A pair of quarterfinal bouts in Bellator’s light heavyweight Grand Prix will headline Bellator’s April 16 event at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Current champion Vadim Nemkov (12-2) will fight Phil Davis (22-5), who is ranked second in that weight class, will fight in the main event. Corey Anderson (14-5), who is ranked third, will fight Dovletdzhan Yaghimuradov (18-5-1) in the co-main event. The main card will also include a flyweight bout between Veta Arteaga (5-4) and Desiree Yanez (5-2).

The main card will also include a bout between Paul Daley (16-1) and Sabah Homasi (15-8). The fight is contracted at 175 pounds.

The preliminary card includes;

• A light heavyweight bout between Julius Auglickas (9-1) and Gregory Milliard (12-5).
• A featherweight bout between Julia Budd (14-3) and Dayana Silva (9-5).
• A heavyweight bout between Steve Mowry (8-0) and Shaun Asher (13-3-1).
• A welterweight bout between Grachik Bozinyan (10-4) and Demarques Jackson (11-4).
• A welterweight bout between Raymond Daniels (2-1) and Peter Stanonik (4-4, with one no-contest).
• A light heavyweight bout between Karl Albrektsson (10-3) and Viktor Nemkov (30-7-1).
• A featherweight bout between Pedro Carvalho (11-4) and Jay-Jay Wilson (7-0).
• A lightweight bout between Lance Gibson Jr. (3-0) and Marcus Surin (6-2).
• A featherweight bout between Saul Rogers (14-3) and Mads Burnell (14-3).

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(April 9 -- Las Vegas, NV)

Manchester native William Knight (9-1-0) will compete tomorrow afternoon during UFC Fight Night: Vettori versus Holland. Knight, who previously competed as a heavyweight during his amateur days with Premier, will fight Jung Da Un (13-2-1) in a light heavyweight bout on the preliminary card. Knight also competed professionally in CES and Reality Fighting events before appearing twice on the Dana White Contender Series.

The main event will be a middleweight bout between Marvin Vettori (16-4-1) and Kevin Holland (21-6-0).  The co-main event will feature a featherweight bout between Arnold Allen (16-1-0) and Sodiq Yusuff (11-1-0).

The rest of the main card includes;

• A middleweight bout between Sam Alvey (33-14-1 with one no-contest) and Julian Marquez (8-2-0).
• A strawweight bout between Nina Ansaroff (10-6-0) and MacKenzie Dern (10-1-0).
• A welterweight bout between Mike Perry (14-7-0) and Daniel Rodriguez (13-20-0).

The preliminary card includes;

• A lightweight bout between Jim Miller (32-15-0 with one no-contest) and Joe Solecki (10-2-0).
• A lightweight bout between Scott Holtzman (14-4-0) and Mateusz Gamrot (17-1-0 with one no-contest).
• A bantamweight bout between Norma Dumont (5-1-0) and Erin Blanchfield (6-1-0).
• A lightweight bout between John Makdessi (17-7-0) and Ignacio Bahaondes (11-3-0).
• A heavyweight bout between Yorgan De Castro (6-2-0) and Jarjis Danho ((6-1-1 with one no-contest).
• A bantamweight bout between Hunter Azure (9-1-0) and Jack Shore (13-0-0).
• A featherweight bout between Luis Saldana (14-6-0) and Jordan Griffin (18-8-0).
• A welterweight bout between Impa Kasanganay (8-1-0) and Sasha Palatnikov (6-2-0).

More details on the event are available at https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-april-10-2021

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A rematch between light heavyweights Lyoto Machida (26-10) and Ryan Bader (27-6, with one no contest) will headline Bellator MMA 256 on April 9 at the Mohegan Sun arena in Uncasville, CT. Machida defeated Bader about eight years ago during a UFC event.

The winner will progress to the organization’s Grand Prix semi-finals for that weight class.

A flyweight bout between Liz Carmouche (14-7) and Vanessa Porto (22-8) will serve as the co-main event that evening.

Lightweights Goiti Yamauchi (25-4) and Dan Moret (14-6) will also fight on the main card, which will include two featherweight bouts. One will feature Cat Zingano (11-4) and Olivia Parker (4-1).  Adam Boris (16-1) and Jeremy Kennedy (16-2, with one no contest) will compete in the other.

