Eddie Alvarez vs Donald Cerrone rumoured for UFC 178

by Ben Heather @benheather

Could Eddie Alvarez finally be set to join the UFC and end a 2 year saga between Bellator, UFC and himself? If this is true it looks like the UFC want to get him straight in to action with a match up against Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone rumoured for UFC 178.

According to an unnamed source close to the bout the matchup has not yet been finalised but the source informed Sherdog.com that negotiations are ongoing. As of last night though, Eddie Alvarez still remains under contract with Bellator.

It is no secret that Alvarez only has one fight left on his Bellator contract and if he was to take a fight, say against current interim champ Will Brooks and win he will be walking away as the undisputed champion leaving behind an organistaion he has cleaned out. However, if Bellator and the UFC can come to an agreement and he leaves now it would mean that Bellator still have the ability to push Brooks as its new champion and even set up the Chandler rematch for the title.

A fight between Cerrone and Alvarez certainly appeals to me and if Alvarez does indeed join the UFC it sets up so many other interesting match ups in the UFC lightweight division, which is already stacked. The one disappointing point, if this does indeed happen would be that we may not see Alvarez vs Chandler 3. After seeing the first two fights, which could arguably be called some of the best fights in MMA history I had hoped to see the trilogy fight.

UFC 178 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest PPV's of the year with Jones vs Cormier, Cruz vs Mizugaki, McGregor vs Poirier and Kennedy vs Romero already announced. If you add Alvarez vs Cerrone to that card it will certainly prove to be an event not to be missed.

Michael Page ahead of Bellator 120 fight with Ricky Rainey "I want to be the face of MMA"

Kingdom MMA talk to Michael Page before he opens up Bellator's first PPV

by Ben Heather @benheather

Credit: Keith Mills

Last week Kingdom MMA caught up with Michael Page before he started his travels to Southaven, Mississippi to open the show for Bellator's inaugural PPV. The PPV was supposed to be headlined by the third fight in the Alvarez vs Chandler saga however just after speaking to Michael this fight has now been cancelled due to an injury to Alvarez. Page talks to us about his fight on Saturday, what he has been doing on his year long lay off and his plans for the future.

Ben: Hi Michael thank you for your time, when did you find out about this fight and how long have you been training for it now?
Page: Well i have been out for over a year but i haven't stopped training. I was supposed to have a couple of fights but due to injury I wasn't able to step in for them but I was always training.

I have had a long preparation, not specifically for this fight though. For this fight my opponent got changed from Marcus Aurelio to Ricky Rainey and for Ricky I've had just over a month to prepare. In general though I've always been training.

Ben: So who have you been training with in the past year?
Page: I have trained with everyone, I've trained with so many different people because we have a lot of cross sparring and we get guys from the outside come in all the time. Obviously we've got the normal guys in the gym like John Hathaway, Claudio da Silva, Karlos Vemola and all the normal London Shoot guys but obviously i train with them all the time. Regarding extra sparring sessions we have had so many other people come in that i have had the privilege to spar with so its been good.

Ben: You mentioned you're fighting Ricky Rainey can you tell the UK fans what you know about him?
Page: From what I have seen he has got a very experienced stand up game, he has nice responses and is known as the sniper which to be honest is a very accurate name for him. He has a mean right hand but he likes to line it up so he has his front hand out a lot almost trying to line you up for that one shot.

He is very strong, I have seen a lot of guys try to take him down to no avail and he has been able to stay on his feet for the majority of his fights, even against strong wrestlers. So he is going to be a strong guy but i think it will be a good stand up fight.

Ben: Have you been able to identify any weaknesses that you will be looking to target?
Page: As snipers do, they would probably prefer a target that doesn't move as much as me so that's one thing I am definitely going to expose. the fact that he is a slow paced fighter which for me works better with my movement and how I move in and out. I think that's how I am really going to catch him out.

Ben: Like you just mentioned, your style is very unique. I've not seen too many other guys do the things you do in the cage. Do you think he will struggle to actually prepare for this fight?
Page: Yeah, I believe I have got an advantage only because I am the first person from my specific sport which is freestyle kickboxing that has crossed over to the cage successfully. That means there is not many training partners out there that can do what I am doing. So he will have to learn first hand from that first second we are in the cage.

He can analyse as much as he wants but its going to be different when he actually has to fight against my style. I think all good coaches will try and pull out things that he can try and attack but its my job to understand my own weaknesses and my own strengths so I can work on them to make sure they don't get exposed.

Ben: On May 17th you will be making history by being a part of the first ever fight on Bellator PPV event. How does it feel to be part of history and to potentially be a name for MMA quizzes for years to come?
Page: To be honest, I feel so privileged, I feel so excited, I feel like its an added weight but in a good way. I am happy that Bellator respect me and my style enough to put me along side big names like Rampage, King Mo, Tito Ortiz, Eddie Alvarez and all those guys who are big hitters in the MMA world full stop.

Now I am alongside those people, I feel massively overwhelmed and excited. I want to go out there and give it my best shot.

Ben: What are your main ambitions for the future in MMA?
Page: For me to be honest with you, I say it to everyone. A lot of people only aim for specific titles but for me I want to be the face of MMA. I want to be what Michael Jordan is to basketball, what David Beckham is to football, what Michael Jackson is to music. I want to be that face, that would mean winning multiple titles being on top for a long period, being creative, being exciting, being entertaining and winning and that's what I want to achieve.

Ben: Do you feel the next step for you to achieve that would to be involved in the next Bellator Welterweight Tournament?
Page: Yes Definitely, for me that's just progress. Its a big thing in Bellator and its something that I am definitely going to progress to do but I am in no rush to do anything. I want to enjoy my time as an MMA fighter, although I seem to take quite big steps in a short period of time. I think that they are still not too big. I want to make sure that I have a good MMA career and I gain the experience necessary to stay at the top.

A lot of people do want to rush things and make it to shows like UFC but i think its important to establish yourself outside and also pick up as much experience as you can so when you go on to big shows like Bellator and UFC you are able to really make a name for yourself.

