Bellator 79: The Aftermath

 Posted by at 3:54 PM  Bellator, MMA News  No Responses »
Nov 032012
 

Season 5 welterweight tourney winner Douglas Lima (grey trunks) let his hands do the talking as he put on a striking clinic against Jacob Ortiz (not pictured) before finishing him in the third round. (Photo courtesy of Bellator)

Bellator 79 featured a pair of semi-final match-ups in the Season 7 Heavyweight and Featherweight Tournaments as well as two welterweight fights to treat the crowd at the Casino Rama in Orillia, Ontario, Canada to a night of toe-to-toe mixed martial arts action. Heavyweights “Rare Breed” Rich Hale (21-4) and “Big Monster” Thiago Santos (11-2) squared off in the marquee bout of the evening and the first of two Season 7 heavyweight semi-final tilts. “The Marine” Mike Richman (13-2) faced “Sha” Shahbulat Shamhalaev (11-1) in the co-main event for a spot in the 145lbs. tourney finals. Former MFC Welterweight Champion and Season 5 Welterweight Tournament Champion “The Phenom” Douglas Lima (21-5) returned to action against Kobe Ortiz (13-4) at a catchweight of 180lbs. In the starting fight of the night, Canada native “The Real Deal” Ryan Ford (19-4) faced tough Bellator newcomer “Alley Cat” Kyle Baker (12-7). Continue reading »

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Bellator 79 Video Highlights

 Posted by at 11:41 AM  Bellator  No Responses »
Nov 032012
 

 (Video courtesy of Bellator Fighting Championships)

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Bellator 79, Season 7 Heavyweight and Featherweight Tournament Semi-Finals Results

 Posted by at 8:33 PM  Bellator  1 Response »
Nov 022012
 

(Photo courtesy of Bellator Fighting Championships)

—MAIN CARD (on MTV 2 @ 8:00pm ET)—

Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament Semi-Finals Fight
Rich Hale vs. Thiago Santos: Hale via TKO (Strikes), Round 1, 3:31

Season 7 Featherweight Tournament Semi-Finals Fight
Shahbulat Shamhalaev vs. Mike Richman: Shamhalaev via TKO (Punches), Round 1, 1:45

Catchweight (180lbs.) Feature Fight
Douglas Lima vs. Kobe Ortiz: Lima via TKO (Head Kick and Knee), Round 3, 4:50

Welterweight Feature Fight
Ryan Ford vs. Kyle Baker: Ford via Unanimous Decision, Round 3, 5:00 Continue reading »

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Bellator 79, Season 7 Heavyweight and Featherweight Tournament Semi-Finals: Pre-Fight Breakdown

 Posted by at 6:02 PM  Bellator, MMA News  No Responses »
Oct 312012
 

Former 205er RIch Hale (white trunks) brings his speed and KO power to the heavyweight tournament semi-finals against Brazilian “Big Monster” Thiago Santos at Bellator 79. (Photo courtesy of Bellator)

Bellator makes its second stop in Canada in the Season 7 tournament, dropping in at the Casino Rama of Orillia, Ontario. A Heavyweight Tournament Semi-Final match-up is designated for Friday’s Bellator 79 main event slot preceded by a second semi-final bout, in the featherweight tourney, as well as a pair of welterweight affairs featuring two well-known faces to the Rama native fans. Former MFC star “The Real Deal” Ryan Ford (18-4) returns to home soil to face “Alley Cat” Kyle Baker (12-6) with both 170lbs. contenders hoping to seal his place in the next tournament with a victory. Season 5 welterweight tourney winner and former MFC champ ”The Phenom” Douglas Lima (21-5) steps back onto his old stomping grounds against well-rounded Kobe Ortiz (13-3), who is looking for the biggest win of his career against Lima. Bellator vet ”The Marine” Mike Richman (13-1) and Russian-born Shahbulat Shamhalaev (10-1-1) battle it out in the featherweight tournament semi-finals. Finally, Brazilian heavyweight ”Big Monster” Thiago Santos (11-1) will face former 205er and KO artist “The Rare Breed” Rich Hale (20-4) in a don’t-blink style of fight. Continue reading »

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Bellator 75, Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament Quarter-Finals Live Results

 Posted by at 4:22 PM  Bellator  No Responses »
Oct 052012
 

(Photo courtesy of Bellator Fighting Championships)

