BELLATOR 297 PRESS CONFERENCE & WEIGH-IN VIDEO

June 15, 2023Written by @REALCOMBATMEDIA - Editorial Staff

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS FROM BELLATOR 297 PRESS CONFERENCE AT CHICAGO’S WORLD-FAMOUS WILLIS TOWER SKYDECK

SCOTT COKER AND BELLATOR 297 MAIN CARD ATHLETES ADRESSED MEDIA AT EVENT HOSTED BY CHAEL SONNEN

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS – Please credit: BELLATOR/Jack Dombro

CLICK HERE FOR FULL VIDEO OF TODAY’S PRESS EVENT

CHICAGO – BELLATOR President Scott Coker and the athletes competing on Friday night’s SHOWTIME-televised BELLATOR 297: Nemkov vs. Romero / Pettis vs. Pitbull event gathered 99 stories above the Chicago streets at the Willis Tower Skydeck this afternoon to speak to the media about the rapidly approaching blockbuster event.

Well… all competitors, aside from one of MMA’s most fearless fighters, Yoel Romero (15-6), who challenges BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Champion Vadim Nemkov (16-2) in the main event. Romero joined the press conference via zoom, citing a completely reasonable and understandable fear of heights.

Co-headliners, BELLATOR Bantamweight World Champion Sergio Pettis (22-5) and BELLATOR Featherweight World Champion Patricio Pitbull (35-5) each provided insights into their upcoming world title fight.

Plus, Illinois natives in No. 1-ranked light heavyweight Corey Anderson (16-6) and No. 4-ranked heavyweight Daniel James (15-6-1) relished the opportunity to address their fans from the highest point in Chicago ahead of their matchups with ex-Light Heavyweight World Champion Phil Davis (24-6) and No. 10-ranked heavyweight Gokhan Saricam (8-2), respectively.

BELLATOR 297: Nemkov vs. Romero airs LIVE in the U.S. at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME. The preliminary contests will air live at 6 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, and Pluto TV.

Tickets for the explosive event are on sale now at Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

BELLATOR 297: NEMKOV VS. ROMERO MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME

Friday, June 16 — 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. PT

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: C-Vadim Nemkov (16-2) vs. #3-Yoel Romero (15-6)

Bantamweight World Title Bout: C-Sergio Pettis (22-5) vs. C-Patricio “Pitbull” (35-5)

Light Heavyweight Bout: #1-Corey Anderson (16-6) vs. #2-Phil Davis (24-6)

Heavyweight Bout: #4-Daniel James (15-6-1) vs. #10-Gokhan Saricam (8-2)

BELLATOR 297: NEMKOV VS. ROMERO PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

Friday, June 16 — 6 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. PT

Heavyweight Bout: Wladmir Gouvea (1-0) vs. Gabriel Sayeg (1-1)

Welterweight Bout: Kyle Crutchmer (9-2) vs. Bobby Nash (12-4)

Lightweight Bout: #9-Gadzhi Rabadanov (19-4-1) vs. Pieter Buist (17-6)

Welterweight Bout: Jaleel Willis (16-4) vs. Ramazan Kuramagomedov (10-0)

Lightweight Bout: Mike Hamel (10-5) vs. Shamil Nikaev (10-0, 1 NC)

Middleweight Bout: Norbert Novenyi Jr. (6-0) vs. Kamil Oniszczuk (9-2)

Lightweight Bout: #10-Archie Colgan (7-0) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (20-8)

Light Heavyweight Bout: #5-Alex Polizzi (10-2) vs. #8-Karl Moore (11-2)

Featherweight Bout: #8-Timur Khizriev (12-0) vs. Richie Smullen (10-2-1)

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (5-0) vs. Matthew Perry (5-3)

Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (6-2) vs. Edwin Chavez (6-4)

Click here for full video uploads of each fighter’s media day availability

CHICAGO — Ahead of Friday night’s BELLATOR 297: Nemkov vs. Romero event at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, several of the card’s high-profile competitors addressed the assembled media. All four of the headlining title bouts’ participants took the dais, as did No. 5-ranked light heavyweight Alex Polizzi, No. 8-ranked light heavyweight Karl Moore, No. 8-ranked featherweight Timur Khizriev, No. 10-ranked lightweight Archie Colgan, and top prospects Norbert Novenyi Jr. and Richie Smullen.

