Donn Davis’ highly anticipated appearance on Ariel Helwani’s show came on the heels of the Professional Fighters League purchase of rival Bellator MMA being officially announced. Starting in 2024, the PFL will run both brands, Bellator in eight standalone events mainly focusing on international markets.

Davis revealed that they reached out to Viacom/Paramount, under which Bellator fell, in January of 2023, with no idea that the company would beginning divesting assets in the Spring. It was a slow process, in terms of talks. “Mergers take time,” as Davis pointed out.

Viacom becomes a minority owner in the company. Davis, who built his reputation as an entrepreneur and businessman with America Online, the Chicago Cubs, and his own venture capital firm, revealed the deal was done entirely in stock. “I think what they saw with PFL was an opportunity become part of a big company moving forward. So this was a stock deal, not a cash deal.”

With Paramount a “small” owner and no cash changing hands, it was a “great deal for us,” said Davis, adding he was “very happy” with how things played out.

Asked how close he thought the PFL was to the UFC, Donn Davis took note of UFC President and CEO Dana White being more vocal about the rival promotion recently. The company made waves in 2023 by signing the likes of Francis Ngannou, Jake Paul, Cedric Doumbe, and others.

“Everybody knows Dana well enough that he only dismisses things that worry him, or else he just doesn’t comment. He didn’t comment on the PFL for four years, because he wasn’t worried,” suggested Davis. “He’s commented on the PFL a lot the last six months. He’s worried.”

“What specifically worried him about Bellator is the metrics we put out in the press release. 30% of that roster ranked in the top 25 per Fight Matrix rankings. So this isn’t, Dana gets to rank his own guys, Donn’s ranking his own guys. As you know there’s only one group that ranks all fighters, Fight Matrix, independently. 30% of the UFC roster is top 25-ranked, and now our combined company of PFL and Bellator, 30%.”

“The same. Now, to UFC’s credit, if you look at top five in the world, they still own the top five, one through five. So call it PPV cards, we couldn’t compete with them right now, which is why we’re only going to have two, and they have twelve.”

Davis, however, thinks the TV product from the PFL this year will be better. “Our cards are going to be better. Better. Because what they put on this year was ranked 70 and what we’re going to put on next year is ranked 40.” Davis believes that has White talking, questioning why the PFL would buy Bellator, “because he’s smart.”

“UFC ain’t the NFL. We’re not the XFL. But he wants you to think that. And it’s just a matter of time before that starts to get more well-known, and we’re not the number two, we’re a co-leader. He doesn’t want that. That’s what’s going on.”

Later, Davis would make it clear that there’s no axe to grind with the UFC, nor an attempt to take over the MMA market and displace the leading promotion in the sport.

“UFC is a great company and they invented this industry. This is not about taking share or shifting share. MMA is growing. MMA is growing 10% a year, every other sport 2-3%. They’re going to do well. We’re just going to do really, really well,” said Davis. “And I’m excited to have my new teammates at Bellator, I’m excited to have all our new fighters propelling us forward, and we’re going to win. The next time we’re on here, when people laughed that we’re going to be a co-leader, we’re going to be a co-leader. Just like they laughed when we said we’re going to be #2, and we’re #2. And so to me, if you’re on the new Bellator team, if you’re on the new combined team, declare victory.”

In five years, Donn Davis expects to be able to reach that co-leader goal. “We’re the co-leader in MMA, flat out. But we do things different, we think different, we innovate different. We don’t have dogma. We co-promote. We give fighters opportunity, we let them box, we give 50% PPV share, we think different. And we’re the co-leader. They do what they do, fantastic. We do what we do, market’s big enough for two very, very big companies.”

The 2023 PFL Championship takes place this Friday in Washington, D.C. A Bellator vs. PFL champion versus champion card is expected for Q1 2024, said Davis, with TV deals in the U.S. and Canada ready to be announced for the PFL, while Bellator TV deals are in the works. As for Bellator’s Lightweight Grand Prix, Davis couldn’t answer whether it will complete as scheduled or not.

The post Donn Davis Reveals PFL Plans for Bellator MMA, Believes Dana White “Worried” appeared first on Cageside Press.