Ben: Another example of what you said would be someone like Luke Barnatt in the UFC, he is still happy to take on lesser known guys and fight them to earn his way up and justify his place in the top end of the rankings.
Page: Exactly, its exactly that. Some people don't like the fact that fighters do that but in my opinion you have to remember that this is our life, this is our career and its not something you can take lightly. We put our bodies through a lot and nobody wants a short career after having to do so much to make it. So you have to be a bit smart about how you progress, it has to be a partnership between you and your coaches that you understand how you want to establish yourself. I think it should just be slow and steady, but if you do feel that you can jump in to the cage straight away and handle yourself then and I know people have, then that's fine. It's just a decision that you need to make with your team.

Ben: After this fight do you want to be back fighting regularly after the long lay off? Obviously if you was put in a tournament you would have two or three fights in the space of a couple of months?
Page: 100% even this year I want to try and squeeze 4 fights in if i can. So yeah I want to get active, to be honest it was a shame last year as i really wanted to do a lot more. Its just one of those things that is part and parcel with what we do. Injuries will always be around it just depends on which ones you get and how fast you can recover. If I am fit and ready, similar to my last Bellator appearance I was fine after so i went out to India to fight there a week later because I was fresh still and ready to go. After all that fight was a 10 second fight, for all of that training I definitely needed to go out and do another one.

Ben: Do you try and take the positives from having a year lay off? Using it to look at ways to improve your career rather than thinking it was time wasted not being in the cage.
Page: I think with the team I have met I feel so privileged with London Shootfighters as I seem to just click with them in regard to everything, they look after everything for me, they manage me really well. They understand my style and know how to doctor it in the correct way and not just try and turn me in to another typical MMA fighter. I really work well with them and I think that has helped right from the start.

So the silver lining for me during this year out was the fact that all of the areas i needed to improve like my grappling and wrestling I had to do a lot slower which meant I was becoming a lot more technical in what I was doing. I feel like i have got 10x sharper in my grappling, my Jui Jitsu and have improved quicker than I would have if i wasn't injured. So that's my silver lining from being out.

Ben: Like you said, you come from a freestyle kickboxing background. Have you thought about going back in to it with the recent revival of the sport thanks to promotions such as Glory in the past couple of years?
Page: No to be honest, I started at 3 and first competed at 5 and I used to travel up and down the country and across the world doing kickboxing competitions so it has kinda played out for me. Obviously if a opportunity came around and I felt I could take it then I may do it but at the moment MMA is what I am focused on.

Ben: What was it like growing up in a family which went on to produce multiple world champions
Page: When you have been surrounded by martial arts with your brothers and sisters from an early age there was always a lot of fighting, even when it wasn't in a competition.

To be honest though martial arts calmed us down, although brothers and sisters bicker all the time anyway but it kept us very grounded and made us very respectful everywhere we went. Even outside of martial arts we were naturally respectful to everybody as that's what we had been taught.

I think martial arts should be an important aspect in every day life for kids, a lot of people just see it as violence but its not its controlled aggression. I teach as well and every child that we teach needs martial arts for different reasons, some kids come in and are not very confident in themselves but after a certain amount of time in martial arts they become confident in class and confident with peers. There is so much more to it than teaching them how to punch and kick. The kids social skills improve, they learn to work better with people and everyone takes something different from it but its all positive.

Ben: Finally, how do you think the fight will go on Saturday?
Page: I think initially as he is a kick boxer hes going to want to find out who's kickboxing style is better so he is going to want to stand. I believe I am going to out do him on my feet, just from looking at his style I know where I am going to be able to pick him off so after that I imagine he is going to try and either take me down or pin me up against the cage but then he and everyone else will find out how much i have improved in that area as well.

Thank you for your time, safe travels and we wish you the best of luck in your fight on Friday.

Bellator 120: Alvarez vs. Chandler III (Fight Card)

Bellator 120: Alvarez vs. Chandler III
Date: May 17th, 2014
Landers Center, Southaven, Mississippi, USA

Main Card
Eddie Alvarez vs. Michael Chandler - For the Bellator Lightweight Title
Quinton Jackson vs. Muhammed Lawal - Bellator Light-Heavyweight Tournament Final
Tito Ortiz vs. Alexander Shlemenko - Nontitle Fight
Will Brooks vs. Nate Jolly
Michael Page vs. Ricky Rainey

Preliminary Card
Cheick Kongo vs. Eric Smith
Blagoi Ivanov vs. Alexander Volkov - Bellator Heavyweight Tournament Final
Marcin Held vs. Patricky Freire - Bellator Lightweight Tournament Final
Mike Richman vs. Goiti Yamauchi
Austin Lyons vs. Zach Underwood
Justin Frazier vs. Mike Wessel
Ben Brewer vs. Andy Uhrich
Anthony Lemon vs. Codie Shuffield
Brian Hall vs. Cortez Phelia

Bellator 119: Cooper vs Halsay (Fight Card)

Bellator 119: Cooper vs Halsay
Date: May 9th, 2014
Casino Rama Rama, Ontario, Canada

Main Card
Brett Cooper vs. Brandon Halsey - Bellator Middleweight Tournament Final
Desmond Green vs. Daniel Weichel
featherweight tournament final
Chris Horodecki vs. Marlon Sandro
Raphael Butler vs. opponent TBA

Preliminary Card
Fabricio Guerreiro vs. Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Vaughn Anderson vs. Marius Zaromskis
John Alessio vs. Guillaume DeLorenzi
Brian Rogers vs. Johan Romming
Stuart Austin vs. Craig Hudson
Remy Bussieres vs. Jason Meisel

Eduardo Dantas Injured, Joe Warren Meets Rafael Silva at Bellator 118

Eduardo Dantas Injured, Joe Warren Meets Rafael Silva at Bellator 118

Reigning Bellator Bantamweight Champion Eduardo Dantas will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a head injury in training. Originally scheduled to face Joe Warren on Friday, May 2nd, the Brazilian phenom will be replaced by 21-3 Bellator Bantamweight Tournament winner Rafael Silva, as he battles “The Baddest Man On The Planet” Joe Warren for the Bellator Interim Bantamweight World title live on Spike.

