Category Archives: mixed martial arts

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

MILITARY VETERANS TO FEATURE PROMINENTLY ON NEF 24 PRO MMA CARD

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (May 30, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston on June 18, 2016.   On that night, two military veterans will be featured in professional mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts.  Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (4-4) will compete in a heavyweight bout while CJ Ewer (1-0) will see action in the welterweight division.

 

Mike Hansen won two state wrestling championships competing for Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) in Rumford, Maine.  Shortly after graduation, Hansen began training in MMA and made his debut in the sport in 2005.  He would, however, put his MMA career on the backburner for the next decade to enlist and serve his country as a combat engineer in the United States Army.  After retiring from the Army, Hansen returned to Maine and opened Berserkers MMA in Rumford, where he trains other MVHS alum to compete in the NEF cage.  OnJune 18, Hansen will face Robert Laroski (1-1).

 

“I hope he’s been training, ’cause I’ve been active starting this year,” said Hansen.  “I’m looking for a win coming off my last fight.  I will find his weaknesses and exploit them.  I’m looking for the finish, and it won’t take long.  Just over 51 years ago, (Muhammad) Ali got the first round, first minute stoppage over (Sonny) Liston right at the Colisee.  My fight will end in similar fashion, under the same roof.”

 

CJ Ewer is a proud member of the United States Air Force security forces.  When he is not overseas serving his country, Ewer can be found back home in the Bangor, Maine area training at Young’s MMA.  After a successful amateur career, he submitted Zenon Herrera in his pro debut earlier this year.  On June 18, Ewer will take on “The Fresh Prince” Phil Rowe (1-2) from Florida.

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events 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 @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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 Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

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

M-1 Challenge 66 Viktor Nemkov vs. Rashid Yusopov M-1 Challenge Light Heavyweight Championship May 27, 2016 * Orenburg City, Russia

Leave a comment

Presents
 
Yusopov upsets Nemkov to become new
M-1 Challenge Light Heavyweight Champion
 
Puetz decisions Seledtsov
M-1 CHALLENGE 66 OFFICIAL RESULTS
New M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Rashid Yusopov
ORENBURG CITY, Russia (May 28, 2016) – Last night’s M-1 Challenge 66 event had its share of upsets, leading with a main event split decision victory by Rashid Yusopov over defending M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Viktor Nemkov, in Orenburg City, Russia.
Former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan “T-800” Puetz took a unanimous 3-round decision from Andrey Seledtsov in the co-feature.
Russian challenger Yusopov (7-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0) won a hard fought 5-round split decision over defending champion Nemkov (23-6-0, M-1: 14-5-0), fighting out of Russia by way of Kazakhstan, who was making his initial title defense.
Nemkov had captured the coveted M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title this past December, taking a 5-round decision from defending champion Puetz, who had won a 5-round split decision April, 2014 against Nemkov for the title.  Nemkov is a two-time M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion having defeated Vasily Babich (WSUB3 – arm-lock) for the vacant title that he then lost in his first title defense to Puetz.
 
The 23-year-old Yusupov was riding a 4-fight win streak going into his fight with Nemkov.  A former Russian, European and World Amateur MMA champion, Yusupov is known as a dangerous striker whose signature moves are powerful kicks.
Puetz vs. Seledtsov was billed as “Terminator” vs. “Spetsnev” and it lived up to its name as Puetz won a unanimous 3-round decision.   Puetz, of Germany, had successfully defended his M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title twice, after beating Nemkov in their original championship match, against Luis Fernando Miranda (SUB2 – choke) August 15, 2014 atM-1 Challenge 50, and Valery Myasnikov (KO/TKO2 – punches) December 17, 2014 atM-1 Challenge 54. In a non-title fight this past May, Puetz stopped then-M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Marcin Tybura in the third round due to a severely damaged broken nose.
Seledtsov, 28, is a former Spetsnev solider known for his powerful boxing, combat samba and MMA background.  A local White-Rex promotion champion, the Russian was making his M-1 Global debut.
 
