Bellator Returns to WinStar World Casino June 19th Live on Spike: Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler Defends Title Against Dave Jansen
After delivering a dramatic and dominating submission victory in his first title defense, top ranked Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler will once again put his title on the line as Bellator MMA returns to WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma Wednesday, June 19th for the start of the Bellator MMA Summer Series live on Spike TV. Only 27, Chandler holds impressive victories over Eddie Alvarez, Rick Hawn, Akihiro Gono and Patricky Pitbull while sporting a spotless 11-0 record that has catapulted the Alliance MMA product into Top 3 rankings across the MMA landscape.
"I'm excited to get back in the cage and defend the belt against a tough guy like Dave Jansen," Chandler said. "He's proven to be a very tough and durable competitor. My plan is the same as every fight, which is to show up new and improved and collect another dominant finish for the fans."
Jansen enters the fight riding a six fight win streak that includes a dominating Bellator Lightweight Tournament run with victories over Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Ricardo Tirloni, as well as a Finals win over Polish phenom Marcin Held. With the Oregon native owning an established submission pedigree and the resilience to have never been finished inside the cage, Jansen presents a unique set of challenges for Chandler on June 19th.
"I really want this fight to be an absolute grind and make Mike as uncomfortable as possible inside that cage," Jansen said. "I've been known in my career to really be able to weather the storm and I really feel like I get stronger inside the cage as the fight goes on, and I'm really looking forward to having that full 25 minutes to work with and take this fight in deep waters. This is just an incredible opportunity for me and would a huge validation on my career to become a Bellator World Champion."
Know across MMA as one of the top light heavyweights in the world, King Mo returns and will begin his quest to claim the Bellator Light Heavyweight Title. No stranger to WinStar, Mo had the crowd on its feet last January as he delivered a vicious knockout in opening round action, and will be looking for a similar performance against Seth "The Silverback" Petruzelli.
"Seth has been in this game for a long time and has beaten guys like Kimbo, Ricco Rodriguez and Dan Severn so this fight is going to be tough, but I've been working my ass off in the gym with Jeff Mayweather and my team and I'm ready to get another win under my belt," Mo said. "Point blank, I'm looking to deliver a straight Mortal Kombat style fatality to Seth."
Decorated MMA legend Renato "Babalu" Sobral will also make his return to the Bellator cage as the imposing Brazilian looks to punch his ticket to the Bellator Light Heavyweight Finals with a victory over Tennessee's own Jacob Noe. After both men had their first taste of Bellator Tournament action last season, expectations have risen for both competitors.
"God has blessed me with the opportunity to fight again and consequently has cursed my opponents," Babalu stated.
After nearly two years away from the cage, the always exciting and controversial War Machine will be back in action in front of a raucous WinStar crowd. Injuries and legal troubles have delayed the Bellator debut for War Machine but the highly skilled welterweight has finally put the past behind him and is ready to show the MMA world what it has been missing.
"It's like I hit the rewind button," War Machine said. "I pressed rewind and now I have a chance to get my life back on track. It feels great. Right now I'm just out to show the world that I do belong here fighting the best with Bellator."
"This event is insanely stacked," Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. "With a Lightweight Title fight, Mo, Babalu, and War Machine, this is going to be an amazing show start to finish on Spike."
Bellator MMA Main Card:
Bellator Lightweight Title Fight: Michael Chandler (11-0) vs. Dave Jansen (19-2)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament: King Mo Lawal (9-2) vs. Seth Petruzelli (14-7)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament: Renato "Babalu" Sobral (37-10) vs. Jacob Noe (11-2)
Welterweight Feature Fight: War Machine (12-4) vs. Blas Avena (8-6)