“We take head injuries very seriously, and when we were notified that Eduardo was dealing with a head injury, we immediately flew him from Brazil to California to be examined by some of the leading specialists in the field. We are hopeful Eduardo will be able to resume his career later this year, but in the interim we have two incredible tournament winners ready to challenge for the Bellator World Title.  Two of the best on the planet in Joe Warren and Rafael Silva will fight for the title and when Dantas is able to return, he will challenge the winner for the undisputed Bellator World Title.”

“This is setback for me,” Dantas said. “I’m not feeling right at the moment, but I am a fighter and have been a fighter since my childhood and I promise that I will be back stronger than ever. I want to thank Bjorn and Bellator for taking care of me during this process, for flying me across the world to get top specialists to see me. And, when I am ready to fight, I will show everyone once again why the belt has been wrapped around my waist.”

No stranger to championships fights, Warren looks to capture his second World Title as the former Featherweight Champion looks to dominate the 21-3 Silva. Warren punched his ticket to a title shot with his Season 9 Tournament run that included two dominate finishes, and will be looking to make quick work of Silva.

“It doesn’t matter which Brazilian they throw at me, I’m going to destroy who is ever across the cage from me,” Warren said. “It sucks Dantas got injured as I was focused on destroying him and taking his belt.  But, now I’ll destroy Silva and Dantas can try to come and take my belt.”

Riding a dominant 13 fight win streak stretching over four years, Silva has his sights set on moving his record to 22-3 with the biggest victory of his career when he faces Warren. The Brazilian finisher recently suffered a setback after dealing with a knee injury that required surgery, but now healthy, Silva is looking to take the next step in his career with a World title win over Warren.

“I’m healthy, and I’m ready to fight,” Silva proclaimed. “I know Warren always likes to talk, but this fight isn’t going to be about talking, it’s going to be about who is the better fighter, and everyone is going to see who that is on May 2nd. I’ve always wanted to face Dantas, and now Joe Warren is in my way. I’ll take care of that shortly.”

The full fight card for Bellator 118 is listed below: 

Main Card
Eduardo Dantas vs Joe Warren - For the Bellator Bantamweight Title
Andrey Koreshkov vs Sam Oropeza - Welterweight Semi-Final Bout
Marcos Galvao vs Thomas Vasquez - Welterweight Semi-Final Bout
Liam McGeary vs Mike Mucitelli

Preliminary Card
Dante Rivera vs Tim Woods
Ryan Cotaldi vs Jesus Martinez
Darrion Caldwell vs Joe Pingitore
Lester Caslow vs Jay Haas
Julian Lane vs Anthony Morrison
Pat Bennett vs John Fain
Mike Bannon vs Sidney Outlaw
Amran Aliyev vs Kevin Roddy

Roundtable: Where Should Jake Shields Fight Next

Roundtable: Where Should Jake Shields Fight Next

With news breaking earlier this week that top 10 welterweight Jake Shields had been release from the UFC, Kingdom MMA writers Chris Houten, Chris Marzella, and Alex Dillon take a look at what the future may hold for Jake Shields.

Chris Houten - @Mrhouts
The UFC is the best organisation for mixed martial arts in the world, the same way the English premier league is arguably the best football league in the world, therefore both should be made up of the best of the best. In the case of the premier league, you would expect to see the best teams in the league, the same way you would expect to see the best fighters signed to the UFC. In the premier league the 3 worse teams go down, while boring to watch teams like Stoke City hang around because they did what they had to get the victories..... boring or not.  Why? Because football is a sport first and foremost, where the best compete against each other.

Jake Shields is the Stoke City of MMA, no one really wants to watch him, but if the UFC is truly a sport and the biggest league in its sports, then surely entertainment shouldn't come into it and we shouldn't even be having this conversation.

If Jake Shields is looking at his future beyond fighting then the offer from newly formed Titan FC his manager Lex McMahon mention on the MMA hour on Monday which includes equity might be the way Shields goes. He could may also consider ONE FC who by all accounts were willing to pay more than anyone else for similarly boring Ben Askren. From a competitive stand point though I'd like see Shields join WSOF where the best Welterweights outside the UFC reside. With the like of Palharus, Fitch, and Burkman as well as former champ Steve Carl, there is there is enough tough guys in World Series of Fighting to keep Jake Shields fighting at a competitive level and if he is still interested in competing for glory I expect WSOF to be his next home.

Chris Marzella - @ChrisMarzella
Once again we find ourselves talking about a guy firmly in the upper bracket of title contenders being cut. We've had Jon Fitch, Yushin Okami and now Jake Shields. The thing with Shields is his record. Look at the list of guys he has beaten recently. Tyron Woodley, Demian Maia, both guys who have been discussed as title challengers themselves. Shields was brutalised by Hector Lombard but I really don't think that lowers his stock much at all.

You need to look at what's best for Jake now. Does he want the biggest and best fights? Or does he want to make a quick buck? He's 35-years-old now and will probably have one big contract left in him at this point. I can't see him heading to Bellator because quite frankly their welterweight division isn't worth much at all. Without wanting to sound disrespectful, theor 170-pound division is so far below Shields level it's scary.

The more exciting prospect is seeing him head on over to the World Series of Fighting and into a budding 170-pound division with exciting, credible challenges for him. Palhares, Burkman, Fitch, Carl. The welterweights is one division WSOF can use as its flagship weightclass and would be a perfect fit for Shields.

Outside of those two there is always of a one off with Ben Askren over at One FC.but then again, where does he go after that fight.

I for one am hoping to see Jake Shields in an WSOF cage in the near future.

Alex Dillon - @_alexdillon_
If I could sum up Jake Shields’ UFC run in one word it would have to be ‘disappointing’. Before his UFC stint, he defeated elite level fighters such as Dan Henderson, Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit which certainly had me thinking this guy could actually beat GSP when the time came. Ever since that fight he’s been on and off squeaking through fights with a few split decisions so to speak. There could also be the argument that he ‘peaked’ a long time ago and just didn’t have it anymore once he arrived in the UFC.

