Two of Bellator’s most exciting champions have their next fights set as the promotion announced its full 2024 schedule of Champions Series, beginning in March.
Bellator Champions Series: Paris will take place on May 17 at Accor Arena in Paris, France, the promotion announced in a press release. The event will feature two title fights, with lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and bantamweight champion Patchy Mix looking to defend their titles.
In the main event, Nurmagomedov (17-0) will look to record his second title defense as he takes on Alexander Shabliy. Nurmagomedov won the title at Bellator 288 by defeating Paticky Freire by unanimous decision. His first title defense against Brent Primus was later overturned to a no contest. Shabliy (23-3), has not tasted defeat since 2016, winning nine consecutive fights.
In the co-feature, Mix (19-1) will put his 135-pound title on the line for the first time when he meets Magomed Magomedov. Mix unified the title in a second-round submission victory over Sergio Pettis in November at Bellator 301. Magomedov (20-3) gets a crack at gold following a first-round submission win over Danny Sabatelly in July.
The promotion also announced its full 2024 schedule of Champions Series events:
- Friday, March 22 – Bellator Champions Series: Belfast at SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Friday, May 17 – Bellator Champions Series: Paris at Accor Arena in Paris, France
- Saturday, June 22 – Bellator Champions Series: Dublin at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland
- Saturday, September 7 – Bellator Champions Series: San Diego at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, Calif.
- Saturday, September 14 – Bellator Champions Series: London at OVO Wembley in London, England
- Saturday, October 12 – Bellator Champions Series: Chicago at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill.
- Saturday, November 16 – Bellator Champions Series: Paris at ADIDAS Arena in Paris, France
- Tuesday, December 31 – Bellator Champions Series – TBD
A U.S. distribution partner for the events will be announced soon, according to the press release.
The current BCS: Paris lineup includes:
- Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Alexander Shabliy – for lightweight title
- Patchy Mix vs. Magomed Magomedov – for bantamweight title
- Gregory Babene vs. Costello van Steenis
- Louis Sutherland vs. Slim Trabelsi
- Mansour Barnaoui vs. Yusuke Yachi
