Tag: Bellator FC

Press Release – CHICAGO, Il (February 2, 2011) – Bellator Fighting Championships’ highly anticipated fourth season will premiere Saturday, March 5, at 9:00pm ET/PT and air weekly on MTV2 featuring live fights from venues around the country with many of the top mixed martial arts fighters in the world. This season will feature a welterweight, lightweight, light heavyweight and featherweight tournament with bouts airing live every Saturday night for 12 weeks on MTV2. The first Bellator event will originate from the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, CA on Saturday, March 5. Tickets will be available at www.tachipalace.com and the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino box office as the date approaches. Check out the Bellator 35 promo video here: http://bit.ly/fQ4ncK

“With our spectacular partnership with MTV2, MMA fans now have a place to watch Bellator live every Saturday night,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Our fourth season is absolutely loaded with talent, and I can’t wait to get the action started at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino when we return to California on March 5.”

Bellator showcases a unique format of world-class fighting with 12-week, eight-man tournaments featuring some of the most dynamic fighters in the world, including lightweight world champion Eddie Alvarez, middleweight champion Hector Lombard, featherweight champion Joe Warren, welterweight champion Ben Askren, bantamweight champion Zack Makovsky, heavyweight champion Cole Konrad and Women’s 115-pound champion Zoila Frausto. The Season 4 debut in Lemoore will mark Bellator’s 35th televised event in less than two years.

The first Bellator light heavyweight champion will be decided during Season 4 live on MTV2. The first fighter made official for the Bellator Season 4 light heavyweight tournament is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and member of the legendary Gracie family, Daniel Gracie.

Bellator’s third welterweight tournament is one of the most talent-filled in mixed martial arts to date. Fighters confirmed for the upcoming 170-pound tournament include former Bellator welterweight world champion Lyman Good; MMA veteran Jay “The Thoroughbred” Hieron; Season 2 finalist Dan “The Handler” Hornbuckle; undefeated Judo Olympian Rick Hawn; fast rising Brent Weedman, undefeated knockout artist Chris “The Assassin” Lozano; British standout “Judo” Jim Wallhead, and hard-hitting Iraq War veteran Steve Carl. The tournament winner will challenge Olympian and Bellator world champion Ben Askren for the welterweight world championship later this year.

The featherweight tournament includes Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Eric Larkin, Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan, Daniel Straus, Wilson Reis, Kenny “Tooth Fairy” Foster, and Zac George.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator Fighting Championships is the first MMA promotion to hold a nationally televised tournament format. Bellator’s fourth season will begin March 5, 2011, airing LIVE on MTV2.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Press Release – CHICAGO, Ill. (January 31st, 2011) — Bellator Fighting Championships today announced the final participant in the Season Four Featherweight Tournament, adding undefeated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Nazareno “Naza” Malegarie to the already impressive list of featherweight fighters. Malegarie joins Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Wilson Reis, Daniel Straus, Georgi Karakhanyan, Zac George, Kenny Foster, and Eric Larkin as the other confirmed participants in the featherweight tournament, which will air LIVE on MTV2 in March.

Fighting out of the Ataque Duplo gym in Brazil, Malegarie (19-0) initially began his training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at just 12-years-old before ultimately becoming a Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Champion. With a series of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships under his belt, “Naza” began his MMA training with UFC veteran Thiago Tavares and through the training was inspired to make MMA a profession. Having already established a reputation as one of the most dangerous and promising featherweights in Brazil with 17 finishes in his 19 victories as a professional, Malegarie is eager to prove himself to fans in the United States.

“I’m just very excited to finally have the chance to show fans in the United States what I’m capable of,” said Malegarie. “Signing with Bellator was very important for me, and I’m ready to prove myself.”

“Nazareno has had tremendous success in Brazil, and is ready for this world class featherweight tournament,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Our team’s done a spectacular job finding fighters from around the world that can compete at the highest level and Nazareno is one of those fighters.”

With no fighting experience in the United States previous to this tournament, the 24-year-old Malegarie knows there is a lot to prove to interested onlookers.

