More Bellator MMA news
Khabib Nurmagomedov Introduces His Cousin to Bellator MMA
Undefeated fighter Usman Nurmagomedov, who is the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has signed a multi-fight multi-year deal with Bellator.
BREAKING: Frank Mir’s 17-Year-Old Daughter Set to Make Her Professional MMA Debut
The daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir is set to make her professional MMA debut at 17 in October. Click to read more.
Bellator Fight Canceled After Paul Daley Gets Hospitalized Following Weight Cut
The main event of Bellator 247 had to be canceled after English welterweight Paul Daley was taken to the hospital following a bad weight cut
WATCH: Michael Chandler Leaves Opponent Motionless in 44 Seconds
As Michael Chandler gears up to face UFC competition, we turn back the clock at look at the fastest knockout of his professional career.
Former Bellator Champion Issues a Challenge to Khabib Nurmagomedov on His Birthday
Khabib Nurmagomedov received a challenge and a reminder on his birthday from the former Bellator champion, Michael Chandler.
BREAKING: AEW Superstar Jon Moxley Makes His Bloodsport Debut
Jon Moxley will appear on GCW Bloodsport. Josh Barnett confirmed the news on Twitter via a promotional video clip that hyped up his appearance.
“If You Want To Fight Then Fight”- Dana White Comments on the Tony Ferguson Situation
Dana White touched upon a latent question that is on the fans’ and media members’ minds regarding Tony Ferguson's exclusion from UFC 254.
“I’m The Best 155er in the World”- Michael Chandler Makes a Bold Statement Ahead of His UFC Debut
Michael Chandler spoke to Brett Okamoto and said he’s prepared to stand by his sentiment that he’s the best 155-pound fighter on the planet.
Kevin Lee Criticizes Dana White’s Decision to Put Michael Chandler on Standby for UFC 254
Kevin Lee slammed the UFC for naming Michael Chandler as the UFC 254 backup. He felt that the they did so to have a shot at trumping Bellator
Dana White Details Michael Chandler’s Role as a Back-Up for UFC 254
Dana White spoke to TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter and discussed the inclusion of former Bellator champion Michael Chandler onto the UFC’s roster.
BREAKING: Dana White Announces Huge Signing in the Lightweight Division of the UFC
After tons of speculations, former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler will be heading over to the UFC as announced by Dana White
Scott Coker Opens Up On What’s Next For Vadim Nemkov And The Light-Heavyweight Division
While answering meida question, Scott Coker reveals his plan for the lightheavyweight divison. Followed by an update on Vadim Nemkov.
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 |
