Bellator MMA returns to Tecumula, California on Friday, March 31 — with weigh-ins for the event going down Thursday morning.
Topping the card is a heavyweight affair, with UFC vet Marcelo Golm, ranked fifth in the weight class, taking on seventh-ranked Daniel James. Having made his debut with Bellator (and as a pro) back in 2014, “The American Predator” did not return to the promotion until last year, where he finished a top prospect in Tyrell Fortune.
Friday night in Temecula would give James the chance, at age 41, to prove that was no one-off, and insert himself into the title picture, with champ Ryan Bader expected to defend his belt against Linton Vassell later this year.
The co-main event might have been even more intriguing. With women’s featherweight champ Cris Cyborg yet to re-sign with the organization, Cat Zingano and Leah McCourt were looking to stake their claim as the best female 145’er active in Bellator. The winner would likely be next in line for the title, dependent on whether Cyborg re-signs sometime later this year.
Full results from Thursday’s Bellator 293 official weigh-ins can be found below. The event takes place at the Pechanga Resort and Casino on Friday, March 31, 2023.
Ahead of Thursday’s weigh-in, the welterweight match-up between Rustam Khabilov and Jaleel Willis was cancelled, per promotion officials. Cageside Press has confirmed that visa issues on Khabilov’s part resulted in the fight being scratched.
All fighters, meanwhile, successfully made weight on Thursday.
Bellator 293: Golm vs. James Weigh-In Results
Main card
Heavyweight: Marcelo Golm (257.6) vs. Daniel James (265.4)
Women’s Featherweight: Cat Zingano (145.2) vs. Leah McCourt (145.4)
Middleweight: John Salter (185.8) vs. Aaron Jeffrey (185.2)
Welterweight: Rustam Khabilov vs. Jaleel Willis
Light Heavyweight: Sullivan Cauley (205.8) vs. Luke Trainer (205.2)
Preliminary card
Lightweight: Adam Piccolotti (156) vs. Mandel Nallo (154.8)
Women’s Featherweight: Pam Sorenson (145.2) vs. Sara Collins (145.8)
Welterweight: Joey Davis (169.2) vs. Jeff Creighton (169.8)
Lightweight: Archie Colgan (155.4) vs. Justin Montalvo (154.4)
Featherweight: Lucas Brennan (145.4) vs. Josh San Diego (146)
Lightweight: Lance Gibson Jr. (156) vs. Vladimir Tokov (155.2)
Heavyweight: Christian Edwards (237.8) vs. Rakim Cleveland (240.4)
Lightweight: Mike Hamel (155.6) vs. Nick Browne (155.6)
Women’s Catchweight (120lb): Randi Field (120) vs. Ashley Cummins (119.2)
Bantamweight: Bryce Meredith (135.6) vs. Brandon Carrillo (135.4)
Women’s Strawweight: Maria Henderson (115.4) vs. Mackenzie Stiller (115.4)