—MAIN CARD (on MTV2 @ 8:00pm ET)—

Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament Quarter-Final Fight
Eric Prindle vs. Thiago Santos: Santos via DQ (Axe Kick to Groin), Round 1, 4:45

Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament Quarter-Final Fight
Brett Rogers vs. Alexander Volkov: Volkov via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), Round 3, 5:00

Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament Quarter-Final Fight
Richard Hale vs. Mike Wessel: Hale via TKO (Punches), Round 1, 1:19

Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament Quarter-Final Fight
Mark Holata vs. Vinicius Queiroz: Queiroz via Submission (Armbar), Round 1, 3:26 Continue reading »

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Bellator 75, Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament Quarter-Finals Pre-Fight Breakdown

 Posted by at 7:12 PM  Bellator, MMA News  No Responses »
Oct 042012
 

Brett Rogers’ (white trunks) big power and motivation to rebuild his fighting career should be enough for him to spoil the Bellator debut of Russian fighter Alexander Volkov. (Photo courtesy of Bellator)

October 5 in Hammond, Indiana Bellator will shake the Venue at Horseshoe Casino with the quarter-finals of the Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament. Four pairs of combatants will meet in the Bellator cage, including among others a man looking to redeem himself after bad luck, a lightning quick 205er adding on a few pounds to take on giants, and a fading star that has found new life, all of whom hope to secure the title of Bellator Heavyweight Champion recently vacated by “The Polar Bear” Cole Konrad (10-0). C3 Fights veteran and four-time Bellator vet Mark Holata (12-3) welcomes a knockout out artist from Brazil, “Spartan” Vinicius Kappke de Queiroz (5-2), to Bellator. Former Bellator light heavyweight “Rare Breed” Richard Hale (19-4) missed out on the previous 205lbs. tournament due to injury and jumped at the chance to enter the heavyweight ranks, taking on “The Juggernaut” Mike Wessel (12-4) who is coming off a successful promotional debut at Bellator 73.  Former Strikeforce fighter “The Grim” Brett Rogers (12-4) has emerged from his recent dark period and looks to build off his first win since 2011 at the expense of Bellator debutee Alexander Volkov (16-3), a 23-year-old 6’7″ Russian with 13 knockout wins. The main event features the rematch between “The American Soldier” Eric Prindle (7-2) who is coming off his loss to Konrad for the title against his arch rival “Big Monster” Thiago Santos (10-1). At long last the two will face off and finally decided who is the best between them.

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Bellator 62, Season 6 Lightweight Tournament Quarter-Finals: Pre-Fight Breakdown

 Posted by at 3:03 PM  Bellator, MMA News  No Responses »
Mar 222012
 
Rene Nazare (black shorts) will face one of his toughest Bellator tests to date against deadly striker Thiago Michel Pereira Silva. (Photo courtesy of Bellator)

The Lone Star State will host the third event of Bellator’s sixth season in Laredo, Texas at the Laredo Energy Arena. A restocked tournament of eight   lightweight warriors are ready to go to battle for a shot at newly minted champion Mike Chandler (9-0), and the third-time’s-the-charm scheduled meeting of heavyweights “Big Monster” Thiago Santos (10-1) and “The American Soldier” Eric Prindle (7-1) is set for the main event. Bellator veteran “The Brazilian Bomber” Rene Nazare (10-1) faces knockout artist Thiago Michel Pereira Silva (9-2). Former welterweight tough man Brent Weedman (18-7) drops down to a new weight of 155lbs. to welcome newcomer and rising star JJ Ambrose (17-3). Olympic Judo powerhouse Rick Hawn (11-1) moves down to a more natural weight for his frame and looks to hand Brazilian Ricardo Tirloni (14-1) his first loss since 2008. The co-main event features two power punchers with a knack for nasty battles as “Pitbull” Patricky Freire (10-2) faces fellow iron chinned striker “Cupcake” Lloyd Woodard (11-1). Tomorrow night only four competitors will move onward in the lightweight tournament, and either Prindle or Santos will rise to challenge “The Polar Bear” Cole Konrad (9-0) for the heavyweight crown. Undoubtedly all ten fighters on the Bellator 62 main card will put everything on the line to join those ranks. Continue reading »

