LOS ANGELES –BELLATOR MMA announced today that U-NEXT has become the promotion’s new exclusive broadcast partner in Japan beginning with BELLATOR 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi, which takes place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on Friday, Dec. 3, and airs live in Japan on Saturday, Dec. 4 starting at 9 a.m. JST. The exclusive two-year streaming agreement will see U-NEXT air all BELLATOR live events, including preliminary bouts and have a library of past events on demand beginning in December.

Hailing from Takasaki, Gunma, Japan, Kyoji “The Typhoon” Horiguchi (29-3) is the former BELLATOR 135-pound titleholder and current RIZIN champion. On Friday, Dec. 3, Horiguchi will challenge current BELLATOR Bantamweight World Champion Sergio “The Phenom” Pettis (21-5) in a bid to reclaim the title he once held.

BELLATOR MMA is owned by media giant, ViacomCBS, and hosts over 30 live events annually across the globe featuring many of the sport’s best fighters. In addition to Horiguchi, BELLATOR is home to several Japanese mixed martial artists including Shinsho Anzai, Keita Nakamura, Kana Watanabe and Goiti Yamauchi.

Scott Coker, President, Bellator MMA:

“We are very excited to be able to have our fights air in Japan on the U-NEXT network. Throughout the history of this great sport, Japan has always had a ton of dedicated and knowledgeable MMA fans and we are thrilled to be able to regularly bring them our great events starting with this incredible fight between two world champions in Sergio Pettis and Kyoji Horiguchi.”  

Tenshin Tsutsumi, President and Representative Director of U-NEXT:

“I am very pleased to be able to deliver the world’s famous martial arts competition BELLATOR to Japanese viewers. The world title match of the coming BELLATOR 272, where the current RIZIN bantamweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi challenges BELLATOR bantamweight world champion Sergio Pettis is attracting nation-wide attention. We hope every MMA fan in Japan will enjoy the fight through our live streaming service.”

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About U-NEXT

U-NEXT is a video distribution service with the largest number of unlimited viewing works. In addition to enjoying unlimited viewing of over 220,000 movies, dramas, and anime, we also have a lineup of over 20,000 rental works, including the latest works that have just been released and broadcast, and over 680,000 manga and books. We provide an entertainment experience that transcends genres, allowing you to seamlessly enjoy “watching” and “reading” with a single app.
U-NEXT: https://video.unext.jp 

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Honda Center for the first time in over two years with a heavyweight title unification bout that will see former teammates collide, as UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou battles interim champion Ciryl Gane. Newly crowned UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno runs it back with former titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo in the co-main event.

UFC^® 270: NGANNOU vs. GANE will take place Saturday, Jan. 22 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. All bouts will be simulcast on ESPN+ in English and Spanish beginning at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT with the ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass prelims. The prelims will continue exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT followed by the ESPN+ Pay-Per-View main card that will kick off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

UFC^® 270: NGANNOU vs. GANE tickets will go on sale Friday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Nov. 18 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

No. 4 men’s pound-for-pound fighter Ngannou (16-3, fighting out of Paris, France by way of Batie, Cameroon) aims for his first successful title defense following a thrilling KO win over Stipe Miocic in March. Among the most feared strikers in the UFC, he also holds memorable finishes against Junior Dos Santos, Cain Velasquez and Alistair Overeem. Ngannou now hopes to deliver his most impressive performance yet by handing Gane his first career loss in emphatic fashion.

Undefeated Gane (10-0, fighting out of Paris, France) has wasted no time rising through the heavyweight ranks, capturing the interim title with a spectacular TKO win over Derrick Lewis in August. A former professional kickboxer, he has also delivered notable victories against Alexander Volkov, Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Junior Dos Santos. Gane now intends to dethrone his former teammate to begin his reign atop the UFC heavyweight division.

No. 10 men’s pound-for-pound fighter Moreno (19-5-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) delivered the biggest victory of his career in December by submitting Figueiredo to earn the UFC flyweight championship. Initially featured on The Ultimate Fighter season 24, Moreno has also secured notable victories against Brandon Royval, Jussier Formiga and Louis Smolka. Moreno now aims to prove he is the top flyweight in the world by stopping Figueiredo a second time.

Former champion Figueiredo (20-2-1, fighting out of Soure, Pará, Brazil) is determined to even the score with Moreno by recapturing the belt with a vintage performance. A powerful striker and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he has delighted fans with memorable wins over Joseph Benavidez (twice), Tim Elliott and Alexandre Pantoja. Figueiredo now plans to get revenge on Moreno in their third battle to once again reach the top of the 125-pound ladder.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Top five middleweight contenders collide when No. 3 ranked Jared Cannonier (14-5, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) takes on No. 4 Derek Brunson (23-7, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.)
• Undefeated featherweights battle when No. 13 ranked contender Movsar Evloev (15-0, fighting out of Sunzha, Republic of Ingushetia, Russia) squares off with Ilia Topuria (11-0, fighting out of Alicante, Spain)
• No. 6 ranked women’s flyweight contender Viviane Araujo (10-3, fighting out of Brasilia, DF, Brazil) takes on. No. 11 Alexa Grasso (13-3, fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
• Kay Hansen (7-4, fighting out of Fullerton, Calif.) squares off with recent Dana White’s Contender Series signee Jasmine Jasudavicius (6-1, fighting out of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada) at flyweight
• Trevin Giles (14-3, fighting out of Houston, Texas) meets Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Michael Morales (12-0, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) at welterweight
• Tony Gravely (21-7, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) faces Dana White’s Contender Series signee Saimon Oliveira (17-3, fighting out of Balneario Camboriu, SC, Brazil) in a bantamweight bout
• No. 15 ranked bantamweight contender Cody Stamann (19-4-1, fighting out of Sparta, Mich.) squares off with rising Said Nurmagomedov (14-2, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia)
• Warlley Alves (15-5, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) faces Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Jack Della Maddalena (10-2, fighting out of Perth, Western Australia) in an intriguing welterweight bout
• Poliana Botelho (8-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) takes on Ji Yeon Kim (9-4, fighting out of Incheon, South Korea) at flyweight
• Greg Hardy (9-4 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) squares off with Aleksei Oleinik (59-16-1, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) in a battle of heavyweight finishers
• Matt Frevola (8-3-1, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y.) faces unbeaten Dana White’s Contender Series signee Genaro Valdez Solo (10-0, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) in an exciting lightweight matchup
• Rodolfo Vieira (8-1, fighting out of Orlando, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) aims for another show-stealing submission when he takes on Wellington Turman (17-5, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) at middleweight

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About Honda Center

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Honda Center stands as one of the premier entertainment and sports venues in the country. Owned by the City of Anaheim and managed by Anaheim Arena Management, LLC, the arena is home to the 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, and annually hosts dozens of top-name concerts such as Elton John, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Jay-Z, Garth Brook, and Foo Fighters. Since 2005, Anaheim Arena Management/Anaheim Ducks owners, Henry and Susan Samueli, have invested millions of dollars into facility upgrades, continuously improving the guest experience at Honda Center.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

BELLATOR MMA 271:?CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH MAIN CARD:

C-Cris “Cyborg”?(25-2, 1 NC) defeated #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-5) via KO (strikes) at 1:32 of round one

Cris “Cyborg:”

“I didn’t do anything we planned. You never know. I had a feeling about the fight. I feel great. I am happy with the win.”

“I knew she was more of a striker, so I went to the ground game.  The right hand did it fast and was the key. I was very excited for the count.”

“I really appreciate Kayla Harrison coming to the fight. If she wants to fight me one day, that would be great.” 

#6-Linton Vassell (22-8, 1 NC) defeated #5-Tyrell Fortune (11-2, 1 NC) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Linton Vassell:

“I am happy that I was able to out grapple a wrestler considering I’m from the U.K. and I have no wrestling background”

“I give myself a good 7. I am not 100 percent happy with my performance, but I am super happy with the outcome.”

“I was able to reverse him (Tyrell Fortune), get on top of him, and add some damage.”

“I used to watch WWE. When I first started to train, I did wrestling moves like that.”

“I always feel like we’re our own worst enemies. I wanted a knockout.”

“Tyrell was so strong and powerful. There were a few times where he just stood up and shook me off.”

“I went for the submission. I just carried on and tried to wear him down but couldn’t do it.”

#6-Aaron Pico (9-3) defeated #8-Justin Gonzales (12-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Aaron Pico:

“I knew going into the fight that he (Justin Gonzales) was going to be a tough fighter. He is a former wrestler. One thing about us wrestlers is we don’t quit. All my coaches knew he was going to be tough.” 

“He was just holding on to me and is really strong. When people hold on to you, it’s kind of hard to get strikes.”

“Thank God I walked out of here relatively healthy. I’m just happy I got my full paycheck.”

“It is the first time I’ve gone three rounds. It’s my first decision. I need the experience. I’m happy I got the win.”

“I knew I was the dominant performer, but I have to get better. I am just so hard on myself. I want to finish guys.”

“Let’s go back to the drawing board. Once I step out of this cage, it’s going to be a whole different ballgame. I have to get prepared for the next opponent, so let’s get to work.”

#1-Arlene Blencowe (15-8)defeated #7-Pam Sorenson (9-4) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Arlene Blencowe:

“I am my own worst critic. It wasn’t the performance that we trained for, or that I was hoping for.”

“I felt my first right hand land and then just went head hunting with my hands. I was respecting her take downs.”

“I feel like I’m such a well-rounded fighter now. I didn’t showcase any of that. I didn’t hit the ground though.”

“You know what is not next? Retirement. I’m 38. Old girls rule. Retirement is nowhere near on the horizon. I’m No. 1 in the division. It is only up from here.”

“I’m heading home to Australia. I haven’t been home in six months. I haven’t seen my kids, my partner, my family, my friends. I’m just going to go home and enjoy the rest of the year. I’ll just enjoy some family time.”

“Pam Sorenson is a tough girl. She tried to take me down. I went head hunting and really wanted the knockout. I am convinced that I did enough to win the fight.”

PRELIMINARY CARD:

#7-Steve Mowry (10-0)defeated Rakim Cleveland (22-14-1, 1 NC) via submission (kimura) at 3:28 of round one

Bruna Ellen (6-3) defeated Desiree Yanez (5-4) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Roman Faraldo (6-0) defeated Robert Turnquest (11-8) via KO (flying knee) at 1:17 of round one

Cody Law (6-0) defeated Colton Hamm (4-4) via knockout (elbows) at 4:21 of round one

Valerie Loureda (4-1) defeated Taylor Turner (5-7) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Waldo Cortes-Acosta (4-0) defeated Muhammed DeReese (9-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Ethan Hughes (3-0) defeated Mahmoud Sebie (3-1) via TKO (punches) at 4:05 of round three

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with a showcase matchup in the women’s bantamweight division as No. 7 ranked contender Ketlen Vieira takes on No. 8 Miesha Tate. In the co-main event, welterweight grappling specialists lock horns as No. 6 ranked contender Michael Chiesa looks to derail No. 13 Sean Brady.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: VIEIRA vs. TATE will take place Saturday, November 20 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will stream on ESPN+, with the prelims beginning at 3 p.m. ET/ 12 p.m. PT and the main card at 6 p.m. ET/ 3 p.m. PT.

Vieira (11-2, fighting out of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil) returns to the Octagon looking to make a statement and notch the biggest win of her MMA career. A black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo, she burst onto the UFC scene with impressive wins over Sara McMann, Cat Zingano and Ashlee Evans-Smith. Vieira now aims to recapture her early momentum and break back into the top five by defeating her first ex-UFC champion.

Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Tate (19-7, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) intends to remain undefeated in 2021 and continue her journey back to the title picture. A pioneer of women’s MMA who has been competing since 2007, Tate cemented herself as one of the best to ever do it with victories over Holly Holm, Sara McMann and Liz Carmouche. She now looks to prove a point by stopping Vieira in emphatic fashion.

Chiesa (18-5, fighting out of Spokane Valley, Wash.) has his sights set on defending his spot in the rankings and breaking into the upper echelon of the division. The winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 15, he discovered newfound success after returning to welterweight in 2018 with four straight wins over Carlos Condit, Diego Sanchez, Rafael Dos Anjos and Neil Magny. Chiesa now seeks to knock Brady from the ranks of the unbeaten and insert his name into the championship conversation.

