Bellator MMA is wrapping up a tremendous 2022 campaign. The promotion saw plenty of big upsets and titles change hands over the last 12 months, but now it’s time to keep an eye on the future. 

The year technically wraps up on New Year’s Eve when some of the best in Bellator travel to Japan to take on the best that Rizin has to offer. AJ McKee, Patricio Pitbull and Kyoji Horiguchi are just some of the names expected to be in action for the event. All of those bouts will take place under Rizin rules and in a ring, not a cage.

Can’t get enough boxing and MMA? Get the latest in the world of combat sports from two of the best in the business. Subscribe to Morning Kombat with Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell for the best analysis and in-depth news.

Then, the year opens with a special event. Ryan Bader will put his heavyweight crown on the line against legend Fedor Emelianenko in the promotion’s debut on CBS. It will be the first MMA event to air on the network since Strikeforce Nashville in 2010. The card will also feature the light heavyweight title on the line when Vadim Nemkov looks to defend the crown against Yoel Romero.

Be sure to check back in on this page to stay up to date on the upcoming Bellator events throughout the remainder of the year.

Upcoming Bellator MMA schedule