Tag: Bellator 244

Julia Budd reveals determination to fight for racial injustice following Bellator 244 win

Julia Budd revealed she was fighting for something bigger than herself after her win at Bellator 244.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – You could be forgiven for thinking that [autotag]Julia Budd[/autotag]’s main motivation ahead of her victory at Bellator 244 was her desire to bounce back after losing her title to Cris Cyborg. But she revealed after her bout that she was fighting for something bigger.

Speaking to reporters, including MMA Junkie, backstage after her win over Jessy Miele at Mohegan Sun Arena, Budd (14-3 MMA, 8-1 BMMA) revealed that she wanted to use her platform as one of Bellator’s premier fighters to highlight the ongoing problem of racial injustice.

“I was just so happy to get back in there, especially in times like these,” she explained. “I think the whole world is fighting right now. People are still fighting because of the color of their skin, and that’s been something that’s been driving me to want to get back in the cage and do my job here, because there’s a big fight right now on the planet, and good has to prevail. So it’s kind of been a driving factor for me.

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“We have a job to do as human beings to be kinder to one another, and it’s been something that I’ve been fighting for since the George Floyd murder.”

Canadian Budd was keen to point out that the issue of racial injustice wasn’t a unique problem to the U.S, as she revealed problems close to her home in British Columbia.

“It means so much to me because my husband’s black, my stepson’s black, my mother-in-law’s black, and I’ve just seen a lot of racial injustice going on in my community on the Sunshine Coast,” she explained. “It’s not just a U.S. problem, it’s everywhere. We’ve got totem poles being vandalized on the Sunshine Coast, and it’s just something that has been really (expletive) me off, and it’s been a big motivating factor to be able to get in there and use my hands instead of my voice. So I wanted to get in there and fight.”

Bellator 244 took place Friday. The main card aired on Paramount Network and DAZN after prelims on MMA Junkie.

Check out Budd’s full post-fight press conference via the video above.

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Scott Coker excited for Valerie Loureda’s future: ‘You’re just gonna see her grow and grow’

Bellator president Scott Coker said Valerie Loureda’s dedication in the gym will take her to success inside the cage.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Scott Coker is excited about [autotag]Valerie Loureda[/autotag]’s potential as a Bellator athlete.

Loureda (3-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) signed a multi-fight contract extension with the promotion earlier this month following her highlight-reel TKO of Tara Graff at Bellator 243.

The undefeated prospect doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, but has certainly proven her worth inside the cage and, while she may have more social media followers than the average fighter, Coker says Loureda is putting the work in and has the right attitude to learn.

The 22-year-old is currently training out of American Top Team, home of some of the best fighters in the sport, and Coker said that her choice of training base, coupled with her traditional martial arts background, should stand her in good stead as she continues her career.

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Speaking to reporters, including MMA Junkie, during the post-fight press conference at Bellator 244, Coker said, “She’s a traditional martial artist. The father teaches taekwondo, her sister trains, and I think she’s got some kicking skills and she got some punching skills and what I really liked is that she is in the gym and she’s training. She’s learning the game of mixed martial arts and not just sticking to her traditional style.”

He continued, “I think the world enjoyed her TikTok dance, right? It was a great thing and she had a lot of engagement in that and we’ll take it. It’s great for us too, but at the end of the day, you have to put your time in and you have to learn to be a complete mixed martial arts fighter, which she’s doing.

“I think you’re just gonna see her grow and grow because she’s athletic, she’s in shape, she comes to fight, she’s got that little mean, little thing that you gotta have. That little spirit to fight to really be in the cage, being a warrior so she’s got that grit about her. She can do this, she just has to keep training and get better.”

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MMA Junkie Radio #3081: Bellator 244 and UFC on ESPN 15 recaps, much more

Check out the latest edition of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze.”

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Monday’s episode of MMA Junkie Radio with hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here!

On Episode No. 3,081 of the podcast, the fellas look back at Bellator 244 from this past Friday and discuss Ryan Bader’s title loss. They also recap UFC on ESPN 15. Plus, what would a UFC-Bellator crossover event look like, and should Fedor fight Fabricio Werdum?

Stream or download this and all episodes of MMA Junkie Radio over at OmnyStudio, or check it out above. You can also catch it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more. A new episode of the podcast is released every Monday and Thursday.

Scott Coker thinks Ryan Bader will defend heavyweight title, then he’ll want Vadim Nemkov rematch

“As a fighter, he’s gonna want to come back and avenge his defeat at some point.”

Former Bellator dual champion [autotag]Ryan Bader[/autotag] suffered his first loss in over four years Friday, but he still holds the heavyweight title.

Bader (27-6 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) was stopped by Vadim Nemkov in Round 2 at Bellator 244, losing his light heavyweight title. He displayed incredible toughness, but Nemkov was too much, taking him out with a barrage of punches after flooring him with a head kick.

