Tag: Mansour Barnaoui

2024 PFL Championship live and official results

The 2024 PFL Championship event takes place Friday with six $1 million title winners set to be crowned.

The 2024 PFL Championship event took place Friday, and MMA Junkie provided live and official results throughout the event.

The card took place at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The entire event streamed on ESPN+.

Six divisions crowned 2024 season winners, each of whom received $1 million to go with their title. The event also featured four MENA championship bouts.

Check out full 2024 PFL Championship results, fight information, highlights and more below.

2024 PFL Championship Main Card Results

  • Timur Khizriev def. Brendan Loughane via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) – for featherweight title
  • Dakota Ditcheva def. Taila Santos via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:41 – for women’s flyweight title
  • Dovlet Yagshimuradov def. Impa Kasanganay via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:58 – for light heavyweight title
  • Shamil Musaev def. Magomed Umalatov via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:44 – for welterweight title
  • Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Brent Primus via knockout (punches) – Round 3, 2:31 – for lightweight title
  • Denis Goltsov def. Oleg Popov via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 2:55 – for heavyweight title

Brendan Loughnane vs. Timur Khizriev

Round 1 – Khizriev comes out pressuring with punches. Loughnane is sharp defensively as he circles and hunts for his own openings. Khizriev remains aggressive early, offering a variety of punches and kicks. Loughnane lands a nice push kick to the face. Khizriev responds a moment later with a spinning back kick. Loughnane attempts a wheel kick, but comes up with air, allowing Khizriev an opening to shoot for the takedown. Working from the top, Khizriev lands ground and pound while focusing on maintaining the position. Loughnane nearly scrambled to his feet, but was returned to the canvas. Khizriev lands more punches and elbows from the top.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev.

Round 2 – Khizriev comes out firing punches as he sets the tone from the center. A sharp kick to the body lands. Khizriev digs with a nasty uppercut to the body that appears to hurt Loughnane and tests his poker face. Khizriev kicks to the leg and punches upstairs. Loughnane is bleeding on his nose as Khizriev continues to go first and land strikes. Loughnane is really busted up now, but he’s firing back. Khizriev keeps with the forward pressure, but Loughnane finds a solid counter punch and clips Khizriev, who drops to a knee. Khizriev pops right back up and continues to offer punches.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev.

Round 3 – Khizriev remains aggressive with punches and shoots in for a takedown. He attempts to drag Loughnane to the ground from the back, and Loughnane gets away with a fence grab. Khizriev makes him pay with a knee to the head. Loughnane gets away and they’re back to striking range in the center of the cage. Khizriev sticks and moves with punches and kicks as Loughnane appears to be working on a damaged rear leg. Another spinning kick attempt from Loughnane results in a takedown. In full guard, Khizriev stays heavy and lands a few short punches. Loughnane works up to his feet and they return to the center. Khizriev looks to land a few more strikes before the round ends.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev.

Round 4 – Khizriev works behind a left jab, and connects with a strong combination. He then shoots in for a well-timed takedown, returning the fight to the ground. Loughnane attemtps to stand, and spins away. Khizriev continues to lead the dance with punches and leg kicks. Loughnane doesn’t offer much offense as he circles on the outside. Khizriev slows his output as well, but still finds home for punches. Loughnane finds a home for a left, and then a combination not too far behind it.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev.

Round 5 – Khizriev, controlling from the center, fires punches as he works behind a left hand. A sharp right hand connects and an uppercut behind it. Loughnane looks for a punch but eats a counter jumping knee to the body. Loughnane waves Khizriev on. Loughnane starts putting together a few nice quick punches, but Khizriev gets a takedown. Loughnane works back to his feet and gets free with 90 seconds to go. Khizriev keeps the pressure on and looks for another takedown, but can’t get this one. Loughnane offers a few leg kicks, but punches from Khizriev score until the final horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Khizriev, giving him the fight 50-45.

Result: Timur Khizriev def. Brendan Loughane via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
Recap: 2024 PFL Championship: Timur Khizriev dominates Brendan Loughnane to win featherweight title
Photos: Timur Khizriev def. Brendan Loughnane at 2024 PFL Championship: Best photos
Records: Loughnane (30-6), Khizriev (18-0)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson

Dakota Ditcheva vs. Taila Santos

Round 1 – They come out studying the distance and trade leg kicks. Ditcheva keeps with the kicking approach, inside and outside. A sharp combination of punches gets through for Ditcheva. Santos grabs a hold for a takedown, and the wrestling game is onalong the fence. Ditcheva reverses and gets the takedown, but opts to back away and bring the fight back to the feet. Santos doesn’t waste much time getting back in for another clinch. Ditcheva gets away, and lands a left hand. Another inside leg kick from Ditcheva. Santos charges forward, but Ditcheva circles away. Ditcheva front kicks to the face. A flurry of punches land for Ditcheva! Santos covers up and backs into the fence. Ditcheva adds a short elbow. Ditcheva punches and adds a knee to the body.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Ditcheva.

