The dawn of September just doesn’t signal a new school year and football season; a new season of Bellator MMA is drawing closer. As the days go by the announcement of upcoming Bellator cards continue.

Today the promotion released the main card and location for their third event of the season. Bellator 125 will take place Friday, September 19 at the Save Mart Center located at Fresno State University. The event will be headlined by two veteran middleweights.

Dutch slugger Melvin Manhoef will face off with former WEC light heavyweight champion Doug Marshall. Manhoef has fought around the world and is known for his powerful striking. Bellator president Scott Coker made Manhoef one of his first signings with the promotion as the new president, likely due to his previous dealings with him in Strikeforce. Manhoef is just one and two in his last three fights, but is likely seeking a career resurgence in Bellator.

Marshall entered Bellator in a similar slump, but then went on to win four straight including a tournament title. That title earned him a title shot against Alexander Shlemenko. Marshall came up short in that fight this year and will look to get back on track against Manhoef.

The co-main event of Bellator 125 will feature James “The Sandman” Irvin, a UFC-veteran, opposite Bellator mainstay, Brian Rogers. Featherweights Goiti Yamauchi and Martin Stapleton with look to keep their win streaks going when they face off and Bellator’s biggest heavyweight prospect returns when the undefeated Raphael Butler returns to face Javy Ayala.

The entire main card will air live on Spike TV with the prelims airing on Spike.com.

About The Author

Trey Downey
Staff Writer

A Central Florida native, Trey Downey's interest in MMA came after a trip to Blockbuster and the rental of UFC 47 on VHS. He has been blogging about the sport since 2011 and hosted a podcast called The TD Experience focusing on football and MMA (touchdowns and takedowns). Trey studied radio and television at the University of Central Florida and will soon be attending the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. Trey enjoys watching sports, pro wrestling and is an avid runner.