Bellator & Gilbert Melendez Agree on Structure to Bring Top Lightweight To Bellator

UFC Now Holds Right to Match Offer

Newport Beach, Calif. (February 14, 2014) – At 22-3, Gilbert Melendez sits atop the UFC’s lightweight division. With victories over Josh Thomson, Diego Sanchez, Shinya Aoki and Jorge Masvidal, “El Nino” is ready for a new crop of challengers as the Santa Ana native has agreed to a multi-fight, multi-year deal structure with Bellator that can pit Melendez against some of MMA’s best, including Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler, Will Brooks, Dave Jansen and a host of top lightweights from around the world.

“The moment Gil was legally able to explore the free agent market, Gil’s management team reached out to me and we began figuring out how to bring Gil to Bellator,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “It’s no secret that I’ve been a big “El Nino” fan for many years. Gil was one of the first fighters I tried to sign when I launched Bellator back in 2008, and he’s grown and developed into one of the best and most exciting lightweights on earth.  Gil has a vision for what he wants to accomplish both inside and outside the cage and we can help make his vision a reality.  We are in the business of developing and showcasing the greatest fighters on earth. That’s what we intend to do here with Gil and it’s what we’ll continue to do in the future.”

The UFC currently holds matching rights on Melendez.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorMMA          

Alvarez vs. Pitbull Headlines Bellator 76 at Caesars Windsor October 12th

Newport Beach, Cali. (August 1, 2012) — Former Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez is set to return to the Bellator cage when he battles “The Brazilian Highlight Reel” Patricky Pitbull at the Colosseum at Caesars Windsor on Friday, October 12. The night will also feature the quarterfinals of the Season 7 Featherweight Tournament, as well as a host of International and Canadian talent looking to collect big wins inside the Bellator cage.

Tickets start at $35 Canadian and go on sale at noon EST on Friday, August 10. Ticket purchases can be made through caesarswindsor.com, Ticketmaster.ca or Bellator.com or at the Caesars Windsor Box Office located in the main casino building on the second floor, open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 8 pm. On concert days, the Box Office is open noon until midnight. Guests must be 19 years of age or older to attend concerts and to enter the casino and all other outlets. Prices listed do not include applicable taxes and fees. via CaesarsWindsor.com or by visiting Ticketmaster.ca or Bellator.com.

After holding the Bellator Lightweight Title for over two years, Alvarez was submitted by reigning Bellator Champion Michael Chandler is the consensus 2011 Fight Of The Year (Watch Here: http://bit.ly/uoaoCE). Alvarez quickly rebounded, as the Top 10 lightweight collected one of the most fulfilling wins of his career after earning a long awaited win over submission ace Shinya Aoki at Bellator 66. With momentum on his side, Alvarez is primed for an explosive showdown at Bellator 76.

“After hearing Bellator wanted to put this fight together, I really don’t think they could have made a better matchup for the fans to enjoy,” Alvarez said. “Pitbull has proven to be a legitimate threat in the past and I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m already in Florida training for this fight, so I’m taking it incredibly seriously.”

For Pitbull, the explosive Brazilian lightweight and former Bellator Lightweight Tournament Finalist is no stranger to the big finish, with knockout wins over MMA veterans Rob McCullough, Toby Imada and Kurt Pellegrino. After suffering a small fracture to his left arm at the hands of Lloyd Woodard, Pitbull is ready to re-enter the Bellator cage and collect the biggest victory of his already impressive career.

“October 12 is going to be a big test for me, but I’m very happy for this fight, and the opportunity Bellator is giving me to fight someone like Eddie Alvarez,” Pitbull said. “I can’t put into words the emotion I’m feeling from thinking about this fight. I’m a warrior, and I always fight for pride. I want this fight, and I’m going to give the fans a show.”

“Eddie and Pitbull are two of the most explosive, dynamic Lightweights in MMA.  This is a fight I’ve wanted to see for the last two years,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “And now, it’s happening at a really spectacular venue in Windsor at Caesars.  This will be an unbelievable night of fights highlighted by two of the best lightweight fighters in the world. I’m counting the days to October 12^th.”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

LIGHTWEIGHT STAR LYLE “FANCY PANTS” BEERBOHM SIGNS ON WITH APEX SPORTS AGENCY

ASA to manage Strikeforce veteran

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (USA): It was revealed today that Apex Sports Agency (ASA) has agreed to terms with Strikeforce veteran Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm. ASA will now be handling Beerbohm’s management and sponsorships as a result of this agreement.