Undefeated Brady (14-0, fighting out of Philadelphia, Pa.) aims to secure his most important victory yet and show that he is a future contender for the belt. A dominant grappler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Brady has built himself into one of the top prospects in the UFC with victories over Court McGee, Ismail Naurdiev and Jake Matthews. He now plans on maintaining his perfect record by stopping Chiesa with a breakout performance.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Bantamweight veterans Rani Yahya (27-10-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) and Kyung Ho Kang (17-8, 1 NC, fighting out of Busan, South Korea) look to steal the show
• No. 6 ranked women’s flyweight contender Joanne Calderwood (15-6, fighting out of Glasgow, Scotland) takes on No. 9 Taila Santos (18-1, fighting out of Balneário Camboriú, SC, Brazil) in a high stakes bout
• In a bantamweight bout guaranteed to deliver action, Davey Grant (13-5, fighting out of County Durham, England) battles fast-rising Adrian Yanez (14-3, fighting out of La Porte, Texas)
• Pat Sabatini (15-3, fighting out of Bristol, Pa.) locks horns with Tucker Lutz (12-1, fighting out of Baltimore, Md.) in a featherweight bout
• Rafa Garcia (12-2, fighting out of Imperial, Calif.) aims to secure his first UFC victory when he takes on Dana White’s Contender Series signee Natan Levy (6-0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) at lightweight
• Loma Lookboonmee (6-2, fighting out of Buri Ram, Thailand) meets Loopy Godinez (Vancouver, B.C., Canada by way of Aguascalientes, Mexico) in a matchup of women’s strawweight prospects
• Terrance McKinney (11-3, fighting out of Spokane, Wash.) looks to replicate his impressive UFC debut when he competes against Fares Ziam (12-3, fighting out of Givors, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France) at lightweight
• Flyweights Cody Durden (11-3-1, fighting out of Loganville, Ga.) and Aoriqileng (18-7, fighting out of Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China) vie for their first UFC victories
• Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (19-7, fighting out of Jingan Qu, Shanghai Shi, China) aims to secure a signature finish when he meets Sean Soriano (14-7, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla.) at featherweight
• Luana Pinheiro (9-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) clashes with Sam Hughes (5-3, fighting out of Everett, Wash.) at strawweight

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

MIAMI – BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh will be telecast LIVE tomorrow, Friday, November 12 on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary bouts will stream on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, and on Pluto TV beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

BELLATOR MMA 271:?CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH MAIN CARD:

Friday, Nov. 12 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/PT

Featherweight?World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg”?(145) vs. #5-Sinead Kavanagh (145)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #5-Tyrell Fortune (253.8) vs. #6-Linton Vassell (239.2)

Featherweight Bout: #6-Aaron Pico (145.4) vs. #8-Justin Gonzales (145.6)

Featherweight Bout: #1-Arlene Blencowe (145.8)vs. #7-Pam Sorenson (146)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

7 p.m. ET/PT?

Heavyweight Bout: #7-Steve Mowry (249.6)vs. Rakim Cleveland (249.6)

Flyweight Bout: Bruna Ellen (125.6) vs. Desiree Yanez (125.4)

Welterweight Bout: Roman Faraldo (171) vs. Robert Turnquest (177.8)*

Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (145.4) vs. Colton Hamm (145.8)

128-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Valerie Loureda (127.6) vs. Taylor Turner (127.2)

Heavyweight Bout: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (256.6) vs. Muhammed DeReese (255)

Welterweight Bout: Mahmoud Sebie (170.8) vs. Ethan Hughes (170.8)

*Missed weight

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

MIAMI (Nov. 10, 2021) – Pound-for-pound queen Cris Cyborg (24-2, 1 NC) returns to the BELLATOR cage, putting her featherweight title on the line for the third time against Irish-born slugger Sinead Kavanagh (7-4) this Friday on SHOWTIME. Holding a perfect BELLATOR record of 3-0, with all three wins coming by way of finish, Cyborg has been tearing through the BELLATOR 145-pound division and looks to stay on top against the streaking Kavanagh. In the co-main event, top-ten heavyweights collide as No. 5-ranked heavyweight Tyrell Fortune (11-1) squares off with No. 6-ranked Linton Vassell (21-8) in a matchup that will help shape the heavyweight title picture.

In addition to an incredible main and co-main event, the main card on SHOWTIME is stacked with three other amazing bouts. Featherweight phenom No. 6-ranked Aaron Pico (8-3) squares off with undefeated No. 8-ranked Justin Gonzales (12-0), No.1-ranked featherweight Arlene Blencowe (14-8) takes on No. 7-ranked Pam Sorenson (9-3), and undefeated No.7-ranked heavyweight Steve Mowry (9-0) clashes with Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1) during the must-watch main card.

The five-fight main card will air live on SHOWTIME in the United States at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. In addition, the seven-bout preliminary card will stream live three hours earlier beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh are on sale now and can be purchased online at Bellator.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say on Wednesday, Nov. 10:

CRIS CYBORG: BELLATOR MMA FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION

“I respect Sinead, I respect her as a fighter and I’m very excited to fight her on Friday.”

“I believe that I’m the champ, but I do think the challenger should have to fight in my home. I believe the challenger should have to come for the champion.”

“I love BELLATOR, it reminds me of my great times in Strikeforce.”

“I’ve fought in Florida before, my uniform is Miami colors, I’m very excited to fight in front of my fans here in Miami.”

“I’m really excited to showcase the work I did with Antonio McKee, I worked on my wrestling there. I’m very happy and excited to show this.”

“I stay off social media when I’m in camp, I focus on my training and my opponent, I know I have five rounds to finish the fight, so I go in the cage, execute my gameplan and retain my title.”

Click HERE for Cyborg’s full media-day session

SINEAD KAVANAGH: NO. 5-RANKED BELLATOR FEATHERWEIGHT

“Everything is perfect. I’m feeling strong. It’s been a great week. I’ve seen her and I ain’t afraid.”

“It’s amazing (to be representing Irish MMA). It’s amazing where I’ve come from and where I’m at now. I’m just proud of myself for being here and sticking at it. That alone has given me strength.”

“(Cyborg) is over here playing mind games. You wont even believe what they’re up to. They’re tagging me in that suplex (video). She has these ‘Squid Game’ cards with her face on them and she’s leaving them everywhere I go. She’s leaving them everywhere I go. She’s leaving them in my corner, leaving them on my floor. She’s trying to play her mind games. She’s trying to break me, but she can’t.”

“I was next in line (for this fight) and she was calling out other people. When I got the call, I was emotional because it’s well overdue. I should be here. It was a rollercoaster for me. It’s finally happened, it’s finally here and I’m ready to get going.”

“She gets too much (respect) in the cage. The cage is not to be giving respect, the cage is to fight, and the cage is to be leaving my soul in there and that’s exactly what I’m going to do Friday night.”

“I can’t wait to hit her.”

Click HERE for Sinead’s full media-day session

TYRELL FORTUNE: NO. 5-RANKED BELLATOR HEAVYWEIGHT

“I think he’s a veteran of the sport. He’s been around for a long time. 30 or more fights under his belt. He’s a kickboxer from Britain and he’s a tough guy in general so I know what he has to offer and I know what he brings to the table. If he tries to wrestle me, we all know how that’s going to go.”

“We’ll have to wait and see what happens at the beginning of next year. We’ll have to see if Bader comes back to defend his title and that will pretty much tell us a lot about where we go and who I should be fighting next. As far as Fedor, he only has one more fight left on his contract, so what do I care who he fights next.”

“I’m definitely happy to be in a different state and a different arena and all of that. I feel like that adds a little more excitement to the fight.”

Click HERE for Tyrell’s full media-day session

LINTON VASSELL: NO. 6-RANKED BELLATOR HEAVYWEIGHT

“I am coming off two big wins, so this was obviously the next fight to make. After those two wins, I was destined for a number one contender fight, which is what I think this is because Tyrell is Highly ranked, just like me.  I want to be champ, so why not now?”

“Obviously, the fight will end with me winning in a TKO or a submission. I predict that he will break in the second round, especially if I come in at my best, which I have, and don’t rush. I will be patient, fight my fight and end this fight within the distance.”

“I am not going to lie, that three-fight losing streak was terrible. I even contemplated retirement. I was able to refocus on my weight so I could train properly and not gas out. After preparing and speaking with my coaches, the proof has been in the pudding. I am on a tear right now and approaching an eventual title shot.”

“This fight is business as usual. I know Tyrell is a great wrestler, but I have been working extremely hard on that aspect of my game. I am not saying I am a wrestler, but my preparation in that part of the game will allow me to match him there and overwhelm him with what I am better at.”

Click HERE for Linton’s full media-day session

Click HERE for Aaron Pico’s full media-day session

Click HERE for Justin Gonzales’s full media-day session

Click HERE for Valerie Loureda’s full media-day session

Click HERE for Roman Faraldo’s full media-day session

Updated BELLATOR MMA 271:?CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH MAIN CARD:

Friday, Nov. 12 – live on SHOWTIME 

10 p.m. ET/PT? 

Featherweight?World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg”?(24-2, 1 NC) vs. #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-4)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #5-Tyrell Fortune (11-1) vs. #6-Linton Vassell (21-8)

Featherweight Bout: #6-Aaron Pico (8-3) vs. #8-Justin Gonzales (12-0)

Featherweight Bout: #1-Arlene Blencowe (14-8)vs. #7-Pam Sorenson (9-3)

Heavyweight Bout: #7-Steve Mowry (9-0)vs. Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1, 1 NC)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV 

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT? 

Flyweight Bout: Bruna Ellen (5-3) vs. Desiree Yanez (5-3)

Welterweight Bout: Roman Faraldo (5-0) vs. Robert Turnquest (11-7)

Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (4-0) vs. Colton Hamm (4-3)

Flyweight Bout: Valerie Loureda (3-1) vs. Taylor Turner (5-7)

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (3-0) vs. Shane O’Shea (4-2)

Heavyweight Bout: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (3-0) vs. Muhammed DeReese (9-4)

Welterweight Bout: Mahmoud Sebie (3-0) vs. Ethan Hughes (2-0)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Fri. Nov. 12 // BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL 

Fri. Dec. 3 // BELLATOR 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, CT

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

BELLATOR MMA 270: QUEALLY VS. PITBULL 2 MAIN CARD RESULTS AND QUOTES:

#1-Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (23-10) defeated #4-Peter Queally (13-5-1) via knockout (punches) at 1:05 of round one

Patricky “Pitbull” Freire

“He (Queally) thought that I was going to kick his leg again. I can kick it anytime. I went to my hand, my power.” 

“I was just relaxing and enjoying the fight. I enjoy the Guinness.”

“I fought for 10 years in different places, Japan, Canada, the U.S.A. It doesn’t matter. I am the warrior. I am Brazilian. I am the king of KOs, and now I am the champ!”

“I want to thank my brother for giving me this opportunity. Now, I am the champ and the king.”

#3-Patchy Mix (15-1) defeated #6-James Gallagher (11-2) via submission (guillotine choke) at :39 of round three

Patchy Mix:

“I knew he had to get a takedown in the last round because I controlled the second. In the second round, he had me in the guillotine.” 

“This crowd surprised me. It’s crazy. It’s like a movie in here.”

“I was nervous and came out flat in that first round. I didn’t expect the fight to be like this.  

“All respect to James (Gallagher). I don’t know even know the guy.” 

“I came in a pound and a half overweight and need to control that next time. I just want to build off this momentum.”

#7-Pedro Carvalho (12-5) defeated #6-Daniel Weichel (41-13) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Pedro Carvalho

“That was the biggest fight of my career.”

“He (Daniel Weichel) beat some of the biggest names in BELLATOR history.”

“I wanted this fight to be clean. I shouldn’t be harsh with myself. It was a win.”

“Deep down I’m happy. Maybe I am too hard on myself. I want to see my fight and what I did wrong.”

“My jab was more successful when I switched to southpaw.”

“This was the most beautiful and special night of my career. It was exactly like I expected. The crowd was exactly how I thought it would be. They gave me strength and energy.”

“I was fighting for my career. I fought the toughest guy in my division. I don’t think I performed that well tonight.” 

Ilias Bulaid (3-0) defeated Georges Sasu (5-2) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

Ciaran Clarke (4-0) defeated Jordan Barton (6-2-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:11 of round three

Daniele Scatizzi (11-5) defeated Brian Hooi (16-9, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Lee Chadwick (27-15-1) defeated Arunas Andriuskevicus (15-5) via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

Gokhan Saricam (6-1) defeated Charlie Milner (7-2) via KO (punches) at :15 of round one

Nicolò Solli (4-1) defeated Bobby Pallett (5-1) via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Danni Neilan (5-0) defeated Audrey Kerouche (7-6, 2 NC) via TKO (punches) at 3:58 of round three

Yusuf Nazokatov (1-0) defeated Stephen Costello (0-1) via submission (heel hook) at 2:24 of round two

For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, visit BELLATOR.com. 

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with a featherweight contenders’ bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks, as No. 1 ranked contender Max Holloway battles No. 3 Yair Rodriguez. Hard-hitting heavyweights collide in the co-main event when Ben Rothwell faces Marcos Rogerio de Lima.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: HOLLOWAY vs. RODRIGUEZ will take place Saturday, November 13 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will stream on ESPN+, with the prelims beginning at a special start time of 10 a.m. PT/ 1 p.m. ET and the main card at 1 p.m. PT/ 4 p.m. ET.

A limited number of tickets will be available on Monday, November 8 at www.axs.com.

Holloway (22-6, fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii) aims to build off his sensational victory over Calvin Kattar in January, which saw the former champion set a new record for significant strikes in a single UFC bout at 445. Throughout his career he also holds memorable wins against Jose Aldo (twice), Brian Ortega and Frankie Edgar. Holloway now has his sights set on staking his claim for a title opportunity with another highlight-reel finish.

Rodriguez (13-2 1NC, fighting out of Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico) returns to action for the first time since his Fight of the Night win over Jeremy Stephens in late 2019. During his UFC run, The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America winner has secured spectacular KO victories over Chan Sung Jung, BJ Penn and Andre Fili. Rodriguez now looks to earn the biggest win of his career and establish himself as the top contender for a featherweight title shot.

