Bellator MMA

Bellator was founded in 2008 by Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney.{{Cite web|date=March 20, 2020|title=Here's a brief history of Bellator MMA|url=https://fansided.com/2020/03/20/brief-history-of-bellator-mma/|access-date=July 6, 2020|website=FanSided|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Helwani|first=Ariel|date=June 18, 2014|title=Rebney, Danaher officially done with Bellator|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/6/18/5820740/bellator-officially-parts-ways-with-bjorn-rebney-tim-danaher-scott|access-date=July 6, 2020|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}} Under Rebney's ownership, Bellator events were structured around single-elimination tournaments.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} In December 2011, Viacom purchased majority ownership of Bellator.{{Cite web|date=October 26, 2011|title=Viacom Buys Majority Stake In Bellator, Will Begin Airing Fights In '13|url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com:443/en/Daily/Issues/2011/10/26/Media/Viacom%20MMA.aspx|access-date=July 6, 2020|website=sportsbusinessdaily.com|language=en}}

In May 2014, Bellator hosted the company's inaugural pay-per-view event, Bellator 120, from the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi, a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee. The event was headlined by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal.{{Cite web|last=Heinis|first=John|title=City of Memphis Declares May 17 'Rampage' Jackson Day Prior to 'King Mo' Fight|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2067245-city-of-memphis-declares-may-17-rampage-jackson-day-prior-to-king-mo-fight|access-date=July 16, 2020|website=Bleacher Report|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Al-Shatti|first=Shaun|date=May 18, 2014|title=Will Brooks vs. Michael Chandler full fight video highlights|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/5/18/5727974/will-brooks-vs-michael-chandler-full-fight-video-bellator-120|access-date=July 16, 2020|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}

In June 2014, it was announced that both Chairman/CEO Bjorn Rebney and President Tim Danaher were relieved of their positions.{{Cite web|last=Helwani|first=Ariel|date=June 18, 2014|title=Rebney, Danaher officially done with Bellator|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/6/18/5820740/bellator-officially-parts-ways-with-bjorn-rebney-tim-danaher-scott|access-date=July 16, 2020|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}} Rebney was succeeded by Strikeforce founder Scott Coker. Under Coker, Bellator would drop its season-long tournament format in early 2015, transitioning into more of a traditional, single-fight event schedule. From 2018 through 2023, Bellator has also hosted divisional grand-prix tournaments.{{cite web | url=https://www.si.com/mma/2014/09/04/scott-coker-bellator-format-changing | first=Loretta | last=Hunt | date=September 4, 2014 | access-date=November 14, 2014 | publisher=Sports Illustrated | title=Scott Coker has big plans for Bellator as it closes out its tournament format}}

In October 2023, Showtime announced that it would discontinue its sports division, with any future sports programming being handled by CBS Sports moving forward, and the division "continu[ing] to air and support the remaining 2023 boxing slate and honor obligations through the end of the year". It was reported that Paramount Global was concurrently seeking to sell Bellator.{{cite web |last=Weprin |first=Alex |date=October 17, 2023 |title=Showtime Sports to Shut Down Later This Year |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/showtime-sports-shut-down-boxing-strategy-shift-1235620873/ |access-date=October 17, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} Bellator 301 was subsequently promoted as the promotion's final event on Showtime.

On November 20, 2023, it was announced that the Professional Fighters League had acquired Bellator MMA; fighters contracted to Bellator will be able to compete in PFL events. PFL founder Donn Davis announced a planned "mega event" in 2024 that would feature PFL champions fighting against Bellator champions (PFL vs. Bellator), and that it would retain the "Bellator" brand for the new "Bellator Champions Series" cards.{{Cite web |last=King |first=Nolan |date=2023-11-20 |title=PFL officially announces Bellator acquisition, plans revealed for future |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/11/pfl-bellator-acquistion-ufc-sale-promotions-merger-future-plans |access-date=2023-11-20 |publisher=MMA Junkie}}{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2023-11-20 |title=PFL officially acquires Bellator MMA, reveals plans for champs vs. champs card in 2024 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/11/20/23969234/pfl-officially-acquires-bellator-mma-reveals-plans-for-champs-vs-champs-card-in-2024 |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} In March 2024, it was announced that the media rights to Bellator had been acquired by TNT Sports, with events moving to Max and supplemental content on TruTV.{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=2024-03-19 |title=MMA Championship Bellator Moves From Showtime To Max |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/bellator-mma-moves-from-showtime-to-max-1235862603/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}

