Category Archives: Amateur MMA

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

CRESPO OUT, MURPHY IN AGAINST ARNOLD IN NEF TITLE FIGHT

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Portland, Maine (May 31, 2018) – Earlier this week, New England Fights (NEF) officials were informed that Mike Crespo had been injured during his fight camp and would be unable to compete at “NEF 34: Home of the Brave” on June 16 in Portland.  Crespo had originally been scheduled to face Kam Arnold (3-0) for the vacant NEF MMA Amateur Bantamweight Championship.  Killian Murphy (1-0) has stepped up to replace Crespo and take on Arnold at Aura for the 135-pound title in a scheduled five-round affair.

 

 

 

Murphy made his debut at “NEF 33” last month in Portland with an impressive victory over Krishna Scott (0-1) via first-round technical knockout.  He is no stranger to the winner’s circle.  Murphy is a former Maine state wrestling champion, having captured a class-A title for Marshwood High School in Elliott in 2015.  Today, he trains with Nostos MMA in Somersworth, New Hampshire under the guidance of UFC signee, and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell (8-3).  Murphy was originally scheduled to compete against Gabriel Diaz of Florida at “NEF 34,” but Diaz pulled out of that fight earlier this month.

 

 

 

“It’s an exciting turn of events to end up fighting for the 135-pound belt,” said Murphy. “The goal when I started this journey was to win that belt – and I am thankful for this opportunity. I want to thank NEF, my coaches, my teammates and supporters. June 16th, I’m taking that belt home to Nostos.”

 

 

 

Perhaps no other member of the NEF roster has had the run in the last twelve months that Kam Arnold has had.  He has cut through three opponents in the first round like a hot knife through butter including an eleven-second knockout of veteran David Thompson last month at “NEF 33.”  Arnold is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of Lewiston, Maine.

 

 

 

“First off, I just want to say ‘thank you’ to Killian for accepting this fight, and also to Matt Peterson for finding me another opponent,” said Arnold when reached for comment. “Killian’s an up-and-coming, exciting fighter – and I’m excited to clash with him. I know he’s going to come ready and he’s going to be looking to shake up this division and make a statement. I’m going to continue to work hard, make an adjustment to the strategy and go balls-to-the-wall from there. This will be a great fight – and I will be NEF’s next 135-pound champ.”

 

 

 

“Nothing excites me more than when an athlete steps up on short notice and seizes an opportunity to grab glory – and that’s what Killian Murphy has done by agreeing to take this bout against an undefeated animal like Kam Arnold,” declared NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Kam has looked unstoppable since he debuted less than a year ago – and now we get to see him test himself against a decorated wrestler for a chance at NEF gold. As if this card wasn’t already summer fireworks – now we get to see two undefeated studs try to knock each other off over the course of a five-round championship fight. It doesn’t get any better than this!”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” will take place at Aura in Portland, Maine on Saturday, June 16, 2018.  Tickets are on-sale now online at www.AuraMaine.com.

 

 

 

About New England Fights

 

 

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

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

SECOND TITLE FIGHT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 34 IN PORTLAND

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Portland, Maine (May 2, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland, Maine with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” on Saturday night, June 16, 2018.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur welterweight championship bout to the card.  Carlton Charles (2-1) is scheduled to take on Duncan “The Highlander” Smith (2-2) for the vacant NEF amateur 170-pound title.  The fight is set for five three-minute rounds.

Carlton Charles burst onto the NEF scene last summer with a 23-second technical knockout of then-undefeated Josh Jones (2-4) on a card in Bangor, Maine.  Earlier this year, Charles returned to the NEF cage with a 12-second dismantling of Delmarkis Edwards (0-1).  The former fullback for the University of Maine Black Bears will get his first shot at MMA gold on June 16, but he is no stranger to championships.  After playing for Windham High School, Charles led the football team to a Class A state title as an assistant coach.

