The SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, braces itself for a night of explosive mixed martial arts action on Friday, March 22nd, 2024. This marks the return of Bellator MMA to Belfast, signifying a new chapter under the Professional Fighters League (PFL) banner. The rebranded "Bellator Champions Series" promises a thrilling evening with two world title fights and a stacked undercard featuring rising stars and local favorites. Let's delve deeper into the main event, the co-main event, and some of the intriguing matchups on this highly anticipated fight card.
Main Event: Battle for the Vacant Light Heavyweight Crown
The main event of Bellator Belfast pits two hungry contenders against each other in a battle for the vacant Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship. Former title challenger Corey Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) steps into the octagon against the surging Karl Moore (12-2).
Anderson, a product of "The Ultimate Fighter: Team Edgar vs. Team Penn," boasts a well-rounded skillset and knockout power. Having previously challenged for the title in 2019, he will be eager to redeem himself and claim the belt this time around.
His opponent, Karl Moore, is on a tear, winning his last six fights, all by stoppage. The Englishman possesses a dangerous Muay Thai striking style and a relentless pressure game. He's hungry to prove himself on the biggest stage and will be a force to be reckoned with.
This clash of styles promises an explosive encounter. Anderson's wrestling pedigree will collide with Moore's striking prowess, creating a fascinating tactical chess match. Can Anderson utilize his takedowns to control the fight, or will Moore's thunderous strikes find their mark? This main event has the potential to be an instant classic.
Co-main Event: The G.O.A.T. Defends His Throne
The co-main event features a legend defending his crown. Widely considered the "Bellator G.O.A.T." (Greatest Of All Time), Patricio Pitbull (35-7) puts his Featherweight title on the line against the number one contender Jeremy Kennedy (19-3).
Pitbull, a two-division champion and one of the most decorated fighters in Bellator history, is known for his relentless pressure, slick submissions, and devastating knockout power. He's coming off a dominant win in his last title defense and will be looking to make another statement.
Kennedy, on the other hand, has emerged as a serious threat in the featherweight division. Riding a six-fight win streak, he showcases a well-rounded skillset with impressive boxing and a developing ground game. He's hungry to dethrone the king and establish his own reign.
This co-main event is a clash of experience and hunger. Pitbull aims to cement his legacy, while Kennedy seeks to fulfill his championship aspirations. Expect a high-octane fight with both fighters pushing each other to the limit.
Rising Stars Collide in the Middleweight Division
The middleweight division simmers with anticipation as Fabian Edwards (12-3) squares off against Aaron Jeffery (14-4) in a battle for the number one contender spot. Edwards, a protégé of the renowned Tristar Gym, boasts a well-rounded skillset with powerful striking and a suffocating grappling game. He's on a three-fight win streak, each victory showcasing his growing dominance. Across the octagon stands Aaron Jeffery, a heavy-handed striker with a granite chin. Jeffery has earned a reputation for exciting finishes, with nine of his fourteen victories coming by way of knockout. This clash of styles promises an explosive encounter. Can Edwards' grappling acumen nullify Jeffery's striking prowess, or will Jeffery's thunderous punches find their mark? The winner of this fight will be next in line for a shot at the Bellator Middleweight Championship, making the stakes even higher.
Enigma vs. Experience: A Featherweight Clash with Intrigue
The featherweight division throws up a fascinating matchup between James Gallagher (12-2) and Leandro Higo (22-6). Gallagher, a controversial yet undeniably charismatic figure, possesses a flashy striking style and a never-say-die attitude. However, inconsistency has plagued his career, leaving fans guessing which "The Strabanimal" will show up on fight night. His opponent, Leandro Higo, is a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience. Higo, nicknamed "Pitbull," is a relentless grappler with a knack for submitting opponents. This fight is a classic case of youth and exuberance taking on experience and grit. Can Gallagher overcome his inconsistencies and showcase his full potential? Or will Higo's grappling expertise prove too much to handle? This matchup guarantees intrigue and could provide a significant upset if Gallagher isn't careful.
A Night of Rising Stars
The Bellator Belfast undercard is brimming with potential. Here are some intriguing matchups to keep an eye on:
Steven Hill (7-0) vs. Jordan Newman (6-0):Â An exciting clash of undefeated middleweights. Both fighters possess explosive striking and promise a fast-paced battle.
Luke "The Gent" Trainer (7-1) vs. Grant Neal (9-1):Â Â A battle of light heavyweight contenders. Trainer's well-rounded skillset meets Neal's heavy hands in a fight with potential knockout implications.
Local Fighters in Action:Â Â Belfast boasts a passionate MMA fanbase, and this event features several local fighters eager to impress on home soil. Expect the crowd to erupt when these fighters enter the octagon.
A New Era for Bellator: The PFL Influence
The Bellator Champions Series Belfast marks a new era for the promotion under the PFL banner. PFL's commitment to showcasing world title fights and featuring a global roster adds a new dimension to Bellator. This event serves as a springboard for the reimagined Bellator and sets the stage for exciting things to come.
A Night of Unforgettable Fights
The Bellator Champions Series Belfast promises a night of unforgettable fights. From the title clashes at the top of the card to the prospects showcasing their skills on the undercard, this event caters to all MMA fans. With a mix of established stars, hungry contenders, and local heroes, the atmosphere at the SSE Arena is sure to be electric. Whether you're a die-hard Bellator fan or a newcomer to the sport, Bellator Belfast is an event not to be missed. Mark your calendars for March 22nd and prepare to witness a night of explosive action, and the rise of future champions. So tune in or grab your tickets and experience the thrill of Bellator MMA live!
Full Bellator Champions Series Belfast Main Card:
Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Corey Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) vs. Karl Moore (12-2)
Featherweight World Title Bout: Patricio Pitbull (35-7) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-3)
Middleweight No. 1 Contender Bout: Fabian Edwards (12-3) vs. Aaron Jeffery (14-4)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: James Gallagher (12-2) vs. Leandro Higo (22-6)
Lightweight Main Card Bout: Tim Wilde (17-4-1) vs. Manoel Sousa (10-0)
Preliminary Card:
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Ciaran Clarke (8-0) vs. Darius Mafi (4-1)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Tofiq Musayev (21-5) Alfie Davis (16-4-1)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Steven Hill (7-0) vs. Jordan Newman (6-0)
Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Luke Trainer (7-1) vs. Grant Neal (9-1)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Nathan Kelly (9-2) vs.Vikas Singh Ruhil (12-7)
Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Abraham Bably (3-0) vs. Isaiah Pinson (3-0)
Amateur 130-Pound Catchweight Bout: Nate Kelly (2-2 AM.) vs. Jordan Elliott (2-3 AM.)