“I’m looking forward to testing myself in this upcoming Bellator Featherweight Tournament,” said Malegarie. “I’ve worked really hard to get to this spot, and I want to let people know who I am.”
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships
Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2
MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Press Release – CHICAGO, Ill. (January 31st, 2011) — After suffering the first loss of his professional career in the Bellator Season 2 Featherweight Tournament Finals against World’s #2 ranked Featherweight and Bellator World Champion Joe Warren following a string of thirteen professional victories, Patricio “Pitbull” Freire is ready to step back into the cage on his quest to earn a rematch with Warren later this year. Beginning in March, Freire will join already confirmed participants Wilson Reis, Daniel Straus, Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan, Zac George, Kenny Foster, and Eric Larkin in the Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament, airing LIVE on MTV2.

“Patricio Pitbull is a great fighter. He was seconds away from beating one of the top two Featherweights on earth and that loss was his only defeat as a professional. I know that his sole focus is winning this tournament and earning the opportunity to avenge his loss to our Champion Joe Warren. He’s going to be fun to watch fight this season,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney.”

Residing and training out of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, MMA played a key role in Freire’s childhood, as the dynamic featherweight began his formal training at just 14-years-old alongside his brother Patricky “Pitbull” Freire – together the pair are commonly known in the MMA world as “The Pitbull Brothers”. After becoming a 2-time International Kickboxing Champion, a Brazilian Cup Jiu-Jitsu Champion, and a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, “Pitbull” made his way into the cage. Currently training daily with the likes of fellow world class Brazilians Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Anderson Silva, and Junior dos Santos, Freire is constantly surrounded by many of the best in the sport and plans to use that experience to his benefit in the upcoming Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament.

“I have no interest besides fighting as a professional,” said Freire. “It’s the only thing I really want to do. Every day in my life I am looking to overcome myself and evolve into a better fighter. I never believe that I am good enough. It’s all about improvement, every single day.”

Prior to his split decision defeat at the hands of current Bellator World Featherweight Champion Joe Warren, Patricio began his professional career with a spotless 13-0 record, including notable wins over Bellator veterans William Romero (Watch Here: http://bit.ly/iawNSu) and Wilson Reis. Now with a second chance at achieving his dream to become the Bellator World Featherweight Champion, Freire completely understands the significance of what is at stake.

“The time to show what I am all about is coming,” said Freire. “To win this tournament would mean a dream coming true. I can honestly say that I am more confident for this season than I was last year. Last year I got close, this year it’s mine!”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Press Release – CHICAGO, Ill. (January 28, 2011) — Six-time Bellator veteran Wilson Reis will have a chance to become a nine-time vet in early 2011. Bellator Fighting Championships today confirmed Reis as the sixth competitor in the Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament which airs LIVE on MTV2 beginning in March 2011. Reis made it to the semifinal round of both the Season 1 and Season 2 Featherweight Tournaments and currently boasts a Bellator record of 4-2 with an overall record of 11-2. His impressive rear naked choke of Shad Lierley at Bellator 14 can be viewed here: (http://bit.ly/hYfd4O)

Returning to the Bellator cage fresh off of an impressive victory over dangerous WEC veteran Deividas Taurosevicius at Bellator 33, the decorated submission specialist says that his time is now.

“I came up short in the first two tournaments and this is my chance to make things right,” said Reis. “I absolutely believe that I can win it, and that’s why I decided to get involved this time around. I’m going to give it all I have, take it one fight at a time, and in every fight, do my best.”

Reis brings an impressive 11-2 record to the Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament that includes a 2008 submission victory over newly crowned Bellator World Bantamweight Champion Zack “Fun Size” Makovsky.

“Wilson’s part of our family. He’s been with us from the very beginning and his overall game improves every time he enters the Bellator cage. I can’t wait to see the next step in his evolution as he enters the deepest Featherweight tournament we’ve ever had,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney.

Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and currently fighting out of Philadelphia, Reis began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at just 13 years of age, eventually earning his black belt in 2004 – the same year he won the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship. After reaching the pinnacle of Jiu-Jitsu, Reis decided to make a move to mixed martial arts and has been training full time ever since.

With two prior Bellator tournaments and four years of MMA experience under his belt, Reis believes that he’s a smarter fighter today than he’s ever been before.

