Daniel Straus – Syndication Server

BKFC 61 results: Jimmie Rivera out-battles Daniel Straus; Mike Trizano wows with 62-second knockout

BKFC headed to New England for the first time with a card featuring UFC alum Jimmie Rivera against former Bellator champion Daniel Straus.

For the first time, the world’s leading bareknuckle boxing organization touched down in New England on Saturday.

BKFC 61 took place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., and streamed on Triller TV with prelims live and free on MMA Junkie.

In the main event, former UFC bantamweight contender [autotag]Jimmie Rivera[/autotag] (2-1-1) out-battled former Bellator featherweight champion [autotag]Daniel Straus[/autotag] (0-2).

Rivera picked up his second bareknuckle win with a unanimous decision (50-45, 48-47, 50-45) victory over Straus, who still seeks his first.

“TUF 27” winner [autotag]Mike Trizano[/autotag] (1-0) made an immediate impact in his bareknuckle debut as he became the first man to defeat [autotag]Louie Lopez[/autotag] (3-1). A brutal right-left combination was all it took. Lopez was unable to get to his feet and the fight was stopped 62 seconds in.

Also on the card, former Bellator title challenger and Olympic judoka [autotag]Rick Hawn[/autotag] (1-0) defeated longtime regional MMA veteran [autotag]Stephen Stengel[/autotag] (0-1) with a 35-second TKO. Hawn, who is 47, lost his original opponent the day prior to the bout but agreed to fight the much larger Stengel on short notice.

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Check out the live BKFC 61 results below:

Jimmie Rivera def. Daniel Straus via unanimous decision (50-45, 48-47, 50-45)
Mike Trizano def. Louie Lopez via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:02
Ryan Reber def. Anthony Foye via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 48-47)
Natalie Gage def. Sarah Click via TKO (doctor stoppage) – Round 2, 2:00
Rick Hawn def. Stephen Stengel via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:35
Zachary Calmus def. Connor McKenna via knockout (punch) – Round 3, 1:49
Patrick Brady def. Lewis Rumsey via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:41
Scott Roberts def. Chris Sarro via TKO (doctor stoppage) – Round 1, 0:27
Pat Casey def. Sam Watford via unanimous decision (50-43, 50-43, 50-43)
Danny Pettit def. Dylan Felion via TKO (punch) – Round 3, 0:36

UFC veteran Jimmie Rivera vs. ex-Bellator champ Daniel Straus to co-headline BKFC 61

What could be a certified banger between a UFC veteran and former Bellator champion is set to co-headline BKFC 61.

The promotion announced Monday that [autotag]Jimmie Rivera[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Daniel Straus[/autotag] will go down May 11 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The featherweight bout will serve as the BKFC 61 co-main event to the headliner between Heather Hardy and Christine Ferea for the “Queen of Violence” crown.

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Since exiting the UFC in early 2021, Rivera, 34, has gone 1-1-1 in three BKFC appearances. He most recently lost by third-round TKO to fellow UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens last December at BKFC 56.

Straus, 39, is a former two-time Bellator featherweight champ. He’s made one previous bareknuckle appearance, losing by unanimous decision to Dat Nguyen in April 2023 at BKFC 38.

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Former two-time Bellator champion Daniel Straus signs with BKFC

BKFC continues to beef up its roster by signing former Bellator champ Daniel Straus.

A former Bellator champ will now test his skills in bareknuckle boxing.

BKFC has signed [autotag]Daniel Straus[/autotag], a former two-time Bellator featherweight champion, to its ever-growing roster of fighters on a multi-fight deal.

The promotion officially announced the addition in a press release Friday, which did not include Straus’ expected debut or first opponent, although it is expected to be revealed soon.

“We’re thrilled to announce the signing of Daniel Straus to BKFC,” said BKFC President David Feldman in the release. “Daniel’s had a wealth of success in Bellator and we believe his skill set will translate very well in bare knuckle. Our featherweight division is very deep and rapidly growing and we have a number of great matchups for Daniel.”

“I’m all about excitement in my fights and that’s what BKFC has brought to the combat sports world in the last four years,” Straus said. “Dave and his Team have built the fastest-growing combat sports promotion in the world and I’m grateful for this opportunity. I can’t wait for my first bare-knuckle fight.”

With over 36 professional MMA fights under his belt, Straus will test his hands in the bareknuckle ring. He prepares to compete for the first time since October 2021 under the XMMA banner, which followed his release from Bellator in July 2021. Straus was let go by the promotion after an arrest for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Straus first claimed Bellator gold by defeating Pat Curran by unanimous decision at Bellator 106 in 2013. After dropping the title in their rematch, Straus won the belt again two years later by defeating Patricio Freire at Bellator 145.

At 38, Straus continues his combat sports career, one that was nearly cut short after severe injuries from a motorcycle accident in 2017.

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Bellator parts ways with 18 fighters: Daniel Straus, Tywan Claxton, Liam McGeary included

Bellator MMA has parted ways with over a dozen fighters, including more than a handful of notable names.

