Promotional officials confirmed to MMA Fighting that Zingano will face Olivia Parker at Bellator 256 following an initial report from ESPN. The event takes place April 9 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. and will air on Showtime.
After a nearly two-year layoff, Zingano made her Bellator debut in September at Bellator 245 and picked up a unanimous decision win over Gabrielle Holloway. “Alpha” signed with the promotion after a seven-fight run with the UFC where she fought for the bantamweight title and earned victories over Miesha Tate, Amanda Nunes and Marion Reneau.
Parker makes her Bellator debut and will look to get back in the win column. The Tennessee native had a 4-0 start to her pro career with local promotion Valor Fighting Challenge before a first-round submission loss to Chelsea Chandler in her most recent bout at Invicta FC 40 in July.
Bellator 256 will include two opening-round matchups in the lightweight grand prix, including Ryan Bader defending his 205-pound title against former UFC champion Lyoto Machida. Corey Anderson will also look to make it 2-0 in the Bellator cage as he looks to advance in the tournament against Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov.
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