Bellator is the UFC's biggest competitor in MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Created in 2008, the UFC's biggest competitor makes history this Saturday (7). In San Diego (USA), the Bellator 300, an event that presents fans with three title fights on a show with 16 scheduled clashes. Champions in the company, Usman Nurmagomedov, Chris Cyborg and Liz Carmouche defend their titles in a show that marks an epoch in MMA.
Established in the world of sports as one of the greatest promoters of challenges in mixed martial arts of all time, Bellator has already graced spectators with remarkable moments in the sport. To enhance the expressive event, SUPER LUTAS brought together episodes that expanded the organization's legacy and remain in the imagination of those passionate about the sport.
1) Meeting of legends in the cage
Royce (left) and Ken (right) faced each other at Bellator. Photo: Disclosure
1.1) One of the people largely responsible for introducing the sport to fans, Royce gracie, winner of the first edition of the UFC, when the company presented cards in the form of tournaments, put on the company's gloves. In 2016, approaching his 50th birthday, the Brazilian legend returned to MMA for a superfight.
At Bellator 149, the jiu-jitsu icon had a reunion with Ken Shamrock, his great rival from the 1990s. At the time, the dispute between the veterans included a triumph for the Tupiniquim and a draw. In the new fight, Gracie came out on top, beating his opponent by knockout in the first round.
1.2) Wanderlei Silva x Chael Sonnen
Pride phenomenon in the 2000s, Wanderlei Silva was another star to put on Bellator gloves. After a lackluster stint in the UFC, the 'Crazy Dog' decided to change his ways and, in 2017, took on the challenge of 'settle the score' with Chael Sonnen, a rival with whom he had a 'real' fight behind the scenes of TUF (The Ultimate Fighter) Brasil 3.
As the long-awaited fight between the athletes did not take place in the UFC, Scott Coker and his team decided to 'buy into the idea' and selected the veterans for a fight. At Bellator 180, the North American ended up getting the better of the Brazilian icon, and beat the Curitiba native in a unanimous decision by the judges.
1.3) Wanderlei Silva x Rampage Jackson 4
The challenge against Sonnen was not the only 'reckoning' for Wanderlei Silva promoted by Bellator. In the 2018 season, the Brazilian signed a contract to fight his fourth fight against Quinton'Rampage' Jackson, one of the greatest opponents in the Pride days and protagonist, together with the Curitiba native, in one of the biggest rivalries in the history of MMA.
In the fourth meeting, the scenario was unfavorable for the Brazilian. With Jackson having a visible physical advantage, Wand ended up falling victim to his opponent's sharp fists and was knocked out in the second round.
The challenge, which tied the challenge between the legends, represented Silva's final performance in mixed martial arts.
1.4) Kimbo Slice x Dada 5000
Although these are not two references to MMA history, Kimbo Slice and Dada 5000 can be added to the list. Famous for promoting confrontations and also performing in duels in suburban backyards in the United States in the 2000s, the 'street fighters' starred in a Bellator event.
For the clash, the atmosphere was one of total tension, as the aggressive and short-tempered style of both favored an atmosphere of animosity. Public enemies, the protagonists of Bellator 149 were not even allowed to attend the promotional press conference for the show.
To avoid possible confusion, the fighters were only face to face during the fight, which, despite high expectations, disappointed. In the opening seconds, both Kimbo and Dada showed signs of tiredness, which shocked spectators who were expecting a 'war'.
Initially, the fight ended via knockout, favoring Slice. However, the American ended up being caught in an anti-doping test and the result was reversed to 'I didn't answer'.
The challenge, however, took on tragic tones after the official announcement. Initially overcome, Dana was taken directly to the hospital and, on the way, he suffered a cardiac arrest. The athlete was resuscitated, but spent weeks in hospital.
Former UFC representative, Kimbo would scare fans months later. After performing in February, in June, the athlete died due to heart complications.
2) The rivalry between Patrício Pitbull and AJ McKee
P. Pitbull (left) defeated A. McKee (right) in the Bellator 277. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Considered the biggest name in Bellator history, Patrick Pitbull achieved a brilliant trajectory in the organization. The first athlete to win two of the company's belts (featherweight and lightweight), the fighter, however, met one of the greatest rivals of his career in recent years.
In 2021, the native of Rio Grande do Norte reigned supreme in the under-65,7kg division. and boasted an unbeaten run of seven appearances. On July 31 of that year, however, the Tupiniquim was chosen to face the biggest name ever revealed by the company chaired by Scott Coker: A. J. McKee.
Tall and strong for the category, the North American exuded confidence and shouted to 'all the winds' that he would beat the Brazilian star. After promising, the fighter ended up fulfilling his statement by submitting the then champion in the first round and securing the featherweight belt.
About nine months later, Patrício got his deserved immediate rematch. In the new meeting, Pitbull got the better of his opponent and, acting strategically, beat his rival in a unanimous decision by the judges, resuming the top spot in the category.
A third fight was even aired by the company. AJ, however, was reticent about the possibility, as he publicly admitted problems in reaching the limit required for featherweight.
Today, McKee competes at lightweight. Pitbull, in turn, remains 'untouchable' at the top of the 65,7kg division.
3) Retirement of Fedor Emelianenko
Ryan bader (left) defeated Fedor Emelianenko (right) in a fight held in 2019. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Famous for respecting the legacy of MMA icons, Bellator was the stage for the retirement of one of the best fighters of all time. Reference in modality, Fedor Emelianenko He spanned generations in the sport and earned the respect of fans around the world.
A professional in MMA since 2000, the Russian legend was presented with a title fight in his last engagement in the sport. At 46 years old, the fighter climbed into the cage for the last time and measured strength with Ryan bader, holder of the heavyweight title (up to 120,2kg.).
Far from his peak, Fedor was unable to repeat the good performances that made him known worldwide. Slow and with reflexes below expectations, the star succumbed via knockout in the first round.
Even with a stumble in his farewell, Emelianenko left the sport with a respectable CV. Among the victims achieved over more than 20 years of competition, there are names such as Rodrigo Minotauro, Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman, Mirko Cro Cop and Quinton jackson.
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