLATOR Featherweight World Championship will be on the line when No. 2-ranked Adam Borics (17-1) meets a man also ranked No. 2 in the Official BELLATOR Rankings, Mads Burnell (16-3) in the main event of BELLATOR 276 on Saturday, March 12 at The Family Arena in St. Louis.

In the co-main event former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight Champion and No. 2-ranked Phil Davis (23-6) will return to action and open his 2022 campaign against No. 4-ranked Julius Anglickas (10-2), who most recently challenged for the 205-pound title. The main card will also see a pair of skilled lightweights compete, when undefeated Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) moves up in weight to meet Dagestan’s Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2).

SHOWTIME will televise the BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell main card live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT Additionally, the thrilling preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell will go on sale this Friday, Feb. 11 at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com, with a special presale taking place the day prior.

A BELLATOR MMA 276 preliminary battle between two heavy-handed light heavyweights No. 8-ranked Alex “Easy” Polizzi (9-1) and Team Pitbull’s Jose “Gugu” Augusto (7-3, 1 NC) is also official. Additional contests will be announced shortly.

A multi-faceted fighter with tremendous success in two different combat sports, Adam Borics knocked out all 25 of his amateur opponents en route to compiling 10-0 (kickboxing) and 15-0 (MMA) records. Holding a three-inch height advantage and tied with upcoming opponent Mads Burnell as the No. 2 featherweight in the BELLATOR rankings, the Ft. Lauderdale featherweight commenced his pro career with 14 straight triumphs, including ten by KO or submission.

Much like his upcoming foe, the nine-time BELLATOR veteran, armed with an 8-1 promotional record, prefers to dispose of his counterparts quickly as evidenced by ten of his 18 career wins culminating in knockout or submission. Additionally, the former Hungarian Fight Championship Featherweight kingpin has fought only 41 rounds since turning professional in Aug. 2014, an average of only 2.3 per outing.

Nicknamed “The Kid,” the former Thai and Hungarian Thai Boxing World Titleholder, who lives by the adage “Practice laborious, battle easy,” and holds knockout wins over former BELLATOR featherweight champion Pat Curran and ferocious featherweight Aaron Pico. Born in Budapest, Hungary, the Sanford MMA fighter, who signed a multi-fight extension with BELLATOR in January 2021, launched his promotional campaign by submitting Anthony Taylor via rear-naked choke in April 2017. After dropping his lone BELLATOR bout at the hands of former bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell in the quarterfinals of the BELLATOR MMA Featherweight Grand Prix, Borics has outpointed his last three opponents under the company banner. 

Currently riding a seven-bout winning streak, Mads Burnell prefers to dispatch of his opponents early. In 19 career fights, the submission specialist has stopped more than half of his adversaries (10), including eight in the opening round. Additionally, the Copenhagen, Denmark, native has not fought past three rounds in his professional career, while averaging a mere two per contest. The Arte Suave Copenhagen product, who will turn 28 less than one week prior to his fourth consecutive promotional appearance at BELLATOR MMA 276, opened his vocation by defeating his initial five opponents, including three via submission.

A first-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Burnell captured the Cage Warriors featherweight title by submitting then-champion Dean Trueman by Japanese necktie at 3:04 of the second round on June 29, 2019. Two months after signing with the company, the ferocious featherweight took the mixed martial arts world by storm when he recorded his lone career knockout and floored Darko Banovic at 3:13 of the first stanza in his promotional debut at BELLATOR MMA 248 on Oct. 10, 2020, in Paris, France.

Following a second-round destruction of “The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber” standout Saul Rogers via rear-naked choke at BELLATOR MMA 257, the three-time BELLATOR MMA veteran returned to the cage less than four months later and upset Emmanuel Sanchez via three-round unanimous decision (29-28 and 30-27 twice) in a non-stop battle at BELLATOR MMA 263 on July 31, 2021, in Los Angeles. A former European No-Gi champion, Burnell hopes to keep his undefeated BELLATOR record intact when he challenges fellow No. 2-ranked Adam Borics.

BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell Main Card:

Saturday, March 12 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Featherweight Main Event: #2-Adam Borics (17-1) vs. #2-Mads Burnell (16-3)

Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #2-Phil Davis (23-6) vs. #4-Julius Anglickas (10-2)

Lightweight Bout: Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) vs.Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Light Heavyweight Bout: #8-Alex Polizzi (9-1) vs. Jose Augusto (7-3, 1 NC)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR MMA events

Sat., Feb. 19 // BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Sat. March 12 // BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis

Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The SSE Arena, Wembley // London

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 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. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Jacksonville, Fla. with a world championship doubleheader that will see UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defend against No. 4 ranked contender Chan Sung Jung. Also, UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling runs it back with interim titleholder Petr Yan.

“It’s an honor to welcome back the UFC and its President, Dana White, to the City of Jacksonville” Mayor Lenny Curry said. “I reached out to Dana in December to let him know we were ready to host another match-up as soon as possible, and as he always does, Dana delivered! Our City has consistently demonstrated that we are poised to host world-class sporting events of this caliber and we can’t wait to see the UFC, and its thousands of fans, in early April.“

UFC^® 273: VOLKANOVSKI vs THE KOREAN ZOMBIE will take place Saturday, April 9 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. All bouts will be simulcast on ESPN+ in English and Spanish beginning at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT with the ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass prelims. The prelims will continue exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, followed by the ESPN+ Pay-Per-View main card that will kick off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

UFC^® 273: VOLKANOVSKI vs THE KOREAN ZOMBIE tickets will go on sale Friday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. ET and are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Feb. 10 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

No. 2 ranked men’s pound-for-pound fighter Volkanovski (23-1, fighting out of Windang, NSW, Australia) is coming off a thrilling title defense against Brian Ortega in a Fight of the Year contender. Unbeaten in almost nine years, he also holds notable victories over Max Holloway (twice), Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes. Volkanovski intends to once again steal the show by netting his third successful title defense against one of the division’s most talented finishers.

Perennial fan favorite Jung (17-6, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) is gunning to make the most of his second UFC featherweight title opportunity. A creative grappler with heavy hands, “The Korean Zombie” has thrilled fans with exciting finishes against Frankie Edgar, Dennis Bermudez and Dustin Poirier. Jung now has his sights set on handing Volkanovski his first loss in the UFC and achieving his dream of becoming UFC champion.

Sterling (20-3, fighting out of Uniondale, N.Y.) looks to cement his status as UFC bantamweight champion following a disqualification victory over Yan to capture the belt last March. A talented wrestler and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he holds impressive submission wins over Cory Sandhagen, Cody Stamann and Takeya Mizugaki. Sterling now aims to get the last word by finishing Yan to secure his first successful title defense.

No. 11 ranked men’s pound-for-pound fighter Yan (16-2, fighting out of Yekaterinburg, Russia) is determined to stop Sterling and recapture the UFC bantamweight championship. A dangerous striker and grappler, Yan has delivered memorable knockouts against Urijah Faber, Jose Aldo and Douglas Silva de Andrade. Yan now hopes to earn a measure of revenge by dethroning Sterling in emphatic fashion.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 5 ranked strawweight contender Mackenzie Dern (11-2, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif.) squares off with No. 7 Tecia Torres (13.5, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.)
• No. 10 ranked Kelvin Gastelum (17-8 1NC, fighting out of Yuma, Ariz. by way of Huntington Beach, Calif.) faces No. 12 Nassourdine Imavov (11-3, fighting out of Paris, France) in an intriguing middleweight contenders’ matchup
• In a pivotal women’s bantamweight contenders’ bout, No. 3 ranked Irene Aldana (13-6, fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico) takes on No. 4 Aspen Ladd (9-2, fighting out of El Dorado Hills, Calif.)
• Ian Garry (8-0, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland) looks to continue his momentum when he locks horns with Darian Weeks (5-1, fighting out of Sedalia, Mo.) at welterweight
• Dricus du Plessis (16-2, fighting out of Pretoria, South Africa) faces Chris Curtis (28-8, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Cincinnati, Ohio) in clash of middleweight strikers
• Top 10 heavyweights collide when No. 6 ranked contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik (12-3, fighting out of Paramaribo, Suriname) meets No. 9 Marcin Tybura (22-7, fighting out of Uniejow, Poland)
• Albert Duraev (15-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Grozny, Russia) faces Anthony Hernandez (8-2 1NC, fighting out of Dunnigan, Calif.)
• Mickey Gall (7-4, fighting out of Green Brook, N.J.) takes on Dana White’s Contender Series signee Mike Malott (7-1-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif. by way of Waterdown, Ontario, Canada) in a welterweight bout
• Gavin Tucker (13-2, fighting out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) faces Pat Sabatini (16-3, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) in an exciting featherweight bout
• Julio Arce (17-5, fighting out of Bayside, N.Y.) squares off with UFC newcomer Daniel Santos (10-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) at bantamweight
• Vinc Pichel (14-2, fighting out of Englewood, Colo. by way of Simi Valley, Calif.) battles undefeated Mark O. Madsen (11-0, fighting out of Maribo, Denmark by way of Nykøbing Falster, Denmark) at lightweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Piera Rodriguez (7-0, fighting out of Maracaibo, Venezuela) debuts against Kay Hansen (7-5, fighting out of Fullerton, Calif.) at strawweight

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is North Florida’s premier showplace of such entertainment greats as Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, Luke Bryan, Elton John and is home to the Jacksonville Icemen and the Arena Bowl Champions Jacksonville Sharks. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is managed by ASM Global, the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

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

****

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.

Las Vegas – The historic 30^th season of The Ultimate Fighter^®will see UFC^® bantamweight champion Julianna Pena and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes go head-to-head as coaches for men’s heavyweights and women’s flyweights competing to make the UFC roster. Following the series, which exclusively debuts Tuesday, May 3 on ESPN+, the two coaches will prepare to square off for the bantamweight title at a date that will be determined in the near future.

The Ultimate Fighter Season 30: Pena vs Nunes will feature a dynamic cast of 16 ascending athletes in the men’s heavyweight (265 lbs.) and women’s flyweight (125 lbs.) divisions, who have put everything else in their lives aside for the chance to pursue their UFC dreams.

The entire twelve episode season of TUF 30 will be available exclusively on ESPN+, with one episode dropping each Tuesday beginning May 3. In addition, UFC fans can re-watch all 29 previous seasons of TUF on ESPN+, the industry-leading sports streaming service.

The Ultimate Fighter is the iconic reality television series that has introduced millions of new and die-hard fans to future UFC champions and top contenders. Those whose careers have been shaped by their participation in The Ultimate Fighter include: Julianna Pena, Kamaru Usman, Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Rose Namajunas, Michael Bisping, Robert Whittaker, Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson, T.J. Dillashaw, Matt Serra, Michael Chiesa, Al Iaquinta, Kelvin Gastelum, Uriah Hall and many others.

Undisputed UFC bantamweight champion Pena (12-4, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) returns to The Ultimate Fighter as a coach after winning season 18 in dominant fashion. She will look to teach her team the lessons and skills from her impressive career that has seen her secure victories over Amanda Nunes, Cat Zingano, Nicco Montano and Sara McMann. Pena now aims to show that she can beat Nunes as a coach, as well as a competitor, and build momentum towards their inevitable rematch later this year.

