As the anticipation builds for BELLATOR 301: Amosov vs. Jackson, set to electrify the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, key figures like “Big” John McCarthy, Josh Thomson, and the main card warriors have shared their thoughts with the press. The event, airing live on SHOWTIME on Friday night, is a beacon for MMA fans, starting at 9 p.m. ET. Earlier bouts will light up BELLATOR’s YouTube and Pluto TV channels from 5 p.m. ET. With tickets flying off the shelves, this event is shaping up to be monumental.
At the heart of the evening, undefeated welterweight champ Yaroslav Amosov (27-0) faces Jamaica’s powerhouse, Jason Jackson (16-4). The co-main event features a bantamweight showdown with champion Sergio Pettis (23-5) defending his title against Patchy Mix (18-1) in a thrilling unification bout.
Ramping up the excitement, Raufeon Stots (19-2) reignites his rivalry with Chicago’s own Danny Sabatello (14-3). BELLATOR’s star, AJ McKee (20-1), steps into the spotlight against top-five lightweight Sidney Outlaw (17-5). Opening the main card is a Lightweight World Grand Prix semifinal where Patricky Pitbull (25-11) clashes with striking expert Alexander Shabliy (23-3).
Here’s a slice of what the fighters had to say:
Yaroslav Amosov remains unfazed by his perfect record, focusing solely on victory in the cage. His family’s presence and the situation in Ukraine fuel his motivation, reminding him of what truly matters. Amosov is confident in his status as the top fighter, ready to represent Ukraine with pride.
Jason Jackson, eagerly awaiting his clash with Amosov, draws strength from his teammate Logan Storley’s insights. Balancing a full-time job and training, Jackson is all about action, aiming to topple the undefeated champion and bring glory to Kill Cliff FC.
Sergio Pettis views Friday’s bout as his toughest yet, ready to demonstrate his ever-evolving skill set. He hopes to inspire late bloomers, having overcome personal anxieties and stepping out of his brother’s shadow.
Patchy Mix, riding high on recent victories, feels more prepared than ever. He sees this fight as a fresh start, a chance to prove his worth against a formidable opponent like Pettis.
Raufeon Stots, unfazed by fighting in Sabatello’s hometown, is ready to showcase his refined wrestling skills and secure another victory.
Danny Sabatello, feeling at home in Chicago, promises a more aggressive approach against Stots, confident in his ability to finish the fight this time.
AJ McKee, eager to return to the cage, has been honing his wrestling to match Sidney Outlaw’s prowess. He’s focused on reclaiming a world champion title, undeterred by his recent layoff.
Sidney Outlaw, grateful for the opportunity, is prepared to face another top contender, ready to seize any advantage in this high-stakes battle.
Patricky Pitbull, confident in his knockout power and team, views his upcoming bout as a title fight, ready to claim victory in the first round if possible.
Alexander Shabliy, proud of his past victories, is prepared to bring his A-game against Pitbull, seeing this fight as a potential championship decider.
BELLATOR 301 Main Card:
Friday, November 17 – Live on SHOWTIME
Wintrust Arena in Chicago
9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT/6 p.m. PT
Welterweight World Title Bout: C-Yaroslav Amosov (27-0) vs. #2-Jason Jackson (16-4)
Bantamweight World Title Unification Main Event: C-Sergio Pettis (23-5) vs. IC-Patchy Mix (18-1)
Bantamweight Main Card Bout: #2-Raufeon Stots (19-2) vs. #6-Danny Sabatello (14-3)
Lightweight Bout: #6-AJ McKee (20-1) vs. #5-Sidney Outlaw (17-5)
Lightweight World Grand Prix Semi-Final: #1-Patricky Pitbull (25-11) vs. #2-Alexander Shabliy (23-3)
BELLATOR 301 Preliminary Card:
BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV
5 p.m. ET/4 p.m. CT/2 p.m. PT
- Heavyweight Bout: #6-Tyrell Fortune (13-3) vs. #7-Marcelo Golm (10-4)
- Flyweight Bout: #5-Sumiko Inaba (6-0) vs. #6-Denise Kielholtz (7-5)
- Featherweight Bout: #6-Timur Khizriev (13-0) vs. #7-Justin Gonzales (14-2)
- Lightweight Bout: #10-Archie Colgan (8-0) vs. Pieter Buist (17-7)
- Flyweight Bout: Keri Taylor Melendez (5-0) vs. Sabriye Sengul (3-3)
- Bantamweight Bout: Matheus Mattos (13-2-1) vs. Richard Palencia (10-1)
- Lightweight Bout: Mike Hamel (11-5) vs. Tim Wilde (16-4-1)
- 160-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Islam Mamedov (22-3-1) vs. Killys Mota (15-3)
- Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (7-2) vs. Jefferson Pontes (6-0)
- Welterweight Bout: Ramazan Kuramagomedov (11-0) vs. Randall Wallace (20-9-1)
- Featherweight Bout: Yves Landu (19-9) vs. Isao Kobayashi (27-5-2)