All posts by FNU47

mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

 “WSOF 23: GAETHJE VS. PALOMINO II” ADDS TWO MORE BOUTS TO LIVE NBCSN TELEVISED MAIN CARD FROM PHOENIX, ARIZONA ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

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Bantamweight: Timur Valiev vs. Tito Jones  
Lightweight: Brian Foster vs. Larue Burley  

LAS VEGAS (August 12, 2015) – World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) has finalized the live NBCSN televised portion of its highly anticipated, “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” world championship doubleheader at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 18, with the addition of two new bouts – a bantamweight (135 pounds) battle between ferocious rising star Timur “Lucky” Valiev and seasoned puncher Tito Jones, and a lightweight (155 pounds) tilt between dangerous finisher Brian Foster and undefeated LaRue Burley.

“We are looking forward to another incredible night of action, now that the main card for WSOF 23 is complete with five bouts featuring an exciting mix of championship fights and matchups filled with accomplished veterans and some of the world’s best prospects,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

Fighting out of the famed Jackson-Winklejohn camp in Albuquerque, N.M., the 25-year-old Valiev (9-1) of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia has been on fire in the cage, winning 9 straight fights since his second professional start in July 2011.

Valiev’s run includes three victories in the World Series of Fighting decagon cage.  In his last effort at WSOF 19 on March 28, Valiev decimated Ed West, scoring a first round (1:39) TKO on West with an impressive combination of elbow strikes and punches.

Jones (11-7), a native of Panama City, Fla., now fighting out of Phoenix, is a two-time regional Golden Gloves boxing champion and former protégé of boxing trainer Roy Jones, Sr.  The 34-year-old has never been knocked out over the course of a 9-year professional career that has spanned 18 bouts.

Foster (22-7) of Sallisaw, Okla. is a 31-year-old, battle-tested grappling expert who has notched 20 of his 22 career victories by way of (T)KO or submission, and who has defeated a collection of name rivals, including the current number 6-ranked welterweight in the world, Matt Brown, whom Foster forced to tap out from a guillotine choke in the second round (2:11) of their matchup on Nov. 20, 2010.

Foster will look to rebound from a defeat at the hands of superstar Jake Shields on Jan. 17 when the two faced off in the main event of WSOF 17 in Las Vegas.  The result halted a 4-fight win streak that Foster had ignited on July 27, 2013, when he scored a stunning second round (:43) KO on James Wood with a spinning back kick.

Also 31 years of age, Burley (6-0) of Phoenix, has yet to be beaten over the course of six professional starts and two amateur bouts, a run that includes six wins by either (T)KO or submission.

Burley has earned six victories during a professional run that began with a unanimous decision win over Kelly Osser on Sept. 15, 2012, and also includes a third round (3:40) TKO (punches) over 2011 NCAA Division I National Wrestling Champion and fellow rising star Bubba Jenkins.

In the main event of WSOF 23, undefeated, reigning World Series of Fighting Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (14-0) will collide for the second time with hard-hitting rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10).

The first matchup between Gaethje and Palomino, which headlined WSOF 19, was a barnburner affair that Gaethje won via third round (3:57) TKO (leg kicks and punches), and that has already been touted as a “Fight of the Year” candidate.

In the co-main event and inaugural World Series of Fighting light heavyweight (205 pounds) championship bout, David Branch (16-3), the promotion’s reigning world middleweight (185 pounds) champion, will attempt to become the first two-division kingpin in World Series of Fighting history, when he faces off with Cinderella storyTeddy Holder (9-1), whose nine career wins have all come by way (T)KO or submission.

In a featured, 160-pound catchweight fight, rising star and costumed crime fighterPhoenix Jones (5-1-1) will look to return to the win column after suffering the first professional loss of his career during his World Series of Fighting debut in April, when he takes on professional boxer turned MMA upstart Roberto Yong (2-2).

Priced from just $39.99, tickets for “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” are on sale at the Comerica Theatre box office and online at WSOF.com and Ticketmaster.com.