Dana wasn’t wrong when he recently referred to him as just ‘another guy’ in my eyes he’s not someone who can sell a UFC PPV or even put bums on seats for a Fight Night card.

So where does he go from here? Well the obvious route in my opinion is WSOF, you’ve got Rousimar Palhares who’s the 170lb champion there as well as Jon Fitch who’s the #1 contender. Two really intriguing match ups for Shields, both are elite BJJ guys just like Shields. On a more interesting note, Shields never managed to face either in the UFC so WSOF have a selling point already. Shields will also undoubtedly get a good contract there as well as opportunities to fight for the Welterweight belt so I can’t see a better option for him going forward.

Bellator 118: Silva vs Warren (Fight Card)

Bellator 118
Date: May 02, 2014
Revel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
UK Broadcast: VIVA Tape Delay May 03, 2014

Main Card
Rafael Silva vs Joe Warren - For the Bellator Interim Bantamweight Title
Andrey Koreshkov vs Sam Oropeza - Welterweight Semi-Final Bout
Marcos Galvao vs Thomas Vasquez - Welterweight Semi-Final Bout
Liam McGeary vs Mike Mucitelli

Preliminary Card
Dante Rivera vs Tim Woods
Ryan Cotaldi vs Jesus Martinez
Darrion Caldwell vs Joe Pingitore
Lester Caslow vs Jay Haas
Julian Lane vs Anthony Morrison
Pat Bennett vs John Fain
Mike Bannon vs Sidney Outlaw
Amran Aliyev vs Kevin Roddy

Alverez vs Chandler III to Headline Bellator PPV, May 17

Alverez vs Chandler III to Headline Bellator PPV, May 17

MMA’s greatest trilogy will occur  on Saturday, May 17th as Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez will defend his title against Michael Chandler in the most highly anticipated fight of 2014, live on Pay-Per-View. Location and ticket information will be made available shortly.

The main event is the third installment in this epic MMA trilogy that has featured a spectacular submission victory for Chandler at Bellator 58 and a dramatic 5-round split decision victory for Alvarez at Bellator 106 this past November. Both of their previous fights were considered for “Fight of The Year” by the MMA media and fans.

“These two warriors have produced the two best fights I have ever seen, and on May 17th, two of the greatest lightweights on the planet will close out the best trilogy in MMA,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said.

“I’m excited to be headlining the first Bellator Pay-Per-View, and just excited to get back in there,” Chandler said. “I’m going to bring the fight like always, and I’m not going to leave any doubt that I’m one of the best lightweights in the world. Whenever you suffer your first loss, you want that chance to avenge that defeat, and I have that opportunity on May 17th.”

“Like every fight, you are only as good as your last performance,” Alvarez said. “I always go out and try to put out the best performance possible, and that’s what I’m going to do May 17th. Mike and I have a long history together, and everyone knows what type of battles we’ve had, but I’m training in a manner that should end the fight quickly. I want a fast, quick fight that is going to keep me as Bellator Champion.”

Alexander Shlemenko Signs Multi-Fight Contract Extension with Bellator

Alexander Shlemenko Signs Multi-Fight Contract Extension with Bellator

When reigning Bellator Middleweight Champion Alexander Shlemenko steps into the cage on March 28th, the 29-year-old Russian finisher will not only be looking for his incredible 50th win, but will also be fighting with a new contract in hand as Bellator has announced a long term extension for the man known simply as “Storm”.

“Bellator has been my home for many years, and it’s where I want to be,” Shlemenko said. “Bjorn made me a promise and he lived up to that promise to provide me with a new deal. I have made a home here at Bellator, and I will continue to represent Russia in my efforts in the cage. I have gained millions of new fans both in the US and in Russia and around the world during my time with Bellator, and I will enjoy being Bellator’s longest running champion. I will continue wearing that belt with honor during my time with Bellator, which will now be at the peak of my career.”

Currently riding a twelve-fight win streak that includes victories over Brett Cooper, Maiquel Falcao, Doug Marshall and Vitor Vianna, Shlemenko will defend his crown against Season 9 Tournament winner Brennan Ward on March 28th live on Spike. As one of the true Russian ambassadors for the sport, Shlemenko is set to reign over the Bellator Middleweight division for years thanks to his extension.

“Alexander Shlemenko has been with this organization since its infancy, and has grown into one of the most dominant champions in MMA,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “I can say without hesitation Alexander has been a large part of the success we have enjoyed over the last five years and as the biggest name in Russian MMA, he’s been the catalyst to the largest TV deal in the history of MMA in Russia.  It’s an honor to have him fight in this organization. I look forward to watching his career continue inside the Bellator cage for years to come.”

Bellator Agree Terms with Gilbert Melendez, UFC Given Chance to Match

Bellator Agree Terms with Gilbert Melendez, UFC Given Chance to Match
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

At 22-3, Gilbert Melendez sits atop the UFC’s lightweight division. With victories over Josh Thomson, Diego Sanchez, Shinya Aoki and Jorge Masvidal, “El Nino” is ready for a new crop of challengers as the Santa Ana native has agreed to a multi-fight, multi-year deal structure with Bellator that can pit Melendez against some of MMA’s best, including Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler, Will Brooks, Dave Jansen and a host of top lightweights from around the world.

“The moment Gil was legally able to explore the free agent market, Gil’s management team reached out to me and we began figuring out how to bring Gil to Bellator,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “It’s no secret that I’ve been a big “El Nino” fan for many years. Gil was one of the first fighters I tried to sign when I launched Bellator back in 2008, and he’s grown and developed into one of the best and most exciting lightweights on earth.  Gil has a vision for what he wants to accomplish both inside and outside the cage and we can help make his vision a reality.  We are in the business of developing and showcasing the greatest fighters on earth. That’s what we intend to do here with Gil and it’s what we’ll continue to do in the future.”

The UFC lightweight contender is currently out of contract having completed the remainder of is contract with the now-defunt Strikeforce, where Melendez was champion, in the UFC. The UFC currently holds matching rights on Melendez however UFC President Dana White said on Wednesady he was done with dealing with Melendez's rep, Rodolphe Beaulieu who as manages Georges St. Pierre, advising Melendez to contact Lorenzo Fertitta “quick” if he hopes to salvage any deal.