The massive event airs live this Friday, June 16 on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. ET.

Here is what the fighters had to say:

Vadim Nemkov — BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Champion

On opponent Yoel Romero: “We both can wrestle, and we both can strike. I watched the last couple of fights of his, and I know myself, so I don’t expect a lot of wrestling. Since it’s a very serious opponent and for five rounds, I’m hoping to finish it earlier. But I’m ready for five rounds.”

On continuing Fedor Emelianenko’s legacy: “I want to continue Fedor’s legacy because we are both from Stary Oskol. I want to continue his legacy and the success of his students. Hopefully, I will continue to be a good student and remain champion.”

On his fight with Romero being rescheduled from Fedor’s retirement fight: “I was able to help Fedor and Anatoly, so it was a little easier for me. If the fight hadn’t happened so close to my previous fight, I would have been happy to share the card with him, but I was happy to be in his corner instead. But this card will be as exciting as that card; it is a great event.”

“I know who the co-main event is. It’s going to be Sergio Pettis and Patricio Pitbull. I’ve fought on the same card as Pitbull before, so because of that, I’m probably going to go with Pitbull. At that specific moment, the co-main event, I’m going to be getting ready and warming up for my fight. But if I have a second, I will try to watch that fight.”

“I love Chicago. The fans over here are very nice, and it’s a beautiful city. So, I love to fight here.”

Yoel Romero — No. 3-Ranked BELLATOR Light Heavyweight

“I feel great. It’s a fantastic moment for me, for my career. It’s very important for my career to take this belt at this moment. I feel that this is the moment. It’s a great moment for me and my family. We’ll see what happens on Friday night.”

On the Vadim Nemkov fight falling through during its first scheduling: “I’ve been in this game for many years. I know these things happen. My mind is very flexible. I knew this fight had to happen. I had to be patient, but it happened. Now we’re here.”

“Every fighter is different. I’ve fought very good fighters before. They all have something special. Nemkov’s an exceptional fighter. I don’t think he’s above or below the level of fighters I’ve fought before; it is what it is.”

On returning to a five-round fight: “When you’re in a five-round fight, it means something. It means you’re in a big fight. And if you’re in a big fight, it means you’ve done something right. Now, it’s a title fight.”

“It’s a very important fight. To be the BELLATOR champion would be a new beginning for my career. But I’m not focused on the title; the most important thing is to win the fight.”

On having fought for a title in Chicago previously: “Sometimes, it’s impossible to not have memory. But on some occasions, it’s good to have it. This time I’ve been training, it was to come back here. Everyone knows what happened in that fight. This time, I’ll make sure it’s not the same as last time. So, for my children, I have a different story to tell.”

On Patricio Pitbull’s quest for history: “Two magnificent champions. Everyone knows Patricio’s story. I respect him a lot. He’s the face of this company. When he beat Michael Chandler, he left a massive message: you can’t doubt him anymore, or the talent that he has. The way that he did it was amazing. I think he’s going to fight someone young, with a lot of aspirations. I think it’s amazing he’s dropping down to 135. He’s attempting history — every athlete has to sacrifice to do a camp, but to make it all the way to 135, you have no idea what you have to do in camp. It’s very hard when you have a wife and children. This man is creating a legacy, and to be in the same promotion and the same card is an honor. On the other hand, Sergio Pettis is an amazing fighter. It will be very exciting. I believe everyone here is going to see an amazing fight.”

Sergio Pettis — BELLATOR Bantamweight World Champion

“I’m blessed to be back here. It’s been 18 months. I’ve learned a lot over the last year, more personal than anything, but I think I’ve done the right things to be ready.”

