Mohegan Sun Arena
Fight Sphere at Mohegan Sun Arena Pulling Double Duty for Boxing and MMA
Bellator MMA’s “Fight Sphere” will be pulling double duty in the world of combat sports. Not only are they hosting Bellator events scheduled until September, but the Mohegan Sun Arena will also serve as the “bubble “of operations for SHOWTIME Sports and PBC Boxing until December according to a press release from Mohegan Sun.
“We are extremely pleased and excited to join forces with these major sports brands, SHOWTIME Sports, Premier Boxing Champions and Bellator MMA,” said President of Sports & Entertainment for Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, Tom Cantone. He added, “Our world-class venue, along with our accommodating resort facilities on-site, allows us to create a safe environment as a broadcast center and adhere to today’s sports protocols.”
Safety “bubbles” seem to be the standard for combat sports during the pandemic. The UFC has the APEX and “Fight Island”, Top Rank boxing has been using the MGM Grand and Matchroom Boxing has been using a closed-off property that was once Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn’s home to hold events. While those all seem to be specific to the promoters and their events, Mohegan Sun Arena is the only bubbles hosting two combat sports.
The Uncasville, Connecticut location has a long history with Scott Coker and Bellator MMA, which is under the Viacom/CBS banner so it makes sense for SHOWTIME to bring boxing there as well to coordinate their weekends. President of SHOWTIME Sports, Stephen Espinoza said, “Tom Cantone and his team at Mohegan Sun have been excellent partners and the venue has suited our unique needs to deliver both boxing and MMA.”Espinoza also said, “In order to safely broadcast these events, we have a wide range of logistics to consider. Mohegan Sun has provided everything we could need in terms of safety, continuity, and convenience.”
It seems almost every other weekend; Mohegan Sun Arena will be a major fight hub in the east coast with David Benavidez vs. Alexis Angulo on Saturday, August 15, Bellator 244 August 21, Bellator 245 on September 11, and Erickson Lubin vs. Terrell Gausha on September 19.
The title of “Fight capital of the world” is up for grabs during the pandemic and with both boxing and MMA at Mohegan Sun Arena, the location is certainly a contender.
