Bellator MMA, the renowned mixed martial arts promotion, is expanding its horizons with the addition of its 10th weight class – the men’s flyweight division. This exciting news comes as a momentous step forward for the promotion, demonstrating its commitment to diversifying its roster and broadening its fan base.
In an industry that thrives on evolution, the creation of a new division is a testament to the diverse talents that are found within the sport. Bellator’s expansion is not surprising, given its history of welcoming athletes of different weight classes and providing a platform for unique talents to shine.
News of the imminent launch was initially reported by MMA Junkie and later confirmed by sources close to the situation. Though details regarding the official launch date are still under wraps, there is no doubt that Bellator is preparing for a significant shift in its structure.
The men’s flyweight division will be the 8th men’s division in Bellator, adding to the existing bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions. This move, the first since the addition of a new weight class in 2014, reaffirms Bellator’s commitment to providing an inclusive platform for all fighters.
Although the organization has no official flyweight class as yet, it has still booked over 50 fights for male fighters at 125 pounds, marking the popularity of the weight class. Athletes like Josh Paiva and Zarrukh Adashev have already notched victories at this weight.
Furthermore, Bellator’s decision to launch the men’s flyweight division is backed by a history of flyweight bouts. A notable example is the planned but ultimately cancelled bout between former bantamweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi and one-time UFC title challenger Ray Borg at Bellator 295. The match was called off due to Borg’s weight-cutting complications. Despite the cancellation, the promotion’s efforts signal its determination to spotlight the flyweight division.
In conclusion, this evolution of Bellator MMA is much anticipated, despite the uncertainty around its official launch date and roster. Adding a men’s flyweight division not only allows more athletes to compete, but also expands the spectrum of thrilling match-ups for fans to enjoy. With a growing roster of exceptional talent across all divisions, this addition is set to take Bellator MMA to new heights. Stay tuned for more developments on this exciting evolution in the world of MMA.