Welterweights Michael Page, Ricky Rainey Join Bellator’s Inaugural Pay-Per-View

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A welterweight showdown between prospects Michael Page and Ricky Rainey has been added to Bellator’s first pay-per-view card.

Bellator officials announced the booking Friday. The May 17 event is headlined by a lightweight title rubber match pitting Eddie Alvarez against Michael Chandler and will additionally feature the Season 10 light heavyweight tournament final between Quinton Jackson and Muhammed Lawal.

Middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko will also see action that night, when “Storm” moves up to 205 pounds to take on former UFC light heavyweight ruler Tito Ortiz at the Landers Center in Southaven, Miss.

Known for his karate background and quick-strike standup techniques, Page has finished all five of his pro opponents as a mixed martial artist. The 27-year-old Englishman last competed one year ago, when he choked out Ramdan Mohamed under India’s Super Fight League banner.

A nine-fight pro, Rainey has won four of his last five, with his lone loss in that span coming via split decision to lauded prospect Dhiego Lima. “The Sniper” made his Bellator debut one week ago, knocking out Andy Murad in just 71 seconds at Bellator 116.