Rothwell (39-13, fighting out of Kenosha, Wisc.) hopes to continue his momentum following a submission win over Chris Barnett in May. A 20-year MMA veteran, he also holds notable finishes against Alistair Overeem, Josh Barnett and Matt Mitrione. Rothwell is now gunning for his 40^th professional win by stopping De Lima in impressive fashion.

De Lima (18-8-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) intends to make the most of his second co-main event opportunity by becoming the first fighter to finish Rothwell in over eight years. During his time on the UFC roster, he has delivered notable wins against Maurice Greene, Ben Sosoli and Igor Pokrajac. De Lima now looks to stop Rothwell and earn a shot at the heavyweight top 15.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Former women’s featherweight title challenger Felicia Spencer (8-3, fighting out of Orlando, Fla. by way of Montreal, Quebec, Canada) takes on Leah Letson (5-2, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.)
• Philipe Lins (14-5, Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil) moves down to light heavyweight to face former interim title challenger Ovince Saint Preux (25-16, fighting out of Knoxville, Tenn.)
• No. 15 ranked bantamweight contender Song Yadong (17-5-1 1NC, fighting out of Heilongjiang, China) and Julio Arce (17-4, fighting out of Bayside, N.Y.) look to steal the show
• No. 15 ranked lightweight contender Thiago Moises (15-5, fighting out of Indaiatuba, Brazil) squares off with rising star Joel Alvarez (18-2, fighting out of Asturias, Spain)
• Top 15 women’s flyweight contenders battle when No. 5 ranked Cynthia Calvillo (9-3-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) squares off with No. 12 Andrea Lee (12-5, fighting out of Shreveport, La.)
• Miguel Baeza (10-1, fighting out of Davie, Fla.) locks horns with Khaos Williams (12-2, fighting out of Detroit, Mich.) in an action-packed welterweight contest
• Exciting featherweight prospects collide when Sean Woodson (8-1, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) faces Collin Anglin (8-2, fighting out of Englewood, Colo. by way of South Lyon, Mich.)
• Cortney Casey (9-9, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) takes on Liana Jojua (8-4, fighting out of Tbilisi, Georgia) in a women’s flyweight matchup
• Marc Diakiese (14-4, fighting out of Doncaster, England) meets Rafael Alves (19-10, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Para, Brazil) at lightweight
• Kennedy Nzechukwu (9-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) faces Da-un Jung (14-2-1, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) in a light heavyweight bout

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

Dublin, Ireland – BELLATOR MMA 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 main cardwill be broadcasted LIVE tomorrow, Friday, November 5 on SHOWTIME at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT, while preliminary bouts will stream on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, and on Pluto TV beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

BELLATOR’s return to Dublin’s 3Arena features a scintillating rematch between Waterford, Ireland’s Peter “The Showstopper” Queally (13-5-1) and Patricky “Pitbull” (23-10) for the vacant Lightweight World Title, as well as an explosive bantamweight fight between two grappling aces in No. 6 ranked James “The Strabanimal” Gallagher (11-1) and the No. 3 ranked Patchy Mix (14-1) in the co-main event.

BELLATOR MMA 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 MainCard:

SHOWTIME (US) / BBC iPlayer (UK) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Friday, Nov. 5 – 9 p.m. GMT/5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

Lightweight World Title Main Event: #4-Peter Queally (155.0) vs. #1-Patricky “Pitbull” (153.6) 

Bantamweight Co-Main Event: #6-James Gallagher (136.0) vs. #3-Patchy Mix (137.8)*

Featherweight Bout: #6-Daniel Weichel (145.6) vs. #7-Pedro Carvalho (145.8)

Featherweight Bout:Ilias Bulaid (145.8) vs. Georges Sasu (144.6)

Preliminary Card:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US)

BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

6 p.m. GMT/2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT

Featherweight Bout: Ciaran Clarke (145.6) vs. Jordan Barton (143.0)

Lightweight Bout: Daniele Scatizzi (155.0) vs. Brian Hooi (156.0)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Lee Chadwick (205.6) vs. Arunas Andriuskevicus (205.4)

Welterweight Bout:Nicolò Solli (170.8) vs. Bobby Pallett (170.6)

Strawweight Bout: Danni Neilan (115.6) vs. Audrey Kerouche (114.8)

Featherweight Bout: Junior Morgan (156.0) vs. Darragh Kelly (155.4)

Welterweight Bout:Stephen Costello (171.0) vs. Yusuf Nazokatov (170.8)

Heavyweight Bout: Gokhan Saricam(236.4) vs. Charlie Milner (263.2)

*Missed weight

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

Arlington, TX (November 4, 2021) TRILLER FIGHT CLUB Presents the Highly Anticipated Debut of TRIAD COMBAT on Saturday, November 27 at Globe Life Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers in Arlington, TX and live on Pay-Per-View. The extraordinary event will also feature a Special Concert by International Music Icons, METALLICA and other surprise guests. Building on the enormous global success of VERZUZ and TRILLERVERZ “LEGENDS”, METALLICA will perform a show during the Event.

Advance tickets priced at $300, $200, $125, $85 and $50 will go on-sale Tomorrow, Friday, November 5 at 10:00 a.m. CT through TrillerFightClub.com and Ticketmaster.com. Globe Life Field is located at 734 Stadium Drive, Arlington, TX 76011. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 p.m. CT with an event starting time of 7:00 p.m. CT.

The Triad Combat PPV event will be carried in North America across all PPV platforms, including cable, satellite, telco, and streaming. Complete PPV distribution details can be found below.

TRILLER FIGHT CLUB is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its extraordinary launch on November 28, 2020 which shook up the sports and entertainment world as Boxing Legends MIKE TYSON and ROY JONES battled in Los Angeles, CA on a Pay-Per-View broadcast which garnered 1,600,000 PPV buys.

TRIAD COMBAT is a revolutionary, new combat team sport which incorporates boxing and MMA rules in an aggressive, fast-paced manner with the fighters competing in a specially designed triangular ring over two-minute rounds featuring professional boxers competing against professional mixed martial arts fighters. The specific motto of leveling the playing field between the two sports utilizing crossover gloves and with holding allowed is meant to offer boxing and MMA fighters an even battleground where neither opponent has a greater advantage.

In the past year, TRILLER FIGHT CLUB has sold over 3,000,000 Pay-Per-Views making it one of the top selling combat sports / entertainment platforms. The widely acclaimed monthly TRILLERVERZ series including world class professional boxing and extraordinary VERZUZ battles has consistently been at the top of watched broadcasts averaging over 5,000,000 views.

The most recent TRILLERVERZ weekend event on October 16 and 17, saw a massive crowd at BARCLAYS CENTER in Brooklyn, NY witness a once-in-a-lifetime VERZUZ battle on Sunday night between music legends BIG DADDY KANE and KRS-ONE, which followed an outstanding night of professional boxing headlined by CLETUS ‘THE HEBREW HAMMER’ SELDIN and an ICONZ concert headlined by WYCLEF JEAN and SUPER CAT on Saturday night.

The highly anticipated debut of TRIAD COMBAT on Saturday, November 27 is expected to shatter all existing Pay-Per-View records in a unique broadcast which will include special surprises throughout.

The inaugural TRIAD COMBAT battles will feature a show which includes one of the biggest acts in musical history; METALLICA, currently marking four decades of playing for millions of fiercely loyal fans the world over.  

Among the fighters featured in separate fights on the debut of TRIAD COMBAT include Two-Time UFC Heavyweight World Champion FRANK MIR, Two-Time Boxing Heavyweight World Title Challenger KUBRAT ‘THE COBRA’ PULEV and former UFC Superstar ‘PLATINUM’ MIKE PERRY.

TRIAD COMBAT will be produced by the award-winning  NIGEL LYTHGOE, the TRILLER FIGHT CLUB visionary in addition to the producer and creative force behind ‘American Idol’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.

The last three TRILLERVERZ events have been in the top performing of all broadcasts for this year, topping Monday Night Football with over 5,000,000 viewers for each event.

                                                            ————————————-

iNDemand, the leading transactional video-on-demand and PPV programming provider in North America, will serve as the exclusive U.S. and Canadian cable, satellite, and telco PPV provider for TRIAD COMBAT. Fans will be able to order the event on PPV through their existing cable, satellite, and telco PPV providers across the U.S., including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others and from leading operators in Canada.

TRIAD COMBAT will be broadcast globally on FITE, iNDemand and through all leading Cable, Satellite and Telco Providers in the U.S. and Canada. The suggested PPV retail price is $29.99.

**HOW TO WATCH THE NOVEMBER 27 – TRIAD COMBAT EVENT**

TV: Cable, satellite & telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum (U.S.), among others, as well as leading operators in Canada.

Worldwide Streaming: FITE.TV and all FITE mobile, Smart TV, IPTV, game controller and OTT apps as well as the event microsite hub: TrillerFightClub

This marks the FOURTH time that FITE, iNDemand and Triller will have partnered to bring value-packed, world-class PPV events to boxing, music, and entertainment fans. iNDemand also served as the cable, satellite, and telco PPV distributor for Triller Fight Club’s November 2020 Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. event (which landed as the 8th best PPV event of all time), as well as the April 17, 2021 Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren event and the September 11, 2021 Evander Holyfield vs. Vitor Belfort event. FITE handled global digital sales for both events and powered the TysononTriller and TrillerFightClub sites.

Fans can check the global FITE link for exact start times.

About TrillerNet:

FITE and Triller Fight Club are owned by TrillerNet, a first-of-its-kind company consolidating technology and content platforms to lead the move to Internet 3.0. TrillerNet pairs the culture of music with sports, fashion, entertainment and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology. TrillerNet—which owns the globally popular Triller app used by musicians, celebrities, athletes, and overall culture setters—has more than 300 million users worldwide. The Triller app—unlike other popular short-video apps it is often compared to, encourages its users to post the content created on the app across other social media platforms and websites. The app uses proprietary AI and Machine Learning technology which is uniquely tied to the content rather than the user. By tracking the content, Triller empowers its tastemakers and users to push their content virally to affiliated and non-affiliated sites and networks reaching hundreds of millions of additional users. Data and insights gleaned from the Triller network, its creators, artists and users (from the app and off network) are used to program longer-form content, connect users across the web with the content, and provide unprecedented opportunities for engagement and monetization. TrillerNet has developed highly successful campaigns that begin with the app and continue throughout the entire content and technology ecosystem with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Pepsi, McDonalds, Weedmaps, DraftKings, L’Oreal, and many others. TrillerNet offers brands a unique content and technology solution, including direct deals with the influencers and celebrities. This branded content journey starts with short-form video and can easily expand into valuable long-form content distributed through the Triller Network, such as live-event boxing and music PPVs, fashion shows, and episodic reality content on TrillerTV. Some of the more than 65 original half-hour TrillerTV shows include The D’Amelios Family’s “Ask a DAM Question,” Jennifer Lopez In The Morning, Jake Paul: Staying On Top, 2 Chainz Let’s Do It, DJ Khaled’s Spreading Love, Hype House’s Thomas Petrou’s Coffee Talks, Josh Richards’ Josh Pong, Ur Lov’d: the Noah Beck Show, Fat Joe’s Masterclass, The Perez Hilton Show, and Violet Benson’s Too Tired To Be Crazy, among others. TrillerNet additionally owns Verzuz, the massive live-stream music platform launched by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, and Triller Fight Club (www.TrillerFightClub.com), which launched last year with the highly successful Tyson-Jones Fight which shattered digital PPV records. Other holdings include leading AI-powered customer engagement platform Amplify.ai, and FITE, the premier live event and PPV, AVOD, SVOD streaming platform.

About FITE:

FITE is the premium global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry’s marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with over 5MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS, Android and Huawei mobile apps, as well as via Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, and Amazon Fire TV OTT streaming apps. In addition, FITE supports Shaw Communications’ Blue Curve IPTV, LG, Samsung, Vizio SmartCast™, Cox Contour and the Contour Streaming Player, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Comcast’s Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD, Netgem TV, Virgin Media, as well as over 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv. FITE is owned by TrillerNet. FITE: It’s ON. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIN, and Facebook. 

About iNDemand:

iNDemand is an innovative partnership between three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.—Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDemand is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDemand delivers great content to more than 80 million homes and has distribution deals with more than 150 companies. For more information, go to indemand.com.

About Globe Life Field:

Since its opening in the spring of 2020, Globe Life Field has rapidly earned a reputation as one of the top sports and entertainment venues in the United States. A public-private partnership between the City of Arlington and Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, Globe Life Field is not only the home of the team but also a multipurpose sports and entertainment venue that includes capabilities for hosting numerous local, regional, and national events. It is highlighted by a 5.5-acre one-piece retractable roof that provides climate control, shelter for fans during the hot summer months, and year-round utilization. Groundbreaking for the facility took place on September 28, 2017, and construction was completed in just over 30 months. In its first 18 months of operation, Globe Life Field has hosted the 2020 Major League Baseball postseason, including the 116^th World Series, the 2020 National Finals Rodeo, the Hella Mega Tour, the Lockheed Martin Commanders’ Classic, and many other major events.  