The MMA landscape changed forever. A new era has 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗗@PFLMMA acquires @BellatorMMA creating a 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗠𝗔 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 pic.twitter.com/fWldsDNpPC

— PFL (@PFLMMA) November 20, 2023

The PFL has officially acquired Bellator and it means a new day has officially arrived in the MMA landscape.

Per a press release, Bellator will continue as a “reimagined brand” in 2024 with “all Bellator fighters becoming available to compete in PFL franchises.”  Exactly how this is expected to be divided is still uncertain but it does confirm that the contracts of all Bellator fighters will indeed go under the umbrella of the PFL, thus adding a significant amount of elite talent to their already respectable roster.

The Todd Atkins MMA Show first reported news of a potential sale of Bellator to the PFL earlier this year. In late October, journalist Al Zullino reported that the sale had been finalized.

PFL CEO Donn Davis announced that the Bellator brand would operate primarily outside of the US as “Bellator International Champions Series” which hints that the brand would continue their strong presence in Europe where fan reception to events has been astronomical.

Davis also announced that the plan was to host a super-event next year that would feature the Bellator champions against the PFL champions, the latter of which will be determined at their event this Friday which concludes the 2023 season.

As of this writing, it has not been established exactly which fighters will continue to anchor the Bellator brand and which will be part of the PFL vs Bellator event.  It should be noted, however, that the PFL does not currently have divisions for several of the weight classes that Bellator does such as men’s bantamweight, men’s middleweight, and women’s flyweight.  Another point to address is that it is completely possible that just because the fighters are in a division that the PFL houses it does not mean that they will fight in the PFL immediately.

Exactly where Bellator goes with their lightweight Grand Prix is unclear and has not yet been addressed.  On Friday, Alexandr Shabliy defeated Patricky “Pitbull” Freire to reach the finals of the tournament.  A week earlier, champion  Usman Nurmagomedov had his victory over Brent Primus overturned to a No Contest after testing positive for a banned substance.  What the promotion’s plan, if there was one at all with the impending merger, for the tournament going forward was not made official.  Whether there is a tournament final at all as part of the Bellator International Series has not been announced.

PFL CEO Donn Davis is scheduled to make a media appearance later today to discuss the merger.

The post PFL Officially Acquires Bellator MMA, Bellator to Continue Internationally appeared first on Cageside Press.

News of the sanction was first reported by Cole Shelton.

Nurmagomedov (17-0) failed drug test follows his victory over Brent Primus at Bellator 300. That win now turns into a No Contest and Primus will advance in the tournament. It’s assumed that he will also be stripped of the lightweight title although Bellator has yet to release a formal statement on that.

Primus will face the winner of Patricky Pitbull and Alexandr Shabily which will take place at Bellator 301 in Chicago on Nov. 17.

CSAC executive director Andy Foster told MMA Fighting that Nurmagomedov has been suspended 6 months for the failed test. He has also been fined $50,000. The interesting part of the failed test is that, according to Foster, the substance was a prescription drug. He declined to disclose what it was for.

No word on whether Nurmagomedov has accepted the suspension or if he will appeal as of this posting.

Nurmagomedov is younger brother of Umar Nurmagomedov and cousin of UFC lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.

This comes as speculation continues over the future of Bellator. Rumors have flown around for months of a possible sale to the Professional Fighters League, but nothing has been finalized.

The post Usman Nurmagomedov Fails Drug Test, Suspended 6 Months appeared first on Cageside Press.

Following the first knockout loss of his career at Super RIZIN 2 the featherweight revealed that he would need surgery to fix herniated discs that caused neck pain and arm numbness.

“I was feeling this pressure when I got hit in the fights, I was feeling my arms and legs weak and numb. I avoided surgery because once you do it there’s no coming back, and there were risks involved, like not returning to fighting again,” he said in a release.

“I was very conservative and I paid the price. I had never lost two in a row nor got knocked out in 19 years as a professional. My only way out was doing the surgery.”

His team announced that the surgery was a success, and is expected to be cleared to fight in six months.

This leaves Bellator with decisions to make at 145-pounds in terms of a possible interim title. No word from the promotion as of yet on those plans.