Nunes (21-5, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Pojuca, Brazil) is widely considered to be the greatest women’s mixed martial artist of all time. Despite her historic upset defeat to Pena late last year, Nunes remains confident that she will regain her lost title with a spectacular performance similar to those that earned her wins over Holly Holm, Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey. She now plans on adding a successful The Ultimate Fighter season to her renowned resume on the way to exacting revenge over Pena.

Below is a full list of competitors scheduled to compete in The Ultimate Fighter 30: Team Pena vs. Team Nunes (name, age, professional record and fighting out of):

MEN’S HEAVYWEIGHTS

Nyle Bartling | 29 | 6-0 | Unadilla, NE

Chandler Cole | 27 | 8-3 | Coeburn, VA

Jordan Heiderman | 30 | 5-0 | Norfolk, NE

Bobby Maximus | 43 | 5-4 | Salt Lake City, UT

Zac Pauga | 33 | 5-0 | Denver, CO

Eduardo Perez | 27 | 4-1 | Berkeley, CA

Mitchell Sipe | 25 | 5-2 | Bakersfield, CA

Mohammed Usman | 32 | 7-2 | Denver, CO

WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHTS

Chantel Coates | 34 | 2-1 | Leavenworth, KS

Claire Guthrie | 26 | 3-1 | Denver, CO

Juliana Miller | 25 | 2-1 | San Diego, CA

Kaytlin Neil | 30 | 5-4 | Lindon, UT

Kathryn Paprocki | 28 | 3-2 | Denver, CO

Melissa Parker | 35 | 2-1 | Houston, TX

Helen Peralta | 33 | 4-2 | Fairfield, IA

Brogan Walker | 32 | 7-2 | Guam

*All athletes are subject to change

Visit the UFC.com for additional information and content to support your UFC coverage.

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About Pilgrim Media Group

Pilgrim Media Group, a Lionsgate company headed by Emmy®-winning producer Craig Piligian, produces a diverse slate of unscripted and scripted programming across all platforms. The company is behind hit series and projects like “Ghost Hunters,” “American Chopper,” “Fast N’ Loud,” the “Street Outlaws” and Wicked Tuna franchises, “My Big Fat Fabulous Life,” “Bring It!,” “The Ultimate Fighter” and “High on the Hog.” Among Pilgrim’s feature documentaries are the award-winning films “Soufra” and “Tre Maison Dasan,” now streaming on Hulu and PBS.org, respectively; revelatory profile “The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story” for YouTube Premium; and Sundance’s 2020 Festival Favorite Award winner, “Giving Voice.” Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) is a majority investor in Pilgrim.

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA’s incredible start to 2022 continues, as inside the Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday, February 19, top welterweights collide. No. 4-ranked Neiman Gracie will take on No. 5-ranked Logan Storleyat BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley, in a matchup that could determine the next title challenger at 170-pounds. Also, the co-main event sees the return of hard-hitting former champion and No. 9-ranked welterweight Andrey Koreshkov looking to knock off the surging, undefeated Mukhamed Berkhamov.

Click here for additional information detailing fighter eligibility, as well as additional voting criteria.

MEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND1. AJ McKee (18-0)2. Vadim Nemkov (15-2)   3. Patricio Pitbull (32-5) ?1  4. Gegard Mousasi (48-7-2)5. Yaroslav Amosov (26-0)6. Ryan Bader (29-7) ?2  7. Sergio Pettis (22-5) ?18. Corey Anderson (16-5) ?19. Michael Page (20-1)10. Valentin Moldavsky (11-2)		WOMEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND1. Cris Cyborg (25-2, 1 NC)2. Juliana Velasquez (12-0)3. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (11-1)4. Liz Carmouche (16-7)5. Denise Kielholtz (6-3)6. Arlene Blencowe (15-8)7. Cat Zingano (12-4)8. Kana Watanabe (10-1-1)9. Leah McCourt (6-1)10. Leslie Smith (12-9-1)		MEN’S HEAVYWEIGHTC. Ryan Bader (29-7)1. Valentin Moldavsky (11-2) 2. Cheick Kongo (31-11-2)3. Fedor Emelianenko (40-6)   4. Linton Vassell (22-8) 5. Tim Johnson (15-8) 6. Tyrell Fortune (11-2)7. Steve Mowry (10-0) ?1  8. Davion Franklin (4-09. Said Sowma (8-2) ?1   10. Gokhan Saricam (6-1)
MEN’S LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTC. Vadim Nemkov (15-2)1. Corey Anderson (16-5)2. Phil Davis (23-6) 3. Ryan Bader (29-7)4. Julius Anglickas (10-2)5. Anthony Johnson (23-6)?1       6. Lyoto Machida (26-11)7. Karl Albrektsson (13-3)8. Alex Polizzi (9-1)9. Grant Neal (6-1)10. Melvin Manhoef (32-15-1)		MEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHTC. Gegard Mousasi (48-7-2)1. Austin Vanderford (11-0) 2. John Salter (18-5) 3. Johnny Eblen (10-0) ?1      4. Fabian Edwards (9-2) ?1     5. Anatoly Tokov (30-2) ?1        6. Romero Cotton (5-0) ?3      7. Dalton Rosta (6-0) NR7. Lorenz Larkin (23-7) NR9. Rafael Carvalho (16-6) NR10. Joshua Jones (11-5) NR		MEN’S WELTERWEIGHTC. Yaroslav Amosov (26-0)1. Michael Page (20-1)2. Douglas Lima (32-10)3. Jason Jackson (15-4)4. Neiman Gracie (11-2)5. Logan Storley (12-1)6. Derek Anderson (17-4) 7. Paul Daley (43-18-2) 8. Joey Davis (8-0) ?1           9. Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) ?1       10. Kyle Crutchmer (8-1)
MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHTC. Patricky Pitbull (24-10)1. Sidney Outlaw (16-4) 2. Brent Primus (11-2)  3. Benson Henderson (29-11) ?3  4. Goiti Yamauchi (26-5)   5. Usman Nurmagomedov (14-0) ?26. Peter Queally (13-6-1) ?1    7. Islam Mamedov (20-1-1)     8. Myles Jury (19-6)9. Aviv Gozali (6-0)      10. Alexander Shabily (20-3)		MEN’S FEATHERWEIGHTC. AJ McKee (18-0)1. Patricio Pitbull (32-5)2. Mads Burnell (16-3) ?1       2. Adam Borics (17-1)4. Aaron Pico (9-3)      5. Pedro Carvalho (12-5)      6. Emmanuel Sanchez (20-7)7. Jeremy Kennedy (17-3)        8. Daniel Weichel (41-13)   9. Justin Gonzales (12-1)10. Darrion Caldwell (15-6)		MEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTC. Sergio Pettis (22-5)1. Juan Archuleta (25-3)2. Patchy Mix (15-1) ?1       3. Raufeon Stots (17-1) ?1         4. Magomed Magomedov (18-2)5. Leandro Higo (21-5) 6. James Gallagher (11-2) 7. Josh Hill (21-4) ?1       8. Kyoji Horiguchi (29-4) ?1  9. Jornel Lugo (7-0)10. Cass Bell (5-2)
WOMEN’S FEATHERWEIGHTC. Cris Cyborg (25-2, 1 NC)1. Arlene Blencowe (15-8)2. Cat Zingano (12-4)3. Leslie Smith (12-9-1)4. Leah McCourt (6-1) 5. Sinead Kavanagh (7-5)      6. Janay Harding (6-5)7. Pam Sorenson (9-4) 7. Talita Nogueira (8-2) ?1    9. Olivia Parker (4-2)10. Jessica Borga (3-4)		WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHTC. Juliana Velasquez (12-0)1. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (11-1)2. Liz Carmouche (16-7)3. Denise Kielholtz (6-3) 4. Kana Watanabe (10-1-1) 5. Alejandra Lara (9-5) ?2    6. Veta Arteaga (6-4)7. DeAnna Bennett (11-7-1) ?1         8. Vanessa Porto (23-9) ?1    9. Diana Avsaragova (4-0) ?1    10. Valerie Loureda (4-1) NR

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

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.

Ryan Bader defends his heavyweight title: ““Obviously, it was a really close fight and at the end there I’m like man that’s a toss up. I felt like I did more damage but it felt so good considering the last fight was a fight I lost. But it was a back and forth, even fight the whole five rounds. It’s just anticlimactic to go out there and have a exciting heavyweight championship five-rounder with a tough dude in Arizona. I wanted that bad! 

I’m never too confident, going to judges you know. It’s the first time in my life that I was hoping that they weren’t scoring for the wrestling. I was rocking him pretty good with my punches and I was seeing everything clearly. I underestimated his clenching, his body lock, he kept stepping in front of me with this weird move and he’s stronger than I thought. I’ve never been picked up like before…but I just told myself to keep getting up and then keep with the strikes. At the end there he was just holding on and I landed 20 unanswered elbows to his head. Those can’t be ignored and so when he went to the score cards, I said who knows now…”

#6-Benson Henderson (29-11) defeated #7-Islam Mamedov (20-2-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Benson Henderson following the win in front of his hometown: “Fighting in front of my adopted hometown Phoenix, AZ, it’s amazing. Last time I didn’t give Arizona a very good show. This time, I thought I had a better performance so win or lose I knew that I could live with that. Just having a good performance, not a great performance but having a good performance, as opposed to having a bad performance, win or lose you always feel good after great performances. We’re seeking perfection. If you write a book, all these journalists, all these moviemakers, they want to make them part of a movie then make an amazing movie. If you want to, then you have to do your absolute best out there and that’s why I’m always after a better performance.”

“Tonight, getting my hand raised is awesome. This was the first time I fought in front of my sons, my two oldest sons. My 6 year-old and my 4-year-old. Tonight was a great night, but they’re not all great nights so I’m learning to definitely appreciate the good ones when I have them.”

“I felt that I did enough to deserve to get my hand raised, but you just never know. Like Burt Watson always says, if you leave it to the judges, they’re going to make you cry. He is absolutely right. So, I definitely don’t ever want to leave it to the judges. When someone says split decision I’m like oh no, my boys are in the ring…but it was a good night, so I was thankful for it.”

Henry Corrales (20-6) defeated Aiden Lee (10-6) via unanimous technical decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) – (accidental eye poke)

Henry Corrales following his victory: “That’s definitely not the way I wanted to end it here in Phoenix. The fans deserve more and that’s nothing against him, it’s just kind of a late finish and this was the final fight on my contract. This was my 15th fight with BELLATOR and my 20th win, so there’s a lot riding on this fight. I needed to go out there and put on a good performance…I tried.”

I didn’t feel like I really poked him to be honest with you and the replay was showing that it just didn’t look as serious as he was playing it off to be, but it’s the eye, so only he knows how much that hurt. He was super upset after and I was like hey big dog I didn’t poke you on purpose. I mean this is a fist fight! But, he was walking away from the cage after and he was acting disappointed the the fight was stopped but while the fight was going on he wasn’t really fighting. His demeanor was off and he was kind of whimpering on shots and it’s like dude you weren’t really going, you were just acting.”

Sabah Homasi (16-10) defeated Jaleel Willis (15-4) via submission (arm-triangle) at 1:42 of round one

Sabah Homasi following his submission win: “It’s one of the kicks I threw I just kicked hard man. I expect this after every fight but just a little swelling. It’s the same stuff after every fight man from all my kicks.”

“You know I just I take whatever they give me. I had his back, I thought I was going to get the rear naked. I don’t like to exert too much energy on something, so if I don’t have it I’m not going to force it. I’m going to take something that’s there, so I let it go and I set up a little trap. It’s something that I’ve transitioned with very well from the back to that trick, so it was there and I took it.”