While Bellator president Scott Coker suspects that Bader will want to exact revenge against Nemkov, he thinks Bader probably will focus on defending his heavyweight title first.

“I think he’ll probably want to go back to heavyweight and fight some heavyweight fights,” Coker said during the Bellator 244 post-fight news conference at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. “But I do think this: As a fighter, he’s gonna want to come back and avenge his defeat at some point. And so whether we do it at heavyweight or he wants to come back right away, we’ll have him decide, but my guess, and again it’s just speculation, is that he’ll want to move up to heavyweight for a couple of fights, and then he’s gonna want to fight Nemkov again.”

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In terms of who could possibly be next for Bader’s next title defense at heavyweight, Coker says there are a few upcoming fights that could determine the next No. 1 contender, but they are yet to be announced.

“We have a couple of heavyweight fights in early October,” Coker said. We haven’t announced these fights, so I really don’t want to talk about it, but we do have some fights coming up. We’re gonna have some heavyweights, and we’ll take it from there, but because of the stoppage, Ryan’s going to be on suspension for probably 90 days or whatever the commission puts on him, and then we’ll decide what we want to do.”

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Scott Coker optimistic he can give Fedor Emelianenko a fitting career send-off: ‘We’ll do it right’

Bellator president Scott Coker revealed discussions are ongoing regarding how to book Russian heavyweight icon Fedor Emelianenko’s final career bouts.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Bellator president Scott Coker has successfully brought Bellator back on stream after the COVID-19 shutdown, and now his attention is turning to getting his big stars booked in big fights.

One such fighter is Russian heavyweight icon [autotag]Fedor Emelianenko[/autotag], whose “retirement tour” was put on hold when the coronavirus pandemic caused the global shutdown of international travel and sporting events as the world battled to control the spread of the virus.

Now that things are starting to open up and travel restrictions are beginning to ease, Coker and Emelianenko (39-6 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) are in active discussions over how, and when, to book “The Last Emperor’s” final fights.

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Coker had previously revealed to MMA Junkie that he would sit down with Emelianenko during fight week ahead of Bellator 244 and, circling back to the topic during the post-fight press conference, he told reporters, including MMA Junkie, that discussions are going well between the two parties.

“It went great,” he explained. “He understands that we’re going to probably fight toward the end of this year, beginning of next year. He would like to fight in front of a crowd, to be honest. So we’re going to see how things go with the COVID situation.

“The plan was always not to fight him here in the United States, to be honest. Although he did say he’d love Chicago, and then New York and then L.A. But he said he would like to fight in Europe and he would like to fight in his hometown, so we’re exploring all the options.

“As you guys know, it’s a difficult situation to travel right now, but I think in time we’ll be able to put it together, and we’ll do it right.”

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Ryan Bader posts statement after Bellator 244 defeat, promises to return ‘better than ever’

Ryan Bader reacted to his defeat to Vadim Nemkov at Bellator 244 and promised to return better than ever.

[autotag]Ryan Bader[/autotag] lost the Bellator light heavyweight title, and his “champ champ” status, at Bellator 244, but “Darth” was in a positive frame of mind when he posted to social media to give his personal reaction to his defeat.

Bader (27-6 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) was finished in the second round by Russia’s Vadim Nemkov in the main event at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday night as he fell to his first defeat since his January 2016 loss to Anthony Johnson at UFC on Fox 18.

But while he may be frustrated and upset to have lost his light heavyweight title, Bader is staying positive, and said he will bounce back with a vengeance when he defends his heavyweight title next time out.

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“Well, not the result we were after, but it’s the game we play. I’m all good and appreciate the support!” he posted to Twitter Saturday night.

“I freaking hate to lose, but as always I’ll keep working my ass off. Lost one belt but still have that heavyweight belt on my shoulder and will be better than ever.”

Bader is undefeated as a heavyweight, having scored big wins over Muhammad Lawal, Matt Mitrione and Fedor Emelianenko as he won the Bellator heavyweight grand prix, and the promotion’s heavyweight title, in January 2019.

He later faced French contender Cheick Kongo in his first title defense, but his bout was ruled a no-contest after he was adjudged to have poked Kongo in the eye in the first round of their matchup at Bellator 226.

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After Bellator 244 victory, John Salter says he’s ‘right there’ for a middleweight title shot

John Salter thinks he’s positioned himself for a middleweight title shot after his third-round finish of Andrew Kapel at Bellator 244.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – [autotag]John Salter[/autotag] thinks he’s positioned himself for a title shot after notching his third win in a row.

Salter (18-4 MMA, 8-1 BMMA) submitted Andrew Kapel in the third round at Bellator 244 on Friday and has now finished all but one of his wins under the Bellator banner.