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Bellator 59: The Aftermath

 Posted by at 4:57 PM  Bellator, MMA News  No Responses »
Nov 272011
 
Marcin Held (red gloves) came out ahead of Phillipe Nover (blue gloves) in a controversial Split Decision at Bellator 59. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)

It was the conclusion to yet another successful and entertaining season for Bellator Fighting Championships, last night docking in Caesars Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey for the bantamweight and heavyweight tournament finals and the return of UFC veteran and hometown fighter “Batman” Kurt Pellegrino (16-7) against heavy-handed Brazilian “Pitbull” Patricky Freire (4-1). ”The American Soldier” Eric Prindle (6-1) faced “Big Monster” Thiago Santos (6-1) for the Season 5 Heavyweight Tournament title and a shot against champion “The Polar Bear” Cole Konrad (8-0). Bantamweights “The Executioner” Alexis Vila (10-1) and Eduardo Dantas (9-2) faced off in the youth versus experience, speed versus power match-up. A late addition to the main card in TUF Season 8 runner-up “The Filipino Assassin” Phillipe Nover (5-4) and Polish prospect Marcin Held (12-2) started off the night with a three-round battle between the young fighters looking to steal the spotlight of the organization’s 155lbs. division. Controversial decisions and stoppages aside, the evening closed out Bellator’s fifth season with the bang that is sure to leave fans clamoring for the start of Season 6.

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Bellator 59, Season 5 Heavyweight and Bantamweight Tournament Finals Live Results

 Posted by at 4:11 PM  Bellator  No Responses »
Nov 262011
 

(Photo courtesy of Bellator)

—MAIN CARD (on MTV2 and EPIX HD)—

Season 5 Heavyweight Tournament Finals Fight
Thiago Santos vs. Eric Prindle: Fight is ruled a No Contest due to Santos’ inadvertent groin strike

Lightweight Feature Fight
Patricky Freire vs. Kurt Pellegrino: Freire via TKO (Strikes), Round 1, 0:50

Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament Finals Fight
Alexis Vila vs. Eduardo Dantas: Dantas via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00

Lightweight Feature Fight
Marcin Held vs. Phillipe Nover: Held via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00 Continue reading »

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Bellator 59, Season 5 Heavyweight and Bantamweight Tournament Finals: Pre-Fight Breakdown

 Posted by at 9:20 PM  Bellator, MMA News  No Responses »
Nov 252011
 
“TUF” alum Phillipe Nover (right) is seeking a career rebirth as a Bellator lightweight and will use his superior striking to achieve it against Marcin Held (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The last of the Bellator Season 5 tournament finals are under way this Saturday in Atlantic City, New Jersey with the heavyweights and bantamweights taking to the cage determined to earn a bonus check to the tune of $100,000 as well as a shot at his division’s respective champion. Forty-year-old knockout artist and bantamweight underdog “The Exorcist” Alexis Vila (10-0) will face the young and wild Brazilian Eduardo Dantas (7-2) for the 135lbs. title shot against “Fun Size” Zach Makovsky (14-2). Boxing stand-out ”The American Soldier” Eric Prindle (6-1) will face the giant from Brazil in “Big Monster” Thiago Santos (6-1) for a shot at Bellator Heavyweight Champion “The Polar Bear” Cole Konrad (7-0). A treat for the locals will be the return to the cage and Bellator debut of UFC veteran and New Jersey native “Batman” Kurt Pellegrino (16-6); welcoming him to the cage is heavy handed “Pitbull” Patricky Freire (3-1).  A 170lbs. bout was scheduled between former Bellator Welterweight Champion “Cyborg” Lyman Good (11-2) and Michael Costa (10-5), however a last-minute injury forced the bout off the card. Now a lightweight showdown between UFC veteran and TUF Season 8 runner up ”The Filipino Assassin” Phillipe Nover (5-3) and returning one-time Bellator veteran and Polish prodigy Marcin Held (11-2) will take the honors of opening up the Bellator 59 main card on MTV2. Continue reading »

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Bellator 56: The Aftermath

 Posted by at 12:52 PM  Bellator, MMA News  No Responses »
Oct 302011
 

Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren (black trunks) retained his title after an arguably lackluster performance, defeating Jay Hieron (yellow trunks) via Split Decision. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)

