Tag: Bellator 254

Bellator free fight: Magomed Magomedov – the man who beat Petr Yan – overwhelms opponent in promotional debut

Dagestani bantamweight Magomed Magomedov came to Bellator with quite the reputation, and he showed exactly why this past December.

Dagestani bantamweight [autotag]Magomed Magomedov[/autotag] came to Bellator with quite the reputation.

A former Absolute Championship Berkut champion, Magomedov had built an impressive record fighting largely in his native Russia, and he also had bragging rights as the only man to ever defeat current UFC champ Petr Yan. But would that success translate to the Bellator cage?

As it turned out, the answer was a resounding, “Yes.”

Magomedov debuted for the promotion at this past December’s Bellator 254, which took place at the venue the organization has dubbed the “FightSphere,” Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

Drawing the unenviable task of welcoming Magomedov (17-1 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) to the promotion was Brazilian Matheus Mattos (12-2-1 MMA, 0-1 BMMA), who was able to flash his durability and heart throughout the 15-minute contest, but only because he was constantly on defense. Magomedov’s relentless grappling proved insurmountable, and he was ultimately awarded a clearcut decision win, though he’d later express some disappointment in his performance and promise better in future appearances.

Check out a complete replay of the first fight, courtesy of Bellator MMA, in the video above.

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Bellator boss Scott Coker willing to wait on Juliana Velasquez vs. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane rematch

Does it make more sense for both fighters to go in different directions for the time being in order to build a rematch?

Despite [autotag]Ilima-Lei Macfarlane[/autotag]’s prior dominance as Bellator flyweight champion, promotion president Scott Coker doesn’t think her next fight will be for the title.

Macfarlane (11-1 MMA, 10-1 BMMA), who successfully defended her title four times, experienced her first career blemish when she was dethroned by [autotag]Juliana Velasquez[/autotag] in a unanimous decision loss earlier this month at Bellator 254. Macfarlane is one of the promotion’s most popular fighters, but Coker would rather see both women move in different directions in an attempt to hype up a potential rematch even more.

“If Ilima wants to do it, sure we’ll consider it, but I’m not sure it’s something that’ll happen right away,” Coker told MMA Junkie. “That’s something that I think we should build up then promote it back, and maybe we take that back to Hawaii sometime before the end of the year. That would be a lot of fun.”

In their fight, Velasquez (11-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) was able to keep Macfarlane at bay, using her reach to touch her up. Macfarlane rallied late with a takedown and some big ground and pound in Round 4, but it was too little, too late, as Velasquez regained control in the final frame.

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While Coker is very high on unbeaten Velasquez, he thinks a rematch could pan out differently now that Macfarlane knows what to expect.

“Here’s the thing about that fight: That fight became a very tactical fight, and Velasquez was coming into this fight on a tear,” Coker said. “Just tearing everybody up. She was knocking people out or submitting them. She is a dangerous athlete, so I think Ilima wanted to be very careful, and I think she’s probably tested that water and she feels comfortable. So maybe next time the strategy will be much different. She kept moving away from her power, and I could see her working the technique, but again it was one-two. It was one-two.

“It wasn’t let’s get busy and let’s get down. It was more let’s stay a little bit careful, a little bit in a comfort zone, but she fought a very smart fight. If you look at the judges’ scorecards, it was pretty close. The takedowns happened way later in the fight, I want to say Round 4, Round 5, but maybe if she would have gotten busy earlier, who knows? Juliana is no joke, though. She’s got those long arms and long legs, and she’s a blackbelt in judo. She has a great style of fighting because she can knock you out with hands, she can knock you out with feet, she can ground and pound you, she can submit you.”

Following her first career loss, Macfarlane said she was relieved by the loss. But it appears the former champion has changed her tune, as she took to Instagram last week to reflect on a rough moment during the fight and goals of reclaiming the championship.

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Bellator free fight: Juliana Velasquez dethrones Ilima-Lei Macfarlane at Bellator 254

Recap the action from the main event of Bellator 254, as Juliana Velasquez captured the women’s flyweight title in Uncasville, Conn.

There was a changing of the guard in the women’s flyweight division at Bellator 254, as Brazil’s [autotag]Juliana Velasquez[/autotag] captured the 125-pound title and in the process ended the long reign of [autotag]Ilima-Lei Macfarlane[/autotag].

The two undefeated flyweights went head to head in the main event at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a fight that was sure to see one competitor leave with the first blemish on their previously perfect record, and there was genuine intrigue as the two well-matched 125-pounders faced off for the title on Dec. 10.

