All posts by FNU47

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

SECOND NIGHT OF BELLATOR DOUBLEHEADER FEATURES FLYWEIGHT BOUT PITTING UNDEFEATED ILIMA MACFARLANE AGAINST EMILY DUCOTE AT WINSTAR WORLD CASINO & RESORT

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CHIDI NJOKUANI-ANDRE FIALHO ALSO ADDED TO MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 167’ ON DECEMBER 3

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (October 21, 2016) – A flyweight clash pitting Ilima-Lei MacFarlane (4-0) against Emily Ducote (4-1) and a welterweight bout pitting Chidi Njokuani (15-4, 1 NC) against Andre Fialho (7-0) have been added to the main card of “Bellator 167: Curran vs. Teixeira,” which will take place inside WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, OK., on Saturday, December 3.

The second night of entertainment – “Bellator 167” — will feature a featherweight main event between Pat Curran (22-7) and John Teixeira (19-1-2), while “Bellator 166” is headlined by a bantamweight world title rematch pitting current champion Eduardo Dantas (18-4) against Joe Warren (14-5) and a featherweight bout pitting undefeated prospect A.J. McKee (5-0) against Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3).

Tickets for the unique doubleheader event start at just $45 and can be purchased at the WinStar World Casino & Resort Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

“Bellator 167: Curran vs. Teixeira” airs live and free on Saturday on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT., while “Bellator 166: Dantas vs. Warren 2” also airs live and free on Friday on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Preliminary bouts for both events will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Possibly no name is growing faster in the MMA community than Ilima-Lei MacFarlane’s, as the 26-year-old flyweight has rapidly climbed the ranks with four consecutive victories and three finishes. The undefeated submission specialist has emerged victorious in her first three bouts under the Scott Coker-led promotion, and finishing both Amber Tackett and Rebecca Ruth via submission. Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, “The Ilimanator” has secured one career knockout victory, which came just 10 seconds into her first professional bout and spread virally around the internet. MacFarlane will now direct her attention to another one of Bellator MMA’s top young female competitors, Emily Ducote.

The 23-year-old Ducote will look to add to an already impressive 2016 campaign, having earned victories in each of her four fights this year. Ducote’s most recent pair of wins have come under the Bellator MMA umbrella, recording back-to-back second round submission finishes over Brazilian flyweights Bruna Vargas and Kenya Miranda. Ducote will now look to add to her current four-fight winning streak, as she prepares for what is undoubtedly the toughest opponent of her young career. A native of Oklahoma City, “Gordinha” returns home to fight in her back yard, where she anticipates a sold out WinStar World Casino & Resort chock full of close friends and family.

Njokuani made his presence felt early in his career, recording finishes in each of his first seven career victories, including six knockouts and six first round finishes. “Chidi Bang Bang” continued to see success with his knockout power, as 10 of his 15 career wins came by way of knockout or submission. You’d be hard pressed to find a more consistent fighter than Njokuani right now, the 27-year-old Las Vegas native enters the cage in search of his seventh consecutive victory and 11 of his last 12, dating back to 2012. Njokuani has won both of his first two bouts under the direction of Bellator MMA since joining the promotion in 2015, with key victories over the likes of Ricky Rainey and Thiago Jambo Goncalves. He hopes to add to that list when he joins his opponent Andre Fialho on December 3.

With an unblemished mark of 7-0, Fialho joins his opponent Njokuani as one of the most feared knockout artists in the game. The 22-year-old welterweight has finished each of his seven opponents and tacked on six knockouts. Possibly even more impressive is the manner in which the young Portuguese prospect has defeated his opponents, with six of the seven victories coming in the first round and three in the first minute of action. Since joining the Bellator MMA fray earlier this year, Fialho has recorded first round knockout wins over Manuel Meraz and Rick Reger, proving early in his career that he belongs with the top dogs. We can be sure to see some fireworks fly when Fialho enters the cage inside WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville this December.

 

Updated “Bellator 167: Curran vs. Teixeira” Main Card:

Featherweight Main Event: Pat Curran (22-7) vs. John Teixeira (19-1-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Ilima MacFarlane (4-0) vs. Emily Ducote (4-1)

Welterweight Feature Bout: Chidi Njokuani (15-4, 1 NC) vs. Andre Fialho (7-0)

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF 26 MMA CARD FEATURES WOMEN’S FIGHTS, TITLE FIGHTS, RETURNS, DEBUTS AND MORE

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Lewiston, Maine (October 21, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY,” on Saturday, November 19 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF executives announced the full fight card for the event which will be the fight promotion’s grand finale for 2016.