The battle for the Bellator Season 5 Heavyweight Tournament finals went out like a bat out of hell with two match-ups lasting a little over a minute combined. Former US Army Boxing Champion “The American Soldier” Eric Prindle (6-1) took on Kentucky native “The Monster” Ron Sparks (5-1). Brazilian “Big Monster” Thiago Santos (6-1) and South African “Goliath” Neil Grove (11-5) met in a replacement bout that took weeks to finalize, but only seconds to conclude. In the main event Welterweight Champion Ben Askren (9-0) faced seasoned IFL veteran and hungry top contender “The Thoroughbred” Jay Hieron (19-5) in a five-round affair that put Askren’s title on the line for the first time. Continue reading »

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Bellator 56, Season 5 Heavyweight Tournament Semi-Finals Results

 Posted by at 4:04 PM  Bellator  No Responses »
Oct 292011
 

(Photo courtesy of Bellator)

—MAIN CARD (on MTV2)—

Welterweight Championship Fight
Ben Askren vs. Jay Hieron: Askren via Split Decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48), Round 5, 5:00

Season 5 Heavyweight Tournament Semi-Final Fight
Neil Grove vs. Thiago Santos: Santos via Submission (Rear Naked Choke), Round 1, 0:38

Adam Schindler vs. Jeremy Spoon: Spoon via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28), Round 3, 5:00

Season 5 Heavyweight Tournament Semi-Final Fight
Eric Prindle vs. Ron Sparks: Prindle via KO (Punches), Round 1, 0:40 Continue reading »

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Bellator 56, Season 5 Heavyweight Tournament Semi-Finals Pre-Fight Breakdown

 Posted by at 9:25 PM  Bellator, MMA News  No Responses »
Oct 282011
 

Eric Prindle (top) proved his toughness and grit against Abe Wagner (bottom) but he will have to back it up with his crisp boxing to beat "The Monster" Ron Sparks. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)

The Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas, home field of Titan Fighting Championships, will loan its famous venue to Bellator Fighting Championships for Bellator 56 tomorrow night.  The first title fight of the season serves as the main event when Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren (8-0) puts his belt on the line against UFC, IFL, and Strikeforce veteran and Season 4 tournament winner “The Thoroughbred” Jay Hieron (19-4). “Big Monster” Thiago Santos (5-1), who replaced “300″ Mike Hayes (14-4), was scheduled to face Blagoi Ivanov (5-0) but an injury forced Ivanov to the bench. Now in his place is feared striker “Goliath” Neil Grove (11-4). Grove is looking to make an example of Santos by knocking him out cold and showing the world he is still that dangerous man that busted onto the scene during Bellator Season 2. Kentucky’s own “The Monster” Ron Sparks (5-0) will duke it out with yet another big man “The American Soldier” Eric Prindle (5-1). With four massive heavyweights competing for the two slots in the tournament finals, fans can expect nothing less than a rock ‘em sock ‘em slugfest. Continue reading »

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The “Goliath” Reportedly Granted Another Crack at Bellator Season 5 Heavyweight Tournament

 Posted by at 5:26 PM  Bellator, MMA News  No Responses »
Oct 172011
 

"Goliath" Neil Grove reportedly gets another shot at the Bellator Season 5 Heavyweight Tournament, stepping in for an injured Blagoi Ivanov. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)

Bellator’s Season 5 heavyweight tourney has hit a few road blocks en route to the October 29 semi-finals. ”300″ Mike Hayes (14-4) received a 60-day medical suspension from the Louisiana Boxing and Wrestling Commission after suffering a fractured orbital bone in his quarter-finals match against “Goliath” Neil Grove (11-4) at Bellator 52, in which he took the Split Decision victory.

“Big Monster” Thiago Santos (5-1) took on Josh Burns (5-3) at Bellator 53 for the role of tournament alternate and earned his place with a first-round submission win. Santos was scheduled to take on Blagoi Ivanov (5-0) but even that has changed as of October 15.

The promotion announced during its Bellator 54 broadcast on Saturday that the “Goliath” Grove would return to tournament action and face “Big Monster” Santos in the Bellator Season 5 Heavyweight Tournament semi-finals in just under two weeks, at Bellator 56. Grove gets his second shot at Bellator heavyweight glory following Blagoi Ivanov reportedly sustaining an injury. Continue reading »

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