Tag: Bellator 259

Entering 16th year as pro, Cris Cyborg explains why she doesn’t plan on slowing down

On Monday, Cris Cyborg celebrated the 16 year anniversary as a competing, professional MMA fighter.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – May 17, 2006: That’s the date on which [autotag]Cris Cyborg[/autotag] made her professional MMA debut.

This past Monday marked the 16th anniversary of that fight. Twenty-four professional fights later, Cyborg (23-2 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) continues to roll.

As she enters his Bellator 259 main event against Leslie Smith, which takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena, Cyborg is well aware of the date and its meaning. Her team has already cranked out the t-shirts, in fact.

“It feels like just yesterday I started,” Cyborg told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “(Time) moves so fast. … I feel very blessed for these 16 years of success. I’ve held four world titles. For me, I’m just thankful.”

How has Cyborg absorbed a decade of kicks, punches, knees, and submissions and come out relatively unscathed, still able to compete? The Bellator women’s featherweight champion pointed to her passion for the sport.

“I work hard, but if you love something you do and you love your work, you can do 16 years or more,” Cyborg said.

Even after all these years, there is no motivation lacking for Cyborg. In fact, she likes sitting atop a storied career because it feels like she simply doesn’t have anything else to prove. She’s accomplished so much in her career and can still build on her legacy by leading by example inside and outside the cage.

“There’s no pressure,” Cyborg said. “I like to fight for my fans, to be an example for everyone, continue to improve women’s MMA and to do my missionary work. I feel great. I feel every day is new. I’m excited for Bellator. It makes a fire in my heart. I’m excited to just enjoy the moment.”

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For someone like Cyborg, who has been largely dominant for much of her career, it’s not out of the ordinary that she might cross the same opponent twice. That’s the case with her upcoming fight against Smith (12-8-1 MMA, 2-1 BMMA), who she finished with strikes in 81 seconds at UFC 198 in 2016.

“I feel like the energy is different (this time) because I was doing the catchweight when we fought,” Cyborg said. “Now, I think it’s different. We fight in a real division at 145 pounds. I’m happy. Five years ago, it’s for sure different. I’m a different fighter (and) a different person than I was five years ago. (I) get better and improve every day.”

Bellator 259 takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.

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Valerie Loureda dedicates Bellator 259 to memory of grandfather, who died from COVID-19

Valerie Loureda opens up about the tragedy she went through ahead of Bellator 259.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – [autotag]Valerie Loureda[/autotag] has gone through a tough time ahead of her MMA return at Bellator 259.

The Bellator women’s flyweight prospect makes her fourth professional appearance this Friday against Hannah Guy (2-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) on the preliminary card at Mohegan Sun Arena. Loureda (3-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) has dealt with injury, as well as a personal tragedy ahead of the contest.

“When I was preparing for a fight in December, I got cut; 20 stitches through the muscle, and I had to let that heal because if not, that can open very easily, and I’m very young still,” Loureda told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s Bellator 259 media day. “Then, Bellator signed with Showtime, and all the fights got pushed to April. Then in April, when I went to fight, I got COVID, and all my family got COVID. My grandfather passed away from COVID. He got it at the hospital, so it’s been rough. But I had to push through. I had to keep training hard, and here I am.”

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The pandemic has been rough for many people around the world, as it’s taken a big toll on many lives and the families that have lost loved ones. Loureda admits it was not easy to deal with the loss of her grandfather while preparing for Bellator 259 but feels continuing her career would’ve been her grandfather’s wish.

“Definitely this was a hard one because I couldn’t spend time with my grandfather or touch him before he passed away,” Loureda said. “It was just very wrong, and it traumatized me. I went through a little depression after that, but I had to get out of it, and I had to keep looking at my future, my career, and what he would’ve wanted me to do. I trained hard, lost the weight, and I’m here prepared, ready to fight this girl.”

Loureda is determined to get a victory on Friday night and dedicate the win to her grandfather, as well for all the families who have faced adversity through the coronavirus pandemic.

“This fight is completely dedicated to my grandfather and all the families that lost their loved ones because of COVID,” Loureda said.