In a cagey open round, Velasquez (11-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) managed to keep the champion on the outside, using her superior reach to effectively test her fighting range through the opening five minutes using the occasional jab and push kick to prevent the champion from shooting in.

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The action eventually went to the mat in the second round, when Velasquez smartly reversed a trip takedown by Macfarlane (11-1 MMA, 10-1 BMMA) to end up in top position. But the champion was able to nullify the challenger’s offense in another tight, tense round.

Velasquez found a home for her strikes through Round 3 as she connected with the champion as Macfarlane attempted to close the distance and initiate more grappling exchanges. The Brazilian looked more in control of the action, and even scored with a jumping knee as she enjoyed her best round of the fight to that point.

Perhaps knowing she needed something big, Macfarlane came storming back in Round 4 and, with two-minutes left in the round, scored the takedown she’d been chasing the whole fight. Once she established top position, she unleashed a barrage of ground and pound to the challenger’s head and bod, leaving her bloodied, but unbowed, as the pair returned to their corners for the final frame.

After an initial push from Macfarlane, it was Velasquez who held sway through the final five minutes to run out the unanimous decision victor with scores of 48-47, 49-46, 48-47 to capture the title and hand Macfarlane her first career defeat.

Relive the action as Velasquez became Bellator’s newest champion of 2020 via the video above.

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MMA rankings report: Major moves after Bellator 254, UFC 256

What happened at women’s flyweight and lightweight after big performances in Bellator and the UFC?

The MMA rankings report is back with a look at moves after Bellator 254 and UFC 256.

Bellator 254 featured a women’s flyweight title fight between unbeaten champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane and challenger Juliana Velasquez. Velasquez actually was the betting favorite in the fight, so her title win wasn’t an upset. Yet it’s still somewhat surprising to see a new champ in that Bellator division.

At UFC 256, we had a stalemate in the flyweight title main event with a majority draw. But below champ Deiveson Figueiredo and challenger Brandon Moreno, there were big wins from the likes of Charles Oliveira against former interim champion Tony Ferguson, as well as Mackenzie Dern at women’s strawweight, Ciryl Gane at heavyweight and Kevin Holland at middleweight.

MMA Junkie’s John Morgan and “Gorgeous” George Garcia walk you through those divisions and more in the latest edition of the rankings report.

MMA Junkie Radio #3113 with UFC 256 and Bellator 254 reaction, more

Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here and will be live on SportsCastr beginning at noon ET.

Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here and will be live on SportsCastr beginning at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).

On Episode 3,113, the fellas look back at a packed weekend of fights. At UFC 256, Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno produced one of the best fights of 2020 to headline the UFC’s final pay-per-view event of the year. There’s also a recap of Bellator 254, where Juliana Velasquez dethroned Ilima-Lei Macfarlane in the main event to win the promotion’s women’s flyweight title.

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

Billy Goff reflects on big win at Bellator 254: It was an honor to fight a Gracie

Billy Goff spoke to reporters following his second-round finish of Robson Gracie Jr. at Bellator 254.

[autotag]Billy Goff[/autotag] knows he likely had more eyes than usual when he finished Robson Gracie Jr. at Bellator 254.

Goff (3-2 MMA, 2-0 BMMA), who snapped a two-fight losing skid, spoke to reporters on what it means to get a win over a Gracie, his long training camp, getting back to the win column, and more.

You can watch the full interview in the video above.

Bellator 254 took place Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card aired on CBS Sports Network after prelims on MMA Junkie.

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Bellator 254 post-event facts: Juliana Velasquez prevents championship history

Check out all the facts and figures from Bellator 254, which took place Thursday in Uncasville, Conn.

The final Bellator event of 2020 went down on Thursday with Bellator 254, which took place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., and aired on CBS Sports Network following prelims on MMA Junkie.

[autotag]Juliana Velasquez[/autotag] (11-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) forced a changing of the guard in the promotion’s final bout of the year. The Brazilian unseated inaugural Bellator flyweight champion [autotag]Ilima-Lei Macfarlane[/autotag] (11-1 MMA, 10-1 BMMA) from her spot atop the division with a unanimous decision victory.

It wasn’t the most eventful of nights, but Velasquez managed to halt Macfarlane’s defense streak at four, meaning no champ in company history has still ever reached five consecutive defenses.

For more on the numbers, check below for all the post-event facts to come out of Bellator 254.

Following Bellator 254 win, Grant Neal makes pitch for Bass Pro Shops sponsorship

Grant Neal spoke to reporters following his second-round submission of Maurice Jackson at Bellator 254.

After submitting Maurice Jackson at Bellator 254 on Thursday, [autotag]Grant Neal[/autotag] is making a different kind of callout.