Pitbull is riding a two-fight losing streak with the loss at Super RIZIN 2, and falling short in his quest to become the Bellator bantamweight champion when he dropped a decision to champion Sergio Pettis at Bellator 297 in June.

The post Patricio Pitbull Undergoes Successful Cervical Spine Surgery, Out Until 2024 appeared first on Cageside Press.

MMA Fighting was the first to report the news.

Lencioni, 28, had a heart attack on June 8 while training in Spokane, WA. He went into cardiac arrest and was taken to the hospital. On Tuesday his wife, Marca Lencioni, told MMA Fighting that an MRI has revealed that Cris suffered brain damage.

 

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Lencioni was reportedly released from ICU on Friday.

Lencioni was set to face James Gallagher on Aug. 11 at Bellator 298, but it has since been cancelled for obvious reasons.

Now the focus is on his road to recovery, but what that means is still uncertain to both doctors and his wife Marca.

“The neurologists were basically like, ‘We have to wait and see what he can do and what he shows us. Because he was so, so healthy when this happened and is young and an athlete, they’re not really sure what’s going to happen,” Marca told MMAFighting.

“The brain is complex, and because of where he’s at, they don’t know and they can’t say. Even the neurologist, she’s like, ‘I can’t give you a definite answer, because it’s gonna be up to him.'”

Still Marca hold out hope that her husband will recover from this.

“If anybody can come out of something like this, it’s him. He’s a fighter in all senses. It’s not just in the ring.”

The post Bellator’s Cris Lencioni Out Of ICU, Responding To Stimuli appeared first on Cageside Press.

Strickland Calls Out BKFC, Promotion Claps Back

Sean Strickland had a point when he called out BKFC for signing over the hill UFC fighters. Really, that has kind of been their business model. But being honest, he took an L on this one.

I mean…….damn. #UFC #MMA #BKFC pic.twitter.com/rOuA2GDXvv

— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) February 20, 2023

Marquardt Takes Heat for Homophobic Tweets

Nate Marquardt took offense to an advertisement during UFC Vegas 69 that showed two men kissing. Conveniently forgetting that every remote control has an off button and option to change channel (or, if you’re streaming, you know, hit that little X to let your voice be heard), he opted to voice his disgust on Twitter.

The end result… did not go well for Marquardt, especially when the former Strikeforce champ and UFC title challenger doubled down, suggesting that those guilty of homosexuality and fornication deserved death.

Wow disgusting commercial watching @ESPNPlus with my kids and have to tell them to look away so they don’t see two men kissing! 🤮@ufc @espn #barf #disgusting

— Nate Marquardt (@NathanMarquardt) February 19, 2023

It is not hateful to say that homosexuality, pedophilia, or fornication is disgusting. It’s not loving to be silent when the culture praises things that lead people to Hell (1Cor 6:9-11). It’s not hateful, but loving to protect children from this world’s evil demented propaganda

— Nate Marquardt (@NathanMarquardt) February 19, 2023

Seriously. Death. We’re dubious that Nate Marquardt is living the life of a celibate priest, but even if he is — tone it down a bit there, Nate.

They are all disgusting sin worthy of death. That’s why people need Jesus’ death on the cross to save them.

— Nate Marquardt (@NathanMarquardt) February 19, 2023

Since Marquardt is no longer an active fighter, he doesn’t need to worry about being cancelled. That said, Nate should probably remember that in the real world, you’re going to come across things you don’t like and people different than you. It’s not all that hard to avoid them if you really need to (again, just turn it off), instead of saying they’re “worthy of death.” For someone saying people need Jesus, he sure forgot the whole “do unto others” thing.

William Knight Gets Death Threats from “Fans” After UFC Vegas 69

It cannot be said enough: if you are the type of dirtbag who sends death threats to athletes because they “let you down,” or cost you money betting, or because your life is just that empty — kindly leave the sport. Leave all sports.

After a downright puzzling lack of action in his fight with Marcin Pracnio at UFC Vegas 69, William Knight says he’s received threats on his life.