“I’m really excited and blessed for this opportunity to fight for the NEF amateur welterweight title,” said Charles.  “I think it’s a big important step forward for my experience as an amateur and fighting career. This fight is against a great opponent that I know will, and is, training hard and will leave it all in the cage. I know my coaches and family will have me ready for this fight, and I’m looking forward to us putting on a show for Portland!”

Duncan Smith made his NEF debut last month at “NEF 33” in Portland with an impressive standing guillotine submission of Taylor Bartlett (0-1) in the first round.  Smith had previously competed for other promotions throughout the region in MMA and kickboxing bouts since 2014.  He is a member of Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

“Carlton and I are both looking to go pro and climb up the ladder,” said Smith. “Fights like this is what it’s all about. I have the upmost respect for my opponent, but I have all the skills to win. Other than getting clipped, this fight is already won.”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” will take place at Aura in Portland, Maine on Saturday, June 16, 2018.  Tickets are on-sale now online at www.AuraMaine.com.

 

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES TRIO OF LINEUP CHANGES FOR FIRST-EVER LIVE MMA EVENT ON UNIVISION ON FRIDAY, APRIL 13 FROM LOS ANGELES

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Detached retina forces Marc Gomez out,

John Castaneda now faces Jose Alday

in new “Combate Estrellas I” bantamweight main event

 

 

Five-division world boxing champion Amanda Serrano battles Corina Herrera in new flyweight co-main event

 

 

“Froggy” Estrada collides with new opponent Rudy Morales

in first live televised, main card bout
 

 

Los Angeles (April 11, 2018) – Combate Americas, the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, today announced a trio of lineup changes, including a new bantamweight (135 pounds) main event between John “Sexi Mexi” Castaneda (16-3) of the U.S. and Jose “El Pochito” Alday (10-3) of Mexico, for “Combate Estrellas I,” live on Univision and Univision Deportes Network (UDN) from Los Angeles on Friday, April 13.

 

 

 

The 90-minute, live Univision (12 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT) and UDN (12 a.m. ET/9 p.m. PT) broadcast of “Combate Estrellas I” from The Shrine marks Univision Deportes’ first-ever live MMA program.

 

 

Originally slated to face off with rival Castaneda in the headlining bout, Marc “Lufo” Gomez was declared medically unfit to compete due to a detached retina that was discovered during the pre-fight physical exam required by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).

 

 

 

In the women’s flyweight (125 pounds) co-main event, five-division world boxing champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (0-0), representing Puerto Rico, will battle a new opponent in veteran Corina Herrera (3-4) of the U.S., after Serrano’s original opponent, Erendira “Aketzaly” Ordonez of Mexico was unable to secure a work visa for the commitment.

 

 

 

Additionally, knockout artist Jose “Froggy” Estrada (4-1) of the U.S. will square off with “Ruthless” Rudy Morales (5-5), representing Guatemala, in the first, live televised main card bout, after Estrada’s original opponent, Pablo Sabori of Mexico, was forced to withdraw from the commitment due to a shin injury.

 

 

 

The three-bout, live televised “Combate Estrellas I” main card will be preceded by a five-fight preliminary bout card.

 

 

 

Priced from $30, tickets for “Combate Estrellas I” are on sale at Ticketon.com.

 

 

 

“Combate Estrellas I” marks Combate Americas’ first live television event of 2018, and the first event of a two-part series featuring a collection of the organization’s top estrellas, or “stars.”

 

 

# # #

 

 

ABOUT COMBATE AMERICAS

Combate Americas is the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, rapidly becoming the number two sport, after soccer, for Spanish speaking sports fans worldwide.  The Combate Americas franchise includes reality TV programming, live events and mobile programming. The company’s CEO, Campbell McLaren, is universally recognized as the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). New York Magazine described McLaren as “the marketing genius behind the UFC” and Yahoo! Sports proclaimed that he “knows more about the sport than just about anyone in it today.” With an unprecedented product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Americas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.

