Who Run The Garden? Talented Female Fighters Looking To Take Over NYC For Bellator 222

When the bell rings inside Madison Square Garden, it will be all business inside the cage. Bellator 222 takes place tonight, June 14th, in New York. From championship fights to legendary figures, this Bellator event has it all.

It also has bouts featuring some of the top female fighters in MMA today, courtesy of DAZN.

Hardy v. Turner

This bout features one of the top female boxers in the world today in Heather Hardy. “The Heat” returns home to New York in an attempt to start her true commitment to MMA. Hardy (22-0, 1NC boxing, 2-1 MMA) last fought at Bellator 194, beating Ana Julaton. While boxing is her first love, the chance to continue to move her way up in another sport is a dream come true.

In her way is Taylor Turner (3-5), who is on a two-fight win streak. Her last few fights have taken place for the Valor Fights promotion. Making her grand debut inside Madison Square Garden, Taylor will look to take advantage of a true opportunity.

Loureda v. Dasch

Fighter, student, model, actress. These are the various words that can be used to describe Valerie Loureda.

At 20, the taekwondo expert has gotten a lot of praise for her quick transition to MMA. Just like the UFC’s Paige VanZant, her promotional background features aspects outside of the fight game. However, just like Paige, she is not just another pretty face. Her striking ability, while relatively unknown, impressed many in her MMA debut back at Bellator 216.

Her fight was announced a week before this event, which is a fascinating turn of events. She will face MMA fighter and Hooters girl Larkyn Dasch. The last part of that sentence isn’t that important, especially when you consider both Loureda (1-0) and Dasch (0-1) have the same level of experience.

For all we know, this could be a true coming out party for both ladies in just their second-ever pro MMA fight.

VanZandt v. Rena

This fight is a collaborative effort between Bellator and RIZIN. A true atomweight, Lindsey VanZandt moves to catchweight against a top star overseas in Rena Kubota.

A multi-time Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup Champion, Rena (33-5-1 kickboxing, 8-2 MMA) is looking for her second win a row after beating Samantha Jean-Francois back in April. With four wins via knockout and two via submission, Rena brings a true following with her on this overseas journey.

This is a big test for VanZandt (4-1), who has fought for Invicta FC in the past. She was victorious in her first official bout with Bellator at Bellator 215, a second-round TKO against Tabatha Watkins. Three of VanZandt’s wins have come by way of KO. Appearing as healthy as she ever has been despite the weight difference, LVZ has a chance to change a certain narrative inside MSG.

Keep an eye out for this bout, as the clash of cultures could be the start of something special between RIZIN and Bellator.

In a stacked undercard, these six ladies are helping lead the charge. With Bellator’s female roster growing stronger each and every day, these fighters are right in the middle of it all.