 

In the main event, “The” Ryan Sanders (10-8) will meet Jon Lemke (5-6) in a professional lightweight bout.  It will be Sanders’ first fight in Lewiston since November 2014.  Much has been made of the fact that Sanders and Lemke are former teammates.  The bout is considered a “dream match” by Maine fight fans, especially those from the Bangor-area familiar with the rivalry between Sanders’ camp Young’s MMA and Lemke’s camp Team Irish.

 

The co-main event of the evening will feature an interesting “coach vs. coach” battle.  “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (4-7), head of the Shatterproof Combat Club, is scheduled to face Ruthless MMA & Boxing founder Josh Parker (4-8) in a professional featherweight contest.  Shorey is coming off a big win in Rhode Island earlier this fall, while Parker will be returning to the MMA cage after spending the last three years competing as a boxer.

 

Rounding out the professional portion of the card will be undefeated prospect Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (3-0) and Taylor Trahan (6-6) in a featherweight bout.  Lacey and Trahan both submitted their respective opponents at “NEF 25” last month.  Many local followers of the sport feel that Lacey is just a handful of wins away from getting the call to the major league of the sport.  Trahan will be looking to play the role of spoiler while also avenging the loss of his Team Link teammate John Santos (3-5) to Lacey in Bangor this past August.

 

The amateur portion of the card will be headlined by a heavyweight title fight between Nick “The Guardian” Gulliver (3-0) and Yorgan DeCastro (2-2).  DeCastro stepped up to the plate to face Gulliver when no other heavyweight in the region would do so.  Gulliver has been on a path of destruction, ripping through three opponents in a combined two minutes.

 

Two women’s fights are on tap for “NEF 26.”  Jessica “The Black Widow” Borga (2-2) returns from Florida to meet Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Brianne Genschel (0-0).  Genschel’s First Class MMA teammate “Hollywood” Hannah Sparrell (1-1) will also be in action against Fernanda Araujo (4-4-2).

 

Jay Jack and Amanda Buckner’s The Academy in Portland, Maine will send two new fighters to the cage at “NEF 26.”  Chad Pierce (0-0) will debut against Shatterproof’s  Lyman Curtis (0-0), while Phil Chiasson (0-0) meets Rik Seymour (0-0) of 3Ronin Athletics.  Both bouts will take place in the 155-pound lightweight division.

 

The full “NEF 26” fight card (subject to change and approval of the Combat Sports Authority of Maine):

 

 

PROFESSIONAL

 

155 Ryan Sanders 10-8 (Young’s) vs Jon Lemke 5-6 (Team Irish)

 

145 Josh Parker 4-8 (Ruthless) vs Derek Shorey 4-7 (Shatterproof)

 

145 Aaron Lacey 3-0 (Young’s) vs Taylor Trahan 6-6 (Team Link)

 

 

AMATEUR

265*TITLE Nick Gulliver 3-0 (First Class) vs Yorgan DeCastro 2-2 (SSSF)

265 Kevin Smith 3-2 (Young’s) vs Ras Hylton 2-0 (First Class)

 

210 Mike Swan 0-0 (Choi) vs Joe Krech 0-2 (Independent)

 

185 Nash Roy 2-2 (Young’s) vs Chris Smith 1-0 (Berserkers)

 

170 Darren Ducharme 0-0 (CMBJJ) vs Tom Burgess 2-0 (Berserkers)

 

155 Ken Dunn 0-3 (Independent) vs Angelo Rizitello 0-1 (Shatterproof)

 

155 Chad Pierce 0-0 (Academy) vs Lyman Curtis 0-0 (Shatterproof)

 

155 Phil Chiasson 0-0 (Academy) vs Rik Seymour 0-0 (3Ronin Athletics)

 

145 Alex Clark 3-1 (Young’s) vs Shawn Lunghi 1-0 (S. Tampa Jiu Jitsu/MMA)

 

145 Hannah Sparell 1-1 (First Class) vs Fernanda Araujo 4-4-2 (Defensive Edge)

 