The ball is now in the UFCs court, but it will remain to be seen if a deal can be agreed.

Douglas Lima and Rick Hawn Square Off for Bellator Welterweight Title

Douglas Lima and Rick Hawn Square Off for Bellator Welterweight Title

The Main Event is set for Bellator 117 as Douglas Lima and Rick Hawn will headline a packed night of fights from Iowa’s Mid-American Center on April 18^th as the two clash in a Bellator Welterweight Title fight live on Spike TV.

Lima enters the April 18^th showdown riding a four-fight knockout streak including tournament wins over Bryan Baker and Ben Saunders that propelled the Brazilian born knockout artist into his rightful title shot. Just 26, Lima is well aware that now is the time to elevate his game to the next level, and capture his first Bellator Championship.

“This fight with Hawn is going to be very explosive, I think everyone is aware of that,” Lima said. “I really can’t describe how excited I am for this World Title shot. I’m bringing this belt home, and it’s not leaving me for a long time.”

Hawn’s road to a title shot was a unique one, as the TriStar product was a late injury replacement in the Season 9 Welterweight Tournament. Hawn made the most of his opportunity, capturing three wins in the process, including a devastating knockout over Ron Keslar in the Tournament Finals.

“It’s great to be back in title contention and going for that belt,” Hawn said. “There is no question Douglas is an incredibly gifted fighter. In terms of his size and skill, this will probably be the toughest fight of my career, and I’m ready for that. I know how exciting this fight is going to be, and I’m just ready for April 18^th to get here.”

“Without using too many cliché’s, Lima vs. Hawn is just a fight fans dream come true,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “Both of these are incredibly exciting to watch in the cage, and to have both of them set for a five round battle for our welterweight title is something I’m couldn’t be happier about.”

More information on Bellator 117 will be made available in the coming weeks.

Mark Scanlon Set to Feature in Bellator Welterweight Tournament

Mark Scanlon Set to Feature in Bellator Welterweight Tournament
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Liverpool's Mark Scanlon is set to take on Adam McDonough in his Bellator debut at Bellator 112 as part of Bellator's season 10 Welterweight tournament.

Bellator's Season 10 welterweight tournament kicks off on the 14th of March, at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, IN . The quarter final will feature a strong cast of welterweights including War Machine, Joe Riggs, Andrey Koreshkov, Jesse Juarez, Nah-Shon Burrell, Mark Scanlon, Adam McDonough and Sam Oropeza. The Main Card is headlined by a featherweight title rubbermatch between Daniel Straus and Pat Curran.

Fighting out of Team Kaobon, Scanlon enters his Bellator debut against McDonough with a record of 9 wins and 2 losses, with all 9 victories coming by submission or TKO.

A one fight UFC veteran, Scanlon fought Pascal Krauss at UFC 122 which he lost by decision. Following the bout Scanlon took a 3 year break from MMA before returning to the sport this past June in Brazil at Sparta MMA. Since his return to MMA Scanlon has gone 2-1 with all 3 fights taking place in Brazil for Sparta MMA, Power Fight Extreme, and Paragangua Extreme Combate.

Scanlon was originally set to meet Herman Terrado at Bellator 100 part of Bellators Season 9  Welterweight tournament but was forced out of the bout due to injury.

Adam McDonough made his Bellator debut this past September at Bellator 100 stopping Johnny Buck with a spinning back first and follow up punches. Undefeated in his pro career at 9-0, McDonough has take 8 of 9 victories by stoppage - 5 by TKO & 3 by submissions.

Bellator Season 10 Quarterfinal match ups:

Joe Riggs (40-14, 1NC) vs. Sam Oropeza (8-2)
Nah-Shon Burrell (9-3) vs. War Machine (14-5)
Andrey Koreshkov (14-1) vs. Jesse Juarez (21-8)
Mark Scanlon (9-2) vs. Adam McDonough (9-0)

Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all your latest Bellator and UK MMA news

Rampage Jackson Faces Former Champion Christian M’Pumbu in Bellator LHW Tournament

 
Rampage Jackson Faces Former Champion Christian M’Pumbu in Bellator LHW Tournament 

Bellator MMA returns to Swith a bang as the promotion kicks off its tenth season  Friday, February 28 at 9pm ET/PT.  The star-studded card includes the tournament debut of MMA superstar Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Emanating from Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun, the night features Rampage in a Light Heavyweight opening round battle with former Champion Christian M’Pumbu, while King Mo Lawal returns to face Russian submission ace Mikhail Zayats. The night will also feature the start of the Season 10 Featherweight Tournament. The official sponsors of Spike TV’s Bellator MMA Season 10 are Miller Lite and Dave & Buster’s.

After making his mark with his first round knockout victory over Joey Beltran, Rampage is ready to put himself through The Toughest Tournament In Sports and earn a Bellator title shot.

“This is what Bellator is all about,” Rampage said. “I’ve never felt better, and now it’s about getting the belt. Bellator is all about the tournaments, and if that’s what you need to do to get that belt, that’s what I’m going to do. M’Pumbu is up first, and when I finish him, it’s King Mo or Zayats, and then it’s onto the belt, simple as that.”

For Lawal, the former title contender has heard the critics and is looking for vengeance after suffering his second loss to Emanuel Newton. As the tournament moves closer, King Mo only has one thing on his mind. Getting the Bellator Light Heavyweight Title.

“I’m not going to sit here and say I’m changing up my whole game plan, and you are going to see a new fighter,” Mo said. “That’s just not me. I know what I do, I know who I am, and that’s who you are going to see on February 28th, plain and simple. Me. It’s all about getting that belt.”

Bellator MMA, which features The Toughest Tournament in Sports, will showcase five tournaments this season in different weight classes including featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight. The 12-week season, airing on Fridays at 9pm on Spike TV, will showcase many of the greatest mixed martial arts fighters from around the world in venues spanning across North America.

