Bellator MMA had recently confirmed their intentions to go international as part of their 2016 schedule, which includes a trip to Italy. Today the promotion formally announced details on their Torino event, which will take place on Saturday, April 16th. This will be a co-promoted event in conjunction with Carlo Di Blasi's Oktagon Kickboxing. Both Bellator MMA and Oktagon Kickboxing bouts will be on the card, although only the MMA fights will air on Spike TV. Here's more from the official press release, which includes quotes from both Di Blasi and Scott Coker.

"We are very excited to be working side by side with my friend Carlo Di Blasi and his team," said Coker. "Carlo is a great ally, and someone who I admire for all of the amazing work he has done in combat sports throughout Europe over the past twenty years. We look forward to putting on an amazing show for the Italian people, and fans tuning in from around the world when we combine our efforts on April 16 in Torino"

"Oktagon has had incredible success building a loyal and committed fanbase throughout Europe over the past twenty years," said Di Blasi. "I know that these fans are going to really enjoy the exciting brand of MMA that Bellator offers when we partner with them on April 16."

Oktagon has put on kickboxing events featuring the likes of current Bellator welterweight Paul Daley, Artem Levin, Robin Van Roosmalen, and Rico Verhoeven over the years.

There are no fight announcements confirmed for this event, but tickets will go on sale on December 14th. One man expected to appear on the card is Italy's own Alessio Sakara, the ex-UFC fighter who has officially signed with Bellator. "Legionarius" last fought in September, winning by TKO against Dib Akil, giving him his first victory in 5 years.

Sakara (17-11, 2 NC) was cut from the UFC after suffering four consecutive losses, which started with a decision defeat against eventual middleweight champ Chris Weidman. An armbar defeat to Nico Musoke in October 2013 marked the end of his 8-year, 15-fight UFC tenure. Both of his post-UFC bouts have taken place at light heavyweight, citing repeated rough weight cuts down to 185 during his UFC career.

In addition to Italy, Bellator will also head to London's O2 Arena, as well as Tel Aviv, Israel.