BURBANK, Calif. – Several pairings from the upcoming Bellator featherweight grand prix came together at a media day to promote the event, including current divisional champion Patricio Freire and challenger Juan Archuleta, who fight at Bellator 228.
Although the tournament begins on Sept. 7 at Bellator 226, perhaps the most anticipated action will come later in the month at Bellator 228. That includes an opening round title fight between “Pitbull” (29-4 MMA, 17-4 BMMA) and Archuleta (23-1 MMA, 5-0 BMMA), which headlines the event.
Despite some tension during media day, Freire and Archuleta were all smiles and friendly during their staredown for the Sept. 28 fight card, which takes place at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., and streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.
They were joined by another pair of tournament matchups with A.J. McKee (14-0 MMA, 14-0 BMMA) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (28-9-1 MMA, 6-7 BMMA) and Darrion Caldwell (13-3 MMA, 10-2 BMMA) vs. Henry Corrales (17-3 MMA, 5-3 BMMA).
Watch the video above to see all the staredowns.
For more on Bellator 228, check out the MMA Schedule.