The live NBCSN telecast begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Doors at Comerica Theatre will open at 3 p.m. MT and the first preliminary bout will begin at 3:45 p.m.  A complete preliminary bout card will be announced soon.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

BELLATOR MMA INKS JOSH THOMSON TO AN EXCLUSIVE, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT

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JT

SANTA MONICA (August 11, 2015) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of Josh “The Punk” Thomson (20-8, 1 NC) to an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract. At 36-years-young, the former Strikeforce Lightweight World Champion remains one of the top 155-pounders in the sport, having competed in top organizations including UFC and Pride.

 

Residing in San Jose, Calif. and training at the renowned American Kickboxing Academy alongside some of the sports very best, Thomson earned his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Dave Camarillo. In addition to his formidable ground game, Thomson’s striking pedigree is on-point as well, earning a “Knockout of the Night” award for his output in his fight against Nate Diaz in 2013. It’s also worth being said that “The Punk” holds a record of 3-0 in professional kickboxing.

 

“I had the pleasure of working with Josh in Strikeforce and I look forward to continuing this relationship in Bellator MMA. Josh is a world-class mixed martial artist and we are very happy to be adding him to our roster of some of the best lightweights in the world,” said the promotion’s president, Scott Coker. “Bellator remains fully committed to building its roster by signing top free agents like Thomson, as well as grooming up-and-coming blue-chip stars. We have some amazing matchups in mind for “The Punk” that we hope to be announcing in the weeks to come.”

 

“I’m over here reading this UFC reporter saying that they’ve declined to re-sign me when the truth of the matter is that they’ve been trying to re-sign me for my last two fights. I declined and instead chose to fight out my contract and test the free agency market with Bellator. At that point, Bellator made me an offer that the UFC was unable to match given their relationships with FOX and Reebok.  It’s a done deal, I’m back working with Coker, and I couldn’t be more excited to get back to an organization that is trending upwards with fighter-friendly contracts.  Any intelligent fighter is going to go where the money is, and for me the money was at Bellator.”

 

“The Punk” joins a prominent list of athletes that have recently signed with Bellator over the past year including: Phil Davis, Josh Koscheck, Melvin Guillard, Ed Ruth, Aaron Pico, Lorenzo Hood, Ewerton Teixeira, Gleristone Santos, amongst others.

 

He will continue to fight in the lightweight division which is deep starting with: kingpin Will Brooks, down to other fighters likeMichael Chandler, Marcin Held, Dave Rickels, Patricky “Pitbull” Freire and Dave Jansen.

 

boxing

Heavyweight Travis Kauffman return after 19-month layoff this Friday night against Richard Carmack in Newark, New Jersey

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Reading, PA (August 11, 2015)–This Friday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Heavyweight contender Travis Kauffman (28-1, 20 KO’s) will be back in action for the first time in 19 months when he takes on Richard Carmack in a bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

The bout will take place on a card that is headlined by former world champions Antonio Tarver and Steve Cunningham.

The card will be televised by Spike TV, although Kauffman’s bout is not scheduled to make air as of this time.

Kauffman of Reading, PA has been out of action due to knee surgery to repair a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

Kauffman has been rehabbing very hard for the better part of 2015 as he started his journey in Houston, Texas and continued his boxing training in Reading and Philadelphia.

“I am feeling good and honestly I am a little anxious,” said Kauffman. “I am more excited for this fight on Friday then any of my previous bouts. I have been training real hard. My knee feels good. I have the usual soreness that comes with training but nothing major.”

In facing Carmack, Kauffman will be facing a man who has a record of 13-6 and weighs in excess of 300 pounds.

“From what I have seen of Carmack, he can fight. Don’t be deceived by his appearance. He can fight. I have worked real hard and this is my first full training camp with Naazim Richardson and my father Marshall Kauffman. Naazim is the best when it comes to breaking down opponents so I know I will be fully prepared for Carmack.”

Before the injury, Kauffman was ranked in the top-five by the WBA and he believes it wont be long before he rises back up to that lofty status.

“I am hoping for one more tune up. Possibly on September 18 in Atlantic City. I am back with Al Haymon so whatever he has lined up for me. I know he will get me the fights that will put me in position for the fights that I need to get me back into the top-five. Fights with Chris Arreola and Artur Szpilka could be those ind of fights.”

Kauffman is excited to be back with Haymon and to compete on PBC cards.