The preliminary card will include;

• A middleweight bout between Dalton Rosta (4-0) and Tony Johnson (9-2).
• A featherweight bout between Talita Nogueira (7-2) and Jessica Borga (3-2).
• A bantamweight bout between Cass Bell (5-1) and Jornel Lugo (5-0).
• A featherweight bout between Cody Law (2-0) and Nathan Ghareeb (2-0).
• A bantamweight bout between Jaylon Bates (1-0) and Jeffrey Glossner (2-1).
• A lightweight bout between Nainoa Dung (3-2) and Izzy William (4-3).
• A flyweight bout between Diana Avsaragova (2-0) and Tara Graff (1-2).
• A bantamweight bout between John Duoma (4-2) and Will Smith (3-2).

(April 2 -- Uncasville, CT)

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(Nov. 19 – Uncasville, CT)

A.J. McKee finished Darrion Caldwell during the first round of a featherweight bout that headlined Bellator 253. Mohegan Sun Arena hosted the event, which also included a featherweight bout with Connecticut MA luminary Matt Bessette.

McKee submitted Caldwell with a neck crank at about 1:00 after getting on top of him and briefly exchanging elbows. Caldwell will now advance to the final bracket for Belator’s featherweight grand prix.

Jason Jackson generally dominated fellow welterweight Ben Henderson during the co-main event. Henderson shot for a single-leg takedown in the first round but they went to the ground with him doing little more than clinging to Jackson’s leg – Henderson subsequently tried to pick up the pace with strikes but Jackson beat him back before he attempted ground and pound near the end of the round. Jackson alternated between Henderson’s guard and back during the second round. Henderson attempted another single-leg takedown during the third round and tried to take Jackson’s back but the latter continued to dominate the fight. Jackson won by unanimous decision.

Joey Davis defeated Bobby Lee by unanimous decision following a one-sided welterweight bout. Davis generally kept it on the round and in Lee’s guard.

Raufeon Stots earned an unanimous decision over Keith Lee during a bantamweight bout that opened the televised card. Stots took Lee’s back twice during the first two rounds and put him in a guillotine during the third. Lee got more aggressive toward the end of the third round but it was too late.

Jeremy Kennedy earned an unanimous decision over Bessette following a one-sided featherweight bout. Kennedy kept it on the ground and took Bessette’s back a few times – he kneed hi in the chin during the second round and ended the third by dropping elbows on his head.

During another welterweight fight, Jaleel Willis defeated Mark Lemminger by unanimous decision. Willis attempted a takedown during the first round before clinching with Lemminger. After a striking exchange during the second round, Lemminger secured a guillotine in the clinch, but Willis escaped and attempted another takedown – Lemminger responded with sprawling and another guillotine before taking Willis’s back and attempting a rear naked choke. Willis, who wound up with a swollen eye, threw a kick that Leminger caught toward the end of the third round.

Jay-Jay Wilson landed a right to the jaw at about :20 in the first round of his featherweight bout with Sergio de Bari and secured a quick knockout. He switched his fight before the punch and visibly added extra impetus.

Kaheem Murray defeated Kevin Ferguson Jr (AKA Baby Slice) by unanimous decision during a lightweight bout. Ferguson attempted a takedown during the first round but generally leaned toward strikes. Murray got more aggressive during the second round and eventually unloaded on Ferguson toward the end of the third.

The evening opened with a quick finish. Sullivan Cauley dropped Jason Markland with a straight right to the chin and won their light heavyweight bout at about :28 in the first round.

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Featherweight fighter Matt Bessette (24-9 with one no-contest) of Hartford will fight on the undercard for Bellator 253 this week. Bessette, who previously competed in the organization’s featherweight grand prix, will fight Jeremy Kennedy (15-2 with one no-contest). Bessette is also the former lightweight champion for Reality Fighting.

Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville will host the event on November 19.  A featherweight bout between Darrion Caldwell (15-3) and A.J. McKee (16-0) will headline the event – the winner goes to the featherweight grand prix finals. UFC veteran Benson Henderson (28-9) will fight fellow welterweight Jason Jackson (12-4) in the co-main event. The main card, which starts at 7 PM, will include a welterweight bout between Joey Davis (7-0) and Bobby Lee (12-4).