“Since we first partnered with Quinton, I’ve been working with him to get everything set for his inclusion in a Bellator tournament,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “Working together, we’ve now made that a reality. This is without question the deepest Light Heavyweight Tournament we’ve ever done.  Rampage, M’Pumbu, Zayats and Mo are all monsters and I can’t think of a better way to kick off our tenth season on Spike.”

Additional fight card information for Bellator 110 will be made available in the coming weeks.

Vitaly Minakov vs Cheick Kongo Title Fight Headlines Bellator 115

Vitaly Minakov vs Cheick Kongo Title Fight Headlines Bellator 115

At 13-0 and the undefeated Bellator Heavyweight World Champion, Russian knockout connoisseur Vitaly Minakov is ready to extend his reign as “The New Emperor” and defend his world title against Cheick Kongo live on Spike TV Friday, April 4^th from Nevada’s Reno Events Center. The fight will headline Bellator 115.

Only 28, Minakov took the MMA world by storm in 2013, winning the Bellator Heavyweight Tournament, then capturing gold with a devastating finish over former Bellator Champion Alexander Volkov. The four-time Sambo World Champion is currently riding a seven fight knockout streak, and will look to continue that trend on April 4^th when he meets Cheick Kongo inside the Bellator cage.

“I am now the Bellator Heavyweight World Champion, and that isn’t going to change,” Minakov said. “It doesn’t matter who is in my way, they are getting finished. Kongo has been around for a long time and is a great challenger, but the belt is staying with me. I'm not giving my belt to anybody. This is my belt.”

For Kongo, hype has never been something to faze the French born heavyweight. Over his impressive 13 year career, Kongo has fought, and defeated some of the biggest names in MMA and won’t get caught up in records or pedigree. But as Kongo prepares for a battle tested Minakov, the thought of having a belt wrapped around his waist has certainly entered his mind.

“Being a Champion is something I’ve wanted for a while,” Kongo said. “It’s not about having it now, or fighting for right now. It’s about when I’m old and retired from the sport, I can always look at that belt on my wall, and know that is why I put in all the hours and made the sacrifices I did. It means a lot to me, and it’s something I want to collect on April 4^th.”

“For as long as this lasts, it will be awesome,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney “I’ve been a huge Minakov fan since the day we signed him and a huge Kongo fan for almost ten years.  This is a title fight I’ve had circled on my calendar since Minakov won the belt in November. This will be an electrifying night on Spike and an explosive way for us to kick off our first event ever in Reno.”

Tyrone Spong and Rampage Jackson Have War of Word on Twitter

Tyrone Spong and Rampage Jackson Have War of Word on Twitter
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Former UFC Champion, and current Bellator Light-heavyweight Rampage Jackson took to twitter today to tell Glory World Series Kickboxing Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Series for Fighting Light-heavyweight to 'Come over or shut the fuck up!.

The war of words kicked off when Rampage responded to tweet Spong, who yesterday signed a new contract with World Series of Fighting sent out the following saying he was willing to fight Jackson as part of the fantasy Bellator vs World Series of Fight card that WSOF match maker Ali Abdel-Aziz proposed earlier in the week:

Yo @Rampage4real I just resigned with @MMAWorldSeries so have your BOSS make this fight happen! @MMAWorldSeries VS @BellatorMMA
— TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) January 18, 2014

Lets just say Rampage didn't take kindly to the tweet and the following back and forth took place:

@Tyrone_spong bro I hear u getting loud over there,u keep calling me out and u r not even n Bellator. Come over or shut the fuck up!
— Quinton Jackson (@Rampage4real) January 18, 2014

@Rampage4real No need to talk tough cuz we both know you not really about it! Your boss no's how to sort it out so it can happen!
— TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) January 18, 2014

@Tyrone_spong never said YOU dissed me! But I'll b happy 2 fuck u up if u ever come 2 Bellator,but until then stfu! #newbie
— Quinton Jackson (@Rampage4real) January 18, 2014

@Rampage4real there you go talkin stupid, ain't comin to bellator it about a challenge @MMAWorldSeries threw at @BellatorMMA talk is cheap
— TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) January 18, 2014

Newbie?? I probably got triple your fights even if it's not in mma, anyways ask your BOSS polite to sign and make it happen @Rampage4real
— TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) January 18, 2014

This could be a war of word that could last a while with a fight between Jackson and Spong unlikely to take place while both men are signed to Bellator and World Series of Fighting respectively. One thing for sure though, Spong is right, this is a fight the fans do want to see.

Terry Etim Makes Bellator Tournament Debut at Bellator 113

Terry Etim Makes Bellator Tournament Debut at Bellator 113
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

The UKs Terry Etim will make his Bellator tournament debut at Bellator 113 against undefeated prospect Derek Anderson.

Bellator 113 takes place March 21st at Kanas Star Arena, USA and is headline by a light-heavyweight unification bout between Attila Vegh and Emmanuel Newton. Notable lightweights Patricky Pitbull, David Rickels, and Marcin Held will also feature on the card as part of Bellator's lightweight tournament.

Top 5 in the UK lightweight rankings, Terry Etim (19-5) fights for the second time under the Bellator banner since being released by The UFC following back-to-back losses to Brazilians Edson Barboza and Renne Forte.

Fighting out of Team Kaobon, the Liverpudlian made his Bellator debut with a unanimous decision victory over Patrick Cenoble at Bellator 109 in November. A fight against Anderson in March will represent a relatively quick turn around for Etim who has suffered with injury problem in recent years, having fought once each year since 2010. 

His opponent Derek Anderson is unbeaten in his MMA career taking 9 of 10 victories either by TKO or submission; 7 in the first round. The only time Anderson has been to decision is in his most recent outing when he fought Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Runner-Up Patricky Freire at Bellator 98.

“I am extremely confident and excited to have the opportunity to be in a tournament,” Anderson said. “I saw Terry’s previous fight and I was unimpressed.”