“I know he will get me where I need to be. That is why i re-signed with him. He believes in me. I am excited and am looking forward for what my future holds.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.

boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

LEO SANTA CRUZ MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Santa Cruz Takes On Abner Mares In Battle Of Los Angeles’ Best On
Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN (10 P.M. ET/7 P.M. PT)
Saturday, Aug. 29 From STAPLES Center In Los Angeles
 
Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
 
LOS ANGELES (August 11, 2015) – Undefeated two-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz held a media workout Tuesday at the Who’s Next Boxing Academy in La Puente, Calif., before his showdown with Abner Mares on Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN on Saturday, August 29 airing live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Santa Cruz worked out for media, conducted interviews and was even presented with a birthday cake in celebration of his 27th birthday, which was Monday. The band Las Voces Del Rancho was on hand to sing him “Happy Birthday.”
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $25, $50, $75, $150 and $300, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.
Here is what Santa Cruz and his father had to say at the workout today:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“We’re going to show everyone that we are on top when we’re in that ring. This has been a great promotion and we have hope that it’s going to be a big fight.
“I have been in other big fights and I’m doing everything to prepare for my audience and fans. They respect our team and they are the reason why we are doing this fight. I’m going to continue to fight for my fans and I’m going to do it until I’m the best in the sport.
“I’m 100 percent with my strength and conditioning. We’re ready to go 12 rounds if it takes that long.
“I’m very determined to win this fight. It’s the biggest fight of my career. I have a lot to lose I have a lot to prove. I want to prove to all of the fans that I deserve to be on this level. A win against Mares will put me on the level to get more big fights.
“I wanted this fight three years ago and they said I wasn’t on Mares’ level. I said I was going to work hard to get on that level so one day we can make it happen and here we are.
“This is the toughest fighter I’ve faced. A fight against him will be the biggest of my career. Even bigger than my first title. Mares has a bigger name, everything is bigger.
“With two Mexicans fighting, it’s always a war. There have been a lot of great battles like that in the past and I think this will be too. We could end up with a trilogy of fights.
“We both have our fan base in Los Angeles and this fight will determine who is the king and who gets all the fans.
“My dad has always been there since the beginning. I’ve always been comfortable with him. He’ll scream at me and tell it like it is.
“I think Abner moves more since his loss to Jhonny Gonzalez. He knows this fight is very important for him. There’s a lot to lose for him too. I think he’s going to bring everything this fight. That makes it an even better fight for the fans.”
JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Santa Cruz’s Father & Trainer
“Leo is ready in his diet and in the way he trains. He won’t play games. He listens to what I say because he is a good boxer and he will do whatever is needed because he knows Abner is strong.
“This is a huge party for Los Angeles. They are both from LA and everything about this fight is Los Angeles.
“He’s going to be on top of things the minute he needs to be. But he’s going to fight with intelligence. It’s a big fight, my son and Abner are very popular and I’m sure it’s going to be a great fight.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comand www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter andwww.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
NORTH BERGEN, N.J. (August 11, 2015) – Fighters participating on Friday’s Premier Boxing Champions on Spike event held a media workout Tuesday at Global Gym in North Bergen, N.J. before their August 14 fights at Prudential Center in Newark.
Friday’s main event pits Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) against Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-7, 13 KOs) in a 12-round heavyweight bout with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Also featured on Spike is cruiserweight world champion Marco “Captain” Huck (38-2-1, 26 KOs) defending his title against Polish contenderKrzyzstof Glowacki (24-0, 15 KOs) and Polish heavyweight Artur Szpilka (19-1, 14 KOs) taking on Cuba’s Yasmany Consuegra (17-1, 14 KOs).
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Huck Sports Promotion are priced at $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and are on sale now viaTicketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday, plus quotes from Tarver, who was unable to attend the workouts:
ANTONIO TARVER
“I’ve done enough talking.  Now, we are only three days from the fight.

“We both signed a contract to inflict bodily harm on each other for 12 or less rounds.  When the smoke clears, we’ll see who’s left standing.”

