(PRESS RELEASE) -- SANTA MONICA, Calif. – A light heavyweight contest featuring Houston Alexander (16-12) versus Guilherme Viana (6-2) completes the main card of “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, OK., on November 20.
Previously announced pairings for the event include featherweight action featuring Bubba Jenkins (9-2), who takes on Jordan Parsons (11-1) and Hisaki Kato (5-1) who meets Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1) in a middleweight headlining attraction. In addition, a welterweight scrap pitting Ricky Rainey (11-3) against Chidi Njokuani (13-4) and a lightweight feature fight pitting Brandon Girtz (13-4) against Derek Campos (15-5) will also take place.
The card’s preliminary slate is also now complete, with the addition of five new contests. A middlweight fight between Ben Reiter (16-0) and Francisco France (12-3), two women’s bouts, one featuring Arlene Blencowe (6-5) against Gabrielle Holloway (5-3) and Julia Budd (7-2) versus Roberta Rovel (4-0), also a welterweight scrap pitting Andre Santos (37-10) against Josh Neer (36-14), and a couple 145-pounders going to war when Israel Giron (18-4) meets Mark Dickman (10-2).
At 43-years-old, Houston Alexander has been competing professionally since 2001, lacing up the gloves from promotions the likes of Ultimate Fighting Championship, Shark Fights, Resurrection Fighting Alliance, KSW and Bellator MMA. “The Assassin” is known for his one-punch knockout power, a skill the Grudge Training Center standout has showcased in 11 of his 16 wins as a professional. Now, a loser of his last two bouts, Alexander looks to end 2015 on a high note at the expense of his Nov. 20 opponent.
Coming off a defeat in his Bellator MMA debut, the 29-year-old Viana looks to bounce back against an opponent who has more than two times his experience. Hailing from Brazil, Viana has made a living off ending fights early, stopping the man standing opposite of him inside the cage five times before reaching the judges’ scorecards.
Complete “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” Fight Card
Main Card:
Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Hisaki Kato (5-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Bubba Jenkins (9-2) vs. Jordan Parsons (11-1)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Ricky Rainey (11-3) vs. Chidi Njokuani (13-4)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Brandon Girtz (13-4) vs. Derek Campos (15-5)
Preliminary Card:
Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Ben Reiter (16-0) vs. Francisco France (12-3)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Israel Giron (18-4) vs. Mark Dickman (10-2)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Arlene Blencowe (6-5) vs. Gabrielle Holloway
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Andre Santos (37-10) vs. Josh Neer (36-14)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Julia Budd (7-2) vs. Roberta Rovel (4-0)
Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Zach Rosol (1-0) vs. Alonzo Menifield (Debut)
Bellator Catchweight (140 lbs.) Feature Fight: Stephen Banaszak (4-5) vs. George Pacurariu (10-4)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Treston Thomison (8-3) vs. Chris Jones (9-3)
Bellator Bantamweight Feature Fight: Eli Tamez (9-0) vs. Roshaun Jones (2-3)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Justin Patterson (6-0) vs. Sean Holden (3-1)
Bellator Catchweight (195 lbs.) Feature Fight: Bubba McDaniel (25-10) vs. Kenyon Jackson (3-2)
About Bellator MMA:
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike's press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.