Tonight during the Bellator 46 broadcast on MTV2, Bellator Founder and CEO, Bjorn Rebney announced that former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez will face “the kimbo killer” Seth Petruzelli at Bellater 48. Both fighters will be making their Bellator debut on August 20^th at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Rodriguez (46-11) is eight and a half years removed from being the UFC heavyweight champion when he defeated Randy Couture at UFC 39. Ricco “Suave” is currently riding an 11 fight win streak against average talent all over the world. Battling substance abuse and his weight, Rodriguez had gotten back into shape and his last two fights were at a 215 lbs. catchweight.

Petruzelli (14-6) was a member of the Ultimate Fighter season 2 before being eliminated by Brad Imes in the semi-finals. He fought twice in the UFC following his time on the Ultimate Fighter, losing to Matt Hamill and Wilson Gouveia. He is best known for stepping in on late notice against Kimbo Slice at EliteXC: Heat and knocking out the brawler and the promotion. Petruzelli got a second chance in the UFC at UFC 116 against Ricardo Romero where he lost by a submission in the second round. After another loss in the UFC at UFC 122, Petruzelli was once again released from the UFC.

The two will square off on the main card of Bellator 48, along with the featherweight tournament final and a heavyweight super fight between Cole Konrad and Paul Buentello. Rebney also stated this fight would be contested at heavyweight, which means Petruzelli will be moving back up in weight after fighting his last two UFC bouts at light heavyweight.

Ricco Rodriguez Vs. Seth Petruzelli At Bellator 48
Ricco Rodriguez Vs. Seth Petruzelli At Bellator 48

Ricco Rodriguez Vs. Seth Petruzelli At Bellator 48