Amateur MMA, Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

UNIVISION DEPORTES AND COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR, LIVE PROGRAMMING AGREEMENT FOR WORLD’S PREMIER HISPANIC MMA SPORTS SERIES

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2018 Lineup includes 16 Television Airings
Across Univision Networks
Historic Partnership Begins with Live Univision Broadcast
 of “Combate Estrellas I” from Los Angeles on Friday, April 13

NEW YORK – March 29, 2018 – Univision Deportes and Combate Americas, the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, today jointly announced a historic, multi-year partnership to produce and distribute live Combate Americas fight programming on Univision and Univision Deportes Network (UDN).
 

The agreement marks the first time ever that Univision Deportes will produce and distribute live MMA programming and, in 2018, will include a total of 16 television airings, beginning with a live, 90-minute broadcast on Univision (12am ET/ 12am PT) and UDN (12am ET/ 9pm PT) of the recently announced “Combate Estrellas I” show at Shrine in Los Angeles, Calif. on Friday, April 13.
 

“We’re incredibly excited that our growth last year has culminated with a new partnership with Univision Deportes, a sports media brand that is home to some of the best sports and entertainment programming,” said Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren.
 

“Univision Deportes is proud to partner with Combate Americas in an effort to bring fans the best programming of one of the most popular sports today,” said Juan Carlos Rodriguez, President, Univision Deportes. “As the leading Spanish-language sports brand, our commitment to deliver high-quality sports content is reinforced through this new partnership, bringing fanáticos the top MMA events in a way that only Univision Deportes knows best.”

 

The complete 2018 schedule, which will be announced soon, will include several dates across Univision and UDN.

 

The live shows will all air in a 90-minute window and will follow the live stream of Combate Americas preliminary bout cards on UnivisionDeportes.com.

 

The live Univision broadcast of “Combate Estrellas I” will be headlined by a much-anticipated, bantamweight (135 pounds) rematch between John “Sexi Mexi” Castaneda (16-3), representing the U.S., and Marc “Lufo” Gomez (21-11), representing Spain.

 

In the co-main event, five-division world boxing champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (0-0), fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y., will make her long-awaited MMA rules debut, representing Puerto Rico against rising star Erendira “Aketzaly” Ordoñez (2-1) of Mexico in a flyweight (125 pounds) contest.

 

A featherweight (145 pounds) contest between hard-hitting knockout artist Jose “Froggy” Estrada (4-1), representing the U.S. and fellow striking machine Pablo “Gallo Negro” Sabori (8-4) of Mexico, will open the live broadcast.

 

The complete preliminary bout card, which will stream live on UnivisionDeportes.com, will be announced soon.

 

Since it launched its live event series in 2015, Combate Americas has emerged as a destination for the best, new fighters from the U.S., Latin America and Spain, and a platform pitting athletes, in a country versus country style format, facing each other in “La Jaula,” the Combate Americas competition cage.

Amateur MMA, Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES SIX NEW MATCHUPS FOR “COMBATE ESTRELLAS I” IN LOS ANGELES ON APRIL 13

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JOSE “FROGGY” ESTRADA TO FACE PABLO “GALLO NEGRO” SABORI IN FEATHERWEIGHT MAIN CARD CONTEST

PLUS PRELIMINARY CARD MATCHUPS:

LIGHTWEIGHT: RAFA “GIFTED” GARCIA VS. CHASE “EL GUERO” GIBSON
ATOMWEIGHT: PAULINA “FIREFOX” GRANADOS VS. SHEILA PADILLA
LIGHTWEIGHT: DANNY “THE REALIST” RAMIREZ VS. ERICK GONZALEZ
LIGHTWEIGHT: JAVIER “EL MARIACHI” GARCIA VS. GABRIEL GREEN
FLYWEIGHT: HEINRICH WASSMER VS. “MALICIOUS” MICHAEL REYES
TICKETS ON SALE NOW

NEW YORK – March 13, 2018 – Combate Americas announced six new matchups today for “Combate Estrellas I,” the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise’s first live television event of 2018, and the first event of a two-part series featuring a collection of Combate Americas’ top estrellas, or “stars,” that will take place at Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles, Calif. on Friday, April 13.
 

