Chidi Njokuani Set For Bellator MMA Debut on Nov. 20 Against Ricky Rainey

Oct 09, 2015

(PRESS RELEASE) -- SANTA MONICA, Calif. – A welterweight scrap pitting Ricky Rainey (11-3) against Chidi Njokuani (13-4) has been added to “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, OK., on November 20.

The 170-pound tilt will take place during the main card of "Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef," which airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 6 p.m. CT.

Tickets for “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” are on sale now at the WinStar World Casino and Resort Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster. Ticket prices range from: $75, $55, $45 and doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, with the first contest taking place one hour later.

Previously announced pairings for the event include: Bubba Jenkins (9-2), who takes on Jordan Parsons (11-1) in featherweight action and Hisaki Kato (5-1) who meets Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1) in a middleweight headlining attraction.

A winner of his last two contests, Rainey will look to further distance himself from his lone Bellator MMA defeat, which came at the hands of Michael Page. The 32-year-old North Carolina resident has an affinity for the stoppage, earning victories by knockout or technical knockout in seven out of 11 victories. Now, “The Sniper” sets his sights on the promotional debut of Njokuani, who will hope to make a splash in his first fight for the promotion.

Standing opposite of Rainey will be the 26-year-old fighter hailing from Las Vegas, who is best known as “Chidi Bang Bang.” Njokuani was most recently crowned the Tachi Palace Fights Welterweight Champion before ultimately signing with Bellator MMA. Competing professionally since 2007, Njokuani has already faced fighters the likes of: Alan Jouban, Brandon Thatch and Chris Heatherly

“Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” Updated Fight Card

Main Card:

Bellator Middleweight feature fight: Hisaki Kato (5-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1)

Bellator Featherweight feature fight: Bubba Jenkins (9-2) vs. Jordan Parsons (11-1)

Bellator Welterweight feature fight: Ricky Rainey (11-3) vs. Chidi Njokuani (13-4)

About Bellator MMA:

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:

Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike's press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.