Bellator will be available in Latin America starting this Friday, February 28th via Fox Sports. The company was originally scheduled to begin airing in 2015, but a new agreement has it available this Friday. Via Bellator press release: Through this new agreement, FOX Sports has acquired the exclusive rights to broadcast all 2014 Bellator live […]
Bellator
Melendez re-signs with UFC, gets TUF coaching spot and title shot
MMA Fighting reports that Gilbert Melendez will remain with the UFC as it has matched the contract offered by Bellator. In addition, Dana White announced that Melendez will be the next coach on TUF opposite Anthony Pettis with the two meeting for Pettis’ title. Dana White made a subtle announcement via twitter attaching the UFC […]
More on Melendez to Bellator story
MMA Fighting’s Dave Meltzer has more information on the evolving Gilbert Melendez to Bellator story which brings up some interesting questions about the future of business for Bellator and the UFC. Meltzer also indicated on his weekly Wrestling Observer podcast (subscription required) that a definitive answer on whether the UFC will match Bellator’s offer to […]
Gilbert Melendez signs with Bellator, UFC maintains matching rights
We wrote yesterday about the rocky contract negotiations between Gilbert Melendez (22-3, 1-1 UFC) and the UFC. Today, Bellator shocked the MMA landscape by announcing a multi-fight deal with one of the best lightweights in the world in Melendez, though the UFC currently maintains matching rights. Gilbert Melendez sits atop the UFC’s lightweight division. With […]
Bellator re-signs on–air analyst Jimmy Smith to five year deal
Bellator today announced a five year extension with long-time on-air color analyst Jimmy Smith. After 109 Bellator events, fans around the world have become accustomed to hearing on air analyst MMA veteran Jimmy Smith break down the intricacies of every fight inside the Bellator cage. That analysis will continue as Smith and Bellator have agreed […]