Bellator 113 Fight Card
Attila Vegh (29-4) vs. Emanuel Newton (22-7) - For the  Bellator Light Heavyweight World Title David Rickels (15-2) vs. Patricky Pitbull (11-5) - Bellator Lightweight Tournament Opening Round
Marcin Held (16-3) vs. Rodrigo Cavalheiro (14-2) - Bellator Lightweight Tournament Opening Round
Terry Etim (16-5) vs. Derek Anderson (10-0) - Bellator Lightweight Tournament Opening Round 
Brandon Girtz (10-3) vs. Derek Campos (13-3) - Bellator Lightweight Tournament Opening Round

Stay tuned to kingdomMMA.co.uk for your latest Bellator news.

Attila Vegh and Emanuel Newton Meet at Bellator 113

Attila Vegh and Emanuel Newton Meet at Bellator 113

The Bellator Light Heavyweight Title will be settled on Friday, March 21^st from the Kansas Star Arena, live on Spike TV. The event will be headlined by the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship as Attila Vegh defends his belt against “The Hardcore Kid” Emmanuel Newton as well as the opening rounds of the Bellator Lightweight Tournament, including Kansas’s own David “The Caveman” Rickels facing Brazilian Knockout artist Patricy Pitbull.

After suffering an injury, reigning Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Attila Vegh is now ready to defend his title and face Bellator Interim Light Heavyweight Champion Emanuel Newton. After a razor close decision and ruthless battle in their previous meeting in 2012, Newton experienced his sole defeat since 2009 after falling to Vegh. Newton is confident that with the adjustment he’s made in his game, this fight will lend a different outcome.

“I’m ready for redemption,” Newton said. “I really wasn’t ready at the time in my career to be a champion. It wasn’t something physically, mentally, and spiritually I was prepared for. I’m a totally different fighter now, and this is my time.  I’m training hard, continuing to grow, and this is it. Now is the time. I’ve got a new contract with Bellator, Bjorn and I are happy, I’m going to be here for a long time and I couldn’t be happier. This is my home, and I’m going to be Champion."

Putting his title on the line for the first time, Vegh holds an impressive 29-4 professional record and enters the fight with a nine-fight win streak and remains undefeated in the Bellator cage. Vegh plans on ending this fight with Newton as quickly as possible and won’t let anyone get their hands on his championship belt.

“I’m ready to get back into the cage, and defend my belt,” Vegh said. “Even though I won my last fight with Emanuel, I wasn't happy with my performance in my last fight against Emanuel Newton. I was ready but things just didn't go the way I planned. We are both different fighters since then, and it’s going to be a great fight.”

Alexander Shlemenko Defends Title Against Brennan Ward at Bellator 114

Alexander Shlemenko Defends Title Against Brennan Ward at Bellator 114

A “Storm” is coming to Salt Lake as the always dangerous Alexander Shlemenko will put his Middleweight World Title and twelve fight win streak on the line against Tournament winner Brennan Ward live on Spike TV Friday, March 28^th from Utah’s Maverik Center at Bellator 114. The night will also feature the Bellator return of fan favorite and Utah’s own Rad Martinez, who fights Edson Berto in a featherweight battle.


Entering the fight riding a 12-fight win streak including victories over Doug Marshall, Brett Cooper, Maiquel Falcao and Brian Rogers, Shlemenko is looking to move his record to an incredible 50-7 while defending his Bellator crown yet again, this time against the promising Ward.

“I saw Brennan Ward in the last tournament, he was impressive,” Shlemenko said. “But he is a young fighter, while I have experience on my side.  My experience will be my strongest weapon in this fight.”

Ward punched his ticket to a title shot with three second round finishes during Bellator’s last Middleweight Tournament, including knockout victories over Justin Torrey and Mikkel Parlo. Known for his brash personality and outspoken nature, “The Irish Bad Boy” is ready to make a statement on March 28^th.

“Simply put, I'm looking forward to bringing the heat and taking the belt away, Cold War style,” Ward said.

The night will also feature a featherweight showdown between Utah native Rad Martinez, who returns to the Bellator cage after suffering defeat in the Featherweight Tournament finals. Now 35, Martinez is aware the time isn’t on his side, and has decided this fight will be the last in his impressive career. After being introduced to the world on ESPN’s “Outside The Lines” for his incredibly moving story of being the primary caretaker for his seriously injured father was told, Martinez made his mark in Bellator, compiling a 4-1 record including victories of Nazareno Malegarie and Wagnney Fabiano. On March 28^th, Martinez will walk away from MMA, but for all the right reasons.

“I like to think I’ve had a pretty good career and as I’m getting older, I’ve got a beautiful wife and a daughter on the way, the time is right to walk away and focus on being a husband and a father,” Martinez said. “The time was right to walk away while I still have my health, and to be a fantastic father and husband. It means so much to me that Bellator would give me my last fight in Utah so I can have a sendoff in front of all my friends and family. Bellator has treated me so well through my career, and I’m incredibly proud to have my last fight in the Bellator cage.”

Curran vs. Straus III Set for Bellator 112, March 14th

Curran vs. Straus III Set for Bellator 112, March 14th 

The Bellator Featherweight Title will once again be on the line in one of the biggest rematches of 2014 as reigning Bellator Featherweight Champion Daniel Straus defends his crown against former Bellator Champion and Crystal Lake, Illinois native Pat Curran on Friday, March 14^th from Chicago’s Horseshoe Casino live on Spike TV at Bellator 112.

The event will broadcast live at 9 p.m. EST/ 8 p.m. CST on Spike TV. The preliminary card will be streamed live and free on Spike.com beginning at 7 p.m. EST/ 6 p.m. CST. Tickets for the event will be on sale Friday, January 17th and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Horseshoe Hammond Gift Shop.

Boasting a 22-4 record including a dominate 8-1 record inside the Bellator cage, Straus enters this trilogy looking to make his mark in the featherweight division and cement his place as one of the best fighters in MMA.

“Whenever you fight, each win means something different and I know this one is incredibly important,” Straus said. “I want to continue to be a top notch fighter, and earn that respect I think I deserve. I know this is going to be a different fight than the last time. Each time we have fought, Pat and myself have been different fighters, and this will fight will be no different.”

