Bellator NYC: ‘Sonnen vs. Silva’ to be Broadcast Live in Select Movie Theaters

Fathom Events and Bellator MMA are teaming up for what is expected to be one of the biggest fight events of the first half of 2017.

Bitter rivals Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva are set to headline Bellator NYC on June 24 at Madison Square Garden in New York, but fight fans will be able to watch the action live from within the comfort of select movie theaters across the U.S.

The theaters that show the event will do so on a one-time basis live while the pay-per-view takes place. The action will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Tickets can be purchased at participating theater box offices or at Fathom Events’ official site. The tickets went on sale Friday.

Sonnen, one of the greatest trash talkers in the history of MMA, is a former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight title challenger. He’s squared off against the best of the best including Anderson Silva (twice), Jon Jones and holds wins over current or former world champions Michael Bisping and Mauricio Rua.

Silva, meanwhile, is widely considered one of the greatest to ever compete in MMA. A longtime Pride superstar who was the first man to ever win a Pride world title and Pride Grand Prix, “The Axe Murderer” has faced the absolute many of the sport’s biggest names.

Sonnen and Silva have been rivals for years and were supposed to fight at UFC 173 and “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3” finale, but those bouts were scrapped for various reasons.

Also slated for Bellator NYC is a heavyweight showdown between longtime Pride emperor Fedor Emelianenko and Matt Mitrione, while Douglas Lima will put his welterweight title on the line against Lorenz Larkin. Additionally, Michael Chandler will defend his lightweight strap against Brent Primus.