Bellator on CBS

CBS and Bellator MMA announced that Bellator 290 would air on CBS, marking the first live mixed martial arts broadcast on the network since 2010. The event featured heavyweight champion Ryan Bader defending his title against MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko in a rematch of their 2019 Heavyweight World Grand Prix bout.
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The visual concept focused on the idea of two heavyweight forces colliding, drawing inspiration from Godzilla vs. Kong to capture a sense of size and intensity. The composition places the fighters on opposing sides of the horizon, emphasizing tension while positioning them in direct opposition. The championship belt sits centered between them as the focal point of the matchup, with its reflection extending into the water below to reinforce what is at stake in the heavyweight title fight. The direction emphasized the magnitude of the matchup while creating a bold visual presence for the broadcast.
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Because the event took place at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, the color palette was influenced by the Los Angeles Rams’ blue and yellow colors following their Super Bowl win the year prior. Incorporating those colors helped connect the event visually to Los Angeles while creating a strong and recognizable palette for the fight’s key artwork.