After holding the Featherweight belt for two successful title defenses and being ranked as one of the top two Featherweights in MMA for nearly 2 years.  Curran is ready to reclaim his title and end the Curran-Straus Trilogy with a victory and the Bellator Featherweight title wrapped around his waist.

“I’m just ready to get back into the cage and get another shot at Daniel,” Curran said. “He’s an unbelievable fighter, and I know I have to be better on March 14^th. I had a few things going on in my life when we fought in November, but those things are behind me and I don’t like to make excuses. Daniel is going to be a different fighter when we fight again, and so am I. Hammond has been a great fight city for me, it’s where I won the belt for the first time, and it’s where I’m going to reclaim it.”

“Daniel Straus and Pat Curran are two of the best featherweights on the planet and deserve every ounce and praise and recognition they receive,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “Our Featherweight division continues to be the deepest and strongest featherweight division in MMA, and I’m very excited to have this title fight headline a huge night of fights on March 14^th from The Horseshoe Hammond.

The night will also feature the start of the Bellator Welterweight Tournament as the always exciting War Machine will battle Nah-Shon Burrell. Only 23-years old and holding an impressive 11-3 record, Burrell is anxious to enter his first Bellator tournament and show the world he’s ready to win his first Bellator Tournament.

After earning his way into the Bellator tournament by being named the Bellator Fight Master, Joe “Diesel” Riggs will fight Sam Oropeza in the opening round. With 54 professional fights under his belt, Riggs will look to his veteran experience, but will need to hold off Oropeza’s powerful punching abilities as he has won his previous two victories via first round knockout.

More information regarding the March 14^th fight card at Bellator 112 will be made available in the coming weeks, including the full welterweight tournament.

Eduardo Dantas vs. Rafael Silva World Title Fight & Heavyweight Tournament Set for Bellator 111

Eduardo Dantas vs. Rafael Silva World Title Fight & Heavyweight Tournament Set for Bellator 111

The Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Title will be on the line live on Spike TV from the WinStar World Casino on Friday, March 7th. The night will also showcase the opening round of the Bellator Heavyweight Tournament.

Reigning Bellator Bantamweight Champion Eduardo Dantas will clash with Bellator Tournament winner Rafael Silva the main event of the evening.  Only 24 years old, Dantas holds an impressive 15-3 record, including three highlight reel knockouts inside the Bellator cage and won’t let anyone get in the way of keeping his championship belt.

“I’ve said all along I want to prove that I'm the true Bellator champion, because being the Bellator Bantamweight World Champion is the achievement of a dream for me,” Dantas said. “Rafael and I are friends, but Marcos Galvao and I are like brothers and I know I had a job to do then, and I know I have a job to do now.”

For the veteran Silva, the 28 year old Brazilian enters the title fight riding an incredible 13 fight win streak that includes 10 stoppage wins in the process. Known as one of the best submission finishers in the sport, Silva knows his time is now, and having the Bellator Bantamweight Belt wrapped around his waist is just one win away.

“I love Eduardo Dantas as a fighter and as a person,” Silva said. “We are good friends and I always cheer for him when he fights. I really like this guy. As a fighter he is as good as someone can be, but I know what this fight means to me, and nothing is going to get in the way of that. Nothing.”

The event will broadcast live at 9 p.m. EST/ 8 p.m. CST on Spike TV in the US. The preliminary card will be streamed live and free on Spike.com beginning at 7 p.m. EST/ 6 p.m. CST. Tickets for the event will be on sale Friday, January 10th and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the WinStar World Casino Box Office.

The event will also feature the opening rounds of the Bellator Heavyweight Tournament. No stranger to the Bellator cage, Ryan Martinez is ready to get back under the bright lights and will take on knockout kingpin Lavar Johnson. Both known for their powerful striking, Martinez will have to avoid the heavy hands of Johnson, who has won 15 of his 17 victories by knockout.

“I am finally 100 percent healed up with my hand and Lavar is a great fight for me,” Martinez said. “He likes to stand up and bang just like me, which makes for an exciting fight and a great opening round. I am just thrilled to be back into the tournament.”

After fighting his way to the Bellator Heavyweight Tournament Final last season, Peter Graham looks for redemption as he faces Mighty Mo in the opening round. Knowing what it takes to get to reach the top, Graham is anxious to make his way back to the finals.

“My sole objective is to stop every fight as early as possible,” Graham said. “Fans should expect absolute aggression and I am looking for the knockout every time. I feel I can beat everyone in the division and I am completely focused on winning the title.”

The heavyweight tournament will round out with a battle of Bellator Tournament veterans as former Bellator Heavyweight Champion Alexander Volkov will face Mark Holata. After being defeated by Vitaly Minakov during the Bellator Heavyweight Championship in November, Volkov has gone back to the drawing board and the resilient heavyweight is eager to get back into the Bellator cage.

“I am ready to get back into the tournament and get my belt back,” Volkov said. “I have continued to make improvements in my game and I will prove to the fans why I am one of the best heavyweights in the world. Nothing will stop me from getting the championship belt back.”

Entering his first Bellator tournament, Blagoi Ivanov looks to keep his undefeated record intact, as he faces Rich “Rare Breed” Hale. Coming off of a first round submission win against Keith Bell in November, Blagoi will put his skills to the test in a fight against Hale.

“With Dantas and Silva headlining the card, and a heavyweight tournament stacked with finishers, we’re all in for an explosive night on March 7th from WinStar World Casino,” Bellator Chairman & Chairman Bjorn Rebney said.

Bellator 111 Fight Card
Eduardo Dantas (15-3) vs. Rafael Silva (21-3) - For The Bantamweight Title Fight
Ryan Martinez (10-3) vs. Lavar Johnson (17-8) - Heavyweight Tournament Opening Round
Peter Graham (9-6) vs. Mighty Mo (5-2) - Heavyweight Tournament Opening Round
Alexander Volkov (19-4) vs. Mark Holata (12-4) - Heavyweight Tournament Opening Round
Blagoi Ivanov (9-0) vs. Rich Hale (21-6) - Heavyweight Tournament Opening Round