Tag: Bellator 165

Saturday’s UFC/Bellator Tripleheader Offers Something For Everyone (Editorial)

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2_wf0B4pDc[/embed]

UFC Fight Night 99, Bellator 165 and UFC Fight Night 100 will all take place this Saturday on either digital stream or “free” television.

That means 30-plus bouts in all of live action,…

michael-chandler-benson-henderson

UFC Fight Night 99, Bellator 165 and UFC Fight Night 100 will all take place this Saturday on either digital stream or “free” television.

That means 30-plus bouts in all of live action, including a lightweight title fight featuring Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson.

Things kickoff early Saturday with an all-UFC Fight Pass card from Northern Ireland with Gegard Mousasi meeting Uriah Hall in the main event. The middleweights have history, as Hall stunned Mousasi back in 2015, earning his biggest win to date.

Ross Pearson, one of the toughest veterans in the sport, is also slated for action, as he takes on Stevie Ray, while heavyweights Timothy Johnson and Alexander Volkov and Artem Lobov and Teruto Ishihara round out the main card.

On the prelims, flyweights Ian McCall and Neil Seery should put on quite the show, while fellwo 125-pound fighters Kyoji Horiguchi and Ali Bagautinov are also set to collide. Two female fights – Anna Elmose vs. Amanda Cooper and Marion Reneau vs. Milana Dudieva – should provide a jolt of energy early in the card.

Mark Godbeer and Brett Johns are not as well known in the U.S. as they are over in Europe, but that could change soon. Godbeer, a heavyweight, meets Justin Ledet, while Johns takes on Kwan Ho Kwak at bantamweight.

Bellator 165 is all about Chandler and Henderson. The promotion is putting a lot of work into the card, hyping Chandler as the man to submit Eddie Alvarez, while Henderson owns wins over UFC fighters Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone and Frankie Edgar.

But that isn’t all from the SAP Center in San Jose, as Michael Page puts his rising star status on the line vs. veteran Fernando Gonzalez and Keri Melendez – the wife of Gilbert Melendez – makes her MMA debut after a career in kickboxing.

If all goes as planned, the prelims will see Kevin Ferguson Jr., the son of the late Kimbo Slice, finally compete. His previous bouts have been cancelled due to issues with the opponent. Ferguson is set to face Aaron Hamilton at welterweight.

The UFC Fight Night 100 card from Brazil presents a solid rematch in the main event, as Ryan Bader battles Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. Bader won the first encounter, and you can bet the Brazilian Nogueira wants redemption.

We also get Thomas Almeida, who is coming off his first career loss to Cody Garbrandt, against unbeaten Albert Morales and former title contender Claudia Gadelha returning to take on Cortney Casey.

Justin Scoggins-Pedro Munhoz at bantamweight is interesting, as Scoggins was on the verge of being a contender at flyweight before issues with his weight prompted the move to 135 pounds.

Bellator 165 This Friday Night With Michael Chandler Vs. Benson Henderson

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYu2yZn8rjo[/embed]

Fresh on the heels of the UFC 205 blockbuster, Bellator MMA will try to keep the ball rolling towards a strong 2016 finish in MMA Friday night with Bellator 165.

In the main event on Sp…

michael-chandler-benson-henderson

Fresh on the heels of the UFC 205 blockbuster, Bellator MMA will try to keep the ball rolling towards a strong 2016 finish in MMA Friday night with Bellator 165.

In the main event on Spike, lightweight champion Michael Chandler defends his title against former UFC titleholder Benson Henderson.

The card also features welterweight superstar Michael Page in action.

Jimmy Smith, the veteran voice of Bellator, offers up his thoughts on the lightweight title fight in the video above.

“Baby Slice’s” Debut Set For Bellator 165 Event On 11/19

Kevin Ferguson

After his originally scheduled professional MMA debut under the Bellator MMA banner was cancelled, Kevin Ferguson Jr. now has a new date for his first fight inside the cage.

It was announced by Bellator MMA this week that “Baby Slice,” son of the late MMA legend Kimbo Slice (Kevin Ferguson Sr.), will make his promotional debut at the upcoming Bellator 165 event scheduled for later this month.