The preliminary card, which starts at 4:15, includes;

A bantamweight bout between Raufeon Stots (14-1) and Keith Lee (7-3).

A welterweight bout between Jaleel Willis (13-2) and Mark Lemminger (11-2)

A featherweight bout between Jay-Jay Wilson (6-0) and Sergio de Bari (5-1).

A lightweight bout between Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. (3-2 with one no-contest) and Kaheem Murray (3-3).

A light heavyweight bout between Sullivan Cauley, in his professional debut, and Jason Markland (0-1).

Bellator’s YouTube channel, CBSPORTS.COM and DAZN will air the preliminary card. The CBS Sports Network and DAZN will air the main event.

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(November 12 -- Uncasville, CT) 

The Mohegan Sun Arena hosted Bellator 252 this week. This is the fourth time this fall that the organization has held an event at the venue.

During the main event, featherweight champion Patricio “Pitbull”  Freire (31-4) punched his way to a KO of Pedro Carvalho (11-4) at 2:10 in the first round. The bout was part of the organization’s quarterfinals for it’s featherweight Grand Rrix.

During another quarterfinal fight for that weight class, Emmanuel Sanchez (20-4) defeated Daniel Weichel (40-12) by unanimous decision. One judge scored it 48-46, the second 49-46 and the third 49-45.

Sanchez and Freire are now positioned to fight each other in the semi-finals.

Yarolslav Amosov (25-0) defeated fellow welterweight Logan Storley (11-1) by split decision during the co-main event. Two judges scored it 29-28 in favor of Amosov and the other scored it 29-28 for Storley.

The preliminary card opened with a welterweight bout between Khoury Gracie (2-1) and Trevor Gudde (2-2).  Gudde knocked out Gracie at 3:28 in the third round by landing a knee to his chin as he crouched and attempted a double leg takedown.

Roman Faraldo (4-0) knocked out Pat Casey (6-4) at 2:30 in the second round of a welterweight bout. Casey attempted bring the fight to the ground but Faraldo landed a left-right punching combination and a flying knee to the face that ended the fight.

Lucas Brennan (4-0) defeated Andrew Salas (6-5) by unanimous decision. Two judges scored the featherweight generally one-sided bout 30-26 and one scored it 30-27. Brennan used guard changes to maintain a dominant position, attempted a leg triangle choke in the first round and used ground-and-pound attacks.

Jornel Lugo (5-0) defeated Schyler Sootho (4-1) by unanimous decision. Two judges scored the bantamweight bout 30-27 and one scored it 29-28. Lugo attempted double-leg takedowns throughout the clinch-heavy fight.

Manny Muro (12-6) defeated Devin Powell (10-5) by unanimous decision. Two judges scored the lightweight bout 30-27 and one scored it 29-28. Muro used a double-leg takedown to bring the fight to the ground late in the second round before he launched a ground-and-pound attack – he attempted more of the same during the third round.

Keri Taylor Melendez (5-0) submitted Emilee King (4-4) by rear naked choke at 3:02 of the first round of a strawweight bout after an energetic striking exchange.

Aaron Pico (7-3) knocked out John De Jesus (13-9) at 4:12 in the second round of a featherweight bout. Pico generally dominated the fight as he used ground-and-pound and attempted a couple of rear naked chokes. When De Jesus attempted to knee Pico in the second round, the latter countered with a well-timed punch and wrapped it up.

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(Uncasville, CT – Nov. 5)

Connecticut-based fighter Jessy Miele (9-5) lost her featherweight bout with Janay Harding (6-4) during the preliminaries at Bellator 251. The judges scored the bout 30-27.

During the main event, Corey Anderson (14-5) defeated Melvin Manhoef (31-15-1 with two no-contests) by TKO at 2:34 in the second round. Anderson won the light heavyweight bout through ground-and-pound attacks.

Tyrell Fortune (9-1 with one no-contest) earned an unanimous decision win over Said Sowma (6-2) during the co-main event. The judges scored the heavyweight fight 29-28.

Austin Vanderford (10-0) defeated Vinicius de Jesus (9-4) by unanimous decision. Two judges scored the middleweight bout 30-27 and one scored it 30-26.