Regarding coming on-board with ASA, Beerbohm said, “I have heard great things about Apex and what they do for their fighters. It is my goal to grab championship gold in the UFC, and with ASA and my team backing me, it’s only a matter of time before I reach the top of the mountain!”

“I am very excited welcome Lyle to our team,” stated ASA CEO Jason Chambers. “He is an extremely tenacious fighter with a tremendous work ethic…a bad combination if you are his opponent.”

Known for his unique fight shorts, his aggressive style, and his colorful backstory, Beerbohm has carved out an impressive 16-2 pro MMA record, including a combined 5-2 tally in EliteXC and Strikeforce. He’s faced some top competition in his young career, already locking horns with well-known fighters such as Shinya Aoki, Pat Healy, Duane “Bang” Ludwig, Vitor “Shaolin” Ribiero, Rafaello Oliveira, and Gerald Strebendt. Yet, just becoming a professional MMA fighter was a victory for “Fancy Pants.”

After spending a year in a Washington prison due to a drug addiction, Beerbohm began his MMA just seven days after his release. Drugs and bad choices almost derailed his life for good, but he turned things around with the help of family and God. Since then, he has been profiled in the well-received “Fight Life” documenatry. On the fight side of things, “Fancy Pants” opened his pro career with a 15-0 run, and after losing two of his last three, he decided some changes were in order. Now with ASA, Beerbohm hopes to get back on the winning track and showcase his unique skill set on a national stage.

ASA has quickly garnered a strong reputation in the MMA world, working with stars on the rise such as UFC fighters Chris Clements, Clifford Starks, Carlo Prater, and Matt Lucas, as well as established fighters like Karo Parisyan, Drew Fickett, Jorge Gurgel, and Zoila Gurgel.

Lyle Beerbohm can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lyle-Fancy-Pants-Beerbohm-Fan-Page/117975451608395?ref=ts, and on Twitter @FancyPantsLyle

For more information on Apex Sports Agency, please visit http://www.ApexSportsAgency.com/. ASA can also be found on Twitter @ApexSportAgency.

Alvarez avenges loss with win over Aoki at Bellator 66 in Cleveland

Falcao vs. Spang in Season 6 Middleweight Finals; Hawn vs. Weedman in Lightweight Finale

CHICAGO, Ill. (April 20, 2012) — The rematch more than three years in the making finally culminated as former Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez and current DREAM Lightweight Champion Shinya Aoki met in one of the most anticipated fights of the year. The finals of the Bellator Season 6 Middleweight and Lightweight Tournaments are now set as Andreas Spang, Maiquel Falcao, Rick Hawn and Brent Weedman all moved on to their respective finals with impressive wins at Bellator 66 from the I-X Center in Cleveland, Ohio LIVE on MTV2 and in HD on EPIX.

In the main event of the evening, Former Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez looked to avenge one of his previous three defeats when he met Japanese grappling sensation, Shinya Aoki in one of the most high profile lightweight fights of the year. Almost immediately, Alvarez came out looking for the finish. After Aoki threw left hand, Alvarez countered with a beautiful right that dropped the Japanese submission specialist. Seeing that Aoki was hurt, Alvarez dived in and unloaded vicious strikes until referee Jerry Krzys stepped in to stop the fight at 2:14 of the first round.

With the win, Eddie Alvarez improved his record to 23-3 and avenged his submission loss to Shinya Aoki over three years ago. Aoki, who loses for the sixth time in his career, dropped his first contest since 2010.

“Eddie Alvarez once again showed why he is one of the best lightweights in the world,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Andreas Spang vs. Maiquel Falcao has the makings of a spectacular fight in our middleweight finals, while Rick Hawn and Brent Weedman put on dominating performances. The sold out crowd here in Cleveland was absolutely electrifying, and I can’t wait to bring another Bellator event to this great city.”

For once-beaten Andreas Spang, the vision of one day fighting for the Bellator Middleweight Championship became less of a dream and more of a reality when Bruno Santos was forced out of the tournament due to an injury. However, hometown favorite Brian Rogers had other plans in mind. Through nearly a round and a half, both men unloaded a barrage of wild punches, flying knees and kicks that had the crowd at the I-X Center on their feet. Midway through the second round, however, Spang connected with a devastating left hook that put Rogers out for good.