On January 15, 2025, PFL executives revealed that the Bellator promotion would cease operations, and that the PFL and Bellator rosters would be consolidated.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/43424803/pfl-changes-tournament-format-eliminates-bellator-promotion|title=PFL changes tournament format, eliminates Bellator promotion|work=ESPN|last=Okamoto|first=Bret|date=January 15, 2025|access-date=April 13, 2025}}

Since the fourth season in 2011, Bellator cards have been predominantly broadcast on Viacom-owned networks in the United States. Beginning in January 2013, Bellator telecasts were moved from MTV2 to Spike (later relaunched as Paramount Network in 2018) following the end of the latter channel's partnership with the UFC.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mma/2013/01/17/spike-tv-hopes-to-propel-newest-mma-partner-bellator/1842433/|title=Spike TV bets on propelling newest MMA partner Bellator|work=USA Today|access-date=June 27, 2018|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2013/6/11/4419838/bellators-new-time-slot-in-fall-will-be-friday-nights|title=Spike announces Bellator for Fridays in fall|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=June 27, 2018}}{{Cite web|last=Raimondi|first=Marc|date=November 23, 2012|title=Chandler could become MMA household name in 2013|url=https://nypost.com/2012/11/22/chandler-could-become-mma-household-name-in-2013/|access-date=July 16, 2020|website=New York Post|language=en-US}} In September 2013, Bellator signed a multi-year partnership agreement with Fox Sports Latin America.{{Cite web|last=Thomas|first=Luke|date=September 24, 2013|title=FOX Sports Latin America to air Bellator MMA|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/24/4766388/bellator-mma-signs-multi-year-partnership-with-fox-sports-latin|access-date=July 16, 2020|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}

On June 26, 2018, Bellator announced a five-year streaming deal with DAZN, covering the U.S. and other markets served by the sports-oriented streaming service. Since Bellator 206, this includes all events aired by Paramount Network, as well as seven exclusive cards per-year.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/viacom-bellator-mma-1202857974/|title=Viacom's Bellator MMA Signs Multi-Year Deal With OTT Service DAZN|last=Holloway|first=Daniel|date=June 26, 2018|work=Variety|access-date=June 27, 2018|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/6/26/17505834/bellator-announces-broadcast-deal-with-streaming-service-dazn|title=Bellator announces broadcast deal with streaming service DAZN|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=June 27, 2018}} In March 2020, Bellator announced a deal with ESPN Brasil to broadcast events in the country.{{Cite news |title=ESPN Brasil adquire direitos de transmissão do Bellator, principal rival do UFC |url=https://www.lance.com.br/fora-de-campo/espn-brasil-adquire-direitos-transmissao-bellator-principal-rival-ufc.html.amp |access-date=March 19, 2020 |website=lance.com.br |language=pt}}

Following Viacom's re-merger with CBS Corporation in 2019, CBS Sports Network debuted the recap series, Bellator MMA: Recharged, on April 25, 2020.[https://www.mmamania.com/2020/4/25/21228619/bellator-mma-recharged-on-cbs-sports-network-debuts-tonight-at-8-p-m-et Bellator MMA Recharged on CBS Sports Network debuts TONIGHT at 8 p.m. ET - MMAMania.com Apr 25, 2020][https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/bellator-recharged-premieres-cbs-sports-network ‘Bellator Recharged’ debuts Saturday on CBS Sports Network - mmajunkie; April 20, 2020]

Due to problems stemming from COVID-19 pandemic, the contract with DAZN was consensually and prematurely discontinued in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/4/27/23045229/dazn-exec-joe-markowski-explains-what-went-wrong-with-bellator-broadcast-deal|title=DAZN exec Joe Markowski explains what went wrong with Bellator broadcast deal|date=April 27, 2022|publisher=mmafighting.com}} On September 11, 2020, it was announced that Bellator cards would move to CBS Sports Network starting October 1, with preliminary bouts to stream on YouTube and CBSSports.com.{{Cite web|last=Martin|first=Damon|date=September 11, 2020|title=Bellator MMA announces move from Paramount Network to CBS Sports Network|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/9/11/21432619/bellator-mma-announces-move-from-paramount-network-to-cbs-sports-network|access-date=September 12, 2020|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}

