Bellator MMA continues to ramp up for its return to action this April, this time with the addition of three preliminary card fights to Bellator 256.
After making positive waves in the MMA world with successful shows during the summer/fall of 2020 at the Mohegan Sun Arena, making the move to Showtime, and signing more and more young talent plus proven stars (Yoel Romero, Anthony Johnson), Bellator is gearing up for its return on April 2, with Bellator 255. One week later, at Bellator 256, the promotion premiers its new light heavyweight grand prix, with Ryan Bader facing Lyoto Machida in the main event.
Joining the light heavyweights are a trio of bouts, featuring a women’s flyweight battle, and two promising bantamweight showdowns.
In the bantamweight division, highly touted prospect Jaylon Bates (1-0) returns to action against Jeffrey Glossner (2-1). Sources close to the situation confirmed the bout to Cageside Press on Friday. Bates rode an undefeated amateur career to a Bellator multi-fight deal, and impressed in his debut, dominating en route to a decision victory against Joe Supino in November. Glossner will be making his Bellator debut in the bout. Thus far he has two impressive finishes in his young career, and has previously competed for LFA.
Staying with the bantamweight division, sources have also confirmed to Cageside Press that Cass Bell vs. Jornel Lugo will take place on the Bellator 256 preliminary card. Lugo (5-0) remains undefeated and sits at 2-0 in the Bellator cage. The “green haired” Bell (5-1) took his lone career loss in his last appearance, defeated by contender Raufeon Stots. Both men are potentially on the bubble when it comes to breaking into the top 10 of the division with an impressive performances.
Finally, Cageside Pres confirmed Friday that a previously reported women’s flyweight match-up between Tara Graff (1-2) and Diana Avsaragova (2-0) is a go. MMA DNA’s Marcel Dorff was first to report that Graff would be the one to welcome Avsaragova to the Bellator cage. Graff was last in action in a heated affair with fan favorite Valerie Loureda, which Loureda won via TKO. Avsaragova, meanwhile, will be competing for the first time in nearly two years.
Bellator 256 takes place April 9, 2021 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. In addition to the move to Showtime and light heavyweight grand prix, Bellator officials also recently announced a rankings panel featuring 15 media members, marking the first time the promotion has had official rankings.
