Former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks has reportedly inked a deal to join the UFC’s already star-studded 155-pound division, and according to MMAJunkie, ‘Ill Will’ will make his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 23 Finale this July 8 against Ross Pearson. Brooks (18-1) is on a head-turning eight-fight win streak not having lost
Former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks has reportedly inked a deal to join the UFC’s already star-studded 155-pound division, and according to MMAJunkie, ‘Ill Will’ will make his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 23 Finale this July 8 against Ross Pearson.
Brooks (18-1) is on a head-turning eight-fight win streak not having lost since February of 2013. His most recent cage appearance saw him successfully retaining his Bellator 155-pound strap against Marcin Held at Bellator 145 last November.
‘Ill Will’ was later released by the promotion, being forced to vacate his longtime lightweight crown, and allowed to test the free-agency market. Bellator President Scott Coker had this to say on Brooks’ release:
“It was very simple,” he said. “Will Brooks’ contract is ending, and we made a decision not to renew it. We’re going to give him a full release, so we’re not going to be in the Will Brooks business any longer.”
Brooks’ inaugural opponent Pearson (19-10-1), has won three of his last five bouts, most recently taking home a split decision win over Chad Laprise at UFC Fight Night 85 in March. Pearson was originally scheduled to throw down with James Krause at the TUF 23 Finale; however, Krause was forced out of the bout for undisclosed reasons.
The TUF 23 Finale takes place live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, live on FS1 on July 8, 2016. It will be headlined by a women’s strawweight championship bout between champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk and No. 1-ranked Claudia Gadelha.
Only a few short days after the combat sports world lost one of its greatest personalities when boing legend Muhammad Ali unfortunately passed in Arizona, Bellator MMA top draw Kimbo Slice was been hospitalized in Florida and unfortunately passed away reportedly due to heart failure. American Top Team tweeted the sad and shocking news this evening:
Only a few short days after the combat sports world lost one of its greatest personalities when boing legend Muhammad Ali unfortunately passed in Arizona, Bellator MMA top draw Kimbo Slice was been hospitalized in Florida and unfortunately passed away reportedly due to heart failure.
American Top Team tweeted the sad and shocking news this evening:
— American Top Team (@AmericanTopTeam) June 7, 2016
The report surfaced from TMZ tonight (Mon. June , 2016) and said that Slice, whose real name is Kevin Ferguson, was admitted to a hospital near Coral Springs, Florida, earlier today, and multiple sources had informed them that Slice was in a dangerous spot. Local law enforcement informed TMZ of Slice’s admittance into the hospital, and officers went to Slice’s home in an attempt to gain pertinent information on his condition.
MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani also confirmed that Slice had been admitted to a hospital and the situation sadly did not look good:
Can confirm reports that Kimbo Slice was admitted to a local Fla. hospital. I’m told at this time that he’s not in good shape, sadly.
Details of the injury that lead to his passing are sparse at this time.
Slice recently made headlines by defeating fellow Internet brawler DaDa 5000 via TKO in an almost universally panned bout in the co-main event of Bellator 149, a result that was later changed to a no contest after Slice tested positive or a banned steroid and was given a small suspension and fine by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation.
He also gained fame by beat Ken Shamrock at Bellator 138 last year June. The former UFC and EliteC veteran had taken over as President Scott Coker’s biggest draw during his short tenure in the promotion.
Our hearts go out to Slice and his family during this trying time.
Only a few short days after the combat sports world lost one of its greatest personalities when boing legend Muhammad Ali unfortunately passed in Arizona, Bellator MMA top draw Kimbo Slice has reportedly been hospitalized in Florida and is in a reported ‘dire’ situation. The report surfaced from TMZ tonight (Mon. June , 2016) and said
Only a few short days after the combat sports world lost one of its greatest personalities when boing legend Muhammad Ali unfortunately passed in Arizona, Bellator MMA top draw Kimbo Slice has reportedly been hospitalized in Florida and is in a reported ‘dire’ situation.
The report surfaced from TMZ tonight (Mon. June , 2016) and said that Slice, whose real name is Kevin Ferguson, was admitted to a hospital near Coral Springs, Florida, earlier today, and multiple sources had informed them that Slice was in a dangerous position with few details known. Local law enforcement informed TMZ of Slice’s admittance into the hospital, and officers remain at Slice’s home attempting to gain pertinent information on his condition.
MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani was able to confirm that Slice had been admitted to a hospital and the situaton sadly did not look good:
Can confirm reports that Kimbo Slice was admitted to a local Fla. hospital. I’m told at this time that he’s not in good shape, sadly.
Details of his injury and conditions are sparse at this time.
Slice recently made headlines by defeating fellow Internet brawler DaDa 5000 via TKO in an almost universally panned bout in the co-main event of Bellator 149, a result that was later changed to a no contest after Slice tested positive or a banned steroid and was given a small suspension and fine by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation.
He also gamed fame by beat Ken Shamrock at Bellator 138 last year June. The former UFC and EliteC veteran had taken over as President Scott Coker’s biggest draw during his short tenure in the promotion.
Our hearts go out to Slice and his family during this trying time.
Bellator MMA and promotion president Scott Coker have found themselves in hot water thanks to an ex-employee and longtime mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Zach Light. Light once worked as Bellator MMA’s Talent Development Director. Light filed a lawsuit in Superior Court of California (Los Angeles) on Tuesday (May 24, 2016) and accused Bellator of
Bellator MMA and promotion president Scott Coker have found themselves in hot water thanks to an ex-employee and longtime mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Zach Light. Light once worked as Bellator MMA’s Talent Development Director.
Light filed a lawsuit in Superior Court of California (Los Angeles) on Tuesday (May 24, 2016) and accused Bellator of multiple ethical and legal wrongdoings as well as falsifying medical records. Light went on an eleven-month medical leave due to medically-diagnosed depression after suffering an anxiety attack. Light was released from his position in the company a week after his leave ended on March 10th, 2016. Light wants damages for wrongful dismissal.
Also, Light accused Coker and Bellator Vice President Rich Chou of being in cahoots and downplaying any issues found during his course of duty. According to Light, he was “pressured” to play ball and bend some rules. One of the accusations is “collusive fights” to get revenge on unpopular MMA managers.
These are serious allegations from Light, and it’s expected that Bellator will fight this lawsuit. If these allegations are true, wow, that shows a lot on the part of Bellator and gives them a bad image.
Bellator MMA has yet to make an official statement on the matter.
Bellator MMA announced a new contract extension for bantamweight contender Darrion Caldwell Monday.
Caldwell, a former NCAA wrestler, is a perfect 9-0 in his MMA career. He won a 2009 national title while competing for North Carolina State University.
Inside the cage, Caldwell is coming off his biggest win, defeating former two-division Bellator champion Joe Warren.
Check out the complete press release below:
Bellator MMA is proud to announce the contract extension of undefeated bantamweight superstar Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (9-0) to an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract.
“Darrion is a fighter who I really think has that x-factor,” said President Scott Coker. “After his last fight, I looked at our matchmaker and I just said, ‘Wow, this is kid is exploding with talent.’ I’m very happy we were able to get this deal done and I look forward to seeing this star rise for years to come.”
Growing up in New Jersey, Caldwell was a talented, multi-sport athlete who shined the brightest on the wrestling mats. After becoming a three-time high school state champion in New Jersey, “The Wolf” naturally joined “The Wolfpack,” earning a spot on the North Carolina State University wrestling squad. With the Wolfpack, he continued dominate his opponents, winning the NCAA national wrestling championship in 2009.
Making his professional MMA debut in 2012, the 28-year-old has looked seemingly unstoppable at times throughout his first nine fights. In his last outing, the six-fight Bellator MMA veteran Caldwell convincingly defeated former two-division Bellator champion, and Greco-Roman world champion wrestler Joe Warren. You can watch the video by clicking on the photo’s below.
“Bellator has been nothing but good to me,” Caldwell shared with the MMA Hour this morning. “They saw my talent early on in my career and they came after me… I’m here to let everyone know I’m going to continue my talents at Bellator MMA… With Bellator Jumping on board, it’s time to get married. I’m in it for the long run.”
Caldwell is nothing if not confident in himself, continuing with host Ariel Helwani: “I’ve always been a star, but it’s just been about getting on that platform and Bellator is giving me that opportunity… I don’t think any 135-pounder can see me, ya feel me? Whether its UFC, Bellator, anywhere in the world there isn’t a 135-pounder that can beat me.”
Bellator MMA announced a new contract extension for bantamweight contender Darrion Caldwell Monday.
Caldwell, a former NCAA wrestler, is a perfect 9-0 in his MMA career. He won a 2009 national title while competing for North Carolina State University.
