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Bellator 244 Generates Lowest Ratings For The Organization This Year

Bellator MMA returned to our screens last weekend at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut – with a light heavyweight title pairing between Ryan ‘Darth’ Bader, and emerging Russian force, Vadim Nemkov taking curtain closing honours. For the Scott Coker led promotion, the event generated the lowest rating numbers of the year – drawing […]

For the Scott Coker led promotion, the event generated the lowest rating numbers of the year – drawing in an average of just two-hundred and fifty-thousand viewers for the eleven fight card, according to a report from MMA Fighting. In comparison, Bellator 243 earlier this month on August 7 – scored the highest numbers of this annum at four-hundred and three-thousand average viewers. Taking headlining honours that night – a lightweight rematch between decorated former world champions, Michael Chandler, and ‘Smooth’ Benson Henderson.

Prior to Nemkov’s successful title siege in the opening-round, former Bellator featherweight champion, Julia ‘The Jewel’ Budd returned to winning ways with a unanimous judging win over Jessica Miele. The Canadian had dropped the 145-pound title to legendary kickboxing talent, Cris Cyborg in her fourth attempted title defence at Bellator 238 in January.

In a heavyweight pairing, also on the main card – surging Russian heavyweight prospect, Valentin Moldavsky improved to 10-1 with a unanimous decision win over UFC alumnus, Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson.

The promotion drew some notable attention following the event – with newly minted 205-pound titleholder, Nemkov – voicing his opinion on the current landscape on the global light heavyweight situation – naming himself as the best 205-pounder on the planet. Nemkov’s bold claim follows two-time UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones’ decision to vacant his championship – which is up for grabs at UFC 253 on September 26th. as Dominick Reyes meets with Jan B?achowicz.

The North American based promotion will look to improve on those disappointing numbers at Bellator 245 on September 11 – as former light heavyweight best, Phil ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Davis rematches former UFC 205-pound gold holder, Lyoto ‘The Dragon’ Machida – seven years after their initial meeting. The aforenoted, Nemkov is sure to keep a close eye on that re-run, explaining how his first title defence opponent may emerge between Davis and Machida.

Fabrício Werdum Flirts With ONE FC, Bellator MMA Signing

Former UFC heavyweight champion, Fabrício ‘Vai Cavalo’ Werdum has long been associated with his exploits inside the Octagon – but it seems we’ve more than likely seen him feature under the UFC’s banner for the last time already. The veteran Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu player featured opposite multiple time light heavyweight title challenger, Alexander ‘The Mauler’ Gustafsson […]

The veteran Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu player featured opposite multiple time light heavyweight title challenger, Alexander ‘The Mauler’ Gustafsson at a UFC ‘Fight Island’ event in July – scoring a patented armbar win in the latter’s divisional bow.

Afterwards, the Porto Alegre native spoke of his intentions to test free-agency – leading to immediate calls for a rematch, ten years in the making, opposite the iconic, Fedor Emelianenko under the Bellator MMA banner.

Well, Werdum has certainly fueled that fire even more. The 43-year-old 2nd. degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt has openly flirted with a move to ONE Championship in Singapore, as well as a potential rekindling with former Strikeforce head-honcho, Scott Coker, this time at Bellator.

In an interview with MMA Junkie’s, John Morgan – Werdum detailed his interest in rematches alongside current ONE FC heavyweight best, Brandon Vera – as well as the aforenoted, Emelianenko, whom just earlier this week, noted his willingness to meet the Brazilian in a re-run.

“Just waiting one more week to say something (about free-agency),” Werdum explained. “I love Scott Coker, he’s my good friend, I love him, he invited me to go for dinner. He called me, I called him. He’s a nice guy and I love Bellator too. But, I stay in the middle. Maybe ONE FC or Bellator. ‘Superfight’ with Fedor (Emelianenko) or Brandon Vera. Brandon Vera is my son. Remember, I beat him back (in 2008). He’s my son. He’s scared for sure. When I go to ONE FC, I take his belt. Maybe we have no fight, he just gives me the belt. Please, just give me the belt. Hey, Brandon Vera, please, please.” (H/T BJPENN.COM)

Werdum and Vera initially met back in June of 2008 – in the former’s first stint with the UFC, where he scored a first-round knockout win at UFC 85. The victory marked Werdum’s last in the promotion – before he returned to the winner’s enclosure professionally, opposite the above mentioned, Emelianenko with an earth-shattering first-round armbar submission success.

