Bellator Paris has an explosive new co-main event, with two of the most powerful light heavyweights on the roster set to go head to head in the French capital on Friday, May 6.

Former UFC middleweight title challenger-turned-Bellator light heavyweight contender Yoel Romero will take on legendary Dutch knockout artist Melvin Manhoef in an explosive clash at 205 pounds that looks set to have the fans in Paris on the edge of their seats.

Also added to the card is an all-European lightweight battle between two dominant grapplers, with Denmark’s former Cage Warriors champion Soren Bak set to take on England’s Saul Rogers.

Both men have 15 wins to their name and have notable scalps on their respective win lists. Bak is the last man to defeat England’s UFC star Paddy Pimblett, while Rogers has wins over the likes of Artem Lobov, Ryan Hall and Georgi Karakhanyan on his resume.

But, with both men looking to move a step toward contention at 155 pounds, only one can carry winning momentum into the second half of the year.

That bout will be joined by another Euro-centric lightweight clash, as France’s Yves Landu takes on England’s Gavin Hughes.

The event will be headlined by a heavyweight title rematch, as American champion Ryan Bader faces France’s Cheick Kongo.



Bellator Paris: Confirmed Bouts

  • Ryan Bader (c) vs. Cheick Kongo – for heavyweight title
  • Yoel Romero vs. Melvin Manhoef
  • Soren Bak vs. Saul Rogers
  • Yves Landu vs. Gavin Hughes