Mar 30, 2022 | Entertainment, General News, Sports
Mousasi will take on undefeated Johnny Eblen live on Showtime
Bellator MMA will continue its stirring streak of impressive fight cards with a Middleweight World Championship and two Bantamweight Grand Prix quarterfinal combats this summer. The No. 4-ranked pound-for-pound fighter Gegard Mousasi (49-7-2) will defend his Bellator Middlewieght World Championship against No. 1-ranked Johnny Eblen (11-0), who’s fresh off a massive victory over previously No. 1-ranked John Salter. Mohegan Sun Arena will host the fights at 9:00pm on Friday, June 24, and will air live on Showtime.
Tickets are $225, $175, $125, $85, and $50 and go on sale Friday, April 1st at 10:00am through Ticketmaster and Bellator.com. Tickets will also be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, April 2nd at 10:00am, subject to availability.
In addition, fight fans can expect a captivating supporting televised card for Bellator 282: Mousasi vs. Eblen with the remaining two Bantamweight World Grand Prix quarterfinal matchups featuring Magomed “Tiger” Magomedov (18-2-0) and Leandro “Pitbull” Higo (21-5-0). The opponents for both men will be determined by a pair of Wild Card bouts set to take place at Bellator 278 on Friday, April 22nd.
The preliminary card will feature a fantastic female flyweight fight between former title challenger and No. 5-ranked Alejandra Lara (9-5) and Team Pitbull’s Ilara Joanne (9-6), which will stream live on the Bellator MMA YouTube channel, Showtime Sports YouTube channel, and Pluto TV beginning at 6:00pm on Friday, June 24th.
Given a body of work that spans nearly 20 years and 60 fights, Mousasi is widely considered one of the best fighters of all time. Having competed in multiple weight classes from welterweight to super heavyweight, Mousasi has asserted his dominance against all challengers. A two-time Bellator MMA Middleweight World Champion, Mousasi enjoyed his first reign as the promotion’s 185-pound king in 2018, winning the title against Rafael Carvalho and defending it against Rory MacDonald. The Dutchman reclaimed his title in a dominant performance over Douglas Lima, who held the welterweight championship at the time, before adding successful TKO title defenses against John Salter and Austin Vanderford, both of whom were ranked No. 1 at the time of their fights. Now, Mousasi will look to defend his reign against a third straight No. 1 contender in a hungry Johnny Eblen.
A rising name amongst the Bellator MMA stable, current No. 1-ranked Johnny Eblen has impressed MMA fans with his ability to find the “cheat code” to take down his opponents. With 11 pro fights under his belt, Eblen jumped in rankings when he beat the previously top-ranked John Salter in March. Other notable finishes include conquering Daniel Madrid via a first-round TKO at Bellator 258 and Colin Huckbody via strikes in 71 seconds at Bellator 272. Eblen, who trains at American Top Team in south Florida, has “King Mo” Lawal, one of the few men to ever defeat Mousasi, among his coaches and will look to him for the blueprint to victory.
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, California 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 Mohegan Sun Arena
Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and VenuesNow. Mohegan Sun Arena is consistently ranked among the top three “Arenas in the World for its Size” and top 15 in the “World for All Size Venues.” The award – winning venue is the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.” For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
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Jan 5, 2022 | Entertainment, General News
The main event between Top 10 contenders at Mohegan Sun Arena airs live on Showtime on Saturday, February 19th
Fresh off an 87-second destruction of Mark Lemminger in the co-main event of Bellator MMA 266, No. 4-ranked Neiman Gracie (11-2) will strap on the Bellator gloves for the 12th consecutive time when he takes on once-beaten and No. 5-ranked Logan Storley (12-1) in a clash of top-10 170-pounders at Bellator MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley on Saturday, February 19th at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Tickets are $195.00, $100.00, $75.00 and $50.00 and go on sale Friday, January 7th at 10:00am through Ticketmaster and Bellator.com. Tickets will also be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, January 8th at 10:00am, subject to availability.
In the co-featured bout in Uncasville, former Bellator Welterweight Champion and No. 8 ranked Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) will return to action and open his 2022 campaign against Mukhamed Berkhamov (15-1), a winner of his last seven contests. The main card will also see undefeated Keri Taylor-Melendez (5-0) compete at flyweight against former title challenger and No. 6 ranked Veta Arteaga (6-4). A pair of heavyweights who find themselves tied at No. 8 in the official rankings will open the main card, when undefeated prospect Davion Franklin (4-0) fights Said Sowma (8-2).
Showtime will televise the Bellator MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley main card live at 9:00pm. Additionally, the thrilling preliminary fights will stream live on the Bellator MMA YouTube channel, Showtime Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6:00pm.
