https://www.sho.com/stream-showtime?s_cid=da-bellator-22736

LOS ANGELES&nbsp;&ndash; BELLATOR MMA will bring not one, but two world championship contests to &ldquo;The Windy City&rdquo;&nbsp;Friday, June 16&nbsp;when the promotion returns to Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
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The main event will see the BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Champion and No. 2-ranked pound-for-pound fighter&nbsp;Vadim Nemkov&nbsp;(16-2, 1 NC) defend his title against No. 3-ranked light heavyweight and Olympic silver medalist&nbsp;Yoel Romero&nbsp;(15-6), in a bout that was originally slated for&nbsp;BELLATOR 290.
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The co-headliner will feature 30-fight BELLATOR MMA veteran, current BELLATOR Featherweight World Champion and No. 1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter&nbsp;Patricio &ldquo;Pitbull&rdquo;&nbsp;(35-5) moving down a weight class to challenge incumbent 135-pound champion and No. 8-ranked pound-for-pound athlete&nbsp;Sergio Pettis&nbsp;(22-5) in a BELLATOR &ldquo;Super Fight&rdquo; for bantamweight gold.
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These two massive bouts anchor the main card of&nbsp;BELLATOR 297:&nbsp;Nemkov vs. Romero / Pettis vs. Pitbull,&nbsp;an event that&nbsp;airs LIVE in the U.S. at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME.
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Tickets for this MMA spectacle can be purchased beginning this Thursday, March 30 through a special presale on Ticketmaster.com, while the general on-sale begins one day later on Friday, March 31&nbsp;at Ticketmaster.com.
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Headlining BELLATOR&rsquo;s remarkable return to Chicago is the world&rsquo;s top 205-pound fighter and reigning world champion Nemkov&nbsp;who meets MMA superstar Romero&nbsp;in a blockbuster fight combat sports fans have been clamoring for since Romero&rsquo;s arrival in BELLATOR. Nemkov, 30, proved himself the best fighter in the weight class with his resounding victory over top-ranked&nbsp;Corey Anderson&nbsp;at&nbsp;BELLATOR 288&nbsp;last November. The title defense also saw Nemkov emerge victorious as the winner of the prestigious BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix in a run that also saw him best former champion&nbsp;Phil Davis&nbsp;and No. 6-ranked&nbsp;Julius Anglickas.
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Combat sports&rsquo; star Yoel Romero has entertained fight fans for close to three decades, first as a world-renowned amateur wrestler and now as an elite mixed martial artist. The 2000 Olympic silver medalist and 1999 World Champion will look to add a mixed martial arts world championship to his overflowing trophy case with a win over Nemkov. BELLATOR&rsquo;s No. 3-ranked contender, Romero scored back-to-back third-round knockout victories against highly regarded prospect&nbsp;Alex Polizzi&nbsp;and fellow combat legend&nbsp;Melvin Manhoef&nbsp;to add to his jaw-dropping highlight reel and secure a coveted title shot against the surging Nemkov. &ldquo;The Soldier of God&rdquo; brings an explosive offense and unrivaled wrestling arsenal to this can&rsquo;t-miss title fight, ensuring a difficult test for the Russian champion.
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BELLATOR&rsquo;s No. 1 Pound-for-Pound athlete and undisputed Featherweight World Champion, Patricio Pitbull, is once again chasing history at&nbsp;BELLATOR 297&nbsp;as he attempts to become the first three-division champion in a major MMA promotion. A few men and women have been able to conquer two weight classes, including Pitbull &mdash;&nbsp;who knocked out Michael Chandler&nbsp;at&nbsp;BELLATOR 221&nbsp;in 2019 to become Lightweight World Champion as the reigning featherweight&nbsp;title holder&nbsp;&mdash; The 35-year-old face of BELLATOR will drop down to bantamweight to challenge Sergio Pettis, who returns from an injury-induced layoff, in one of the most highly anticipated title fights in BELLATOR MMA history. Pitbull looks to build upon his incredible momentum, which has seen him win ten of his last eleven fights including wins over RIZIN Featherweight Champion Kleber Koike and archrival&nbsp;AJ McKee.&nbsp;Against Pettis, Pitbull aims to once again prove that his status as Pound-for-Pound king is more than a rankings-bestowed title: it&rsquo;s the truth.