About REV Entertainment:

REV Entertainment is a subsidiary of Rangers Baseball Express, LLC, and was founded in August 2021 as a result of the success of Rangers Events, which had served as the exclusive booking agent for all non-MLB game day events beginning in 2012, first at Globe Life Park in Arlington (now Choctaw Stadium) and since 2020 at Globe Life Field. Over the last 12 months, REV Entertainment has produced a number of major events, including the 2020 National Finals Rodeo, the Hella Mega Tour, Chris Stapleton in Concert, and the 2021 Lockheed Martin Commanders’ Classic college football game. The company also includes REV Production Services, which was created in 2020 as the nation’s first unaffiliated stadium flooring production company that specializes in the procurement, transportation, installation, and cleaning of stadium flooring and barricades.

Triller Fight Club Social Media

Instagram: @Triller, @TrillerFightClub

Twitter: @Triller, @TrillerFight

Facebook: @TrillerFightClub

Website www.Triller.co

Kicking off an unprecedented pair of UFC events on consecutive Saturdays, ESPN+ will make UFC 267 presented by Boost Mobile: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira available to stream for all ESPN+ subscribers at no additional cost as part of a special presentation, live from Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, this Saturday, October 30.

Just seven days later on November 6, UFC 268: Usman vs. Covington 2, featuring the highly anticipated rematch between UFC welterweight champion and No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter Kamaru Usman and No. 1 contender Colby Covington, will be available to stream on ESPN+ PPV from New York City’s Madison Square Garden. The two back-to-back events – featuring four title fights and 24 top-15 ranked fighters in 29 total bouts – will mark the first time in 10 years UFC will feature two marquee events only one week apart (UFC 137 and UFC 138, October 29 and November 5, 2011).

UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira will feature two title fights and many of UFC’s most exciting and explosive rising stars. In the main event, UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz (28-8) defends his belt against No. 1 UFC light heavyweight contender Glover Teixeira (32-7). Seeking his second successful title defense, following a five-round decision over Israel Adesanya at UFC 259 earlier this year, Blachowicz, who lives and trains in Warsaw, Poland, is on a five-fight win streak. Teixeira, who fights out of Danbury, Conn., has also won five consecutive fights, having stopped Thiago Santos by third round submission in November 2020.

In the co-main event, Petr Yan (15-2) will fight Cory Sandhagen (14-3) for the UFC interim bantamweight title. Yan is a former UFC bantamweight champion and the current No. 1 contender with 10 wins in his last 11 fights, while Sandhagen is the No. 3 UFC bantamweight contender with nine wins in his last 11 bouts.

UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira will stream exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. The main card will begin at 2 p.m. ET, and prelims will start at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Also on the UFC 267 card:

• No. 5 UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev will put his eight-fight lightweight unbeaten streak on the line against No. 6 lightweight Dan Hooker, following his win over Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 266.
• Unbeaten welterweight Khamzat Chimaev will face Li Jingliang, who is coming off a first-round knockout of Santiago Ponzinibbo that earned Li a “Performance of the Night” bonus on Fight Island in January.
• Rising light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev, who is riding a six-fight win streak – including three first-round finishes, four knockouts and three “Performance of the Night” bonuses – will face fellow title shot hopeful Volkan Oezdemir.
• No. 9 ranked UFC heavyweight Marcin Tybura brings a five-fight win streak into the Octagon to face the No. 5 heavyweight Alexander Volkov, who is climbing back into title contention after a hard-fought, five-round loss to UFC interim champion Ciryl Gane.

UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira Original Content:

• UFC 267 Countdown: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira – Behind-the-scenes look at the training camps for the main and co-main fighters. Available to stream on-demand on ESPN+.
• Unlocking Victory: UFC 267 – Available to stream on-demand on ESPN+.
• The Chael Sonnen Show w/Jorge Sedano – Former UFC title contender Chael Sonnen gives his unique takes on the most interesting stories in the world of MMA – past, present and future – alongside ESPN’s Jorge Sedano. Available to stream on ESPN+.
• DC & RC – UFC legend Daniel Cormier and Super Bowl champion, Ryan Clark, both Louisiana natives, hang out and kick around the hottest topics from across the world of MMA. Available on ESPN+ and ESPN’s YouTube channel, as well as audio wherever podcasts are downloaded or streamed.

Key Coverage of UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira on ESPN.com  

• Ranking the UFC Title Challengers: Who has the best chance of winning gold?
• The incredible numbers of Khamzat Chimaev’s star-making start in the UFC
• How to watch and stream UFC 267 on ESPN+
• The Return of Khamzat Chimaev: How COVID nearly halted the rise of one of the UFC’s biggest stars
• UFC 267 Expert Picks: Who has the edge in the two title fights? (ESPN+ Premium Article)
• On Friday 10/29 – ‘Only Thing That is Missing is the Belt’: Glover Teixeira’s last chance for UFC gold (by Marc Raimondi)

Interactive Coverage of UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira

• ESPN’s MMA FightCenter – Allows fans on ESPN.com and the ESPN App to follow all the action through fight animations, timely updates, statistics, player cards, injury reports, and more.
• ESPN’s UFC 267 Pick’Em – Fans can play for free and compete for a chance to win $5,000.
• ESPN Social Media: @ESPNMMA Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Fans can sign-up for ESPN+ any time at ESPN.com, ESPNPlus.com  or on the ESPN App.

Programming (All times ET) 

UFC 267 Prelims and Main Card

HOLLYWOOD, FL–In the main event, Olympic Gold medalist Kayla Harrison (2-1-0 this season) fought Taylor Guardado (3-0-0) for her second $1,000,000 purse and PFL Lightweight Championship at The Seminole Hard Rock Casino Harrison showed superior strength and ground control for the first two rounds and secured an arm bar at the four minute mark to earn the victory.

Cooper III KOs Magomedkerimov for PFL Welterweight Title

Magomed Magomedkerimov (career record 28-5-0, 2-0-0 with PFL) was a -275 favorite to take the Welterweight World Championship. His opponent, Ray Cooper lll (22-8-1 career, 2-1-0 with PFL this season) didn’t seem to notice. After taking a low kick in the first round, Cooper came back to control the action throughout round two.

The tables momentarily turned in round three and Magomedkerimov landed several vicious knees. Cooper answered with a right hand of his own, then found an opening for the knockout with another right hand at 3:02 of round three.

Montes Decisions Shields at PFL

In a three-round, non-title contest, Mexico’s Abagail Montes (2-0) gave 2-time Olympic gold medalist and multi-division world champion boxer  Claressa Shields (1-0) a tough time by controlling distance, scoring takedowns, and initiating a vicious ground and pound. The fight went the distance with one judge scoring  29-28 for Shields, and the other two scoring 29-28 for the winner Abagail Montes.

Bruno Cappelozza (13-5, 3-0 this season) and Ante Delija (career 19-4-0) (2-1-0 this season in PFL)battled for the Heavyweight Championship in an exciting and violent contest that went the distance. Superior striking and ground and pound earned Bruno Cappelozza the decision on all cards. 48-46, 49-45 x 2.

Movlid Khaybulaev (3-0 this season with PFL) of Dagestan, Russia, undefeated in his professional MMA career with 18 wins and no losses faced Long Island’s Chris Wade (20-6 career , 3-0 this season with PFL) for the PFL Featherweight Championship.

 Round one opened with fireworks as Khaybulaev scored three big right hands to the head of Wade before a brief lull in grappling range. Then the fight began. With 30 seconds left in the first round Khabulaev looked like he could secure a rear naked choke but the bell disagreed.

Wade came out charging in round two with some high kicks as the crowd chanted “USA, USA!” Khaybulaev continued to score with heavy shots to the head, and ended the round with advantage in the grappling range.

Rounds three and four saw a lot of grappling with the advantage still leaning towards Khaybulaev.

Wade attempted a flying knee in the opening seconds of round five but Khaybulaev deflected the blow and took control of the action once again. The round ended on the ground and the fight went to the judges. PFL’s innovative fight stat display showed  eight takedowns for Khaybulaev, who was way ahead ion strikes as well, and none for Wade.

All judges scored the contest 50-45 for Khaybulaev.

Antonio Carlos Jr. (3-0) submitted Marthin Hamlet (2-2) for the PFL Light Heavyweight championship via Rear Naked Choke submission at 3:49 of round 1

LOS ANGELES – In addition to the Featherweight World Title main event pitting current 145-pound champion Cris “Cyborg”?(24-2, 1 NC) against No. 5-ranked Sinead Kavanagh (7-4), BELLATOR MMA has added several star-studded matchups to the preliminary portion of BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh on Friday, Nov. 12, at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. 

SHOWTIME will televise the fantastic five-fight main card live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additionally, the must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. 

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

In female flyweight action, Miami’s “Master” Valerie Loureda (3-1) hopes to steal the show yet again, as the 23-year-old star prepares for Knoxville’s Taylor Turner (5-7), while Brazilian sensation Bruna Ellen (5-3) challenges the heavy-handed Desiree “Dirty Dez” Yanez (5-3).  

Fighting out of Key West, Fla., the undefeated knockout artist Roman Faraldo (5-0) returns to the BELLATOR cage to face fellow Floridian and Pensacola-native Robert Turnquest (11-7) in a 170-pound contest. Additionally, Roufusport product Jordan Newman (3-0) hopes to keep his perfect record intact in a middleweight showdown against Palm Beach, Florida’s Shane O’Shea (4-2).  

Lastly, former Penn State wrestler and current American Top Team standout Cody Law (4-0) puts his unblemished professional mark on the line in a featherweight clash with Fort Smith, Arkansas’ Colton Hamm (4-3). 

In the co-main event., top-10 heavyweights will go toe-to-toe as No. 5-ranked Tyrell Fortune (11-1, 1 NC) squares up with No. 8 Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC).

Rounding out the five-bout SHOWTIME telecast, the always electric and No. 5-ranked Aaron Pico (8-3) will square off against undefeated No. 8 Justin Gonzales (12-0), while No. 1-ranked Arlene Blencowe (14-8) attempts to cement her place as the next in line for a shot at the 145-pound crown against No. 7 Pam Sorenson (9-3). Kicking off the main card, undefeated No. 7-ranked Boca Raton, Fla., resident Steve Mowry (9-0) will continue his quest toward the top of the heavyweight ranks as he takes on veteran Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1, 1 NC).

Updated BELLATOR MMA 271:?CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH MAIN CARD: 

Friday, Nov. 12 – live on SHOWTIME 

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT? 

Featherweight?World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg”?(24-2, 1 NC) vs. #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-4) 

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #5-Tyrell Fortune (11-1, 1 NC) vs. #8-Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC) 

Featherweight Bout: #5-Aaron Pico (8-3) vs. No. 8-Justin Gonzales (12-0) 

Featherweight Bout: #1-Arlene Blencowe (14-8)vs. #7-Pam Sorenson (9-3) 

Heavyweight Bout: #7-Steve Mowry (9-0)vs. Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1, 1 NC) 

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV 

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT? 

Flyweight Bout: Bruna Ellen (5-3) vs. Desiree Yanez (5-3) 

Welterweight Bout: Roman Faraldo (5-0) vs. Robert Turnquest (11-7) 

Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (4-0) vs. Colton Hamm (4-3)  

Flyweight Bout: Valerie Loureda (3-1) vs. Taylor Turner (5-7) 

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (3-0) vs. Shane O’Shea (4-2) 

For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, please visit?BELLATOR.com.? 

** Card subject to change ** 

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events 

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland 

Fri. Nov. 12 // BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL 

Fri. Dec. 3 // BELLATOR 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn. 

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of?ViacomCBS?Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™?and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™?ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs,?Xbox One?and?PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at?Showtime.com.?SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to?www.SHO.com.? 

HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA – The Professional Fighters League, the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, held official weigh-ins for the 2021 PFL World Championship, the culminating event in the widely successful 2021 season. Headlining the card will be a PFL Women’s Lightweight Championship showdown between Kayla Harrison and Taylor Guardado. 

Harrison tipped the scales at 153.8-pounds, as she tries to remain undefeated and become a two-time PFL Women’s Lightweight Champion. Guardado, the talented newcomer, came in at 154.4-pounds as she faces the biggest challenge of her young MMA career. 

In the co-main event, rivals face off for the PFL Welterweight World Championship, as 2019 champion Ray Cooper III faces 2018 champion Magomed Magomedkerimov. 

Cooper came in at 169.8-pounds as he looks to even the score with the man that denied him the 2018 PFL Welterweight Championship. Magomedkerimov meanwhile weighed in at 170-pounds, as he tries to once again become the league’s top welterweight. 

OFFICIAL 2021 PFL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WEIGH-IN PHOTOS: CLICK HERE

2021 PFL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT NIGHT LIVE LINKS 

OFFICIAL 2021 PFL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WEIGH-IN RESULTS: 

ESPN2 Card

Women’s Lightweight Championship

Kayla Harrison (153.8) vs. Taylor Guardado (154.4)

Welterweight Championship

Ray Cooper III (169.8) vs. Magomed Magomedkerimov (170)

Women’s Lightweight Bout

Claressa Shields (155.8) vs. Abigail Montes (154.4)

Heavyweight Championship

Bruno Cappelozza (236.4) vs. Ante Delija (243)

Featherweight Championship

Movlid Khaybulaev (145) vs. Chris Wade (145)

ESPN+ Card

Light Heavyweight Championship

Antonio Carlos Jr. (204.4) vs. Marthin Hamlet (205)

PFL Lightweight Championship

Loik Radzhabov (155) vs. Raush Manfio (155)

Light Heavyweight Bout

Omari Akhmedov (203.6) vs. Jordan Young (206)

Women’s Lightweight Bout

Julia Budd (154.6) vs. Kaitlyn Young (155.6)

Lightweight Bout

Don Madge (155.6) vs. Nathan Williams (155.4)

Here are quotes from today’s press conference . . .