Five preliminary contests are also official for Bellator MMA 274, three lightweight bouts, the first pitting 44-fight veteran Georgi Karakhanyan (31-12-1) against Northern California’s Adam Piccolotti (12-4), a battle between two of the best nicknames in MMA, Mandel “Rat Garbage” Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) and Nick “Nyquil” Browne (12-1), as well as Corey Samuels (3-2), who won in 10 seconds in his Bellator debut, returning to face undefeated Justin Montalvo (4-0).
The final two preliminary contests will see Isaiah Hokit (0-1) move down to featherweight in his second Bellator outing, when he takes on Albert Birckhead (0-1) in his promotional debut. Lastly, top-flight bantamweight prospect Jaylon Bates (4-0) welcomes Chris Disonell (6-4) back to Bellator for the first time since 2019.
BELLATOR MMA 274: GRACIE VS. STORLEY MAIN CARD:
Saturday, February 19th – live on Showtime
9:00pm
Welterweight Main Event: #4-Neiman Gracie (11-2) vs. #5-Logan Storley (12-1)
Welterweight Co-Main Event: #8-Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs. Mukhamed Berkhamov (15-1)
Flyweight Bout: #6–Veta Arteaga (6-4) vs. Keri Taylor-Melendez (5-0)
Heavyweight Bout: #8-Said Sowma (8-2) vs. #8–Davion Franklin (4-0)
PRELIMINARY CARD:
Bellator MMA YouTube channel | Showtime Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV
6:00pm
Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (31-12-1) vs. Adam Piccolotti (12-4)
Lightweight Bout: Mandel Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) vs. Nick Browne (12-1)
Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (4-0) vs. Chris Disonell (6-4)
Lightweight Bout: Corey Samuels (3-2) vs. Justin Montalvo (4-0)
Featherweight Bout: Isaiah Hokit (0-1) vs. Albert Birckhead (0-1)
*Card subject to change.
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, California 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 Mohegan Sun Arena
Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first No. 1 Indoor Arena ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the U.S. regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named 2021 Innovator of the Year by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency. In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.” For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
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Oct 20, 2021 | Boxing, Entertainment, General News, Special Events
Bellator MMA Bantamweight Champ Sergio Pettis to defend his crown for the first time in an international showdown
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 at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday, December 3rd.
Tickets are $195.00, $100.00, $75.00 and $50.00 and go on sale Friday, October 22nd at 10:00am through Ticketmaster and Bellator.com. Tickets will also be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning Saturday, October 23rd at 10:00am, subject to availability.
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).
SHOWTIME will televise the main card live from Mohegan Sun Arena at 10:00pm. Additionally, the thrilling preliminary fights will stream live on the Bellator MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 7:00pm.
“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.”
Pettis captured the Bellator bantamweight crown this past May at Mohegan Sun Arena by outpointing former champion Juan Archuleta in a fast-paced contest at Bellator 258. The younger brother of former UFC champion Anthony Pettis will make his fourth consecutive Bellator MMA appearance and third straight at Mohegan Sun Arena.
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 November 2019. He now looks to reclaim his belt at Bellator 272.
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.
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 Mohegan Sun Arena
Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and VenuesNow. Mohegan Sun Arena is consistently ranked among the top three “Arenas in the World for its Size” and top 15 in the “World for All Size Venues.” The award – winning venue is the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.” For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
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Jul 24, 2020 | Entertainment, General News, Sports
Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson rematch set for Bellator 243 Headliner Friday, August 7th on Paramount Network and Dazn. Plus, Heavyweights Matt Mitrione and Timothy Johnson square off in explosive co-main event
UNCASVILLE, CT (July 24, 2020) – Bellator is pleased to announce multiple upcoming events set to take place at Mohegan Sun Arena, including Bellator 243 on Friday, August 7th, Bellator 244 on Friday, August 21st and Bellator 245 on Friday, September 11th.
Bellator 243 sees former world champions Michael Chandler (20-5) and Benson Henderson (28-8) face off once again inside the Bellator cage nearly four years after their first unforgettable meeting. The highly anticipated lightweight main event rematch airs live Friday, August 7th on Paramount Network and DAZN at 10:00pm EST from Mohegan Sun Arena.
In the card’s co-main event, perennial heavyweight contender Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) will take on the hard-hitting Timothy Johnson (13-6) in an exciting matchup that will likely not go to the judges’ scorecards.
Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson 2 airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN on Friday, August 7th at 10:00pm EST/9:00pm CST. Preliminary action will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel.