In other M-1 Challenge 66 fights, Damir Ismagulov (7-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0) stopped Georgian lightweight Raul Tutarauli (6-3-0, M-1: 3-1-1) near the end of the third round on punches, American bantamweight Josh “The Finisher” Rettinghouse (13-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0) made an impressive M-1 Global debut when the doctor stopped his fight against BelarussianVadim Zhlobich (4-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in the opening round, Timur Nagibin (8-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0) won a 3-round decision over fellow Russian countryman Mikhail Korobkov (9-1-1, M-1: 0-1-1), and Russian featherweight Movsar Evloev (3-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0) punched outAlexander Krupemkin (1-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), fighting out of Ukraine.
Complete results & photo gallery below:
 
MAIN CARD
M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
RASHID YUSOPOV (7-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia
WDEC5
VIKTOR NEMKOV (23-6-0, M-1: 14-5-0), Russia by way of Kazakhstan
(Yusopov M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
STEPHAN PUETZ (14-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Germany
WDEC3
ANDREY SELEDTSOV (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia
LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
DAMIR ISMAGULOV (7-2-0, M-1: 3-2-0), Russia by way of Kazakhstan
WKO/TKO3 (Punches – 3:49)
RAUL TUTARAULI (6-3-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Georgia
BANTWAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
JOSH RETTINGHOUSE (13-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0), United States
WKO/TKO1 (Doctor Stoppage – 3:10)
VADIM ZHLOBICH (4-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Belarus
FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
TIMUR NAGIBIN (8-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
MIKHAIL KOROBKOV (9-1-1, M-1: 0-1-1), Russia
MOVSAR EVLOEV (3-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0)
WKO/TKO1 (Punches – 4:09)
ALEXANDER KRUPEMKIN (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine
 

Yusopov strikes Nemkov
 

(L-R) – Yusopov & Nemkov
 

(L-R) — Yusopov & Nemkov
 

(L-R) — Puetz & Seledtsov
 

Vadim Zhlobich fight vs. Josh Rettinghouse was stopped by the doctor due to these cuts
 

Nagibin & Korobkov
 
Upcoming Events:
June 4, 2016 – M-1 Challenge 67: Buchinger vs. Idrisov @ Baku, Azerbaijan.
June 16, 2016 – M-1 Challenge 68: Shlemenko vs. Vasilevsky @ St. Petersburg, Russia
 
Information

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
mixed martial arts, MMA, UFC, wrestling

Olympian and UFC champion Daniel Cormier named Honorary Chairman of Wrestling World Cup in Los Angeles, June 11-12

Leave a comment

 

Daniel Cormier, a two-time Olympian in men’s freestyle wrestling and current UFC light heavyweight champion, will serve as the Honorary Chairman of the 2016 World Cup of Freestyle Wrestling, set for The Forum in Los Angeles, June 11-12.

Cormier will be supporting the promotional efforts for the World Cup (wrestlingworldcup.com) and encouraging the public to come out to see the action, which will feature the top eight men’s freestyle nations in action.

The U.S. World Cup team will include all six of the 2016 U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestlers. Many of the other nations will also include their 2016 Olympic athletes on their rosters.

“It is a great opportunity. You get to see guys in the final stages of their preparation. During off-Olympic years, you may get to see guys who are not peaked. This is in the phase of when they are peaking for the Olympic Games, two months before the competition. The foreign wrestlers will also be in peak condition. Not only will you get to see our guys at their best, but you get to see them competing against some of the best wrestlers in the world at their peak. It is very rare that we get that kind of opportunity here in the United States,” said Cormier.

This is the third straight year which the World Cup has been held in Los Angeles and hosted at The Forum. Cormier joins two other former wrestlers and major public figures who have served as Honorary Chairman of the World Cup.

In 2014, award-winning actor Billy Baldwin was the Honorary Chairman. In 2015, Stephen Neal, a World champion wrestler and three-time Super Bowl champion with the NFL New England Patriots, served as the Honorary Chairman.

Cormier had a successful career in international freestyle wrestling. He was a member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team, which competed in Athens, Greece, as well as the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, which competed in Beijing, China. Cormier placed fourth at the 2004 Olympic Games. He was a 2007 World bronze medalist and placed fifth in the 2003 World Championships. He wrestled on six straight U.S. World or Olympic Teams, and won six straight U.S. Open national titles.