“He was saying something to me earlier and if he’s saying something to me he should say it like a man. Say it with your damn chest, don’t whisper it. I forgot what he said, but I told him he was going to feel real power tonight and that was it and then obviously quick fight. I’m healthy, I’m in great shape, going to get back in the gym and whenever BELLATOR lets me know I’ll give my manager the green light.”

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

Enrique Barzola (17-5-2) defeated Darrion Caldwell (15-6) via TKO (strikes) at 3:01 of round three

Chris Gonzalez (7-1) defeated Saad Awad (24-14, 1 NC) via KO (punches) at :36 of round one

Dalton Rosta (6-0) defeated Duane Johnson (6-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Nikita Mikhailov (9-1) defeated Blaine Shutt (8-6) via TKO (punches) at 3:23 of round three

Lucas Brennan (6-0) defeated Ben Lugo (5-5) via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:27 of round one

Sullivan Cauley (3-0) defeated Ben Parrish (5-2) via TKO (punches) at 4:35 of round one

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

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. 

PARIS, FRANCE – Fresh off unifying the BELLATOR MMA Heavyweight Championship, Ryan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) will defend his crown in enemy territory against hometown favorite and No. 2-ranked heavyweight Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC) on Friday, May 6. Paris’ Accor Arena is set to play host to the world title fight, which will headline the BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo event.

Tickets for BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 are on sale now at accorarena.com and bellator.fr.

Broadcast details and additional fights, including a plethora of French talent, are set to be announced in the coming weeks. Follow Bellator France on Instagram @BellatorFrance and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorFrance/.

With mixed martial arts becoming legalized in France in 2020, BELLATOR became the first promotion to hold a major MMA event with BELLATOR 248 in October of that year. The success of that historic card propelled BELLATOR to make a return to “The City of Lights.”

“Bringing BELLATOR to France in 2020 was one of the highlights of my career, and I knew that it was the start of a long run of big events in Paris,” BELLATOR President Scott Coker said. “Here we are ready for our second trip to France and this time we are bringing a heavyweight world title rematch featuring arguably the most recognizable French mixed martial artist in our sports history. It’s personally important to me to help grow the sport in France and give these athletes a chance to perform on a large stage.”

The main event is a rematch from BELLATOR 226 in 2019 that ended in a controversial no-contest following a disputed eye poke, creating heightened tension between the two fight camps that will surely boil over on May 6.

Successfully returning to the 265-pound division following an impressive run in the BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix, Ryan Bader (29-7) is fresh off a dominant BELLATOR MMA World Heavyweight Title defense over interim champion Valentin Moldavsky in front of a partisan Phoenix crowd on Jan. 29. A former two-division champion, Bader has defeated nine of his last 12 opponents at both heavyweight and light heavyweight. Fighting out of Chandler, Ariz., the former two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler from Arizona State University opened his professional career by winning season eight of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Never one to shy away from an opponent, Bader has had nothing but high-profile bouts since signing with BELLATOR MMA in 2017, defeating Fedor Emelianenko, King Mo, Matt Mitrione, Linton Vassell, Lyoto Machida, and Phil Davis. In his initial 265-pound title defense against Kongo, Bader controlled the action before referee Mike Beltran stopped the contest due to an accidental poke to Kongo’s left eye at 3:52 of the opening round.

Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat at BELLATOR MMA 265, longtime BELLATOR veteran Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC) was on the verge of being stopped by Sergei Kharitonov in the initial stanza during his last outing on Aug. 20, 2021. After hitting the canvas and becoming badly hurt, the exhausted Parisian rallied to secure a tap out via rear-naked choke with one second remaining in round two. Ten months prior to the dramatic triumph, the former UFC standout headlined the first major MMA event in his native France as he took on Tim Johnson in a rematch on Oct. 10, 2020. Since signing with the Scott Coker-led company in late August 2013, the promotional mainstay, who currently sports a 13-3 promotional record with one no contest, holds the records for most fights (17) and wins (12) in BELLATOR heavyweight history. Just three years shy of 50, Kongo has proven that age is just a number as he continues to challenge the best that BELLATOR MMA has to offer.

BELLATOR PARIS: BADER VS. KONGO 2 MAIN CARD:

Heavyweight World Title Main Event: #C-Ryan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) vs. #2-Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit www.Bellator.fr and Bellator.com for additional information.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat., Feb. 19 / / BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Area // 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 SSE Arena, Wembley // London

****

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.

PHOENIX – BELLATOR MMA 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky will be telecast tomorrow, Saturday, January 29 on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary bouts will stream on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, and on Pluto TV beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

BELLATOR MMA 273: BADER VS. MOLDAVSKY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Jan. 29 – live on SHOWTIME

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

Heavyweight World Title Main Event: C-Ryan Bader (232.2) vs. IC-Valentin Moldavsky (234.4)

Lightweight Bout: #6-Benson Henderson (155.8) vs. #7-Islam Mamedov (155.6)

Featherweight Bout: Henry Corrales (145.8) vs. Aiden Lee (145.8)

Welterweight Bout: Sabah Homasi (170.8) vs. Jaleel Willis (170.2)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT 

Bantamweight Bout: Darrion Caldwell (135.8) vs. Enrique Barzola (136)

Lightweight Bout: Saad Awad (156) vs. Chris Gonzalez (155.6)

Middleweight Bout: Dalton Rosta (184.6) vs. Duane Johnson (185.6)

Bantamweight Bout: Nikita Mikhailov (135.6) vs. Blaine Shutt (134)

Featherweight Bout: Lucas Brennan (145.4) vs. Ben Lugo (146)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Sullivan Cauley (205.9) vs. Ben Parrish (205.2)

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

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. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with a pivotal matchup in the middleweight division that will see No. 6 ranked Jack Hermansson look to snap the win streak of No. 7 Sean Strickland. In the co-main event, middleweight finishers Punahele Soriano and Nick Maximov lock horns.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: HERMANSSON vs. STRICKLAND will take place Saturday, Feb. 5 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will be available exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish), with the main card beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

Talented grappler Hermansson (22-6, fighting out of Oslo, Norway) has cemented himself as one of the toughest matchups in the middleweight division. Throughout his UFC run, he has delivered impressive finishes over Kelvin Gastelum, Thales Leites and Gerald Meerschaert. Hermansson now has his sights set on halting the momentum of Strickland and defending his spot in the rankings.

Strickland (23-4-1, fighting out of Corona, Calif.) looks to continue his ascension up the middleweight ladder with a statement performance. Undefeated since returning to the 185-pound division in 2020, he has secured victories against Brendan Allen, Krzysztof Jotko and Uriah Hall. Strickland now aims to capture the biggest victory of his career and make a case for title contention.

Dana White’s Contender Series alum Soriano (8-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) immediately showed off his punching power upon joining the UFC by earning consecutive knockouts over fellow strikers Oskar Piechota and Dusko Todorovic. He now hopes to bounce back into the win column with another show-stealing victory.

Undefeated Maximov (7-0, fighting out of Chico, Calif.) intends to produce a stand out performance and add his name to the list of top prospects in the UFC. A training partner of the Diaz brothers, Maximov made his Octagon debut last year with a win over Cody Brundage. He now plans to score his first UFC finish by becoming the only man to stop Soriano.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Shavkat Rakhmonov (14-0, fighting out of Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan) looks to keep his undefeated, 100 percent finishing streak alive when he faces Carlston Harris (17-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) at welterweight
• Veteran Sam Alvey (33-16-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) aims for another signature KO against Phil Hawes (11-3, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) at middleweight
• Tresean Gore (3-0, fighting out of Norcross, Ga.) intends to prove that he is the best athlete from The Ultimate Fighter season 29 when he faces season champion Bryan Battle (6-1, fighting out of Matthews, N.C.) at middleweight
• An exciting featherweight bout sees Julian Erosa (26-10, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) match up with Steven Peterson (19-9, fighting out of Dallas, Texas)
• Bantamweights Miles Johns (12-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) and John Castaneda (18-5, fighting out of Minneapolis, Minn.) aim to steal the show
• Hakeem Dawodu (12-2-1, fighting out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada) plans to return to the winner’s circle when he matches up with The Ultimate Fighter season 27 champion Michael Trizano (10-1, fighting out of Ramsey, N.J.) at featherweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series alum Chidi Njokuani (20-7, 1 NC, fighting out of Saginaw, Texas) looks to make a splash in his debut against Marc-Andre Barriault (13-4, 1 NC, fighting out of Pompano Beach, Fla. by way of Gatineau, Quebec, Canada)
• Bantamweight action sees Alexis Davis (20-11, fighting out of San Jose, Calif. by way of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada) take on Julija Stoliarenko (9-6-1, fighting out of Utena County, Lithuania)
• Dana White’s Contender Series alum Jailton Almeida (14-2, fighting out of Salvador-Bahia, Brazil) seeks to keep his momentum going when he faces Danilo Marques (11-3, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• Jason Witt (19-7, fighting out of Overland Park, Kan.) and Philip Rowe (10-3, fighting out of Ocoee, Fla.) collide at welterweight
• Flyweights Malcolm Gordon (13-5, fighting out of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada) and Denys Bondar (16-3, fighting out of Kharkiv, Ukraine) battle to make a run at the rankings

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

PHOENIX (Jan. 26, 2021) – BELLATOR MMA Heavyweight World Champion Ryan Bader (28-7, 1 NC) returns to the division following his impressive run in the BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix and will now meet interim heavyweight kingpin Valentin Moldavsky (11-1) to headline BELLATOR MMA 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky. The long-awaited title unification bout takes place on Saturday, Jan. 29 at the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury.

The card’s co-main event will feature a showdown of top-10 lightweight contenders as Phoenix, Ariz., resident and No. 6-ranked Benson Henderson (28-11) hopes to thrill the hometown fans against No.7-ranked Islam Mamedov (20-1-1).

Also, Two of the hardest-hitting 205 pounders in the BELLATOR stable will battle it out when former Arizona State wrestling standout Sullivan Cauley (2-0) takes on viral fan-favorite Ben “Big Tuna” Parrish (5-1), and Deerfield Beach, Fla.’s own Darrion Caldwell (14-5) will challenge Peruvian puncher Enrique Barzola (16-5-2).

SHOWTIME will televise the highly anticipated main card live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additionally, the must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channels, as well as Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say on Wednesday, Jan. 26:

RYAN BADER: BELLATOR MMA HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION

“I am a black belt myself. He is more of a sambo guy. I have seen a couple of fights with him (Moldavsky) on his back. He usually just waits to explode. I have been in there with some of the better guys in the world on the ground. I am totally fine wherever this fight goes. He is good everywhere, on the ground and on his feet. There are different areas I can exploit.”

“The last fight (in Phoenix at Bellator 268 on Oct. 16, 2021) was not the result we wanted. The crowd showed up. Arizona showed up. We packed the house. Let’s get a little redemption here in front of the home crowd.”

“It means a lot to me to go out there, defend and unify this heavyweight title. I have been wanting to fight at heavyweight for two years. He (Moldavsky) is an interim champ. a great prospect. I have had my eyes on him for a while.”

“I am not done yet. I feel that fire still. I feel healthy and I can train the way I need to in order to be successful. I don’t want to look back and say, ‘Oh man, I had a few years and a few fights when I stopped and regretted it for the rest of my life.’ I feel amazing. I don’t see any quitting here in the near future.”

