Juan Archuleta to defend Bantamweight title against Sergio Pettis at Bellator 258 on May 7

Juan Archuleta will finally get the chance to defend his Bellator MMA Bantamweight title after it was revealed during a special press conference (video replay here) he would face off against Sergio Pettis in the main event of Bellator 258 on May 7, 2021.

“The Spaniard” claimed the vacant 135-pound belt back in Sept. 2020, defeating Patrick Mix via unanimous decision at Bellator 246. Winner of 20 of his last 21 fights, Archuleta’s lone defeat during his great run came at the hands of current Bellator Featherweight and Lightweight champion, Patricio Freire.

Pettis, meanwhile, is currently on a three-fight win streak and is undefeated (2-0) inside the Bellator MMA cage after making the jump over from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in early 2020. In his first two fights for the Viacom-owned promotion, Pettis defeated Alfred Khashakyan and Ricky Bandejas. Now, “The Phenom” will look to collect his first major mixed marital arts (MMA) world title against one of the best 135-pound fighters on the planet.

The promotion also recently announced the continuation of its Featherweight Grand Prix, as well as the beginning of the Light Heavyweight tournament, which will feature several great first round match ups, including Yoel Romero vs. Anthony Johnson, as well as Ryan Bader facing off against Lyoto Machida for the second time.

For much more on Bellator’s plans for 2021 click here.