Bellator 159: “Caldwell vs. Taimanglo” comes to Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kans., on July 22, 2016, featuring undefeated Bantamweight title contender “The Wold” Darrion Caldwell (9-0) taking on winner of three straight, Joe Taimanglo (22-6-1), in Spike TV’s main event.
Bellator MMA has announced some new fights to enhance this upcoming card, not the least of which is Featherweight standouts Emmanuel Sanchez (13-2) and Daniel Weichel (36-9) in a pivotal bout for the 145-pound division. Weichel has only lost one fight since Sept. 2012, a failed bid to win the title from Patricio “Pitbull” Freire at Bellator 138. Sanchez, meanwhile, has been equally successful since Oct. 2013, his only loss coming against former champion Pat Curran at Bellator 139.
It’s fair to say the winner of this bout will be on a short list of contenders to face current champion, Daniel Straus.
In addition, Philipe Lins (9-1) will face Guilherme Viana (7-2) in a Light Heavyweight bout also set for the main card, while undefeated Bruna Ellen (2-0) will face Jessica Middleton in her first professional fight.
Check out the updated Bellator 159: “Caldwell vs. Taimanglo” fight card below:
Bellator 159 “Caldwell vs. Taimanglo” (Spike TV):
Bantamweight: Darrion Caldwell (9-0) vs. Joe Taimanglo (22-6)
Lightweight: Dave Rickels (17-4, 1 NC) vs. Melvin Guillard (32-16-2, 2 NC)
Featherweight: Daniel Weichel (36-9) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (13-2)
Light Heavyweight: Philipe Lins (9-1) vs. Guilherme Viana (7-2)
Strawweight: Bruna Ellen (2-0) vs. Jessica Middleton (Debut)Bellator 159 “Prelims” Card (Spike.com):
Strawweight: Bruna Vargas (2-0) vs. Emily Ducote (2-1)
Featherweight: Gaston Reyno (5-1, 1 NC) vs. L.J. Hermreck (3-1)
Middleweight: Manny Meraz (8-2) vs. Trey Ogden (5-1)
Welterweight: Chris Harris (6-0) vs. Matt Foster (6-8)
Lightweight: Marcio Navarro (14-12) vs. Fernando Martinez (14-10-1)
Bantamweight: Johnny Marigo (1-0) vs. Andy Riley (2-1)
Middleweight: Josh Pfeifer (4-2) vs. Henry Lindsay (5-5)
Featherweight: Chuka Willis (8-2) vs. Brandon Phillips (5-1)
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