STEVE CUNNINGHAM
“I did the cruiserweight thing, I was the top of the food chain. I want to do it somewhere else. Heavyweight is the next challenge.
“This is a big challenge. Tarver has made history. That’s the kind of challenge I like. Heavyweight is a bigger challenge than cruiserweight. These guys are supposed to be bigger and stronger than me. I’m very competitive and that pushes me during training. The challenges keep me going.
“It’s great to be fighting again at Prudential Center. This is familiar territory for me. I’m trying to pick up another win. It’s right up the street from us and we’re looking to drive home happy Saturday.
“I fought in Europe so much, fighting this close to home is a little scary. There are a lot of eyes on you. But that’s what we do. We handle pressure and do what we do. If a fighter doesn’t have nerves they’re either lying or don’t have it in them.
“I just have to keep putting in work. I’ve had lot’s of close fights, everyone knows how it’s gone down and I’m good with it.
“I think I’m ready for a title right now, but it’s up to the media and fans. We’ll see how the performance goes. If you see a good performance and you demand it, I’m ready.”
MARCO HUCK
“I don’t really concern myself with my opponents. My only worry is if he is a southpaw or orthodox. A lot of people say they’re in they’re in the best shape of their lives, but they all come crashing down.
“The only thing I need to know is that I am going to beat him come Friday night. I want my opponents to adjust to me because I am the world champion.
“I take all of my opponents seriously. It is disrespectful not to and he’s very well-ranked.
“Training in Las Vegas was tough at first. Obviously coming over from Europe, we’re not used to the heat. I even doubted if this was the right decision but looking at it now it was the perfect decision. We’re in great shape and we adjusted well to the temperature.
“When I eventually go back up to heavyweight I want to fight the top guys right away. Maybe I’ll go fight Deontay Wilder, that is definitely an interesting option.
“All our focus is on Friday night and our victory.”
KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI
“Huck is of course the favorite because he’s a world champion. After I beat him, I will be a favorite too.
“People are afraid of Huck’s power but I’m not.  What I want is a hard fought battle and winning by knockout in final round. This is my dream and I will make it happen.”
ARTUR SZPILKA
“My trainer Ronnie Shields is exactly right saying that I’m here to knock Consuegra out.  This is what I will do on Friday.
“I worked hard in Houston during training camp. I have the energy to fight 15 rounds if necessary. My speed and not wasting any of my punches will be the difference.”
KAMIL LASZCZYK
“It’s a big deal for me to fight in Prudential Center. I started my US career here in 2011 and now fighting in Newark means a lot to me.
“I would like to show everybody how good I am offensively. A little more time and I will be able to challenge for a world title.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.PruCenter.com andwww.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AntonioTarver, @USSCunningham, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @PruCenter, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/PruCenterandwww.Facebook.com/Spike.
Global Proving Ground, mixed martial arts

GLOBAL PROVING GROUND APPOINTS VETERAN SPORTS ATTORNEY TO MATCHMAKER POSITION

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PHILADELPHIA, PA. (August 11, 2015) –Global Proving Ground (GPG) announced today that it has appointed seasoned matchmaker and sports entertainment attorney Greg Bloom to the role of matchmaker for the fast-growing Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) franchise.

“I am excited to join the rapidly growing Global Proving Ground organization and its team that has been dedicated to promoting some of the most exciting professional MMA action in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of The U.S.,” said Bloom, who brings over a decade of combat sports industry experience with him to the promotion.

During his career, Bloom, a partner in the Miami-based firm Chase Lawyers, has provided legal counsel to several notable fighters including The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights contestants Brendan Schaub and Justin Wren, former WBA World Lightweight Champion Richar Abril and Olympic boxer turned WBO world title contender Zahir Raheem.

“We are thrilled to welcome such a highly-respected and experienced professional in the fight world like Greg to our team, and are confident that he will be able to strengthen our roster and fight cards with some of the top up-and-coming talent in the region and beyond,” said Global Proving Ground Founder and President James J. Jefferson.

After producing 15 live, professional MMA events around the world including the UK, Arkansas, Portugal, Missouri, Latvia and Virginia, Global Proving Ground has found a home in the Philadelphia area. To date, Global Proving Ground has rolled out 6 events in South Jersey at its own combat sports arena.

Global Proving Ground has played host several notable as well as up and coming competitors, including Sam “Sammy O” Oropeza, Alexander Keshtov, Peter Petties, Sydney “Da Gun” Outlaw, Sean “Shorty Rock” Santella and Matt “Razor Sharp” Rizzo.

