Before the bell: September edition

What’s happening this month in the world of MMA?

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Sept. 10, 2022 – Welterweight Nate Diaz stuns Tony ‘El Cucuy’ Ferguson with a left hook in the second round of their UFC 279 bout (via UFC Instagram)

September is looking to be an exciting month with action-packed MMA fights taking place all over the world. With so many events happening, we will spotlight must-see fights and news in the world of MMA that you definitely do not want to miss.

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song

The main event in Las Vegas features a fun stylistic clash between Cory Sandhagen and Song Yadong.

Cory Sandhagen is looking to prove that he is still one of the best Bantamweights in the UFC after losing his shot at the Interim Championship. But the road back to the top will not be an easy task. He will be going up against fighter Song Yadong, who is riding high on a three-fight win streak after delivering a flash knockout in his most recent match.

This fight is scheduled on Sept. 17, at 1 p.m. in Las Vegas and to be streamed on ESPN+.

Canelo vs. GGG III

Finally, one of boxing’s most epic trilogies is coming to a grand conclusion.

Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin will lock horns again for the third time on Sept. 17 for the undisputed Super Middleweight Championship at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, live on DAZN PPV in the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand as well as around the world on DAZN.

Alvarez and Golovkin will return to the scene of their previous two epic battles. Their first fight ​​in September 2017 ended in a split draw, with the consensus being that Golovkin had done more than enough to earn the victory.

The rematch occurred one year later, ​in September 2018, with Alvarez leaving victorious via majority decision.

Bellator 285: Henderson vs. Queally

Bellator travels to the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, for what aims to be an explosive live event overseas. Expect crowds to be bursting with energy when U.S. MMA icon Benson “Smooth” Henderson meets Irishman Peter Queally in the Lightweight main event.

Irish star Peter Queally makes his comeback from injury and looks to launch a renewed charge for the world title in front of his home crowd with a commanding victory. Standing in his way is the formidable challenge of Benson Henderson, who is coming off of a victory over the highly regarded Islam Mamedov.

Former UFC title-challenger Yoel Romero wants to prove he still has what it takes to reach a title shot in a new promotion when he faces Melvin Manhoef in a 3-round Light Heavyweight co-main event.

Don’t miss the early international fight time as it starts at 10 a.m. on Showtime.

ONE on Prime Video 2: Lee vs. Xiong III

With three World Title fights headlining the stacked card, ONE on Prime Video 2 promises a night of nonstop martial arts action – live in U.S. primetime.

The second installment of ONE Championship’s partnership with Amazon Prime is here to prove a point. Free-to-watch live for all North American Amazon Prime members, you can watch Atomweight Champion Angela Lee who moves up in weight classes to face Champion Xiong Jing Nan in a trilogy fight for the Women’s Strawweight Championship.

Multiple titles are on the line during this event which also features the Featherweight Kickboxing Championship and Inaugural Flyweight Submission Grappling Championship both up for grabs.

This event is scheduled on Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. on Prime Video.

Bellator 286: Pitbull vs. Borics

Featherweight Champion Patricio Pitbull and No. 1 Contender AJ McKee are set to face brand new opponents after their latest rematch in April.

A noteworthy event for Southern California MMA Fans as these fight cards take place at Long Beach Arena. First up hometown fighter A.J. McKee, moves up to Lightweight in order to fight Spike Carlyle. Followed by the main event where Patricio Pitbull will defend the Bellator Featherweight Title against Adam Borics. Though not technically taking place in September, it had to be included.

These fights are scheduled on Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. in Long Beach, California, and can also be viewed via Showtime.

 Set for November: Poirier vs. Chandler

After a ringside altercation happened between UFC Lightweight Title Contenders Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler at UFC 276, fans have been waiting on the edge of their seats for a fight to be booked. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto tweeted that the two fighters will meet for three rounds at UFC 281 in November at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier has also been on a warpath, calling out several opponents for “unprofessionalism” and ducking fights. Michael Chandler, being one of the fighters Poirier called out, has finally answered the call.

Stots vs Sabatello beef heats up:

The intense rivalry between Raufeon Stots and Danny Sabatello have been on full display during their recent face-to-face interviews. Two of the most electric personalities in Bellator are scheduled to face each other making this a fight to mark on the calendar.

The Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix Tournament continues at Bellator 289 on Dec. 9 and the Interim Bantamweight Championship will also be up for grabs.

Stay tuned for the next before the bell recap. You won’t want to miss any of these upcoming events. Follow us to stay updated on what’s happening in MMA.

See you next time for more noteworthy news and events! Remember to always keep your head up, don’t give up and protect yourself at all times!