Five months later, on February 9, 2021, it was announced that Bellator events would air exclusively on Showtime beginning with Bellator 255 on April 2, 2021.{{cite web |last=Brookhouse |first=Brent |date=February 9, 2021 |title=Bellator set for Showtime debut in April as star-studded Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix headlines slate |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/bellator-set-for-showtime-debut-in-april-as-star-studded-light-heavyweight-world-grand-prix-headlines-slate/amp/ |accessdate=February 9, 2021 |work=CBS Sports}} The following day, it was announced that the BBC would also broadcast Bellator events on BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom.{{Cite news|title=Game changer for mixed martial arts as BBC ink historic deal for future Bellator events in 2021|work=BBC Sport |date=February 11, 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/mixed-martial-arts/56022194|access-date=February 11, 2021}} With Showtime opting to dissolve its sports division and focus more on scripted programming, Bellator's deal with Showtime came to a close at the end of 2023, with Bellator 301 serving as the final event on the platform on November 17, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Erickson |first=Matt |date=2023-11-15 |title=How to watch Bellator 301 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/bellator-301-chicago-aj-mckee-patricky-pitbull-pettis-patchy-mix-sabatello-stots-amosov-jackson-how-to-watch-broadcast-info-showtime |access-date=2023-11-17 |publisher=MMA Junkie}}

On February 1, 2023, Bellator announced that they had signed a two-year contract with Grupo Globo to broadcast Bellator events in Brazil on its Combate channel, after years of broadcasting through ESPN.{{cite web|url=https://www.bellator.com/article/Bellator-Becomes-Globos-Flagship-Property-Brazil|title=Bellator MMA becomes Globo's flagship MMA property in Brazil|date=February 1, 2023|work=Bellator MMA}}

A few weeks later on February 22, 2023, the promotion announced that they had signed a multi-year extension with the BBC.{{cite web|url=https://www.bellator.com/article/Bellator-strikes-multi-year-extension-BBC-UK|title=Bellator MMA strikes multi-year extension with the BBC in the UK|date=February 22, 2023|work=Bellator MMA}}

On March 19, 2024, the new ownership announced that Bellator events would now air on Max as part of a new U.S. television deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2024-03-19 |title=Bellator strikes deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to air events on Max starting with Belfast card |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/3/19/24106030/bellator-strikes-deal-with-warner-bros-discovery-to-air-events-on-max-starting-with-belfast-card |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

{{Main|List of current Bellator fighters}}

{{main|List of Bellator MMA champions}}

{{#section:List of Bellator MMA champions|Current}}

{{Main|List of Bellator MMA events}}

{{Main|Fight Master: Bellator MMA}}

On February 5, 2013, Bellator and Spike announced the launch of a new reality competition series titled Fight Master: Bellator MMA.{{cite web|title=Bellator's 'Fight Master' reality series set for summer debut on Spike TV|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/02/bellators-fight-master-reality-series-set-for-summer-debut-on-spike-tv|publisher=MMA Junkie|access-date=February 5, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207135834/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/02/bellators-fight-master-reality-series-set-for-summer-debut-on-spike-tv|archive-date=February 7, 2013}} The coaches and trainers for the series, which will feature 32 welterweight fighters, will be Randy Couture, Frank Shamrock, Greg Jackson, and Joe Warren. The 32 fighters competed for a spot in Bellator's fall welterweight tournament, culminating in a live season finale. The series premiered on Spike on June 19, 2013, and ran for a single season.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/4/23/4257460/bellator-books-june-19-summer-series-start-with-king-mo-reality-show|title=Bellator books June 19 summer series start with King Mo, reality show to debut next night |date=April 23, 2013 |publisher=mmafighting.com|access-date=April 23, 2013}}

{{Main|Bellator Kickboxing}}

In 2016, Bellator Kickboxing, a sibling kickboxing promotion was founded.{{cite web|url=http://bellator.spike.com/articles/43lpt8/scott-coker-launches-bellator-kickboxing|title=Scott Coker launches Bellator Kickboxing – Bellator.com}} Its inaugural event, Bellator Kickboxing 1, was held on April 16, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/bellator-kickboxing-holds-inaugural-event-in-italy-tonight/|title=Bellator Kickboxing Holds Inaugural Event in Italy Tonight – VICE Sports|date=April 22, 2016 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/bellator-kickboxing-holds-inaugural-event-in-italy-tonight/|title=Bellator Kickboxing Holds Inaugural Event – Fightland|date=January 22, 2019 }}

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season One (April 3, 2009 – June 19, 2009)