The main card opened with Derek Anderson (17-3 with one no-contest) defeating Killys Mota (12-2) by TKO in a welterweight fight.  Anderson landed a middle sidekick to Mota’s face as he crouched on the ground and attempted to rise, prompting the referee to wave off the fight at 4:27 in the second round.

During a flyweight fight on the opening card, Sumiko Inaba (1-0) grounded and pounded her way to a TKO victory over Jessica Ruiz (0-2) at 4:59 in the second round.

Jaylon Bates (1-0) earned an unanimous decision win over Joe Supino (0-1). Two judges scored the bantamweight bout 30-27 and one scored it 30-25.

Ali Zebian (5-2) earned an unanimous decision victory over fellow lightweight Piankhi Zimerman (5-5-1).

Julius Anglickas (9-1) earned an unanimous decision win over Alex Polizzi (7-1). The judges scored the light heavyweight bout 30-27.

Georgi Karakhanyan (30-11-1 with one no-contest) earned a split decision win over Bryce Logan (12-5). Two judges scored the lightweight bout 29-28 in favor of Karakhanyan and one scored it the same in favor of Logan.

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A light heavyweight bout between Dutch striking specialist Melvin Manhoef (31-14-1 with two no-contests) and UFC alumni Corey Anderson (13-5) will serve as the main event at UFC 251 this week. The Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT will host the event. on November 5.

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(Oct. 29 -- Uncasville, CT)

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(Uncasville CT – September 11, 12)

Mohegan Sun hosted Bellator 245 and 246 this weekend and it was memorable. A rematch between two light heavyweight stars, a title fight, two crotch shots and an illegal strike that effectively ended one bout were among the highlights.

Phil Davis (22-5 with one no-contest) defeated Lyoto Machida (26-10) by split decision in Friday night’s main event – their previous fight, which occurred in the UFC about seven years ago, ended in Machida’s defeat via unanimous decision.  Two judges ruled it 29-28 in favor of Davis and one scored it the same for Machida.

Both fighters essentially felt each other out during the first round but the pace picked up during the second with Davis landed a shot during the second round that put Machida on the ground. Machida recovered quickly but Davis yanked his legs out from under him and took his back – simultaneous striking ended with Machida on the ground later in the round.

Machida became more aggressive during the third round as more strikes were exchanged.

During a featherweight bout and the evening’s co-main event, Cat Zingano (11-4) generally outperformed Gabby Holloway (6-6). Zingano scored a few takedowns and attempted a rear naked choke near the end of the bout. Two judges scored it 30-26 in her favor and one scored it 29-27.

Taylor Johnson (6-1) made quick work of Ed Ruth (8-3) during their middleweight bout. Ruth shot for Taylor’s hips as the fight opened – the latter responded by submitting him with a heel hook at :59 in the first round.

A welterweight bout between Raymond Daniels (2-1 with one no-contest) and Peter Stanonik (5-4 with one no-contest) ended in a no-contest after a devastating crotch shot – the second fight to end this way during the evening. The first occurred on the preliminary card during a heavyweight bout between Tyrell Fortune (8-1 with one no-contest) and Jack May (11-6 with one no-contest) – Fortune accidently kneed May in the crotch during the first round.

Daniels opened his bout with an upper roundhouse kick and threw several more flashy kicks during the fight. He slipped while he threw one and Stanonik pounced before he assumed a mount – Daniels escaped and landed a high side kick to Stanonik’s face. They exchanged more strikes as the round ended.

Daniels threw a spinning back kick during the second round that prompted a referee stoppage. He made the same mistake as the fight restarted and the bout ended.

During the last fight on the preliminary card, Alex Polizzi (7-0) earned an unanimous decision over fellow light heavyweight Rafael Carvalho (16-5). All three judges scored it 30-27.

Polizzi generally dominated the fight with his takedowns and submission skills.

Leslie Smith (12-8-1) defeated Amanda Bell (7-7) by unanimous decision. All three judges scored the featherweight bout 29-28. Smith brought Bell to the ground during each round and attempted a rear naked choke during the second.

Keith Lee (7-3) defeated Vinicius Zani (11-7) by unanimous decision. Two judges scored it 29-28 and one scored it (30-27). Organizers contracted the fight at 144 pounds.

Zani attempted to apply a Muay Thai plum during the first round and scored at least one takedown.