The promotion is slated to stage three events this fall. The fight card for the first event, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, will be announced soon.

Global Proving Ground’s last event, “GPG 21: Rizzo vs. Santella,” which was headlined by rival, rising flyweight (125 pounds) stars Matt “Razor Sharp” Rizzo and Sean “Shorty Rock” Santella on Saturday, July 25, is airing throughout this month, in syndication on Comcast SportsNet regional networks.  The complete event is also available for viewing online, on GFL.tv.

About Global Proving Ground (GPG)
Global Proving Ground is a New Jersey-based professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise that was designed to unearth and build new fight talent in the North Eastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of The United States and to provide an exciting entertainment experience for combat sports fans.

Launched in 2012 by marketing executive James J. Jefferson along with several, original pioneers of MMA, the company operates its own combat sports venue where it hosts all of its events that are distributed live on Real TV as well as PPV on Go Fight Live (GFL.tv) with its syndication deal on a tape delayed basis on Comcast SportsNet and the Comcast Network GPG is not only creating new fighter talent but is developing its own loyal fan base.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO OFFER FANS A CHANCE TO RELIVE FLOYD MAYWEATHER’S BEST ALL ACCESS MOMENTS & WIN A VIP TRIP TO MAYWEATHER vs. BERTO IN LAS VEGAS

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ALL ACCESS Mayweather Moments Sweepstakes To Let Fans Decide Their Favorite Moment From The Emmy Award-Winning Series

 

www.mayweathermoments.com

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

ALL ACCESS Mayweather Moments Sweepstakes will offer fans a chance to relive some unforgettable moments from the Emmy® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS and the opportunity to win a VIP trip to theSept. 12 showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Andre Berto at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 

The bracket sweepstakes from SHOWTIME Sports celebrates the sixth and final fight of a record-breaking deal between Mayweather and Showtime Networks Inc., as Mayweather takes on Berto in what is expected to be the last bout of his Hall of Fame career.

 

SHOWTIME Sports will support the historic Sept. 12 event with the latest installment of ALL ACCESS.  The first of multiple episodes ofALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER vs. BERTO premieres on Friday, Aug. 28 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT, immediately prior to the live presentation ofShoBox: The New Generation.

 

With ALL ACCESS Mayweather Moments Sweepstakes, fans can choose their favorite moments from the flashy and unpredictable pound-for-pound champ.  Highlights from the bracket challenge include Mayweather throwing verbal jabs at Canelo Alvarez before dismantling him in the ring in their 2013 showdown, Mayweather overlooking his adopted hometown of Las Vegas from a helicopter and “Money” practicing yoga as only he can – surrounded by $100 bills.

 

ALL ACCESS earned a Sports Emmy for the second consecutive year this May, taking home the honors for “Outstanding Sports Documentary Series” at the 36th Annual Sports Emmy Award ceremony in New York City.

 

The revealing documentary series, which chronicles the buildup and aftermath of boxing’s biggest prizefights, won its first Sports Emmy at the 2014 ceremony for Outstanding Edited Sports Event Coverage with“ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Canelo Epilogue.”

 

Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) will put his undefeated record on the line against the all-action Berto (30-3, 23 KOs), a world-class welterweight and veteran of eight world title fights who has long been considered a potential opponent for Mayweather.  If triumphant, Mayweather would match the record of the late heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano, who retired in April 1956 with a record of 49-0.

 

For a full list of rules, restrictions and details, visithttps://mayweathermoments.com.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

‘THE BADDEST MAN ON THE PLANET,’ JOE WARREN, SET FOR MAIN EVENT CLASH AGAINST L.C. DAVIS AT BELLATOR 143 IN HIDALGO, TEXAS ON SEPT. 25

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 B143_Announce_Warren_DavisB143_Announce_Beltran_Grove

JOEY ‘THE MEXICUTIONER’ BELTRAN TAKES ON KENDALL ‘DA SPYDER’ GROVE IN CO-MAIN EVENT

 

  

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (August 11, 2015) – Joe Warren’s (12-4) road to reclaim the Bellator MMA Bantamweight Championship will begin on Friday, September 25 against L.C. Davis, (23-6) when the two meet at the promotion’s debut at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.

