Latest Bellator MMA news

PFL Super Fight Payouts: How Much Are Francis Ngannou, Renan Ferreira, Cris Cyborg, and Others Earning?

5 days ago
Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira

Exclusive: Raufeon Stots Outlines Surprising Gameplan to Emerge Victorious at PFL “Battle of Giants”

6 days ago
Raufeon Stots

Khabib Explains Real Reason Behind Usman Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev’s Dominance in Bellator and UFC

Sep 08, 2024
Khabib Nurmagomedov; Usman Nurmagomedov

Why Is Usman Nurmagomedov Not in the UFC? Bellator Situation Explained by Team Khabib Coach

Sep 07, 2024
Usman Nurmagomedov

Usman Nurmagomedov Reveals Reality Behind Failed Drug Test and Bellator Champ’s PED Suspension

Sep 07, 2024
Usman Nurmagomedov

Muhammad Ali’s Grandson Commences MMA Career; Nico Ali Walsh Reacts to Brother Biaggio Ali Walsh’s Debut Win at PFL vs Bellator Megaevent

Feb 25, 2024
April 7, 2023: Amateur Lightweight Biaggio Ali Walsh in the SmartCage looking at the crowd during the PFL 2 Regular Seas

Renan Ferreira Told to “Start the Funeral Arrangements” as Francis Ngannou Receives Confirmation on PFL MMA Debut

Feb 25, 2024
Francis Ngannou

PFL Saudi: Francis Ngannou’s MMA Return Leaves Fans Concerned for Ryan Bader vs Renan Ferreira Outcome: “Winner Dies”

Feb 23, 2024
Ferreira vs. Bader (Francis Ngannou)

Fans Call on Johnny Eblen to “Publicly Dump” Girlfriend and OnlyFans Model ‘RebeccaJ’ After “Embarrassing” Promise Made on Viral Clip

Feb 21, 2024
Johnny Eblen and Jessenia Rebecca

‘Everybody Has Flaws’- Impa Kasanganay Warns Johnny Eblen Ahead of PFL vs. Bellator‘s Massive Fight in Saudi Arabia on Feb 24

Feb 10, 2024
Light Heavyweight Spot

More Bellator MMA news

PFL V Bellator: 4 Years After Controversial Loss to Jon Jones, Thiago Santos’ Opponent Yoel Romero Opens Up on Rival’s Close Loss to UFC Champ

Former title challenger, Yoel Romero praised his opponent Thiago Santos for his performance against UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

“Shavkat [Rakhmonov] Really Just Slammed…”- Undefeated UFC Star ‘Slamming’ Bellator Champion Has Fans Trolling the “B Leagues”

Shavkat Rakhmonov slamming the new Bellator welterweight champ has caused the fans to come out and take shots at the UFC's rival promotion.

Shavkat Rakhmonov; Jason Jackson

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.

PFL

“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.

Jake Paul – Dana White

“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.

MMA: MAY 04 UFC 288 Media Day

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.

Jason Jackson, Yaroslav Amosov

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.

Islam Makhachev; Khabib Nurmagomedov

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.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA, DECEMBER 13, 2021: Mixed martial artist Islam Makhachev attends a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz

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!

usman nurmagomedov

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?

UFC 260: Miocic v Ngannou 2

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?

MMA: Bellator 222-Danis vs Humphrey, Jun 14, 2019; New York, NY, USA; Dillon Danis (red gloves) before his fight against

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.

Dana White, Scott Coker

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.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, Cristiano Ronaldo

“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.

Usman Nurmagomedov; Khabib Nurmagomedov

“UFC Is Waiting for You”- Dana White and Co. Encouraged to Take Khabib’s Cousin Usman Nurmagomedov in UFC After Dominant Win Against Brent Primus at Bellator 300

Usman Nurmagomedov and his win at Bellator 300 has left MMA fans wanting to see the Dagestani fighter take his skills to the UFC.

Usman Nurmagomedov; Khabib Nurmagomedov; Dana White

Leon Edwards Issues a 9-Words Statement Following the Loss of His Brother at Bellator 299 to Johnny Eblen

UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards has a short message for his brother Fabian after his title bout loss at Bellator 299.

Leon and Fabian Edwards

As Dustin Poirier Steps on Conor McGregor’s Turf, Ex-BMF Contender Shares Massive Update on Johnny Eblen Ahead of Bellator 299 in Dublin, Ireland

Dustin Poirier provided an update regarding his teammate ahead of Bellator 299 as he visited his former rival Conor McGregor's hometown.