Round 2 – A sharp left hand from Ditcheva connects early. Santos sttampts to charge forward with strikes as Ditcheva circles. Santos keeps the pressure high and eventually gets a hold of Ditcheva against the cage. Ditcheva spins out from the hold. Ditcheva kicks to the legs. Santos responds with a nice punch. Ditcheva punches to the body. A moment later, a front kick to the body pushes Santos back. Another hard leg kick from Ditcheva. Santos closes in for a clinch, eating a knee to the body in the process. Ditcheva lands a hard elbow on the exit. Ditcheva lands another hard front kick to the face. She’s starting to unload as Santos covers up. Santos changes levels to slow down the pressure. Ditcheva defends, and lands a few hard elbows. The punches continue. Santos folds over from a punch to the body! The referee stops it! What a performance!

Result: Dakota Ditcheva def. Taila Santos via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:41
Recap: 2024 PFL Championship: Dakota Ditcheva stops ex-UFC title challenger Taila Santos to win title, $1 million prize
Photos: Dakota Ditcheva def. Taila Santos at 2024 PFL Championship: Best photos
Records: Ditcheva (14-0), Santos (22-4)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson

Impa Kasanganay vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov

Round 1 – Yagshimuradov lands a hard leg kick to start. They trade heavy punches a second later. Now they reset and settle down, Kasanganay in the center. Kasanganay darts in with a right hand, but gets clipped with a hard counter. Kasanganay is stunned. Yagshimuradov sees it and capitalizes with more punches. Kasanganay tries to respond, but Yagshimuradov just keeps pouring it on and Kasanganay goes down! The referee dives in before Yagshimuradov can land any more punches. Wow!

Result: Dovlet Yagshimuradov def. Impa Kasanganay via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:58
Recap: 2024 PFL Championship: Dovlet Yagshimuradov trucks Impa Kasanganay in 58 seconds
Photos: Dovlet Yagshimuradov def. Impa Kasanganay at 2024 PFL Championship: Best photos
Records: Kasanganay (18-5), Yagshimuradov (25-7-1)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Gerd Richter

Magomed Umalatov vs. Shamil Musaev

Round 1 – Both fighters are take their time studying the range and looking for openings. A few boo birds chirp as the action is slow at the start of this one. A couple of single strikes are offered from both, but the boos grow louder and the referee claps for action. Musaev responds by darting forward with a sharp left hand, and puts a combination behind it. They clinch up against the fence. After the separation, they’re back to circling around the cage without much action. One more forward blitz from Musaev.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Musaev.

Round 2 – The crowd gets a clapping chant going to encourage action early in the round. Umalatov pressures forward and shoots for a takedown, but can’t get it. Musaev lands a speedy left jab, and then punches to the body a moment later. Umalatov puts together a nice two-punch combo and shoots straight in for a takedown. He gets Musaev to the mat, but the reversal comes quickly. Musaev controls the back as they stand up. Musaev gets a takedown as Umalatov turns into him. Umalatov gets up to his feet quickly and the wrestling along the fence continues. They separate with less than a minute to go, and trade punches. Musaev looks to change levels but gets denied.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Musaev.

Round 3 – They come out with a calculated pace. Umalatov pressures from the center, but Musaev circles from the fence. Umalatov shoots in for single leg, but can’t get it. They’ve back in the center now. Musaev lands a hard punch. Musaev keep the pressure high and clips Umalatov with a hard left! Umalatov goes down! Musaev follows up for the finish, and there it is!

Result: Shamil Musaev def. Magomed Umalatov via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:44
Recap: 2024 PFL Championship: Shamil Musaev bludgeons Magomed Umalatov for $1 million knockout
Photos: Shamil Musaev def. Magomed Umalatov at 2024 PFL Championship: Best photos
Records: Umalatov (17-1), Musaev (20-0-1)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Derek Hickey

Brent Primus vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov

Round 1 – Rabadanov opens up with leg kicks from the outside. Primus charges in, swinging big hooks. Rabadanov circles away and adds more leg kicks. Another series of punches from Primus, and Rabadanov responds with strikes upstairs. Rabadanov shoots in for the takedown and gets the fight to the ground. Primus stays active from his back, looking to work from mission control in full guard. Rabadanov stays heavy, preventing submission attempts as Primus adds elbows from bottom.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Primus.

