CHICAGO, Ill. (June 25, 2011) — When Ricco Rodriguez steps into the cage at Bellator 48 LIVE on MTV2 at 9pm EST, it will be a homecoming of sorts, as Mohegan Sun played host to his UFC Heavyweight Title fight victory against MMA legend Randy “The Natural” Couture. On Saturday, August 20th, Rodriguez will take on the “Kimbo Killer” Seth Petruzelli in a Heavyweight Special Feature Fight at Bellator 48.
“I’m really excited about being able to return to The Mohegan Sun,” Rodriguez said. “The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about the Mohegan Sun is Randy Couture, and winning a Heavyweight Championship. I can’t wait to make my return.”
A submission specialist with knockout power, Rodriguez enters the fight riding an 11-fight win streak, including a unanimous decision over UFC veteran James McSweeney in his last fight earlier this year. A Former Abu Dhabi Combat Club Absolute Division Champion with over 50 professional fights under his belt, Rodriguez is ready for anything Petruzelli can throw at him.
“This fight’s going to end by KO, TKO or submission,” said Rodriguez. “There’s no other way I see it ending. I want to finish Seth Petruzelli to let everyone know that I’m back, and I’m better than I’ve ever been.”
No stranger to MMA fans, Seth “Silverback” Petruzelli became a household name after knocking out Internet phenom Kimbo Slice in just 14 seconds in 2008. Holding a 3rd degree black belt in Shitô-ryû Karate and brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the knockout artist will be looking to build off his April victory over David Mewborn.
“I’m coming out there to put Ricco Rodriguez flat on his ass and punch my ticket to the next Bellator Tournament while I’m at it,” said a confident Petruzelli.
“Ricco’s riding an 11 fight win streak and looking to re-establish himself as a dominant force in the sport and Seth brings excitement every time he steps into the cage,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Both of these guys are talented and charismatic heavyweights who have a tremendous connection to MMA fans around the world. When we discovered there was an opportunity to make this fight a reality, it was a no-brainer.”
Bellator 48 will also host the Featherweight Summer Series Finals, along with additional fights to be announced shortly. Bellator 48 will be the promotion’s fifth trip to Mohegan Sun and will air LIVE on MTV2 at 9pm EST on August 20th.
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator
