BREAKING: Bellator MMA Moving To Showtime

Bellator MMA is making the move to Showtime.

Showtime is the new exclusive home of Bellator starting on April 2. The announcement was made by Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza. He was joined by Bellator President Scott Coker and Mauro Ranallo for the presser.

On April 2, the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix Semi-Finals will take place. Bellator Featherweight Champion Patricio Freire will put his gold on the line against Emmanuel Sanchez. The winner of this bout will meet A.J. McKee in the finals at some point in 2021.

On April 9, the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix will get underway. The tournament will continue on April 16. Then on May 7, Bellator Bantamweight Champion Juan Archuleta will put his gold on the line against Sergio Pettis.

Bellator had previously aired on the CBS Sports Network after moving from Paramount Network. The promotion was airing every Thursday night. With the move to Showtime, Bellator will be returning to Friday nights.

Showtime has not aired a live MMA event since January 12, 2013. The promotion that used to air on Showtime was Strikeforce, which was founded by Scott Coker.

Stick with FIGHT SPORTS for more details on Bellator’s move to Showtime as well as the full cards for future events. We’ll also keep you posted on the Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix participants once they are revealed.