Cormier, who follows international wrestling closely in spite of his busy schedule as a UFC athlete and a television commentator, is excited about the U.S. team which will compete at the World Cup and at the Olympic Games.

“We have an amazing team this year. A chance to see them live is something you can’t get back after it’s gone. We have one of the better Olympic teams that we have had in a long time,” said Cormier.

A native of Lafayette, La., Cormier was a two-time NJCAA Junior College national champion for Colby CC in Kansas. He went on to Oklahoma State, where he placed second in the 2001 NCAA Div. I Championships, competing for two-time Olympic champion John Smith.

The 37-year-old Cormier trains at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose alongside fellow UFC standouts such as Cain Velasquez and Luke Rockhold. Since moving to California, he has been impressed by the quality of the wrestling and the culture of the sport in the state.

“Wrestling in California is huge. The state championships draws massive numbers. I have a youth wrestling club, and every weekend, we wrestle in massive tournaments. The kids get to wrestle five, six times a weekend. In the LA area, this is a big deal, for people to be able to see wrestling at such a high level. The last time I was at the World Cup at the Forum, it was amazing. You can feel the history of the building. The team went out and had a fantastic performance. It will be a big crowd. People should not miss this opportunity to see the best in the world,” said Cormier.

Cormier won a silver medal at the 2005 World Cup which was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

“It is the history of the event that make it special. It dates back as far as I can remember. Some of the greatest American wrestlers have won the World Cup. It is a very prestigious event. The World Cup is different than other international events. It brings you back to your days in high school wrestling and college wrestling when you wrestle in dual meets. Your result directly affects the team and its ability to win. I only wrestled in one World Cup, with six years on the World Team and eight years on the national team. It was a great experience,” said Cormier.

He is excited that wrestling, his favorite sport, will be showcased once again in Los Angeles, the U.S. bid city for the 2024 Olympic Games. Having been on two Olympic teams (2004 in Athens and 2008 in Beijing), Cormier would to see the Olympics hosted in the United States once again.

“LA right now is a great sports city. The World Cup will show that Olympic sports can draw people. We have not had an Olympics in LA since 1984. If the Olympics go back to LA, it will be great. LA is a huge city, a sports city. The people in LA would love it. This is a chance to show that the city can host an Olympic-level competition and be successful. Los Angeles is so diverse. You have everybody in Los Angeles. You have a ton of different cultures in the LA area,” said Cormier.

Cormier has excelled in his Mixed Martial Arts career, compiling an impressive 17-1 record while competing at heavyweight and light heavyweight.

Cormier will not be able to attend the World Cup this year due to training. Cormier is currently preparing for the UFC light heavyweight title fight against Jon “Bones” Jones at UFC 200, which will be held in Las Vegas, Nev. on July 9. This is a huge fight, as both of these former wrestlers have held the UFC title belt during their careers. Jones beat Cormier in their only previous battle by decision, a title match during UFC 182 on January 3, 2015.

“Preparation is going great. I have had Ed Ruth in training camp to wrestle, Deron Winn in training camp to wrestle. I’ve got a kid from Iowa State coming in to wrestle also. I am wrestling with the best guys I can find to emulate Jon Jones. (Khadjimurad) Gatsalov of Russia was the best wrestler I ever wrestled, but he didn’t have the type of style and the funky ability of Jones. Ed Ruth is a wiry, tricky wrestler. I am bringing in guys who can give me that feel. I was outwrestled the last fight. He pushed me against the fence and took me down two or three times. That is not happening again,” said Cormier.

Cormier has helped with the World Cup in Los Angeles in the past, serving as the Honorary U.S. Team Captain in 2014, sitting with the team mat side and providing support to the athletes and coaches.

The World Cup is the annual international dual meet championships, as the eight best men’s freestyle teams will compete against each other. At the 2016 World Cup, the United States will be joined by (alphabetically): Azerbaijan, Georgia, India, Iran, Mongolia, Russia and Turkey. Lineups for the other seven teams in the World Cup will be announced shortly.

The United States is slated to face Iran, Azerbaijan and India in Group B competition. Russia headlines a tough Group A pool that also includes Georgia, Turkey and Mongolia.

Attendees can purchase tickets for the popular international competition through Ticketmaster.

