Bellator MMA Announces First Matchups for Co-Promoted Fights in Italy for April 16

Bellator MMA will expand its horizons on April 16 as the promotion is set to partner with Italian kickboxing league Oktagon for an event at the Pala Alpitour in Torino, Italy.

The partnership will commence with a light heavyweight mixed martial arts clash between Bellator slugger Brian Rogers and Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Alessio Sakara.

Also announced were MMA matchups pitting Danilo Belluardo against elite prospect A.J. McKee and Anastasia Yankova versus a to-be-decided foe.

Kickboxing scraps pitting Raymond Daniels against Kevin Ross and Melvin Manhoef with a yet-to-be-announced partner were also revealed.

“We are beyond excited to be announcing the participation of these incredible athletes alongside (Oktagon Kickboxing President) Carlo Di Blasi,” stated Bellator MMA President Scott Coker. “This is an incredible indication of the amazing show that we are putting together, and there is so much more to come.”

The MMA portion of the card is expected to air in the U.S. on Spike.

“When Scott Coker confirmed me of the coming of Bellator MMA in the Olympic city of Turin with Oktagon kickboxing, I immediately thought this is actually the biggest hit ever in European history of fighting sport,” said Di Blasi. “The expectations are really high and I am sure the spectators at venue and on TV will keep this enthusiasm during the whole show.”