Bellator News
Patricky Freire relishing in underdog status against Usman Nurmagomedov at Bellator 288: "It motivates me a lot"
Josh Evanoff - November 17, 2022
Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire is fine with being the underdog against Usman Nurmagomedov. The Brazilian is set to make his first title defense tomorrow night at Bellator 288. Freire famously captured the belt in his rematch with Peter Queally last November. In that outing, he won by second-round knockout, finally winning gold after a decade in the promotion.
Bellator champion Vadim Nemkov reflects on 2015 loss to UFC champion Jiri Prochazka: "Maybe one day we'll cross paths and fight again"
Josh Evanoff - November 17, 2022
Bellator light-heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov could go for a rematch with UFC light-heavyweight titleholder Jiri Prochazka. The Russian is set to return tomorrow night at Bellator 288 against Corey Anderson. The bout will be a rematch of their first encounter from April, in the finals of Bellator’s light-heavyweight Grand Prix. In their first bout, ‘Overtime’ was dominating en route to a no-contest after a third-round headbutt.
Fedor Emelianenko calls for the IMMAF to end Russia’s suspension from future events: “Russian athletes are hostages of socio-political problems”
Susan Cox - November 8, 2022
Fedor Emelianenko is calling for the IMMAF to end Russia’s suspension from future events. The MMA legend and president of the Russian MMA Union, Emelianenko, wants the IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) to allow Russians to compete at next year’s European Championships.
Ali Abdelaziz asks everyone to pray for Anthony Johnson after recent health problems: “It’s not going well”
Harry Kettle - October 28, 2022
Ali Abdelaziz has asked everyone to pray for Anthony Johnson as he continues to battle ongoing health concerns. For the longest time now, Anthony Johnson has been known as one of the best knockout artists in MMA history. In the eyes of many, of course, he just goes by the name ‘Rumble’.
Bellator vs. Rizin event slated for New Year's Eve in Japan
Harry Kettle - October 25, 2022
Bellator MMA have announced another crossover event with Rizin, which is set to take place on New Year’s Eve. Over the course of the last few years, Bellator has made an effort to branch out and work with a series of different promotions. While it’s unlikely they’ll be able to strike any kind of cross-promotional deal with the UFC, there are certainly other companies that are more than willing to partake.
Scott Coker explains what it would take for Bellator to add a 165lbs division
Harry Kettle - October 11, 2022
Bellator president Scott Coker has explained what it would take for the promotion to add a 165lbs division. For the longest time now, a lot of fans, fighters and pundit have been discussing the possibility of a 165-pound division being added across mixed martial arts. Alongside this being implemented, it would also probably shift the welterweight limit from 170 up to 175, largely to maintain the 10-pound gap between so many of the weight classes.
Former Strikeforce champion Josh Thomson shares his one regret in life: “I don't think I've ever told anyone this”
Harry Kettle - October 10, 2022
Former UFC and Strikeforce star Josh Thomson has spoken about one of the only regrets he has from his life. Throughout the course of his mixed martial arts career, Josh Thomson did a pretty great job of entertaining the masses by putting on fun fights – which included being one of the only men to ever finish Nate Diaz.
Jeremy Kennedy explains why he wants Pedro Carvalho next, says he's open to rematch with Aaron Pico in the future
Cole Shelton - October 5, 2022
Jeremy Kennedy isn’t sure what to take away from his Bellator 286 win over Aaron Pico. Early on in the fight, Pico threw a punch that dislocated his shoulder and he kept fighting for the rest of the round. With this shoulder being out, the first round was dominant for Kennedy and after the round, the fight was waved off.
Aaron Pico provides update after dislocating shoulder at Bellator 286: "I will be champion one day"
Josh Evanoff - October 3, 2022
Bellator featherweight contender Aaron Pico has provided an update after his brutal injury on Saturday. At Bellator 286 last weekend, the 26-year-old returned to the cage to face Jeremy Kennedy. Prior to the bout, champion Patricio Pitbull stated he would fight Pico if defeated the UFC veteran. Sadly, that title shot won’t be happening anytime soon.
Patricio Pitbull discusses a potential crossover fight with UFC champion Alex Volkanovski: “Dana White doesn’t have balls”
Harry Kettle - October 3, 2022
Patricio Pitbull has given his thoughts on a possible crossover fight against UFC featherweight king Alex Volkanovski. When it comes to figuring out who the pound for pound best fighter in the sport is, it’s hard to look past Alex Volkanovski. The Australian sensation has turned away everyone that’s stepped in his path since joining the UFC, including Max Holloway on three separate occasions.
Patricio Freire responds to boobirds following Bellator 286 win: "F*ck you, man. I don't care about that"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 2, 2022
Patricio Freire isn’t about to apologize for his performance at Bellator 286. “Pitbull” put the Bellator Featherweight Championship on the line against Adam Borics at Bellator 286. The action took place inside Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California. The title fight went the distance, but the lack of action left fans feeling restless.
A.J. McKee explains why he dry humped Spike Carlyle mid-fight at Bellator 286
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 2, 2022
AJ McKee has offered an explanation for his decision to go full-on Israel Adesanya during his Bellator 286 fight against Spike Carlyle. McKee and Carlyle did battle inside Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California. The bout went the distance and while McKee was the clear winner, taking a unanimous decision, Carlyle received praise for his toughness and he never stopped trying to be competitive in the fight.