“I’m wiser in this sport right now than I’ve ever been before,” said Reis. “I’ve been training for four years now so I’m really starting to understand every aspect of the game. The wrestling, the jiu-jitsu and the kickboxing, and blending them all together. I’m better than I’ve ever been right now.”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Press Release – CHICAGO, Ill. (January 28, 2011) – Following an impressive decision victory over Chad Hinton at Bellator 23, Daniel Straus brings a long string of victories to the Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament this March, LIVE on MTV2. Straus is the fifth confirmed participant in the tournament, joining Eric Larkin, Kenny Foster, Georgi Karakhanyan, and Zac George.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Straus (14-3) enters the tournament on an impressive 10-fight win-streak, including victories over WEC veterans Karen Darabedyan and Joe Pearson, and UFC veteran Gideon Ray. Even more impressive is the amount of fights Straus has taken on in such a short time, as the former lightweight has competed in 17 fights over the past two years. With 11 fights alone in 2009, Straus knows the unique Bellator tournament format will be a perfect fit.

“I like to fight at least once a month so this tournament format is perfect for me,” said Straus. “If I’m not banged up or hurt, I like to keep training and turn around and get my next fight in. I like to stay as active as possible. I never like to slow down.”

“Daniel was very impressive at Bellator 23 as a Lightweight and he’s riding a great 10 fight win streak including some very solid wins, I’m excited to see what he can do at 145,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney.

While it’s no secret that Straus is entering the Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament with his sights set on a $100,000 pay day and a guaranteed shot at current Bellator World Featherweight Champion Joe Warren, the dynamic featherweight knows he can’t overlook what’s in front of him.

“My focus isn’t on Joe Warren right now. My focus is on the first person I fight and putting a beating on him, and then it will be the second guy I fight and putting a beating on him. My biggest test isn’t going to be Joe Warren, but getting to Joe Warren.”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Press Release – CHICAGO, Ill. (January 27, 2011) — Returning to the Bellator cage in Season 4 will be Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan, whose devastating first-round Muay-Thai knee knockout of Bao Quach at Bellator 13(Watch Here: http://bit.ly/h8CuOo) is among the most spectacular in Bellator history. Karakhanyan eventually dropped a hard-fought unanimous decision to Bellator World Featherweight Champion Joe Warren in the Season 2 semifinal round. However, Karakhanyan will have a chance to avenge that loss as Bellator Fighting Championships announced today that he is the fourth confirmed participant in the Bellator Season 4 Featherweight Tournament. The tournament is set to debut in March 2011 and will air on MTV2.

“Georgi’s a dangerous fighter,” said Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. “His knockout of Quach was devastating and he put up a great fight against the World’s #2 Featherweight Joe Warren. Georgi will definitely be in the hunt for this tournament championship.”

The former professional soccer player says that although the chance to get back in the cage with Joe Warren is always in the back of his head, he is currently focused on the three fighters standing in his way to get there.

“I need to take this tournament one fight at a time. I’m trying not to focus on Joe Warren right now. Whoever they put in front of me, that’s who I’m going to focus in on,” said Karakhanyan. “I never underestimate anyone. There are going to be some really dangerous fighters in this tournament so I’m just going to take things one fight at a time, focus on that person, and then go from there.”

Karakhanyan brings an impressive 14-2-1 professional record to the tournament, which includes eight submission victories and three KOs. Providing even more fuel to the fire, Karakhanyan was on a nine-fight win-streak prior to his loss to the current Bellator World Featherweight Champion.

“I hate losing. Losing to Joe Warren was a horrible feeling,” said Karakhanyan. “To be able to come back from that and beat three guys on my way to getting revenge against him would be an amazing feeling. That’s my main goal right now.”

Born in Moscow, Russia to Armenian parents, Karakhanyan’s athletic ability was discovered at a young age when he fell in love with soccer, eventually going on to play at the amateur level for Russia, Spain and the U.S. Karakhanyan began training in jiu-jitsu while playing professionally for the San Diego Sockers of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL). After the Sockers folded, “Insane” decided to take up fighting full-time. Karakhanyan currently trains and resides in Rancho Cucamonga, California with Millenia MMA.

Karakhanyan joins Eric Larkin, Kenny Foster, and Zac George as confirmed participants in the Season 4 Featherweight Tournament which will air LIVE on MTV2.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About MTV2

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.