Tag: Bellator

Video – Yoel Romero misses Bellator 297 press conference due to fear of heights, faces off through video link

Yoel Romero misses Bellator 297 press conference fear of heights faces off through video linkAhead of his undisputed light heavyweight title challenge against Russian champion, Vadim Nemkov this weekend atop a Bellator 297 card in Chicago, Illinois – division title chaser, Yoel Romero missed this week’s press conference – appearing via video-link from his hotel room bed, to his revealed fear of heights.  Romero, a fan-favorite light heavyweight contender, […]

Yoel Romero misses Bellator 297 press conference fear of heights faces off through video link

Ahead of his undisputed light heavyweight title challenge against Russian champion, Vadim Nemkov this weekend atop a Bellator 297 card in Chicago, Illinois – division title chaser, Yoel Romero missed this week’s press conference – appearing via video-link from his hotel room bed, to his revealed fear of heights. 

Romero, a fan-favorite light heavyweight contender, is slated to headline UFC 297 this weekend in Chicago taking on Nemkov – ahead of an undisputed bantamweight title fight clash with current gold holder, Sergio Pettis, and three-division title hopeful, Patricio Pitbull. 

In the midst of a two-fight winning run ahead of his championship challenge against Nemkov, Romero got off the mark under the Bellator MMA banner against Alex Polizzi at Bellator Paris with a spectacular third round TKO win.

Returning in the co-main event of Bellator Dublin in September of last year at the 3Arena, Romero turned in another dominant win, eventually finishing veteran Dutch kickboxer, Melvin Manhoef with a slew of ground strikes in the capital.

 Yoel Romero challenges for Bellator gold this weekend

Appearing via video link at yesterday’s Bellator 297 press conference, Romero was touted as have met his kryptonite, in the form of his revealed fear of heights.

“He (Yoel Romero) apologizes to everybody, but getting inside that building is a fight that he knows he’s not going to win,” Chael Sonnen told assembled media. “Everybody’s got a kryptonite – now we know what Yoel’s is.” 

Touching on his fear, Cuban Olympic silver medalist, Romero explained that even with the help of his beloved kids, he would not even consider making his way onto a Ferris wheel.

“Not even with my kids would I be able to go up on a Ferris wheel,” Yoel Romero explained. 

Unable to staredown with Nemkov in-person due to his absence, Romero – who remained on a screen to the side of the platform, eventually faced-off with the Russian champion, albeit virtually. 

Francis Ngannou tipped for potential PFL debut against Bellator champion Ryan Bader: ‘That could be interesting’

Francis Ngannou tipped to fight Ryan Bader in potential PFL debut that could be interestingOff the back of his monumental signing with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) earlier this month, former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has been tipped to potentially face a host of heavyweight talents and champions the world over – by former UFC welterweight title challenger, Dan Hardy. Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under […]

Francis Ngannou tipped to fight Ryan Bader in potential PFL debut that could be interesting

Off the back of his monumental signing with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) earlier this month, former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has been tipped to potentially face a host of heavyweight talents and champions the world over – by former UFC welterweight title challenger, Dan Hardy.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, departed the promotion back in January of this year following the completion of his contractual obligations with the organization last December, electing against signing a new contract with the Dana White-led promotion. 

Francis Ngannou departed the UFC in less than ceremonious circumstances

Expected to make his return to active competition in mixed martial arts next year with the PFL, Batié native, Francis Ngannou is expected to pursue a professional boxing debut later this year before a return to mixed martial arts competition. 

Yet to book a debut opponent, Francis Ngannou has been touted as potential opponents for ONE Championship heavyweights, the current Bellator heavyweight titleholder, as well as talents under the scrutiny of the PFL.

“I’m excited at the possibilities,” Dan Hardy told The Sportsman during a recent interview. “I think there are a few options. There are other heavyweights out there in other promotions. Over in ONE Championship, we’ve got Arjan Bhullar, and Anatoly Malykhin, who would be great fights. Ryan Bader over in Bellator I think could be an interesting one. Someone else that’s very athletic and brings speed and wrestling ability to the division.”