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Brett Johns: Getting paid my worth is why I switched from UFC to Bellator

Ahead of promotional debut, Brett Johns explains why he left the UFC to join Bellator.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – [autotag]Brett Johns[/autotag]’s switch from UFC to Bellator may have come as a surprise to many, but it was an obvious move from his perspective.

The former Titan FC and Cage Warriors champion signed with Bellator last October on the heels of a successful UFC run that had many pegging him as a force to keep an eye on at 135 pounds.

Johns had competed seven times in the Las Vegas-based promotion, picking up five wins and two defeats. His only two losses came to top contender Pedro Munhoz and current UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.

But when his contract with the UFC came to an end, the 29-year-old saw Bellator as the best option his career.

“Basically, in a nutshell, we looked at the contract after it was finished, and we looked back at our career with the amount of fights that we had, the people that we had fought, and financially things didn’t add up in our mind,” Johns told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s Bellator 259 media day. “So we got on a call with the UFC and tried to renegotiate our contract and they didn’t feel like I was worth that money, but we knew I was.

“We looked at the other guys in the division, and there was a couple of guys who had similar fights, I wont name specific names, but there was a fighter who was 5-2 such as us, but I didn’t feel he had fought the caliber of competition that I personally did. He was making about $20,000 more.

“So we approached the UFC with that, and they turned around and said they weren’t willing to pay the money, so we tested the waters of free agency, and Bellator came up. I haven’t looked back since.”

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Although Johns made a financial move in his switch to Bellator, the Welsh fighter said he is not just coming in the organization to take a paycheck. Johns (17-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) is still determined to become a contender and take the belt from current title holder Sergio Pettis. His quest to the title starts this Friday at Bellator 259 against Danny Sabatello (10-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA).

“There is no secret what I want to do, and that’s win the belt,” Johns explained. “Obviously there’s been a big financial gain, but I’m not just coming here to win fights and win money. Obviously I want to be the best in the world.

“I’ve won two world titles on other organizations, and it would be nice to add that third wrap on my waist. Right now, eyes are on Sergio Pettis, but the title picture can change in a year, year-and-a-half. At the minute he’s got a target on his back, and that’s who I’m aiming for. I’m hoping a win over Danny Sabatello will put me in that top 10, maybe another fight after that and we can get that Pettis fight.”

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Video: What Bellator 259 fight is flying most under the radar?

From current and former champions to rising hot prospects, Bellator 259 has a little bit of everything.

Bellator 259 fight week is upon us.

With women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg (23-2 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) defending her title in a rematch against Leslie Smith (12-8-1 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) atop the card, a lot of undercard fights aren’t necessarily getting the proper shine they deserve.

This is a solid card, top to bottom, with athletes ranging from current and former champions to undefeated hot prospects. Outside of the main event, what is the fight on the card that is flying the most under-the-radar and perhaps not getting the respect it deserves?

That’s the question “Spinning Back Clique” host John Morgan asked the panel of “Gorgeous” George Garcia, Brian “Goze” Garcia, and Nolan King.

You can watch their discussion in the video above, and this week’s full episode below.

https://youtu.be/zzPLt_QAYVQ

Bellator 259 pre-event facts: Cris Cyborg meets Leslie Smith in rare rematch

Check out all the facts and figures about Bellator 259, which takes place Friday with a Cris Cyborg vs. Leslie Smith title-fight headliner.

Bellator returns from a one-week hiatus on Friday with Bellator 259 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Women’s MMA legend and reigning Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg (23-2 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) returns to action in the main event. She’s set to rematch Leslie Smith (12-8-1 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) in a fight from UFC 198 in May 2016, which the Brazilian won swiftly by TKO in just 81 seconds.

For more on the numbers behind the headliner, as well as other notable bouts on the card, check below for 15 pre-event facts about Bellator 259.

Austin Vanderford thinks win over Fabian Edwards could lead to title shot, but he wants to earn it

When Austin Vanderford contends for a Bellator title, he wants everyone to say he deserves it.

When [autotag]Austin Vanderford[/autotag] contends for the title, he wants everyone to say he deserves it.

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio, Vanderford (10-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA), Bellator’s No. 3-ranked middleweight, discussed the implications of a win over Fabian Edwards (9-1 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) at Bellator 259, wanting to rightfully earn his shot at gold, his desire to compete in five-round fights, and more.

Watch the full interview with Vanderford above.

