Chicago, IL – Bellator returns to the ‘Windy City’ on June 16 for Bellator 297, with two title fights and history on the line as light heavyweight title holder Vadim Nemkov defends against Yoel Romero.
The co-main event sets bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis against former lightweight champion and current featherweight champion Patricio Pitbull. Pitbull looks to make history as Bellator’s first three-division champion.
Nemkov (15-2) looks to continue his Bellator 8-fight win streak by defending his title against Romero. Nemkov comes off a decision victory over Cory Anderson at Bellator 288 in Nov. 2022.
Romero (15-6) rides his two-fight win streak into Chicago looking for his first title victory during his Bellator stint. He last fought at Bellator 285 where he defeated Melvin Manhoef via knockout.
Pitbull (35-5) will challenge for the bantamweight title following his win at Rizin FF 40: Bellator MMA vs. Rizin where he beat Kleber Koike Erbst via decision. He looks to become the promotion’s first three-division champion.
Pettis (22-5) will fight for the first time since Dec. 2021. He’s been out of action since then due to injury and did not participate in the bantamweight grand prix where Raufeon Stots is the current interim champion.
No other fights have been announced for the Bellator 297 card in Chicago, but with two title fights set to headline it’s already looking like it’ll be a fun event in Illinois.