Eighteen fighters are no longer on the Bellator roster.

Among those who have parted ways includes former featherweight champion Daniel Straus, former light heavyweight champion Liam McGeary, boxer-turned-MMA-fighter Heather Hardy, and former UFC fighter Bec Rawlings. The list also includes two fighters who never got to compete after signing with the promotion because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s unclear whether each fighter was released, left on their own accord, or elected not to re-sign with the promotion. However, a Bellator official recently informed MMA Junkie that the promotion is moving on without the 18 fighters listed below.

Scott Coker Q&A: Bellator 255, rankings launch, ‘MVP,’ Megan Anderson, Tyron Woodley, more

Scott Coker discusses everything from free agents to fighter pay to where ‘MVP’ is.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Bellator is ready to kick off its 2021 schedule, and promotion president Scott Coker is thrilled with what the future holds.

On Thursday, Coker spoke with MMA Junkie on a host of topics including “Pitbull” vs. Straus 2, the promotion’s deal with Showtime, the implementation of Bellator rankings, hot free agents, the welterweight division, ongoing visa issues, fighter pay, the arrest of former Bellator featherweight champion Daniel Straus, Jon Jones vs. the UFC, and more.

Bellator 255 takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card airs on Showtime, with the entire card also available to stream for free on MMA Junkie.

Check out MMA Junkie’s Q&A with Scott Coker before Bellator 255 by scrolling through the items below:

Daniel Straus arrest details say former champ allegedly stabbed female victim in abdomen

Daniel Straus is alleged to have physically struck a female victim multiple times before stabbing her with “a sharp instrument.”

Former Bellator featherweight champion [autotag]Daniel Straus[/autotag] is alleged to have struck a female victim multiple times before stabbing her with “a sharp instrument.”

The details come via an arrest affidavit filed with the Hollywood (Fla.) Police Department, which MMA Junkie obtained Monday. Straus (26-9 MMA, 12-6 BMMA) was arrested last Friday in Florida and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

According to the arrest affidavit, Straus and the female victim have been involved in “an on and off intimate relationship” with each other for the past three years.

The victim stated that on Jan. 21, the two began arguing via text message, and Straus showed up at her place of employment to discuss the disagreement. The victim then walked outside and eventually entered her parked vehicle with the intention of leaving. She said that Straus then entered the vehicle via the passenger door and initially refused to exit.

The victim stated she then left the vehicle and Straus followed, at which point the argument escalated. Straus then allegedly pushed the victim, and she pushed him back. As she then attempted to get back into her vehicle and leave, the victim said she “was struck multiple times by the defendant and fell to the ground.”

The victim said Straus then got in his car and fled the scene. As the victim returned to her car and drove away, as well, she began receiving multiple calls from Straus, saying that he was at her apartment. Rather than meet him there, the victim says she was concerned about potential destruction of her property and drove to Straus’ residence, instead, in hopes of obtaining the spare key she had given to him.

Once inside Straus’ residence, the victim alleged she tried to get Straus to return her key. At some point, she said Straus told her, “You don’t know me, I’ll stab you,” before later physically pushing her out of the door. The victim says she then said, “You’re big and bad, what are you gonna do? Stab me?”
At that point, the victim alleges Straus reached around to his backside and then used a sharp instrument to stab her in the abdomen. Due to the speed of the sequence, the victim said she “was unable to describe the cutting instrument,” according to the police report.

The victim said Straus then followed her for a few steps as she tried to leave before returning to his residence. She then sought assistance from neighbors, who drove her to a local hospital where she “received a few stitches to close the puncture wound,” according to her statement.

In addition to the puncture wound, the arrest affidavit said the victim also suffered “a large contusion to her right eye.”

According to the affidavit, The victim did not initially wish to provide a statement to the responding detective but eventually said she will fully cooperate with the state attorney’s office. Further, the victim said she “is in complete fear of the defendant and feels that if he is not apprehended that he will come after her and cause further harm to her for notifying the police.”

As of Monday, Straus currently remains in jail on a $100,000 bond, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Former Bellator featherweight champion Daniel Straus arrested on aggravated battery charge

Former Bellator featherweight champion Daniel Straus is once again in trouble with the law.

Former Bellator featherweight champion [autotag]Daniel Straus[/autotag] is once again in trouble with the law.

Straus (26-9 MMA, 12-6 BMMA) was arrested Friday in Florida and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon according to arrest records from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest was first reported by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Bond is set at $100,000.

According to the Sun-Sentinel, in addition to the bond, Straus is not allowed to have contact with the victim nor can he possess weapons or ammunition.

No further details have been made immediately available, though MMA Junkie has reached out to the Seminole Police Department for further information. Additionally, MMA Junkie reached out to Bellator MMA for comment.

Neither request has been returned at the time of publication.