During Bellator's first season, events were broadcast nationally on ESPN Deportes in the United States. Bellator 1 took place on April 3, 2009, and like many events that season, aired via tape delay. Tournaments took place in the middleweight, welterweight, lightweight and featherweight divisions with the winners becoming the inaugural Bellator World Champions in their specific weight class. Héctor Lombard defeated Jared Hess{{cite web|title=Bellator XII – Middleweight Championship – Hector Lombard vs. Jared Hess| date=June 20, 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzFPEjRLPZE| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/NzFPEjRLPZE| archive-date=2021-10-30|publisher=Bellator|access-date=February 9, 2012}}{{cbignore}} in the finals of the middleweight tournament to become the 185 lb champion while Lyman Good defeated Omar De La Cruz to secure the Bellator Welterweight Title.{{cite web|title=Bellator XI – Welterweight Championship – Lyman Good vs. Omar De La Cruz|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLLC5WL1TR4| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/oLLC5WL1TR4| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=June 13, 2009 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} In addition, Eddie Alvarez defeated Toby Imada to win the Bellator Lightweight Belt{{cite web|title=Bellator XII – Lightweight Championship – Eddie Alvarez vs. Toby Imada|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dELElwRpVrQ| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/dELElwRpVrQ| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=June 20, 2009 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} while Joe Soto defeated Yahir Reyes to become the Bellator Featherweight Champion.{{cite web|title=Bellator X – Featherweight Championship – Joe Soto vs Yahir Reyes|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0yhuG-9Ac0| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/k0yhuG-9Ac0| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=June 10, 2009 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} Color commentary for Bellator's first season was provided by Jon Anik and Jason Chambers.

• Winners:

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Two (April 8, 2010 – June 24, 2010)

For Bellator's second season, events aired nationally on FOX Sports Net in the United States.{{cite web|last=Stupp|first=Dann|title=Bellator strikes landmark broadcasting deal with FOX Sports Net, NBC and Telemundo|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/16544/bellator-strikes-landmark-broadcasting-deal-with-fox-sports-net-nbc-and-telemundo.mma|publisher=MMA Junkie|access-date=February 7, 2012}} Season two debuted on April 8, 2010, and like season one, hosted tournaments in the middleweight, welterweight, lightweight and featherweight divisions. Alexander Shlemenko defeated Bryan Baker (fighter) to become the Middleweight Tournament Champion{{cite web|title=Bellator 23 Highlight: Alexander Shlemenko vs Bryan Baker Middleweight Tournament Final|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqhkEaFiEN8| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/NqhkEaFiEN8| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=June 28, 2010 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} while Ben Askren defeated Dan Hornbuckle to win the 170 lb tournament.{{cite web|title=Bellator 22 Highlight: Ben Askren vs Dan Hornbuckle Welterweight Tournament Final|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cQj2nQLYek| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/4cQj2nQLYek| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=June 28, 2010 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} Also, Pat Curran defeated Toby Imada to win the lightweight tournament{{cite web|title=Bellator 21 Highlight: Pat Curran vs Toby Imada Lightweight Tournament Final|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvzUjabFvsU| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/dvzUjabFvsU| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=June 11, 2010 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} and Joe Warren (fighter) defeated Patricio Pitbull to become the Featherweight Tournament Champion.{{cite web|title=Bellator 23 Highlight: Joe Warren vs Patricio "Pitbull" Freire Featherweight Tournament Final|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYBKiSW7OHc| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/KYBKiSW7OHc| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=June 28, 2010 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} Season two tournament champions were awarded a check for $100,000 and a title shot against the Season 1 Champions. In addition to the tournament fights, season two was the first season to host non-tournament, non-title super fights for current champions. Three of Bellator's four champions competed in super fights during Season 2. Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard scored the fastest knockout in Bellator history when he defeated Jay Silva in a catch weight bout at Bellator 18.{{cite web|title=Bellator 18 Highlight: Hector Lombard Scores 6 Second KO over Jay Silva|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bg4cneBmME| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/7bg4cneBmME| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=May 14, 2010 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} Also, Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez submitted Josh Neer in a catch weight bout at Bellator 17{{cite web|title=Bellator XVII Highlight: Eddie Alvarez Submits Josh Neer By Rear Naked Choke|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eem6ORKanG0| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/eem6ORKanG0| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=May 7, 2010 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} and Joe Soto scored a technical knockout victory over Diego Saraiva in a featherweight bout at Bellator 19.{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Michael David|title=Joe Soto Cuts Diego Saraiva With a Vicious Elbow|date=May 20, 2010|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/05/20/joe-soto-cuts-diego-saraiva-with-a-vicious-elbow/|publisher=MMA Fighting|access-date=February 7, 2012}} Welterweight Champion Lyman Good was the only champion to not participate in a season two non-title super fight. Bellator also introduced the new commentary team of Jimmy Smith and Sean Wheelock during Season 2.{{cite web|title=Bellator announces Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith as FSN broadcast team|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/18554/bellator-announces-sean-wheelock-and-jimmy-smith-as-fsn-broadcast-team.mma|publisher=MMA Junkie|access-date=February 7, 2012}}

