Bellator News
The biggest MMA stories of 2019
Natasha Hooper - December 26, 2019
2019 was a rollercoaster ride for the world of MMA, featuring plenty of ups and downs. As the year draws to a close, BJPENN.com looks back on 10 of the biggest MMA stories of 2019, from the good to the bad to the downright ugly.
Frank Trigg praised by fighter for timely referee stoppage: 'You definitely saved my brain a lot of damage'
Adam Martin - December 23, 2019
UFC legend and MMA referee Frank Trigg was praised by Bellator flyweight Nate Yoshimura for a timely stoppage during his fight at Bellator Hawaii. Yoshimura took on Chas Dunhour in a flyweight bout that kicked off the Bellator Hawaii card this past Saturday in Honolulu. In the second round, Yoshimura was on the wrong end of a nasty knockout stemming from an elbow and punches.
Scott Coker says Bellator considering women's flyweight Grand Prix tournament including Ilima-Lei Macfarlane
Adam D Martin - December 22, 2019
Bellator president Scott Coker says the promotion is considering a women’s flyweight Grand Prix tournament including its star champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane. Macfarlane defended her title once again with a unanimous decision win over Kate Jackson in the main event of Bellator Hawaii. Coker was asked by the media during the post-event scrum who is next for Macfarlane to fight, and his answer was very interesting.
Bellator Hawaii Results and Highlights: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane dominates
Adam D Martin - December 22, 2019
Bellator Hawaii was another showcase card for some of the promotion’s brightest young stars including Bellator women’s flyweight champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, who put her belt on the line against Kate Jackson in the main event of the evening. Also on the card was the first fight in the quarterfinals of the Bellator featherweight Grand Prix featuring stud prospect AJ McKee against veteran Derek Campos.
Quinton Jackson opens as big underdog against Fedor Emelianenko in Bellator
Adam Martin - December 21, 2019
Bellator heavyweight Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has opened up as a big betting underdog against the legend Fedor Emelianenko for their New Year’s Eve fight. Jackson meets Emelianenko in the main event of Bellator 237, which takes place on December 29 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. It’s a fight between two legends of mixed martial arts who head back to Japan years after they first starred in PRIDE.
Josh Barnett issues statement following last minute removal from Bellator
Adam Martin - December 21, 2019
Bellator heavyweight contender Josh Barnett has released a statement following his last-minute removal from the main event of Bellator Salute The Troops. Barnett was scheduled to face Ronny Markes in the headlining fight, but about an hour before it was set to take place, Bellator announced the fight was canceled due to an illness to Barnett. Toby Misech vs. Erik Perez ended up taking the headlining spot, with Misech pulling off a stunning upset knockout win.
Dillon Danis takes on Kegan Gennrich at Bellator 238
Natasha Hooper - December 20, 2019
Bellator star Dillon Danis has a new fight announced for January. The 26-year old will be back in action at Bellator 238 on January 25 at the Forum in Inglewood, California, where he’ll take on Kegan Gennrich in a 175-pound catchweight.
Scott Coker sends classy message to Rory MacDonald after Bellator exit
Tom Taylor - December 20, 2019
Earlier this week, news surfaced that former Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald had parted ways with the promotion and signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Shortly thereafter, Bellator President Scott Coker took to Twitter with a classy message to his former fighter. See it below:
Douglas Lima reacts to Rory MacDonald's Bellator exit
Tom Taylor - December 18, 2019
Earlier this afternoon, news surfaced that former Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald has parted ways with the Viacom-owned promotion and signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). While this is exciting news for MacDonald and the PFL, it does represent an unfortunate twist for fans who were hoping to see a rematch between MacDonald and reigning Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima in the future. Lima and MacDonald are tied 1-1 across two exciting fights, and now, with MacDonald moving to another promotion, it seems unlikely that we’ll see them meet in a tie-breaker anytime soon.
Rory MacDonald parts ways with Bellator, signs with PFL
Tom Taylor - December 18, 2019
Rory MacDonald has parted ways with Bellator MMA. After a period of free agency, the former Bellator welterweight champion has not signed a new deal with the promotion, and instead inked a contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Ilima-Lei MacFarlane looking to be first person to submit Kate Jackson at Bellator 236 in Hawaii
Cole Shelton - December 17, 2019
Ilima-Lei MacFarlane is set to defend her Bellator women’s flyweight title at home in Hawaii for the second straight year. She takes on Kate Jackson this Saturday. Last year, she submitted Valerie Letourneau in Hawaii, and it was an emotional night for her. MacFarlane cried during her walkout, and the 29 year old expects to do so again at Bellator 236.
Ilima-Lei MacFarlane believes UFC did Liz Carmouche 'dirty', willing to fight her for Bellator belt
Cole Shelton - December 11, 2019
Ilima-Lei MacFarlane is not happy about how the way the UFC released her friend and teammate Liz Carmouche. The two-time UFC title challenger Carmouche was released while she was in Washington D.C. doing promotional work for the company.