Inside the cage, Caldwell is coming off his biggest win, defeating former two-division Bellator champion Joe Warren.
Check out the complete press release below:
Bellator MMA is proud to announce the contract extension of undefeated bantamweight superstar Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (9-0) to an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract.
“Darrion is a fighter who I really think has that x-factor,” said President Scott Coker. “After his last fight, I looked at our matchmaker and I just said, ‘Wow, this is kid is exploding with talent.’ I’m very happy we were able to get this deal done and I look forward to seeing this star rise for years to come.”
Growing up in New Jersey, Caldwell was a talented, multi-sport athlete who shined the brightest on the wrestling mats. After becoming a three-time high school state champion in New Jersey, “The Wolf” naturally joined “The Wolfpack,” earning a spot on the North Carolina State University wrestling squad. With the Wolfpack, he continued dominate his opponents, winning the NCAA national wrestling championship in 2009.
Making his professional MMA debut in 2012, the 28-year-old has looked seemingly unstoppable at times throughout his first nine fights. In his last outing, the six-fight Bellator MMA veteran Caldwell convincingly defeated former two-division Bellator champion, and Greco-Roman world champion wrestler Joe Warren. You can watch the video by clicking on the photo’s below.
“Bellator has been nothing but good to me,” Caldwell shared with the MMA Hour this morning. “They saw my talent early on in my career and they came after me… I’m here to let everyone know I’m going to continue my talents at Bellator MMA… With Bellator Jumping on board, it’s time to get married. I’m in it for the long run.”
Caldwell is nothing if not confident in himself, continuing with host Ariel Helwani: “I’ve always been a star, but it’s just been about getting on that platform and Bellator is giving me that opportunity… I don’t think any 135-pounder can see me, ya feel me? Whether its UFC, Bellator, anywhere in the world there isn’t a 135-pounder that can beat me.”
Bellator is making some crazy moves this afternoon. According to a report via MMAJunkie, the promotion has decided to part ways with its lightweight champion Will Brooks, who is now officially a free agent. Bellator President Scott Coker had this to say concerning the former lightweight king’s release: “It was very simple,” Coker said. “Will
Bellator is making some crazy moves this afternoon. According to a report via MMAJunkie, the promotion has decided to part ways with its lightweight champion Will Brooks, who is now officially a free agent.
Bellator President Scott Coker had this to say concerning the former lightweight king’s release:
“It was very simple,” Coker said. “Will Brooks’ contract is ending, and we made a decision not to renew it. We’re going to give him a full release, so we’re not going to be in the Will Brooks business any longer.”
Brooks (18-1) was last seen in the Bellator cage successfully defending his 155-pound strap against Marcin Held in a five-round unanimous decision victory in November.
Coker also stated Brooks is a ‘great kid,’ however, he just believes continuing a relationship between the two parties would simply be a waste of both their times:
“Will is a great kid,” he said. “At the end of the day, he’s had some good fights for Bellator, but I just don’t think it’s a fit, and he should move on to the next part of his life.
I think we’re actually doing him a favor by taking this position. Now he can just move on, and we can move on, as well.
“I just think it would be a waste of time to continue this relationship and try to go through the dance of an option period and a matching period. I just think it wouldn’t have worked out anyway, so we decided today to let it go.”
Coker also revealed that the promotion would be stripping heavyweight Vitaly Minakov of his title due to inactivity.
Minakov (17-0) won the Bellator heavyweight title back in 2013 when he knocked out then-champion Alexander Volkov at Bellator 108. The Russian would make only one title defense in 2014 before contract disputes with the promotion held him out of the cage for two years now.
Since his last Bellator bout against Cheick Kongo in April of 2014, Minakov has been keeping busy with three successful finishes in the Russian Eurasia Fight Nights promotion.
Coker also mentioned that a tournament will be held to determine the next Bellator heavyweight titleholder; however,,they will keep Minakov on their roster:
“There have been a lot of things that we were told he was going to do, and so far none of them has happened yet, so we’re going to be moving forward and start looking for the next heavyweight champ,” Coker said.
“We’re going to build a series of fights that will lead to a fight to determine the next heavyweight champion for Bellator. But as far as waiting for Minakov to come back, I think we’ll be happy if he comes back, but if he doesn’t, we’re already moving on with the title.”
Stay tuned to LowKick for the latest on Minakov’s situation with Bellator, as well as where the talented Will Brooks could possibly land next.