ABIGAIL MONTES

I have been training really hard for this. Claressa in the world of boxing is who she is and there is no denying that and I am not going to sit here and say otherwise. But this is the world of MMA and this is something I have been training a long time for and have been really preparing myself for this opportunity. Every single weapon in my arsenal I am going to utilize in order to go after her as best that I can.

Every single trainer I have had are the best at what they do. I am using every effort to train and adapt all of their teachings so that I have the confidence to use everything that I have learned to really put it into action and this actions will speak for themselves. I can’t thank my trainers enough for all of the knowledge they have passed on. That’s why I am confident and I am ready.

I don’t know what will happen in the cage but I feel that I am prepared for anything.

I saw that Claressa made a lot of mistakes in her first MMA fight using Jiu Jitsu. While I can’t get overconfident, those mistakes that she made may happen again, so I just have to be ready for anything that she is ready to throw at me. Just because she is from the world of boxing and not Jiu Jitsu, I can’t bank on her making the same mistakes.

CLARESSA SHIELDS

In my last fight, she had a background in kickboxing and she also had amateur background in boxing and I thought we were very evenly matched. This fight, I am not taking her lightly.

I am 1-0 in MMA. I’m not 12-0. She has experience. She has a kickboxing background. I watched her fight and she takes girls down. She’s a ground and pound girl. She throws kicks. She throws punches and combinations and stuff. I have to be very alert for this fight. It is a different kind of fight. I am going for a very competitive fight and she is going to know she was in a fight. I need to not get messed up by her, and mess her up. We are very evenly matched. I’m not taking her lightly and I don’t think she is taking me lightly.

With the girls I train with, it is very exciting working with them (Holly Holme, Cyborg). I can say, ‘oh I should have done this or I should have done that.’ Instead of watching them and being confused. I’ve been learning on the job and getting better and better. I am being taught arm bars and being taught how to get out of them. I am doing really great at wrestling and learning how to get out of clinches and stuff like that. That stuff used to be confusing now I feel good at it.

I felt a part of MMA when I made my debut, now I feel a lot more because I know better. I am looking forward to showing the world that I am putting a lot of work in and I am better at Jiu Jitsu and better at wrestling and betting better at being a mixed martial artist overall. I’m just happy that I have a chance to do better. My team and I went back and watched the film and we have a great game plan.

Well, if I was 30 I wouldn’t be trying MMA. I am 26 so I have a lot of time to learn and I don’t have to rush myself. Next year I can fight in the PFL tourney at 27 and then 28. I think 2023 is the golden year – I will get the chance to get a lot of experience inside the cage and become a great fighter.

I let the right hand go in boxing just like I do in MMA. I just have to widen my stance a little bit to throw kicks. It’s a little different but fighting is fighting. In order to get a powerful punch you need to twist the boxing and you’ve got to have legs. Others I train with that came from boxing we have to remind ourselves ‘he we still have to use our hands.’

When I spar with MMA people, they have it up on e with their legs but I have an up on them with my hands. I have great sparring and we all challenge each other and learn from each other. Before my first MMA fight I would forget that I have legs. I was so used to defending myself with my hands in a fight and now I have to use my legs and sometimes I feel like my legs aren’t there and my partners are like ‘OMG, us too.’

MMA is hard, but boxing is hard also. People think boxers strike harder because MMA fighters can use the ground game but the truth is it’s all kind of equal. Boxers only use their hands and it’s great. But nobody wants to see people own the ground – they want to see punches. You need punches in both. You need punches in MMA and you need punches in boxing. The ground game is hard but if you’re being taught right, you will be good at it.

I was great at boxing and made a great career out of it. If I become PFL champion that will be great and I can be champion at both at the same time. I don’t think you can do combat sorts if you just like it – you have to LOVE fighting and if you don’t, you’re not going to last long.

I’m not thinking about Savannah Marshall. Savannah Marshall is thinking about me. After this, I have a boxing match in about a month. She also has a fight. When those are taken care of, then maybe we can talk about fighting each other.

It takes about a month for me to prepare for a fight. We can look at some tape of my opponent then get ready. My next fight is at 160 and this fight is at 155 so I don’t have to worry about weight. We will look at the girl, game plan and go from there.

I hear people say that Amanda Nunez and Cyborg have better hand than me but I know that I have the best hands. I think Cyborg could go to boxing but I don’t think the other girls could go to boxing and become champion.

Bare knuckles? I feel like the rules in boxing, the gloves, are put in place for fighters’ safety and head trauma would become a bigger issue.

I have proven myself over and over and over again and I never fought PPV on Showtime. I fought in a main event and I sold out arenas, but they won’t pay us even as men. We put on great fights that are entertaining – they see us as valuable but not as valuable as the men. Hopefully they will open their eyes.

Jake Paul? Please. I don’t know what world people live in that think a person that has no boxing background, a man who has not fought professionally, look, there are a lot of women in boxing that can beat up men, especially an average Joe like Jake Paul. If I was to spar Jake, which is all I would get because a real fight would be too embarrassing, right? But if we were to spar, I would use one hand – not even the banger – I’d use my (left) jab and I could out jab and hook and uppercut him and embarrass him. That’s how skilled I am. It’s not a shot at Jake, but he’s not as good a boxer as me. If you are, go to the Olympics and medal. I’ve sparred against those guys too – Olympic Gold Medallists, Silver Medallists – I’ve sparred against all of them. Those guys would destroy Jake just like I would. I box for real – not play stuff – I box for real.

About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the first and only to present MMA in the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship. PFL is the innovation leader with the PFL SmartCage delivering viewers on-screen fight analytics and real-time prop bets. The 2021 PFL Season began with 60 fighters in six weight divisions. The Playoffs commence with 24 fighters competing for 12 spots in the Championship event and one of six $1 million title purses. All PFL 2021 Playoff events are live in primetime on ESPN/ESPN2/ESPN+ in the U.S., as well as on leading broadcast and streaming outlets in 160 countries worldwide.

For more info visit www.PFLmma.com and follow PFL on Instagram (@PFLmma), Twitter (@PFLMMA), and Facebook (/PFLmma).

Fedor Emelianenko (40-6, 1 NC) def. No. 2 Tim Johnson (15-8) via KO at 1:46 of round one

Fedor Emelianenko:

“I feel very great. I feel good. Two years passed. I’m happy that everything worked out the way we were thinking.

“I’m very happy for the fact that we made the audience happy and we delivered such great joy to our fans. To those who follow our career and Bellator events.

“Its much easier for me to perform in America. I don’t have such huge attention, or maybe I do get the attention, but all the events are strictly planned. Here at home all our camp and our preparation for the fight took place under the supervision of media, journalists and so forth and so on.

“Its difficult to say, I think this is one of the most important wins of my career taking into consideration the location, the country (Russia), the age. Taking into consideration the force of Tim Johnson, who is a strong opponent.

“Thank god I’m still in sports and I’m not losing my speed.

“Its difficult to answer the ‘what if’ questions. I would like to say that at this moment I’m not planning on finishing my career. I will talk to Scott Coker and my family.”

No. 8 Said Sowma (8-2) def. Vitaly Minakov (22-2) via TKO at 3:08 of round three

Said Sowma:

“I couldn’t hit the guy while he was fixing his finger when it was broken. I told the ref that his finger was messed up when he was telling us to keep fighting. I want to fighting him like a true martial artist, not like that.

“I haven’t thought about who’s next, I’m just excited about this one right now. He was a lot heavier than I was, but it wasn’t a fight that I took on short notice. I just wanted a step up in opponents. I believe that if you fight bums your whole life, then you will be a bum. I hope I laid a path for everyone at home that you can achieve anything you set your mind to no matter where you’re from.

“Minakov didn’t finish me in one minute like he usually does with his opponents so I’m pretty happy, but it was definitely a bit of a bittersweet win for me.”

No. 6 Usman Nurmagomedov (14-0) def. Patrik Pietila (11-9) via submission (RNC) at 4:06 of round one

Usman Nurmagomedov:

“I’m feeling good. I want to thank God for this victory. It was amazing fighting here in Russia. I am so happy right now.

“I certainly planned on taking this fight to the ground. I was trying to catch him so that I could take it to the ground, where I knew I had an advantage.

“I want to take on a top fighter next. A Top-10 or Top-15 fighter, it doesn’t really matter to me, but I want a top fighter. I will need about a week of rest and then I will be back and ready to go.

“I have not yet talked to Scott Coker about anything in relation to title shots. I don’t know who will win the world title fight between Patricky Pitbull and Peter Queally, but I’m going to take that belt and bring it back home with me.”

Anatoly Tokov (30-2) def. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-4-1) via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

Anatoly Tokov:

“I felt a little bit rusty in this fight because of the two-year absence. It felt like my reach was a bit off. It was not an easy fight. I was glad that it went three rounds because it allowed me to breath and it allowed me to take control of the situation.”

“Nothing was surprising about this fight because we used to train together and I know his strengths and I know that he’s a really serious fighter. It was a true challenge for me, but nothing was surprising about this one. I also wasn’t nervous at all and in fact I knew that I took care of him in each round.”

BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON PRELIMINARY CARD RESULTS:

Kirill Sidelnikov (13-6) def. Rab Truesdale (10-8-1) via TKO at 2:01 of round one

Katarzyna Sadura (5-4) def. Darina Mazdyuk (4-2) via TKO at 3:17 of round two

Irina Alekseeva (4-1) def. Stephanie Page (5-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Nikita Mikhailov (8-1) def. Brian Moore (14-8) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Alexey Shurkevich (13-4) def. Grachik Bozinyan (11-5) via KO at 2:25 of round one

Aiden Lee (10-5) def. Alexander Osetrov (8-3-1) via submission (RNC) at 3:41 of round one

For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, visit BELLATOR.com. 

** Card subject to change ** 

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME (U.S.) | OKKO (RUS) | BBC iPlayer (U.K.) | Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Saturday, Oct. 23 – 10 p.m. MSK / 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (233.5) vs. No. 2 Tim Johnson (264.0)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Vitaly Minakov (265.0) vs. No. 8 Said Sowma (243.0)

160-Pound Contract Weight Bout: No. 7 Usman Nurmagomedov (160.0) vs. Patrik Pietila (158.5)

Middleweight Bout: Anatoly Tokov (185.0) vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (186.0)

PRELIMINARY CARD

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US)

OKKO (RUS) | BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

7 p.m. MSK / 5 p.m. BST / 12 p.m. ET

Heavyweight Bout: Kirill Sidelnikov (264.0) vs. Rab Truesdale (247.0)

Flyweight Bout: Darina Mazdyuk (125.0) vs. Katarzyna Sadura (125.5)

130-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Irina Alekseeva (129.9) vs. Stephanie Page (124.5)

Bantamweight Bout: Brian Moore (136.0) vs. Nikita Mikhailov (135.5)

Welterweight Bout: Grachik Bozinyan (170.0) vs. Alexey Shurkevich (171.0)

Featherweight Bout: Aiden Lee (147.5)* vs. Alexander Osetrov (145.5)

Featherweight Bout: Gadzhi Rabadanov (148.8)* vs. Alexander Belikh (146.0)

* Missed Weight

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

LOS ANGELES – It’s the most wonderful time of the year as BELLATOR MMA rings in the holiday season with BELLATOR Bantamweight World Champion Sergio “The Phenom” Pettis (21-5) defending his belt for the first time in an international clash against former BELLATOR 135-pound titleholder and current RIZIN champion Kyoji “The Typhoon” Horiguchi (29-3) at BELLATOR MMA 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi on Friday, Dec. 3.

SHOWTIME will televise the main card live from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Additionally, the thrilling preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 272 will go on sale Friday, Oct. 22 at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com, with a special presale taking place Thursday, Oct 21.

Two additional action-packed preliminary matchups have also been announced with a featherweight feature between Hawaii’s Keoni Diggs (9-1) and John “Platano” de Jesus (14-9) as well as a bantamweight battle between “Gentleman” Josh Hill (20-4) and Jared “Psycho” Scoggins (10-1).

“It’s always a special event when you have a champion versus champion fight,” said BELLATOR President Scott Coker. “I’m excited to have Sergio Pettis and Kyoji Horiguchi competing for the BELLATOR World Championship on Dec. 3. Having a strong working relationship with RIZIN has led to many strong fights between our promotions and I foresee this continuing as we look ahead to 2022.”

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank BELLATOR and Scott Coker for providing our RIZIN Bantamweight Champion Kyoji Horiguchi the opportunity to challenge the BELLATOR Championship,” said RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara. “I am very excited to say Horiguchi’s challenge is just the first step of what BELLATOR and RIZIN has planned. BELLATOR and RIZIN’s ambitious challenges and battles will begin from December 3rd.”