Below is the official press release issued by Bellator MMA officials on Monday:

PROFESSIONAL DEBUT OF KEVIN ‘BABY SLICE’ FERGUSON JR. ADDED TO PRELIMINARY CARD OF “BELLATOR 165: CHANDLER VS. HENDERSON” AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2016) – One week ahead of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., Bellator MMA is pleased to announce the highly anticipated professional mixed martial arts debut of Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. will come against Aaron Hamilton in a welterweight bout during the preliminary portion of the card on Nov. 19.

The contest anchors an electric preliminary card and joins a Spike-televised main card that features a lightweight world title main event pitting current champion Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In the evening’s co-main event, undefeated British phenom Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) duke it out in a welterweight thriller and Adam Piccolotti (8-0) takes on Brandon Girtz (14-4) in a lightweight clash. Lastly, a light heavyweight showdown pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) against Francis Carmont (14-4) and female flyweight action pitting Keri Melendez (Debut) against Sheila Padilla (2-0) are also set for the main card.

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” airs LIVE and FREE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on Spike and completes three consecutive weeks of championship fights on the Viacom-owned network. Tickets for the event remain on sale and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

After originally being slated to make his professional debut at both “Bellator 160” and “Bellator 162,“ “Baby Slice” will now look to showcase his fine-tuned mixed martial arts repertoire on Nov. 19. The son of the late, great “Kimbo Slice,” made a splash in the world of MMA during an amateur contest in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where he delivered a brutal knockout punch just 1:23 into the first round. In what is unquestionably one of the most talked-about debuts in promotion history, Slice hopes to parlay his amateur success with a memorable performance on the professional circuit and carry on the legacy that his father let behind. Hailing from Miami, Florida, the Team Body Shop product now has his eyes set on joining teammate A.J. McKee as one of Bellator MMA’s top young prospects.

Hamilton will once again compete in his home state of California, after previous bouts against the likes of Max Griffin. “The Snake” will be making both his Bellator MMA debut and welterweight debut, as the 185-pound slugger attempts to trim down for what is surely the biggest fight of his career. Hamilton last competed in March and hopes to spoil the long-awaited debut of Slice.

Complete “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:
Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)
Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)
Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)
Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)
Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Debut) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)

Complete Preliminary Card:
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Debut) vs. Aaron Hamilton (0-2)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremiah Labiano (9-5) vs. Vince Murdock (8-2)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Steve Ramirez (5-1)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Victor Jones (0-2) vs. Beau Hamilton (1-7)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)
Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

Kevin Ferguson

After his originally scheduled professional MMA debut under the Bellator MMA banner was cancelled, Kevin Ferguson Jr. now has a new date for his first fight inside the cage.

It was announced by Bellator MMA this week that “Baby Slice,” son of the late MMA legend Kimbo Slice (Kevin Ferguson Sr.), will make his promotional debut at the upcoming Bellator 165 event scheduled for later this month.

Below is the official press release issued by Bellator MMA officials on Monday:

PROFESSIONAL DEBUT OF KEVIN ‘BABY SLICE’ FERGUSON JR. ADDED TO PRELIMINARY CARD OF “BELLATOR 165: CHANDLER VS. HENDERSON” AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2016) – One week ahead of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., Bellator MMA is pleased to announce the highly anticipated professional mixed martial arts debut of Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. will come against Aaron Hamilton in a welterweight bout during the preliminary portion of the card on Nov. 19.

The contest anchors an electric preliminary card and joins a Spike-televised main card that features a lightweight world title main event pitting current champion Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In the evening’s co-main event, undefeated British phenom Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) duke it out in a welterweight thriller and Adam Piccolotti (8-0) takes on Brandon Girtz (14-4) in a lightweight clash. Lastly, a light heavyweight showdown pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) against Francis Carmont (14-4) and female flyweight action pitting Keri Melendez (Debut) against Sheila Padilla (2-0) are also set for the main card.