Juan Archuleta (5-2) earned an unanimous decision over Patchy Mix (13-1) during the main event on Saturday and won the vacant bantamweight title. Two judges scored it 48-47 and one scored it 49-46.

Mix lifted and dropped Archuleta during their first round and latter attempted to apply a rear naked choke.

During the second round, Mix took Archuleta’s back – he attempted a rear naked choke and an inverted leg triangle. Archuleta tried to isolate Mix’s leg during the scramble and later attempted to ground-and-pound him.

The final three rounds were principally stand and striking exchanges with Archuleta apparently outpointing Mix.

Neiman Gracie (10-1) submitted Jon Fitch (32-8-2 with one no-contest) with a heel hook at 4:47 in the second round of the co-main event. Fitch announced his retirement following the welterweight bout.

Gracie brought Fitch during the first round and attempted an inverted heel hook. He later took Fitch’s back

During the second round, Gracie lifted and dropped Fitch, who responded by putting him a head lock. Gracie escaped and Fitch landed a few body shots after they went to their feet.

Gracie attempted to take Fitch’s back and later pulled his legs out from under him. He subsequently attempted a knee bar and heel hook toward the end of the fight.

Liz Carmouche (14-7) submitted DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1) with a rear naked choke at 3:17 in the third round of a flyweight bout. Carmouche generally dominated the fight, although Bennett attempted to ground and pound her during the second round.

Keoni Diggs (9-0) rendered Derek Campos (20-11) unconscious with a rear naked choke, winning their lightweight fight with a technical submission at 4:59 in the third round. Diggs attempted a rear naked choke during the first round, although Campos escaped and wound up on top as the fight ended. By the third round, Diggs was clearly more dominant and finished the fight with literally a second to spare.

During the preliminary card, Daniel Madrid (18-6) won by split decision over fellow middleweight Pat Casey (6-3).  Two judges scored it 29-28 and 30-27 in favor of Madrid while one scored it 29-28 in favor of Casey, who took the fight on three days’ notice.

Ty Gwerder (5-1) defeated George “Tuco” Tokkos by TKO at 1:05 in the third round of their middleweight fight. Gwerder threw kicks and flying knees while Tokkos leaned punches and lower leg kicks. During the third round, Gwerder landed a knee to the chin and a punching combination that left Tokkos dazed although he still attempted to shoot for a takedown – he then stood up and apparently looked dazed enough for the referee to immediately wave the fight off.

Davion Franklin (2-0) earned a technical decision over Ras Hylton (6-5) after hitting him in the back of the head with what the referee ruled as an accidental foul in the third round. All three judges scored it 30-27.

Hylton kicked Franklin in the face early in the first round but the latter responded by scooping him up and dumping him before starting a ground-and-pound attack. Franklin later slammed Hylton again during the round.

Franklin took down Hylton a few times during the subsequent rounds and later launched a protracted ground-and-pound attack during the third despite appearing exhausted – he looked at the referee at one point as if hoping that he would stop the fight. The referee eventually stopped the fight and consulted with the ringside physician, who examined a wearied Hylton. The illegal strike was ruled accidental and judges tallied the points earned up until the stoppage.

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The Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT will host back-to-back Bellator events this weekend.

A light heavyweight rematch between Lyoto Machida (26-9) and Phil Davis (21-5 with one no-contest) will serve as the main event for Belator 245 on Friday night, September 11. The co-main event for the evening will feature a featherweight bout between Cat Zingano (10-4) and Gabby Holloway (6-5). Ed Ruth (8-2) will fight Taylor Johnson (5-1) in a middleweight bout. Raymond Daniels (2-1) will fight Peter Stanonik (5-4) in a welterweight bout.

The preliminary card will include; a light heavyweight bout between Rafael Carvalho (16-4) and Alex Polizzi (6-0; a heavyweight bout between Tyrell Fortune (8-1) and Jack May (11-6); a featherweight bout between Leslie Smith (11-8-1) and Amanda Bell (7-6); and a contracted 144-pound bout between Keith Lee (6-3) and Vinicius Zani (11-6).

During the following evening, a bantamweight title bout between Juan Archuleta (24-2) and Patchy Mix (13-0) will headline Bellator 246. Jon Fitch (32-7-2 with one no-contest) will fight fellow welterweight Neiman Gracie (9-1) in the co-main event. Liz Carmouche (13-7) will fight DeAnna Bennett (10-6-1) in a flyweight bout. Derek Campos (20-10) will fight Keoni Diggs (8-0) in a lightweight fight.