Making his 23rd promotional appearance for Bellator, “Iron” Michael Chandler will have the opportunity to silence his critics and prove that his November 19, 2016 split decision-win over Henderson was no fluke. Following victories in each of his first 12 professional bouts, highlighted by his first Bellator lightweight world title win and a pair of successful title defenses, the High Ridge, Missouri-native quickly made a name for himself in a stacked 155-pound class. The 34-year-old would eventually go on to collect a promotional record three lightweight title reigns that included three successful title defenses. Having won three of his previous five career rematches, including a pair of lightweight world title victories over Patricky Pitbull and Brent Primus, the 2009 NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at the University of Missouri will look to add to that total and remind everyone what the former champion is capable of.
Fighting out of Glendale, Arizona, “Smooth” will once again have a shot at revenge with his longtime rival Chandler, following multiple attempts to schedule the fight over the past year. The highly anticipated rematch was originally slated to take place on New Year’s Eve at Rizin.20 in Japan, before Henderson was forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered during training. A few months later, the two former lightweight world champions were set to face off in the main event of Bellator’s return to the Windy City on June 6th, before the global pandemic led to yet another postponement. Now, the MMA Lab-product will look to settle the score and collect his fifth consecutive victory en route to a final push at Bellator’s 155-pound strap. With half of his 28 career wins coming by way of knockout or submission, the 36-year-old former UFC and WEC lightweight world champion will aim to put all doubts to rest and finish his nemesis in emphatic fashion on August 7th.
After initially being scheduled to face Ronny Markes at Bellator 241 in March prior to the pandemic, Matt Mitrione is now slated to meet Johnson, a competitor who also prefers to keep the fight upright. Prior to his MMA career, the 41-year old Illinois-native was a standout defensive end at Purdue University who subsequently earned his way into the NFL, playing six seasons as a member of the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. He ultimately found his way into MMA where he became the high-level competitor he is today, defeating the likes of the late Kimbo Slice, Derrick Lewis, Roy Nelson and Fedor Emelianenko.
A heavy betting underdog coming into his last matchup with Tyrell Fortune at Bellator 239, Timothy Johnson shocked many when he finished the undefeated competitor five years his junior via highlight reel-knockout in the opening frame. The win was the first for the Xtreme Couture-fighter inside the Bellator cage, who signed with the promotion in 2018 following seven outings in the UFC. With an impressive finishing mark of 10 stoppages in his 13 wins as a professional, Johnson will be looking to deliver another impressive outing when he returns to action next month.
Updated Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson 2 Main Card:
Paramount Network and DAZN
10:00pm EST/9:00pm CST
Lightweight Main Event: Michael Chandler (20-5) vs. Benson Henderson (28-8)
Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) vs. Timothy Johnson (13-6)
*Card subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
ABOUT BELLATOR:
Bellator is a leading global MMA and kickboxing promotion featuring many of the best athletes in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator events take place in major cities around the world and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, Bellator events can be seen on both Paramount Network and DAZN, the world’s first truly dedicated LIVE sports streaming service, while Bellator MMA Recharged airs on the CBS Sports Network. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live events, fighter development and relations, sponsorship, international licensing, marketing, advertising and public 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 MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Now. Mohegan Sun Arena is consistently ranked among the top three “Arenas in the World for its Size” and top 15 in the “World for All Size Venues.” The award–winning venue is the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven–time national award–winner for “Arena of the Year.” For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. Mohegan Sun also has a full safety plan PDF available at mohegansun.com/updates. For information on Mohegan Sun’s entertainment, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
BELLATOR CONTACTS
Ryan Grab – (706) 540-3425 – [email protected]
Danny Brener – (818) 577-8215 – [email protected]
C.J. Tuttle – (310) 496-9110 – [email protected]
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Jul 15, 2020 | Boxing, Entertainment, Special Events, Sports
Top contenders Ricky Bandejas and Sergio Pettis collide in 135-pound main event title eliminator. Bellator 242 airs live Friday, July 24th on Paramount Network at 10:00pm EST from Mohegan Sun Arena. Also, card set to feature Aaron Pico, Jason Jackson, Tywan Claxton and the debut of Jordan Mein
UNCASVILLE, CT (July 15, 2020) – Bellator MMA returns to action for the first time since the global coronavirus pandemic began earlier this year, bringing the sports world to a standstill. Next Friday, July 24th at Mohegan Sun Arena, Bellator will deliver an exciting card headlined by two of the bantamweight division’s top contenders, as Ricky Bandejas (13-3) faces Sergio Pettis (19-5) in a three-round clash on Paramount Network at 10:00pm.
On March 13th, Bellator made the decision to postpone that evening’s event at Mohegan Sun Arena for the health and safety of the athletes, staff and everyone involved. Keeping the health and safety of all involved as the top priority, the event on July 24th will be held without fans in attendance.
Bellator 242: Bandejas vs. Pettis airs live on Paramount Network on Friday, July 24th at 10:00pm EST. Preliminary action will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel at 8:45pm EST.