 

In addition, Joey Beltran (16-11, 1 NC) will face Kendall Grove (21-15, 1 NC) in an explosive middleweight encounter.

 

The contests serve as the headlining and co-headlining bouts of “Bellator 143: Warren vs. Davis,” which airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for Bellator 143, which start at just $20, go on sale this Friday, August 14 at Ticketmaster.com and the State Farm Arena box office, with a special Bellator Nation presale available on the 12th and 13th for fans using the code: Bellator. Doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, and the first contest takes place shortly after. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

“Mixed martial arts has a rich history in the state of Texas and Bellator looks forward to returning to the Lone Star State for the first time since 2012 with a stacked card in tow,” Bellator MMA President Scott Coker said. “Joe Warren has been itching to get back in action and return to the 135-pound title chase, while L.C. Davis has momentum on his side since his ‘Fight of the Year’ caliber matchup against Hideo Tokoro in March. I’m truly looking forward to it.”

Warren is a two-division champion who also served as a coach during the inaugural season of “Fight Master.” In addition to his win over the current bantamweight champion Marcos Galvao, the Olympic-caliber wrestler has defeated an impressive list of fighters including Georgi Karakhanyan, Patricio Freire, and Eduardo Dantas since taking up the sport of mixed martial arts in 2009.

Davis was one half of arguably the best MMA contest thus far in 2015 when he faced Hideo Tokoro at “Bellator 135: “Warren vs. Galvao 2.” The former World Extreme Cagefighting and Affliction standout has nearly double the amount of fight experience than “The Baddest Man on the Planet” boasts, and has emerged victorious in seven of his last eight professional contests.

It’s safe to assume that whoever emerges the winner on September 25th will have plenty to say about whether their next bout should come with championship gold on the line.

Since entering the Bellator MMA fray in 2013, Beltran has competed against some of the best light heavyweights the promotion has to offer, with matchups against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko, Emanuel “The Hardcore Kid” Newton. After transitioning to middleweight at “Bellator 136: Brooks vs. Jansen” in April, “Mexicutioner” emerged victorious from an enthralling encounter against Brian “The Predator” Rogers with the majority decision.

 

The San Diego, Calif., native has finished 13 of his 16 victories as a professional and will look to extend his current winning streak when he returns to the Bellator MMA cage.

Competing professionally since 2003, Grove has been involved in some epic matchups, including his most recent effort against Brandon Halsey at “Bellator 137: Halsey vs. Grove” in May. At only 32-years-old, “Da Spyder” hopes that a win against another prolific striker like Beltran will serve him well in his pursuit of Bellator MMA gold.

Will the high-towering Hawaiian manage to submit Beltran for only the second time in his mixed martial arts run? If there is anyone capable of such a feat, it’s the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt accredited Grove.

mixed martial arts, NBC, World Series of Fighting

COSTUMED CRUSADER PHOENIX JONES SUITS UP TO FACE ROBERTO YONG AT “WSOF 23: GAETHJE VS. PALOMINO II”  

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Live on NBCSN from Phoenix, Arizona
on Friday, September 18

LAS VEGAS (August 11, 2015) – World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) rising star and costumed crime fighter Phoenix Jones (5-1-1) will return to the decagon cage to take on Roberto Yong (2-2) in a 160-pound catchweight contest on the live, NBCSN-televised main card of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 18.

Headlined by a previously announced and much-anticipated rematch between undefeated, reigning World Series of Fighting World Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (14-0) and hard-hitting rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10), the star-studded event features a second title fight, the inaugural World Series of Fighting world light heavyweight (205 pounds) championship bout between David Branch (16-3) and Teddy Holder (11-7).

Priced from just $39.99, tickets for “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” are on sale at the Comerica Theatre box office and online at WSOF.com and Ticketmaster.com.

The 27-year-old Jones of Seattle, Wash. has received national media attention for his heroic deeds as a volunteer crime fighter who patrols his local streets, clad in a full-body suit and mask, in an effort to assist others in distress and curb every day street crimes.

Jones made his World Series of Fighting debut on April 10, coming up short in a unanimous decision against Emmanuel Walo in a 175-pound catchweight contest.  The upcoming bout will be contested at a weight closer to Jones’ natural fighting weight of 155 pounds.