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(Aug. 21 - Uncasville, CT)

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Jessy Miele (9-3) of Waterbury, CT has previously expressed admiration for fellow women's featherweight Julia Budd (13-3) and will soon get to show her respect in the cage. A bout between them will serve as the co-main event during Bellator 244, which Mohegan Sun Arena will host on August 21. Miele, who earned a split-decision win over Talita Nogueira (8-3) at Bellator 231 last October, is a vetran of the Connecticut-based MMA organizations Reality Fighting and Premier FC.

Ryan Bader (27-5) and Vadim Nemkov (11-2) will fight in a light heavyweight bout during the main event. Will Smith (3-1), who fights out of West Haven, will also appear on the card in a preliminary featherweight bout with Lucas Brennan (2-0).

A heavyweight bout between Roy Nelson (23-18) and Valentin Moldavsky (9-1), and a middleweight bout between John Salter (17-4) and Andrew Kapel (15-6) will round at the main card. Moe information on the event can be found here.

Nutmegmma: To what do you credit with your win over Elizabeth Phillips at CES 56?

Miele: I credit my fantastic training camp and training partners at UnderdogMMA Chris Smith and the IMBCT and my Team Triton conditioning crew. The guys there have been amazing and inspiring. 

Nutmegmma: How did your interest in MMA begin?

Miele: I began in MMA almost 12 years ago when I graduated from college. I started to learn Karate because I was sick of just running on the treadmill at the gym. I wanted to learn something to protect myself and get a workout. After a month, I started BJJ and then boxing and Kali. I began competing in BJJ my coach only allowed me to do it and said to fight MMA I needed to get my blue belt first, so I completed and trained until I finally got it and fought my first MMA match in 2009. 

Nutmegmma: Did you start with a particular style or general MMA? What was the progression?

Miele: Everything I studied in kali, MMA, BJJ, boxing and JKD. I also used to breakdance and play rugby. A lot of my sports. 

Nutmegmma: How long have you trained with your current gym? What was your first gym? Where else have you taught?

Miele: I train in several different gyms the IMBCT, Kore BJJ Underdog MMA, and Triton. Each in a different part of CT. Sometimes you have to travel around to get the things you need at the times you need them! 

Nutmegmma: Are there other fighters that you particular emulate? Are there any that you enjoy watching?

Miele: Julie Budd is fantastic with her wrestling game. I love watching her. Cris Cyborg I also have always loved to watch. She is amazing. 

Nutmegmma: What are your future goals in the sport?

Miele: To continue to fight and develop my skill set so that I can get to the highest level I can be. 

Nutmegmma: Do you have a day job?

Miele: I do! I work at Post University 40 hours a week in multimedia. 

Nutmegmma: Do you have any advice for aspiring fighters?

Miele: I would tell then to keep pushing and never give up on a dream!

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(Update: Chris Daukaus defeated Parker Porter in the first round of their heavyweight bout. Daukaus won by TKO at 4:27. More results for the event are available at https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-252)

As most MMA fans are probably aware, light heavyweights Daniel Cormier (22-2-0, with one no contest) and Stipe Miocic (19-3) will compete in a much-anticipated rubber match on August 15 during UFC 252.  The UFC Apex in Las Vegas will host the event this Saturday evening.

But area fans may recognize New Britain resident Parker Porter (10-5) on the early preliminary card. Porter, who is a veteran of Bellator and CES, will make his UFC debut against Chris Daukaus (8-3) in a heavyweight bout.

Porter, an alumni of Southington High School, is perhaps best known for the caliber of competition that he faced during his early career. Jon Jones knocked him out in the first round of a bout with World Championship Fighting in 2008 and Gabriel Gonzaga submitted him with an arm triangle choke during a bout with the Connecticut-based organization Reality Fighting almost nine years ago. But a pair of wins last year against Kevin Sears (a kimura at 2:29 in the second round at CES 56) and Dirlei Broenstrup (a TKO at 3:17 in the third round at CES 58 due in part to some well-timed Muay Thai plums) during events in Hartford apparently garnered positive attention.