FREESTYLE WRESTLING WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

Saturday, June 11

Session I – Round 1 & 2 of Pools (3 p.m.-7:30 p.m.)

Sunday, June 12

Session II – Round 3 of Pools, 5th & 7th Place Matches (11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)

Session III – 3rd Place Match, followed by 1st Place Match (5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.)

General admission for both the Saturday and Sunday sessions are just $60 total or $35 for individual days. Preferred seating options are available for $85 for both Saturday and Sunday, or $55 individually.

mixed martial arts, MMA, World Series of Fighting

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING FINALIZES MAIN CARD FOR WSOF32 WITH SHAMIL GAMZATOV VS. LOUIS TAYLOR

Leave a comment

LIVE ON NBCSN FROM EVERETT, WASH.
ON SATURDAY, JULY 30

Plus undefeated featherweight rivals
Hakeem Dawodu and Marat Magomedov collide
in preliminary card rematch

LAS VEGAS (May 27, 2016) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today the completion of the live NBCSN (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT) televised portion of its WSOF32 world championship doubleheader, with the addition of a middleweight (185 pounds) contest between undefeated sensation Shamil Gamzatov (10-0) and red-hot finisher Louis “Put The Guns Down” Taylor  (12-3).

In addition, the league announced the first WSOF32 preliminary bout, a much-anticipated rematch between a pair of unbeaten featherweight (145 pound) rivals in Hakeem “Mean” Dawodu (5-0-1) and Marat Magomedov (7-0-1).

WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill II takes place at Xfinity Arena at Everett on Saturday, July 30.  In the world bantamweight (135 pounds) championship main event, reigning kingpin Marlon Moraes (16-4) will risk his title for the second time against challenger Josh “Gentleman” Hill (14-1).

Since he made his professional debut with a second round (1:35) TKO (punches) on Murat Aibazov on January 30, 2012, the 6-foot-2, 25-year-old Gamzatov of Dagestan, Russia has been an unstoppable force, defeating all of his opponents by way of either (T)KO or submission in either the first or second round of action.

In his last start and debut inside the World Series of Fighting decagon on January 23, Gamzatov scored a thunderous, first round (2:32) TKO (punches) on Teddy Holder.

The 5-foot-11, 37-year-old Taylor of Chicago, Ill. is riding a five-fight win streak that he ignited on December 14, 2012 with a first round (4:12) KO (punch) on Joe Vedepo.

Taylor, who has earned 11 of his 12 career wins via (T)KO or submission, made an explosive promotional debut for World Series of Fighting in his last appearance at WSOF29 on March 12, finishing Cory Devela in just 29 seconds with a guillotine choke submission.

A protégé of famed Muay Thai trainer Mike Miles, the 5-foot-8, 24-year-old Dawodu of Calgary, Alberta, Canada launched his professional career inside the World Series of Fighting decagon on February 21, 2014 when he scored a first round (1:07) KO (punch) on Behrang Yousefi.

Following his successful debut, Dawodu claimed four consecutive victories – all by way of (T)KO – under the World Series of Fighting banner, before facing off with Magomedov last December 18.  Following three rounds of battle, the fight was declared a majority draw.

The 5-foot-8, 25-year-old Magomedov of Dagestan is a combat Sambo specialist who has claimed all but one of his wins by way of submission, beginning with his professional debut on July 1, 2011 when he forced Dzhambulat Magomedov to tap out from a triangle choke in the first round (3:40) of their matchup.

Additional preliminary card bouts for WSOF32 will be announced soon.

Priced from $29, tickets for WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill II are on sale at XFINITYArenaEverett.com and WSOF.com.

In the world featherweight championship co-main event, Alexandre “Capitao” Almeida (18-5) will defend his title for the first time against the fighter he took it from – Lance Palmer (10-2).