• Winners:

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Three (August 12, 2010 – October 28, 2010)

Bellator kicked off its third season on August 12, 2010, with tournaments in the bantamweight, heavyweight, and women's divisions. Zach Makovsky defeated Ed West at Bellator 32 to win the 135 lb tournament and become the promotions first ever Bellator Bantamweight Champion. Also that same evening, Cole Konrad submitted Neil Grove to win the heavyweight tournament and become the first Heavyweight Champion in Bellator history.{{cite web|title=Bellator 32 recap: Konrad takes title with sub; new champ Makovsky earns decision|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21026/bellator-32-recap-konrad-takes-title-with-sub-new-champ-makovsky-earns-decision.mma|publisher=MMA Junkie|access-date=February 7, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223052924/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21026/bellator-32-recap-konrad-takes-title-with-sub-new-champ-makovsky-earns-decision.mma|archive-date=December 23, 2011}} Zoila Gurgel became the first Bellator Women's Champion when she defeated Megumi Fujii at Bellator 34.{{cite web|title=Bellator 34 recap: Lombard weathers Storm, Frausto shocks Fujii in five|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21198/bellator-34-recap-lombard-weathers-storm-frausto-shocks-fujii-in-five.mma|access-date=February 7, 2012}} The first official title defense took place between defending Bellator Featherweight Champion Joe Soto and Season 2 Tournament Champion Joe Warren at Bellator 27. Warren defeated Soto by TKO to become the new Bellator Featherweight Champion.{{cite web|title=Bellator 27 Highlight: Joe Warren vs. Joe Soto|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzC-bXyioxc| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/NzC-bXyioxc| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=September 2, 2010 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} Other championship fights featured during season 3 were Hector Lombard retaining his Bellator middleweight championship by defeating Season 2 Tournament Winner, Alexander Shlemenko{{cite web|last=Mrosko|first=Geno|title=Bellator 34 results and recap for 'Lombard vs Shlemenko' on Oct. 28 in Hollywood|date=October 28, 2010|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2010/10/28/1780919/bellator-34-results-and-recap-for-lombard-vs-shlemenko-on-oct-28-in|publisher=MMA Mania|access-date=February 7, 2012}} and Season 2 Welterweight Tournament Champion, Ben Askren, defeating reigning champion Lyman Good to become the new Bellator Welterweight Champion.{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Michael David|title=Ben Askren Beats Lyman Good for Bellator Welterweight Title|date=October 21, 2010|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/10/21/ben-askren-beats-lyman-good-for-bellator-welterweight-title/|publisher=MMA Fighting|access-date=February 7, 2012}} Some of the memorable moments from Bellator's Season three are Eddie Alvarez's third-round TKO victory over UFC veteran Roger Huerta in a non-title match{{cite web|last=Hui|first=Ray|title=Eddie Alvarez Forces Doctor Stoppage of Roger Huerta at Bellator 33|date=October 21, 2010|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/10/21/eddie-alvarez-forces-doctor-stoppage-of-roger-huerta-at-bellator/|publisher=MMA Fighting|access-date=February 7, 2012}} and Bellator Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard's 38-second knockout of Herbert Goodman at Bellator 24.{{cite web|title=Bellator 24 Highlight: Hector Lombard KOs Herbert Goodman in 38 Seconds|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZik67RuB9s| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/dZik67RuB9s| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=August 13, 2010 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}}

• Winners:

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Four (March 5, 2011 – May 21, 2011)