 

 

Priced from $40, tickets for “Combate Estrellas I” are on sale at Ticketon.com.
 

 

 

The newly announced bouts include a featherweight (145 pounds) main card battle between fellow rising stars Jose “Froggy” Estrada (4-1), representing the U.S., and Pablo “Gallo Negro” Sabori (8-4) of Mexico.
 

 

The matchup between Estrada, 27, who fights out of Ventura, Calif., and the 26-year-old Sabori of Tecate, Baja California, will precede the flyweight (125 pounds) women’s co-main event between five-division world boxing champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, (0-0) representing Puerto Rico in her much-anticipated MMA rules debut, against Erendira “Aketzaly” Ordoñez (2-1) of Mexico, and the bantamweight (135 pounds) main event rematch between John “Sexi Mexi” Castaneda (16-3), representing the U.S., and Marc “Lufo” Gomez (21-11), representing Spain.
 

 

 

In “Combate Estrellas I” preliminary bout card action, Rafa “Gifted” Garcia (5-0) of Mexico will risk his perfect record in a lightweight (155 pounds) scrap against fellow streaking prospect Chase “El Guero” Gibson (8-2) of the U.S.
 

 

A winner of Combate Americas’ first-ever open fighter tryout in 2016, the 25-year-old Garcia of Mexicali, Baja California, has defeated all of his opponents to date by way of submission inside of two rounds, while the 28-year-old Gibson, who fights out of Los Angeles, is a winner of his last five bouts.
 

 

 

In women’s atomweight (105 pounds) action on the preliminary bout card, Paulina “Firefox” Granados (4-3) will battle fellow American Sheila Padilla(3-2).
 

 

 

Lightweight American rivals Danny “The Realist” Ramirez (6-3) and Erick “Ghost Pepper” Gonzalez (7-2) will face each other for the second time, in a grudge bout, just over one year after Ramirez took a unanimous decision from Gonzalez at “Combate 11” on February 16, 2017.
 

 

 

Undefeated Javier “El Mariachi” Garcia (3-0) will collide with fellow American and aggressive-minded finisher Gabriel Green (7-2) in another lightweight affair.  Both Garcia and Green have claimed all of their respective victories to date by way of (T)KO or submission.
 

 

 

In a flyweight contest, submission ace Heinrich “Ricky Scraps” Wassmer (6-2) of the U.S. will face “Malicious” Michael Reyes (3-4-1) of the U.S.

 

 

 

UPDATED “COMBATE AMERICAS: COMBATE ESTRELLAS I” FIGHT CARD

 

 

 

MAIN CARD:
 

 

 

Bantamweight Main Event:
John Castaneda (16-3) vs. Marc Gomez (21-11)
 

 

 

Flyweight Co-Main Event:
Amanda Serrano (0-0 vs. Erendira Ordoñez (2-1)
 

 

 

Featherweight: Jose Estrada (4-1) vs. Pablo Sabori (8-4)

 

 

UNDERCARD:
 

 

Lightweight:  Rafa Garcia (5-0) vs. Chase Gibson (8-2)

 

Atomweight: Paulina Granados (4-3) vs. Sheila Padilla (3-2)

 

Lightweight:  Danny Ramirez (6-3) vs. Erick Gonzalez (7-2)

 

Lightweight:  Javier Garcia (3-0) vs. Gabriel Green (7-2)

 

Flyweight: Heinrich Wassmer (6-2) vs. Michael Reyes (3-4-1)
# # #
Amateur MMA, Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES THE ADDITION OF WOMEN’S CO-MAIN EVENT TO LIVE TELEMUNDO BROADCAST OF “COPA COMBATE” ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 FROM CANCUN, MEXICO

