Bellator will head to CBS in 2023 with Ryan Bader defending his heavyweight title against Fedor Emelianenko.
The event takes place February 4 from the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. Fights will begin on CBS Television Network and stream on Paramount+.
Along with Bader and Fedor, Yoel Romero will challenge either Vadim Nemkov or Corey Anderson for the light heavyweight title. Nemkov defends against Anderson on Friday night.
This will mark the first live broadcast of mixed martial arts on CBS since 2010 when Strikeforce aired events.
In their initial matchup at the same arena on Jan. 26, 2019, Bader captured the 265-pound crown by defeating Emelianenko in just 35 seconds during the finale of the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix.
After flooring the Russian icon by landing a devastating left hand to Emelianenko’s head, Bader followed up with a barrage of punches before referee Mike Beltran stopped the contest.
“We have been working tirelessly on growing this brand into the global powerhouse it is today and a primetime slot on CBS has always been one of our key objectives,” Bellator president Scott Coker said. “With a healthy roster full of many of the world’s very best fighters, along with elite up-and-coming prospects and legends of the game, I’m very excited to showcase this event on the most watched network in America.”