135 Brianne Genschel 0-0 (First Class/Foundry) vs Jessica Borga 2-2 (Champions)

 

135 Fred Lear 3-2 (Young’s) vs Robby Fraser 1-1 (S. Tampa Jiu Jitsu/MMA)

 

The opening bell on Saturday, November 19 is set for 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefightsand join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

M-1 Challenge 71 weights & pictures from Russia

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LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
VIKTOR NEMKOV (23-6-0, M-1: 16-5-0), Russia  205 lbs. (93.1 kg)
vs.
ATTILA “Pumukli” VEGH (29-7-2, M-1: 0-1-0), Slovakia 204 lbs. (92.7 kg)

 
STEPHAN “T-800” PUETZ (14-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0) 205 lbs. (93.2 kg)
vs.
MARCUS VINICIUS “Montanha” LOPES (9-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil 204 lbs. (92.7 kg)
VACANT M-1 CHALLENGE BANTWMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5
PAVEL VITRUK (13-2-0, M-1: 7-2-0), Russia 134 ½ lbs. (61.2 kg)
vs.
VITALI BRANCHUK (21-5-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Ukraine 134 lbs. (61 kg)
WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
SERGEY ROMANOV (8-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia 176 lbs. (79.9  kg)
vs.
CARLOS ALEXANDRE “Indio” PEREIRA (37-11-1 (M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil 175 lbs. (79.5 kg)
CATCHWEIGHT – 3 X 5
ALEXANDER BUTENKO (41-11-2, M-1: 8-1-0), Ukraine 160 ½ lbs. (73 kg)
vs.
RUBENILTON “Rubinkho” PEREIRA (16-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil 160 lbs. (72.9 kg)
WHEN:                       Friday, October 21, 2016
WHERE:                     Ingushetia, Russia
 
PROMOTER:              M-1 Global
LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (11.00 a.m. ET / 8:00 a.m. PT in USA) 
         
Information

www.M1Global.tv

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boxing

Sergio Martinez’s Maravillabox and Sampson Boxing Sign Co-Promotional Agreement with Argentinean Amateur Star Alberto Palmetta

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Former world champion Sergio Martinez of Maravillabox Promotions and Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announcing they have reached a co-promotional deal with Argentinean 2016 Summer Olympian Alberto Palmetta.
26-year-old Palmetta, a junior middleweight, is one of the most heavily decorated amateurs in his country’s history. After starting boxing at age 14, Palmetta had 112 amateur fights and went on to win numerous national and international distinctions including the bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto and participating in the most recent Olympics.
Born in Buenos Aires, Palmetta was also the captain of the Argentinean national team and was considered a top-10 prospect in the world at his weight. He has been recognized by his home country several times, including being designated and “Illustrious Sportsman by the municipality of San Isidro where he now lives and the 2015 Firpo Award as the best amateur boxer in Argentina.
Palmetta is schedule to make his professional debut on November 18, in Catamarca against an opponent to be confirmed.
“I feel my promoters will be looking to bring me to the United States to fight against the best in the world,” said Palmetta. “This is what I told them I want more than anything.”
Former champ Martinez says he’s happy the heavily sought-after Palmetta chose to go with him and Sampson Boxing.
“I am honored to be working with this talented boxer. The fact that he chose my company gives me tremendous pride and I will do everything I have to for him to become a champion.”
Lewkowicz, one of boxing’s great judges of talent dating back many years, says Palmetta will be an important part of his company’s plans in the coming years.

“This is a fighter with tremendous talent,” said Lewkowicz, who is credited with discovering a then-unknown Manny Pacquiao. “Alberto Palmetta is a name everyone in boxing will know in a few years, both in Argentina and around the world. The boxing fans in the United States are going to love the way he fights. I’m very exited to be part of this.”
boxing

Three of Detroit’s Best Prospects Will Appear on Salita Promotions’ ‘Detroit Brawl’ on Saturday, November 12, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit

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Three of Detroit’s brightest prospects, all bantamweights, will appear in separate bouts on Salita Promotions’ latest “Detroit Brawl” event on Saturday, November 12, at the Masonic Temple in Downtown Detroit.
A “thrill a minute” type slugger with a heavy punch and a giant heart, undefeated 26-year-old James Gordon Smith (10-0, 6 KOs) is never in a bad fight. Before turning pro, Smith won numerous national amateur tournaments and has been talked about in Detroit boxing circles for a long time as a potential future champion.
Once again sponsored by Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” will be priced at VIP $123, Box Seats $100, Ringside $93, $63, $38, and $28 and available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Tickmaster.com.
Smith has already electrified a Detroit Brawl audience, winning a unanimous six-round decision over Mexico’s tough Pablo Cupul last May. True to his fan-friendly form, Smith’s victory over Cupul proved to be a “Fight of the Year” candidate.
The power-punching Detroiter will be looking to take a step up to world contender status soon and will be hoping to showcase his talents one more time for his hometown fans.
“James Gordon Smith is one of the most exciting fighters from Detroit right now,” said Kronk Gym’s Javan “Sugar” Hill, one of Detroit’s best-known and most respected trainers. “It’s always a rumble when he fights and that’s because he is like the fighters of the good old days. He’s always looking to get a knockout and his when you see him fight you will see what I am talking about!”
Also on showcase that night will be 21-year-old bantamweight Jarico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (3-0, 2 KOs) of Detroit, who was one of most sought-after amateur prospects in the country before turning professional last year.
With blazing-fast hands and effortless combination punching, O’Quinn has begun building a reputation as “one to watch,” among young prospects in the sport. He will already be having his third fight under the Salita Promotions banner after signing last July.
O’Quinn started boxing at age 14 and went on to rack up 130 wins against 18 losses as an amateur, winning countless national tournaments including the USA Nationals as the number-one-ranked bantamweight in the country. He also travelled extensively with Team USA to fight internationally in places like Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Ukraine.
Rounding out the trio is exciting 22-year-old fan favorite Zach Shamoun, of Royal Oak, Michigan.
Shamoun, who started boxing at age nine, was also an amateur standout. In his 160 amateur fights, he won the Junior Golden Gloves in 2008 and went on to take 14 state and nine regional titles, while losing just nine fights.
A thinking man’s slugger, the quick-fisted Shamoun can stay very relaxed and in control under fire. He has excellent ring generalship and likes to stay two steps ahead of his opponents.
More fights, opponents and rounds will be announced shortly. On fight night, doors open at 5:00 pm and the fights begin at 6:00 pm.
###
Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar offers patrons an old-school sports and whiskey bar in Downtown Detroit’s Eastern Market district. Thomas Magee’s prides itself on providing every sport, every game, and every fight, plus great beer and whiskey!
For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visitwww.salitapromotions.com.
Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar is located at 1408 E Fisher Service Drive in Detroit. For more information, call 313-263-4342 or visit their official Facebook page:www.facebook.com/ThomasMageesSportingHouseWhiskeyBar
Fight Network, mixed martial arts, MMA

Fight Network Presents TKO 36: Resurrection Prelims & Main Card Live Nov. 4 in Canada

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Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, today announced the return of the newly resurrected TKO MMA to Canadian airwaves, as TKO 36: Resurrection will air live on Fight Network across Canada on Friday, November 4, 2016 from TOHU Cite des Arts du Cirque in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Fight Network will televise the live TKO 36: Resurrection prelims at 6 p.m. ET and live main card at 7:30 p.m. ET.

In the main event, former TKO mainstays will collide as former Shawn Tompkins pupil “The Polish Hammer” Chris Horodecki (21-6-1, 1NC) returns for his first bout in over a year against Quebec’s own Derek “The War Machine” Gauthier (7-6), a representative of Montreal’s world-famous Tristar Gym.

In other featured bouts, Horodecki’s teammates Jesse “The Body Snatcher” Ronson (15-8) and Malcolm “X” Gordon (8-2) will take center stage against Drysdale Jiu-Jitsu disciple Jimmy Spicuzza (7-3) and Speedy Gym’s Dimitri “No Stress” Waardenburg (11-7), respectively, while House of Champions MMA product Josh Hill (14-2) meets undefeated Tristar Gym disciple Xavier “The Breadman” Alaoui (7-0) and Ontario native Lindsay Garbatt (3-1) clashes with France’s Maguy Berchel (5-1-1) in a featured women’s bout. Top Canadian prospects will also be featured asJo Vallee (4-1) faces Fritz Paul (10-3) in a middleweight affair, plus TJ “The Truth” Laramie (3-1) throws down with Maxime “The Gladiator” Dubois (5-2) in a featherweight showdown.