“In life, human beings aren’t perfect, but I’m taking ownership of my actions, because I didn’t do sh*t. Exactly what happened. I stood there, I froze, and I take full responsibility. I know what I must do for my next fight,” Knight said in a video to fans.

William Knight says he has received death threats following his loss to Marcin Prachnio pic.twitter.com/zQEh3XdZJe

— MMA mania (@mmamania) February 19, 2023

“All these crazy inboxes of threats, all these inboxes of disrespect, I get it. Y’all have a right to be angry. I read messages, y’all threatening my life, y’all talking crazy saying I don’t belong in the UFC, all this other stuff,” he added. “But when I was undefeated for three years, y’all were riding the wave, when I entered the UFC undefeated, y’all were riding the wave, when I made my debut the same [month] I won my second Contender Series [appearance], two fights in one month, y’all were riding the wave. I get it. I understand. At the end of the day, I have my legit followers, my legit fans, my legit people. I have you guys. For the rest of you that were just here for the ride to watch me fall, you got what you wanted it. I get it. I’m good. I’m not bothered by it.”

Knight was cut by the UFC this past week.

Bellator MMA Extends Broadcast Deal with BBC

Bellator will remain on the BBC for the foreseeable future. Promotion officials announced the extension of their broadcast deal this week, a multi-year agreement that will see all Bellator events available on the BBC iPlayer in 2023 and beyond.

The deal arrives just as the promotion returned to Europe for Bellator 291 in Dublin, Ireland this weekend.

PRIDE Vibes

This is absolutely the type of freakshow fight you would have seen back in PRIDE. Spain’s Dogfight Wild Tournament pitted a bantamweight against a heavyweight in Raymison “Formiga” Bruno vs. Roger Dalet, with the latter playing the role of Goliath next to Bruno’s diminutive David.

The coolest part of this match-up? David wins via submission after getting the giant down (h/t MMA Fighting and Grabaka Hitman).

DAVID SUBS GOLIATH

Raymison Formiga (5'4, 130lb) defeats Roger Dalet (6'6, 265lb) in R1 pic.twitter.com/5SiyDBTpnn

— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) February 17, 2023

Miranda Maverick calls out Jasmine Jasudavicius, Gets Positive Response

Lost in the chaos that was Saturday’s UFC Vegas 70 card, which had multiple fights cancelled during fight week and its main event cancelled while the card was already underway, were some very strong showings from the Canadian contingent.

Team Canada went 2-1 on the night, and considering that Ontario’s Mike Malott fought (and submitted) Quebec’s Yohan Lainesse, that’s the best they could have done.

The other big Canadian winner at UFC Vegas 70 was Jasmine Jasudavicius, Malott’s Niagara Top Team teammate. She looked dominant against Gabriella Fernandes, a former LFA champ making her promotional debut.

Now 2-1 in the UFC, Jasudavicius is starting to get some attention — and Miranda Maverick called her out following the bout. Seems like Jasudavicius is game, and if their timetable lines up, this is an easy fight to book.

Thank you! Let’s do it. I’ll lead, you follow 🕺 https://t.co/TXGHFWlf5V

— Jasmine Jasudavicius (@JasJasudavicius) February 26, 2023

The post Sunday MMA Quick Hits: Bellator Extends BBC Deal, Strickland vs. BKFC appeared first on Cageside Press.

As far as depth goes, Bellator has a stacked bantamweight, featherweight, and light heavyweight division. Other areas could use some reinforcements: let’s take a look at who could make an impact.

Let’s go!

Paul Capaldo (6-0)

Weighing in at 145lbs (featherweight)
Fighting at the age of 25
Standing at five-foot-seven
Fighting out of Middleton, New Jersey, US
3 KO/TKOs

Capaldo is a solid prospect out of Nick Catone MMA and Fitness. Capaldo has been a staple for UFC Fight Pass promotion CFFC fighting there for his entire pro career. His highlight-reel wheel kick knockout is what put him on the map. He does have other good performances however. Capaldo was supposed to fight last season on Dana White’s Contender Series but he tested positive for COVID-19 and had to pull out. Capaldo is someone Bellator can fly in and scoop up before the UFC takes another look.

The post 20 Prospects Bellator Should Sign This Year appeared first on Cageside Press.