“A Fedor (Emelianenko) fight is big. I don’t see how I can do it much better than I did the first time we fought. A Fedor fight is something that will always interest me.”

“Sullivan Cauley is a high-level fighter and one of the better guys I have trained with. His wrestling is on point. His striking is pretty damn amazing at his level and his age. To be able to go through camp with him, push each other, and gauge ourselves off of each other has been awesome. He is definitely a guy to watch in the future. He is going to do really big things.”

“We went through a weird time with Covid, not really knowing when the fights were and what weight class. So, I had to be in this limbo and keep my weight at a certain point. Cutting out water started getting harder and harder. It didn’t benefit me. I am excited to be back at heavyweight and feel good going into the fight.”

Click HERE for Bader’s full media-day session

VALENTIN MOLDAVSKY: INTERIM HEAVYWEIGHT KINGPIN

“It’s a bad idea to fight with Bader for all five rounds. It would be better if I finish him in maybe the second round. He has not lost a fight to a decision. He always wins a decision. I must beat him early, not five rounds.”

“It’s not personal. MMA is a sport. Bader is a good guy. He is aggressive.”

“I hope it is a KO or TKO in the first or second round. If needed, I am ready to fight all five rounds.”

Click HERE for Moldavsky’s full media-day session

BENSON HENDERSON: NO. 6-RANKED BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT

“I am incredibly happy and thankful to be fighting in my adopted hometown. I enjoy having my family, friends, and my fans come out and support me. I won’t be doing this much longer, so it definitely means a lot to me.”

“It was awesome to be inducted to the Asian Hall of Fame three or four years ago. I am very appreciative of the Asian community.”

“I have to have the BELLATOR belt around my waist, otherwise things just don’t make sense. I am not going to stop until that happens. I’ll keep going until the wheels fall off. I just need to go out there and do the things I need to do, get my hands raised to make sure I get that BELLATOR title shot.”

“I am your guy. I am your huckleberry. If Islam (Mamedov) is the quickest way back to a title shot, sign me up.

“My wife asked me to get her a third belt five or six years ago. I will get my wife a third belt.”

Click HERE for Henderson’s full media-day session

DARRION CALDWELL: BELLATOR  BANTAMWEIGHT

“I am not going the distance. I am going to beat his (Enrique Barzola’s) ass. I am here to hold down the BELLATOR banner. Saturday night is business.”

“I still have a lot of juice left. I’ve still got a lot of fight in me. Even though I have been here for a while, we are just getting started. The Wolf 2.0 is in full effect. In 2022, you guys are going to see a completely different fighter than previously.”

“I am coming here to steal the show. Even though I am not on the main card, my fight will be talked about the most.”

“There is a line of BELLATOR bantamweights that are tough. I will wax this kid. I can string together some good wins. I am next in line.”

Click HERE for Caldwell’s full media-day session

DALTON ROSTA: UNBEATEN BELLATOR MIDDLEWEIGHT

“At first, I was supposed to fight Romero Cotton. I was getting ready for an orthodox wrestler. (New opponent) Duane Johnson is the complete opposite. He is a southpaw striker. We switched up the game plan immediately.”

“Romero Cotton is pitiful. He should be disappointed in himself. His family and friends should be disappointed in him. He fights professionally and gets paid for it. All he does is pull out of fights. He should re-think his career.”

“Duane Johnson is a good fighter. He is athletic. He has good striking and jiu-jitsu from what I have seen. I am better than him everywhere. It is not about exploiting weaknesses; it’s going to be about my strengths. Wherever this fight goes, I will win.”

“My last two fights were against good fighters. Tony Johnson was a very experienced opponent and a very good striker. One thing that I learned and proved is that I am an all-around mixed martial artist. This isn’t boxing, this isn’t wrestling, this isn’t jiu-jitsu, this is MMA. When it comes to mixing everything up, I do it better than most of the people in the game.”

Click HERE for Rosta’s full media-day session

SULLIVAN CAULEY: FORMER ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY WRESTLING STANDOUT

“Camp went great. I was healthy and able to train hard the whole way through. I was battling injuries last camp.  I trained a lot with Bader. It’s always super competitive. I feel great coming into this fight.”

“Ben Parrish is a gamer and has good power in his hands, so that’s what makes him dangerous. I am really fast. I have good wrestling. I am planning to go in there and put it on him.”

“He (Ben Parrish) looks to cover and counter, switch his stances. We have a beat on what he does. Fighting is never super predictable. You have to go in there and prepare to adjust. I try not to focus too much on a gameplan, and definitely don’t focus too much on what I am worried about a guy doing.”

Click HERE for Cauley’s full media-day session

BEN PARRISH: BELLATOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

“You should expect fireworks on Saturday night. That is a safe assumption.”

“I look at all fighters the same. It doesn’t matter if he is 2-0 or 0-2.”

“I keep my fight camps under wraps. We kind of stay in the shadows. I am coming in like The Dark Knight on this one.”

“I am going to stop writing 5-1 and write 6-0 (for his MMA record). As soon as I’m done with this guy, I kind of hope BELLATOR will bring Logan Woods so I can get my loss back. I want that back.”

“You can expect a big money show and big drama show from me going forward. I am here to have the most entertaining fights that money can buy live on SHOWTIME.”

“My motivation is being counted out. This guy (Sullivan Cauley) gets to come straight into BELLATOR, but me and my teammates are all out on the regional scene having to deal with jank-fest promoters and fighting killers for $600. Even there I made more money than those regional fighters. He gets to come straight in. He is 2-0 in Bellator, and I’m getting brought in as the underdog. Do you think I’m going to let him take all this that I have been working my whole life away from me?”

“I don’t want nothing for free, but I will take everything. I swear to God.”

Click HERE for Parrish’s full media-day session

BELLATOR MMA 273: BADER VS. MOLDAVSKY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Jan. 29 – live on SHOWTIME

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

Heavyweight World Title Main Event: C-Ryan Bader (28-7, 1 NC) vs. IC-Valentin Moldavsky (11-1)

Lightweight Bout: #6-Benson Henderson (28-11) vs. #7-Islam Mamedov (20-1-1)

Featherweight Bout: Henry Corrales (19-6) vs. Aiden Lee (10-5)

Welterweight Bout: Sabah Homasi (15-10) vs. Jaleel Willis (15-3)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT 

Bantamweight Bout: Darrion Caldwell (14-5) vs. Enrique Barzola (16-5-2)

Lightweight Bout: Saad Awad (24-13, 1 NC) vs. Chris Gonzalez (6-1)

Middleweight Bout: Dalton Rosta (5-0) vs. Duane Johnson (6-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Nikita Mikhailov (8-1) vs. Blaine Shutt (8-5)

Featherweight Bout: Lucas Brennan (5-0) vs. Ben Lugo (5-4)

Featherweight Bout: Weber Almeida (5-1) vs. Fabricio Franco (8-4, 1 NC)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Sullivan Cauley (2-0) vs. Ben Parrish (5-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Jan. 29 // BELLATOR 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky // Footprint Center // Phoenix, Ariz.

Sat., Feb. 19 / / BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Area // Uncasville, Conn.

Fri. Feb. 26 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The SSE Arena, Wembley // London

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 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. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that the 10^th Annual UFC International Fight Week^™ will take place in Las Vegas from Monday, June 27, through Sunday, July 3, headlined by UFC^® 276, the 2022 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and a two-day, interactive fan experience.

Included among the key highlights of the week will be the prestigious 2022 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires^®. Held annually as part of International Fight Week, the ceremony honors the contributors and athletes who have helped shape UFC while leaving an indelible mark on the sport of mixed martial arts.

“We’re excited to announce the return of UFC International Fight Week to Las Vegas this summer and we can’t wait to provide our fans with greater access, a wide variety of activations and more memorable experiences than ever before,” UFC Chief Operating Officer Ike Lawrence Epstein said. “IFW is our annual event celebrating all things UFC and combat sports, and we couldn’t do it without our partners from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.”

Spanning more than 200,000 square feet of entertainment activation space, the Las Vegas Convention Center will host UFC’s fully immersive and easily accessible two-day fan experience on Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2.

“We’re thrilled to welcome UFC International Fight Week back to Las Vegas and to host the fan experience at the Las Vegas Convention Center,” said Steve Hill, CEO and president of the LVCVA. “UFC has been an integral part of Las Vegas’ evolution as a major sports city, and we know both the fans and fighters will enjoy a week of world-class, only-in-Vegas experiences.”

In addition, the Las Vegas Convention Center will also host the return of amateur tournaments from various disciplines, beginning on Thursday, June 23, and concluding on Sunday, July 3. The Fan Experience will be produced by global full-service cultural marketing agency 160over90.

Fans from around the world who converge on Las Vegas for International Fight Week will also be able to enjoy ceremonial weigh-ins, press conferences and live entertainment of a traditional Fight Week leading to the schedule’s culminating event, UFC^® 276, on Saturday, July 2, at T-Mobile Arena.

Plus, UFC fans can enter for their chance to win an epic UFC Dream Week at International Fight Week.  One lucky winner and a guest will win a one-of-a-kind VIP experience to UFC International Fight Week in Las Vegas including exclusive access to UFC 276, the UFC Hall of Fame Ceremony, the two-day fan experience, and much more!

Details regarding the bout card for UFC 276, event locations and additional activities for UFC International Fight Week will be announced at a later date. For more information, please visit UFCFIGHTWEEK.COM.

LOS ANGELES – Headlined by No. 4-ranked Neiman Gracie (11-2) taking on No. 5-ranked Logan Storley (12-1) in a clash of top-10 welterweights, BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley has announced five new scintillating matchups to the nine-bout extravaganza taking place Saturday, Feb. 19 live on SHOWTIME.

In the co-featured bout from inside the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., former BELLATOR Welterweight World Champion and No. 8-ranked Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) will return to action and open his 2022 campaign against undefeated Mukhamed Berkhamov (14-0). The main card also will feature 44-fight veteran Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan (31-12-1) taking on Northern California’s Adam “The Bomb” Piccolotti (12-4) in a battle between two promotional staples. Lastly, opening the main card will be a pair of returning BELLATOR MMA heavyweights who find themselves tied at No. 8 in the official rankings as three-time promotional veteran and American Top Team standout Said Sowma (8-2) squares off against undefeated Jackson Wink product Davion Franklin (4-0).

In addition to the jam-packed main card, five newly announced preliminary fights have been added to the already-stacked night of action, including Brennan Ward (14-6) making his long-awaited return to the BELLATOR MMA cage following a nearly five-year layoff in a 175-pound contract weight bout against feisty Kentuckian Brandon Bell (10-10).

Also featured will be longtime UFC standout and Russian native Justine Kish (7-4) making her BELLATOR MMA debut against No. 8-ranked DeAnna Bennett (11-7-1) in a flyweight fracas featuring two fighters with Los Angeles ties. Top light heavyweight prospect Christian Edwards (5-1) also makes his 2022 debut when he welcomes Kevin Haley (5-5) to the BELLATOR fray.

Rounding out the preliminary contests, No. 9-ranked lightweight Aviv Gozali (6-0) of Israel will put his unblemished record on the line against BANG Muay Thai black belt Bobby King (10-4) of Utah, while two fighters making their second BELLATOR appearances will square off when Isaiah Hokit (0-1) moves down to featherweight to battle Theodore Macuka (1-2), who will celebrate his 22^nd birthday nine days before the event. Lastly, opening the thrilling night of MMA action, Wisconsin native Jordan Newman (3-0) will strive to provide his Floridian opponent Cody Herbert (2-0) with his first pro blemish in a massive middleweight melee.

