Bellator 258: Archuleta vs Pettis preview, weigh-ins
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Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images
Bellator returns this week with an excellent headliner, featuring a title fight at the top and a bevy of familiar names and some very competitive matchups. Not only that, but the light heavyweight tournament continues in the race to the million dollar prize.
As of late, it feels as if Bellator matchmaking has become far more balanced and sensible. The product as a whole appears to be much more narrowly focused and the fights end up being less haphazardly put together.
All things considered, we end up with a tidy card that has less clutter and a fair amount of action that leads in interesting directions. And there’s major consequences to this one, primarily with the title fight at the top. Juan Archuleta (25-2) finally reached the pinnacle to become Bellator champ, and now he’ll be defending his title against Sergio Pettis (20-5).
Image via @AnthonyRumble on Instagram (photographer not listed)
Former UFC light heavyweight Anthony Johnson is excited about his return to MMA at Bellator 258, saying that he wants to have “fun” fights.
Johnson returns from a four-year layoff when he takes on Jose Augusto Azevedo this Friday night at Bellator 258 as part of the Bellator World Light Heavyweight Grand Prix. Johnson was originally targeted to fight Yoel Romero, but after Romero was removed due to a medical issue, Azevedo stepped up on short notice. For Johnson, it’s disappointing because he was really looking forward to throwing down and banging with Romero. But going in there and getting to mix it up with someone like Azevedo is also exciting for him.