Kayla Harrison decimated Taylor Guardado in order to claim her second straight PFL women’s lightweight championship and another million dollars on top of that. Harrison (12-0), since debuting in PFL in 2018, has cemented her place as one of the greatest female fighters on the planet, and with her contract having expired with the PFL, she is also now the biggest free agent on the planet.

With that being known, let’s take a look at where she can be headed next, and who she could be fighting in that promotion

HOLLYWOOD, FL – OCTOBER 27: Julia Budd v Kaitlyn Young in a lightweight bout during the PFL championships at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on October 27, 2021 in Hollywood, Florida. (Cooper Neill / PFL)

PFL: Julia Budd

If Harrison doesn’t want to leave home, she has a clear new contender in the PFL lightweight division. Former Bellator champion Julia Budd signed with PFL earlier this year and announced her plans to move up to the lightweight division, which she did on the undercard of Harrison’s title bout. Easily defeating former Invicta title challenger Kaitlin Young via unanimous decision, she proved she’s easily one of the greatest fighters already in the division.

The signing of Budd always seemed like one that was meant to entice Harrison to stay. Harrison wants to prove she’s one of the best on the planet by fighting the best, and while not a natural lightweight, Budd is still one of the greatest featherweights on the planet. The other main upsides for Harrison is that she can stay at lightweight which is an easier cut for her, and she’ll likely have an easier path to making millions. She’d also be able to have different crossover bouts in promotions such as Invicta, with whom the PFL has a good relationship.

The post Examining Kayla Harrison’s Biggest Fights Across The MMA Landscape appeared first on Cageside Press.

KSW, XMMA, and more are in action this week as well — here’s a look at the up-and-comers worth keeping an eye on.

Ring of Combat 74 | US | Friday

Lightweight, Dylan Mantello (4-0)

Mantello is a good prospect training out of Longo And Weidman MMA. Undefeated as a pro, Mantello went 6-0 as an amateur and was a champion. I’ve seen more of his striking where he displays good movement, a textbook jab, and a sick one-two. He’s found home with that straight right knocking out a few guys so far. Mantello seems to have slick jiu-jitsu. I’ve seen him hit sweeps off his back and finish on top with ground and pound. He fights John Ramirez (5-5).

LFA 116 | US | Friday

Bantamweight, Daniel Argueta (5-0)

After wrestling in high school Argueta went on to wrestle Division II for the University of Wisconsin. Argueta’s constant forward pressure, his wrestling, and jiu-jitsu is going to give a lot of guys problems. However, if he cannot impose his wrestling/grappling early he may have problems against a good striker. His head movement isn’t great and as the fight goes on he is likely to be easier and easier to hit. Yet even though he does tire as the fight goes on, Argueta never stops coming forward, making it an ugly fight at the very least. He fights Rodney Mondala (6-3).

RCC: Intro 17 | Russia | Friday

Middleweight, Arseniy Smirnov (9-1)

Smirnov is a dangerous guy who is well-rounded. On the feet, he’s technical with his hands always throwing in twos with big power. He will throw combinations up to four strikes. Smirnov is always throwing a lot of output and has multiple weapons including front kicks, body kicks, knees, and elbows. Everything he throws is with fight-ending intention. Smirnov has strong wrestling and smashing ground and pound on top. He fights Marco Pirata (16-7).

Bellator 269 | Russia | Saturday

Lightweight, Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0)

A cousin of former UFC champ Khabib and brother of UFC fighter Umar, Usman Nurmagomedov is a kickboxer at heart. He doesn’t throw with much power but he’s flashy and diverse with his attacks. He will throw spinning kicks, roundhouse kicks, and question mark kicks. Usman stays unpredictable attacking with all limbs and throws combos with just his legs alone. His wrestling is good, and he is solid at timing double legs and on top. Simply put, he is a big threat. He fights Patrik Pietilä (11-8).