SHOWTIME will televise the BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley main card live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Additionally, the thrilling preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3p.m. PT.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley are on sale now and can be purchased at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Following a lengthy MMA hiatus, “Irish” Brennan Ward will make his dramatic return to fight in his home state of Connecticut. By far one of the most entertaining fighters in BELLATOR history, the former Division III All-American wrestler has finished his opponent in 12 of his 14 victories, including nine in the first round. Although he has taken some time off, the former BELLATOR Season Nine Middleweight Tournament Winner is eager to remind people what made him a title contender prior to his time away.

Born in Orem, Utah, DeAnna “Vitamin D” Bennett will make her 2022 debut and third appearance under the BELLATOR MMA banner. The 37-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt enters the Feb. 19 fight fresh off a huge win over former top contender Alejandra Lara at BELLATOR MMA 266 in San Jose, Calif. Bennett would go on to dedicate the unanimous decision victory to her late father, who served as a San Jose police officer and worked events at the SAP Center where Bennett’s bout was held. Now, the former Invicta FC veteran will look to build off her recent triumph and climb the ranks in BELLATOR’s stacked 125-pound division.

Following a five-year stint with the rival promotion, seven-time UFC veteran Justine Kish joined forces with BELLATOR MMA by signing a multi-fight deal in January 2021. After making an appearance on “The Ultimate Fighter 20,” the 33-year-old was awarded a UFC contract. Fighting out of Los Angeles, Kish went 2-1 in her strawweight matchups, including a notable win over Nina Nunes prior to returning to the flyweight class in 2018.

Undefeated Israeli sensation Aviv Gozali (6-0) will make his return to the BELLATOR cage in search of his seventh straight victory. Since making his professional debut at BELLATOR MMA 209 back in 2018, “The King” has amassed six first round submissions (all under the BELLATOR MMA banner), including two in the opening minute of action and a record-setting 11-second Heel Hook victory. Hailing from Bat Yam, Israel, the 21-year-old lightweight is on the cusp of superstardom as he continues his ascension to the top of the BELLATOR rankings.

Fighting out of Layton, Utah, Bobby King is locked in for the biggest fight of his career as he prepares for his first top-10 opponent. With victories in four of his past five and eight of his last 10 contests, the 38-year-old BANG Muay Thai product and Hawaiian submission specialist is on the brink of joining the lightweight division’s elite. A true thrill-seeker, King also spends time outside of the cage as a professional Fire-Knife Dancer, a traditional Samoan cultural dance that is typically performed in ceremonial processions.

A former standout wrestler at Fresno State, Isaiah Hokit signed with BELLATOR MMA in November 2020 and hails from a talented athletic family. His brother Josh Hokit is a practice squad player for the San Francisco 49ers and was called up to the pro squad during the 2020-21 NFL season. Following a tough loss in his BELLATOR MMA debut, the “Central Valley Gangster” hopes to even out his pro record on Feb. 19.

Also hoping to up his record to an even .500 at BELLATOR MMA 274, Theodore Macuka has survived a number of challenges, including an automobile’s stick shift becoming lodged in his abdomen during a car accident at a young age. After growing up and targeted as an Albanian-American in a foreign country, “The Headtaker” turned pro in July 2019 and stopped his counterpart Rikardo Hysenaj on punches at 0:36 of the opening round.

Returning to the BELLATOR MMA cage for the fourth time in as many bouts, Jordan Newman has commenced his professional career with two stoppages among three triumphs. Following a hard-fought victory in his last bout over Branko Busick at BELLATOR MMA 255 in April 2021, the 25-year-old became the first BELLATOR MMA fighter to earn a win in the SHOWTIME era.

Currently fighting out of Crestview, Fla., Cody Herbert (2-0) will be making his BELLATOR debut following two bare knuckle MMA fights in Florida late in 2021.

****

BELLATOR MMA 274: GRACIE VS. STORLEY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Feb. 19 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Welterweight Main Event: #4-Neiman Gracie (11-2) vs. #5-Logan Storley (12-1)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: #8-Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs. Mukhamed Berkamov (14-0)

Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (31-12-1) vs. Adam Piccolotti (12-4)

Heavyweight Bout: #8–Davion Franklin (4-0) vs.#8-Said Sowma (8-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

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

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Lightweight Bout: Mandel Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) vs. Nick Browne (12-1)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Christian Edwards (5-1) vs. Kevin Haley (6-6)

Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (4-0) vs. Chris Disonell (6-4)

Lightweight Bout: #9 Aviv Gozali (6-0) vs. Bobby King (10-4)

Flyweight Bout: #8 DeAnna Bennett (11-7-1) vs. Justine Kish (7-4)

175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Brennan Ward (14-6) vs. Brandon Bell (10-10)

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (3-0) vs. Cody Herbert (2-0)

Lightweight Bout: Justin Montalvo (4-0) vs. Corey Samuels (3-2)

Featherweight Bout: Isaiah Hokit (0-1) vs. Theodore Macuka (1-2)

Welterweight Bout: Orlando Mendoza (0-1) vs. Jonathan Di Lorenzo (1-0)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Jan. 29 // BELLATOR 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky // Footprint Center // Phoenix, Ariz.

Sat., Feb. 19 / / BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Area // Uncasville, Conn.

Fri. Feb. 26 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The SSE Arena, Wembley // London

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 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. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to T-Mobile Arena for the first time in 2022 with a highly anticipated welterweight matchup that will see No. 1 ranked contender Colby Covington clash with former teammate and friend No. 6 Jorge Masvidal.

UFC^® 272: COVINGTON vs MASVIDAL will take place Saturday, March 5 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. All bouts will be simulcast on ESPN+ in English and Spanish beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT with the ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass prelims. The prelims will continue exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT followed by the ESPN+ Pay-Per-View main card that will kick off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

UFC^® 272: COVINGTON vs MASVIDAL tickets will go on sale Friday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Jan. 20 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Covington (16-3, fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) aims to make a statement by delivering his most dominant performance to date in his fifth consecutive UFC main event. A former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, Covington’s relentless cardio and pressure has earned him marquee wins over former UFC champions Tyron Woodley, Robbie Lawler and Rafael Dos Anjos. He now looks to retain his spot at the top of the welterweight rankings and once again work his way back into the title picture.

Fan favorite Masvidal (35-15, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) has his sights set on landing another spectacular knockout and proving that he is still as dangerous as ever. The owner of the fastest KO in UFC history, he has finished his last five victories before the final bell, including stoppages over Nate Diaz, Ben Askren and Darren Till. Masvidal now plans to start 2022 with the most gratifying win of his career and begin rising back up the ranks.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• A battle of top strawweight contenders sees No. 3 ranked Marina Rodriguez (15-1-2, fighting out of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil) face off with No. 4 Yan Xiaonan (13-2, 1 NC, fighting out of Beijing, China)
• An exciting featherweight matchup sees No. 10 ranked contender Edson Barboza (22-10, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) take on No. 11 Bryce Mitchell (14-1, fighting out of Sherwood, Arkansas)
• Hard hitting heavyweights collide as Serghei Spivac (13-3, fighting out of Chisinau, Moldova) and Greg Hardy (7-4, 1 NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) look to start their 2022 campaigns with a statement
• Devonte Smith (11-3, fighting out of Garfield Heights, Ohio) meets Erick Gonzalez (14-6, fighting out of Torrance, Calif.) in a clash of lightweight strikers
• Flyweights Maryna Moroz (10-3, fighting out of Volnogorsk, Ukraine) and Mariya Agapova (10-2, fighting out of Pavlodar, Kazakhstan) vie to break into the top 15
• Fireworks are expected as Jalin Turner (12-5, fighting out of San Bernardino, Calif.) locks horns with Jamie Mullarkey (14-4, fighting out of Holgate, New South Wales, Australia) in a lightweight bout
• Nicolae Negumereanu (11-1, fighting out of Brasov County, Romania) looks to extend his win streak against Dana White’s Contender Series signee Ihor Potieria (20-2, fighting out of Kiev, Ukraine)
• Fan favorite Kevin Holland (21-7, 1 NC, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas) returns to welterweight to face Alex Oliveira (22-11-1, 2 NC, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• No. 9 ranked flyweight Jessica Eye (15-10, 1 NC, fighting out of Cleveland, Ohio) plans to halt the momentum of No. 14 ranked Manon Fiorot (8-1, fighting out of Nice, France)
• Intriguing flyweight action sees No. 12 Timothy Elliott (18-12-1, fighting out of Lee’s Summit, Mo.) battle No. 15 Tagir Ulanbekov (14-1, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia)
• Light heavyweight strikers Dustin Jacoby (16-5-1, fighting out of Springfield, Ill.) and Michal Oleksiejczuk (16-4, 1 NC, fighting out of Leczna, Poland) aim to steal the show

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team, as well as UFC’s exclusive Las Vegas arena destination. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

LOS ANGELES – After scoring multiple takedowns in his last bout to dethrone then-champion Douglas Lima and become the BELLATOR Welterweight World Champion in the main event of BELLATOR MMA 260, undefeated Ukrainian Yaroslav Amosov (26-0) will put his belt on the line against No. 1-ranked welterweight and London native Michael “Venom” Page (20-1) on Friday, May 13, when the promotion returns to The SSE Arena, Wembley.

One of the top fighters in the world, Amosov currently holds the longest active unbeaten streak in all of MMA, having yet to taste defeat through is first 26 professional fights. With only three wins to go before eclipsing retired MMA star Khabib Nurmagomedov’s record of 29 straight wins, Page will look to spoil Amosov’s entry into the history books and capture BELLATOR gold in the process, becoming the first British welterweight to do so. 

SHOWTIME will televise the main card action live from The SSE Arena, Wembley in London at 9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET.Additionally, the stacked preliminary slate of fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 5:30 p.m. GMT/1:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets for BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP will go on sale Friday, Jan. 21, at both axs.com/uk and BELLATOR.com, with a special presale taking place starting Wednesday, Jan. 19.

Honing his skills with American Top Team in Florida, the undefeated “Dynamo” smothered three-time welterweight champion Douglas Lima on June 11, 2021, en route to capturing the 170-pound title with a five-round unanimous decision. Amosov pitched a shutout on one scorecard, while dropping only round on the other two. The judges scored the contest 50-45 and 49-46 twice.

Set to headline a BELLATOR MMA card for the third time in eight fights since joining the promotion in July 2018, the Ukrainian powerhouse has compiled a perfect 7-0 promotional record with triumphs over such top-tier talent as Ed Ruth, Logan Storley, and Lima.

Prior to commencing his professional MMA career at age 18 in 2012 and becoming the first Ukrainian-born champion in BELLATOR MMA history, Amosov secured the World Combat Sambo Federation crown four times (2013-15, and 2017), as well as the European Combat Sambo Federation title twice (2013-14). A four-time world sambo kingpin, the Kiev native also earned a European Cup crown to go along with his two European and Eurasia championships during a stellar amateur career.

Scheduled to fight for the second consecutive time in front of his hometown fans, MVP avenged a previous loss by earning a hard-fought, split decision in his last outing over Lima at BELLATOR MMA 267 on Oct. 1, 2021. Two of the judges saw it 29-28 for MVP, while the third scored the close battle 29-28 for Lima.