Pettis captured the BELLATOR bantamweight crown this past May at the Mohegan Sun by outpointing former champion Juan Archuleta in a fast-paced contest at BELLATOR 258.

After signing with BELLATOR MMA in October 2019, the Roufusport MMA Academy-standout made his successful promotional debut three months later when he recorded a first-round technical submission via guillotine choke over Alfred Khashakyan at BELLATOR 238.

The younger brother of former UFC champion Anthony Pettis will make his fourth consecutive BELLATOR MMA appearance, and third straight at the Mohegan Sun.

Fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc., the hard-hitting Midwesterner returned to the cage one-half year following his initial BELLATOR MMA outing and tallied a close, unanimous decision over Ricky Bandejas in the main event of BELLATOR 242 on July 24, 2020.

Hailing from Takasaki, Japan, the 31-year-old Horiguchi is the reigning RIZIN bantamweight champion who notoriously became a simultaneous, two-promotion champion in 2019 after taking down and upsetting then-BELLATOR champion Darrion Caldwell at Madison Square Garden. Unfortunately, an injury would force Horiguchi to relinquish his BELLATOR title in Nov. 2019 and he now looks to reclaim his belt at BELLATOR 272.

While with RIZIN, the American Top Team-product amassed an impressive 10-1 promotional mark, highlighted by eight finishes and five first-round knockouts. Additionally, more than half of Horiguchi’s career victories (15 of 29) have come via KO.

Now, after reclaiming his RIZIN bantamweight strap and avenging only his third loss in 32 outings with a highlight-reel, opening-round knockout over Kai Asakura on New Year’s Eve 2020, the Japanese sensation fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla., aims to get his hands back on BELLATOR’s title.

Additional bouts for BELLATOR MMA 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi will be announced in the coming weeks.

BELLATOR MMA 272: PETTIS VS. HORIGUCHI MAIN CARD:

Friday, Dec. 3 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/PT

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Champion-Sergio Pettis (21-5) vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (29-3)

BELLATOR MMA 272: PETTIS VS. HORIGUCHI PRELIMINARY CARD:

Friday, Dec. 3 – live on SHOWTIME

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Bantamweight Bout: Josh Hill (20-4) vs. Jared Scoggins (10-1)

Featherweight bout: Keoni Diggs (9-1) vs. John de Jesus (14-9)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Oct. 23 // BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Nov. 12 // BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL

Fri. Dec. 3 // BELLATOR 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, CT

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

MOSCOW (Oct. 19, 2021) – Capping a historic month of exceptional BELLATOR MMA action, Russian heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) will make his highly anticipated return to the cage following a nearly 22-month absence when he squares off against No. 2-ranked contender Tim Johnson (15-7) at BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m. ET live on SHOWTIME. In the co-featured bout inside the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia, former BELLATOR Heavyweight Champion Vitaly Minakov (22-1) will return to combat for the first time in more than two years when he faces No. 8-ranked Said Sowma (7-2).

SHOWTIME will televise the fantastic four-fight BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson main card live at 3 p.m. ET. Additionally, all eight must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at Noon ET on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson are currently on sale at Kassir.ru.

Rounding out the four-bout SHOWTIME telecast will be the previously mentioned co-main event between Minakov and Sowma, Team Fedor’s Anatoly Tokov vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov in a middleweight clash, and undefeated Russian phenom Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) vs. Patrik Pietila (11-8). A previously scheduled bout between No. 9-ranked Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs. Rustam Khabilov (24-4) has been cancelled due to an undisclosed injury.

Here is what the fighters had to say on Tuesday, Oct. 19:

FEDOR EMELIANENKO: Russian Heavyweight Legend

Click HERE for Fedor’s full media day session

“Tim Johnson recently had a nice winning streak and that shows that he’s quite a good fighter. This was something that I took into consideration when looking at opponents.”

“MMA is the most joyful job that I could have. I’m never tired of the press events, and actually consider them to be a necessity to the business of combat sports, so I have gotten used to them over the years. As far as fighting alongside my friends and family, I think this can be difficult. When my friends and family are fighting with me on the same card, it’s important that I concentrate on my own fight and not get caught up in the rest. Because I am a professional and have been performing in this sport for a while now, I believe that I am good at simplifying everything when it comes to all of these factors.”

“In my next fight, I would prefer to go to Chicago instead of New York, but the plan for the next fight is really up to BELLATOR. If BELLATOR decides to go to a specific place, I will go. But, if it’s in America, it should be in Chicago.”

“It is great news and very exciting that Vadim Nemkov was able to defend his title and advance to the Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Finals. On the topic of champions, I hope that before I leave this sport, we will have another world champion.”

TIM JOHNSON: No. 2-ranked BELLATOR Heavyweight Contender

Click HERE for Tim’s full media day session

“I embrace fighting in Fedor’s home country. How many people get to experience something like that? I fought a Brazilian in Brazil (unanimous decision over Marcelo Golm in February 2018), but this will be a little more intense.”

“I can’t go out there and think, ‘Hey, I’m fighting Fedor.’ This is just an opponent, and he is (standing) in front of my goals.”

“Fedor is a power puncher. He’s got good explosions. I’m preparing this fight to be in all three positions.”

“Fedor fights in front of you, looking to land that big right hand or that big uppercut. He is a well-rounded fighter. You can’t get lazy with him.”

“Tim Johnson is pretty low on the name power list. People know me, but I don’t think the big-time fans look at me as a name power guy.”

“If Fedor beats me, this definitely is not going to be his last fight. If he gets a win over me, he will get a chance to potentially fight for the (heavyweight) belt again.”

VITALY MINAKOV: Former BELLATOR Heavyweight Champion

Click HERE for Vitaly’s full media day session

“It’s definitely a shame that I couldn’t compete for these past two years. Regardless, the past two-and-a-half months of training have been perfect. I’m still in shape and I’m still intact.”

“It is quite difficult with the American Visa. If BELLATOR is not going to come to Russia anytime soon, it will make it difficult. My plans are to stay at BELLATOR and in this sport.”

“Said (Sowma) and I know each other quite well and have trained at the same gym. He is a comfortable person to spar with.”

“I haven’t always seen MMA as a professional career until I came to the BELLATOR tournament. In 2013 when I participated in the Grand Prix, I realized that MMA is something that I could build a career on. I decided to do it to win a title and achieve something in the sport.”

SAID SOWMA: No. 8-ranked BELLATOR Heavyweight Contender

Click HERE for Said’s full media day session

“It’s a big difference when you have to travel across the world for a fight. It was difficult before, but definitely even more difficult now due to the additional restrictions and guidelines. Even though I am fighting in Minakov’s home country, I usually try to ignore the crowd as much as I can as it is, so it really shouldn’t be a factor for me.”

“I think I’m faster than Minakov and I will certainly try to use my speed to my advantage in this fight. I wasn’t so much interested in fighting Minakov as I was in traveling to Russia. I told BELLATOR that I really wanted to go and compete in this event, and the only fighter that I could have potentially matched up against was Minakov, so I took it.”

“I’ve been training at ATT (American Top Team) for 11 years now, and my entire wrestling and jiu-jitsu background comes from that gym. One of the best things about my gym is the absolute goldmine of fighters and coaches. There is just so much talent there.”

“I’m naturally a slow starter inside of the cage, so I’m not sure how this fight is going to play out. Having said that, I do think a win over Minakov will put me in title contention, and that’s exactly what I intend on doing.”

Click here for Usman Nurmagomedov’s full media day session

Click here for Anatoly Tokov’s full media day session

Click here for Patrik Pietila’s full media day session

Click here for Darina Mazdyuk’s full media day session

BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME (U.S.) | OKKO (RUS) | BBC iPlayer (U.K.) | Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Saturday, Oct. 23 – 10 p.m. MSK / 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) vs. No. 2 Tim Johnson (15-7)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Vitaly Minakov (22-1) vs. No. 8 Said Sowma (7-2)

160-Pound Contract Weight Bout: No. 7 Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) vs. Patrik Pietila (11-8)

Middleweight Bout: Anatoly Tokov (29-2) vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-3-1)

PRELIMINARY CARD

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US)

OKKO (RUS) | BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

7 p.m. MSK / 5 p.m. BST / 12 p.m. ET

Heavyweight Bout: Kirill Sidelnikov (12-6) vs. Rab Truesdale (10-7-1)

Lightweight Bout: Vladimir Tokov (6-1) vs. Aymard Guih (15-11-1)

Flyweight Bout: Darina Mazdyuk (4-1) vs. Katarzyna Sadura (4-4)

Flyweight Bout: Irina Alekseeva (3-1) vs. Stephanie Page (5-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Brian Moore (14-7) vs. Nikita Mikhailov (7-1)

Welterweight Bout: Grachik Bozinyan (11-4) vs. Alexey Shurkevich (12-4)

Featherweight Bout: Aiden Lee (9-5) vs. Alexander Osetrov (8-2-1)

Featherweight Bout: Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-1) vs. Alexander Belikh (9-4)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Oct. 23: BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia

Fri. Nov. 5: BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Nov. 12: BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh / Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino / Hollywood, Fla.

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to T-Mobile Arena with two thrilling world championship fights and a welterweight grudge match guaranteed to deliver fireworks. UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will go for his first successful title defense when he takes on No. 1 ranked contender Dustin Poirier. Plus, the greatest women’s fighter of all time, Amanda Nunes, defends her bantamweight championship against gritty No. 5 Julianna Peña, while No. 3 ranked welterweight contender Leon Edwards looks to settle the score with No. 6 Jorge Masvidal.

UFC^® 269: OLIVEIRA vs. POIRIER will take place Saturday, Dec. 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. All bouts will be simulcast on ESPN+ in English and Spanish beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT with the ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass prelims. The prelims will continue exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT followed by the ESPN+ Pay-Per-View main card that will kick off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

UFC^® 269: OLIVEIRA vs. POIRIER tickets will go on sale Friday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Oct. 21 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

No. 10 men’s pound-for-pound fighter Oliveira (31-8 1NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) achieved his dream of winning UFC gold with a knockout victory over Michael Chandler in May. Throughout his UFC career, he has also netted thrilling wins against Tony Ferguson, Kevin Lee and Nik Lentz (twice). Oliveira now aims to cement his status as the top 155-pound fighter in the world by stopping Poirier in emphatic fashion.

Former interim lightweight champion and No. 6 men’s pound-for-pound fighter, Poirier (28-6 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Lafayette, La.) is riding a wave of momentum following a pair of spectacular wins over Conor McGregor this year. During his UFC run, he has also earned victories against Max Holloway (twice), Eddie Alvarez and Justin Gaethje. Poirier now has his sights set on taking his spot atop the 155-pound division with another highlight-reel finish.

Two-division champion Nunes (21-4, fighting out of Coral Springs, Fla. by way of Bahia, Brazil) has etched her name in the history books among the most dominant fighters in UFC history. Currently riding a seven-year unbeaten streak, she has delivered sensational KO wins over former UFC champions Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm and Cris Cyborg. Nunes now seeks to continue her legendary run with another show-stealing performance.

The Ultimate Fighter season 18 winner Peña (11-4, fighting out of Chicago, Ill. by way of Spokane, Wash.) looks to claim the biggest victory of her career and secure her first title. A well-rounded grappler, she cemented herself as one of the best fighters in the world by defeating former UFC champion Nicco Montano, as well as former title challengers Jessica Eye, Cat Zingano and Sara McMann. Peña now intends to shock the world by dethroning Nunes in impressive fashion.

Edwards (19-3 1NC, fighting out of Birmingham, England) is gunning for another dominant performance to set himself up for a UFC title shot. Currently riding a six-year unbeaten streak, he holds notable victories over Nate Diaz, Rafael Dos Anjos and Donald Cerrone. Edwards now plans to get the last laugh against Masvidal to earn his first crack at UFC gold.