Welterweight, Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-3-1)

Davlatmurodov is a fun fighter with a lot of good experience. He has wins over some good competition and has lost to only solid fighters. On the feet, Davlatmurodov throws a lot of volume throwing with different patterns and mixing it up very well. He has good kickboxing and from the outside has really good long striking. Mixing it up, Davlatmurodov will explode on the hips taking his opponents down. At times he can be too aggressive on the mat but he has RNC’s for a reason. He’s really good. Mostly he just needs to improve small things— but the takedown defense should be his biggest concern. He fights Anatoly Tokov (29-3).

Lightweight, Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2)

Rabadanov has a lot of experience and key wins against Oton Jasse and Steven Siler. He’s an excellent wrestler and durable fighter who can go three rounds no problem. On the feet, he has some power and good leg kicks but looks most at home once on the mat. He has good ground and pound and is a submission threat as well. He fights Alexander Belikh (9-4).

KSW 64 | Poland | Saturday

Featherweight, Patryk Kaczmarczyk (7-0)

Kaczmarczyk is one of the many bright young prospects out of Poland. The 23-year-old has a lot of good things going for him. On the feet, Kaczmarczyk is a good counter striker, throws heavy leg kicks, has a dangerous lead flying knee he throws, and throws in combinations. He excels when the fight is in close quarters using excellent offensive and defensive wrestling. Kaczmarczyk is a problem on the mat as his transitions are smooth and is always working to improve his position and finish the fight. He really has it all. He fights Robert Ruchała (5-0).

Lightweight, Shamil Musaev (15-0)

Russia’s Musaev is a good wrestler with very sound ground and pound. He has a background in Sanshou which explains why he likes to use that spinning kick to the midsection. Musaev is a dynamic fighter throwing with flash but his setups and speed are impressive. He’s an excellent kickboxer. He recently beat Uros Jurisic which proves how good Musaev is. He fights Michał Pietrzak (10-4).

XMMA 3 | US | Saturday

Welterweight, Tyler Ray (8-2)

Ray is a wrestler who has excellent control and cardio going the distance if need be. On the feet, he’s still a bit green but is improving. Ray does have good head movement and a good one-two. He’s far more comfortable just taking the fight down to land ground and pound or taking the neck for the submission. His last fight was razor close where he squeaked out a decision win. He fights the well-known John Howard (29-16-1).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Bellator Marches on Moscow appeared first on Cageside Press.

Here’s a look at that, and other key prospects in action this week.

Lux Fight League 17 | Mexico | Friday

Lightweight, Francesco Patron Manzo (8-0)

Manzo is only 22-years-old and is a well-rounded young man with tons of potential. He’s a diverse striker that’s still really technical. Manzo is always throwing in volume mixing in kicks and punches. He has an underrated ground game as well as shown in his last fight with a beautiful armbar finish transitioned from the back. He fights former UFC veteran Marco Beltran (16-7).

RCC: Intro 16 | Russia | Saturday

Heavyweight, Kirill Kornilov (10-0-1)

Kornilov has a kickboxing background but in his MMA career, it’s the hands that he has got the job done with. He has a really good jab and uses a lot of feints to produce openings for him to exploit. Where he is most effective is when his opponents come forward, catching them as they come in. He’s a dangerous guy off his back foot, so not someone you want to advance on carelessly. His takedown defense isn’t at all where it needs to be however. Even worse, he’s way out of his realm on the mat off his back. Kornilov fights Ednaldo Oliveira (21-8-1).

FEN 36 | Poland | Saturday

Lightweight, Mateusz Rębecki (13-1)

Rebecki is a BJJ black belt and is a two-time gold medalist in ADCC (Poland). He trains out of Berserker Team with fighters like Michal Materla, Tomasz Narkun, and many more established veterans. Rebecki is a bit one-dimensional being solely a grappler but in that area, he’s just so dangerous and that’s on top or bottom. While on a ten-fight win streak at the time he fought them, the combined record of his opponents was 135-46-3. Of thirteen victories he’s finished all but one fight. Seven stoppages by KO/TKO and five by submission. He fights Aigun Akhmedov (22-2).

AMC Fight Nights 105 | Russia | Saturday

Middleweight, Vladimir Mineev (15-1-1)

Mineev has several good wins, the most notable being against former UFC fighter Maiquel Falcão. There have been doubts in the past about his cardio, takedown defense, and head movement, but he has grown into a well-rounded martial artist. The Russian has a dynamic offensive striking attack with excellent output with his hands and kicks, and his wrestling is underrated as well. Mineev fights Magomed Ismailov (17-2-1).