Hailing from a highly successful kickboxing family, the multi-faceted MVP started his mixed arts career when he began training at the tender age of five. Nicknamed “Venom” in homage to a 1978 cult martial arts film entitled “Five Deadly Venoms,” the United Kingdom standout turns 35 one month prior to challenging Amosov. In addition to his cage success, Page has secured 10 freestyle kickboxing world titles and knocked out both of his pro boxing opponents since making his 2016 squared circle debut.

After opening his BELLATOR MMA career with a 10-second destruction of Ryan Sanders at BELLATOR MMA 93 in March 2013, MVP has recorded the most knockouts in the history of the Scott Coker-led promotion. Three years after his promotional debut, the once-beaten Londoner captured one of the most devastating knockouts in BELLATOR MMA history when he landed a flying knee at 4:31 of the second round to stop Brazilian Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos at BELLATOR MMA 158 in London. Currently riding a six-bout winning streak, the hard-hitting Page opened his pro career by scoring nine first-round finishes in his initial 13 contests.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Jan. 29 // BELLATOR 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky // Footprint Center // Phoenix, Ariz.

Sat., Feb. 19 / / BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Area // Uncasville, Conn.

Fri. Feb. 26 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The SSE Arena, Wembley // London

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 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. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Columbus, Ohio for the first time in 13 years with a thrilling light heavyweight contenders’ battle that will see former champion and No. 1 ranked Jan Blachowicz take on surging No. 3 Aleksandar Rakic. In a clash of top flyweights, No. 2 ranked contender Askar Askarov faces No. 6 Kai Kara-France in a matchup with title implications.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: BLACHOWICZ vs. RAKIC will take place Saturday, March 26 from Nationwide Arena. The entire event will be available on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+, starting with the prelims at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT. The main card will begin at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: BLACHOWICZ vs. RAKIC tickets will go on sale Friday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. ET and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Jan. 13 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

No. 14-ranked men’s pound-for-pound fighter Blachowicz (28-9, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland) aims to kick off his 2022 campaign with another spectacular KO victory. During his UFC run, he has delivered memorable wins against Israel Adesanya, Dominick Reyes and Luke Rockhold. Blachowicz now intends to defend his spot on the 205-pound ladder with a show-stealing performance and set himself up for another crack at the championship.

Rakic (14-2, fighting out of Vienna, Austria) hopes to keep his momentum going following consecutive victories over former title challengers Thiago Santos and Anthony Smith. A well-rounded competitor with KO power, he has also secured notable stoppage victories over Jimi Manuwa and Devin Clark. Rakic now hopes to take out a former champion in emphatic fashion and stake his claim for his first UFC title shot.

Undefeated Askarov (14-0-1, fighting out of Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Russia) has wasted no time turning heads since joining the UFC roster in 2019. Following a split draw against now-champion Brandon Moreno, he has since netted impressive wins over Joseph Benavidez, Alexandre Pantoja and Tim Elliott. Askarov is now gunning to earn his first UFC title opportunity with another dominant performance.

Kara-France (23-9 1NC, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) is coming off a sensational KO victory against former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt last month. A heavy-handed striker, he holds thrilling victories over Rogerio Bontorin, Tyson Nam and Raulian Paiva. Kara-France now looks for another highlight-reel finish to continue his ascent up the flyweight rankings.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• MMA legend Matt Brown (25-8, fighting out of Columbus, Ohio) looks to steal the show in front of his hometown fans when he faces Bryan Barberena (16-8, fighting out of Gastonia, N.C. by way of Knoxville, Tenn.) in a welterweight bout guaranteed to deliver action
• No. 8 ranked women’s strawweight contender Michelle Waterson (18-9, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) squares off with No. 9 Amanda Ribas (11-2, fighting out of Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil)
• Nate Landwehr (14-5, fighting out of Clarksville, Tenn.) locks horns with unbeaten Lerone Murphy (11-0-1, fighting out of Manchester, England) in an intriguing featherweight bout
• No. 7 ranked women’s flyweight contender Joanne Wood (15-7, fighting out of Glasgow, Scotland) battles No. 11 Alexa Grasso (13-3, fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
• Tucker Lutz (12-2, fighting out of Baltimore, Md.) takes on SeungWoo Choi (10-4, fighting out of Gangneung, South Korea) in a featherweight matchup
• No. 9 ranked women’s bantamweight contender Sara McMann (12-6, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) meets No. 13 Karol Rosa (15-3, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• Rising bantamweight prospects collide when Montel Jackson (12-2, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) faces Danaa Batgerel (10-2, fighting out of Erdenetsagaan, Sukhbaatar, Mongolia)
• No. 8 ranked flyweight contender Matheus Nicolau (15-3-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) takes on No. 10 David Dvorak (20-3, fighting out of Horice, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic)
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Aliaskhab Khizriev (13-0, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) squares off with Abus Magomedov (24-4-1, fighting out of Düsseldorf, Germany) in a clash of debuting middleweights

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About Nationwide Arena

Nationwide Arena is the centerpiece of the downtown Arena District featuring an exciting mixture of restaurants, business, entertainment and residential space that attracts visitors from across the country.   Located on the corner of Nationwide Boulevard and Front Street, the venue opened to great fanfare in September of 2000 and has since hosted the NHL All-Star Game, regular season and playoff hockey, NCAA championships, local, regional and national conferences and a multitude of concerts and touring events.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

DUBLIN – Leading mixed martial arts promotion BELLATOR MMA has today added a number of explosive fights to BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford, taking place at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, on Friday, February 25. 

In what is set to be the biggest Irish female fight ever, a women’s featherweight bout between Northern Ireland’s Leah McCourt (6-1) and Ireland’s most-recent title challenger Sinead Kavanagh (7-5) is set to light up the main card. Plus, a bantamweight main card attraction between home favorite Brian Moore (14-8), whotakes on No. 9 ranked Jornel Lugo (7-0).

The promotion’s explosive return to the Irish capital for BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs Vanderford, sees middleweight world champion Gegard Mousasi defend his crown against undefeated American Austin Vanderford. The co-main event sees Irish star Peter Queally return to action against Manchester, England’s Kane Mousah (13-4) in the lightweight division.

Broadcast details and additional fights are set to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online from Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com.

Sinead Kavanagh will be hoping to respond to a heartbreaking world title loss against Cyborg in her last outing in November at BELLATOR 271. A winner of her two previous BELLATOR outings before facing the pound-for-pound queen, Kavanagh will be looking to get back to her winning ways and live up to her “KO” moniker in front of the 3Arena crowd.

Currently riding a five-fight win streak, Northern Ireland’s McCourt returns to action following a dominant display in a unanimous decision victory against Jessica Borga during her last outing at BELLATOR 267 in October. Now sitting at No. 4 in BELLATOR’s featherweight rankings, a win at the expense of her opponent on Feb. 25 will go a long way towards moving “The Curse” one step closer to a BELLATOR world title shot against incumbent champion, Cris Cyborg.

Brian Moore’s long-awaited Dublin return will see the Wexford fighter go toe-to-toe with No. 9 ranked bantamweight Jornel Lugo. “The Pikeman” will be hoping the home support helps him hand Lugo his first professional defeat and in doing so climb into the official bantamweight rankings for the first time. Lugo has won all four of his bouts under the BELLATOR banner, including an emphatic first round submission win against Keith Lee at BELLATOR 265 earlier this year.

Several additions have been confirmed for the  preliminary card including a bantamweight bout between Welshman Brett Johns (17-3) and Khurshed Kakhorov (8-0). Johns makes his return to European soil looking to make a statement in a must-see match-up against the undefeated Kakhorov. MMA veteran Johns boasts an impressive 17 wins from his 20 professional fights, while Kakhorov has won each of his first eight bouts, including a dominant unanimous decision win in his BELLATOR debut against Jair Junior at BELLATOR 267 in October. 

England’s No. 5 ranked Fabian Edwards (9-2) is set to make his return to the cage in Dublin when he takes on Marian Dimitrov (10-2). “The Assassin” won his first nine professional fights and established himself as one of the rising stars in BELLATOR’s middleweight division. He will be looking to bounce back from a defeat in his last fight against Dublin title challenger Austin Vanderford at BELLATOR 259 in May.

Ireland’s Danni McCormack (5-0) returns to action fresh from her win at the 3Arena in November against Audrey Kerouche, when she faces Stephanie Page (5-3) in a strawweight bout. The preliminary card  also features a welterweight bout between Italian Stefano Paterno (13-4-1) and BELLATOR debutantLuca Poclit (6-1) and a featherweight fight between Wales’ Scott Pedersen (1-2) and Ireland’s Nathan Kelly (3-2).

Rounding out the additions to the preliminary card is a featherweight affair between up-and-coming Irishman Ciaran Clarke (4-0) and BELLATOR debutant Abou Tounkara (7-2).

Fans can see the updated card for BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs Vanderford below:

****

BELLATOR 275: MOUSASI VS. VANDERFORD MAIN CARD:

Middleweight World Title Main Event: #C-Gegard Mousasi (48-7, 2 NC) vs. #1-Austin Vanderford (11-0)

Lightweight Bout: #5-Peter Queally (13-6, 1 NC) vs. Kane Mousah (13-4)

Women’s Featherweight Bout: #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-5)vs. #4–Leah McCourt (6-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Brian Moore (14-8) vs. #9-Jornel Lugo (7-0)

BELLATOR 275: MOUSASI VS. VANDERFORD PRELIMINARY CARD:

Bantamweight Bout: Brett Johns (17-3) vs. Khurshed Kakhorov (8-0)

Lightweight Bout: Charlie Leary (17-11-1) vs. Davy Gallon (19-7-2)

Featherweight Bout: Ciaran Clarke (4-0) vs. Abou Tounkara (7-2)

Middleweight Bout: #5-Fabian Edwards (9-2) vs. Marian Dimitrov (10-2)

Welterweight Bout: Stefano Paterno (13-4-1) vs. Luca Poclit (6-1)

Strawweight Bout: Danni McCormack (5-0) vs. Stephanie Page (5-3)

Lightweight Bout: Junior Morgan (3-0) vs. Darragh Kelly (Pro Debut)

Featherweight Bout: Scott Pedersen (1-2) vs. Nathan Kelly (3-2)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Jan. 29 // BELLATOR 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ

Fri. Feb. 19 // BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, CT

Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, IRE

****

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 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. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® kicks off 2022 with a thrilling featherweight contenders’ bout that will see No. 5 ranked Calvin Kattar take on No. 8 Giga Chikadze. The co-main event will feature Muslim Salikhov squaring off with Michel Pereira in a battle of surging welterweight strikers.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: KATTAR vs. CHIKADZE will take place Saturday, Jan. 15 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The main card will be available on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off exclusively on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

Talented striker Kattar (22-5, fighting out of Methuen, Mass.) has firmly etched himself among the featherweight division’s toughest competitors. Throughout his UFC run, he has secured spectacular KO victories over Jeremy Stephens, Ricardo Lamas and Shane Burgos. Kattar now has his sights set on defending his spot in the rankings by becoming the first fighter to knock out Chikadze.

Decorated kickboxer Chikadze (14-2, fighting out of Tbilisi, Georgia) wasted no time cracking into the featherweight elite since joining the UFC roster. Currently riding a nine-fight win streak, he has delivered memorable KO wins against Edson Barboza, Cub Swanson and Jamey Simmons. Chikadze now aims to secure the biggest victory of his career to enter the division’s top five.