This incident is not Straus’ first arrest. In a 2012 interview with ESPN, Straus revealed he spent three years from 2004-2007 incarcerated due to robbery charges. In 2013, Straus was arrested on four traffic and drug charges in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. According to arrest records, Straus was charged with driving on a suspended license, possession of cannabis of more than 20 grams, possession of MDMA/ecstasy, and use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

Straus, 36, has only competed twice since a career-threatening motorcycle incident in 2017. In 2019, Straus defied the odds and returned to the Bellator cage. He defeated Shane Krutchen by first-round submission. Following that win, Straus entered the Bellator featherweight grand prix. He was eliminated in the opening round by Derek Campos. Since the loss, Bellator has not booked Straus to compete.

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Video: 20 must-see Bellator ‘fire’ fights (in full)

If you’ve got nearly six hours to kill, here you go with some classic Bellator action.

Since its first event held in 2009, Bellator has given us some of the most memorable fights in MMA history.

While events remain on hold because of coronavirus pandemic, Bellator has put 20 of its greatest bouts – “fire” fights, if you will – all in one place, which you can watch in the video above.

The complete list, which goes for nearly six hours, includes:

1. [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Eddie Alvarez[/autotag] 1 – Bellator 58 | 0:00
2. [autotag]Joe Schilling[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Melvin Manhoef[/autotag] – Bellator 131 | 24:51
3. [autotag]L.C. Davis[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Hideo Tokoro[/autotag] – Bellator 135 | 37:25
4. Michael Chandler vs. [autotag]Benson Henderson[/autotag] – Bellator 165 | 55:41
5. [autotag]Cris Cyborg[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Julia Budd[/autotag] – Bellator 238 | 1:31:16
6. [autotag]Daniel Weichel[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Patricio Freire[/autotag] – Bellator 138 | 1:56:41
7. [autotag]Henry Corrales[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Aaron Pico[/autotag] – Bellator 214 | 2:09:58
8. [autotag]Anatoly Tokov[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Gerald Harris[/autotag] – Bellator 218 | 2:17:18
9. [autotag]Derek Campos[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Brandon Girtz[/autotag] 3 – Bellator 181 | 2:29:29
10. [autotag]Paul Daley[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Brennan Ward[/autotag] – Bellator 170 | 2:49:20
11. [autotag]Douglas Lima[/autotag] vs. Paul Daley – Bellator 158 | 2:59:15
12. Douglas Lima vs. [autotag]Michael Page[/autotag] – Bellator 221 | 3:18:09
13. [autotag]Patricky Freire [/autotag]vs. [autotag]Roger Huerta[/autotag] – Bellator 205 | 3:33:28
14. Patricio Freire vs. [autotag]Daniel Straus[/autotag] – Bellator 178 | 3:44:52
15. [autotag]Saad Awad[/autotag] vs. Brandon Girtz – Bellator 219 | 3:57:46
16. [autotag]AJ Agazarm[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Adel Altamimi[/autotag] – Bellator 238 | 4:19:31
17. [autotag]John Salter[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Costello van Steenis[/autotag] – Bellator 233 | 4:36:10
18. Douglas Lima vs. [autotag]Ben Saunders[/autotag] 2 – Bellator 100 | 4:57:18
19. Patricio Freire vs. [autotag]Emmanuel Sanchez[/autotag] – Bellator 209 | 5:11:22
20. [autotag]Ricky Bandejas[/autotag] vs. [autotag]James Gallagher[/autotag] – Bellator 204 | 5:44:13

So sit back, relax and enjoy the action.

Combat Rewind, April 17: Start of Pat Curran vs. Daniel Straus, end of Strikeforce on CBS

Check out the best highlights from this day in history with MMA Junkie’s “Combat Rewind.”

There’s “Flashback Friday” and “Throwback Thursday” (and Tuesday, too, if you want). But at MMA Junkie, we figured why not expand that to every day?

“Combat Rewind” brings you some of combat sports’ best highlights from every calendar day of the year. It’s a look back at history, courtesy of the UFC Fight Pass archives, featuring stellar finishes and classic moments in MMA and beyond on their anniversaries.

Today’s highlight include the launch of a career trilogy between Pat Curran and Daniel Straus four years before they would resume the series in the Bellator cage, as well as the infamous “Strikeforce: Nashville” brawl that signaled the end of Striekforce’s run on network television.

So kick back and relive the following bits of greatness in the video above:

XFO 29: [autotag]Pat Curran[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Daniel Straus[/autotag] – April 17, 2009
Alaska Fighting Championship 147: [autotag]Chance Staggs[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Chante Stafford[/autotag] – April 17, 2019
Strikeforce – Nashville: [autotag]Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller[/autotag] vs. Everyone – April 17, 2010

Fight footage courtesy of UFC Fight Pass, the UFC’s official digital subscription service, which is currently offering a seven-day free trial. UFC Fight Pass gives fans access to exclusive live UFC events and fights, exclusive live MMA and combat sports events from around the world, exclusive original and behind the scenes content and unprecedented 24-7 access to the world’s biggest fight library.