Round 2 – Rabadanov comes out with leg kicks as Primus tries to close the distance with punches. A takedown attempts from Rabadanov is stuffed. Primus comes foward, offering a few punches. A fast, sharp combination connects for Rabadanov! The right hand drops Primus! Rabadanov closes in for top position on the ground, but Primus appears recovered, and is back to working from mission control. Rabadanov stands up and kicks Primus who stays on the ground. Rabadanov goes back to the mat in half guard and closes out the round on top after a couple of punches.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Rabadanov.

Round 3 – They meet in the center and exchange punches upstairs. Rabadanov drops Primus with a big right hand! Rabadanov stands over Primus and kicks to the legs. He decides to let Primus back up to his feet. Primus is wearing the damage on the left side of his face now. They trade hard punches. Primus gets the better of thatt exchange. Rabadanov resets and comes back in with another combo, landing nicely. Another sharp combo with an uppercut for Rabadanov. Another furious combo by Rabadanov lights up Primus and he’s rocked! Rabadanov pours on the punches as Primus crashes to the ground! It’s over!

Result: Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Brent Primus via knockout (punches) – Round 3, 2:31
Recap: 2024 PFL Championship: Gadzhi Rabadanov faceplants Brent Primus’ for $1 million
Photos: Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Brent Primus at 2024 PFL Championship: Best photos
Records: Primus (15-4), Rabadanov (24-4-2)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson

Denis Goltsov vs. Oleg Popov

Round 1 – Goltsov quickly gets into striking range and begins firing off a left jab. Popov changes levels and completes an early takedown. Goltsov secures two overhooks, preventing offense from Popov in full guard. Popov works his arms free and offers a couple of punches. Goltsov throws up a triangle choke attempt, and adds the armbar threat. The armbar isn’t there, but Goltsov locks up the triangle tighter. Goltsov signals to the referee that Popov is out! He’s asleep! What a finish!

Result: Denis Goltsov def. Oleg Popov via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 2:55
Recap: 2024 PFL Championship: Denis Goltsov sleeps Oleg Popov from bottom, calls for Francis Ngannou
Photos: Denis Goltsov def. Oleg Popov at 2024 PFL Championship: Best photos
Records: Goltsov (36-8), Popov (19-2)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Gerd Richter

2024 PFL Championship Photos

Check out a full gallery of the fights from 2024 PFL Championship event below.

[vertical-gallery id=2789475]

2024 PFL MENA Championship Results

  • [autotag]Abdullah Al-Qahtani[/autotag] def. [autotag]Maraoune Bellagouit[/autotag] via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:21 – for MENA featherweight title
  • [autotag]Omar El Dafrawy[/autotag] def. [autotag]Mohammad Alaqraa[/autotag] via TKO (punches) – Round 2; 0:57 – to win MENA welterweight title
  • [autotag]Ali Taleb[/autotag] def. [autotag]Rachid El Hazoume[/autotag] via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:25 – to win MENA bantamweight title
  • [autotag]Mohsen Mohammadseifi[/autotag] def. [autotag]Georges Eid[/autotag] via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) – for MENA lightweight title

2024 PFL Championship Preliminary Card Results

  • [autotag]Mansour Barnaoui[/autotag] def. [autotag]Alfie Davis[/autotag] via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 3:41
  • [autotag]Slim Trabelsi[/autotag] def. [autotag]Abraham Bably[/autotag] via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
  • [autotag]Gabriel Braga[/autotag] def. [autotag]Jeremy Kennedy[/autotag] via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • [autotag]Asael Adjoudj[/autotag] def. [autotag]Jose Perez[/autotag] via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 1:10
  • [autotag]Costello van Steenis[/autotag] def. [autotag]Joao Dantas[/autotag] via knockout (head kick) – Round 1, 0:48

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2024 PFL Championship.

MMA Junkie’s Submission of the Month for May: Anthony Smith’s first career guillotine halts unbeaten run

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best submissions from May 2024.

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best submissions from May 2024: Here are the five nominees, listed in chronological order, and winner of MMA Junkie’s Submission of the Month award for May.

