The Pala Alpitour in Torino, Italy, is getting ready for “Bellator Kickboxing: Torino” on April 16, 2016. The matches taped that night will air almost a week later immediately following Bellator 153: “Koreshkov vs. Henderson” on Spike TV.
Until now, we knew the date and the place — but not the ruleset kickboxers in this new league would face. Bellator Kickboxing recently announced its regulations and weight classes, and the latter should look very familiar.
Heavyweight: 265 pounds
Light Heavyweight: 205 pounds
Middleweight: 185 pounds
Welterweight: 170 pounds
Lightweight: 155 pounds
Featherweight: 145 pounds
Bantamweight: 135 pounds
Flyweight: 125 pounds
In addition to weight classes MMA fans are familiar with, Bellator Kickboxing judges will utilize the “10-Point-Must” scoring system, with the winner of a round getting 10 points and their opponent receiving nine points or less.
Kicks, punches, and spinning strikes are allowed EXCEPT for elbows, which are barred in all forms. Throws, takedowns, submission attempts, and striking a downed opponent for any reason are also disallowed.
Clinching is only allowed if the fighter who engages immediately throws a knee strike, otherwise they will be separated by the referee to continue fighting.
The announced fight card for “Bellator Kickboxing: Torino” is below.
Middleweight Main Event: Melvin Manhoef (49-12) vs. Alexandru Negrea (8-2)
165-Pound: Mustapha Haida (37-3-3) vs. Karim Ghajji (95-12)
Welterweight: Raymond Daniels (10-3) vs. TBA
Flyweight: Denise Kielholtz (43-2) vs. TBA
Bantamweight: Kevin Ross (30-9) vs. TBA
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