With the technical knockout victory, Bellator newcomer Andreas Spang will now move to the final round of the Bellator Season 6 Middleweight Tournament and improves his record to 8-1. Brian Rogers drops to 9-4.

Going into the first Middleweight Semifinal fight of the Bellator Season 6 Tournament, proven knockout artist Maiquel Falcao made known his intentions of keeping his fight against Vyacheslav Vasilevsky on the feet. “Slava,” known for his outstanding footwork and crisp boxing, hoped to build off his dominant unanimous decision win over Victor O’Donnell when he entered the Bellator cage Friday night. Despite securing several takedowns throughout the fight, “Slava” was unable to match Falcao on the feet. In the third and final round, Falcao landed plenty of strikes that had Vasilevsky attempting to clinch and avoid trading punches. After three rounds, the fight went to the judges. All three judges scored the fight in favor of Maiquel Falcao.

With the unanimous decision victory, Maiquel Falcao earns his 30th win and now meets Andreas Spang in the finals of the Bellator Season 6 Middleweight Tournament. His opponent, Vyacheslav Vasilevsky drops to 16-2 in his professional career.

Coming off a major victory over Patricky “Pitbull,” Lloyd “Cupcake” Woodard was looking to move one step closer to a rematch with Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler while Rick Hawn was seeking his second win at his new home of 155 pounds. While the first round was a showcase for the judo that earned Rick Hawn a spot on the 2004 Olympic Judo Team, the second round provided the Cleveland faithful with the fireworks they’ve come to expect. Almost immediately, Rick Hawn landed a devastating right hand that leveled Woodard, which caused the referee to stop the fight 10 seconds into the second round.

“I just had to play a smart fight,” said Hawn. “I couldn’t get sucked into his gameplan.”

With the technical knockout victory, Rick Hawn moves on to the final round of the Bellator Lightweight Tournament and one step closer to a shot against Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler. Woodard, stopped for the first time in his career, falls to 12-2.

In the first televised fight of the evening, a spot in the Bellator Lightweight Finals was decided as prolific kickboxer Thiago Michel looked to keep his momentum going when he faced dangerous Bellator veteran, Brent Weedman. Throughout the fight, Michel had success showing off his proficient striking that earned him a World Kickboxing Championship. However, despite the obvious damage done to the eye of Brent Weedman through the first two rounds, the former welterweight tournament participant was able to withstand the assault and take Michel down at will. Working his ground and pound, Weedman was able to dictate the fight until the final bell. After three rounds of hard-fought action, Weedman walked away with a split-decision win.

“I thought it was a close fight,” said Weedman. “All respect to Thiago Michel. One of the toughest opponents I’ve ever had.”

With the split decision victory, Brent Weedman improves his record to 20-7 and advances to the finals of the Bellator Season 6 Lightweight Tournament against Rick Hawn. Thiago Michel loses for just the third time in his career as he falls to 10-3 in his professional career.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

Cleveland’s I-X Center plays host to loaded undercard For epic Bellator 66 event on April 20

CHICAGO, Ill. (April 11, 2012) — When Bellator Fighting Championships makes its first trip to Cleveland this month, it will bring with it a fight card for the ages. Former Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez will get his chance at revenge when he takes on top-ranked and world renowned grappler Shinya Aoki in a highly-anticipated rematch more than three years in the making. Additionally, the semifinals of the Season 6 Middleweight and Lightweight Tournaments will take place as Bruno Satnos takes on Ohio native Brian Rogers while Vyacheslav Vasilevsky faces Maiquel Falcao to determine the Bellator Middleweight Finals.

Plus, Lloyd “Cupcake” Woodard takes on former Judo Olympian Rick Hawn and Brent Weedman collides with explosive Brazilian Thiago Michel for spots in the Season 6 Lightweight Finals. Rounding out this ultra-stacked lineup is a loaded preliminary card featuring some of the best talent from the Ohio area. Tickets for the event are on sale and are available through Bellator.com or at the I-X Center Box Office. Tickets are priced from $30-$125.

