- George Chung
- Mar 22, 2024
- 3 min read
Bellator Champions Series Belfast at SSE Arena headlined by two world title fights
Ireland’s James Gallagher fights Brazil’s Leandro Higo in grudge match two years in the making
Bellator Champions Series Belfast airs live on DAZN in Europe March 22
The Professional Fighters League (PFL), today announced the premiere Bellator Champions Series event on Friday, March 22 at The SSE Arena, Belfast will be headlined by two world title fights.
Widely considered to be the Bellator “G.O.A.T.” Patricio Pitbull (35-7) will defend his Featherweight title for a ninth time when he meets Canada’s Jeremy Kennedy (19-3) in the co-main event. Pitbull, one of the most decorated fighters in MMA, conquered two weight classes simultaneously and holds the most wins in Bellator history.
Ireland’s James Gallagher (12-2) has a new opponent for the inaugural Bellator Champions Series event, Brazil’s Leandro Higo (22-6). Gallagher and Higo were originally slated to face off in 2023.
Additionally two preliminary bouts have been announced to round out the card. Two unbeaten Middleweights square off when England’s Steven Hill (7-0) meets Jordan Newman (6-0) and in a Light Heavyweight contest Luke “The Gent” Trainer (7-1) faces Grant Neal (9-1).
The debut Bellator Champions Series Belfast event on March 22 is anchored by a battle for the vacant Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship pitting former title challenger Corey Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) against Northern Ireland’s Karl Moore (12-2).
The card can be seen live in Europe on DAZN beginning at 5 pm GMT / 12 pm ET, additional distribution information including a U.S. broadcast partner will be announced soon.
Patricio Pitbull vs. Jeremy Kennedy
Patricio Pitbull will put his belt on the line when he takes on No. 1 contender and winner of six out of his last seven bouts, Jeremy Kennedy. Pitbull's massive presence in MMA is second to none, boasting a legacy that includes conquering two weight classes simultaneously and holding the most wins in Bellator history (23). Defeating stars of the sport, including former featherweight world champion AJ McKee and former lightweight world champion Michael Chandler, Pitbull aims to retain his stake in the Featherweight division against the wrestling standout. No slouch in his own right, the 31-year-old Kennedy has been victorious against the elite in the featherweight division, including Aaron Pico and Pedro Carvalho, and believes he has the experience and tools to dethrone his Brazilian foe in front of the Belfast crowd on March 22.
James Gallagher vs. Leandro Higo
A grudge match two years in the making, Leandro Higo moves up to Featherweight to face Ireland’s James Gallagher in a main card matchup. Hailing from Mossocro, Brazil, Higo has proven to be a dangerous opponent for anyone in the bantamweight division with his unparalleled jiu-jitsu background, collecting 13 submission victories in his professional career. Also a highly touted submission ace, Gallagher returns to action on the heels of an impressive victory over James Gonzalez at Bellator 298. Once initially slated to face each other in March of 2023, Higo and Gallagher will now have the opportunity to settle their differences inside the Bellator cage.
Bellator Champions Series Belfast
Main Card
Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Corey Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) vs. Karl Moore (12-2)
Featherweight World Title Bout: Patricio Pitbull (35-7) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-3)
Middleweight No. 1 Contender Bout: Fabian Edwards (12-3) vs. Aaron Jeffery (14-4)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: James Gallagher (12-2) vs. Leandro Higo (22-6)
Lightweight Main Card Bout: Tim Wilde (17-4-1) vs. Manoel Sousa (10-0)
Preliminary Card
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Ciaran Clarke (8-0) vs. Darius Mafi (4-1)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Tofiq Musayev (21-5) Alfie Davis (16-4-1)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Steven Hill (7-0) vs. Jordan Newman (6-0)
Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Luke Trainer (7-1) vs. Grant Neal (9-1)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Nathan Kelly (9-2) vs.Vikas Singh Ruhil (12-7)
Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Abraham Bably (3-0) vs. Isaiah Pinson (3-0)
Amateur 130-Pound Catchweight Bout: Nate Kelly (2-2 AM.) vs. Jordan Elliott (2-3 AM.)
Doors for the event open at 4 pm local time, with the first preliminary bout taking place one hour later at 5 pm.
Prior to the Professional Fighter’s Leagues industry shaping acquisition of Bellator in November of 2023, Bellator held 301 events building a recognized worldwide roster of elite talent. In re-imagining Bellator the PFL will continue the commitment of investing in athletes from underserved regions while continuing to add global stars to the roster.