Bellator 259 takes place May 21 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

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With Matheus Mattos out, Brett Johns faces Titan FC champ Danny Sabatello at Bellator 259

Just a week out from his Bellator debut, Brett Johns is getting a new opponent.

Just a week out from his Bellator debut, [autotag]Brett Johns[/autotag] is getting a new opponent.

Johns (17-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), who was originally scheduled to face [autotag]Matheus Mattos[/autotag], will now take on Titan FC bantamweight champion [autotag]Danny Sabatello[/autotag] (10-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) at Bellator 259, promotion officials announced Thursday.

Bellator 259 takes place May 21 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Johns took to Instagram to say that Mattos was forced to withdraw due to a positive COVID-19 test.

“Unfortunately Matteus Mattos has contracted covid-19 as is unable to fight.

But @bellatormma have worked hard to find me a replacement. Now I will be fighting Former Titan FC World Champion Danny Sabatello. It’s a very tough fight. But I’m ready to go.

Respect to Danny for stepping up!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CO2VaxBNu4j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

After testing free agency, Johns opted to sign with Bellator in October. The 29-year-old Welshman departed the UFC having won two straight over Tony Gravely and Montel Jackson. His only two octagon losses have come to top contender Pedro Munhoz and current UFC bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling.

Sabatello, who failed to secure a UFC contract after beating Taylor Moore on Dana White’s Contender Series 35 this past November, notched his first title defense when he scored a lopsided decision over Da’Mon Blackshear at Titan FC 67 in February. The American Top Team fighter will get another shot at the big leagues when he makes his Bellator debut on just a week’s notice against Johns.

With the change, the Bellator 259 lineup now includes:

MAIN CARD (Showtime, 9 p.m. ET)

  • Champ Cris Cyborg vs. Leslie Smith – for women’s featherweight title
  • Darrion Caldwell vs. Leandro Higo
  • Fabian Edwards vs. Austin Vanderford
  • Maycon Mendonca vs. Jaleel Willis
  • Christian Edwards vs. Ben Parrish

PRELIMINARY CARD (MMA Junkie, 5:30 p.m. ET)

  • Nate Andrews vs. Saad Awad
  • Tyree Fortune vs. Grant Neal
  • Sumiko Inaba vs. Kristina Katsikis
  • Sean Felton vs. Aviv Gozali
  • Hannah Guy vs. Valerie Loureda
  • Davion Franklin vs. Tyler King
  • Janay Harding vs. Leah McCourt
  • Alfie Davis vs. Alexander Shabliy
  • Brett Johns vs. Danny Sabatello

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Bellator’s Valerie Loureda: ‘People are going to be shocked’ by my wrestling when I show it

Valerie Loureda is a 4th dan taekwondo black belt, but she says there’s a lot more to her game than just striking.

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – [autotag]Valerie Loureda[/autotag] is a taekwondo black belt, but she says there’s a lot more to her MMA game than just striking.

Loureda is off to a 3-0 start to her professional career and she’s coming off her most impressive win yet, dropping Tara Graff with a blistering right hand before finishing her with ground-and-pound last August at Bellator 243.

But Loureda, already one of the most popular fighters on the Bellator roster, is in no rush to skyrocket up the rankings. The 4th dan taekwondo black belt and former member of the U.S. Olympic team wants to make sure that her ground game is up to par before she thinks about title contention.

“I just want to see how I do on the floor grappling and my scrambles and getting out and defending oppositions, and that’s when I’ll know I’ll be ready to fight for that belt,” Loureda told MMA Junkie.

She continued, “Most of the girls that I’m fighting right now are grapplers who are just coming forward, trying to take me down and submit me, and that’s the story of my life for the rest of my career. So I’m just getting used to it and having fun with it and learning how to hold my ground and just be aggressive and defend the takedowns and play my game.”

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Despite never truly being tested in the grappling department, Loureda has no doubt that the training she’s received at American Top Team has her more than ready.

“I’m an amazing wrestler,” Loureda said. “Cuban wrestling is very different, and I was lucky enough to be taught wrestling by Yoel Romero and Alexis Villa and Gustavito (Balart), a lot of Olympic wrestlers, so they really taught me that Cuban wrestling, and I’m gonna take it into the cage. I just haven’t been given a chance to show it because I’m playing my game, but the moment I get the opportunity to show it, people are gonna be shocked by my wrestling skills.”