Multiple-time Sanda world champion Salikhov (18-2, fighting out of Buynaksk, Dagestan, Russia) has proven to be among the most dynamic strikers in the UFC. Currently riding a five-fight win streak, he holds impressive wins over Francisco Trinaldo, Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos and Nordine Taleb. Salikhov now looks for another impressive victory to set himself up for a top-15 opportunity.

All-action fighter Pereira (26-11 2NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) has proven to be among the most exciting fighters at 170 pounds. Throughout his UFC run, he has earned impressive victories against Niko Price, Khaos Williams and Danny Roberts. Pereira now intends to steal the show in his second UFC co-main event opportunity with another wild finish.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Former women’s flyweight title challengers meet when No. 2 ranked Katlyn Chookagian (16-4, fighting out of Amity Harbor, N.Y. by way of Quakertown, Penn.) faces No. 4 Jennifer Maia (19-7-1, fighting out of Curitiba, PR, Brazil)
• No. 5 ranked flyweight contender Brandon Royval (12-6, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) battles No. 7 Rogerio Bontorin (17-3 1NC, fighting out of Colombo, Parana, Brazil)
• Jake Collier (12-6, fighting out of Cuba, Mo.) locks horns with Chase Sherman (15-8, fighting out of D’Iberville, Miss.) at heavyweight
• Gabriel Benitez (22-10, fighting out of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico) hopes to return to the win column when he meets TJ Brown (15-8, fighting out of Little Rock, Ark.) at featherweight
• Bill Algeo (14-6, fighting out of King of Prussia, Penn.) takes on Dana White’s Contender Series signee Joanderson Brito (12-2-1, fighting out of Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil) at featherweight
• The Ultimate Fighter season 11 winner Court McGee (21-10, fighting out of Orem, Utah) goes for his 10^th UFC win when he meets Ramiz Brahimaj (9-3, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) at welterweight
• Dakota Bush (8-3, fighting out of Cuba, Mo.) faces Dana White’s Contender Series veteran Viacheslav Borshchev (5-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif. by way of Volgograd, Russia) at lightweight
• Jamie Pickett (12-6, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) takes on UFC newcomer Joseph Holmes (7-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) in a middleweight clash
• Brian Kelleher (23-12, fighting out of Selden, N.Y.) meets Saidyokub Kakhramonov (9-2, fighting out of Irvine, Calif. by way of Samarkand, Uzbekistan) in an intriguing bantamweight bout
• Strawweight prospects Silvana Juarez (10-3, fighting out of Tucuman, Argentina) and Vanessa Demopoulos (6-4, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) both vie for their first UFC victories

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

LOS ANGELES – Fresh off an 87-second destruction of Mark Lemminger in the co-main event of BELLATOR MMA 266, No. 4-ranked Neiman Gracie (11-2) will strap on the BELLATOR gloves for the 12^th consecutive time when he takes on once-beaten and No. 5-ranked Logan Storley (12-1) in a clash of top-10 170-pounders at BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley on Saturday, Feb. 19.

In the co-featured bout inside Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., former BELLATOR Welterweight Champion and No. 8-ranked Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) will return to action and open his 2022 campaign against Mukhamed Berkhamov (15-1), a winner of his last seven contests. The main card will also see undefeated Keri Taylor Melendez (5-0) compete at flyweight against former title challenger and No. 6-ranked Veta Arteaga (6-4) and a pair of heavyweights who find themselves tied at No. 8 in the official rankings will open the main card, when undefeated prospect Davion Franklin (4-0) fights Said Sowma (8-2).

SHOWTIME will televise the BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley main card live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Additionally, the thrilling preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3p.m. PT.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley will go on sale Friday, Jan. 7 at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com, with a special presale taking place Thursday, Jan. 6.

Five preliminary contests are also official for BELLATOR MMA 274, three lightweight bouts, the first pitting 44-fight veteran Georgi Karakhanyan (31-12-1) against Northern California’s Adam Piccolotti (12-4), a battle between two of the best nicknames in MMA, Mandel “Rat Garbage” Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) and Nick “Nyquil” Browne (12-1), as well as Corey Samuels (3-2), who won in ten seconds in his BELLATOR debut, returning to face undefeated Justin Montalvo (4-0).

The final two preliminary contests will see Isaiah Hokit (0-1) will move down to featherweight in his second BELLATOR outing, when he takes on Albert Birckhead (0-1) in his promotional debut. Lastly, top-flight bantamweight prospect Jaylon Bates (4-0) welcomes Chris Disonell (6-4) back to BELLATOR for the first time since 2019.

Originating from the exalted Brazilian jiu-jitsu family, Gracie scored his first professional TKO when he backed his opponent against the fence and unleashed a barrage of unanswered punches to Lemminger’s head, forcing referee Jason Herzog to stop the contest at 1:27 of the opening round on Sept. 18, 2021, in San Jose, Calif.

The great grandson of Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu founder Carlos Gracie, nephew of MMA icon Royce Gracie, and cousin to Renzo Gracie, Neiman Gracie opened his outstanding MMA career by recording nine consecutive wins of then-undefeated opponents, including eight by submission.

A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the 33-year-old BELLATOR veteran currently holds a 9-2 promotional record. While others his age were learning to speak their native language, Gracie began jiu-jitsu training at age four. Fast forward to 18 years later when the multi-faceted fighter earned the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt at 22. Additionally, the Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Kings MMA fighter captured the 2011 U.S National Jiu-Jitsu title, 2008 Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu crown, and 2007 American National Jiu-Jitsu championship during an illustrious amateur career.

Hailing from Webster, S.D., the hard-hitting Storley commenced his pro vocation with six consecutive knockouts, including five in the initial stanza, en route to 11 straight triumphs overall. Furthermore, “The Storm” will make his ninth consecutive BELLATOR appearance where he currently holds a magnificent 7-1 record.

Like his counterpart on Feb. 19, Storley began wresting at a young age, albeit one year later at age five. Additionally, the Sanford MMA product and former folkstyle wrestler completed a fabled amateur career as a four-time NCAA Division-I champion at the University of Minnesota, as well as a six-time South Dakota High School Activities Association titlist.

The 29-year-old Storley, who holds academic degrees in both business and marketing, thrilled his hometown crowd in his last turn by earning a split-decision victory over Dante Schiro in the co-featured bout of BELLATOR MMA 265 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

BELLATOR MMA 274: GRACIE VS. STORLEY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Feb. 19 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Welterweight Main Event: #4-Neiman Gracie (11-2) vs. #5-Logan Storley (12-1)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: #8-Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs. Mukhamed Berkamov (15-1)

Flyweight Bout: #6–Veta Arteaga (6-4) vs. Keri Taylor Melendez (5-0)

Heavyweight Bout: #8-Said Sowma (8-2) vs.#8–Davion Franklin (4-0)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (31-12-1) vs. Adam Piccolotti (12-4)

Lightweight Bout: Mandel Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) vs. Nick Browne (12-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (4-0) vs. Chris Disonell (6-4)

Lightweight Bout: Corey Samuels (3-2) vs. Justin Montalvo (4-0)

Featherweight Bout: Isaiah Hokit (0-1) vs. Albert Birckhead (0-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Jan. 29 // BELLATOR 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky // Footprint Center // Phoenix, Ariz.

Sat., Feb. 19/ / BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Area // Uncasville, Conn.

Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

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 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. 

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky has announced several new mouth-watering matchups to the event on Saturday, Jan. 29, which emanates from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ and is headlined by the Heavyweight World Title fight between current 265-pound champion Ryan Bader (28-7, 1 NC)and interim heavyweight titleholder Valentin Moldavsky (11-1).

The card’s co-main event will feature a showdown of top-10 lightweight contenders as Phoenix, Ariz., resident and No. 6-ranked Benson Henderson (28-11) hopes to thrill the hometown fans against No.7-ranked Islam Mamedov (20-1-1).

In addition, the main card will see a featherweight fight featuring Fight Ready MMA gym’s Henry “OK” Corrales (19-6), who will fight in front of his adopted town against Birmingham, England’s own Aiden Lee (10-5) and hard-hitting American Top Team welterweight Sabah Homasi (15-10), who returns to action against tenacious Tennessean Jaleel Willis (15-3) in a battle of Southeastern talents.

Several newly announced preliminary fights have been added to the packed event including a battle of unbeaten middleweights with identical records as No. 9-ranked Romero Cotton (5-0) of Hutchinson, Kansas, faces knockout artist Dalton Rosta (5-0).

Additionally, two of the hardest-hitting 205 pounders in the BELLATOR stable will square off when former Arizona State wrestling standout Sullivan Cauley (2-0) takes on viral fan-favorite Ben “Big Tuna” Parrish (5-1).

Lastly, BELLATOR veteran Saad Awad (24-13, 1 NC) of San Bernardino, Calif., strives to build off a highlight reel first-round TKO in his last outing when he makes his 23^rd consecutive promotional appearance by confronting Sacramento scrapper Chris Gonzalez (6-1) in a 155-pound Golden State skirmish.

SHOWTIME will televise the highly anticipated main card live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additionally, the must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channels, as well as Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Benson Henderson has held world championships for both UFC and WEC during a standout 15-plus-year MMA career and is fueled by a quest for BELLATOR gold. Standing in the way of that monumental achievement is Dagestan, Russia-bred Islam Mamedov who is currently riding a 20-bout unbeaten streak (19 victories, one draw) dating back to 2010.

Returning to the 145-pound division in his last fight, Henry “OK” Corrales pressured Vladyslav Parubchenko for three straight rounds en route to a unanimous decision triumph at BELLATOR 268. Possessing 19 professional victories, including seven by knockout and six by submission, the 35-year-old Californian will fight for the second straight time at Footprint Center. On the other side of the cage, 26-year-old United Kingdom native Aiden Lee sports submission wins in eight of his 10 professional victories and will fight in the United States for only the second time in 16 pro-outings.

Armed with six opening-round stoppages among 10 career knockouts, “The Sleek Sheik” Sabah Homasi wastes no time when he steps into the cage. On the other side, Jaleel “The Realest” Willis maintains a pace that opponents find difficult to match as he has defeated six of his last seven opponents.

After calling out his name for years, Dalton Rosta will finally get his wish when he collides with fellow undefeated middleweight Romero Cotton. Following his 2019 BELLATOR debut, Rosta, a former Seton Hall University wrestler, has taken the promotion by storm as “Hercules” has stopped 60 percent of his opponents within two rounds. Cotton, a decorated college wrestler in his own right from the University of Nebraska at Kearny, made his BELLATOR debut in 2017 and has finished four of his five opponents in the first two stanzas.

Fighting in his home state of Arizona for the second time in three appearances, Sullivan Cauley has yet to go more than one round in his young MMA career. In his pro debut at BELLATOR MMA 253 in November 2020, “Sully” made quick work of Jason Markland by dispatching of his opponent in 28 seconds. Less than a year later, Cauley continued his winning ways by stopping Deon Clash with one second remaining in the opening frame at BELLATOR MMA 268. Nicknamed “Big Tuna,” Ben Parrish is currently riding the momentum of a 38-second, knockout-of-the-year candidate over rising star Christian Edwards at BELLATOR MMA 266 and has defeated 80 percent of his adversaries by submission.