Featherweight, Mukhamed Eminov (17-1)

Eminov is someone I scouted a few years ago and is much better today than he was then. The Russian hasn’t displayed much on the feet but he does have a solid ground game. Eminov is a very technical grappler who transitions through guard beautifully and excels at passing positions as a whole. He also brings a very intelligent submission base with eleven submission wins. He fights Roman Silagadze (4-1-1).

Middleweight, Sharaputdin Magomedov (5-0)

Magomedov is a kickboxer with an extensive background. In MMA that’s what he showcased so far. Even going backwards Magomedov has light footwork and can still land effectively. In the clinch he’s good at landing knees as shown in his last fight. Magomedov has a lot of dexterity in his legs being able to throw head kicks in tight spaces. He can throw with both legs and is hard to read on what he’s going to throw. He’s dangerous at distance and even though his takedown defense does need work, he’s dangerous to close the distance on. Magomedov fights Mikhail Allakhverdian (9-2).

Middleweight, David Barkhudaryan (13-3)

Barkhudaryan is mainly a striker and a very dangerous one at that. He has a one-two he loves to throw, chopping powerful leg kicks, and a firing straight jab. Beware of rushing in on him as well as he’s a dangerous counter-striker. Barkhudaryan has lights out power in his hands and can stop the fight at any time. He’s currently on a seven-fight win streak and looking at the peak of his career. He fights Artur Alibulatov (21-4).

Bellator 268 | US | Saturday

Light heavyweight, Julius Anglickas (10-1)

Anglickas has a strong wrestling base, that being his best weapon for sure. He can wrestle all fight as his cardio has proved to be very good. He also has a dangerous submission attack, holding four submission wins in his career. On the feet, Anglickas bull rushes opponents and beats them up in the clinch. He also throws good leg kicks and a good jab.  He’s got a solid work ethic and eventually breaks your will. He fights the champ Vadim Nemkov (14-2) for the title.

Light heavyweight, Karl Albrektsson (12-3)

Albrektsson has only three losses in his career, all three to stellar fighters in Valentin Moldavsky, Phil Davis, and Jiri Prochazka. He has also beaten good competition such as former UFC fighter Josh Stansbury and Bellator light heavyweight champ Vadim Nemkov. “King” has a background in BJJ and in Sanshou, in which he was the 2014 European champion. His weak point would be on the feet, as he’s often seen fighting too stiff. He excels on the mat though, looking better in each fight. He fights Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (18-6-1).

Lightweight, Nick Browne (11-1)

Browne’s sole loss is to John Gunther, and while that looks… not so good in hindsight, he does have a few good wins. He’s beat opponents like Sidney Outlaw, Troy Lamson, Ben Egli, and Trey Ogden who are all good fighters. Browne doesn’t have much to offer on the feet but strikes well to close the distance to wrestle. He’s a strong grappler being a big submission threat with five submission wins. Taking the back and finishing with the RNC is what he’s best at. He fights Bobby Lee (12-6).

Bantamweight, Jaylon Bates (3-0)

Bates made his pro debut for Bellator and is one of their best and brightest up-and-comers. He’s the full package and besides being a wrestler first his striking is good. He has good hands and good use of his range. Bates is a fantastic wrestler and can wrestle three rounds no problem. Being an aggressive wrestler he can keep taking guys down despite them getting to their feet. Bates has a slick submission game no matter where he’s at. Still not enough has been shown but he looks like the real deal. He fights Raphael Montini (6-4).

Welterweight, Mukhamed Berkhamov (14-1)

Berkhamov is a very solid fighter that can go the distance or finish. He has solid cardio going the distance three times but mainly ending the fight with his striking. He only throws one strike at a time but he is very explosive and is very hard to read as he throws hooks, jabs, leg kicks, and head kicks and his timing is perfect. Berkhamov has solid wrestling as he changes levels great and always gets the takedown. He is very good on top moving well and stays heavy and gets dominant position frequently. He fights Jaleel Willis (15-2).

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