The rest of the preliminary card includes;

• A lightweight bout between Jim Miller and Vinc Pichel.
• A women’s strawweight bout between Felice Herrig and Virna Jandiroba.
• A featherweight bout between TJ Brown and Danny Chavez.
• A women’s strawweight bout between Ashley Yoder and Livinha Souza.
• A 145-pound bout between Kai Kamaka and Tony Kelley.

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The Mohegan Sun Arena hosted Bellator 243 on August 6. The main event was a much-anticipated rematch between lightweights Michael Chandler (21-5) and Ben Henderson (28-9) that had originally been scheduled for June 6 in Chicago. Chandler knocked out Henderson at 2:09 in the first round. Henderson previously lost to Chandler by split decision during Bellator 165.

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The Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT will host Bellator 242 on July 24. It will be the organization's first event since it cancelled Bellator 241, which was scheduled for Mohegan Sun in March.

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Spokespersons for Bellator MMA confirmed that Bellator 241 will be closed to the public due to safety concerns regarding the COVID+19 outbreak. Company President Scott Coker confirmed that ticket holders will receive refunds.

The Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville will host the event, which will happen on Friday April 13. Spokespersons for the organization have released the final card for Bellator 241, which will include Connecticut favorite Nick Newell (16-3) on the main card. 

The main event, a bout between Patricio Pitbull (30-4) and Pedro Carvalho (11-3), will be one of two featherweight fights that will cap the main event and are part of the quarterfinals in Bellator’s Grand Prix for that weight class. Daniel Weichel (40-11) and Emmanuel Sanchez (19-4) will compete in the other bout.

Newell, who competed on the UFC’s Tuesday Night contender series, will fight Zach Zane (14-9) in a lightweight bout on the main card.

The main card will also include a heavyweight bout between Matt Mitrione (13-7 with one no-contest) and Ronny Markes (19-7). Mitrione will replace Josh Barnett (35-8), who media sources stated had failed a drug test.

Johnny Campbell (20-12 with one no-contest, according to his Twitter account) withdrew from a bantamweight bout with Leandro Higo (19-5).  Higo is currently scheduled to fight Dominic Mazzotta (15-3), according to an announcement from Bellator spokesperons.

The rest of the main card includes a welterweight bout between Paul Daley (42-17-2) and Sabah Homasi (13-8), and a middleweight bout between Anatoly Tokov (29-2) and Fabio Aguiar (17-1).

The undercard currently includes;

·           A welterweight bout between Robson Gracie Jr. (3-0) and Billy Goff (2-2), who trains out of Groton, CT.

·           A 160-pound contract weight bout between Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. (3-2 with one no contest) and Kaheen Murray (3-3).

·           A middleweight bout between Jordan Newman (2-0) and Pat McCrohan (4-3).

·           A middleweight bout between Romero Cotton (4-0) and Justin Sumter (7-3).

·           A 140-pound contract weight bout between Mike Kimbel (3-2) and Kenny Rivera (2-2).

·           A light weight bout Killys Mota (12-1) and Nate Andrews (16-3).

·           A featherweight bout between Leslie Smith (11-8-1) and Jessy Miele (9-3).

·           A welterweight bout between Ion Pascu (18-10) and Mark Lemminger (10-1).

·           A lightweight bout between Vladmir Tokav (7-0) and Marcus Surin (6-2).

The card is subject to change and our site will add updates to the event as they occur.

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Michael Mazzulli, director of the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation, stated in a correspondence that a 160-pound bout between Kevin Ferguson (AKA Baby Slice) and Craig Campbell during Bellator 232 on October 26 has been ruled a no-contest due to repeated illegal blows – officials originally ruled it a TKO at 0:38 in the first round.. The Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville hosted the event on Saturday evening, October 26 as part of a double header – the venue hosted Bellator 231 that Friday.

Mazzulli stated in a correspondence with Scott Coker of Bellator that after reviewing a tape of the fight, the department determined that the injury that stopped the bout was the result of an accidental foul. He cited elbows to the back of the head as the foul, adding that the bout was ruled a no contest because it was stopped in the first round.

“Please note that this should not shed a negative light on Mr. Ferguson,” said Mazzulli. “In no way do we believe Mr. Ferguson intended to foul his opponent and, as such, we have ruled the foul as accidental.”