Season Four of Bellator began broadcasting nationally on March 5, 2011, and marked the promotions departure from FOX Sports Net to MTV2.{{Cite web|date=January 30, 2012|title=MTV2 and Bellator Agree to 3-Year Partnership|url=http://www.bellator.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=23600&ATCLID=205054922|access-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130212458/http://www.bellator.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=23600&ATCLID=205054922|archive-date=January 30, 2012}} Season 4 showcased tournaments in the featherweight, lightweight, welterweight and light heavyweight divisions. Patricio "Pitbull" defeated Daniel Mason-Straus at Bellator 45 to become the Bellator Featherweight Tournament Champion{{cite web|title=Bellator 37 results: Reis, Pitbull, Straus and Foster move onto featherweight tournament semifinals|date=March 19, 2011|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/3/19/2061150/bellator-37-results-reis-pitbull-straus-and-foster-move-onto|publisher=MMA Mania|access-date=February 7, 2012}} while Christian M'Pumbu defeated Richard Hale (fighter) the same night to become the first Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion in history.{{cite web|title=Bellator 45 Christian M'Pumbu scores a vicious knockout becoming the new Light Heavyweight Champion|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrfZtDRe0Ug| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/nrfZtDRe0Ug| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=May 21, 2011 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} Also, Michael Chandler became the Bellator Season 4 Lightweight Tournament Champion when he defeated Patricky "Pitbull" at Bellator 44{{cite web|last=Richani|first=Fred|title=Bellator 44: Michael Chandler dominates Patricky Pitbull|url=http://thesportscourier.com/content/bellator-44-michael-chandler-dominates-patricky-pitbull|publisher=The Sports Courier|access-date=February 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805161216/http://thesportscourier.com/content/bellator-44-michael-chandler-dominates-patricky-pitbull|archive-date=August 5, 2011|url-status=dead}} while Jay Hieron booked a welterweight title shot by defeating Rick Hawn in the Bellator Welterweight Tournament Championship at Bellator 43.{{cite web|title=Bellator 43 results: Jay Hieron edges Rick Hawn in controversial split decision|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/23526/bellator-43-results.mma|access-date=February 7, 2012}} Some of the memorable highlights from Bellator's fourth season include Ben Saunders earning a TKO victory over Matt Lee in his Bellator debut,{{cite web|title=Ben Saunders vs. Matt Lee at Bellator 39|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF4MoO6PMy8| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329151356/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF4MoO6PMy8| archive-date=2012-03-29|website=Youtube.com|access-date=February 11, 2016}} Richard Hale's inverted triangle choke over Nik Fekete at Bellator 38,{{cite web|title=Bellator 38 moment Richard Hale locks in an incredible inverted triangle submission on Nik Fekete|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPQF0mP5tOs| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/GPQF0mP5tOs| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=March 26, 2011 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} a flying knee knockout by Patricky "Pitbull" over Toby Imada at Bellator 39{{cite web|title=Bellator 39 moment Patricky Pitbull delivers a devastating flying knee to Toby Imada|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ogQhql41AY| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/8ogQhql41AY| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=April 2, 2011 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} and Hector Lombard's one punch knockout of Falaniko Vitale at Bellator 44.{{cite web|title=Hector Lombard lands yet another vicious right hand leaving Vitale slowly toppling to the ground|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH1Vb_tPM5E| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/JH1Vb_tPM5E| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=May 14, 2011 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} Hale and Pitbull were, respectively, nominated for the 2011 World MMA Awards submission of the year and knockout of the year.{{cite web|title=Finalists announced for 2011 World MMA Awards, MMAjunkie.com nominated|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/25070/finalists-announced-for-2011-world-mma-awards-mmajunkie-com-nominated.mma|publisher=MMA Junkie|access-date=February 7, 2012}}

• Winners:

Bellator Fighting Championships: 2011 Summer Series (June 25, 2011 – August 27, 2011)

In the summer of 2011, Bellator introduced the Summer Series which would feature a featherweight tournament that would decide a challenger for reigning Bellator Featherweight Champion Joe Warren. Like Season 4, the Summer Series was broadcast nationally on MTV2. A total of three events were held during the Summer Series including Bellator 47 which took place at Casino Rama in Rama, Ontario, Canada. This event marked the first time Bellator held an event outside the United States.{{cite web|last=Stupp|first=Dan|title=Bellator 47 headed to Canada on July 23, Ontario's Casino Rama plays host|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/23894/bellator-47-headed-to-canada-on-july-23-ontarios-casino-rama-plays-host.mma|publisher=MMA Junkie|access-date=February 7, 2012}} In the featherweight tournament, Pat Curran defeated Marlon Sandro with a highlight-reel head-kick knockout in the finals at Bellator 48 to become the Bellator Summer Series Featherweight Tournament Champion.{{cite web|title=Bellator 48 Moment – Pat Curran KO's Marlon Sandro|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkWR0tGC8P8| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/jkWR0tGC8P8| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=August 21, 2011 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} In addition to the featherweight tournament, Bellator also hosted a number of featured bouts, including Cole Konrad's non-title win over Paul Buentello and Seth Petruzelli securing a knockout win over former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ricco Rodriguez at Bellator 48.{{cite web|last=Stupp|first=Dann|title=Bellator 48 results: Pat Curran wins tourney with highlight-reel head kick|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/24897/bellator-48-results-pat-curran-wins-tourney-with-highlight-reel-head-kick.mma|publisher=MMA Junkie|access-date=February 7, 2012}}

• Winner:

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Five (September 10, 2011 – November 26, 2011)

