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Bellator NYC
Davis vs. Bader Bellator NYC poster. Credit Bellator MMA.

Bellator MMA continue to stack their New York City debut, with champion Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) set to defend his light-heavyweight world title against top free agent acquisition Ryan Bader (22-5) in the Bellator 180 portion of the historical event.

The Bellator NYC pay-per-view headlined by Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva tops the billing on June 24, but that hasn’t stopped Bellator from putting significant names on their Bellator 180 telecast, which will broadcast on Spike TV.

Another top name set for Bellator’s maiden Madison Square Garden excursion, 20-year-old American freestyle wrestling stalwart Aaron Pico will make his professional MMA debut on the pay-per-view portion when he faces Zach Freeman (8-2). Freeman will also be making his Bellator debut after stints in Titan FC and RFA.

Aside from the light-heavyweight title headline – which features two former UFC names – Bellator also recently announced mega-Irish prospect, The Strabanimal” James Gallagher (6-0) against the older brother of ex-UFC 205lb champion Lyoto Machida, 40-year-old Chinzo Machida (5-2).

Also added, undefeated 28-year-old Neiman Gracie (5-0) returns from his first round submission of Rudy Bears to meet Dave Marfone (5-2) in a welterweight contest. 

Meanwhile, Ryan Couture (10-5) makes the move to welterweight against Israel’s Haim Gozali (7-3) on the Bellator.com-streamed preliminary portion of the Bellator 180 card. 

Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva PPV Card
Light Heavyweight Main Event: Chael Sonnen (29-15-1) vs. Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC)
Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1 NC) vs. Matt Mitrione (11-5)
Welterweight World Title Bout: Douglas Lima (28-6) vs. Lorenz Larkin (18-5, 1 NC)
Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (16-3) vs. Brent Primus (7-0)
Lightweight Feature Bout: Aaron Pico (Debut) vs. Zach Freeman (8-2)

Updated Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Card
Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) vs. Ryan Bader (22-5)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: James Gallagher (6-0) vs. Chinzo Machida (5-2)
Welterweight Main Card Bout: Neiman Gracie (5-0) vs. Dave Marfone (5-2)

Updated Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Preliminary Card 
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ryan Couture (10-5) vs. Haim Gozali (7-3)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jerome Mickle (2-1) vs. Anthony Giacchina (1-1)
Catchweight Preliminary Bout (168 1bs.): John Salgado (4-7-1) vs. Hugh McKenna (0-1)
Catchweight Preliminary Bout (130 1bs.): Matt Rizzo (9-2, 1 NC) vs. Sergio da Silva (6-8)