During the main event for the Saturday event, Douglas Lima (32-7) earned an unanimous decision over Rory Macdonald (21-6-1), snagging the welterweight title and avenging a previous loss to his opponent. Two judges scored the fight 50-45 and one scored it 49-46 for the bout, which marked the final for Bellator’s Welterweight World Grand Prix.

During the co-main event, Paul Daley (42-17-2) punched his way to a TKO victory over Saad Awad (23-13). The 175-pound fight ended at 1:30 in the second round.

Connecticut favorite Nick Newell (16-3) dropped a split decision to Many Muro (11-6) during a 160-pound bout. Two judges scored it 29-28 and one scored it 27-29.

Patrick Mix (12-0) submitted Isiah Chapman (9-4) with a knee bar at 3:49 in the first round of a bantamweight bout.

Connecticut fighter Johnny Lopez (12-4) earned an unanimous decision over Dan Cormier (8-10) on the preliminary card. Two judges scored the fight 30-27 and one scored it 29-28.

Another Connecticut fighter, Marcus Surin (6-2), lost to Devin Powell (10-4) due to technical submission by mounted guillotine at 5:00 in the second round.

Ryan Hardy (1-1) submitted Demetrios Plaza (1-1) by rear naked choke at 3:03 in the third round.

Lance Gibson Jr. (3-0) earned a KO victory by punches over Dominic Jones (2-2) at 1:58 in the first round.

Jornel Lugo (3-0) earned an unanimous decision over John Douma (4-2). Two judges scored in 30-27 and one scored it 30-26.

Zarrakh Adashey (3-1) defeated Tevin Dyce (3-2) by TKO due to strikes at 1:39 in the second round.

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(October 25 – Uncasville, CT)

Two-time UFC champion Frank Mir (19-13) secured an unanimous decision win over tenth-season TUF House winner Roy Nelson (23-18) at the Mohegan Sun Arena during the main event of Bellator 231. Two of the judges scored the heavyweight bout 29-28 and one scored it 30-27.

It was the first of a doubleheader at the resort. The arena will host Bellator 232 on Saturday evening, October 26.

The main card opened with a no contest. The referee waved off a heavyweight fight between Anthony Garrett (4-2) and former professional wrestler Jake Hager (2-0) after the latter landed a low blow at 1:56 in the first round.

The next fight was a women’s flyweight bout between Joanna Ilara (9-4) and Bec Rawlings (7-9). Ilara submitted Rawlings with a knee bar at 3:35 in the second round.

Ed Ruth (8-1) earned a split decision over fellow welterweight Jason Jackson (10-4). The judges all scored it 29-28 with one favoring Jackson.

Phil Davis (21-5 with one no contest) defeated Karl Albrektsson (9-3) by TKO in the co-main event. The light heavyweight fight ended at 3:06 in the third round.

The preliminary card opened with a women’s atomweight bout between Elise Reed (1-0) and former adult film actress Rebecca Bryggman (0-1). Reed punched her way to a TKO win over Bryggman at 4:48 in the first round.

Jon Manley (13-6) earned an unanimous decision over Thiago Oliveira (16-5). Two judges scored the welterweight bout 29-28 and one scored it 30-27.

Tim Caron (10-2 with one no contest) won by unanimous decision over Lucas Pimenta Borges (8-3). All three judges scored the middleweight bout 29-28.

Dalton Rosta (2-0) defeated Claude Wilcox (1-1) by TKO in the second round. The light heavyweight fight at ended at 4:23 in the round due to striking/ground-and-pound.

Steve Mowry (7-0) submitted Gokhan Sarican (4-1) by kimura at 0:56 in the second round of their heavyweight bout.

Jessica Miele (9-3) earned a split decision over Talita Nogueira (7-2). Two Judges scored the women’s featherweight bout 30-27 and one scored it 28-29.

Killys Mota (11-2) defeated Mandel Nallo (7-1) by TKO at 1:16 in the third round of their lightweight fight. Nallo sustained a leg injury that precipitated the result.

Connor Dixon (2-0) submitted Orkhan Ismatzade (0-2) by kimura at 0:42 in the first round of their welterweight bout.

Phumi Nkuta (1-0) earned an unanimous decision over Adrian Haley (1-1). Two judges scored the flyweight bout 30-26 and one scored it 30-27.

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