The event will broadcast LIVE starting at 8 p.m. EST on MTV2 and in commercial-free HD on EPIX. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. EST, with the first fight scheduled for 6 p.m. EST. The preliminary card, featuring the area’s top local talent will be streamed LIVE and FREE on Spike.com starting at 7 p.m. EST.

The card will be highlighted by the return of local fan favorite Jessica Eye as she takes on Anita Rodriguez in a fight that is sure to get the Cleveland crowd pumped. Riding a three-fight win streak, the 25-year-old Eye is determined to prove that she should be considered as one of the top female athletes when she battles Rodriguez in a featured women’s fight.

The night will feature the much anticipated Bellator debut of top light heavyweight Attila Vegh as he battles the once defeated Dan Spohn. An Ohio native, Spohn will look to score the biggest win of his young career when he meets one of the most well-rounded mixed martial artists to step in the Bellator cage at light heavyweight. Vegh, a veteran of over 28 contests, will look to use his experience when the two collide in this light heavyweight showdown.

Another light heavyweight matchup will take place as Finland’s Marcus Vanttinen squares off against fellow Bellator veteran and Independence, Ohio native John Hawk. Vanttinen, who owns a decision victory over Bellator Season 6 Middleweight Tournament competitor Victor O’Donnell, will look to prove why he is talked about as one of the top light heavyweight prospects in the sport when he makes his way to Cleveland.
Bellator 66 will also feature a bout between Cleveland’s Frank Caraballo and Donny “Eagle Eye” Walker. Caraballo fights for the first time since a TKO victory over Dustin Kempf at Bellator 51 last year. He will carry a three-fight winning streak into his meeting with Walker, who enjoyed an undefeated streak for more than two years from 2009 to 2011.

A pair of Ohio fighters will face off in a lightweight clash as Tyler Combs challenges established veteran Jason Dent in front of family and friends at the I-X Center. Dent, who has over 30 fights on his resume, will look to get back on the winning track.

In a local feature bout, Mansfeld, Ohio natives Julian Lane and Joe Heiland will collide in a lightweight fight with bragging rights on the line. Lane, who is undefeated in his young MMA career, has finished all three of his opponents while Heiland, a veteran of seven professional fights, hasn’t tasted defeat since a 2009 loss to Bellator Season 6 Featherweight Tournament participant, Daniel Straus.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

Alvarez vs. Aoki II Headlines Bellator 66 From The I-X Center in Cleveland on April 20th

Former Bellator Lightweight champion fights DREAM champ in highly-anticipated rematch

CHICAGO, Ill. (March 2, 2012) — One of the most talked about rematches in MMA is finally taking place as former Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez looks to avenge his 2008 loss against DREAM Lightweight Champion Shinya Aoki on Friday, April 20 LIVE from the I-X Center in Cleveland, Ohio on MTV2 and in commercial-free HD on EPIX. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com and IXCenter.com or by calling 877-772-5425. Tickets range from $30-$125.

For Alvarez, the Philadelphia native sports an incredible 22-3 professional record with victories over Pat Curran, Joachim Hansen, Roger Huerta and Josh Neer. After winning the Bellator Lightweight Title in Season 1, Alvarez successfully defended his belt until Bellator 58 where he was defeated by Michael Chandler in what many MMA observers are calling the “Fight of The Year” (Watch Here: http://bit.ly/uoaoCE).

While the outcome isn’t what Alvarez expected, the Philadelphia Fight Factory product is ready for his next challenge.

“This really is the perfect scenario for me,” Alvarez said. “I need to redeem myself, and I can’t think of a better way to do it than avenging my loss to Aoki in 2008. I’m glad I’m able to get back on the horse and fight someone of his caliber right away.”

Aoki heads to the States fresh off his impressive New Years Eve victory with DREAM, where the 28-year-old submission specialist kept his spotless 5-0 New Years Eve record intact with a unanimous decision win. That perfect record includes his 2008 victory over Alvarez, where Aoki defeated the American with a heel hook submission early in the first round. With both lightweights ranked in the consensus Top 10, this is a fight fans will have circled on their calendar.

“Ed asked me to secure this rematch for him years ago,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “I promised I would, and now it’s official. Anytime you can put two of the world’s Top 10 Lightweights in the cage together at the pinnacle of their careers, you’ve got a very special fight on your hands – and that’s exactly what we will see in Cleveland April 20^th.”              

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator