Are you a mixed martial arts (MMA) fan and want to see punches, kicks, bloodshed and bruises all in one place? Then the Bellator MMA Lightweight and Featherweight World Championship is something you don’t want to miss.
On Thursday, Jan. 17, four of MMA’s well-known fighters will be “duking “ it out at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, which will be broadcasted on Spike TV.
For the Lightweight World Championship title, 155-pound, Bellator lightweight world champion Michael Chandler will take on the 5-foot-9 former Olympian Rick Hawn. Meanwhile, Bellator featherweight world champion Pat Curran will battle Patricio “Pitbull” Freire to defend his title. Other fights include Mikhail Zayats vs. Babalu Sobral, Seth Petruzelli vs. Jacob Noe, Emanuel Newton vs. Atanas Djambazov and more.
Bellator MMA is based in Newport Beach, Calif. and is the “world’s largest tournament based in Mixed Martial Arts organization,” according to the organization’s website. In addition, Bellator has more than 150 athletes and its philosophy is that title shots should be earned – not given. Without a doubt, contenders will have to fight hard to earn their titles at this year’s Bellator World Championships.
Chandler defeated Eddie Alvarez in a multiple round title fight back in 2011 and is currently undefeated. The fighter, who describes himself as “direct and always in your face” in the ring, said he has his mind set on winning the Lightweight World Championship.
“I enjoy going out there and competing,” said Chandler, according to Bellator’s website. “But my eye is on the prize. I want to win the belt.”
Chandler has his work cut out for him in order to win the belt. Hawn (who is 14-1) may not be undefeated, but that shouldn’t discourage you from expecting a good fight between him and Chandler. Hawn has been referred to as one of the best MMA fighters there is.
“It means a lot to be fighting on a big stage with Bellator,” said Hawn on the Bellator website. “I am happy and privileged to be here.”
On the other spectrum fighting for the Featherweight World Championship title are Curran and “Pitbull.” Curran (17-4) beat opponent Joe Warren in March 2012 at the Bellator Fighting Championships; however, he names his 2010 victory against Roger Huerta as his proudest win. Now, he looks forward to achieving a Bellator World Championship title.
“It’s the only thing on my mind right now, and it’s the ultimate goal,” he said on the website.
But Curran has an obstacle to overcome in his fight against Brazillian “Pitbull” (17-1). “Pitbull” won his last match against Daniel Straus in May 2011.
“I like it when the opponent drops unconscious on my feet,” said “Pitbull” on the Bellator website. “Knock out.”
He and the rest of the contenders are sure to give MMA fans a real treat as they put up a big fight for the World Championship titles.
Make sure you catch the Bellator MMA Lightweight and Featherweight World Championships on Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, Calif. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the first fight begins at 5:00 p.m.
Ticket Discount Offer: Buy 3 tickets, get 1 free. Use code “MMA3PLUS1” when purchasing tickets. To purchase tickets, click here.
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