On missing out on the $1M Grand Prix and hardship of injury: “It was hard to overcome at first. I missed out on three fights last year and the chance to become a millionaire. But I think it was a sign from the universe. I came into this sport to start a legacy, but it became about money. I think this fight is the perfect fight to restart my career.”

On Patchy Mix’s Grand Prix finale win over teammate Raufeon Stots: “It’s MMA. Anything can happen. I was losing a fight, then landed a spinning backfist. MMA is crazy. It sucks for [my teammate] Raufeon [Stots], but Patchy went on a great run with [Kyoji] Horiguchi, Magomed [Magomedov], and Raufeon. I’m definitely impressed.”

“This is the biggest fight of my career, for sure. Especially after the injury, getting thrown into the deep end, for sure.”

On opponent Patricio Pitbull’s cut down to bantamweight: “I’m sure with the amount of time he had to prepare, I’m sure he did the nutrition right. But I fought at 125 before, so I know what it’s like to cut an extra ten pounds. It’s a lot. But I’m sure he’ll be himself, and that’s what I’m ready for.”

On Pitbull bringing in an old coach of his for camp: “I know he brought out my old coach to train with him, so I think they’re trying to play some mind games about me. He was my coach three years ago, and I’ve changed so much since then. It’s okay. It’s a business — he was my old coach, but he has a family to feed.”

On Pitbull eyeing a fourth title at flyweight: “This guy’s getting greedy, man. I get it, he’s trying to make a legacy, but I think he’s looking past me.”

On a potential two-weight championship opportunity at flyweight: “If it made sense, I probably would, but as of right now, I don’t want to cut that extra weight.”

On the narrative of Pitbull’s quest for three divisional titles: “I’m not worried about this whole narrative of three-time champion or me coming back. I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better in the sport and as a person. This whole narrative is cool for social media, but I’m going to go out there and get the job done. I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do to win.”

“I don’t know anything about ring rust; it’s my first time dealing with ring rust. I think it’s more of a mental thing. I’m not putting that into my head at all. It’s going out there, being natural, and being me. If I’m me, I don’t think ring rust will be a problem at all. I’ve had a lot of stress that I’m ready to let loose of this Friday night.”

Patricio Pitbull — BELLATOR Featherweight World Champion

On taking on the challenge of becoming a three-weight champion: “I’ve been the champ for many years here at 145lbs here in BELLATOR. I went up to 155lbs, knocked out Michael Chandler in won it, vacated the belt and my Patricky, my brother, won it. BELLATOR offered me the opportunity to win the 135lb belt, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I couldn’t be happier.”

On the weight cut process a division below his usual weight: “I can’t believe how easy this process of going down a weight class has been. I’ve been on this diet since I beat the RIZIN champion, Kleber [Koike], in December last year. I’m eight pounds over. It’s easier making this weight than it was for me to make featherweight. I’m great, I’m ready, and it was easier than ever. I’m ready to shock the world.”

On why he continues seeking difficult, new challenges in MMA: “I don’t like to be comfortable. I always like to move forward, to embrace challenges. I don’t think about [my legacy and the history I stand to make]. I’m not worried about what people are going to say about me, I have a fighter that is very good and technical in front of me in Sergio Pettis. My main focus is to become the 135-pound champion, and then we’ll see where to go from there.”

On the speed difference between weight classes: “I’ve prepared very well for [the difference in timing]. I’ve brough in two flyweights and a bantamweight. They’re all faster than Sergio Pettis. I was doing six six-minute rounds with them. My weight’s come down naturally, and I’ve been able to keep my speed and strength thanks to my nutrition and strength training plans.”

On what constitutes a GOAT: “There are a lot of GOATs in this game, but no one has three titles. That is the difference.”

On the upcoming Patricky Pitbull-AJ McKee Grand Prix bout: “We know a lot about AJ McKee. He’s good, he’s tough. But I believe Patricky’s going to knock him out. About me and McKee, I don’t know. Maybe if I go up in weight again, but I don’t think he’ll come down.”

On how he thinks the fight with Pettis will play out: “It’s going to be a war; we’re both strikers. But I believe my power is going to be the difference… My will [is the deciding factor]. Nobody has my will — nobody.”

On his standing among the GOATs: “I never like to talk or think about who’s the best; I think that’s for other people to do. My focus is accomplishing a mission. Let others decide. Let them look at the numbers, let them look for the facts. They can decide for themselves. But the facts are the facts.”

On what might be next after this fight: “First, I have to get the victory. I don’t know. We have Patchy Mix as the interim champion. Maybe we go for a fourth belt. I’m fresh. I’m ready. I think [I could make flyweight]. Now, I’m six months into my diet and I realized that it’s possible. So, after this fight if I win the fight, I’m on it.”

Archie Colgan — No. 10-Ranked BELLATOR Lightweight

“I feel great. Weight’s on point. The vibes are nice. This is a cool, historic hotel to be in, so it’s a different vibe than just a modern hotel. It’s my first bit of energy here in Chicago, so I feel good.”

On his progression in BELLATOR: “It feels natural. I don’t feel like anything in my career has been forced. Everything’s feeding into the next step, as it should. I don’t feel like the promotion’s trying to squeeze me into something that might happen. I feel like this is the next fight.”

“[Emmanuel Sanchez is] about as big a name as you get in BELLATOR. I think this’ll be his 20^th BELLATOR fight. I understand what the task is, what he brings to the table. I’ve had ten weeks to think about it, and watch tape of who he is as a fighter. He’s a traditional, hard-nosed Mexican fighter. He’s gonna fight until the last bell, and I’m ready for that.”

“I want to prove that I can do to the people at the same level as me that I can do to the people currently at that higher level… I have to be super disciplined in there. He’s got four times the fights as I do. I’m not sitting here saying I’m a 3-1 favorite — that’s you guys. Just because I hurt this guy doesn’t mean the fight’s over; he’s a veteran, he knows how to fight through things. I have good cardio, so we can go 15 minutes. But I think with my explosiveness, I’ll dish out a lot of damage. We’ll see what he can take.”

On the training room at Elevation Fight Team: “The camaraderie and brotherhood between is great. We push each other. When you spar with someone you care about but want to compete against, it brings out the best. It’s sweet that we were both in camp. It’s always a competition.”

On BELLATOR’s continued investment in his career: “It means a lot. It means that they’re doing their job, and they see the work that I’m putting in. They’ve provided me with four fights, and I got four finishes — three in the first round. When someone can do that for you, you should continue to challenge them, and that’s what they’re doing here.”

“I want to make it a decisive win. I don’t want to sit there after 15 minutes to see what the judges say. If he can handle what I throw at him for the first five, the first ten, let’s see if he can handle the next five after that.”

“2021 to 2023 have definitely been the best years of my life. There’s been a lot of joy. The birth of my sons. This will be my eighth fight in the timeframe. There’s been some adversity I had to deal with, and I’ve continued to grow every step of the way. But 2023-2025 will be better.”

Norbert Novenyi Jr. — BELLATOR Middleweight

On his return from injury at BELLATOR 291: “I loved every moment of it. I love to do this. I was doing my weight cut, and I’m like, ‘How lucky am I to cause myself pain and suffering to achieve greatness?’ I’m finally performing again. It’s amazing. I was just looking forward to being in there. I had something spectacular in my mind, and then the fight got called. Otherwise, it was great.”

On his opponent Kamil Onisczuk: “[Kamil Onisczuk is] definitely legit. He’s super tall. But, I’ve fought Will Fleury before [who’s tall]. He’s very tough, he’s got nice head kicks as well. I don’t think he’s very special at anything particular, but he’s tall. I’ve been training with light heavyweights to mimic that fight. I’ve put the work in, I’ve done all the suffering I need to do. I can’t wait for Friday night.”

“I don’t drink. I don’t eat fast food. I treat my body right. Even the beef I eat, it’s grass-fed.”

