More Bellator MMA News
“Uncle Dana Isn’t Going to Like This” – Furious UFC Fans Warn Bellator President After Audacious Statement
Bellator MMA President Scott Coker has made a controversial statement regarding his and UFC fighters. Dana White would not be amused by this.
“Adesanya Would Go Soo Crazy if Not for…”: UFC Fans Demand a Huge Change in Walkouts From Dana White After Bellator vs. Rizin Event
Witnessing a grandiose MMA entrance makes the fans demand the same creativity for the UFC fighters instead of it's current "lukewarm" approach
Fans React as “The Great Khabib Nurmagomedov” Congratulates His Protege After He Gives Bellator the Lead Against Rizin at Cross-Promotional Event
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov congratulated his student who gave Bellator the lead against Rizin at the cross-promotional event in Japan.
“It’s a Take-It or Leave-It”: Ronda Rousey’s Former Rival Sara McMann Opens Up on Split With Dana White’s UFC
Former UFC title contender and Olympic silver medalist Molly McCann jumped ship to rival promotion Bellator MMA due to issues with 'money.
Cris Cyborg Sends a Strong Message as Ronda Rousey’s Former Opponent & Fellow Olympian Sara McMann Signs a Multiple Fight Contract With Bellator
Ronda Rousey's former opponent has now signed with Bellator. Olympian Sara McMann has joined in the 145 lbs division alongside Cris Cyborg.
“Too Young to Go”: Pro Wrestling and MMA World Unite to Mourn Devastating Loss of UFC Legend, Who Saved Dana White’s Promotion
Pro Wrestling universe and MMA world unites to pay their respects to a UFC legend who passed away, who helped Dana White save UFC.
Following Saddening Loss, Devastated Dana White Pens a Heartening Note to the First TUF Finalist Stephan Bonnar: “He Will Never Be Forgotten”
Dana White expresses his sorrow for the tragic death of UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar in an emotional statement; "Never be forgotten."
“Warrior” Female Boxer Leaves UFC Legend Jorge Masvidal Drooling With Her Performance Inside MMA Cage
UFC star Jorge Masvidal was horrified by the tragic outcome of a boxer engaging in an MMA match, which caused him to exclaim, "JESUS CHRIST".
“Not the First Time”- Patricio Pitbull Rips Bellator and Illinois Commission After Delayed Medical Treatment to Brother Patricky Following Usman Nurmagomedov Loss
Bellator FW champion Patricio Pitbull lashes out at the promotion for delaying medical attention to his brother after Bellator 288.
‘Usman a Bad Boy!’ – Khabib Makes a Call Inside the Cage as He, Daniel Cormier, and the MMA World React to Bellator 288 Main Event
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov face-timed cousin Usman Nurmagomedov after his lightweight title fight victory at Bellator 288.
Ex-UFC Star Discloses Anthony “Rumble” Johnson’s Last Text to Him Before Untimely Death That Inspired Him for Bellator 288 Matchup
Corey Anderson is prepared to win the greatest fight of his life after receiving an unexpected text message from Anthony "Rumble" Johnson.
“Doesn’t Work for Me, Brother”: Fans Disapprove Bellator Fighter’s Unbelievable Hulk Hogan Cosplay for Missing Out a Major Detail
The fans shared their disappointment as a Bellator fighter recently cosplayed Hulk Hogan but forgot a major part of The Hulkster's traits.
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 |
