Bellator MMA is returning to Tel Aviv, Israel and bringing a featherweight title rematch with them. In the first title defense of his second run as champ, Patricio Freire (better known as Patricio Pitbull) will once again face Daniel Weichel. The promotion announced the event, which will be Bellator 188, earlier today via social media.
We're headed back to Israel ?? and we're bringing the Featherweight World Title Fight! Tickets on sale now ? https://t.co/zRr1epGqlm pic.twitter.com/EZX591YKyz
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) August 23, 2017
Patricio Pitbull (26–4) reclaimed Bellator’s 145lb title in April with a submission victory over Daniel Mason-Straus. That was his first fight since a loss to free agent signing Benson Henderson. Back in 2015 at Bellator 138, he defeated Weichel (39-9) to defend his title during his first championship run. Weichel has not lost since that night, picking up four straight victories. The German most recently defeated John Teixeira via split decision at Bellator 177 in April.
In the co-main event of the evening, middleweight standout John Salter (14-3) will face Anatoly Tokov (25-3). Cageside Press spoke to Salter last month prior to his appearance at Bellator 181, where he told us he was ready for a title shot. With a win over Tokov, he may get just that — Salter is currently on a six fight win streak, with four victories coming under the Bellator MMA banner.
Bellator 188 will take place in Tel Aviv, Israel on November 16 at the Menora Mivtachim Arena.