On his thoughts on the fight: “I truly believe I can finish him in the first, maybe the end of the second. It depends on how tough he’s going to be. I know he trains with a good camp, but I’ve just been so consistent this camp. I truly believe that I’m going to finish him, and it’s going to be a great fight, and I’m going to be victorious.”

On his current mindset: “I used to have this thing in my mind where I wanted to beat Jon Jones to become the youngest champion, and then my knee happened. Technically, I believe my striking is better than these guys’, my jiu jitsu is better than these guys’, and my wrestling’s better than these guys’. I just don’t have the experience yet. But I’m just going to beat who they put in front of me so I can be ready for that title.”

On his approach to this fight at BELLATOR 297: “A lot of emotions. I’ve had days when I didn’t feel like my training was going so well, then I’ve had days where I was on top of the world. I’m very excited. I think [Onisczuk] is very basic, but he’s a bit of a giant, which is something I’ve got to get used to. There are giants in this game. There are a lot of emotions in this sport. It’s good for my future: I get to live up to these moments. When I look back on these moments, I’ll be grateful.”

On the influence of teammate Michael ‘Venom’ Page on his career: “Page has been a big brother to be inside and outside the cage. He always messages me; he messaged me today, since he couldn’t come out. We talk every day. He’s like my big brother. So, yeah, he’s done a lot.”

Alex Polizzi — No. 5-Ranked BELLATOR Light Heavyweight

“It’s great to be back in the Midwest. I’m from Wisconsin, so it’s nice to be back, and it’s nice getting back into the cage. From my hometown, it’s about an hour-and-a-half. After a couple fights of people saying, ‘How can I get tickets,’ I try to distance myself from that, but I’m hoping some people will make it down.”

“I’m not really the guy to do a lot of research. I know Karl Moore is a decorated BELLATOR athlete, but outside of that, I don’t know much more. I’m here to fight my fight. It’s gonna be ugly, wild, and violent, and you guys are gonna see all of that.”

On changing gyms and joining Xtreme Couture: “There was a life-changing event: my wife finished school, and we looked at new places to go. On the list was Las Vegas, and she said, ‘How’s Vegas for MMA?’ And I said, ‘Yeah… we can make that work.’ In Vegas, there’s one option, and that’s Xtreme Couture… I could throw out names and stuff, but really, they’re so many guys and looks that come through Xtreme Couture, whether they live there in Vegas or are starting or finishing camp there. It’s super important to get different types of looks. I’m always seeing different stuff. You can pull, scavenge, and become a better fighter every day.”

On his time off due to injury: “I was laid off for a little bit. Six months of no contact after the broken jaw, so we took a step back to the drawing board and did a lot of pad work. But a bit prior, I made sure to get what was going on in my head right and saw a mental performance coach. We worked on some techniques about how to get ready to get back into things and tools to work on the mental side of things, as well. I think that’s very important, and it’s something I hadn’t put a lot of time into before.”

On what he learned fighting Yoel Romero: “One: no matter how tough you are, Yoel hits pretty dang hard. If anyone followed my career before, I took a nasty hit of a flying knee: nothing. Meanwhile, Yoel throws a little punch: jaw broke. The other thing I learned is that it’s important for me as a fighter to stick to my gameplan. I don’t like researching my opponent, but with a guy like Yoel who’s a legend in the sport, it’s hard to put the blinders on and not think, ‘Yoel likes to do this.’ So, I think that’s why my mental improvements are important.”

Karl Moore — No. 8-Ranked BELLATOR Light Heavyweight

“I don’t know about every other Irish guy, but for me, the goal has been to fight in a major stadium here in the States. Chicago is one of the biggest cities in the U.S., so this has been great. There’s so much history in this place. I’ve just enjoyed the city. I look forward to the food, after I make weight.”

“This is kind of fight I want. My first fight back in three years was the guy ranked No. 6. These types of fights push me closer and closer to the title.”

