Bellator MMA’s “FightSphere” at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., has hosted action during this ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but not quite like this.
For the first time ever, the “FightSphere” will hold a massive doubleheader, headlined by Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida in a rematch at Bellator 245 on Friday, Sept. 11, and Juan Archuleta vs. Patchy Mix for the vacant bantamweight world title at Bellator 246 on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The cards will also have Cat Zingano and Liz Carmouche making their highly anticipated Bellator debuts, as Zingano takes on Gabby Holloway in a featherweight tilt at Bellator 245, while Carmouche faces DeAnna Bennett at flyweight during Bellator 246. Each card will air live on DAZN at 10 p.m. ET. (as well as on Paramount Network in the U.S.).
Davis (21-5-1 no contest) defeated Machida (26-9) by unanimous decision in the latter fighter’s home country of Brazil back when they were in the UFC in August 2013. More than seven years later, Machida will look to avenge that loss in this light heavyweight clash. The 35-year-old Davis enters the bout coming off a third-round TKO (punches) of Karl Albrektsson last October. Machida, 42, dropped a split decision to Gegard Mousasi in September during his last appearance in the cage.
Meanwhile, Archuleta (24-2), who is coming off a decision victory over Henry Corrales in January, will have to hand Mix (13-0) his first loss if he’s going to wrap the bantamweight title around his waist by the night’s end. This fight has the 32-year-old knockout artist dropping down a weight class to make this world title shot happen. Mix, 26, has racked up three straight first-round submissions in Bellator, as he looks to make his fourth performance with the company his best.
Zingano (10-4) vs. Holloway (6-5) will serve as the co-main event to Davis vs. Machida 2 at Bellator 245, while Jon Fitch (32-7-2, 1 NC) vs. Neiman Gracie (9-1) will be the co-main event to Archuleta-Mix at Bellator 246.