Bellator 256 start time -- Ryan Bader vs. Lyoto Machida 2: Live stream, how to watch, fight card, prelims

The Bellator World Light Heavyweight Grand Prix kicks off on Friday night in Uncasville, Connecticut

By Brent Brookhouse

Apr 9, 2021 at 8:58 pm ET • 2 min read

Bellator MMA

The Bellator World Light Heavyweight Grand Prix gets underway Friday night when Ryan Bader meets Lyoto Machida in the main event of Bellator 256. The fight is a rematch of a 2012 UFC clash in which Machida knocked out Bader.

Bader is coming off his first loss in the Bellator cage, losing the light heavyweight championship when he was knocked out by Vadim Nemkov in August. Bader still holds the heavyweight championship, but will not be defending that title until after his run in the Grand Prix tournament.

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In the co-main event, Liz Carmouche and Vanessa Porto battle out for what could be No. 1 contender status in the women's flyweight division. Carmouche, a former UFC title challenger, picked up a third-round submission in her promotional debut in September. A win over a very tough Porto moves her one step closer to a shot at champion Juliana Velasquez.

Plus, this card also sees the return of "Alpha" Cat Zingano when she takes on Olivia Parker in a featured bout at 145 pounds. Zingano grinded out a decision over Gabby Holloway in her Bellator debut last September and given her ranking in the women's featherweight division, she could be a win away from fighting for the title. Champion Cris Cyborg and Leslie Smith are scheduled to battle next month, so the timing lines up for Zingano to face the winner.

The co-main event sees the return of Liz Carmouche when she faces Vanessa Porto in a pivotal battle at 125 pounds. Below is how you can catch all the action from Uncasville, Connecticut on Friday night.

Bellator 256 viewing information

Date: April 9 | Start time: 9 p.m. ET (main card) | 6 p.m. ET (prelims)
Location: Mohegan Sun Arena -- Uncasville, Connecticut
TV Channel: Showtime | Stream: Showtime.com and the Showtime app

You can watch the preliminary card on Bellator's YouTube channel below on this page.