In the main event, Matt Mitrione (258) takes on Sergei Kharitonov (264) in a rematch of their fight from February, which ended in 15 seconds due to a groin strike resulting in a no-contest. Before that, "Meathead" lost to Ryan Bader in the semi-finals of the heavyweight Grand Prix. The Russian, meanwhile, was coming off of a knockout win over Roy Nelson. The co-headliner sees another heavyweight clash as Vitaly Minakov (262) looks to bounce back from his first professional loss against heavy-handed striker Javy Ayala (265).
Bellator 225, which airs on Paramount Network on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, also features a women's bantamweight tilt between Alejandra Lara (134) and Taylor Turner (136). In a 175-pound catchweight scrap, the most active fighter in promotional history David Rickels (175) tries to become the first man to defeat Yaroslav Amosov (175). Opening up the main card is a heavyweight battle between two unbeaten finishers as Tyrell Fortune (247) collides with Rudy Schaffroth (243).
Bellator 225 Weigh-in Results:
Matt Mitrione (258) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (264)Vitaly Minakov (262) vs. Javy Ayala (265)
Alejandra Lara (134) vs. Taylor Turner (136)
David Rickels (175) vs. Yaroslav Amosov (175)
Tyrell Fortune (247) vs. Rudy Schaffroth (243)
Khonry Gracie (171) vs. Oscar Vera (170)
Aviv Gozali (165) vs. Eduard Muravitskiy (165)
Sabah Homasi (171) vs. Micah Terrill (171)
Austin Vanderford (185.5) vs. Joseph Creer (184)
Timothy Johnson (265) vs. Azunna Anyanwu (265)
Ricky Bandejas (136) vs. Ahmet Kayretli (136)
Mike Kimbel (140) vs. Chris Disonell (140)
Nick Newell (156) vs. Corey Browning (156)
Kastriot Xhema (165) vs. Connor Dixon (165)
Jon Manley (175) vs. Thiago Rela (175)