Tag: Bellator Europe 6

Fabian Edwards relives heated battle with Mike Shipman at Bellator Europe 6

Bellator middleweight contender Fabian Edwards recaps his heated battle with Mike Shipman at Bellator Europe 6 in London.

[autotag]Fabian Edwards[/autotag] has made no secret of his intention to go all the way to the top of the Bellator middleweight division, but he’s still relatively early in his career on the big stage.

“The Assassin” has fought four times under the Bellator banner to date, and in the latest edition of the promotion’s video series, “My Biggest Moment,” Edwards (9-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) looks back on his most recent outing, an ill-tempered clash with former BAMMA champion [autotag]Mike Shipman[/autotag] (13-2 MMA, 4-2 BMMA).

The pair went head-to-head at Bellator Europe 6 in November 2019 in a matchup that pitted Edwards against the heavy-handed Londoner in a battle between two of the U.K.’s best 185-pounders at the SSE Arena, London.

The build-up to the fight was filled with trash talk and back-and-forth jibes between the pair, and tempers boiled over at the official weigh-ins as the two rivals very nearly came to blows during a heated faceoff.

When fight night arrived, Edwards edged a close, competitive battle via split decision, with scores of 28-29, 29-28 and 30-27 to extend his unbeaten run and nudge him closer to the division’s big names.

Check out Edwards’ recap of that fight in the latest episode of “My Biggest Moment” via the video above.

Video: Michael ‘Venom’ Page stars in Bellator recap of classic London moments

With its Saturday event in London postponed, Bellator has released a highlight reel featuring classic finishes from past London events.

Under normal circumstances, MMA fans in London would be getting themselves ready for a packed card of fights at the SSE Arena, Wembley for Bellator Europe 8 on Saturday. But as we all know, right now we don’t live under normal circumstances.

The continued restrictions to combat the COVID-19 pandemic mean U.K.-based MMA fans will have to sit tight and wait a little longer to get their live dose of Bellator action. But in the meantime, the promotion has offered a small taster of what fans can expect when Bellator’s European Series events get back up and running later this year by releasing a highlight reel featuring a fistful of fight finishes from previous events in London.

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Playing a starring role, as usual, is London’s own [autotag]Michael Page[/autotag], whose one-punch KO of Gianni Melillo was one of the highlights of the night at Bellator Europe 6 in November 2019. Also on that card, former kickboxing ace [autotag]Denise Kielholtz[/autotag] showcased her evolving grappling game with an Americana finish of Sabriye Sengul, while rising English lightweight prospect [autotag]Akonne Wanliss[/autotag] showed off some slick submission skills of his own as he finished Tim Barnett via D’Arce choke.

Also featured on the video showcase is Irish middleweight fan-favorite [autotag]Charlie Ward[/autotag], who highlighted his “Relentless” ground and pound style to defeat Justin Moore at Bellator 223 in London in June 2019. And there was also a highlight-reel moment from “Mr. Wonderful” as former light heavyweight champion [autotag]Phil Davis[/autotag] scored a spectacular high-kick knockout of the U.K.’s own Linton Vassell at Bellator 200.

Check out Bellator’s highlight-reel montage in the video above.

Fabian Edwards squashes talk of rematch with Mike Shipman, plots path toward title shot

Bellator middleweight contender Fabian Edwards says he’s only a couple of fights away from a potential title shot at 185 pounds.

[autotag]Fabian Edwards[/autotag] has his sights set on the top names in Bellator’s middleweight division, but he admitted he considered putting his progress on hold to face his most recent adversary for a second time.

Edwards edged a split-decision verdict against fellow countryman [autotag]Mike Shipman[/autotag] at Bellator Europe 6 in November 2019 after an ill-tempered buildup saw the pair engage in an angry skirmish at the official weigh-ins ahead of their matchup.

After the fight, the beef between the pair seemed to have subsided but, speaking to MMA Junkie from Birmingham, England, Edwards admitted he still has little time for the Londoner known as “Seabass.”

“I still dislike the kid, I’m not even going to lie to you,” he laughed. “I still dislike him. He’s one of those people that I would never like. After the fight, we never really spoke to each other.”

The anticipation ahead of their first meeting, coupled with the split-decision verdict at its conclusion, led many to suggest that a rematch was in order. But while Edwards admitted he had contemplated the possibility, he has instead focused his attention on fighters ahead of him in the middleweight division, starting with Dutch contender Costello van Steenis, who he was scheduled to face in London on May 9 before the COVID-19 pandemic put Bellator’s fight schedule on hold.

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“(Shipman) made a few posts saying ‘rematch this’ and ‘rematch that,’ and I was considering it,” said Edwards. “But, to be honest, I’ve thought about it now. He needs to go on a two-fight win streak or three-fight win streak for me to bless him with that again. But I’m just focused on Costello van (expletive) right now.”

