10-ranked Swedish sensation Karl Albrektsson (12-3) and BELLATOR newcomer Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (18-6-1), as well as undefeated female brawlers Sumiko “Lady Samurai” Inaba (2-0) of Maui, Hawaii, and Canadian “Ruthless” Randi Field (2-0) in a featherweight showdown. Spotlighting the 10-fight preliminary card will be a light-heavyweight bout between No. Rounding out the four-bout SHOWTIME telecast will be the previously mentioned lightweight contest pitting Henderson against Primus, as well as a ferocious featherweight clash pitting veteran knockout artist Henry “O.K.” Corrales (18-6) against Ukrainian submission ace Vladyslav Parubchenko (16-2). The victors of Nemkov-Anglickas and Bader-Anderson will meet in a highly anticipated tournament final later this year. The following week featured current champion Nemkov defending his crown against former champion Phil Davis. The BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix commenced at BELLATOR 256 on April 9, 2021, when Bader defeated Lyoto Machidavia unanimous decision , and Anderson dismantledYagshimuradov in the tournament’s quarterfinal round at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. Ill., native recorded a second-round TKO in November 2020 over Melvin Manhoef at BELLATOR 251. In his first promotional appearance, the Rockford. A two-time NCAA All-American wrestler during his collegiate career at Arizona State University, the Reno, Nev., native counts triumphs over Davis (twice), “Rampage” Jackson, Rashad Evans, and Keith Jardine, during his illustrious 14-plus-year MMA career.Īnderson, of Robbinsville, N.J., has vanquished six of his past seven opponents, including a third-round stoppage of Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov at BELLATOR 257 six months ago in April 2021. He accomplished the rare feat by knocking out the legendary Fedor Emelianenko on punches at 35 seconds of the opening round to capture the BELLATOR Heavyweight World Grand Prix in January 2019.
Hoping to ascend to the final of the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix with a victory and an opportunity to fight for the $1 million prize, the pride of Plunge, Lithuania, and official Light Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament alternate has defeated nine consecutive opponents after splitting his first two professional bouts.īader, of Chandler, Ariz., became the first BELLATOR fighter to hold belts in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions at BELLATOR 214. Charles, Mo., replaced Anthony “Rumble” Johnson on short notice to challenge Nemkov. In his most recent outing, Nemkov successfully defended his light heavyweight belt by earning a tough unanimous decision over Phil Davis.Īnglickas, of St. Currently riding an eight-fight winning streak, the ferocious 29-year-old sports seven first-round knockouts in 16 career contests. Nemkov, of Belgorod, Russia, captured the BELLATOR light heavyweight crown by defeating Bader via second-round TKO at BELLATOR 244 in August 2020. Born in Colorado Springs, Colo., Benson famously proposed to Maria in the cage following his 2013 victory over Gilbert Melendez in San Jose, Calif. 3-ranked lightweight Benson will return later in the night against former 155-pound titleholder Brent Primus (10-2). Maria will open the evening when she squares off against Collette Santiago in a strawweight battle of hard-hitting Arizonans. Fighting for the first time on the same card, married Phoenix residents Benson Henderson (28-10)and his wife, Maria Henderson (1-0) will be featured on the main card and preliminary portion, respectively.