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Pictured: Undefeated Melissa “Super Melly” Martinez (right) of Mexico and Miesha Tate pupil Gloria “Gloriosa” Bravo (left) of Chile will square off in a strawweight (115 pounds) co-main event on the live Telemundo broadcast of “COPA COMBATE” from Cancun, Mexico on Saturday, Nov. 11.  Photo credit: Scott Hirano/Combate Americas

MELISSA MARTINEZ OF MEXICO FACES GLORIA BRAVO OF CHILE IN STRAWWEIGHT SHOWDOWN PRECEDING
$100,000 GRAND PRIZE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT

NEW YORK – October 18 2017 –Combate Americas today announced the addition of a women’s strawweight (115 pounds) showdown between undefeated knockout artist Melissa “Super Melly” Martinez (2-0) and Gloria “Gloriosa” Bravo (4-2) that will serve as the co-main event on the highly-anticipated, live Telemundo broadcast (11:35 p.m. ET/10:35 p.m. CT, or following “Titulares y Mas”) of the “COPA COMBATE” Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) extravaganza from Cancun, Mexico on Saturday, Nov. 11.

The battle between the 20-year-old Martinez of Mexico City, Mexico and the 31-year-old Bravo, of Santiago, Chile, will immediately precede the championship stage bout and finale of the one-night, eight-man bantamweight (135 pounds) “COPA COMBATE” tournament that will award its winner a grand prize of $100,000 and that, for the first time ever, will see top-ranked fighters from the U.S., Latin America and Spain represent their respective countries in a quest for glory.

“This is a phenomenal addition to an already stellar and historic fight card created for the Telemundo broadcast television platform,” said Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren.

“With the incredibly relentless and hard-hitting action we have seen from the women of Combate Americas,” continued McLaren, “it is only fitting that we showcase a matchup between two of the sport’s brightest and fastest rising female stars like Melissa Martinez and Gloria Bravo on the ‘COPA COMBATE’ platform.”

“COPA COMBATE” takes place on the 24th anniversary of McLaren’s now legendary UFC 1 event that he executive produced as the co-founder of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  The storied event set off a combat sports revolution, and changed the martial arts fight world forever.

The 5-foot-2 Martinez will return to La Jaula, the Combate Americas cage, for the second time in her career after shelling out a stunning, highlight reel knockout of Yajaira “Shokolate” Romo in the second round (2:45) of battle at Combate 15 in Mexico City on June 30.

Following the promotional debut victory, Martinez, also a decorated Muay Thai competitor, earned a second-place finish at WAKO Kickboxing’s “The World Games 2017 – Wroclaw” tournament in Poland on July 30.

The 5-foot-5 Bravo will enter La Jaula for the first time ever and put a three-fight winning streak on the line.  All three of her latest victories came by way of armlock submission.

Bravo recently ventured from Chile to Las Vegas, Nev. to train for the upcoming matchup with famed, retired, former UFC world champion Miesha Tate.

In addition to the “COPA COMBATE” tournament championship bout and the featured women’s fight between Martinez and Bravo, Telemundo’s live broadcast of “COPA COMBATE” will feature the tournament’s semifinal stage consisting of two bouts that pit the winners of the quarterfinal stage bouts in each tournament bracket against one another. The entire quarterfinal stage of the tournament will stream live on the Telemundo Deportes En Vivo app and TelemundoDeportes.com.

Telemundo Deportes, one of the leading providers of sports content in Spanish in the United States, is home to two of the world’s most popular sporting events: the FIFA World Cup™ through 2026 and the Summer Olympic Games through 2032. In addition, Telemundo Deportes broadcasts the FIFA World Cup™ CONCACAF qualifying matches for most of the region, including the Mexico and USA national teams’ away matches and the Premier League. Telemundo Deportes is also home to “Boxeo Telemundo Ford,” the #1 boxing program in Spanish, and “Titulares y Más,” the #1 sports news, entertainment and commentary show in Spanish, among other recognized sports properties.
Amateur MMA, Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES MULTI-YEAR, LIVE TELEVISION EVENT PARTNERSHIP WITH FAST-GROWING LEISURE OPERATOR HYBRID ONE IN REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA

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Partnership kicks off with explosive, nine-bout MMA fight card for
Mexican Independence Day from The Amphitheater at Splash Kingdom on Friday, Sept 15

Tickets for “Combate Americas: El Grito en La Jaula” on sale at Ticketon.com

NEW YORK – August 29, 2017 – Combate Americas announced today that it has partnered with Southern California-based leisure operator Hybrid One to produce multiple, live televised Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events in California’s Inland Empire, beginning with a nine-bout fight card for Mexican Independence Day, at The Amphitheater at Splash Kingdom Waterpark in Redlands on Friday, Sept. 15.

“Combate Americas: El Grito en La Jaula,” the event that kicks off the partnership, will air live on Azteca America in the U.S. and on ESPN Latin America at 10 p.m. ET, and will be headlined by a featherweight (145 pounds) matchup between ferocious, 26-year-old rising star Jose “Froggy” Estrada(3-1) of Oxnard, Calif. and gritty battler Izic “Lionheart” Fernandez (2-3) of Santa Ana, Calif.

In the women’s atomweight (105 pounds) co-main event, former Eddie Bravo protégé Kyra “Mogwai” Batara (6-4) of Las Vegas, Nev., fresh off her second-round submission victory over 12-time Spanish National Judo Champion Vanesa Rico, will make a quick return to La Jaula, the Combate Americas cage, where the 22-year-old will face off with Jenna Serio (3-2) of New York, N.Y.

Priced from $40, tickets for “Combate Americas: El Grito en La Jaula” are on sale at Ticketon.com.

“We are excited to partner with Hybrid One, and continue the rapid expansion of our live event series to yet another market in Southern California, beginning with a phenomenal fight card in honor of Mexican Independence Day,” said Combate Americas CEO and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) co-founder Campbell McLaren.

“We acquired Splash Kingdom in April of this year with the vision of transforming it into the Inland Empire’s leading entertainment destination.  Today’s partnership with Combate Americas represents a significant step toward realizing that vision,” said Hybrid One co-founder and co-owner Ryan Sauter.

Following the kick-off event on Sept. 15, Combate Americas expects to return to the Redlands venue in December.

A second women’s atomweight matchup at “Combate Americas: El Grito en La Jaula” will pit two professional debut competitors – Brenda Enriquez (0-0) of Salt Lake City, Utah against Shyann Farmer (0-0) Alamogordo, N.M.

The 28-year-old Enriquez is coming off a stellar amateur career during which she amassed a 7-1 record, with 6 of her victories coming by way of either (T)KO or submission.

Farmer is a 24-year-old upstart who collected an amateur record of 4-1.

Elsewhere on the fight card, undefeated, emerging star Rafael “Gifted” Garcia (4-0) of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico will make his second start in La Jaula and face off with three-time Combate Americas veteran Marcos “El Matador” Bonilla (4-4) of Los Angeles, Calif. in a featherweight contest.

In a battle between unbeaten lightweights (155 pounds) Javier “Habanero” Garcia (2-0) of Covina, Calif. will take on Guillermo Gonzalez (3-0) of San Bernardino, Calif.

Fresh off his first-round submission victory at Combate Americas on May 5, Ralph “The Spyder Monkey” Acosta (17-12) of Riverside, Calif. will collide with Cub Swanson student Gareth De La Cruz (6-1) of Palm Springs, Calif.

Doors at The Amphitheater at Splash Kingdom Waterpark open at 6 p.m.  The first bout will begin at 6:30 p.m.