Like his brother, UFC welterweight contender Leon, Edwards is planning to pick up championship gold sooner rather than later and says he thinks victory over van Steenis could place him within touching distance of a title shot at 185 pounds.

“I reckon Costello, and then two more people (before a title shot),” he suggested. It could be either three people or two, depending on who I fight after Costello. If I fight a former champion, then I should be challenging for the world title after two fights. But if not, it’ll be three fights.”

To hear the full interview with Edwards, check out the video below.

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MMA Junkie’s ‘Knockout of the Month’ for November: A rare rolling thunder finish

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best knockouts from November 2019.

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best knockouts from November 2019. Here are the five nominees, listed in chronological order, and winner of MMA Junkie’s “Knockout of the Month” award for November.

At the bottom of the post, let us know if we got it right by voting for your choice.

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The Nominees

Kevin Lee def. Gregor Gillespie at UFC 244

Fighting in his opponent’s home territory in New York, [autotag]Kevin Lee[/autotag] (17-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) knocked previously unbeaten Gregor Gillespie (13-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) cold in his return to the lightweight division.

It took less than three minutes and one perfectly placed head kick for Lee to take back attention as a lightweight contender. Following some early exchanges, “The Motown Phenom” separated Gillespie from consciousness in devastating fashion.

Andrew Kapel def. Muhammed Lawal at Bellator 232

[autotag]Andrew Kapel[/autotag] (15-6 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) made sure it was an unhappy end to Muhammed Lawal’s (21-10 MMA, 10-7 BMMA) career, because he sent “King Mo” into retirement on a knockout loss in their 195-pound catchweight fight.

After a brief feeling out process to begin the fight, Kapel threw a body kick which Lawal caught. He went to throw a punch, but Kapel timed the perfect counter shot on him coming in. Lawal immediately went down and out, and retired following the defeat.

Magomed Ankalaev def. Dalcha Lungiambula at UFC on ESPN+ 21

[autotag]Magomed Ankalaev[/autotag] (12-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) capped off a solid performance with a highlight-reel finish when he defeated Dalcha Lungiambula (10-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) in their light heavyweight matchup.

Ankalaev connected with a perfect front kick that made a sickening thud and instantly rocked Lungiambula. From there, the Russian unloaded a clean follow-up shot that put Lungiambula down to stop the fight in the third round.

Davy Gallon def. Ross Pearson at “MTK MMA: Probellum”

Ross Pearson (20-17) had a rude welcome back to MMA from his retirement courtesy of the unheralded [autotag]Davy Gallon[/autotag] (18-7-2), who delivered what could go down as an all-time knockout in the sport’s history.

The lightweight fight was relatively competitive for more than two rounds. In the closing stages of the third, though, Gallon went airborne and unleashed a rolling thunder kick. The heel landed flush on Pearson’s face, and “The Ultimate Fighter 9” winner was immediately knocked out in a shocking finish.

Michael Page def. Giovanni Melillo at Bellator Europe 6

[autotag]Michael Page[/autotag] (16-1 MMA, 12-1 BMMA) gave his hometown fans what they wanted as he closed the show in style against Giovanni Melillo (13-5 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) with the latest addition to his highlight reel.

Page finished late-notice replacement Melillo in less than two minutes with a thumping right hand. Melillo was out on impact, and “MVP” had the walk-off finish to close the welterweight contest.

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The Winner: Davy Gallon

Pearson’s MMA return was one for the highlight reel – but not in the way he envisioned.

In his first fight in his native U.K. in over four years, Pearson headlined “MTK MMA: Probellum” in London. Taking on Gallon, Pearson was brutally knocked out in the most improbable of fashions.

As the clock wound down in the final round, Gallon threw a rolling thunder kick, which landed flush on the head of Pearson.

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Upon impact, Pearson was knocked out cold and flew backwards, crashing to the mat. The announcer’s, “Oh, sh*t” reaction sums up just how spectacular it was.

“I’ve only hit it in training,” Gallon told MMA Junkie of the knockout. “I saw a kyokushin video on YouTube, and I tried maybe once or twice in training. I was in the hotel room the day before the fight with my coach. I said, ‘Oh coach, come on. I want to try this kick.’ He told me, ‘You know it’s Ross Pearson? It’s a good guy. It’s a big fighter, you know?’ I said yeah, and he told me, ‘OK, you can try the kick. But you have to do it at the end of the fight.'”

The fight was Pearson’s first since being released by the UFC earlier this year. Prior to his UFC departure, Pearson had dropped six out of his final seven fights with the promotion.

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MMA rankings report: What does Michael Page need to do to make our list?

MMA Junkie’s “Gorgeous” George Garcia and John Morgan walk you through our latest MMA rankings.