“But, Ante Delija feels like a very good pick as well,” Hardy continued. “We’ve got some good heavyweights; [Bruno] Cappelozza. There are good heavyweights on the PFL roster right now that I feel, with maybe another two or three fights, they’ll be in a position to step forward.” (Transcribed by MMA News)

Last featuring professionally back in January of last year atop a UFC 270 card in Anaheim, California – Ngannou successfully unified the heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision victory against former interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane. 

Francis Ngannou tipped for potential PFL debut against Bellator champion Ryan Bader: ‘That could be interesting’

Francis Ngannou tipped to fight Ryan Bader in potential PFL debut that could be interestingOff the back of his monumental signing with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) earlier this month, former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has been tipped to potentially face a host of heavyweight talents and champions the world over – by former UFC welterweight title challenger, Dan Hardy. Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under […]

Francis Ngannou tipped to fight Ryan Bader in potential PFL debut that could be interesting

Off the back of his monumental signing with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) earlier this month, former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has been tipped to potentially face a host of heavyweight talents and champions the world over – by former UFC welterweight title challenger, Dan Hardy.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, departed the promotion back in January of this year following the completion of his contractual obligations with the organization last December, electing against signing a new contract with the Dana White-led promotion. 

Francis Ngannou departed the UFC in less than ceremonious circumstances

Expected to make his return to active competition in mixed martial arts next year with the PFL, Batié native, Francis Ngannou is expected to pursue a professional boxing debut later this year before a return to mixed martial arts competition. 

Yet to book a debut opponent, Francis Ngannou has been touted as potential opponents for ONE Championship heavyweights, the current Bellator heavyweight titleholder, as well as talents under the scrutiny of the PFL.

“I’m excited at the possibilities,” Dan Hardy told The Sportsman during a recent interview. “I think there are a few options. There are other heavyweights out there in other promotions. Over in ONE Championship, we’ve got Arjan Bhullar, and Anatoly Malykhin, who would be great fights. Ryan Bader over in Bellator I think could be an interesting one. Someone else that’s very athletic and brings speed and wrestling ability to the division.”

“But, Ante Delija feels like a very good pick as well,” Hardy continued. “We’ve got some good heavyweights; [Bruno] Cappelozza. There are good heavyweights on the PFL roster right now that I feel, with maybe another two or three fights, they’ll be in a position to step forward.” (Transcribed by MMA News)

Last featuring professionally back in January of last year atop a UFC 270 card in Anaheim, California – Ngannou successfully unified the heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision victory against former interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane. 

Cris Cyborg Calls Out PFL’s Kayla Harrison for Fight in Bellator

Cris Cyborg is still trying to make the long-rumored bout with Kayla Harrison a reality. Speaking to TMZ Sports, Cyborg challenged Harrison to a fight in…

Cris Cyborg is still trying to make the long-rumored bout with Kayla Harrison a reality. Speaking to TMZ Sports, Cyborg challenged Harrison to a fight in…

Dillon Danis claims Bellator CEO Scott Coker is keeping him on the shelf: ‘I’ve offered to fight on every card’

Dillon DanisDillon Danis called out Scott Coker on social media, suggesting the Bellator CEO is the reason why he has been sitting on the sidelines for nearly four years. Danis’ run under the Bellator banner started off promising with the BJJ specialist securing back-to-back wins against Kyle Walker and Max Humphry. After two-straight first-round submissions, MMA […]

Dillon Danis

Dillon Danis called out Scott Coker on social media, suggesting the Bellator CEO is the reason why he has been sitting on the sidelines for nearly four years.

Danis’ run under the Bellator banner started off promising with the BJJ specialist securing back-to-back wins against Kyle Walker and Max Humphry. After two-straight first-round submissions, MMA fans were curious to see just how far Dannis could go. Four years later, some fans are still waiting while others have moved on.

Dillon Danis’ last appearance in the cage came at Bellator 222 back in June 2019, but according to the New Jersey native, his lack of competition is the fault of Scott Coker. At least, that’s what Danis is claiming in his latest Twitter post.