COMPLETE “COMBATE AMERICAS: EL GRITO EN LA JAULA” FIGHT CARD

Featherweight Main Event (Live on Azteca America and ESPN Latin America):
Jose Estrada vs. Izic Fernandez

Atomweight Co-Main Event (Live on Azteca America and ESPN Latin America):
Kyra Batara vs. Jenna Serio

Preliminary Card:
Featherweight:  Rafael Garcia vs. Marcos Bonilla
Lightweight:  Javier Garcia vs. Guillermo Gonzalez
Atomweight:  Brenda Enriquez vs. Shyann Farmer
Flyweight:  Ralph Acosta vs. Gareth De La Cruz
Flyweight:  Isaac Camarillo vs. Heber Castillo
Catchweight (140 pounds): Angel Gonzalez vs. Julio Aguilera
Middleweight: Santiago Diaz vs. Alex Thompson
Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FIRST NEF WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE AWARDED ON NOVEMBER 3RD

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (August 23, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) will make its long-awaited debut in Portland on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Aura with “NEF 31: The Old Port.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur mixed-martial-arts title bout to the card.  Alex Walker (4-1) will take on Hilarie Rose (4-3) to crown the first-ever NEF MMA Amateur Strawweight Women’s Champion.  The fight is scheduled to be contested at the strawweight limit of 115 pounds.

Alex Walker is a three-fight veteran of the NEF cage.  Since losing her debut in the spring of 2015, Walker has been on a tear throughout the New England MMA circuit.  She has won her last four in a row with three of those victories coming by way of submission.  At “NEF 29,” this past June in Lewiston, Maine, Walker forced Sarah Ziehm (1-1) to tap to an arm bar.  She trains with Team Kaze of Lancaster, New Hampshire.  According to Walker, she is excited to have an opponent to strike with in the form of Rose.

“This girl is a more than a game opponent–she’s also a good striker,” exclaimed Walker.  “She won’t back down. This will be a hell of a stand up fight! We’re going to put on a good bout. I’m looking forward to having an opponent that will trade punches and not back down!”

If it is a striking match Walker is looking for, she will indeed find it in Hilarie Rose.  Rose, who trains at USMMA in Bellingham, Massachusetts, burst onto the local fight scene in late 2014 with an ultra-brutal switch kick knockout of Tiffany McCoy (2-1).  She has won her last two fights, and Rose is determined to end Walker’s streak to become the first-ever NEF women’s champion.

“I’m looking forward to fighting Alex for NEF’s first woman’s strawweight championship,” said Rose. “Alex has won her last few fights and looks like she’s got quick arm locks. With that said, her winning streak ends on November 3rd, and I’m bringing the NEF belt home with me. I’m excited to show Maine and the NEF fans my skills.”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 31: The Old Port,” will see the company debut in Portland, Maine at the brand new, state-of-the-art venue Aura.  The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 3, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at www.auramaine.com.

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

WWE SIGNEE TO CHALLENGE GULLIVER FOR HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE IN PORTLAND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (August 22, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) will make its debut in Portland on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Aura with “NEF 31: The Old Port.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur mixed-martial-arts title bout to the card.  Nick Gulliver (4-0) will defend the NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Title against Terrance Jean-Jacques (1-0).

“NEF is an amazing organization and I love fighting for them,” said Gulliver. “This will be my fifth fight for NEF and to me, this fight is different. During my fighting career I’ve always been fighting for someone, or something, and I’ve never really had time or the energy to really enjoy it. This fight I’m fighting to prove to myself that I’m good enough to be the heavyweight champion. People tell me every day after sparring or training that I’m good, but I don’t see it yet. I don’t see what others see and this is a time for me to see and believe. This camp I’m going to work and find myself in the process.”

Gulliver, a product of First Class MMA and the Foundry BJJ, has been nothing short of perfect over the course of his amateur career with NEF.  “The Guardian,” as he is known amongst his fans and teammates, has finished all four of his previous opponents, including a third-round technical knockout of Yorgan DeCastro (2-4) last fall to claim the title belt.  DeCastro is the first, and only, opponent to date to make it out of the first round with Gulliver.

