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| (Image Source: Professional Fighters League) |
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| (Image Source: Black Belt Magazine/Professional Fighters League) |
The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, announced that the Bellator Champions Series Paris will see the return of Bellator Bantamweight World Champion Patchy “No Love” Mix (20-1) as he looks to defend his title against Brazilian challenger Leandro “Pitbull” Higo (23-6) in the headline event at the Adidas Arena on November 16, 2024. Ahead of its return to Paris, Bellator Champions Series will return to San Diego, California, U.S.A. on September 7, 2024 at Pechanga Arena San Diego with a massive Lightweight World Championship main event and 10 additional bouts.
Patchy Mix aims to solidify his status as the greatest MMA athlete in the world at 135 pounds and go 2-0 in Paris this year following his split decision win over Magomed Magomedov in May. Leandro Higo is coming off a win over James Gallagher at Bellator Champions Series Belfast in March 2024, and seeks to lay claim to the title this November. The co-main event will be a hugely anticipated affair for French fans as undefeated Baissangour “Baki” Chamsoudinov (8-0) returns to action on home soil after defeating local rival Cédric Doumbé in controversial fashion earlier this year. His fight at Welterweight will be the first since re-signing with PFL and will take place against seasoned Swedish fighter Oliver Enkamp (11-4). PFL CEO Peter Murray commented, "We are back in the French capital to put on another incredible show for the people of Paris and we can’t wait for our debut in the Adidas Arena. To bring the fireworks, we’re returning with one of the best bantamweights of all time in our World Champion Patchy Mix who looks to stay undefeated in Paris with his title fight against challenger Leandro Higo in what will be a showcase of elite mixed martial arts. And we know Paris will welcome back one of the biggest prospects in all of MMA, France’s own Baissangour Chamsoudinov. At just 22 years old, with a perfect record of 8-0, and having already headlined in Paris, this man is a phenom who will be one to watch for years to come. But he’s up against an experienced athlete in Oliver Enkamp who will look to spoil the party for the French, so we’re excited to see who comes out on top.”
Meanwhile, Bellator Champions Series San Diego will be headlined by undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov (17-0, 1 NC) attempting to retain his 155-pound title when he locks horns with Alexander Shabliy (23-3) a man who has not tasted defeat in eight years. In addition, one of the world’s best Bantamweights and former champion Raufeon Stots (20-2) returns to action against Brazil’s Marcos Breno (15-3). Also, Southern California’s own Lorenz Larkin (26-8) will be competing against Georgia’s Levan Chokheli (13-2), a winner of his last three contests. Both men will be vying to earn the distinction of being No. 1 contender for the Bellator Welterweight title. Bellator most recently held its historic 300th event at Pechanga Arena San Diego and has frequented the premier venue throughout its over 15-year history. Now, the fastest growing and most innovative sports league returns to Southern California with Bellator Champions Series San Diego with this complete card.
Completed Bellator Champions Series San Diego Main Card
• Lightweight World Title Bout: C-Usman Nurmagomedov (17-0) vs. Alexander Shabliy(23-3)
• Bantamweight Co-Main Event: Raufeon Stots (20-2) vs. Marcos Breno (15-3)
• Welterweight No. 1 Contender’s Bout: Lorenz Larkin (26-8) vs. Levan Chokheli (13-2)
• Middleweight Main Card Bout: Douglas Lima (33-11) vs. Aaron Jeffery (14-5)
• Lightweight Main Card Bout: Yancy Medeiros (12-8) vs. Jora Ayvazyan (14-1)
Early Card
• Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (6-0) vs. Imamshafi Aliev (9-0)
• Women’s Flyweight Bout: Keri Taylor Melendez (6-0) vs. Sumiko Inaba (7-1)
• Middleweight Bout: Grant Neal (9-2) vs. Khalid Murtazaliev (17-3)
• Welterweight Bout: Masayuki Kikuiri (9-2-1) vs. Herman Terrado (15-6-1)
• Bantamweight Bout: Bryce Meredith (6-0) vs. John MaCalolooy (4-1)
• Heavyweight Bout: Josh Hokit (1-0) vs. Sean Rose (2-2)
• Strawweight Bout: Aysia Cortez (3-0) vs. Ashley Thiner (4-1)
Bellator Champions Series Paris and Bellator Champions Series San Diego will be streaming live in the United States on Max, in the UK and across various European countries on DAZN and in the Philippines via Setanta Sports on Blast TV. Bellator will also make its way to London, England for the next leg of the Bellator Champions Series on September 14, 2024 at OVO Arena Wembley and is set to hold its final leg of the year on December 31, 2024 in an undisclosed venue to be announced in the coming months.
