The Bellator cage returns “home” to Uncasville, Conn. as the promotion’s “Fightsphere” opens for business on Thursday nights, with a championship fight set to kick off their new schedule.
Bellator 249 features a women’s featherweight championship bout in its main event, as Brazilian MMA icon Cris Cyborg puts her newly-won 145-pound title on the line against Arlene Blencowe.
Co-main event support comes in the form of a lightweight showcase, as Bellator veteran and perennial 155-pound contender Patricky Freire faces off against in-form former LFA welterweight champion Jaleel Willis, who is returning for his second stint as a Bellator fighter.
Also featured on the main card is a bantamweight clash between Ricky Bandejas and Leandro Higo, while the preliminary card features a fascinating clash of rising prospects as the undefeated Steve Mowry welcomes former CFFC heavyweight champion Shawn Teed to the Bellator heavweight division.
Bellator 249 takes place Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on CBS Sports Network following prelims on MMA Junkie.
Here are our four burning questions ahead of fight night.