Fight Network analysts John Ramdeen and Robin Black will be on the scene providing English commentary alongside former TKO competitors Jason St. Louis and Mark Colangelo.

Formerly known as UCC, TKO MMA was a staple of Canadian MMA in the early-to-mid 2000s and helped launch the careers of pioneers Georges St-Pierre, Patrick Cote, Mark Hominick and Sam Stout, as well as current UFC light heavyweight Steve Bosse. Over the course of its run,m the promotion also featured names like former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin, former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk and former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber.

“TKO MMA has a rich history in Canada, spawning the careers of some of the sport’s biggest names, while setting a benchmark for production value, matchmaking, star power and dedicated fan base during the sport’s early years,” said Ariel Shnerer, Director of Programming & Communications at Fight Network. “Dating back to 2005, Fight Network has always provided TKO MMA with a national television platform. I’ve personally known Stephane (Patry) for over 10 years and there’s no doubt he has always had a passion and a gift for promoting mixed martial arts. The world-class quality that our viewers have come to expect from TKO MMA will put the spotlight back on Quebec’s MMA scene and provide athletes with a great platform to shine.”

“The word ‘tradition’ means the world to me and with the resurrection of TKO, it was very important for me that our organization would be available for our fans on Fight Network,” said TKO president Stephane Patry. “Fight Network has been the home of TKO for so many years in the past and I’m very proud that this tradition will now continue. TKO 36 will feature the top prospects in Canada, as well as some of the most recognizable names in our sport.”

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet. 

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Get to Know Jarrett Hurd

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Undefeated Rising Star Takes on Once Beaten Super Welterweight Contender Jorge Cota Saturday, November 12 in Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Temple University’s Liacouras Center
 
PHILADELPHIA (October 19, 2016) – In the last year, undefeated 154-pound contender “Swift” Jarrett Hurd has rocketed to the top of the stacked super welterweight division, putting himself squarely in the hunt for a world title. Saturday, November 12, Hurd continues his championship march as he takes on once-beaten Jorge Cota in Premier Boxing Champions on Spike action from Temple University’s Liacouras Center.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and is headlined by Philadelphia’s own undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia, who takes on Colombia’s Samuel Vargas in a 10-round bout. Garcia is teaming up with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive and raise money throughout the promotion. For more information on how to get involved, visit the event’s webpage HERE.
Hurd enters this fight coming off of two impressive victories over previously unbeaten fighters. In November 2015 he dominated Frank Galarza and stalked him around the ring before ending his night in the sixth round. Hurd followed that up in June of this year, when he stopped Carlos Molina in the final round on CBS as the co-main event of the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter showdown. Hurd’s blinding right uppercut in the first round sent Molina to the canvas and the highlight earned him a spot on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays.
Get to know more about the rising star as he talks about his introduction to the sport and some of his personal favorites:
(On his team): I have the best team in the world. Ernesto Rodriguez is my head trainer and we do our work in Temple Hills, Maryland. Ernesto is great because he trains me for the style that fits my skills best.
There is no ego in my team. We’re all working toward the same goal and everyone plays their role perfectly. With each fight we’re getting closer to reaching the ultimate goal – becoming a world champion.
(On his start in boxing): My father first put me in the ring to learn how to defend myself. I was 15-years-old and didn’t really know how to fight. I took to it quickly though and it was obviously one of the best things that ever happened to me.
(On his nickname): I got my nickname from the gym. I looked calm and collective in the gym and people noticed. They said I looked swift in there. Now it’s “Swift” and “Swift” on the same card and it’s going to be electric.
(On his boxing idols): I tried to emulate a lot of defensive fighters. Roy Jones Jr. and Floyd Mayweather are my favorite fighters of all time. I liked James Toney because of his shoulder roll and the Philly shell style.
(Favorite sport/team): I watch football. I only the watch the Washington Redkins though. I’ve always been a huge fan.
(Favorite television show): Power on Starz
(Favorite movie): Deadpool
(Favorite junk food): Pizza
(Favorite health food): Kale
(Celebrity crush): Keri Hilson and Nia Long
(Perfect Vacation): Definitely a cruise to Puerto Rico. I’ve never been there but I want to experience it.
(On his homemade “All Access” videos): I just love to be out there and giving fans a chance to feel connected to me. My childhood friend, Christopher Walton, picked up a camera and just started recording me in the ring and outside of the ring one day. He started getting some better equipment so we decided to do these videos to help promote me. The fans are important to me and I want them to feel like they’re a part of my journey.  
For more information visit
www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200. Ten dollars from every ticket sold will go to Philabundance, feeding 20 people in need per ticket.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

