Bellator Fighting Championships today released their official main card fights for Bellator 28, scheduled to take place next Thursday, Sept. 9, at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre in New Orleans, La. It will mark Bellator’s first visit to the city known for Mardi Gras, voodoo and Hurricane Katrina.
Headlining the card will be season two lightweight semifinalist Carey Vanier taking on UFC veteran Rich “No Love” Clementi. Vanier knocked out Joe Duarte in Bellator’s season two opening round, but fell victim to submission master Toby Imada via armbar in the semi-finals.
A tough and seasoned journeyman, Clementi has already fought four times this year, going 3-1. He’s riding a two-fight win streak, having defeated Glen Cordoza via triangle choke in June and then defeated Lenny Nelson via rear-naked choke in July. If Vanier could get a win over a veteran like Clementi, it would be the biggest victory of his career.
Also on the card, “The Fighting Hippie” Matt Horwich comes off an impressive rear-naked choke victory over Thales Leites at “War on the Mainland” to face Bellator season two semifinalist Eric Schambari.
Here’s the complete main card for Bellator 28:
- Carey Vanier (9-3) vs. Rich “No Love” Clementi (37-16-1)
- Eric Schambari (12-2) vs. Matt Horwich (25-15-1)
- Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan (13-2-1) vs. Anthony Leone (8-1)
- Eric Larkin (2-0) vs. Marcus Andrusia (1-0)
Bellator 28 will air live on FOX Sports Net on Thursday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. CT. As always, ProMMAnow.com will provide live results and play-by-play commentary during the broadcast.