Best Bellator photos from September-October 2017: A blood-soaked Heather Hardy

Bellator continued to make noise in the MMA world in 2017, putting on a number of high-profile and notable events that captured the attention of fight fans more than ever before.

Although it wasn’t its busiest year in terms of volume of events, Bellator put on arguably more big fights over the past 12 fights than any year prior. Now it’s time to relive some of those moments in picture form.

The flourishing organization put on just three events between September and October of this past year. Bellator 183 took place in San Jose, Calif., followed by Bellator 184 in Thackerville, Okla. and Bellator 185 in Uncasville, Conn.

Naturally, the promotion had a photographer posted cageside for every bout at every event. However, USA TODAY Sports Images photographers Dave Mandel and Kevin Jairaj attended, as well. To see the best snapshots from Bellator’s September and October fight cards, check out the photo gallery above.

For more of Bellator’s best images from 2017:

• Best Bellator photos from January-February 2017: Tito Ortiz’s final gravedigger celebration
• Best Bellator photos from March-April 2017: An absolutely perfect head-kick KO
• Best Bellator photos from May-June 2017: A rare double knockdown in New York
• Best Bellator photos from July-August 2017: The infamous ‘Air Jordan’ logo gash

For more on the Bellator schedule, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.