🥋🥊 Bellator Champions Series returns to London as Leah McCourt and Sara Collins headline the show at OVO Arena Wembley.
NEWSFLASH: Bellator Champions Series London is a wrap for 2024! Results 👇
👀 Check out our COMBAT sections (MMA here and BOXING here) for more great events coming up in the capital.
2024 RESULTS
Sara Collins pulled off a surprise in the main event at Bellator Champions Series London. The Australian is now the new No.1 contender in the women’s featherweight division after she defeated Leah McCourt with aided by some devastating strikes on the feet, ultimately finishing the fight with a rear-naked choke in the first round.
In the co-main event, London’s own Simeon Powell sent the crowd wild as he had his hand raised after defeating Rafael Xavier by split decision in a light-heavyweight bout. ‘Smooth’ fought back admirably to claim the win after being downed by his opponent in the first round.
In another massive light-heavyweight showdown Luke Trainer put the division on notice with a huge performance as he Laurynas Urbonavicius by first round rear-naked choke. ‘The Gent’ proceeded to take the microphone and call for his shot against Bellator light-heavyweight world champion Corey Anderson.
The main card was opened by an all-British match-up. Marc Diakiese won on his Bellator debut by unanimous decision against Tim Wilde. Both athletes threw their renowned array of strikes in a bid to gain momentum in the lightweight division.
2024 EVENT PREVIEW
The waiting is over for Bellator Champions Series London which returns to the capital after a bumper show in 2022 when USA’s Logan Storey beat Londoner Michael ‘Venom’ Page on a split decision to claim the interim welterweight title
Topping the bill tonight, Northern Ireland’s Leah McCourt (8-3) faces off against Sara Collins (5-0) from Australia. It’s a #1 contender featherweight showdown. The fight replaces the middleweight contest between undefeated Johnny Eblen (15-0) against England’s Fabian Edwards (13-3). Eblen v Edwards – due to be a rematch of their encounter at Bellator 299 in Dublin – was postponed at short notice.
BELLATOR CHAPIONS SERIES LONDON – KEY FIGHT ACTION
Leah McMcCourt v Sara Collins
McCourt comes into the fight off the biggest win of her career last October – a first round TKO of Olympic medalist Sara McMann. Her fight with Collins is making history as the first time two females headline a Bellator show in the UK. A big prize likely awaits the winner – namely, a bid for the featherweight world title against all-time great MMA fighter Cris Cyborg.
Simeon Powell v Rafael Xavier
On tonight’s undercard the chief support is a match-up between light-heavyweights Simeon Powell and Rafael Xavier. Six years ago, Powell was working as a steward at Wembley Stadium. Now at the arena just next door he is one of the hometown stars of Bellator’s showcase London event. The pressure is on as Powell faces the dangerous Xavier from Germany.
Luke Trainer v Laurynas Urbonavičius
Luke ‘The Gent’ Trainer was in relaxed mood at the pre-fight pre-conference. Outside of the cage Trainer has a well-earned reputation as one of the good guys, as he looks to secure a legacy from MMA that will enable him to set up a chain of children’s homes to nurture youngsters who have had a tough start in lift. Inside the cage Trainer flicks the switch into ‘warrior mode’. Lithuania’s menacing Laurynas Urbonavičius stands in Trainer’s way tonight.
Marc Diakiese v Tim Wilde
Marc Diakiese is a man on a mission as he embarks on his first fight under the Bellator banner. The former UFC and BAMMA star knows he has a target on his back. Tim Wilde, who has fond memories of fighting in London, is relishing the challenge Diakiese will bring.
TICKETS, TIMINGS & TRAVEL
Tickets for Bellator Champions Series London are off sale.
🗝️ Doors open at 4.30pm.
Show starts at circa 5pm.
🚊 🚗 Travel tips: The closest tube station is Wembley Park which is in Zone 4 and on the Metropolitan and Jubilee Lines. It’s less than a 5//10 minute walk. Upon exiting the station via the lift or stairs, pass under the tunnel onto Olympic Way. When reaching Wembley Stadium (do not walk up the ramps) turn right. OVO Arena Wembley is situated across the road. Car parking is also available. See this venue guide for full travel options.
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league worldwide. PFL has five live fight franchises, offering year-round content: PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Challenger Series, PFL International Leagues, and Bellator.
👀 LOVE LIVE SPORT? Visit our ‘What’s On’ page here for the No. 1 guide to spectator experiences coming up in LONDON. And to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action subscribe here to our newsletter. 👀