Coming off a first-round knockout over Nate Andrews in May 2021, promotional mainstay Saad Awad will take sole possession of second-most BELLATOR fights of all time when he steps into the cage for the 24^th time to take on Team Alpha Male-product Chris Gonzalez. Carrying his collegiate All-American wrestling skills into the cage, Gonzalez has been dominant since his promotional debut in 2019, tallying five victories in six contests.

****

BELLATOR MMA 273: BADER VS. MOLDAVSKY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Jan. 29 – live on SHOWTIME

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

Heavyweight World Title Main Event: C-Ryan Bader (28-7, 1 NC) vs. IC-Valentin Moldavsky (11-1)

Lightweight Bout: #6-Benson Henderson (28-11) vs. #7-Islam Mamedov (20-1-1)

Featherweight Bout: Henry Corrales (19-6) vs. Aiden Lee (10-5)

Welterweight Bout: Sabah Homasi (15-10) vs. Jaleel Willis (15-3)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT 

Bantamweight Bout: Darrion Caldwell (14-5) vs. Enrique Barzola (16-5-2)

Lightweight Bout: Saad Awad (24-13, 1 NC) vs. Chris Gonzalez (6-1)

Middleweight Bout: #9-Romero Cotton (5-0) vs. Dalton Rosta (5-0)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Sullivan Cauley (2-0) vs. Ben Parrish (5-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

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 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. 

DUBLIN, IRELAND – BELLATOR MMA Middleweight World Champion Gegard Mousasi (48-7, 2 NC) defends his crown against undefeated #1-ranked middleweight Austin Vanderford (11-0) on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, as Dublin’s electrifying 3Arena plays host to a BELLATOR world title fight for the second time in four months with BELLATOR DUBLIN: Mousasi vs. Vanderford.

Tickets for BELLATOR DUBLIN: Mousasi vs. Vanderford go on sale Saturday, Dec. 18 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com with a special presale taking place starting Friday, Dec. 17.

The co-main event sees Irish star and #5-ranked lightweight Peter Queally (14-5) return to action against Manchester, England’s Kane Mousah (13-4), as he looks to rebound from his recent title challenge at BELLATOR 270 last November.

In addition, a pair of lightweight contests are confirmed for the event, when Charlie Leary (17-11-1) takes on Davy Gallon (19-7-2) and Junior Morgan (3-0) faces Darragh Kelly, who’s 9-0 as an amateur and will be making his professional debut on Feb. 25. Fellow home favorite Brian “The Pikeman” Moore (14-8) is also set to compete on the card with his opponent yet to be confirmed.

Broadcast details and additional fights, including a host of Irish talent, are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

A two-time BELLATOR MMA Middleweight World Champion, Mousasi enjoyed his first reign in 2018, winning the title against Rafael Carvalho and defending it against Rory MacDonald, before losing a thrilling match-up to Rafael Lovato Jr. The Dutchman reclaimed his title in a huge clash with former welterweight champion Douglas Lima in October 2020 before another successful defense against John Salter in August 2021. Currently ranked fourth in the BELLATOR pound-for-pound rankings, Mousasi will be looking to produce fireworks in front of a packed 3Arena crowd.

Austin Vanderford has quickly established himself as one of the best middleweights on the planet, boasting an 11-0 career professional record. Since signing for BELLATOR in 2019, he is undefeated in five bouts, including a thrilling unanimous decision win over Fabian Edwards earlier this year at BELLATOR 259. The #1 ranked American Top Team product will look to emulate his training partner and reigning welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov by becoming a BELLATOR world champion in his first attempt.

Queally meanwhile, who is currently ranked #5 in the lightweight division, will look to use the might of the home crowd to help him secure a decisive win over Mousah. Queally will be looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking title fight defeat toPatricky “Pitbull” Freire in front of the same Dublin crowd at BELLATOR 270 in November. The SBG standout is known for his exciting style and electrifying walkouts and will be looking to climb the lightweight rankings again and put his name back into title contention with a dominant victory.

After more than 18 months away from the 3Arena, BELLATOR’S return to the iconic Dublin venue twice in the space of four months is sure to be met with delight from the loyal Irish MMA fans. With another title on the line and one of the most iconic names on the BELLATOR roster in Gegard Mousasi competing at the top of the card against the #1 ranked competitor in Austin Vanderford, it promises to be a night to remember in the Irish capital. If Queally secures his comeback win in the co-main, it will become one of the great nights in Irish MMA history.

****

BELLATOR DUBLIN: MOUSASI VS. VANDERFORD MAIN CARD:

Middleweight World Title Main Event: #C-Gegard Mousasi (48-7, 2 NC) vs. #1-Austin Vanderford (11-0)

Lightweight Bout: #5-Peter Queally (13-6, 1 NC) vs. Kane Mousah (13-4)

BELLATOR DUBLIN: MOUSASI VS. VANDERFORD PRELIMINARY CARD:

Lightweight Bout: Charlie Leary (17-11-1) vs. Davy Gallon (19-7-2)

Lightweight Bout: Junior Morgan (3-0) vs. Darragh Kelly (Pro Debut)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Jan. 29 // BELLATOR 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ

Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR DUBLIN: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, IRE

****

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.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Houston with a thrilling middleweight championship rematch that will see champion Israel Adesanya run it back with No. 1 contender Robert Whittaker.

UFC^® 271: ADESANYA vs. WHITTAKER 2 will take place Saturday, Feb. 12 at Toyota Center in Houston. All bouts will be simulcast on ESPN+ in English and Spanish beginning at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT with the ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass prelims. The prelims will continue exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT followed by the ESPN+ Pay-Per-View main card that will kick off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

UFC^® 271: ADESANYA vs. WHITTAKER 2 tickets will go on sale Friday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase at toyotacenter.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. CT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Dec. 16 starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Adesanya (22-1, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) dethroned Whittaker in front of the largest live audience in UFC history at UFC 243 in 2019. Since then, he has delivered memorable title defenses against Marvin Vettori, Paulo Costa and Yoel Romero. Adesanya now aims to stop Whittaker again to keep his spot atop the middleweight division and continue building his legacy as one of the most dominant UFC champions.

Former champion Whittaker (23-5, fighting out of Sydney, Australia) is gunning to even the score with heated rival Adesanya. Throughout his UFC run, The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes winner secured spectacular victories over Jared Cannonier, Derek Brunson and Yoel Romero (twice). Whittaker now has his sights set on reclaiming his middleweight championship by becoming the first fighter to finish Adesanya in MMA.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Kyler Phillips (9-2, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) squares off with Marcelo Rojo (16-8, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico by way of Rio Cuarto, Cordoba, Argentina) in an exciting bantamweight bout
• Women’s MMA pioneer and No. 12 ranked contender Roxanne Modafferi (25-20, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) battles undefeated No. 15 Casey O’Neill (8-0, fighting out of Gold Coast, Australia)
• No. 4 ranked flyweight contender Alex Perez (24-6, fighting out of Lemoore, Calif.) battles No. 9 Matt Schnell (15-6, fighting out of Shreveport, La.)
• Vinc Pichel (14-2, fighting out of Englewood, Colo. by way of Simi Valley, Calif.) looks to hand Mark O. Madsen (11-0, fighting out of Maribo, Denmark by way of Nykøbing Falster, Denmark) his first loss in an intriguing lightweight contest
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Carlos Ulberg (5-1, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) hopes to secure another memorable KO when he takes on Fabio Cherant (7-3, fighting out of Wrentham, Mass.) at light heavyweight
• The Ultimate Fighter season three veteran Ed Herman (27-15 1NC, fighting out of Vancouver, Wash.) meets Maxim Grishin (31-9-2, fighting out of Grozny, Chechen Republic, Russia) in a light heavyweight clash
• Mana Martinez (9-2, fighting out of Houston, Texas) looks to impress in front of his hometown crowd when he takes on Ronnie Lawrence (7-1, fighting out of Sunrise, Fla.) at bantamweight
• Battle-tested lightweights collide when Alexander Hernandez (13-4, fighting out of San Antonio, Texas) locks horns with Renato Moicano (15-4-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil)
• Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner AJ Dobson (6-0 1NC, fighting out of Columbus, Ohio) faces Jacob Malkoun (5-1, fighting out of Sydney, Australia) at middleweight
• Douglas Silva (27-4 1NC, fighting out of Castanhal, Para, Brazil) looks to continue his momentum at bantamweight when he meets Sergey Morozov (17-4, fighting out of Aktobe, Kazakhstan)
• Orion Cosce (7-1, fighting out of Arcata, Calif.) goes for his first UFC win when he takes on Blood Diamond (3-0, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) at welterweight

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About Toyota Center

Since opening in October 2003, Toyota Center has set a new standard for sports and entertainment, becoming one of the premier live entertainment venues in the nation. Laid over the span of six city blocks, Toyota Center is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Toyota Center also plays host to the nation’s top concerts and touring shows. The arena’s playing surface is set nearly 32-feet below street level giving Toyota Center the largest lower level of any arena in the nation. Coupled with the exclusive Lexus Lounge, trendy Golden Nugget Club, Red and White Bistro’s superior food and service, Toyota Center offers something for everyone making it the hottest spot for sports and entertainment in Houston. For more information, visit ToyotaCenter.com.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA Heavyweight World Champion Ryan Bader (28-7, 1 NC) returns to the division following his impressive run in the BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix and will now meet interim heavyweight kingpin Valentin Moldavsky (11-1) to headline BELLATOR MMA 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky. The long-awaited title unification bout takes place on Saturday, Jan. 29 at the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury.

In addition, former bantamweight world champion Darrion Caldwell (14-5) returns to action against the winner of Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2, Enrique Barzola (16-5-2), who makes his BELLATOR debut.

The main card will air live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while the preliminary card begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and airs on the BELLATOR and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channels, as well as Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky go on sale Thursday, Dec. 16 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com. A special presale will be taking place the day prior.

A former two-division champion, Ryan Bader has had nothing but high-profile bouts since signing with BELLATOR MMA in 2017, defeating Fedor Emelianenko, King Mo, Matt Mitrione, Linton Vassell, Lyoto Machida, Phil Davis and has gone toe-to-toe with Vadim Nemkov, Corey Anderson and Cheick Kongo. A winner in eight of his last 11 bouts, Arizona State University’s “Darth” Bader will once again have a partisan crowd in attendance when he meets Valentin Moldavksy at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Making his return to the heavyweight division for the first time since 2019, Bader’s last title defense came against the aforementioned Kongo, a bout Bader was controlling until an accidental eye poke prematurely ended the contest.

The winner of the first-ever interim title in BELLATOR history, Valentin Moldavsky became Bader’s mandatory challenger following a dominant win over Tim Johnson at BELLATOR 261. Training under the tutelage of heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko, Moldavskyhas begun carving out his own legacy, accruing a perfect 6-0 record within the confines of the BELLATOR cage. A multi-time European Sambo champion, Moldavsky has defeated top heavyweight contenders such as Johnson, Javy Ayala, Linton Vassell, and Roy Nelson on his climb to the top. Born in Ukraine, the 30-year-old looks to join teammate Vadim Nemkov and become the undisputed champion of the heavyweight division on January 29.

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BELLATOR MMA 273: BADER VS. MOLDAVSKY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Jan. 29 – live on SHOWTIME

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

Heavyweight World Title Main Event: #C-Ryan Bader (28-7, 1 NC) vs. #IC-Valentin Moldavsky (11-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Darrion Caldwell (14-5) vs. Enrique Barzola (16-5-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT 

*Card subject to change.

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 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.