KERI MELENDEZ SET FOR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS DEBUT VS. SHEILA PADILLA AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE ON NOV. 19

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UNDEFEATED LIGHTWEIGHTS JAKE ROBERTS-CARRINGTON BANKS READY FOR ACTION IN PRELIMINARY CONTEST

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 19, 2016) – The anticipated mixed martial arts debut of flyweight Keri Melendez will come against Sheila Padilla (2-0) during the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

 

In addition, a lightweight bout pitting Carrington Banks (5-0) against Jake Roberts (7-0) has been added to the Bellator.com-streamed preliminary card.

 

The bouts join action-packed fights highlighted by a lightweight world title main event featuring Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In addition, a welterweight clash between undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) will also be the card’s co-main event. Rounding out the televised action, a lightweight showdown pitting Adam Piccolotti (8-0) against Brandon Girtz (14-4) and a light heavyweight matchup pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) versus Francis Carmont (14-4) were added earlier this week.

 

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” will take place on November 19, airing LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m ET/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

 

The queen of the infamous Skrap Pack in Northern California, Melendez made her first appearance in a victory during the kickboxing portion of “Bellator: Dynamite 1,” and followed up with another win at “Dynamite 2.” Melendez tallied a 4-1 amateur mark before taking her talents to the professional circuit, where she currently holds a 4-1 kickboxing record. The 32-year-old flyweight will now make the transition to MMA, an iteration of combat sports that her husband, Gilbert Melendez has plenty of success in. Living up to her promise of making her debut in 2016, Melendez will compete on the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

Fighting out of Visalia, Calif., Padilla will enter the Bellator MMA fray following two successful wins on the regional scene, both coming in 2016. Training under Bellator MMA veteran Doug Marshall at Team Elite, this will be Padilla’s opportunity to truly make a name for herself against Melendez, when she competes LIVE on SPIKE.

 

Just like his opponent, Banks enters the cage undefeated and ready to make another splash in his second fight since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion. The Peoria, Illinois native has finished two of his five victims and dominated all three of his decision victories, earning each by unanimous variety. “Jetsetter” will look to use Roberts as his runway for success as the Blackzilian product hopes to couple his Bellator MMA debut triumph with yet another feat and continue his climb up the lightweight ranks. After competing professionally in Kansas, Texas, and Iowa, the trip to Connecticut will mark Banks’ first on the East Coast. Tune in to Bellator.com’s live-streaming preliminary action to find out if the long journey will have any effect on “Jetsetter” and his performance.

 

“The North County Nightmare” hasn’t the slightest idea what it’s like to lose, as the 25-year-old enters his eighth professional contest at an admirable 7-0. Having won all five amateur bouts and each of his first four professional fights by way of first round submission, it is Roberts’ ground game that keeps his opponents up at night. However, Roberts’ 2016 campaign has been all about power, after recording back-to-back knockout finishes, highlighted by an emphatic first round knockout in his Bellator MMA debut at “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull.” Roberts hopes to haunt Banks’ dreams when the two clash in the bright lights of SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

 

 

Complete “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Debut) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)

 

Complete Preliminary Card:

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Gabe Carrasco (7-0) vs. Rolando Velasco (10-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jose Perez (2-1) vs. J.T. Donaldson (2-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)

Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

 

boxing

GH3 Promotions signs undefeated Heavyweight John Luna to a Promotional Contract

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5-time national champion added to stacked stable
For Immediate Release
Nutley, NJ (October 18, 2016)–GH3 Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated heavyweight prospect John Luna to a promotional contract.
Luna of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a record of 2-0 with one knockout.
The 20 year-old is 6’4″ and weighs 255 pounds, began boxing at the age of six years-old when his mother, who is a big boxing fan, took John to the gym.
John went on to an amateur career that saw him go 97-9 and win five national championships.
John also competed in Russia and in 2012, he won a prestigious tournament and in the same tournament two years later, Luna placed second in his division, but still was named the Most Outstanding Fighter.