Two-time title challenger Masvidal (35-15, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) is determined to cap off 2021 with a vintage knockout win. Throughout his 18-year MMA career, he has delivered memorable finishes of Nate Diaz, Ben Askren and Darren Till. Masvidal now plans to stop Edwards’ momentum in emphatic fashion to once again enter the welterweight top five.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 6 ranked flyweight contender Kai Kara-France (22-9 1NC, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) looks to spoil the 125-pound debut of former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt (12-4, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.)
• No. 15 ranked bantamweight contender Raulian Paiva (21-3, fighting out of Santana, Amapa, Brazil) and Dana White’s Contender Series signee Sean O’Malley (14-1, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) aim to steal the show
• Welterweight contenders collide when No. 10 Geoff Neal (13-4, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) faces No. 12 Santiago Ponzinibbio (29-4, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.)
• No. 9 ranked bantamweight contender Pedro Munhoz (19-6 1NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) takes on former champion and No. 11 Dominick Cruz (23-3, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.)
• No. 15 ranked middleweight contender Andre Muniz (21-4, fighting out of Montes Claros, MG, Brazil) aims to keep his momentum going when he meets rising prospect Dricus du Plessis (16-2, fighting out of Pretoria, South Africa)
• No. 13 ranked women’s flyweight contender Maycee Barber (9-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) squares off with rising star Erin Blanchfield (7-1, fighting out of Elmwood Park, NJ)
• No. 4 ranked flyweight contender Alex Perez (24-6, fighting out of Lemoore, Calif.) battles No. 9 Matt Schnell (15-6, fighting out of Shreveport, La.)
• Submission ace Ryan Hall (8-2, fighting out of Falls Church, Va.) takes on Darrick Minner (26-12, fighting out of Nebraska City, Neb.) in an intriguing featherweight contest
• Gillian Robertson (9-6, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Niagara Falls, Canada) faces Priscila Cachoeira (10-3, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a flyweight bout
• Randy Costa (6-2, fighting out of Taunton, Mass.) takes on Tony Kelley (7-2, fighting out of Shreveport, La.) at bantamweight

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 155 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to approximately 900M TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh will take place on Friday, Nov. 12 at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Tickets for the promotion’s long-awaited Florida return go on sale on Friday, Oct. 22, via Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com at 10 a.m. ET. Additionally, mixed martial arts fans will have access to a special presale beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

In the main event, current 145-pound champion and top-ranked women’s pound-for-pound fighter Cris Cyborg (24-2, 1 NC) will make her third straight title defense when she takes on No. 5-ranked Sinead Kavanagh (7-4), while the co-main event features two top-5 heavyweight contenders going toe-to-toe as No. 4-ranked Tyrell Fortune (11-1) squares up with No. 5-ranked Linton Vassell (20-8).

Also on the card, a featured featherweight fight between No. 5-ranked Aaron Pico (8-3) and undefeated, No. 8-ranked Justin Gonzales (12-0) and a women’s featherweight matchup between No. 1-ranked Arlene Blencowe (14-8) and No. 7-ranked Pam Sorenson (9-3). Kicking off the main card will be a heavyweight attraction between undefeated, No. 6-ranked Steve Mowry (9-0) and former PFL competitor Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1).

SHOWTIME will televise the main card live at 10 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT. Additionally, the preliminary card will air live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channels, as well as Pluto TV.

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., “Cyborg” is coming off the second defense of her BELLATOR crown when she scored a vicious TKO over Leslie Smith at BELLATOR MMA 259 earlier this year. After earning world titles in STRIKEFORCE, UFC, and Invicta, the Brazilian native made history by capturing BELLATOR’s 145-pound strap to become a “Grand Slam Champion,” with belts in four different organizations. The hard-hitting, 36-year-old sports 20 career finishes with victories over elite competition, including Julia Budd, Holly Holm, Marloes Coenen, Gina Carano, and the aforementioned Smith (twice).

Kavanagh, a winner of her last two BELLATOR contests, strives to live up to her “KO” moniker when she attempts to stop the sport’s most dominant female athlete. The former amateur boxing champion is poised for a career breakout moment at BELLATOR 271 when the SBG Ireland-product attempts to do what only two other female fighters have previously accomplished; defeat “Cyborg.”

31-year-old Tyrell Fortune was thrust into the spotlight as one of the rare talents to start his professional career with the BELLATOR promotion. Known for his Olympic-caliber wrestling ability, Fortune has proven to be much more than a wrestler, becoming a fearsome and dynamic striker earning knockouts with his fists in seven of his 11 victories. Currently BELLATOR’s No. 4-ranked heavyweight, he recently defeated Matt Mitrione, causing him to submit to strikes at BELLATOR 262.

Former two-time light heavyweight title challenger, Linton Vassell bulked his way up to heavyweight where he has found immediate success, finishing both Ronny Markes and Sergei Kharitonov to solidify himself as the number five ranked big man in the division. A proud British fighter, “The Swarm” will be making his 15th promotional appearance at BELLATOR 271, averaging nearly two fights a year since signing with BELLATOR eight years ago in 2013.

A former freestyle wrestler who took home the California state high school title and placed second at the 2016 U.S. Olympic team trials, Pico hopes to continue his ascension toward a BELLATOR title with a fifth consecutive victory. Fighting out of the famed Jackson-Wink gym in Albuquerque, N.M.., the father of an infant son born in late July 2021 has stopped his past four opponents, including a pair of highlight reel knockouts. On Nov. 12, the 25-year-old knockout artist and Whittier, Calif., native will face his toughest test to date with plans to enter the 145-pound title conversation.

After signing with BELLATOR in September 2020, “J-Train” Gonzales made his promotional debut nine months later and earned a hard-fought split decision win over Tywan Claxton at BELLATOR MMA 260. Hailing from Greeley, Colo., the former LFA featherweight champion has knocked out four of his last seven opponents, including two in the opening round.

Additional preliminary matchups will be announced shortly

Updated BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh Main Card:

Friday, Nov. 12 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT

Featherweight World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) vs. #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-4)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #4-Tyrell Fortune (11-1) vs. #5-Linton Vassell (20-8)

Featherweight Bout: #5-Aaron Pico (8-3) vs. #8-Justin Gonzales (12-0)

Featherweight Bout: Arlene Blencowe (14-8) vs. Pam Sorenson (9-3)

Heavyweight Bout: Steve Mowry (9-0) vs. Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1)

BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh Preliminary Card:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

Friday, Nov. 12

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, please visit BELLATOR.com.

** Card subject to change **

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Oct. 23 // BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Nov. 12 // BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

About Hard Rock Live

Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is South Florida’s premier entertainment venue. An investment of more than $125 million, the 7,000-person capacity indoor venue features clamshell-style seating, offering guests an intimate experience. Designed by Scéno Plus, the 225,000 square-foot facility is equipped with state-of-the-art, in-house sound and lighting, large HD viewing screens and mobile-stage technology. With its advanced capabilities, Hard Rock Live can support some of the entertainment industry’s biggest performers, as well as nationally and internationally televised awards shows, sporting events and more.

C-Vadim Nemkov (15-2) defeated #5-Julius Anglickas (10-2) via submission (kimura) at 4:24 of round four

#2-Corey Anderson (16-5) defeated #1-Ryan Bader (28-7, 1 NC) via TKO (punches) at :51 of round one

Brent Primus (11-2) defeated #3-Benson Henderson (28-11) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Henry Corrales (19-6) defeated Vladyslav Parubchenko (16-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Preliminary Card: 

#10-Karl Albrektsson (13-3) defeated Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (18-7-1) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mukhamed Berkhamov (15-0) defeated Jaleel Willis (15-3) via submission (guillotine) at 4:05 of round one

Nick Browne (12-1) defeated Bobby Lee (12-7) via submission (heel hook) at 1:30 of round one

Javier Torres (12-5, 1 NC) defeated Gregory Milliard (12-7) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Sumiko Inaba (3-0) defeated Randi Field (2-1) via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:02 of round two

Lance Gibson Jr. (5-0) defeated Raymond Pina (9-5) via TKO (strikes) at 1:44 of round two

Jaylon Bates (4-0) defeated Raphael Montini de Lima (6-5, 1 NC) via submission (armbar) at 3:49 of round one

Sullivan Cauley (2-0) defeated Deon Clash (1-1) via TKO (strikes) at 4:59 of round one

Amateur Bout: Maria Henderson (2-0) defeated Collette Santiago (0-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) :40 of round one

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with a highly anticipated matchup in the middleweight division, as No. 2 ranked contender Paulo Costa returns to action against No. 5 Marvin Vettori. In the lightweight co-main event, Grant Dawson looks to remain undefeated in the UFC as he takes on Ricky Glenn. 

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: COSTA vs. VETTORI will take place Saturday, October 23 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will stream on ESPN+, with the prelims beginning at a special start time of 10 a.m. PT/ 1 p.m. ET and the main card at 1 p.m. PT/ 4 p.m. ET.

A limited number of tickets will be available on Monday, October 18 at www.axs.com.

Knockout artist Costa (13-1, fighting out of Contagem, Minas Gerais, Brazil) steps back into the Octagon for the first time since challenging for the middleweight title in 2020. A ferocious finisher who has earned stoppages in 12 of his 13 wins, Costa rose to the top of the division with victories over Yoel Romero, Uriah Hall and Johny Hendricks. He now looks to make a statement and defend his spot in the rankings by becoming the first person to stop Vettori.   

Vettori (17-5-1, fighting out of Mezzocorona, Italy) intends to bounce back from his UFC championship opportunity earlier this year with a vintage performance. During his run to title contention, Vettori proved himself to be one of the toughest matchups in the division with wins over Jack Hermansson, Kevin Holland and Karl Roberson. He now aims to secure the biggest victory of his career by dominating Costa to secure another shot at UFC gold.

Dana White’s Contender Series signee Grant (17-1, fighting out of Lee’s Summit, Mo.) seeks to extend his UFC win streak to six with another dominant performance. A powerful grappler, he has finished an impressive 15 of his 17 wins, including stoppages over Michael Trizano, Darrick Minner and Leonardo Santos. Dawson now has his sights set on breaking into the rankings by becoming the first person to finish Glenn in the UFC.

Glenn (22-6-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) looks to make the most of his first UFC co-main event opportunity. Having recently returned to the Octagon after a three-year layoff, he made waves with his spectacular 37-second KO of Joaquim Silva in June. Glenn now intends to make it two in a row by taking out Dawson and beginning his climb up the lightweight ladder.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• An exciting women’s bantamweight bout sees Jessica Rose-Clark (10-6, 1 NC fighting out of Innisfail, Australia) face off with Joselyne Edwards (10-3, fighting out of Panama City, Panama by way of El Paso, Texas)
• Fan favorite Alex Caceres (18-12, 1 NC, fighting out of Miani, Fla.) returns to action against SeungWoo Choi (10-3, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) at featherweight
• Welterweight veterans meet as Francisco Trinaldo (26-8, fighting out of Parana, Brazil) takes on Dwight Grant (11-3, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.)
• Light heavyweight finishers battles as Nicolae Negumereanu (10-1, fighting out of Brasov, Romania) and Ike Villanueva (18-12, fighting out of Katy, Texas) vie for a post-fight bonus.
• Middleweights Junyong Park (13-4, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) and Gregory Rodrigues (10-3, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) lock horns
• Women’s strawweights clash as Tabatha Ricci (5-1, fighting out of Ventura, Calif.) meets Maria Oliveira (12-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• Dana White’s Contender Series alum Jamie Pickett (11-6, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) goes for his first UFC win against Laureano Staropoli (9-4, fighting out of La Plata, Argentina) at middleweight
• Lightweight finishers meet when Khama Worthy (16-8, fighting out of Pittsburgh, Penn.) takes on Jai Herbert (10-3, fighting out of Wolverhampton, England)
• Jeff Molina (9-2, fighting out of Olathe, Kan.) intends to follow up on his impressive UFC debut when he faces Daniel Lacerda (11-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• Livinha Souza (14-3, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) matches up with Randa Markos (10-12-1, fighting out of Windsor, Ontario, Canada) in a women’s strawweight bout
• Aaron Phillips (8-3, fighting out of Lafayette, La.) and Jonathan Martinez (13-4, fighting out of Plainview, Texas) collide in a bantamweight bout sure to deliver action

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 166 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 12, 2021) – Capping a historic month of exceptional BELLATOR MMA action,Russian heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) will make his highly anticipated return to the cage following a nearly 22-month absence when he squares off against No. 2-ranked contender Tim Johnson (15-7) at BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson Saturday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m. ET live on SHOWTIME. In the co-featured bout inside the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia, former BELLATOR Heavyweight Champion Vitaly Minakov (22-1) will return to combat for the first time in more than two years when he faces No. 8-ranked Said Sowma (7-2).

SHOWTIME will televise the fantastic four-fight BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson main card live at 3 p.m. ET. Additionally, all eight must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at Noon ET on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson are currently on sale at Kassir.ru.

Hailing from Belgorod Oblast, Russia, the 45-year-old Emelianenko is widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in mixed martial arts history. Sporting first-round knockouts in three of his last four BELLATOR MMA contests, the former PRIDE heavyweight champion has shown no signs of winding down a celebrated career. In his most recent fight against Quinton “Rampage” Jacksonon Dec. 19, 2019, at BELLATOR MMA 237, Emelianenko once again proved that age is just a number when he dismantled the former UFC champion at 2:44 of the opening round.

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., Johnson has defeated three of his last four opponents, including two by opening-round knockout. Prior to his interim title loss to Valentin Moldavsky at BELLATOR MMA 261, the Minnesota-born southpaw tore his way through the 265-pound division with victories over Cheick Kongo and Tyrell Fortune. The 36-year-old Johnson hopes to continue his ascent toward a heavyweight world title as he challenges an MMA icon fighting in front of his Russian compatriots for the first time in five years.

Rounding out the four-bout SHOWTIME telecast will be the previously mentioned co-main event between former Heavyweight World Champion Minakov and Sowma, Team Fedor’s Anatoly Tokov vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodovin a middleweight clash, and undefeated Russian phenom Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) vs. Patrik Pietila (11-8). A previously scheduled bout between No. 8-ranked Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs. Rustam Khabilov (24-4) has been cancelled due to an undisclosed injury.