On his opponent Alex Polizzi: “All the guys in my weight class have that one-punch, heavy shots. [Alex Polizzi is] durable. I’ve got to fight smart, and don’t give him that easy punch. He’s probably going to wrestle, which is smart. Especially when I hit him a few times, I think he’s going to try to take me down.”

“When I re-signed with BELLATOR, I said that I wanted four fights a year. This is three fights in eight months, then I’ll be in Dublin in September. So, this is exactly what I wanted. I win here, then I fight for a No. 1 contender’s fight. This is what I want.”

“For me, every fight’s a No. 1 contender’s fight. My mental hasn’t really changed. For me, it’s the exact same sort of fight. It’s just business as usual. If I put this guy away, I’m ranked No. 6. Then, I’ll be ranked in the Top 5.”

“I think so. If I win here, it’ll be four in a row with two guys in the Top 10. So yeah, I do. I think this sets me up for a title eliminator. Especially with Corey Anderson and Phil Davis fighting on this card, as well. I think it depends on my performance if I beat this guy. I think if I finish him, it sets me up at least for the No. 1 contender’s fight. I’ve just got to keep winning. If I keep winning, it’ll solve all my problems.”

On his thoughts on the two light heavyweight main card bouts: “I’m probably swayed more toward Nemkov. With Anderson and Davis, they’re pretty similar. I don’t know who I’d pick in that one. That one’s sort of 50/50 in my eyes.”

Timur Khizriev — No. 8-Ranked BELLATOR Featherweight

On his opponent Richie Smullen: “I have nothing against this opponent. [Richie is] pretty good. I basically prepare myself the same way, regardless of who is the opponent, so this is just another fight for me.”

On if there is a Dagestan-Ireland rivalry in MMA: “To be honest, I’ve never thought about it. I think it’s just a coincidence that Khabib and Conor were such big names. They have good fighters in Ireland, but I don’t see it much as a rivalry.”

On how he sees the fight playing out: “I usually don’t like to make predictions on the outcome. My arsenal is very wide so I can’t say if it will be striking, wrestling. I’ve fought so many types of fighters. Myself, I’m coming from freestyle wrestling, but we will see what happens.”

On if he is ready to face the division’s elite: “I don’t pick my opponents, that will be up to my managers. Eventually, I will fight everyone, so I will fight whoever is in front of me next and eventually, them all.”

On the level of Richie Smullen’s talent and his ability to handle it: “I’ve trained with so many different guys — I don’t want to say better than him to put him down, but at least as good as him — so I think I’m ready for him. I don’t think he’s as good as me when it comes to grappling.”

On Smullen’s plans to take his place in the rankings: “For me, that doesn’t mean anything. He’s won five fights in a row, I’ve won 12. When I enter the cage, I’m cold-blooded. I don’t care about anything else. I take the opponent into my world.”

Richie Smullen — BELLATOR Featherweight

“I can’t wait. It’s time to start climbing the ranks now. I’ve got a ranked guy in front of me, so it’s time to get going. I’ll fight anybody. I literally got [opponent Timur Khizriev’s] name sent and replied yes right away.”

On the significance of fighting in the United States.: “The fact that I’m in America, they’re obviously putting time and effort into me. On Friday night, I’m going to beat this guy and move on to the next.”

On watching tape of his opponents: “I don’t watch too much; I’ll watch the last fight and go off that. [Khizriev’s last fight] was good. It was kind of like a kickboxing fight, to be honest.”

On MMA in Ireland: “It’s crazy how the sport’s grown leaps and bounds back home. That Karl [Moore] and I are here says it all, you know what I mean? Realistically, in America, it all feels bigger and better. I’m hoping to get the job done Friday night and keep the momentum rolling when I come home.”

On how much time he spent on takedown defense, fighting a Dagestani: “Zero. I’m taking him down. Him on his back, me on top.”

On entering this fight as an underdog: “It doesn’t make a difference. Underdog or not. I don’t know why I’m the underdog; that’s just someone’s opinion.”