A stacked card highlights a history-making event in Hawaii for Bellator

For the first time ever, a major MMA promotion will be heading to Hawaii. What, did you think it was the UFC? Think again, as Bellator is bringing in the big guns for what should be a game-changing event for the company.

On December 15, Bellator presents Bellator Hawaii, taking place inside The Neal S. Blaidsdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii. Several key matches are already confirmed for the card, including a very popular local.

In the main event, lima-Lei Macfarlane will defend her Flyweight Championship against Valerie Letourneau. This will be Macfarlane’s (8-0) second defense of the title she won in its inception in 2017. A native of Hawaii, Macfarlane has been taking on the press all week, becoming a true figure many MMA fans can get behind.

After an impressive outing against Kristina Williams at Bellator 201, Letourneau (10-6) cut the contender line and is looking to become a foil in Macfarlane’s homecoming. She is 2-0 since joining Bellator after a stint in the UFC where she went 3-3.

Another fight added to the card features a legend facing off against a Bellator mainstay. Lyoto Machida faces Rafael Carvalho in a middleweight bout. Machida (24-8) was introduced by the company at the Bellator/DAZN partnership unveiling. A former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Machida has wins over the likes of Tito Ortiz, “Shogun” Rua and Dan Henderson, among others.

As the former Bellator Middleweight Champion, Carvalho (15-2) is looking for redemption. Losing the title to Gegard Mousasi at Bellator 200 might have set him back some, but the 32 year old will look to get back to contention with a win over Machida.

Finally, a a quarter-final bout in the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix will take place. Neiman Gracie, of the legendary Gracie family, will face Ed Ruth. Both local fighters have something to prove.

Gracie (8-0) was a surprise pick for the tournament, but has been turning heads in the world of MMA. Ruth (6-0) is considered a favorite, especially considering his multi-sport background. The former NCAA Division 1 National Champion wrestler in Ruth has a vicious punch and will try and knock out a submission specialist in Gracie.

Tickets for Bellator Hawaii go on sale this Friday at Ticketmaster.com. The card will air exclusively on DAZN.