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” airs LIVE and FREE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on Spike and completes three consecutive weeks of championship fights on the Viacom-owned network. Tickets for the event remain on sale and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

After originally being slated to make his professional debut at both “Bellator 160” and “Bellator 162,“ “Baby Slice” will now look to showcase his fine-tuned mixed martial arts repertoire on Nov. 19. The son of the late, great “Kimbo Slice,” made a splash in the world of MMA during an amateur contest in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where he delivered a brutal knockout punch just 1:23 into the first round. In what is unquestionably one of the most talked-about debuts in promotion history, Slice hopes to parlay his amateur success with a memorable performance on the professional circuit and carry on the legacy that his father let behind. Hailing from Miami, Florida, the Team Body Shop product now has his eyes set on joining teammate A.J. McKee as one of Bellator MMA’s top young prospects.

Hamilton will once again compete in his home state of California, after previous bouts against the likes of Max Griffin. “The Snake” will be making both his Bellator MMA debut and welterweight debut, as the 185-pound slugger attempts to trim down for what is surely the biggest fight of his career. Hamilton last competed in March and hopes to spoil the long-awaited debut of Slice.

Complete “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:
Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)
Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)
Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)
Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)
Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Debut) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)

Complete Preliminary Card:
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Debut) vs. Aaron Hamilton (0-2)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremiah Labiano (9-5) vs. Vince Murdock (8-2)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Steve Ramirez (5-1)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Victor Jones (0-2) vs. Beau Hamilton (1-7)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)
Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

Two New Fights Added To Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson

bellator-165

On Tuesday morning, Bellator MMA announced the addition of a couple of fights for their upcoming Bellator 165 event, which features an intriguing main event between Michael Chandler and former UFC Champion Benson Henderson, with the Bellator MMA Lightweight Championship on the line.

Below is the official press release issued by Bellator MMA on Tuesday, which contains all of the information regarding the updates to the Bellator 165 fight card.

UNDEFEATED ADAM PICCOLOTTI SET FOR LIGHTWEIGHT CLASH WITH BRANDON GIRTZ AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE ON NOV. 19

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS LINTON VASSELL AND FRANCIS CARMONT ALSO ADDED TO THE SPIKE-TELEVISED MAIN CARD

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 11, 2016) – A lightweight showdown pitting Adam Piccolotti (8-0) against Brandon Girtz (14-4) and a light heavyweight matchup pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) versus Francis Carmont (14-4) have been added to the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

The bouts join a pair of action-packed fights highlighted by a lightweight world title main event featuring Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In addition, a welterweight clash between undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) will also be the card’s co-main event. Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” will take place on November 19, airing LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m ET/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

After emerging victorious in his first four professional fights, Piccolotti has continued with more of the same under the Scott Coker-led promotion’s banner. Since making his Bellator MMA debut in 2015, the California native has recorded wins in each of his four bouts, including three consecutive finishes via submission. Piccolotti opened his 2016 campaign with a nifty first round finish of Ray Wood at “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo,” lifting his overall record to 8-0. The 27-year-old will look to protect his unblemished mark when he challenges Girtz on November 19 inside SAP Center.

One year removed from an impressive first round finish that left opponent Derek Campos on the Bellator MMA canvas just 37 seconds into the bout, Girtz returns to the cage in an attempt to build off of his current three-fight winning streak. The Mankato, Minn., native holds an impressive 6-2 promotional mark since joining Bellator MMA, including four finishes and a pair of first round knockouts. Since making his professional debut in 2008, the 31-year-old Girtz has recorded 10 finishes, eight of which have come by way of submission. Having won five of his last six bouts, the powerful grappler will look to pick up right where he left off and further his case for a 155-pound title shot.

A seven-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Vassell has recorded five wins since making his promotional debut in 2013. The 33-year-old British striker is known for ending fights early with his elite striking and a near-flawless ground game. In total, “The Swarm” has finished 13 of his 16 opponents, including 10 first round finishes and six knockout blows. Vassell hopes to build off of a strong performance at the record shattering “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, where he defeated Emauel Newton. Vassell now turns his attention to Francis Carmont, an opponent that he was originally slated to face earlier in the year at “Bellator 158: Daley vs. Lima,” before an injury forced Vassell to withdraw.