Sharing a lifelong dream of fighting together in front of friends and family, brothers Anatoly and Vladimir Tokov (6-1) will compete on the same card for the third time. The brothers are undefeated when competing at the same event with each having achieved victories at BELLATOR 218 and BELLATOR 229. With three of his six professional victories coming by way of stoppage, Vladimir will make his fourth consecutive BELLATOR MMA appearance in a lightweight scrap against the explosive Aymard Guih (15-11-1). Additionally, sibling middleweight brawler Anatoly Tokov (29-2), fresh off a pair of impressive finishes, is eager to put the 185-pound class on notice when he takes on hard-hitting Russian Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-3-1).

BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME (U.S.) | OKKO (RUS) | BBC iPlayer (U.K.) | Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Saturday, Oct. 23 – 10 p.m. MSK / 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) vs. No. 2 Tim Johnson (15-7)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Vitaly Minakov (22-1) vs. No. 8 Said Sowma (7-2)

160-Pound Contract Weight Bout: No. 6 Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) vs. Patrik Pietila (11-8)

Middleweight Bout: Anatoly Tokov (29-2) vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-3-1)

PRELIMINARY CARD

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US)

OKKO (RUS) | BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

7 p.m. MSK / 5 p.m. BST / 12 p.m. ET

Heavyweight Bout: Kirill Sidelnikov (12-6) vs. Rab Truesdale (10-7-1)

Lightweight Bout: Vladimir Tokov (6-1) vs. Aymard Guih (15-11-1)

Flyweight Bout: Darina Mazdyuk (4-1) vs. Katarzyna Sadura (4-4)

Flyweight Bout: Irina Alekseeva (3-1) vs. Stephanie Page (5-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Brian Moore (14-7) vs. Nikita Mikhailov (7-1)

Welterweight Bout: Grachik Bozinyan (11-4) vs. Alexey Shurkevich (12-4)

Featherweight Bout: Aiden Lee (9-5) vs. Alexander Osetrov (8-2-1)

Featherweight Bout: Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-1) vs. Alexander Belikh (9-4)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Oct. 16 // BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ

Sat. Oct. 23 // BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Nov. 12 // BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 7, 2021) – Highlighting the second of three outstanding BELLATOR MMA events in October, current 205-lb. World Champion Vadim Nemkov (14-2) will battle No. 5-ranked contender Julius Anglickas (10-1), while BELLATOR Heavyweight World Champion/No. 1-ranked light heavyweight Ryan “Darth” Bader (28-6, 1 NC) squares off against No. 2 Corey Anderson (15-5) in the co-featured bouts of BELLATOR MMA 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals Saturday, Oct. 16, at 10 p.m. ET live on SHOWTIME from the Footprint Center in Phoenix.

SHOWTIME will televise the fantastic four-bout BELLATOR MMA 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals main card live at 10 p.m. ET. Additionally, all 10 action-packed preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at 7 p.m. ET on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Fighting for the first time on the same card, married Phoenix residents Benson Henderson (28-10)and his wife, Maria Henderson (1-0) will be featured on the main card and preliminary portion, respectively. Maria will open the evening when she squares off against Collette Santiago in a strawweight battle of hard-hitting Arizonans. After cheering his bride on, No. 3-ranked lightweight Benson will return later in the night against former 155-pound titleholder Brent Primus (10-2). Born in Colorado Springs, Colo., Benson famously proposed to Maria in the cage following his 2013 victory over Gilbert Melendez in San Jose, Calif.

Nemkov, of Belgorod, Russia, captured the BELLATOR light heavyweight crown by defeating Bader via second-round TKO at BELLATOR 244 in August 2020. Currently riding an eight-fight winning streak, the ferocious 29-year-old sports seven first-round knockouts in 16 career contests. In his most recent outing, Nemkov successfully defended his light heavyweight belt by earning a tough unanimous decision over Phil Davis.

Anglickas, of St. Charles, Mo., replaced Anthony “Rumble” Johnson on short notice to challenge Nemkov. Hoping to ascend to the final of the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix with a victory and an opportunity to fight for the $1 million prize, the pride of Plunge, Lithuania, and official Light Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament alternate has defeated nine consecutive opponents after splitting his first two professional bouts.

Bader, of Chandler, Ariz., became the first BELLATOR fighter to hold belts in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions at BELLATOR 214. He accomplished the rare feat by knocking out the legendary Fedor Emelianenko on punches at 35 seconds of the opening round to capture the BELLATOR Heavyweight World Grand Prix in January 2019. A two-time NCAA All-American wrestler during his collegiate career at Arizona State University, the Reno, Nev., native counts triumphs over Davis (twice), “Rampage” Jackson, Rashad Evans, and Keith Jardine, during his illustrious 14-plus-year MMA career.

Anderson, of Robbinsville, N.J., has vanquished six of his past seven opponents, including a third-round stoppage of Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov at BELLATOR 257 six months ago in April 2021. In his first promotional appearance, the Rockford. Ill., native recorded a second-round TKO in November 2020 over Melvin Manhoef at BELLATOR 251.

The BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix commenced at BELLATOR 256 on April 9, 2021, when Bader defeated Lyoto Machidavia unanimous decision, and Anderson dismantledYagshimuradov in the tournament’s quarterfinal round at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. The following week featured current champion Nemkov defending his crown against former champion Phil Davis. The victors of Nemkov-Anglickas and Bader-Anderson will meet in a highly anticipated tournament final later this year.

Rounding out the four-bout SHOWTIME telecast will be the previously mentioned lightweight contest pitting Henderson against Primus, as well as a ferocious featherweight clash pitting veteran knockout artist Henry “O.K.” Corrales (18-6) against Ukrainian submission ace Vladyslav Parubchenko (16-2).

Spotlighting the 10-fight preliminary card will be a light-heavyweight bout between No. 10-ranked Swedish sensation Karl Albrektsson (12-3) and BELLATOR newcomer Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (18-6-1), as well as undefeated female brawlers Sumiko “Lady Samurai” Inaba (2-0) of Maui, Hawaii, and Canadian “Ruthless” Randi Field (2-0) in a featherweight showdown. Rounding out the preliminaries will be British Columbia’s own Lance Gibson Jr. (4-0) hoping to keep his unblemished professional record intact in a lightweight brawl against Raymond Pina (9-4) of Tucson, Ariz., and the always-dangerous Jaylon Bates (3-0) returning to the BELLATOR cage for the third time in 2021 when he battles Brazilian Raphael Montini (6-4, 1 NC) in a bantamweight brawl.

BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals

MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Oct. 16 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT 

Light Heavyweight World Title Main Event: Champion-Vadim Nemkov (14-2) vs. No. 5-Julius Anglickas (10-1)

Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinal: No. 1–Ryan Bader (28-6, 1 NC) vs. No. 2-Corey Anderson (15-5)

Lightweight Bout: No. 3-Benson Henderson (28-10) vs. Brent Primus (10-2)

Featherweight Bout: Henry Corrales (18-6) vs. Vladyslav Parubchenko (16-2)

BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals

PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

Saturday, Oct. 16

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Light Heavyweight Bout: No. 10-Karl Albrektsson (12-3) vs. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (18-6-1)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Sullivan Cauley (1-0) vs. Deon Clash (1-0)

Lightweight Bout: Nick Browne (11-1) vs. Bobby Lee (12-6)

Middleweight Bout: Javier Torres (11-5, 1 NC) vs. Gregory Milliard (12-6)

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Sumiko Inaba (2-0) vs. Randi Field (2-0)

Lightweight Bout: Lance Gibson Jr. (4-0) vs. Raymond Pina (9-4)

Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (3-0) vs. Raphael Montini (6-4, 1 NC)

Welterweight Bout: Mukhamed Berkhamov (14-1) vs. Jaleel Willis (15-2)

Amateur Strawweight Bout: Maria Henderson (1-0) vs. Collette Santiago (0-2)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Oct. 16 // BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ

Sat. Oct. 23 // BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Nov. 12 // BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with an exciting women’s featherweight bout that will see No. 3 ranked bantamweight contender Aspen Ladd step in for injured Holly Holm to face Norma Dumont. In the co-main event, former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski will take on rising prospect Carlos Felipe.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: LADD vs. DUMONT will take place Saturday, October 16 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will stream on ESPN+, with the prelims beginning at 1 p.m. PT/ 4 p.m. ET and the main card at 4 p.m. PT/ 7 p.m. ET.

A limited number of tickets will be available on Monday, October 11 at www.axs.com.

No. 10 women’s pound-for-pound fighter Ladd (9-1, El Dorado Hills, Calif.) hopes to pick up where she left off following a 2019 TKO victory over fellow contender Yana Kunitskaya. During her UFC run she has also netted impressive stoppage wins against Tonya Evinger and Lina Länsberg. Ladd now goes for another emphatic finish in her featherweight debut.

Dumont (6-1, fighting out of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil) aims to turn heads in her first UFC main event opportunity. A Sanda black belt and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, she has earned victories over former featherweight title challenger Felicia Spencer, as well as Ashlee Evans-Smith. Dumont now hopes to spoil Ladd’s return and establish herself as the top contender for a featherweight title shot.

Decorated veteran Arlovski (31-20 2NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) is poised to build off his recent victory over Chase Sherman. The record holder for most UFC heavyweight wins, he holds memorable victories over Travis Browne, Antonio Silva and Roy Nelson. Arlovski is now gunning to take out another surging prospect and set himself up for a shot at the top 15.

Felipe (11-1, fighting out of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil) hopes to steal the show in the biggest spotlight of his career. An aggressive striker, he is currently riding a three-fight win streak with victories over Jake Collier, Justin Tafa and Yorgan de Castro. Felipe now aims to secure his first finish in the UFC by stopping a former UFC champion.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• The Ultimate Fighter season 23 winnerAndrew Sanchez (13-6, fighting out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada) takes on Bruno Silva (20-6, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) at middleweight
• Jim Miller (32-16 1NC, fighting out of Sparta, N.J.) will set the record for most UFC fights when he faces UFC newcomer Erick Gonzalez (14-5, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) at lightweight
• Manon Fiorot (7-1, fighting out of Nice, France) hopes to continue her streak of finishes when she meets Mayra Bueno Silva (7-1-1, fighting out of Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil) at flyweight
• Exciting middleweights clash when Julian Marquez (9-2, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.) squares off with Jordan Wright (12-1 1NC, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.)
• Danny Roberts (17-5, fighting out of Liverpool, England) returns to action against Ramazan Emeev (20-4, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) in a welterweight bout
• Sijara Eubanks (8-6, fighting out of Brick, N.J. by way of Springfield, Mass.) aims to build off her recent knockout win when she takes on Luana Carolina (7-2, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) at flyweight
• Nate Landwehr (14-4, fighting out of Clarksville, Tenn.) faces Ludovit Klein (17-3, fighting out of Nove Zamky, Slovakia) in an intriguing featherweight bout
• Danaa Batgerel (9-2, fighting out of Erdenetsagaan, Sukhbaatar, Mongolia) meets Brandon Davis (14-8, fighting out of D’Iberville, Miss.) in a bantamweight bout
• Istela Nunes (7-1 1NC, fighting out of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil) makes her UFC debut against Ariane Carnelossi (12-3, fighting out of Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo, Brazil) at strawweight

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 166 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA announced today that current 145-pound world champion and top-ranked women’s pound-for-pound fighter Cris “Cyborg” will make her third straight featherweight title defense when she takes on the No. 5-ranked contender and Irish boxing sensation Sinead Kavanagh at BELLATOR MMA 271, Friday, Nov. 12, from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

SHOWTIME will televise the main card live at 10 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT. Additionally, the preliminary card will airlive on the BELLATOR and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channels, as well as Pluto TV.

Additional bouts and ticket information for BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh will be announced in the coming weeks.

Only the second BELLATOR woman’s featherweight champion in the company’s history, “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) aims to further her legacy as the greatest women’s mixed martial artist of all time when she battles the pride of Dublin less than two weeks before Thanksgiving.

Currently fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., “Cyborg” is coming off the second defense of her BELLATOR crown when she scored a vicious TKO over Leslie Smith at 4:51 of the fifth round in May 2021. After previously holding gold in STRIKEFORCE, UFC and Invicta, the Brazilian native made history by capturing the BELLATOR title to become a “Grand Slam Champion” with belts in four different organizations. The hard-hitting, 36-year-old sports 20 wins by finish with victories over punishing competition, including Julia Budd, Holly Holm, Smith (twice), Marloes Coenen, and Gina Carano.

Kavanagh (7-4), a winner of her last two BELLATOR outings, strives to live up to her “KO” moniker when she attempts to stop the sport’s most dominant female athlete. The former amateur boxing champion is poised for the breakout moment of her career at BELLATOR MMA 271 when the SBG Ireland-product attempts to do what only two other women fighters have previously accomplished; defeat “Cyborg.”

Updated BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh Fight Card:

Friday, Nov. 12 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT 

Featherweight World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) vs. #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-4)

For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, please visit BELLATOR.com. 

** Card subject to change **

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

About Hard Rock Live

Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is South Florida’s premier entertainment venue. An investment of more than $125 million, the 7,000-person capacity indoor venue features clamshell-style seating, offering guests an intimate experience. Designed by Scéno Plus, the 225,000 square-foot facility is equipped with state-of-the-art, in-house sound and lighting, large HD viewing screens and mobile-stage technology. With its advanced capabilities, Hard Rock Live can support some of the entertainment industry’s biggest performers, as well as nationally and internationally televised awards shows, sporting events and more.