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The fight is equally important for Sergio Pettis, who defends his title against the legacy-oriented Pitbull in his first fight since December of 2021. Fight fans have anxiously awaited the return of one half of one of MMA&rsquo;s greatest sibling duos following Pettis&rsquo;&nbsp;BELLATOR 272&nbsp;&ldquo;Knockout of the Year&rdquo;&nbsp;spinning backfist of&nbsp;former BELLATOR Champion&nbsp;Kyoji Horiguchi. A winner of five straight fights, the 29-year-old Roufusport product will return to action against Pitbull on June 16 keen to deny the Brazilian&rsquo;s claim for history and remind the bantamweight division who rules the weight class. With a win, Pettis would score his second title defense and set up a showdown with the eventual winner of the BELLATOR Bantamweight World Grand Prix Finals between Interim Bantamweight World Champion&nbsp;Raufeon Stots&nbsp;and submission ace&nbsp;Patchy&nbsp;Mix, which takes place at&nbsp;BELLATOR 295&nbsp;in Hawaii&nbsp;on&nbsp;April 22. &ldquo;The Phenom&rdquo; will look to remain unbeaten in BELLATOR in this can&rsquo;t-miss title fight destined for the history-books.&nbsp;
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Additional bouts, including a full preliminary card, will be announced soon.
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BELLATOR 297: NEMKOV VS. ROMERO MAIN CARD:
SHOWTIME
Friday, June 16 &mdash; 9&nbsp;p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. PT
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Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: C-Vadim Nemkov&nbsp;(16-2, 1 NC) vs. #3-Yoel Romero&nbsp;(15-6)
Bantamweight World Title Bout:&nbsp;C-Sergio Pettis&nbsp;(22-5) vs. C-Patricio &ldquo;Pitbull&rdquo;&nbsp;(35-5)
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*Card subject to change
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Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
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****
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<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com_-3Furl-3Dhttps-253A-252F-252Furldefense.proofpoint.com-252Fv2-252Furl-253Fu-253Dhttp-2D3A-5F-5Fwww.bzapr.com-5Fcredentials-2526d-253DDwMF-2Dg-2526c-253DjGUuvAdBXp-5FVqQ6t0yah2g-2526r-253D3-5FJ6jNe7ZPHA4Gg-5Fe4RgtlmSNx8Q-5F9Awo3t-5FSpc8Gf8-2526m-253DjqZOeF5HzlPYVkOsG61cGpvUO0Qbzszq8ShVe4A5LI3iB-2DVB-5FZatGxplV7qQ6v2h-2526s-253DtLmxFt84ElL7kOOazMNUF7jnAwTrxxkFLclLkOmpWEM-2526e-253D-26data-3D04-257C01-257CJanem-2540bzapr.com-257C964a6bb07b31455de5a608da0230da45-257C3674bf0f3d5b41a99e3785c6140a53d5-257C0-257C0-257C637824706096613511-257CUnknown-257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0-253D-257C3000-26sdata-3Duvv1-252BkEUScGzIbn4H-252BnovyfRdVVJT1fmFPzTaYpoEDw-253D-26reserved-3D0&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=jGUuvAdBXp_VqQ6t0yah2g&amp;r=3_J6jNe7ZPHA4Gg_e4RgtlmSNx8Q_9Awo3t_Spc8Gf8&amp;m=WTovQZEe5sw20GFLx7u7cI_nDrP13D2xaVFLKUrMQcb8EQ0O_6tL4BlopuVugN-M&amp;s=f6ZJqliX_DoTRqdT9YRH2olAmK6AJw0oOToQ6acpRCI&amp;e=" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-safelink="true" data-linkindex="0">Apply for