Luna turned professional on June 16th with a first round stoppage over Rene Ibarra in Mexico.  he came back to his hometown of Milwaukee and and took a four-round unanimous decision over Oswaldo Ortega on August 20th,

Luna is managed by Henry Rivalta.

“I signed with Henry because he is a great man and I trust him,” said Luna.  “He mentioned GH3 Promotions and i researched them, and they have a lot of good young talent.  I feel this is the right way to go.”

Manager Henry Rivalta stated, “John has a very exciting style.  He has fast hands he switches between orthodox and southpaw, and he has a lot of potential.  He is a humble kid and he listens.  When you have a kid like that, he has the potential to go a long way, and I am proud to sign him with GH3 Promotions.”
“I am ecstatic to add John to our roster,” said GH3 Promotions CEO, Vito Mielnicki.  “I have known about John for a while and he is a big kid with a lot of skills.  He is another fighter who fits in to what we are looking to do and with his amateur pedigree, and we think we have a future heavyweight champion.”
GH3 Promotions features Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Ronald Ellis, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Kenneth Sims Jr., Jerrell Harris, Arturo Trujillo & Keenan Smith, Heavyweight Ray Edwards & John Luna;  Lightweight’s O’Shaquie Foster & Logan Yoon, Jr. Lightweight Antonio Williams, Bantamweight’s Brent Venagas, LeRoy Davilla & Stephon Young to the GH3 Promotions stable.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

‘THE BAD BOY’ MEETS ‘THE BAD GUY’ ON JANUARY 21 AT THE FORUM IN LOS ANGELES

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TITO ORTIZ & CHAEL SONNEN TO MAIN EVENT ‘BELLATOR 170’ LIVE & FREE ON SPIKE

 

KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE TAKING PLACE NOV. 3 AT MOHEGAN SUN PRIOR TO BELLATOR 163

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 19, 2016) – It’s a fight that many mixed martial arts fans thought they’d never see, but on January 21, 2017, both Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) and Chael Sonnen (28-14-1) will return to action inside the beautifully renovated Forum in Inglewood, Calif., to headline “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen.” In college, the two met on the wrestling mat, in a matchup that Sonnen won by pinning Ortiz on his birthday. Now, Ortiz will have the opportunity to avenge that loss when the compete in the Bellator MMA cage on SPIKE.

 

Ticket information will be made available shortly. The event will be broadcast live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announcing in the coming weeks.

 

Since shocking the world with his surprise signing with Bellator MMA last month, Sonnen has made it clear he wants to fight anyone and everyone – regardless of weight class, or anything else that could stand in his way. Sitting atop that list, is a name that has sat atop the sport of MMA practically since its inception, Tito Ortiz.

 

Not one to shy away from any sort of challenge, “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” wasted zero time welcoming “The American Gangster” to the fray as only he can, by responding to Sonnen’s call-out with open arms on his social media account.

 

Sonnen spent a vast majority of his 43-fight career with the UFC, a run where he competed against names the likes of Jon Jones, Anderson Silva (2x), Rashad Evans, “Shogun” Rua, Demian Maia, Brian Stann, and current middleweight champion Michael Bisping. In addition to his exploits inside the cage, the West Linn, Ore., native has mastered the art of being in front of the camera, doing major broadcasting work for both ESPN and Fox Sports. Now, after a three-year hiatus from active MMA competition, Sonnen looks to add to his impressive resume by defeating Ortiz.

 

Known to the masses as “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” or “The People’s Champion” Tito Ortiz is a fan-favorite all over the world.  The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion has always been one of the toughest competitors in the cage, utilizing his wrestling background; Ortiz is a grinder who defended his title an impressive five times. Always with a flair for the dramatic, Ortiz had intense rivalries in the cage with guys like Ken Shamrock, Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva, and Randy Couture. Most recently, Ortiz challenged current Bellator MMA 205-pound champion Liam McGeary at “Bellator: Dynamite 1.”

 

Updated “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” Main Card:

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) vs. Chael Sonnen (28-14-1)