Similar to his opponent, former UFC competitor Francis Carmont also has a knack for finishing opponents early and often in his bouts. The 34-year-old Carmont has stopped his opponent in 17 of his 25 career wins, including 11 submission victories and six knockouts. Hailing from Paris, France, “Limitless” credits much of his success to the top-notch trainers at Tristar Gym in Montreal, Canada. The well-known training camp is loaded with accomplished instructors, who have helped develop a number of talented fighters, including recent Bellator MMA free agent signee Rory MacDonald. With more than half of his submission finishes coming in the opening round of action, we can expect the dynamic Carmont to attack his opponent right off the bat in hopes of adding to that remarkable total.

Updated “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:
Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)
Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)
Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)
Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

Preliminary Card:
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jose Perez (2-1) vs. J.T. Donaldson (2-1)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)
Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

bellator-165

On Tuesday morning, Bellator MMA announced the addition of a couple of fights for their upcoming Bellator 165 event, which features an intriguing main event between Michael Chandler and former UFC Champion Benson Henderson, with the Bellator MMA Lightweight Championship on the line.

Below is the official press release issued by Bellator MMA on Tuesday, which contains all of the information regarding the updates to the Bellator 165 fight card.

UNDEFEATED ADAM PICCOLOTTI SET FOR LIGHTWEIGHT CLASH WITH BRANDON GIRTZ AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE ON NOV. 19

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS LINTON VASSELL AND FRANCIS CARMONT ALSO ADDED TO THE SPIKE-TELEVISED MAIN CARD

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 11, 2016) – A lightweight showdown pitting Adam Piccolotti (8-0) against Brandon Girtz (14-4) and a light heavyweight matchup pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) versus Francis Carmont (14-4) have been added to the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

The bouts join a pair of action-packed fights highlighted by a lightweight world title main event featuring Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In addition, a welterweight clash between undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) will also be the card’s co-main event. Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” will take place on November 19, airing LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m ET/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

After emerging victorious in his first four professional fights, Piccolotti has continued with more of the same under the Scott Coker-led promotion’s banner. Since making his Bellator MMA debut in 2015, the California native has recorded wins in each of his four bouts, including three consecutive finishes via submission. Piccolotti opened his 2016 campaign with a nifty first round finish of Ray Wood at “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo,” lifting his overall record to 8-0. The 27-year-old will look to protect his unblemished mark when he challenges Girtz on November 19 inside SAP Center.

One year removed from an impressive first round finish that left opponent Derek Campos on the Bellator MMA canvas just 37 seconds into the bout, Girtz returns to the cage in an attempt to build off of his current three-fight winning streak. The Mankato, Minn., native holds an impressive 6-2 promotional mark since joining Bellator MMA, including four finishes and a pair of first round knockouts. Since making his professional debut in 2008, the 31-year-old Girtz has recorded 10 finishes, eight of which have come by way of submission. Having won five of his last six bouts, the powerful grappler will look to pick up right where he left off and further his case for a 155-pound title shot.

A seven-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Vassell has recorded five wins since making his promotional debut in 2013. The 33-year-old British striker is known for ending fights early with his elite striking and a near-flawless ground game. In total, “The Swarm” has finished 13 of his 16 opponents, including 10 first round finishes and six knockout blows. Vassell hopes to build off of a strong performance at the record shattering “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, where he defeated Emauel Newton. Vassell now turns his attention to Francis Carmont, an opponent that he was originally slated to face earlier in the year at “Bellator 158: Daley vs. Lima,” before an injury forced Vassell to withdraw.

Similar to his opponent, former UFC competitor Francis Carmont also has a knack for finishing opponents early and often in his bouts. The 34-year-old Carmont has stopped his opponent in 17 of his 25 career wins, including 11 submission victories and six knockouts. Hailing from Paris, France, “Limitless” credits much of his success to the top-notch trainers at Tristar Gym in Montreal, Canada. The well-known training camp is loaded with accomplished instructors, who have helped develop a number of talented fighters, including recent Bellator MMA free agent signee Rory MacDonald. With more than half of his submission finishes coming in the opening round of action, we can expect the dynamic Carmont to attack his opponent right off the bat in hopes of adding to that remarkable total.

Updated “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:
Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)
Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)
Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)
Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

Preliminary Card:
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jose Perez (2-1) vs. J.T. Donaldson (2-1)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)
Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)