BELLATOR&nbsp;media&nbsp;credentials</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com_-3Furl-3Dhttps-253A-252F-252Furldefense.proofpoint.com-252Fv2-252Furl-253Fu-253Dhttp-2D3A-5F-5Fwww.bzapr.com-5Fzoom-2526d-253DDwMF-2Dg-2526c-253DjGUuvAdBXp-5FVqQ6t0yah2g-2526r-253D3-5FJ6jNe7ZPHA4Gg-5Fe4RgtlmSNx8Q-5F9Awo3t-5FSpc8Gf8-2526m-253DjqZOeF5HzlPYVkOsG61cGpvUO0Qbzszq8ShVe4A5LI3iB-2DVB-5FZatGxplV7qQ6v2h-2526s-253DnDKVYnWW76FtaIKh6bajGQpUlEI4U2IbG-5FyGFfeRwgE-2526e-253D-26data-3D04-257C01-257CJanem-2540bzapr.com-257C964a6bb07b31455de5a608da0230da45-257C3674bf0f3d5b41a99e3785c6140a53d5-257C0-257C0-257C637824706096613511-257CUnknown-257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0-253D-257C3000-26sdata-3DLEZclo-252FyeaviZk94038IYoTgyW0eC0QAfNv7Hfbj6RQ-253D-26reserved-3D0&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=jGUuvAdBXp_VqQ6t0yah2g&amp;r=3_J6jNe7ZPHA4Gg_e4RgtlmSNx8Q_9Awo3t_Spc8Gf8&amp;m=WTovQZEe5sw20GFLx7u7cI_nDrP13D2xaVFLKUrMQcb8EQ0O_6tL4BlopuVugN-M&amp;s=uRKyKK-UzY-GtGUPYCyIING8-MLIgTFQyA2R8q7P6C4&amp;e=" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-safelink="true" data-linkindex="1">RSVP for BELLATOR virtual&nbsp;media&nbsp;availabilities</a>&nbsp;
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For more information on upcoming&nbsp;BELLATOR MMA&nbsp;events, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://bellator.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-safelink="true" data-linkindex="2">BELLATOR.com</a>.&nbsp;
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Updated schedule of BELLATOR events - click links for updated fight cards
Fri. Mar. 31 //&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bellator.com/event/310" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-safelink="true" data-linkindex="3">BELLATOR 293: Golm vs. James</a>&nbsp;// Pechanga Resort Casino // Temecula, CA
Fri. Apr. 21 //&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bellator.com/event/311" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-safelink="true" data-linkindex="4">BELLATOR: 294: Carmouche vs. Bennett 2</a>&nbsp;// Blaisdell Arena // Honolulu, HI
Sat. Apr. 22 //&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bellator.com/event/312" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-safelink="true" data-linkindex="5">BELLATOR: 295: Stots vs. Mix</a>&nbsp;// Blaisdell Arena // Honolulu, HI
Fri. May 12 //&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bellator.com/event/309" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-safelink="true" data-linkindex="6">BELLATOR 296: Mousasi vs. Edwards</a>&nbsp;// Accor Arena // Paris, France
Fri. June 16 //&nbsp;BELLATOR 297: Nemkov vs. Romero&nbsp;// Wintrust Arena // Chicago, ILL
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About BELLATOR:
BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Paramount, home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
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About SHOWTIME:
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME&reg;, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL&trade; and FLIX&reg;, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV&reg;. For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sho.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-safelink="true" data-linkindex="7">www.SHO.com</a>.&nbsp;

🧨NEW EVENT SEES TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS LAND IN CHICAGO ON FRI. JUNE 16

Los Angeles &mdash;&nbsp;BELLATOR MMA has today announced the signing of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games silver medalist Kadi Magomedov to a long term exclusive, multi-fight contract ahead of his professional mixed martial arts debut.