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

* * * *

Nominees

[autotag]Michel Pereira[/autotag] (31-11 MMA, 9-2 UFC) put away Ihor Pereira (21-6 MMA, 2-4 UFC) just 54 seconds into their middleweight bout for his eighth win in a row inside the octagon.

Pereira came out and quickly dropped Potieria with a one-two combination. At that moment, in true Pereira fashion, he decided to backflip onto his stunned opponent. Potieria tried to quickly get back to his feet but left himself open for a standing guillotine choke that Pereira locked in tight, forcing the tap just before Potieria fell to sleep.

[autotag]Mansour Barnaoui[/autotag] (21-6) thrilled the French crowd with a slick finish of Yusuke Yachi (26-13) in the opening round of their lightweight bout.

On a two-fight losing skid, Barnaoui bounced back when he needed it most by locking in a D’Arce choke on Yachi that led to the tap.

Add [autotag]Costello van Steenis[/autotag] (15-3) to the list of fighters to successfully pull off a Von Flue choke in a major promotion, this time at the expense of Gregory Babane (23-12).

In a middleweight bout, van Steenis put Babene to sleep with the rare submission to punch his ticket to a shot at a Bellator title.

[autotag]Angela Hill[/autotag] (17-13 MMA, 12-13 UFC) finally has a submission victory on her professional record, but that wasn’t all against Luana Pinheiro (11-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC).

Hill, a UFC strawweight veteran, put a nice feather in her cap at while also securing the most wins in the division’s history by tapping Pinheiro with a mounted guillotine choke at the midway point of the third round.

Former UFC title challenger [autotag]Anthony Smith[/autotag] (38-19 MMA, 13-9 UFC) proved he isn’t done yet when he took the undefeated record of Vitor Petrino (11-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) in their light heavyweight bout.

After a feeling out process on the feet at distance, the two light heavyweights engaged in the clinch. Smith grabbed a hold of Petrino’s neck with a guillotine attempt. Petrino elevated Smith and they crashed to the canvas. Smith’s grip seemed to deepen. Petrino strained before the panic tap came.

Smith, 35, rebounds from a knockout loss to Khalil Rountree and moves to 2-1 in his most recent three bouts. Petrino, 26, loses for the first time as a professional.

[opinary poll=”who-had-the-best-submission-of-may-2024_” customer=”mmajunkie”]

Bellator Champions Series video: Mansour Barnaoui makes Yusuke Yachi tap out with slick D’arce choke

Just a textbook D’Arce choke from Mansour Barnaoui at Bellator Champions Series: Paris.

[autotag]Mansour Barnaoui[/autotag] is back in the win column.

At Bellator Champions Series: Paris on Friday, Barnaoui (21-6) thrilled the French crowd with a slick D’arce choke submission of [autotag]Yusuke Yachi[/autotag] (26-13). The stoppage during the lightweight prelim came 4:08 into Round 1 at Accor Arena.

Barnaoui ends a two-fight skid of unanimous decision defeats. Friday’s victory was his second in Bellator. Yachi loses for the first time in Bellator. He competed nine times in RIZIN since his Bellator debut, a December 2019 victory over Hiroto Uesako.

Up-to-the-minute Bellator Champions Series: Paris results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator Champions Series: Paris.

Matchup Roundup: New UFC and Bellator fights announced in the past week (Aug. 28-Sept. 3)

All the UFC and Bellator fight announcements that were first reported or confirmed by MMA Junkie in the past week.

MMA fight announcements are hard to follow. With so many outlets and channels available, it’s nearly impossible to organize.

But here at MMA Junkie, we’ve got your back.

Each week, we’ll compile all the newly surfaced fights in one spot. Every Monday, expect a feature listing everything you might have missed from the UFC or Bellator.

Here are the fight announcements that were broken or confirmed by MMA Junkie or officially announced by the promotions from Aug. 28-Sept. 3.

MMA Junkie’s Fight of the Month for May: Short-notice newcomer thrills in defeat

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best fights from May 2023.

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best fights from May 2023. Here are the five nominees, listed in chronological order, and winner of MMA Junkie’s Fight of the Month award for May.

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

Scott Coker discusses Gegard Mousasi’s future after Bellator 296, Cris Cyborg re-signing, Kayla Harrison, more

Check out Scott Coker’s comments on the results of Bellator 296 and other various topics.

[autotag]Scott Coker[/autotag] spoke to the media present at Accor Arena in Paris following the completion of Bellator 296 on Friday.

