Hot on the heels of the confirmation of their historic first show in Paris, Bellator have confirmed cards on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, both at the Allianz Cloud Arena in Milan, Italy.
The main event on Sept. 26 sees Fabian “The Assassin” Edwards (9-0) face Costello “The Spaniard” van Steenis (12-2) at middleweight. Birmingham's Edwards' 100 per cent professional record is at stake, while Dutchman van Steenis was on a hot streak of six straight victories — including his first four Bellator appearances — before defeat to John Salter last year.
Two more middleweight showdowns are set for the show, as Dublin’s Will “F’n” Fleury (7-3) goes up against Wiltshire’s Kent “The Hammerhorn” Kauppinen (12-5), while Italy's own Pietro “King Kong” Penini (9-1-1) meets Londoner Mike “Sea Bass” Shipman (13-3).
On Oct. 3, bantamweights James “The Strabanimal” Gallagher (10-1) and Cal “Pacino” Ellenor (8-2) are set to finally do battle after having their bout scrapped twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic — once in Dublin and then in London.
Gallagher vs. Ellenor main events a card also featuring “Relentless” Charlie Ward (8-4) going up against Estonian veteran Andy “Predator” Manzolo (22-7) in a middleweight fight.
Also part of Bellator's 2020 European Series is an additional Milan show on Thursday Oct. 1, headlined by Paul Daley vs. Derek Anderson.
Bellator first broke the news of their maiden France show — after the country finally lifted their ban on live mixed martial arts shows — last week. The Oct. 10 card features Cheick Kongo (30-10-2) facing Tim Johnson (14-6) in a heavyweight rematch and Michael "Venom" Page (17-1) vs. the debuting and undefeated Ross Houston (8-0) at welterweight.