Former Bellator MMA commentator Sean Grande will return to work for the California-based promotion for “one night only” next month.
“Happy to report my return to Bellator and MMA for one night only April 6,” Grande wrote. “There were so many reasons to do it, but here is the biggest. My main event fee is going to my friend Manny Rodriguez. If you enjoy the show, and can give a little, thank you.”
Rodriguez, a former fighter and Bellator’s Spanish language broadcaster, is dealing with heart complications triggered by a pulmonary embolism. Those interested in donating to help Rodriguez can find more information here.
Grande and Bellator parted ways last year after the organization elected to hire veteran announcers Mike Goldberg and Mauro Ranallo. Grande, who works as a play-by-play announcer for Boston Celtics radio broadcasts, last worked for the organization at Bellator 179 in May 2017.
Bellator 196 takes place at Budapest Sports Arena in Budapest, Hungary, and is headlined by a lightweight clash between Benson Henderson and Roger Huerta. The card will air via tape delay in the United States on the Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
Happy to report my return to Bellator and MMA for one night only April 6.
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) March 26, 2018
There were so many reasons to do it, but here's the biggest.
My main event fee is going to my friend Manny Rodriguez.
If you enjoy the show, and can give a little, thank you.https://t.co/hCm8ZlUCw4