“On July 24th, Bellator is back,” said Bellator MMA President Scott Coker. “I am thrilled to announce our return event this month at Mohegan Sun, which has always been an incredible venue partner for us. The team has worked tirelessly to make this show happen and I know the fighters are ready to compete. We put together an exciting card with great matchups, featuring some of our best rising prospects. We look forward to our fans joining us on Paramount Network for what will surely be a memorable night of action inside the Bellator cage.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome back major sports with Bellator MMA for what will be an amazing fight event airing on Paramount Network,” said Tom Cantone, President of Sports & Entertainment at Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE). “Mohegan Sun has done an incredible job with a comprehensive and extensive safety plan for all guests, team members and partners, and we know our friends at Bellator will really enjoy their stay and have another great experience at our world class arena.”
Hailing from Brick, NJ, Ricky Bandejas will return to the cage for the second time in 2020 and sixth overall since signing with Bellator MMA in 2018. Coming off an impressive KO victory over Frans Mlambo at Bellator 240, Bandejas is looking to extend his current winning streak to three and is no stranger to fighting elite competition. With nine of his 13 career wins coming by way of knockout or submission, including four in the first round of action, the heavy-handed 28-year-old will be looking to notch another highlight reel finish on July 24th and earn his shot at the 135-pound world title.
A longtime UFC-veteran, Sergio Pettis made his Bellator debut in January when he submitted Alfred Khashakyan via guillotine a mere three minutes into their bantamweight matchup at The Forum in Los Angeles. Training out of the famed Roufusport gym in Milwaukee alongside his brother, Anthony, and fellow Bellator athlete Emmanuel Sanchez, Pettis won nine of his 14 UFC appearances with victories over Joseph Benavidez, Brandon Moreno and John Moraga. Now, Pettis has his sights set on a world title fight, which is all but guaranteed with a win at Bellator 242.
The main card on Paramount Network also sees a co-main event pitting Jason Jackson (11-4) against Jordan Mein (31-12), who will be making his Bellator debut in a welterweight contest, a 145-pound bout between the always-exciting Tywan Claxton (6-1) and undefeated Jay Jay Wilson (5-0) of New Zealand, while Aaron Pico (5-3) returns to featherweight against Chris Hatley, Jr. (8-2), who upset Bellator mainstay Gaston Bolanos earlier this year.
The preliminary portion of Bellator 242 includes a bantamweight affair featuring Roufusport’s Raufeon Stots (13-1) taking on Cass Bell (5-0) of Humboldt County, CA, a heavyweight slugfest between Steve Mowry (7-0) and Rudy Schaffroth (6-1, 1 NC) and Logan Storley (11-0) putting his unblemished record on the line against Mark Lemminger (10-1) in a 170-pound matchup.
Bellator 242: Bandejas vs. Pettis Main Card:
Paramount Network
10:00pm EST/9:00pm CST
Bantamweight Main Event: Ricky Bandejas (13-3) vs. Sergio Pettis (19-5)
Welterweight Co-Main Event: Jason Jackson (11-4) vs. Jordan Mein (31-12)
Featherweight Feature Bout: Tywan Claxton (6-1) vs. Jay Jay Wilson (5-0)
Featherweight Feature Bout: Aaron Pico (5-3) vs. Chris Hatley, Jr. (8-2)
Completed Preliminary Card:
Bellator MMA’s YouTube Channel
8:45pm EST/5:45pm PST
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Logan Storley (11-0) vs. Mark Lemminger (10-1)
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Raufeon Stots (13-1) vs. Cass Bell (5-0)
Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Steve Mowry (7-0) vs. Rudy Schaffroth (6-1, 1 NC)
*Card subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
ABOUT BELLATOR:
Bellator is a leading global MMA and kickboxing promotion featuring many of the best athletes in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator events take place in major cities around the world and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, Bellator events can be seen on both Paramount Network and DAZN, the world’s first truly dedicated LIVE sports streaming service, while Bellator MMA Recharged airs on the CBS Sports Network. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live events, fighter development and relations, sponsorship, international licensing, marketing, advertising and public 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 MOHEGAN SUN ARENA:
Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Now. Mohegan Sun Arena is consistently ranked among the top three “Arenas in the World for its Size” and top 15 in the “World for All Size Venues.” The award–winning venue is the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven–time national award–winner for “Arena of the Year.” For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. Mohegan Sun also has a full safety plan PDF available at mohegansun.com/updates. For information on Mohegan Sun’s entertainment, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
BELLATOR CONTACTS:
Ryan Grab – (706) 540-3425 – [email protected]
Danny Brener – (818) 577-8215 – [email protected]
C.J. Tuttle – (310) 496-9110 – [email protected]
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