“I have a lot to prove to myself and I’m going to look into the mirror on November 3rd and see the man I’ve wanted to be in the cage and out,” continued Gulliver.  “I’m going to work as much as I can and never give up. Something I always repeat to myself is ‘cowards never start, the weak never finish, winners never quit,’ and I’m not quitting on November 3rd.”

Terrance Jean-Jacques brings a solid amateur wrestling background with him to the NEF cage.  The Haverhill, Massachusetts native put together an impressive 22-6 record as the starting heavyweight for the NCAA Division I Iowa Hawkeyes as a freshman.  He later transferred to Rhode Island College and was a runner-up at the 2015 Division III wrestling championships.  Jean-Jacques signed a developmental deal with the WWE in the spring of 2016 to train at their performance center in Florida.

“Everybody fights for different things,” remarked Jean-Jacques. “My thing is, I’m not doing this for anyone else but my daughter and myself. It’s much bigger than this fight. I’m reinventing myself and it’s kill or be killed. This will be the best version of myself to date. I have goals that I’m charging at in an unstoppable manner and I’m coming to get it. This is my destiny.”

“I want to thank my training partners and my family,” said Gulliver in closing.  “I want to thank FirstClass MMA and The Foundry BJJ for everything they have given me. I’ve been training with FirstClass MMA and John Raio for almost three years now and I’ve been training with The Foundry BJJ going on eight years now. I appreciate all they do for me. I can name over 100 people that I train with every week that help push me, day in and day out, and I can’t thank them enough for it.

“This fight will be a war. If you put me and my opponent, Terrance, side by side and took bets, I’d be the loser all day. Shit, even I would bet against me if it was about size and looks. But this fight will be won by one thing and one thing only and anyone that knows me knows what I’m about to say. This fight will be won with heart. I’m not great at anything I do. I fail at most things, but I have a lot of heart and I push. Sometimes in life heart is what people need most. I’m looking to see what I’ve got on November 3rd and I’m looking forward to November 4th when I can wake up and see that I had enough heart and that I am the still the champ. Thank you to everyone involved in my life and thanks again for this fight I greatly appreciate it. Thank you to Terrance Jean-Jacques for coming to Portland to fight. Also, just a quick thank you to my friend Josh Jones, who made me remember the fun in this game again. He got me motivated to fight in this one. I’m hoping this fight is just like watching fireworks at a baseball game. If you’ve never seen fireworks at a baseball game come to this fight and I’ll show you the feeling.”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 31: The Old Port,” will see the company make its long-awaited debut in Portland, Maine at the brand new, state-of-the-art venue Aura.  The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 3, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at www.auramaine.com.

559 Fights, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA

559 FIGHTS JOINS FORCES WITH FLOCOMBAT

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August 11th, 2017
FRESNO TOWER THEATRE

559 Fights is proud to announce our events will now be streamed globally via paid subscription on FloCombat, starting with 559 Fights 58 on August 11 at Tower Theatre in Fresno.

Part of the FloSports Network, FloCombat is the authority for MMA and combat sports news, events, interviews, and more.August 11th FloCombat brings you live coverage of the 559 Fights fight 58. Catch all the action and become a PRO MEMBER TODAY!

559 Fights is one of California’s top amateur mixed martial arts promotions, promoting successful events across the state since 2012 and helping to launch the careers of several of California’s top fighters.

Along with a throwback heavyweight title between Leo Cantu (10-4-1, Kerman) and Josue Aispuro (3-1, Avenal), 559 Fights 58 includes two championship bouts.

Heavyweight and Cruiserweight champ Andrew Chatman (6-0, Fresno) moves down in weight to fight Joseph Gaceta (2-1, Ridgecrest) for the CAMO State Light-Heavyweight Championship. Yuni Valencia (4-2, Farmersville) and Emilio Horta (2-2, Ridgecrest) will clash for the 559 Fights Lightweight Championship.

Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at the Tower Theatre Box Office or www.559fights.

VIP Tables and VIP Package info text or call 559-813-0307