The Bellator president spoke about[autotag] Gegard Mousasi[/autotag]’s loss to Fabian Edwards in the main event of the card, the wild war between [autotag]Mansour Barnaoui[/autotag] and [autotag]Brent Primus[/autotag], and other results from the card.

Coker also discussed the re-signing of their women’s featherweight champion [autotag]Cris Cyborg[/autotag] and the company’s interest in two-time PFL champion [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag].

Below, you can check out Coker’s thoughts on the carious topics following Bellator’s event in France.

Bellator 296 results: Brent Primus outlasts Mansour Barnaoui in entertaining grand prix scrap

Mansour Barnaoui forced Brent Primus to dig deep in enemy territory, and the former Bellator lightweight champion rose to the occasion.

[autotag]Mansour Barnaoui[/autotag] gave [autotag]Brent Primus[/autotag] no choice but to dig deep in enemy territory, and the former Bellator lightweight champion rose to the occasion.

Primus and Paris’ own Barnaoui engaged in a fast-paced, back-and-forth affair in which the American ultimately came out victorious by unanimous decision in the Bellator 296 co-main event Friday at Accor Arena. After 25 minutes, the judges scored the fight 48-47 across the board for Primus, who advanced to the lightweight grand prix semifinals, where he’ll get a shot at champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

It’s a remarkable moment for Primus, who wasn’t originally part of the tournament field. He only received this opportunity after Sydney Outlaw was forced to withdraw following a positive drug test.

Right from the start Saturday, Barnaoui (20-5 MMA, 1-1 BMMA) pushed the pace, which had Primus (12-3 MMA, 10-3 BMMA) thinking one thing.

“Gosh damn, settle down, man,” Primus told “Big” John McCarthy during his in-cage interview. “That guy just went at me.”

Indeed, Barnaoui was relentless as he suffocated Primus with pressure, constantly in his face with the clinch. While Primus landed a few solid punches in the the first round, Barnaoui’s knees and elbows from inside the clinch landed nonstop. Primus turned the tide in Round 2, though, after he took Barnaoui down in the opening moments and proceeded to control on the mat for the majority of the time. Primus continuously worked for an arm-triangle choke until Barnaoui finally reversed the position in the closing 30 seconds.

Round 3 resembled the first round, with Barnaoui’s pressure getting the best of Primus, but Round 4 seemed to be the turning point for Primus. With both men slowing, it was Primus who resorted back to an early takedown and seriously threatened an arm-triangle choke submission. Barnaoui spent nearly 3 full minutes locked in and didn’t sneak out until 40 seconds remaining.

Clearly exhausted, both men came out firing in the fifth round, but Primus changed the course with another takedown and worked another choke again, including one final rear-naked attempt in he final minute. It was a dominant way for Primus to close out the fight, even though he didn’t get the finish.

“I think he has gills in his neck or something like that,” Primus said. “I don’t know what it is, but man, he is one tough son of a gun. Hats off to you, Mansour. You are so tough, bro. Usually I would’ve submitted those guys, but hats off to him.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=420030791]

Updated Bellator 296 results include:

  • Brent Primus def. Mansour Barnaoui via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) – to advance to lightweight grand prix semifinals
  • Douglas Lima def. Costello van Steenis via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Thibault Gouti def. Kane Mousah via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 3:58
  • Denise Kielholtz def. Paula Cristina via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Luca Poclit def. Oliver Enkamp via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Saul Rogers vs. Davy Gallon declared no contest (reply review/referee error)
  • Yves Landu def. Piotr Niedzielski via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Sarvarjon Hamidov def. Kevin Petshi via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 1:33
  • Tim Wilde def. Chris Gonzalez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Fabacary Diatta def. Keir Harvie via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
  • Asael Adjoudj def. Georges Sasu via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
  • Romain Debienne def. Bourama Camara via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 1:04
  • Jose Augusto def. Simon Biyong via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 296.

Bellator 296 predictions: Mousasi or Edwards, Barnaoui or Primus in Paris?

Check out our staff members’ picks for the Bellator 296 main card in Paris.

