More Bellator MMA News
Who Owns PFL MMA? Is It Jake Paul? All We Know About the Professional Fighters League’s Merger With Bellator
As the Bellator and PFL merger shakes up the MMA world, let's take a look at Jake Paul and the details surrounding the merger and his role.
“Dana White Couldn’t Give a F**k if He Tried”- Jake Paul’s Bold Claim About PFL and Bellator Merger Has Fans Trolling the Boxing Star
Jake Paul and his excitement over the PFL and Bellator merger were shut down by fans as they came out in support of Dana White and the UFC.
“UFC Ain’t the NFL and We’re Not the XFL”- ‘Worried’ Dana White Handed a Reality Check by Donn Davis in a Latest Rant by PFL Boss
Dana White has been slammed in the latest comments by PFL boss, Donn Davis, in light of the recent acquisition of Bellator by PFL.
Once Compared to Khabib, Yaroslav Amosov Loses His Undefeated Streak as Jason Jackson Sends Him to the Shadow Realm at Bellator 301, Fans React
Yaroslav Amosov loses his undefeated record at the hands of Jason Jackson at Bellator 301 as fans react to the incredible knockout online.
How Many Dagestani Fighters From Khabib’s Camp Have Failed Drug Tests So Far?
Usman Nurmagomedov's recent failed drug test brings teammates of Khabib Nurmagomedov into question for having failed drug tests in the past.
Post UFC 295, Islam Makhachev Slammed With Doping Allegations for Hyping Magomed Ankalaev’s Position in 205 lbs Division Amidst Usman Nurmagomedov’s Suspension
Islam Makhachev gets slammed by fans on Twitter for hyping up fellow teammate Magomed Ankalaev after Pereira knocks out Prochazka at UFC 295.
Khabib’s Cousin Usman Nurmagomedov Removed From Bellator LW Roster After Failed Drug Test Finally Hits Dagestani Camp
Usman Nurmagomedov, the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has recently failed a drug test, and has faced some serious consequences!
Amid Bellator’s Merging Rumors, the PFL President Confirms MMA Fight Talks Between Deontay Wilder and Francis Ngannou
Ray Sefo hints at a potential Deontay Wilder and Francis Ngannou, MMA bout amid merger rumors with Bellator. What's brewing here?
Is Dillon Danis Signed to the UFC or Bellator? All About Conor McGregor’s Controversial Friend’s MMA Career
Who is Conor McGregor's friend Dillon Danis signed to? Is it UFC or does he have a contract with Bellator MMA? How does his MMA career look?
Calling Dana White a “Disturbance”, Bellator Counterpart Scott Coker Fires Back After Relentless Comments From UFC CEO
Dana White didn't hold back on his words and Bellator CEO didn't really care much about it. Here are Scott Coker's latest responses to White.
After Cristiano Ronaldo Wiped $4 Billion Off American Firm, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Cousin Followed Suit After Dominant Bellator 300 Win
Following Cristiano Ronaldo's impact on an American firm's value, Usman Nurmagomedov replicated Rolando's antic and made waves with his win.
“Only Khabib Knows”- “Kangaroo Video” on Brother Usman Nurmagomedov’s Massive Bellator 300 Win Has Fans in Splits Over UFC Legend’s Hidden Message
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov congratulated his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov for his recent win and fans can't stop laughing at the post.
About Bellator MMA
History
Bellator MMA is one of the world's largest mixed martial arts promotions and is recognised as the closest competitor to the UFC. The term Bellator has its origin in Latin language which translates to 'warrior' in English.
Bjorn Rebney founded the company in 2008 and ran it until 2014, before departing and handing the reins to Scott Coker. Presently, the company has successfully hosted 242 numbered events.
The former Strikeforce executive made the move after his contract with Zuffa expired. Following Coker’s arrival, Bellator MMA pivoted to a more traditional North American approach to the sport. This is a departure from the organization's tournament format during its initial phase.
Bellator's tournament format
Bellator MMA has played host to a variety of tournaments under its older format, with 11 seasons of Bellator Fighting Championship held in 4 years from 2009 to 2014. The tournaments saw fighters of specific weight classes compete for a shot at the divisional title.
Also in 2013, the promotion aired a single-season series called Fight Master: Bellator MMA where Randy Couture, Frank Shamrock, Greg Jackson, and Joe Warren served as coaches.
Like all American martial arts organizations, the rules for fights in the Bellator promotion are exactly the same with eye gouges and groin strikes deemed as illegal offenses for which fighters can incur point penalties or be disqualified.
Along with MMA, Bellator has a kickboxing promotion which has hosted 12 events since its inception in 2016.
Some big names who are part of Bellator MMA
At present, the company is home to some of the biggest MMA names including former UFC Champions like Cris Cyborg, Frank Mir, and Lyoto Machida. Current Bellator Champions include Ryan Bader, Douglas Lima, Patricio Freire, and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane. Additionally, the promotion is home to big names such as Fedor Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi, and Cat Zingano.
via Imago
Patricio Freire after becoming a two-division Bellator MMA champion
Currently, there are 7 divisions for male fighters in Bellator. These are heavyweight, light heavyweight, middleweight, welterweight, lightweight, featherweight and bantamweight. The promotion offers 2 divisions for its female talent at Featherweight and flyweight.
List of Champions at Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA has 5 world champions across 9 divisions. 2 fighters are double champions and 2 divisional titles are vacant at present.
| Division | Name | Date Won | Title Defenses |
| Heavyweight | Ryan Bader | January 26, 2019 | 1 |
| Light Heavyweight | Ryan Bader | June 24, 2017 | 1 |
| Middleweight | Vacant | Since February 10, 2020 | - |
| Welterweight | Douglas Lima | October 26,2019 | 0 |
| Lightweight | Patricio Freire | May 11, 2019 | 0 |
| Featherweight | Patricio Freire | April 21,2017 | 3 |
| Bantamweight | Vacant | Since November 27, 2019 | 0 |
| Women’s Featherweight | Cris Cyborg | January 25, 2020 | 0 |
| Women’s Flyweight | Ilima-Lei Macfarlane | November 3,2017 | 4 |