In Vera’s most recent outing last October, he unsuccessfully attempted to pry the light heavyweight crown from Aung La Nsang, dropping a second-round knockout loss. For Emelianenko – the former PRIDE FC great scored a one-sided knockout victory over Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson at Bellator 237 in December.

A move to Bellator for Werdum would see him follow in recent footsteps of perennial contender, Corey Anderson who inked a deal with the promotion following an extended period with the UFC. A move to ONE FC under Chatri Sityodtong would follow a monumental swap deal engaged back in October 2018 – which seen flyweight kingpin, Demetrious Johnson move to ONE FC, and wrestling great, Ben Askren finally link up with the UFC.

Ryan Bader Releases Statement After Bellator 244 Loss

Ryan Bader has spoken for the first time since losing his light-heavyweight title against Vadim Nemkov at Bellator 244. Bader was stopped by the Russian inside two rounds on Friday night. He has previously been in great form picking up Bellator belts at 205lbs and heavyweight. Bader last suffered defeat at the hands of Anthony […]

Ryan Bader has spoken for the first time since losing his light-heavyweight title against Vadim Nemkov at Bellator 244.

Bader was stopped by the Russian inside two rounds on Friday night. He has previously been in great form picking up Bellator belts at 205lbs and heavyweight. Bader last suffered defeat at the hands of Anthony Johnson during his time in the UFC all the way back in 2016.

Speaking on social media on Saturday night Bader reacted to the defeat and vowed to return stronger than ever, he wrote.

“Well, not the result we were after, but it’s the game we play. I’m all good and appreciate the support! I freaking hate to lose, but as always I’ll keep working my ass off. Lost one belt but still have that heavyweight belt on my shoulder and will be better than ever.”

Bader still has his heavyweight title and remains undefeated at the weight. The 37-year-old scored several high-profile wins over the likes of Muhammad Lawal, Matt Mitrione, and Fedor Emelianenko during the Bellator heavyweight grand prix which saw him capture the title in 2019. Bader has since defended the heavyweight strap against Cheick Kongo but the fight was ruled a no-contest after an accidental eye poke left Kongo unable to continue at Bellator 226.

It remains unclear if Bader will try to regain the light-heavyweight title he lost over the weekend. Nemkov believes his first defence will come against the winner of Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida II.

“The situation is a little unclear right now,” Nemkov said. “Machida is fighting Phil Davis, so I’d say probably the winner of that fight will be my first title defense. I know Corey Anderson just signed, but I feel like it’d be wrong for him to get a title shot coming over from the UFC. I feel like he should probably have a fight before that. At the end of the day, I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me.”

Do you think Ryan Bader will be able to bounce back from this loss?

Dana White Reacts To Scott Coker’s Claim Bellator Has The Best 205lb Division In MMA

UFC president Dana White has laughed off Scott Coker’s claim that the Bellator light-heavyweight division is the best in MMA. In the build-up to Bellator 244 Coker claimed his 205lb roster was now the strongest in MMA due to the fact long-time light-heavyweight king Jon Jones has decided to relinquish his UFC belt in pursuit […]

UFC president Dana White has laughed off Scott Coker’s claim that the Bellator light-heavyweight division is the best in MMA.

In the build-up to Bellator 244 Coker claimed his 205lb roster was now the strongest in MMA due to the fact long-time light-heavyweight king Jon Jones has decided to relinquish his UFC belt in pursuit of a career at heavyweight.

“Listen, with Jon Jones moving up to heavyweight, I think we have the best 205-pound weight class on the planet with Bader, Gegard wants to move up, we have (Lyoto) Machida, and we have Corey Anderson now,” Coker said. “We have a bunch of killers in that weight class. To me, we have a great roster of fights for him (Corey Anderson) – and even Phil Davis. I mean, we’ll be able to put some great fights together, and I’m excited about that division.”

Speaking at the UFC Vegas 7 post-fight press conference White scoffed at Coker’s comments.

“I didn’t (hear his comments),” White said before adding, “Isn’t he cute?”