Mousasi
vs.
Edwards		 Barnaoui
vs.
Primus		 Lima
vs.
Van Steenis		 Gouti
vs.
Mousah
MMA Junkie readers’
consensus picks
66-49		 mousasi2023
Mousasi
(77%)		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui
(56%)		 lima2023
Lima
(60%)		 gouti2023
Gouti
(67%)
Matt Erickson
@MattE
75-40		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 lima2023
Lima		 mousah2023
Mousah
Simon Samano
@SJSamano
73-42		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 vansteenis2023
Van Steenis		 mousah2023
Mousah
Nolan King
@mma_kings
71-44		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 vansteenis2023
Van Steenis		 mousah2023
Mousah
Matthew Wells
@MrMWells
70-45		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 primus2023
Primus		 lima2023
Lima		 mousah2023
Mousah
George Garcia
@MMAjunkieGeorge
70-45		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 primus2023
Primus		 vansteenis2023
Van Steenis		 mousah2023
Mousah
Mike Bohn
@MikeBohn
68-47
trophy copy 2014 Champion		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 lima2023
Lima		 mousah2023
Mousah
Ken Hathaway
@kenshathaway
-65-50
trophy copy 2018, 2022 Champion		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 lima2023
Lima		 gouti2023
Gouti
Abbey Subhan
@kammakaze
65-50		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 vansteenis2023
Van Steenis		 mousah2023
Mousah
Danny Segura
@dannyseguratv
63-52		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 vansteenis2023
Van Steenis		 gouti2023
Gouti
Farah Hannoun
@Farah_Hannoun
62-53		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 lima2023
Lima		 mousah2023
Mousah
Brian Garcia
@thegoze
62-53
trophy copy 2017 Champion		 mousasi2023
Mousasi		 barnaoui2023
Barnaoui		 lima2023
Lima		 mousah2023
Mousah

Bellator is back in the “City of Light” for the third time with a key tournament fight and an ex-champ at the top of the bill.

Bellator 296 takes place Friday at Accor Arena in Paris. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.

(Click here to open a PDF of the staff picks grid in a separate window.)

In the main event, former middleweight champion [autotag]Gegard Mousasi[/autotag] (49-8-2 MMA, 7-2 BMMA) will fight for the first time since he lost his title when he takes on [autotag]Fabian Edwards[/autotag] (11-2 MMA, 7-2 BMMA), the brother of UFC welterweight champ Leon Edwards.

Mousasi is a -260 favorite in the fight, and he’s a near-unanimous pick from our 11 editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers. They have it as a blowout for the former champ, Mousasi, at 10-1.

In the co-feature, [autotag]Mansour Barnaoui[/autotag] (20-4 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) takes on former lightweight champ [autotag]Brent Primus[/autotag] (11-3 MMA, 9-3 BMMA) in a quarterfinal fight in Bellator’s lightweight grand prix. Barnaoui is a moderate favorite at -360 and has a big 9-2 lead in the picks.

Also on the main card, former welterweight champion [autotag]Douglas Lima[/autotag] (32-11 MMA, 14-7 BMMA) takes on [autotag]Costello van Steenis[/autotag] (14-2 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) in a middleweight bout. Van Steenis is a slight favorite at -160, but it’s Lima with a narrow 6-5 edge in the picks.

And to open the main card, [autotag]Thibault Gouti[/autotag] (16-6 MMA, 1-1 BMMA) meets [autotag]Kane Mousah[/autotag] (14-4 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) at lightweight. Gouti is a slight favorite at -140, but it’s Mousah in a blowout at 9-2.

In the MMA Junkie consensus picks, Mousasi (77 percent), Barnaoui (56 percent), Lima (60 percent) and Gouti (67 percent) are the choices.

Check out all the picks above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 296.

Photos: Bellator 296 press conference and faceoffs from Paris

Check out these photos from the Bellator 296 pre-event news conference held at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. 

Check out these photos from the Bellator 296 pre-event news conference with promotion president Scott Coker, [autotag]Gegard Mousasi[/autotag], [autotag]Fabian Edwards[/autotag], [autotag]Mansour Barnaoui[/autotag], and [autotag]Brent Primus[/autotag] held at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. (Photos courtesy of Bellator MMA/Lucas Noonan)

Matchup Roundup: New UFC and Bellator fights announced in the past week (Feb. 20-26)

All the UFC and Bellator fight announcements that were first reported or confirmed by MMA Junkie in the past week.

MMA fight announcements are hard to follow. With so many outlets and channels available, it’s nearly impossible to organize.

But here at MMA Junkie, we’ve got your back.

Each week, we’ll compile all the newly surfaced fights in one spot. Every Monday, expect a feature listing everything you might have missed from the UFC or Bellator.

Here are the fight announcements that were broken or confirmed by MMA Junkie from Feb. 20-26.