Bellator's fifth season, which began on September 10, 2011, continued to air on MTV2 in the United States as well as in HD on Epix. Bellator Tournaments for Season Five featured the bantamweight, welterweight, middleweight and heavyweight divisions. Additionally, Bellator announced that the preliminary cards for each event would air on Spike.com as well as Bellator's Facebook page.{{cite web|last=Whitman|first=Mike|title=Bellator to Stream Season 5 Prelims Live on Spike.com|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bellator-to-Stream-Season-5-Prelims-Live-on-Spikecom-35355|publisher=Sherdog|access-date=February 7, 2012}} In the tournament finals, Eduardo Dantas defeated Alexis Vila at Bellator 59 to become the Bellator Bantamweight Tournament Champion{{cite web|last=Knapp|first=Brian|title=Dantas Upends Vila in Bellator 59 Bantamweight Final|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Dantas-Upends-Vila-in-Bellator-59-Bantamweight-Final-37476|publisher=Sherdog|access-date=February 7, 2012}} while Douglas Lima knocked out Ben Saunders at Bellator 57 to become the Bellator Welterweight Tournament Champion.{{cite web|title=Bellator 57 Moment|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9plsODsLSA| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/J9plsODsLSA| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=November 13, 2011 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}} Also, Alexander Shlemenko defeated Vitor Vianna at Bellator 57 to become the Bellator Middleweight Tournament Champion{{cite web|last=Stupp|first=Dann|title=Bellator 57 results: Douglas Lima and Alexander Shlemenko win tourney titles|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/26069/bellator-57-results.mma|publisher=MMA Junkie|access-date=February 7, 2012}} while the heavyweight final between Eric Prindle and Thiago Santos was ruled a no contest after an accidental groin kick left Prindle unable to continue.{{cite web|last=Holland|first=Jesse|title=Bellator 59 Results: Eric Prindle gets kicked in the nuts by Thiago Santos|date=November 28, 2011|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/11/28/2592507/bellator-59-results-eric-prindle-gets-kicked-in-the-nuts-by-thiago|publisher=MMA Mania|access-date=February 7, 2012}} Santos failed to make weight for a scheduled rematch causing the bout to be cancelled, and Prindle to be awarded the tournament win by default.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27948/bellator-62-weigh-in-results.mma|title=Bellator 62 weigh-in results: Thiago Santos heavy, Prindle awarded tournament win|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=February 22, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503214843/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27948/bellator-62-weigh-in-results.mma|archive-date=May 3, 2012}} On October 26, 2011, Viacom, the parent company of MTV Networks, announced the purchase of a majority stake in Bellator.{{cite news|last=Non|first=Sergio|title=Viacom buys Bellator, plans 2013 start on Spike|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/mma/post/2011-10-26/viacom-buys-bellator-plans-2013-start-on-spike/558003/1|publisher=USA Today|access-date=February 7, 2012|date=October 26, 2011}} As part of the deal, Paramount Network, then known as Spike TV, began broadcasting Bellator live in 2013.{{cite web|title=Viacom Purchases Bellator, Spike Will Air Starting 2013|url=http://www.spike.com/articles/lxrtv6/bellator-fighting-championships-viacom-purchases-bellator-spike-will-air-starting-2013|publisher=Spike.com|access-date=February 7, 2012}} On November 7, 2011, in an effort to expand to outside markets, Bellator announced a five-year partnership with FremantleMedia that would allow the company to position itself as one of the premier MMA organizations internationally.{{cite news|last=Weisman|first=Jon|title=Fremantle jumps into MMA fray|url=https://variety.com/2011/tv/news/fremantle-jumps-into-mma-fray-1118045696/|publisher=Variety|access-date=February 7, 2012}} On November 19, 2011, at Bellator 58, the company hosted what was called the best fight in the promotion's early history.{{cite web|last=Chiapetta|first=Mike|title=Eddie Alvarez vs. Michael Chandler Bellator 58 Fight Video|date=November 21, 2011|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/11/21/eddie-alvarez-vs-michael-chandler-bellator-58-fight-video|publisher=MMA Fighting|access-date=February 7, 2012}} Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez fought Season 4 Lightweight Tournament Champion Michael Chandler in a back-and-forth affair. In the end, Chandler defeated Alvarez via fourth-round submission to become the new Bellator Lightweight Champion in a fight that several journalists called the fight of the year.{{cite web|title=Bellator 58 Results and Play-by-Play|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bellator-58-Results-and-Play-by-Play-37273|publisher=Sherdog}}{{cite web|last=Bolender |first=Derek |title=Bellator 58 results: Chandler blasts Alvarez in thriller to earn lightweight crown |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/26183/bellator-58-results.mma |publisher=MMA Junkie |access-date=February 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305021554/http://mmajunkie.com/news/26183/bellator-58-results.mma |archive-date=March 5, 2012 }} Other memorable highlights from season five include Douglas Lima's knockout victory over Chris Lozano at Bellator 53,{{cite web|title=Bellator 53 Moment – Douglas Lima KOs Chris Lozano|website = YouTube| date=October 9, 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpe6lB__xF4| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/Tpe6lB__xF4| archive-date=2021-10-30|access-date=February 7, 2012}}{{cbignore}} Eric Prindle's knockout win over Ron Sparks at Bellator 56, Vitor Vianna's knockout of Bryan Baker at Bellator 54 and a pair of knockout victories by Alexis Vila and Eduardo Dantas at Bellator 51.{{cite web|title=Bellator 51 Highlights|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF0bZuuP6jk&list=UUnkMTsKYqhHm6l6GQzg4szg&index=15&feature=plcp| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/bF0bZuuP6jk| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=Youtube.com| date=September 26, 2011 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}}

