Bellator News

James Gallagher
James Gallagher

James Gallagher explains how he benefitted from loss to Ricky Bandejas

James Lynch - December 19, 2018

If Bellator star James Gallagher had it his way, he’d be looking to avenge his only career loss against Ricky Bandejas on Feb. 23 instead of fighting Steven Graham. But according to the Bellator 218 headliner, Bandejas declined the rematch and instead took a fight against Juan Archuleta at Bellator 214. Gallagher explained the situation in an interview with Jim Edwards of MMANytt.

Lyoto Machida, Rafael Carvalho
Lyoto Machida

Lyoto Machida explains how Bellator debut felt 'different' than UFC bouts

Tom Taylor - December 16, 2018

On Saturday night, in the co-headlining bout of Bellator Hawaii, former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida made his promotional debut opposite former Bellator middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho. After three closely contested rounds, Machida was announced the winner by split decision. While the former UFC champ is happy about this victory, he says he was a bit thrown off by the new setting.

Scott Coker, Bellator, ONE Championship, Jon Jones
Scott Coker

Bellator boss Scott Coker comments on cancelled UFC 233 card

Tom Taylor - December 16, 2018

Until very recently, Bellator and the UFC were engaged in something of a turf war, as both promotions were set to touch down in Southern California on January 26. Bellator boss Scott Coker booked The Forum in Inglewood for Bellator 214, while Dana White and the UFC were expected to take over the Honda Center in Anaheim with UFC 233. Ultimately, however, the UFC opted to cancel its planned UFC 233 card, having had difficulty locking down a suitable headliner for the event. And just like that, Bellator was the only game in town.

Ilima-Lei MacFarlane, Bellator Hawaii
Bellator Hawaii

VIDEO | Relive Ilima-Lei MacFarlane's unforgettable walkout at Bellator Hawaii

Tom Taylor - December 16, 2018

Last night, Bellator MMA capped off an action-packed weekend in Hawaii with its second show in as many nights. In the main event of this second show, Hawaii’s own Ilima-Lei MacFarlane returned to the cage to defend her Bellator flyweight strap against former UFC strawweight title challenger Valerie Letourneau. As expected, the Hawaiian champ had en epic walk to the cage for this fight, which she won by third-round submission.

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, Bellator
Bellator Hawaii

Bellator 213 Results: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane submits Valerie Letourneau (VIDEO)

Chris Taylor - December 15, 2018

Hawaii’s Ilima-Lei Macfarlane put her Bellator women’s flyweight title on the line against Valerie Letourneau in tonight’s Bellator 213 main event in Honolulu. Macfarlane enters tonight’s main event sporting a perfect professional record of 8-0. The Hawaiian‘s most recent win came via submission over Alejandra Lara at Bellator 201 this past June in California.

Lyoto Machida
Bellator Hawaii

Bellator 213 Results: Lyoto Machida defeats Rafael Carvalho (Highlights)

Chris Taylor - December 15, 2018

The promotional debut of former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida took place at tonight’s Bellator 213 event in Honolulu, Hawaii. Machida squared off with former Bellator middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho in the evenings co-main attraction.

Patricio Pitbull, Canelo Alvarez
Michael Chandler

Patricio Freire vows to kill Michael Chandler under the Bellator MMA banner this April

Chris Taylor - December 15, 2018

Patricio and Patricky Freire were not impressed by the performance of Michael Chandler at last night’s Bellator 212 event in Hawaii. Chandler handed Brent Primus his first career loss in last night’s headliner, thus reclaiming his Bellator lightweight world title.

Frank Mir
Frank Mir

Frank Mir suffered alveolar ridge fracture during submission loss to Javy Ayala

Chris Taylor - December 15, 2018

Javy Ayala picked up the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career at last night’s Bellator 212 event, stopping former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir in round two. After a strong opening round from the Mir, Ayala was able to turn the tide in round two.

frank mir
Frank Mir

MMA Community reacts after Frank Mir is forced to tapout due to strikes

Christopher Taylor - December 14, 2018

Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir returned to action in the co-headliner of tonight’s Bellator 212 event in Hawaii against Javy Ayala. Frank Mir made his Bellator debut this past April, suffering a first-round TKO loss to Fedor Emelianenko.

Frank Mir
Frank Mir

Bellator 212 Results: Javy Ayala taps Frank Mir while standing (VIDEO)

Chris Taylor - December 14, 2018

A heavyweight bout featuring former UFC champion Frank Mir taking on Javy Ayala served as the co-headliner of tonight’s Bellator 212 event in Hawaii. Frank Mir made his Bellator debut back in April, where he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Fedor Emelianenko.

Rory MacDonald
Jon Fitch

Scott Coker shares timeframe for Rory MacDonald vs. Jon Fitch fight

James Lynch - December 13, 2018

With another welterweight tournament matchup happening this weekend, the big question has been when champion Rory MacDonald will face Jon Fitch in the final first-round tournament bout. Bellator President Scott Coker provided some clarity on the issue when speaking to MMAJunkie this week in Hawaii.

Michael Page, Paul Daley
Michael Page

Scott Coker explains why Paul Daley vs Michael Page fight isn't happening in England

Tom Taylor - December 12, 2018

On February 16, at Bellator 216, Bellator will promote one of the biggest fights in UK MMA history, as British knockout artists Paul Daley and Michael Page finally collide in a long-awaited grudge match. Unfortunately, this massive fight will not occur in the UK. Instead, it will go down at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Speaking to MMAjunkie ahead of Bellator’s double-header in Hawaii this weekend, Bellator President Scott Coker explained why this fight isn’t happening on British soil.