UFC 236 Holloway v Poirier 2: Weigh-Ins

“Bad*ss”- From Uber Eats to UFC Champ, Alexandre Pantoja’s Driving Factor Revealed by Teammate and Bellator Champ Johnny Eblen

Bellator middleweight champion, Johnny Eblen, reveals teammate Alexandre Pantoja and his story to the UFC title are an inspiration to all.

MMA: UFC 290 – Moreno vs Pantoja Jul 8, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alexandre Pantoja (blue gloves) reacts to defeatin

“He Can’t Go to Jail” – Threatened With a Lawsuit by Nina Agdal, Logan Paul Fight Close to Getting Jeopardized as Conor McGregor’s Teammate Dillon Danis Reveals Possible “Jail” Time

Ahead of his fight against Logan Paul, MMA fighter Dillon Danis receives lawsuit threats from Paul's fiancée Nina Agdal; fans react.

Dillon Danis, Logan Paul

“It’s Really a Different Business System…”: Former Bellator Champ Alexander Volkov Opens Up on the “Sad” Ending of Bellator Amid Rumors of a Possible PFL Buyout

Amidst rumors of a buyout by PFL, current UFC Heavyweight Alexander Volkov speaks out on the fate of his former promotion Bellator.

MMA: UFC Fight Night-Volkov vs Aspinall, Mar 19, 2022; London, UK; Alexander Volkov (red gloves) and Tom Aspinall (blue

“Break the NDA With Jake…”: Conor McGregor’s Teammate Dillon Danis Threatens to Disclose Jake Paul’s Secret Relationship With a 24-Year-Old YouTuber After Brutally Trolling Logan Paul’s Fiancée for Weeks

Dillon Danis after calling out Nina Agdal, drags Jake Paul's name into the conversation, to rile up Logan Paul before their boxing match.

Dillon Danis, Logan Paul, Jake Paul

“Paying People to Try to Silence Me”: Days After Leaking Yet Another Video of His Fiancée, Conor McGregor’s Teammate Dillon Danis Comes Out With a Serious Allegation Towards Logan Paul

After heated press conferences and online attacks, MMA fighter Dillon Danis comes out with a new accusation against Logan Paul.

Dillon Danis, Logan Paul

“That’s a Game People Shouldn’t Be Playing”: UFC Star Sends Out a Stern Warning to Conor McGregor’s Teammate, Dillon Danis, for Targeting Logan Paul’s Fiancee Just to Promote a Fight

After Dillon Danis took to X to target Logan Paul and his fiancée, a veteran UFC fighter stepped in to draw the line.

Dillon Danis, Logan Paul

Michael ‘Venom’ Page’s UFC Dreams Might Just End Real Fast Claims Fans as Undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov Fires Backs at His Demands

MMA fans are not really sure of his skills as Michael Page gets a challenge from the undefeated fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Michael Page

“Tate Doesn’t Stand a Chance”- Israel Adesanya’s Bellator MMA Counterpart Trashing Andrew Tate Over Elon Musk’s Brainchild Has Jorge Masvidal, Bo Nickal, and Fans in Splits

Businessman and former professional kickboxer Andrew Tate's deeds have backfired on him since the fans took shots at his resurfaced comments.

BUCHAREST: Andrew Tate Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan, are brought by police officers to the Court of Appel, in Bu

Logan Paul’s Multi-Million Dollar Controversial Venture Exposed on Live TV After Trying to Insult Coach Conor McGregor for $1,000,000 Bet

After Logan Paul taunts 'Coach McGregor' ahead of his fight with Dillon Danis, 'El Jefe' defends the Irishman and claps back at Paul.

Conor McGregor, Logan Paul

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

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. 

DivisionNameDate WonTitle Defenses
HeavyweightRyan BaderJanuary 26, 20191
Light HeavyweightRyan BaderJune 24, 20171
MiddleweightVacantSince February 10, 2020-
WelterweightDouglas LimaOctober 26,20190
LightweightPatricio FreireMay 11, 20190
FeatherweightPatricio FreireApril 21,20173
BantamweightVacantSince November 27, 20190
Women’s FeatherweightCris CyborgJanuary 25, 20200
Women’s FlyweightIlima-Lei MacfarlaneNovember 3,20174