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SANTA MONICA, Calif. (August 17, 2015) – Less than a week after signing with Bellator MMA, Josh Thomson’s (20-8) debut is now set. “The Real Punk” will compete in lightweight action against Mike “The Greek Assassin” Bronzoulis (18-8-1) at “Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1” on September 19 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

The bout completes a main card that will see both a Bellator cage and a Glory kickboxing ring on one arena floor at the same time – something that has yet to be seen in the combat sports landscape. In the evening’s main event, Tito Ortiz (18-11) will challenge the undefeated Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion, Liam McGeary (10-0) for the title.

Additionally, the previously announced fight card features two Glory kickboxing title fights featuring Zack Mwekassa (13-2, 12 KO) and Saulo Cavalari (31-2, 19 KO) for the vacant Glory Light Heavyweight Championship as well as Gabriel Varga (26-2, 8 KO) defending his featherweight title against challenger Serhiy Adamchuck (29-5, 14 KO). Bellator MMA competitors Paul “Semtex” Daley (37-13-2) and Fernando “The Menifee Maniac” Gonzalez (24-13) will also be competing in Glory action, when they trade-in the MMA gloves for kickboxing gloves.

On the mixed martial arts side, Bellator MMA will also conduct a four-man, one-night light heavyweight tournament to determine the No. 1 contender in the division that includes the promotional debut of Phil Davis (13-3), as well as Emanuel Newton (25-8-1), Linton Vassell (15-4-1) and the return of Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (15-4, 1 NC).

“Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1” airs live and free on Spike at 9/8c. Tickets for the historic event start at just $30 and are on sale now at the SAP Center box office and are also available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Thomson, 36, is a former Strikeforce Lightweight World Champion that has competed extensively in Ultimate Fighting Championship and Pride Fighting Championships. “The Real Punk” has fought professionally since 2001 and defeated fighters the likes of: Gilbert Melendez, Duane Ludwig, Pat Healy, K.J. Noons, and Nate Diaz.

A resident of San Jose, Calif. and training at the renowned American Kickboxing Academy alongside some of the sports very best, Thomson will undoubtedly have a strong home field advantage when he makes his Bellator MMA debut on September 19.

Bronzoulis is also a former Strikeforce competitor that most recently held the Legacy Fighting Championship lightweight belt before signing with the Scott Coker-led promotion. “The Greek Assassin” has seen action inside the Bellator MMA cage previously, following a run on “Fight Master,” Bronzoulis competed in the show’s finale against Joe Riggs at “Bellator 106: Chandler vs. Alvarez II.” The 36-year-old returns to Bellator MMA currently riding a three-fight winning streak.

“Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1” – Saturday, September 19 – SAP Center, San Jose, Calif.

Bellator Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Tito Ortiz (18-11) vs. © Liam McGeary (10-0)
Glory Vacant Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Saulo Cavalari (31-2) vs. Zack Mwekassa (13-2)
Glory Featherweight Title Fight: © Gabriel Varga (26-2) vs. Serhiy Adamchuck (29-5)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament Competitors (first round pairings TBD): Phil Davis (13-3),
Emanuel Newton (25-8-1), Linton Vassell (15-4-1), Muhammed Lawal (15-4, 1 NC)
Glory Welterweight Feature Fight: Paul Daley (37-13-2 MMA/20-3 Kickboxing) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (24-13/1-2 Kickboxing)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Josh Thomson (20-8) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (18-8-1)

*Fight card subject to change

About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About GLORY:
Founded in 2012, GLORY is owned and operated by GLORY Sports International (GSI), a professional martial arts organization and television content provider that maintains offices in New York, Denver, London, Amsterdam, and Singapore. GLORY programming is seen in over 170 territories. GLORY kickboxing rules are comprised of a mix of several combat disciplines including Karate, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do and traditional Boxing. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @GLORY_WS, and visit us online at gloryworldseries.com.

About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

About SAP Center in San Jose
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SAP Center at San Jose is the premier sports and entertainment venue in Northern California. Each year, SAP Center hosts approximately 175 events featuring professional and amateur athletes, Olympic athletes, Grammy award-winners, international recording artists, and a variety of performers who appeal to children and families alike. SAP Center at San Jose is home to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League as well as the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League. For more information about SAP Center at San Jose and for a list of upcoming events, visit the SAP Center home page at www.sapcenter.com.

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