“this shit is wack @ScottCoker i’ve offered to fight every card since 2 years ago got texts to back it up,” Danis tweeted.

Since his last walk to the Bellator cage, Dillon Danis has only been booked for two fights. The first was expected to be his third appearance for the promotion at Bellator 238: Budd vs. Cyborg. Danis withdrew from the contest due to an injury. Fast forward to 2023, he was scheduled for a boxing match against social media star KSI at Misfits & DAZN: X Series 004 in January. Danis again pulled out of the bout just weeks prior.

Scott Coker is yet to comment on Danis’ accusation, but the Bellator CEO issued somewhat of an ultimatum to the part-time fighter full-time trash-talker during a Bellator 290 media event in February.

“I talked to his management the other day and I keep asking, ‘What do you guys really want to do?’” Coker said of Danis. “I mean, really, it’s up to you guys. We can’t make you come fight, but we also have to have realistic expectations…

“Look, we are a fight company. You wanna fight, come fight. It’s that simple to me. You already have a contract in place, let’s pick a date, pick an opponent and let’s go. Or let’s move on.”

Twitter Users Aren’t Buying Dillon Danis’ Latest Claim

MMA Twitter was quick to call bullsh*t on Dillon Danis’ claim, some even coming from former fans that grew tired of Danis’ incessant trolling on social media, throwing out unrealistic challenges to fighters that would never give him the time of day for money he doesn’t have.

Johnny Eblen boasts ability to defeat UFC champion Israel Adesanya: ‘I think I destroy him, it’s a bad matchup’

Johnny Eblen touts ability to defeat Israel Adesanya I think I destroy him UFC Bellator MMABellator MMA middleweight champion, Johnny Eblen has been touted as arguably the best fighter at the weight class on the planet amid his roughshod run through the ranks under the scrutiny of Scott Coker, and now the American Top Team staple has claimed he would “destroy” his UFC champion counterpart, Israel Adesanya.  Boasting an undefeated […]

Johnny Eblen touts ability to defeat Israel Adesanya I think I destroy him UFC Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA middleweight champion, Johnny Eblen has been touted as arguably the best fighter at the weight class on the planet amid his roughshod run through the ranks under the scrutiny of Scott Coker, and now the American Top Team staple has claimed he would “destroy” his UFC champion counterpart, Israel Adesanya. 

Boasting an undefeated 13-0 professional record, Eblen managed to clinch the undisputed middleweight champion from former UFC top-contender, Gegard Mousasi back in June of last year in the main event of Bellator 282, landing a one-sided unanimous decision victory.

Successfully defending the crown in the main event of Bellator 290 back in February in Inglewood, California, Eblen landed another shutout decision success, this time against Anatoly Tokov.

Johnny Eblen believes he matches up perfectly with UFC kingpin, Israel Adesanya

And with one eye firmly placed on this weekend’s middleweight clash between the aforenoted, Mousasi and Fabian Edwards – the younger brother of current undisputed UFC welterweight champion, Leon Edwards, Johnny Eblen claimed if he was pitted with City Kickboxing staple, Adesanya, he would comfortably “destroy” the Nigerian-Kiwi.

“I think I destroy ‘Stylebender’ (Israel Adesanya),” Johnny Eblen told Peter Carroll during a recent episode of The Craic. “It’s just a bad matchup for him, I just mix things up too well. I wrestle, strike and he really exposed himself when he fought (Alex) Pereira, how bad his grappling was. So, I just think I’m a terrible matchup for him.” (Transcribed by MMA News)

For Adesanya, the Eugene Bareman product managed to reclaim the middleweight crown at UFC 287 back in April against four-time combat sports rival, Alex Pereira, stopping the Brazilian with a devastating second round KO in their Miami, Florida main event.

Yet to be booked for his impending Octagon return, UFC president, Dana White has earmarked Adesanya for a Sydney, Australia headlining return for the promotion before the end of this year, in a pay-per-view main event against either former champion, Robert Whittaker in a trilogy bout, or emerging South African challenger, Dricus du Plessis.