Bellator Europe 6 is in the books, and we’re about to come up on a brief period of inactivity from the major promotions. But one thing of note took place this past Saturday:

  • [autotag]Michael Page[/autotag] won again at Bellator Europe 6, giving him two straight since the lone loss of his career. Yet it’s still not enough for the 16-1 fighter to crack our welterweight list. Why is that?
  • Plus, who’s coming up on two years of inactivity – and ready to fall out of our rankings?

What does this all mean for our weekly USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings? Let MMA Junkie’s “Gorgeous” George Garcia and John Morgan walk you through the changes in the video above.

Bellator Europe 6 free fight: Relive Soren Bak’s win over Terry Brazier

A former two-weight-class Cage Warriors champ took on a former two-weight BAMMA champ inside the Bellator cage.

Saturday’s Bellator London event was the company’s final European card of the year, and with it came a bunch of consequential results.

That includes what amounted to a battle for U.K. bragging rights between former two-division Cage Warriors champion [autotag]Soren Bak[/autotag], and former two-weight BAMMA champ [autotag]Terry Brazier[/autotag].

Bak earned his way to a unanimous-decision victory at SSE Arena in London, to the disapproval of the crowd who were rooting a local product in Brazier.

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After the fight, Bak said he was okay with the crowd’s hate, and even fed off it.

“I kind of feed on it, I love it,” Bak told MMA Junkie. “I could do without the beer throwing in Liverpool, but there was none of that here, it was just booing. I can live with that.”

So what exactly raised the crowd’s ire? Well, Bellator has made the lightweight fight free for all to watch, so check out the video above to see the exciting Bellator matchup.

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USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Nov. 26: Is Michael Page ready?

Michael Page picked up another win this past Saturday – but was it enough to get him into our welterweight rankings?

[autotag]Michael Page[/autotag] picked up another win this past Saturday – but it came with some controversy.

There wasn’t controversy over how Page (16-1 MMA, 12-1 BMMA) beat Giovanni Melillo (13-5 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) – by first-round knockout. But instead, the Bellator welterweight continued to take criticism for the level of opponents he’s been in the cage with so far in his career.

Page has been in the cage with some standouts like Paul Daley and David Rickels, and has wins over them. But his resume also includes names like Melillo, Richard Kiely and Jeremie Holloway who are unheralded, to put it mildly.

Page’s lone loss came by knockout against Douglas Lima in Bellator’s welterweight tournament. Lima went on to win the tournament and the title. And before that, his win over Daley was a unanimous decision, and some had Daley winning.

So with his latest win at Bellator Europe 6 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London, has Page done enough to break into our USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie welterweight rankings?

Check out the latest rankings in the drop-down menu above.

Spinning Back Clique: Is Israel Adesanya inside Jon Jones’ head?

MMA Junkie’s John Morgan, “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” unpack the latest MMA news and notes in Episode 4 of “Spinning Back Clique.”

Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. In this week’s episode, John Morgan, “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” break down the [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag]-[autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag] rivalry, UFC 246’s two title fights in Houston, what’s next for [autotag]Michael Page[/autotag] in Bellator and more.

Show rundown:

  • Jon Jones said he’s done talking about Israel Adesanya. But then he went right back to talking about him. So is Adesanya, the UFC’s middleweight champion, in light heavyweight champ Jones’ head?
  • We’ve got two UFC title fights set for February in Houston. Who’s more likely to lose? Jon Jones against challenger [autotag]Dominick Reyes[/autotag], or women’s flyweight champ [autotag]Valentina Shevchenko[/autotag] against challenger [autotag]Katlyn Chookagian[/autotag]?
  • What should be next for Michael Page in Bellator after his first-round knockout win over another unheralded opponent?
  • Floyd Mayweather said he’s coming out of retirement – and is going to be in business with UFC president Dana White. So what’s it going to be?
  • During Thanksgiving week, what are we thankful for in the world of MMA?

For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 4 of “Spinning Back Clique” in the video above.

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Bellator Europe 6 reactions: Winning and losing fighters on social media

See how the Bellator Europe 6 winners and losers reacted on social media outlets such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Since the early days, when the sport was anything but a mainstream endeavor, the MMA industry has thrived and survived through various websites, forums and, perhaps most importantly, social-media platforms.

Fighters interact with fans, each other and many more through the likes of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, which helps outsiders get a deeper look into the minds of the athletes.

Following Saturday’s Bellator Europe 6 event in London, several of the winning and losing fighters, along with their coaches, training partners or family members, took to social media to react to the event or share a message with supporters.

Check out some of those reactions.

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The defeated

The victorious

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#thatdamnwhitecat 😒

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Lights, Muscles, Action #MVPTV #BELLATORLONDON

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