Loureda returns to action May 21 against Hannah Guy (2-1) at Bellator 259, which takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

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Darrion Caldwell back to bantamweight, meets Leandro Higo in rematch at Bellator 259

Former bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell will return to the weight class next month after a three-fight stint at featherweight.

Former bantamweight champion [autotag]Darrion Caldwell[/autotag] will return to the weight class next month after a three-fight stint at featherweight.

Caldwell (14-4 MMA, 11-3 BMMA) is set to take on [autotag]Leandro Higo[/autotag] (20-5 MMA, 3-3 BMMA) in a rematch at Bellator 259. MMA Junkie confirmed the booking with a Bellator official following an initial report from MMAFighting.com.

Bellator 259 takes place May 21 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

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Caldwell won the bantamweight title at Bellator 184 in 2017 with a decision over Eduardo Dantas. In his first title defense, he took on Higo at Bellator 195 and submitted him with a guillotine choke midway through the first round.

After a one-off featherweight win over Noad Lahat, he challenged Kyoji Horiguchi for RIZIN’s 135-pound title and was submitted in the third round. In June 2019, Horiguchi slid over to Bellator to fight Caldwell for his belt and took it from him in their rematch.

Later that year, Caldwell found himself back at 145 pounds for Bellator’s tournament. He beat Henry Corrales in the opening round, then Adam Borics in the quarterfinals. But in the semifinals, he was tapped out by A.J. McKee this past November with one of the year’s most talked-about submissions.

After Higo’s loss to Caldwell in March 2018, he was stopped by Aaron Pico with a first-round TKO. But after a year off, he bounced back with a submission over Shawn Bunch in 2019 and one over Ricky Bandejas this past October for his second straight win.

With the addition, the Bellator 259 lineup now includes:

  • Champ Cris Cyborg vs. Leslie Smith – for women’s featherweight title
  • Fabian Edwards vs. Austin Vanderford
  • Brett Johns vs. Matheus Mattos
  • Hannah Guy vs. Valerie Loureda
  • Alfie Davis vs. Alexander Shabliy
  • Tyree Fortune vs. Grant Neal
  • Christian Edwards vs. Ben Parrish
  • Georgi Karakhanyan vs. Adam Piccolotti
  • Nate Andrews vs. Saad Awad
  • Sean Felton vs. Aviv Gozali
  • Janay Harding vs. Leah McCourt
  • Darrion Caldwell vs. Leandro Higo

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Saad Awad vs. Nate Andrews booked for Bellator 259 on May 21

Nate Andrews will finally make his Bellator debut when he meets grizzly veteran Saad Awad at Bellator 259.

[autotag]Nate Andrews[/autotag] will finally make his Bellator debut when he meets a grizzly veteran.

Andrews (16-3 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) is set to face [autotag]Saad Awad[/autotag] (23-13-1 MMA, 11-10-1 BMMA) on May 21 at Bellator 259 from Mohegan Sun Arena.

Two people with knowledge of the matchup informed MMA Junkie of the booking Wednesday but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Andrews, a former CES lightweight champion, signed with PFL after amassing an impressive nine-fight winning streak, all by finish. He went 1-2 under the PFL banner, failing to reach the lightweight tournament semifinals when he lost to Chris Wade for the second time. He proceeded to sign with Bellator, but his debut was delayed after bookings against Killys Mota and Goiti Yamauchi were canceled.

Awad is currently enduring the roughest stretch of his career, having lost four fights in a row. His past outing against Mandel Nallo at Bellator 249 in October was ruled a no contest after Awad was accidentally struck in the groin in the first round, rendering him unable to continue. Prior to his losing skid, Awad was on a four-fight winning streak with wins over the likes of J.J. Ambrose and Ryan Couture.

With the addition, the Bellator 259 lineup now includes:

  • Champ Cris Cyborg vs. Leslie Smith – for women’s featherweight title
  • Fabian Edwards vs. Austin Vanderford
  • Georgi Karakhanyan vs. Adam Piccolotti
  • Brett Johns vs. Matheus Mattos
  • Christian Edwards vs. Ben Parrish
  • Nate Andrews vs. Saad Awad

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