Bellator’s next event in Paris will feature title fights headlined by lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov against Alexander Shabliy and bantamweight champion Patchy Mix against Magomed Magomedov, with the card set to air on DAZN in Europe.
Alright, let’s dive into this. Bellator’s got a big event coming up in Paris. It’s all set to go down at the Accor Arena on May 17. And guess what? We’ve got not one, but two title fights headlining this thing.
The main event? That’s gonna be Bellator lightweight champ Usman Nurmagomedov squaring off against Alexander Shabliy. Nurmagomedov’s back in action for the first time since his suspension. Remember that? Tested positive for a banned substance after his fight with Brent Primus last October. But, turns out it was a prescribed medication that had the banned stuff. So, Bellator didn’t strip him of the title.
And then there’s the co-main event. We’ve got bantamweight champion Patchy Mix making his first official title defense. He’s going up against Magomed Magomedov in a rematch. Mix actually holds a submission win over Magomedov from their previous encounter during the Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix. But now, they’re meeting again, title on the line.
But wait, there’s more. We’re gonna find out who the new No. 1 contender in the middleweight division is. Gregory Babene is taking on Costello Van Steenis. And Slim Trabelsi? He’s heading back to France, his old stomping grounds, for a heavyweight fight against Louie Sutherland.
The preliminary card’s got a lightweight matchup too. Mansour Barnaoui versus Yusuke Yachi. As for where you can watch all this? Well, it’s airing on DAZN in Europe. The US broadcast partner? Still up in the air.
Shabliy’s getting his first shot at Bellator gold. He’s been on a roll with an undefeated 5-0 run with the promotion, including a win over ex-champion Patricky Pitbull.
And Bellator’s not stopping there. They’ve got the rest of 2024 all planned out. They’ve got dates and locations for most of the events. Here’s the rundown:
June 22 – Bellator Champions Series in Dublin at 3Arena.
September 7 – Bellator Champions Series in San Diego at Pechanga Arena.
September 14 – Bellator Champions Series in London at OVO Wembley.
October 12 – Bellator Champions Series in Chicago at Wintrust Arena.
November 16 – Bellator Champions Series in Paris at ADIDAS Arena.
And to wrap up the year? December 31 – Bellator Champions Series. Location? That’s still a mystery.