With the current travel restrictions in the COVID-19 pandemic, Salter thinks the stars could potentially align for him and Bellator welterweight champion [autotag]Douglas Lima[/autotag] to square off for the promotion’s vacant 185-pound title.

“I hope so,” Salter said at a post-fight news conference. “I’m not thrilled with my performance for the first and second round, but I did what I had to do. But, at the end of the day, I finished a very good fighter and I think that should put me right there. We’ve got limitations of who can get in the country, so I think it only makes sense that me and Lima fight for that vacant title.”

Lima was originally scheduled to face Gegard Mousasi for the vacant middleweight title at Bellator 242, but the coronavirus outbreak put a halt to those plans.

However, Mousasi has now been granted a visa to enter the U.S. and Bellator president Scott Coker has confirmed that the plan is to rebook the fight before the end of the year.

Nonetheless, Salter still wants a crack at the title, regardless of the opposition.

“I’m ready for whatever,” Salter said. “Obviously the title is the main thing on my horizon. That’s what I want, it’s what I have my eyes on. But whatever’s next is next.”

Bellator 244 took place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card simulcasted on Paramount Network and DAZN after prelims on MMA Junkie.

Check out Salter’s full Bellator 244 post-fight news conference in the video above.

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Yaroslav Amosov unfazed by prelim placement at Bellator 244, targets big name in title quest

Yaroslav Amosov doesn’t mind fighting in the prelims as long as he continues his progression toward title contention.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – [autotag]Yaroslav Amosov[/autotag] doesn’t mind fighting in the prelims as long as he continues his progression toward title contention.

Amosov (24-0 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) remained unbeaten when he stopped Mark Lemminger in the prelims of Bellator 244 after the cageside physicians ruled a Lemminger cut too bad to allow the fight to continue into the second round. Up to that point, Amosov was in complete control in a fight that saw him bust up his opponent in a punishing opening five minutes.

During the post-fight press conference, Amasov discussed the fight, the stoppage, his placement on the preliminary card, and why he initially wanted to face Jon Fitch.

Bellator 244 took place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card aired on Paramount Network and DAZN after prelims on MMA Junkie.

Check out Amosov’s full Bellator 244 post-fight news conference via the video above.

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Sidney Outlaw admits Adam Piccolotti fight was ‘humbling,’ but disputes split-decision verdict

Sidney Outlaw admits that while Adam Piccolotti surprised him, he still questions the judges’ scorecards.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – [autotag]Sidney Outlaw[/autotag] admitted that he was surprised by Adam Piccolotti in their Bellator 244 bout on Friday night, he was less than impressed with the scorecards tendered by the judges after their fight.

Outlaw (15-4 MMA, 3-1 BMMA) defeated Piccolotti via split decision, rebounding from his first loss in over three years.

Both men scrambled well on the ground, exchanging positions back-and-forth, but Outlaw was able to control Piccolotti for the most part.

During his post-fight press conference, Outlaw discussed why he thinks he should have won by unanimous decision, what it’s like training under the guidance of Mike Brown, working on his nutrition and what’s next for him.

Bellator 244 took place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card simulcasted on Paramount Network and DAZN after prelims on MMA Junkie.

Check out Outlaw’s full Bellator 244 post-fight news conference in the video above.

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Valentin Moldavsky ‘had to sacrifice excitement’ to avoid Roy Nelson’s power at Bellator 244

Valentin Moldavsky admitted he had to be cautious to avoid Roy Nelson’s famed haymakers in his Bellator 244 victory in Uncasville.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – [autotag]Valentin Moldavsky[/autotag] knew the dangers involved in facing a hard-hitter like [autotag]Roy Nelson[/autotag] and wasn’t going to take any chances.

Moldavsky (10-1 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) outpointed former UFC heavyweight and “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 10 winner Nelson 30-27 across the board at Bellator 244 on Friday as he notched his fifth win in a row.

After his victory, Moldavsky acknowledged that it wasn’t the most entertaining battle. But, with Nelson’s infamous overhand right a constant threat, he explained that he didn’t want to expose himself to being knocked out in a fight he felt he was controlling.

“I was a little bit more cautious than usual because he has a very unorthodox overhand right,” Moldavsky told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at the post-fight news conference. “I obviously didn’t want to get caught, so I had to sacrifice the excitement of the fight in view of winning it, but I got it done.”

He continued, “I felt like I could have done more in the standup, and I would interrupt my own sequences because a lot of times Roy would cover up and take a lot of punches then throw that one punch. And, in the heavyweight division, that lucky punch could end it, so I would unload with my hands then (I) would clinch him, just to kinda break that sequence so he doesn’t tie me and hit me. I just wanted to be cautious.”

Check out Valentin Moldavsky’s full Bellator 244 post-fight news conference in the video above.

Bellator 244 took place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card simulcasted on Paramount Network and DAZN after prelims on MMA Junkie.

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