UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Bellator makes its return Friday, and the promotion is implementing an interim heavyweight title.
Bellator 261 takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena with the main card airing on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie. Atop the bill are top heavyweight contenders Tim Johnson (15-6 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) and Valentin Moldavsky (10-1 MMA, 5-0 BMMA). They will compete for the interim strap in the absence of undisputed champion Ryan Bader, who is partaking in the promotion’s light heavyweight grand prix.
The co-main event features a women’s flyweight fight. Former UFC title challenger Liz Carmouche (15-7 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) faces Kana Watanabe (10-0-1 MMA, 2-0 BMMA).
Following Thursday’s official Bellator 261 weigh-ins, the athletes came face to face for some traditional pre-fight staredowns.
Check out the faceoffs below, including Johnson vs. Moldavsky, Carmouche vs. Watanabe, Keoni Diggs vs. Daniel Weichel, Myles Jury vs. Sidney Outlaw, and Simon Biyong vs. Christian Edwards.
Bellator 261 faceoff video highlights: Co-main event staring contest nearly doesn’t end