• Winners:

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Six (March 9, 2012 – August 24, 2012)

Bellator's sixth season began on March 9, 2012, with Bellator 60, when Pat Curran captured the Bellator Featherweight Championship after beating champion Joe Warren. At Bellator 64, Ben Askren defended his Welterweight title against Douglas Lima by unanimous decision. At Bellator 65, Eduardo Dantas defeated then champion Zach Makovsky to become the new Bellator Bantamweight Champion. At Bellator 70, Cole Konrad took down Eric Prindle in the first round to defend his Bellator Heavyweight Championship.

• Winners:

Bellator Fighting Championships: 2012 Summer Series (June 22, 2012 – August 24, 2012)

In the summer of 2012, Bellator held its second Summer Series which would feature a Light Heavyweight tournament that would decide a challenger for reigning Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Christian M'Pumbu. The Summer Series started June 22, 2012, and was broadcast nationally on MTV2 for a total of three events. In the Light Heavyweight tournament, Attila Végh defeated Travis Wiuff with a knockout in the finals at Bellator 73 to become the 2012 Bellator Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament Champion. In addition to the Light Heavyweight tournament, Bellator also hosted a number of featured bouts, including a third fight between Marius Zaromskis and Waachiim Spiritwolf at Bellator 72. Bellator also finished two season six tournaments with Karl Amoussou defeating Bryan Baker at Bellator 72 to become the Season Six Welterweight Champion, and Marcos Galvao defeating Luis Nogueira at Bellator 73 to become the Season Six Bantamweight Champion. Pat Curran was also set to defend his Featherweight Championship versus Patricio Friere, who is the Season Four Champion, at Bellator 73 but he was forced to withdraw from the bout due to an injury that occurred during training.

• Winner:

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Seven (September 28, 2012 – December 14, 2012)

Bellator's seventh season began on September 28, 2012, with Bellator 74. The season showcased heavyweight, welterweight, lightweight and featherweight tournaments.

• Winners:

Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Eight (January 17, 2013 – April 4, 2013)

Bellator's eighth season began on January 17, 2013, at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, Calif. The event served as Bellator's premier on Spike TV. Season Eight included featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight tournaments.

• Winners:

Bellator MMA: 2013 Summer Series (June 19, 2013 – July 31, 2013)

Bellator's 2013 Summer Series began on June 19, 2013. All three of this season's tournaments were contested as four-man tournaments, as opposed to Bellator's standard eight-man tournament. The change in tournament size was necessary in order to hold multiple tournaments during the summer series' shortened season.

• Winners:

Bellator MMA: Season Nine (September 7, 2013 – November 22, 2013)

Bellator's Ninth season began on September 7, 2013. For this season the bantamweight and heavyweight tournaments were held as four-man tournaments, while all tournaments were the standard Bellator eight-man tournament.

• Winners:

{{notelist|close}}

Bellator MMA: Season Ten (February 28, 2014 – May 17, 2014)

Bellator's Tenth season began on February 28, 2014. For this season the middleweight and light heavyweight tournaments were held as four-man tournaments, while all tournaments were the standard Bellator eight-man tournament.

{{notelist|close}}

Bellator MMA: 2014 Summer Series (June 6, 2014 – July 25, 2014)

Bellator's 2014 Summer Series began on June 6, 2014. The 2014 Summer Series featured an eight-man light heavyweight tournament and a series of Season 10 tournament finals.

Bellator MMA: Season Eleven (September 5, 2014 – November 15, 2014)

This was Bellator's final tournament season, as well as the last to be overseen by former CEO & Chairman Bjorn Rebney.

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