Yong, of Glendale, Ariz. is a former professional boxer focused on establishing a career in MMA.  The 31-year-old opened his professional MMA career with back-to-back KO victories.

Yong has since stumbled against longtime veteran Estevan Payan and prospect Joel Champion but, like Jones, will look to return to the win column by dropping below the welterweight (170 pounds) limit.

The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” begins at 7:00 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Friday, September 18.

Doors at Comerica Theatre will open for “WSOF 23” at 3:00 p.m. MT and the first preliminary card bout will begin at 3:45 p.m.

Additional bouts for the event will be announced soon.

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF.com) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

TOP POLISH FIGHTERS KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI, ARTUR SZPILKA & KAMIL LASZCZYK  MEDIA LUNCHEON QUOTES 

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(Left to Right: Laszczyk, Glowacki & Szpilka. Photo Credit: Przemek Garczarczyk)
 
Click HERE For Photos From Fan Meet & Greet
Photo Credit: Przemek Garczarczyk
 
Glowacki Takes on Cruiserweight World Champion Marco Huck
While Artur Szpilka Faces Cuban Heavyweight Yasmany Consuegra On Premier Boxing Champions on Spike
Friday, Aug. 14 From Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
 
NEW YORK (August 11, 2015) – Top Polish fighters Krzysztof Glowacki (24-0, 15 KOs), Artur Szpilka (19-1, 14 KOs) and Kamil Laszczyk (20-0, 8 KOs) held a media luncheon in Manhattan Monday to discuss their respective Friday, August 14 bouts at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Later in the day, the fighters hosted a fan meet and greet at the Amsterdam Alley Lounge in Linden, New Jersey where they signed autographs and chatted with fans before their upcoming Friday night bouts.
Glowacki will battle cruiserweight world champion Marco Huck (38-2-1, 26 KOs) in the Premier Boxing Champions onSpike co-featured event while Szpilka will take on Cuban heavyweight Yasmany Consuegra (17-1, 14 KOs) in the 10-round televised opener beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Laszczyk takes on fellow unbeaten Oscauris Frias (16-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight attraction. The main event of the night features a heavyweight showdown between Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) and Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-7, 13 KOs).
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Huck Sports Promotion are priced at $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and are on sale now viaTicketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.
Here is what the participants had to say Monday:
KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI
“I read that Marco Huck said he could bet all his money on defeating me, so I will say the same – I’m betting all my money that I will be a new world champion on August 14.
“This is how it looks in my head. Everything went perfectly. I came a here couple of weeks before the fight, no problems at all.
“I’m a very quiet man, but when I step into the ring, I’m a different man. I’m a beast with no fear at all.
“People are asking me if this fight will be between Huck’s raw power and my ring intelligence. I agree, but what else happens at Prudential Center, you will have to see for yourself.”
ARTUR SZPILKA
“I don’t pay attention to what Consuegra is saying about my skills. In the past, maybe I would explode with some expletives, but now I’m saving my energy for the ring for August 14.
“I know exactly what I will do to him. This is my coming out party for U.S. viewers and they will not be disappointed. I worked to hard in Houston to blow this opportunity.
“Don’t get me wrong – I appreciate Consuegra as a fighter, but I also know what I can do.”
KAMIL LASZCZYK
“I know that I’m fighting a tough fighter who has more knockouts than I have fights. I know that I’m ready to fight the best in the world.
“I will be doing my thing and I’m not going to get crazy in the ring and I will not give up my zero in the loss column. I had a great sparring sessions and great camp fighting with Olympians.
“After this fight, I plan to stay longer in the United States, maybe a year or two to get my experience for world championships fights.”
RONNIE SHIELDS, Szpilka’s Trainer
 “Szpilka is ready. He’s in great shape and camp was really good. The most important thing – he’s confident.
“Consuegra had a good amateur career. But this is not the amateurs anymore. You get paid, this is when it all counts. He’s going to be in the ring with the beast, Artur Szpilka, who is going to knock his head off.
“This is the fact; this is what will happen in Prudential Center.  Let’s see who will do the running when the fight starts. If he’s a man of his words, Consuegra will stand up and fight. It will be great for us and the fans.”
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