White understands why Coker would make such comments but doesn’t believe them to be true due to the fact the majority of his 205lb fighters have previously been let go by the UFC.

“Guys, everybody they have in their light heavyweight division we let go of,” White said. “He’s got the best light heavyweight division? We let those guys all go. It’s like the (expletive) dumbest thing I’ve heard, but I get it. He’s got to (expletive) do his thing. I’m not (expletive) on him. He’s got to try to do his thing. He’s got to try to sell fights. The way you don’t sell fights is, ‘I’ve got the best light heavyweight division in the world.’ Everybody that was there was let go from here. (Transcribed by MMA Junkie)

Do you agree with Dana White? Does the UFC still have the best light-heavyweight division in MMA?

Vadim Nemkov Feels Like The Best 205lb Fighter In MMA After Ryan Bader Win

Bellator light-heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov believes he is the best 205lb fighter in MMA after dethroning Ryan Bader at Bellator 244 on Friday night. Nemkov landed a beautiful head kick and then swarmed Bader in round two of their main event match-up. ‘Darth’ was able to get back to his feet but was quickly knocked […]

Bellator light-heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov believes he is the best 205lb fighter in MMA after dethroning Ryan Bader at Bellator 244 on Friday night.

Nemkov landed a beautiful head kick and then swarmed Bader in round two of their main event match-up. ‘Darth’ was able to get back to his feet but was quickly knocked down again forcing referee Kerry Hatley to step in and wave off the fight.

Speaking to media post-fight Nemkov spoke with pride of becoming the first Russian to win a light-heavyweight title in a major organisation, he said.

“When I was training for this fight, I was actually mentally preparing for the historic value of the fight being the first Russian, not to just win, but to fight for a major 205-pound title. I feel like I made history – a small part of history.”

Now Jon Jones has moved up to heavyweight Nemkov believes he is the best 205lb fighter in MMA after taking out such a seasoned champion, he said.

“I feel like with all the changes going on in the 205-pound division and the calibre of opponent I just beat (the guy is a two-time champion in two different weight classes), I feel like I’m No. 1 right now,” Nemkov said. “To back up why I’m saying this, I didn’t just go through five rounds of a fight. I finished a top, top contender in decisive manner in two rounds. I feel like I’m No. 1.”

As for who’s next Nemkov believes he will face the winner of Lyoto Machida vs. Phil Davis II. He recognizes the credentials of new Bellator signing Corey Anderson but thinks the former UFC man should have to earn his shot.

Do you think Vadim Nemkov is the best light-heavyweight fighter in MMA?

Bellator 244: Full Results

Bellator 244: Bader vs. Nemkov went down today( Fri. August 21) inside the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Headlining the card was a light heavyweight title clash with Ryan Bader looking to defend his title from Russia’s Vadim Nemkov. In the co-main event, former Bellator featherweight champion Julia Budd was looking to return to […]

Bellator 244: Bader vs. Nemkov went down today( Fri. August 21) inside the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.

Headlining the card was a light heavyweight title clash with Ryan Bader looking to defend his title from Russia’s Vadim Nemkov. In the co-main event, former Bellator featherweight champion Julia Budd was looking to return to the winner’s circle following her loss to Cris Cyborg.

Here are the official results from today’s card.

Main Card

Light Heavyweight Title: Vadim Nemkov def. Ryan Bader via RD2 TKO
Catchweight: Julia Budd def. Jessy Miele via Unanimous Decision
Heavyweight: Valentin Moldavsky def. Roy Nelson via Unanimous Decision
Middleweight: John Salter def. Andrew Kapel via RD3 Submission

Prelims:

Catchweight 175lbs: Yaroslav Amosov def. Mark Lemminger via RD1 TKO
Lightweight: Adam Piccolotti def. Sidney Outlaw via Split Decision
Bantamweight: Josh Hill def. Erik Perez via Unanimous Decision
Catchweight 147lbs: Weber Almeida def. Salim Mukhidinov via RD1 KO
Catchweight 150lbs: John de Jesus def. Vladyslav Parubchenkno via Unanimous Decision
Lightweight: Chris Gonzalez def. Vladimir Tokov via Split Decision
Featherweight: Lucas Brennan def. Will Smith via RD2 TKO