&ldquo;Transitioning to MMA has been a goal of mine for many years, and this is the perfect time to start my career,&rdquo; Magomedov said. &ldquo;I train with many of the top fighters at the Nurmagomedov School and I learn many things from them every day that will help me win a world championship at BELLATOR, the best fight promotion in the world.&rdquo;
One of the top men&rsquo;s freestyle wrestlers in the world, the Dagestani-born athlete represented Belarus at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, defeating Cuba&rsquo;s Geandry Garz&oacute;n by a score of 12-8, renowned four-time NCAA Division I National Champion Kyle Dake by a score of 11-0, and two-time World Wrestling Championships gold medalist Frank Chamizo by a score of 9-7 en route to winning the prestigious tournament&rsquo;s silver medal.
The explosive 28-year-old boasts a championship mantle well-adorned with gold and silver medals from notable tournaments, including the 2020 European Championships, 2017 Russian National Championships, 2017 Yasar Dogu Tournament, and the 2022 Poddubny Wrestling League across the 70kg to 79kg divisions.
Magomedov will compete in BELLATOR&rsquo;s featherweight division, which is currently championed by the promotion&rsquo;s pound-for-pound king, Patricio Pitbull (35-5) and features additional top talents including Adam Borics (18-2), Jeremy Kennedy (19-3) and Aaron Pico (10-4).
He will also join a score of notable wrestlers in BELLATOR, including fellow Olympic silver medalist Yoel Romero and fellow recent signee, two-time NCAA DI National Champion Jordan Oliver, among many others.
His professional debut is expected before the end of the year.

BELLATOR SIGNS REIGNING OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALIST KADI MAGOMEDOV TO MULTI-FIGHT DEAL AHEAD OF PRO MMA DEBUT

LOS ANGELES &ndash;&nbsp;As BELLATOR MMA&rsquo;s highly anticipated return to the City of Lights nears, the promotion has announced three new additions to the preliminary card which will take place before the star-studded main card.
On Friday, May 12,&nbsp;BELLATOR 296: Mousasi vs. Edwards&nbsp;will see the return of former Middleweight World Champion&nbsp;Gegard Mousasi&nbsp;(49-8) against Birmingham&rsquo;s surging No. 2-ranked prospect,&nbsp;Fabian Edwards&nbsp;(11-2), while former Lightweight World Champion&nbsp;Brent Primus&nbsp;(11-3) takes on French submission ace&nbsp;Mansour Barnaoui&nbsp;(20-4) in the quarterfinals of the Lightweight World Grand Prix.
Joining BELLATOR 296&nbsp;will be lightweight contender and wrestling standout&nbsp;Chris Gonzales&nbsp;(8-2) as he returns to the BELLATOR cage on the heels of his recent knockout victory over&nbsp;Max Rohskopf&nbsp;(7-2) at&nbsp;BELLATOR 290&nbsp;at the world-famous KIA Forum&nbsp;in Inglewood, Calif.&nbsp;
The heavy-handed lightweight will face-off against the always exciting&nbsp;Tim Wilde&nbsp;(15-4) in a can&rsquo;t-miss lightweight tilt.In a welterweight affair, undefeated Englishman&nbsp;Steven Hill&nbsp;(7-0) joins the card straight from his rear naked choke victory at&nbsp;BELLATOR 291&nbsp;in February to face &ldquo;The Monkey King&rdquo;&nbsp;Nicol&ograve; Solli (4-1, 1 NC).
Rounding out the additions to the preliminary card, French featherweight&nbsp;Fabacary Diatta&nbsp;(8-1) will welcome Spain&rsquo;s&nbsp;Aridane Romero Rodriguez&nbsp;(8-3) to the BELLATOR cage. Diatta put the featherweight division on notice in 2020 after securing two dominant victories in his first two promotional bouts and looks to get back to his winning ways on May 12.