Bellator 254 adds Magomed Magomedov debut vs. Pitbull Brothers’ Matheus Mattos

Magomed Magomedov, the only man to beat UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan, has his Bellator debut booked.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Former ACB bantamweight champion [autotag]Magomed Magomedov[/autotag] has a date, opponent, and location for his Bellator debut.

At Bellator 254 on Dec. 10, Magomedov (16-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) will make his first promotional appearance against a fellow former ACB title challenger, [autotag]Matheus Mattos[/autotag]. The main-card fight will take place at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Additionally, a featherweight fight between [autotag]Marina Mokhnatkina[/autotag] (4-2 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) and [autotag]Jessica Borga[/autotag] (3-2 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) has been added to the card.

A promotion official confirmed the bookings to MMA Junkie on Tuesday after initial reports by Russian news agency TASS.

Magomedov (16-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) is the only man to hold a win over current UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan. The two Russians have fought twice, with each emerging victorious once.

After beating Yan by split decision at ACB 32 in March 2016, Magomedov lost a rematch by split decision at ACB 57 in April 2017.

Since his rematch loss, Magomedov, 28, has only competed three times, winning all three fights. Of 16 pro victories, Magomedov has finished 11.

Mattos (12-1-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) is a member of the Pitbull Brothers’ gym and has competed for the ACB bantamweight championship. Like Magomedov, his only professional loss came at the hands of Petr Yan. Ten of Mattos’ pro victories have come inside the distance.

With the additions, the Bellator 254 lineup includes:

  • Ilima-Lei Macfarlane vs. Juliana Velasquez – for Bellator flyweight title
  • Magomed Magomedov vs. Matheus Mattos
  • Jessica Borga vs. Marina Mokhnatkina

[vertical-gallery id=391998]