On Thursday, Bellator officials announced via press release that Tyrell Fortune (10-1, 1NC) and Matt Mitrione (13-8, 1NC) would finally throw down at the card on July 16. The pair were originally scheduled to fight in April, but Mitrione was forced out of the event and replaced by Jack May. Fortune made short work of May in the pair’s rematch, finishing the fight within a round.

Also added to the Bellator 262 card, former light heavyweight title challenger Linton Vassell will continue his heavyweight journey against ex-UFC big man Marcelo Golm. The Brazilian competed four times inside the octagon from 2017 to 2019, going 1-3 in that stretch. After losing three straight bouts, Golm was shown the door, but has since picked up two wins on the regional scene.

The Bellator 262 fight card additions don’t stop there. Also announced on Thursday was a trio of preliminary card bouts. Those include women’s featherweight action between Arlene Blencowe (13-8) and Dayana Silva (9-6), and another heavyweight showdown featuring Ronny Markes (19-8) against Said Sowma (6-2). The final bout announced is a featherweight scrap that sees Johnny Soto (4-1) up against Adil Benjilany (5-3, 1 NC).

Bellator 262 takes place Friday, July 16 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The event airs live on Showtime in the U.S.

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“Feels good,” Soto began, speaking to media outlets including Cageside Press following the fight, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. “I’ve worked real hard. I know this game, all about who is following you. I wasn’t surprised [by the odds], I don’t have a name for myself. ”

After losing his professional debut, Soto has racked up four wins in a row, including the biggest of his career at Bellator 258. He believes it is time for people to pay attention to his successes.

“Hell yeah it is,” Soto explained. “I got a lot to offer this sport. I’m a finisher, this is my first decision. I’m a much different fighter [than that first fight]. I started realizing you have to hit and not get hit.”

When asked if Bellator is the new home, Soto is sure hoping so. “I would love to make Bellator the new home.”

Watch the full Bellator 258 post-fight press conference with Johnny Soto above.

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Bellator 258 takes place inside the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. In the main event, bantamweight champion Juan Archuleta will look to defend his title. In his way is rising contender and former UFC standout Sergio Pettis. Then, after the bantamweight title fight, the co-main event will feature the return of Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. The former UFC title challenger will take on Jose Augusto. Despite Johnson’s initial opponent Yoel Romero failing his pre-fight medical evaluations, Johnson will remain on the card and compete in the Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament.

Three Fights At Bellator 258 Going Under The Radar

The first fight this segment will shine a light on is the featherweight fight between unbeaten Weber Almeida (4-0) and Johnny Soto (3-1). Then, the undefeated prospect Johnny Eblen (7-0) intends to expand his record to 8-0 if he should get past Daniel Madrid (18-6) in a pivotal middleweight affair. Following the first two featured fights, the under-the-radar “main event” will see the massive favorite and standout wrestler Logan Storley (11-1) taking on Omar Hussein (8-2).

Weber Almeida vs. Johnny Soto – Featherweight

Almeida’s time under the Bellator name has been nothing short of outstanding. Specifically, the 33-year old managed to finish all three fights he’s had with the promotion. In fact, at Bellator 244 the Brazilian showed how devastating his counter striking is. Specifically, when he took out Salim Mukhidinov with a slick pull, counter right-hook in the first round. Despite activity often getting in the way of the top prospect, when he’s competing he’s a challenging puzzle to decipher on the feet.

Conversely, Soto enters his Bellator debut on a high note, sporting a three-fight win streak. Prior to competing in Bellator, the 28-year old cut his teeth competing on the California regional circuit. In particular, Soto collected his last three wins at California Cage Wars. Soto’s ability to ‘club and sub’ or slowly break an opponent down is one of his strong suits. In his last time out, the featherweight was able to attack Jesus Mondragon until his foe exposed his neck which he promptly snatched and scored a rear-naked choke. Since each fighter has a clear path to victory, it will be an important fight to determine the next featherweight on the come-up.

Johnny Eblen vs. Daniel Madrid – Bellator 258 – Middleweight

As Eblen expanded his record to seven wins at the Bellator 250 show in May, it was clear after the unanimous decision against Taylor Johnson that he would be a hard fight for anyone. Consequently, the heavy-hitter remains unbeaten as a professional. Even though his record shows three unanimous decisions in a row, don’t let that fool you, because Eblen packs power. With a current streak of ten, and training out of American Top Team, Eblen is a serious threat and versatile inside of the cage. Overall, the middleweight secured three wins by strikes when he was competing in Shamrock FC in 2018.

After his defeat to UFC middleweight Ian Heinisch in 2018, Madrid hasn’t looked back. Overall, the 37-year old has been putting in the training and his work ethic is hard to deny. Madrid will make his second Bellator appearance this Friday and will come into this fight on a five-fight win streak.

Logan Storley vs. Omar Hussein – Bellator 258 – Welterweight

In the “main event” of fights going under the radar, wrestling standout Storley will look to erase his recent loss to Ukraine’s Yaroslav Amosov. The four-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler had problems with Amosov stuffing his takedowns last fight. However, surely a wrestler of Storley’s pedigree will work on adjustments for the future. If Storley can implement a wrestling-heavy style, this is his fight to walk away with, but UAE Warrior’s staple Hussein is a tough customer.

Despite not being a prominent finisher, Hussein is a tricky puzzle to deal with at welterweight. The Palestinian native’s cardio is one of his best weapons. Perhaps, after the time spent training with Team Alpha Male, the 24-year old will look for the finish more often in competition. Although, since he’s well-rounded, Hussein’s grappling will be key to not being out-positioned in wrestling scrambles. Additionally, if Hussein can establish the range and stuff takedowns like Amosov did, it will be a long night for the highly favored wrestler.

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