Unbeaten prospect Neal (5-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) spoke to reporters on why he really wants a Bass Pro Shops sponsorship, opponent switches leading up to the fight, the confidence he has in his ground game, and more.

You can watch the full interview in the video above.

Bellator 254 took place Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card aired on CBS Sports Network after prelims on MMA Junkie.

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Juliana Velasquez dedicates title win at Bellator 254 to brother

New champion Juliana Velasquez thinks she met destiny at Bellator 254.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – [autotag]Juliana Velasquez[/autotag] dedicated the biggest win of her career to her brother.

The Brazilian fighter is the new Bellator women’s flyweight champion after she dethroned Ilima-Lei Macfarlane in the main event of Thursday’s Bellator 254. Velasquez (11-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) outpointed Macfarlane (11-1 MMA, 10-1 BMMA) in a unanimous decision.

Velasquez tried to describe the feeling of not only wining a Bellator title, but also being able to dedicate the win to a lost loved one.

“Ever since I got into the organization, I dedicated all of my fights to my brother,” Velasquez told reporters at the Bellator 254 post-fight press conference. “I have a tattoo of my brother on my left arm because it’s the most powerful arm, and I have a tattoo of an angel wing on my arm because I know that he’s always with me. To be able to dedicate this win to him and know that he was here with me, it was (an) indescribable feeling.”

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Velasquez thought she has a meeting with destiny at Bellator 254. She knows Macfarlane was a game opponent, but thought the title would come back to Brazil.

“I feel great. I think that’s what I was missing in my career,” Velasquez said. “I know that just the victories are not solely important – defeats are important, too. I’m at a very good phase right now and I felt the belt was for me tonight and it was waiting for me. Tonight, I showed that.”

Velasquez remains unbeaten in her MMA career. The new champion would like a chance at chance to extend her record in one of Bellator’s signature grand prix tournaments.

“I would love to have a tournament and I think it would be great to have that sort of tournament format and change things up.” Velasquez said. “We would definitely get to look at different fighters depending on how the fights go in the tournament. So yeah, I would definitely be interested and excited if Bellator chose to do a tournament at women’s 125 pounds.”

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Scott Coker reflects on Bellator’s 2020: ‘This was really a test of character’

Bellator president Scott Coker reflects on the changes faced in 2020 as it adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Like many companies across the world, Bellator MMA had to make some serious shifts in the wake of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak.

But that makes company president Scott Coker all the more proud of what his staff and fighters were able to accomplish in 2020, as the company returned to action in the second half of the year after a long, unplanned hiatus.

“I’m proud of my team,” Coker said at a Bellator 254 post-fight news conference Thursday. “I’m proud of our whole company because this is not an easy task. This is not an easy ask. When you’re asking your staff to stay inside this bubble for 30, 40, 50 days. There were times here where some of our employees were here for that amount of time not going home. Sometimes the staff would go home but it was a tough year. This was a grind.”

Despite all the struggles and difficulties that come with COVID-proofing a bubble in a time of uncertainty, Bellator returned in late July. The promotion went on to hold 15 events post-outbreak – including 11 stateside at Mohegan Sun Arena and four overseas (three in Milan, Italy and one in Paris).

“This was really a test of character for our staff and the fighters and fighting in a closed environment like this without fans,” Coker said. “Look, it is the new norm but to me, I’m looking forward to getting back and getting back to doing arena fights where we have fans including here at the Mohegan Sun.”

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Bellator has not unveiled specific 2021 plans yet but Coker told MMA Junkie on Tuesday he’s expected a late January or early February return at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Someday, Coker hopes to have fans back in the seats. Until then, the bubble will continue and so will the testing, which doesn’t come cheap.

“Economically, these COVID tests are very expensive,” Coker said. “It’s a commitment. I think we’ve had, to date, in the fights that we’ve done since July here at Mohegan Sun building this bubble, 4,800* tests that were either performed on fighters, production staff, or our Bellator staff. It’s quite a process. I think it’s a very safe environment to do these events and that’s why we’re doing them. Protocol is No. 1 but it’s been a grind.

“I’m looking forward to starting in 2021 again, most likely in the bubble. But I do believe now with some of the breakthroughs and the vaccine and the different types of vaccines and eventually, I think the virus will eventually ween its way out and we’ll be back to business as normal hopefully sometime (in 2021).”

Bellator 254 took place Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card aired on CBS Sports Network after prelims on MMA Junkie.

* A Bellator official later clarified to MMA Junkie the figure Coker referred to was not the complete sum of COVID-19 tests completed and that 7,800 was the accurate number.

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