In other action on the live NBCSN telecast, costumed crime fighter Phoenix Jones (6-1-1) aka Ben Fodor of Seattle, Wash. will look to settle his rivalry with adopted brother Caros “The Future” Fodor (10-5) of Seattle in a 162-pound catchweight affair.
amateur boxing, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

MORE THAN JUST GOLD IS AT STAKE IN TITLE REMATCH

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (May 27, 2016) – One of the past year’s most intense rivalries is about to be reignited.  On June 18, 2016, when New England Fights (NEF) presents “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, former amateur mixed-martial-arts (MMA) flyweight champion Dustin Veinott (4-4) will have his chance to recapture the strap from Ryan Burgess (2-0).  Burgess took the title from Veinott last fall at “NEF XX” in a very close split decision.  The outcome on the judges’ scorecards has been a topic of heavy debate amongst NEF fans ever since.

 

“I have wanted this rematch since right after he took the title,” said Veinott.  “I know I wasn’t at 100% when I fought him last time.  Best believe I will have no distractions this time around.  I also feel he disrespected the whole weight division.  I will teach him to respect this division.  I am here to prove that us 125ers might be small, but we are all tough guys that know how to fight!”

 

“Last time me and Dustin met in the cage, we went to war,” recalled Burgess.   “Expect nothing less than that in our rematch. Many people considered it a close split decision fight, and although I wasn’t able to utilize my ground striking as I had hoped, I don’t see how you can call it a close match when I was able to impose my will on him throughout the entire three rounds. I believe that he does deserve this rematch, though, as he made the trip to Hyannis, Mass for the last event and was unfortunately not able to compete due to his opponent not making weight. Opponents in my weight class are hard to come by in this region and I believe of all the guys who are consistent with their weight cuts, Dustin deserves another shot.”

 

The Hyannis, Massachusetts bout that Burgess refers to was to take place earlier this month between Veinott and Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Kane (4-3).  The match was cancelled at weigh-ins when Kane did not make the agreed-to catchweight.

 

“I was very frustrated about Razzle Dazzle not making weight,” stated Veinott.  “Especially after I gave him the extra four pounds that he asked for.  However, he disrespected me by not showing up on weight – that is why I didn’t take the fight.”

 

Burgess, a member of Berserkers MMA in Rumford, Maine, is clear that he plans to finish the rematch with Veinott and not leave any room for controversy with another decision.  He is not out to simply retain his title, but to also prove a point – that he is the undisputed top amateur flyweight in Maine.  And to do that, Burgess knows he has to put Veinott away definitively.

 

“All I have to say to Dustin is ‘congrats, you got your rematch that you’ve been asking for.’ I hope you don’t expect the same fighter you got last time – your fans may be disappointed at the end of the night.  Come June 18th, I will solidify myself as the top flyweight for NEF, as well as make a statement of the improvements I have been making outside of the cage.  There will be no ‘fan controversy’ after I finish this fight in the first or second round.”

 

Veinott contends that he will be more focused this time around.  A member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Veinott is confident in his ability to submit Burgess should Burgess, a three-time state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School with 150 wins to his credit, take the fight to the mat.

 

“The difference that I will make going into this fight is to have no distractions,” said Veinott.  “I will make sure I am the most mentally prepared I have ever been.  I feel I already have all the tools to beat him.  I caught him in several submissions our last fight, and I know for a fact he doesn’t want to stand with me.  He will be going for another wrestling match and I am fully prepared for that.”

 

And while the coveted NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Title may be on the line on June 18, both Veinott and Burgess are looking to finish their rivalry once and for all.

 

“Find your seats early folks ’cause this one will be a quick thriller,” said Burgess in closing.  “Our last bout I had a game plan to grind out a decision victory.  A finish will go in the books after this fight.”

 

“The one thing Ryan should know is not to think this fight will be the same as the first one,” Veinott stated emphatically.  “I will leave everything in the cage.  You will see a different fighter, and I will come out victorious.  It is time to release the beast!”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events 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 @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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 Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

THREE EXPLOSIVE CONTESTS COMPLETE STACKED ‘BELLATOR 156’ EVENT ON JUNE 17 IN FRESNO

Leave a comment

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 26, 2016) – Three contests have been added to “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” on June 17 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., with the news that Chris Honeycutt (7-1) will move up to middleweight to face Mikkel Parlo (13-2) in main card action, while Ben Reiter(16-1) versus A.J. Matthews (8-4) and Ricky Rainey (11-4) against Thiago Jambo (18-4) will take place during the preliminary stream.

 

The fights complete a card that features a Bellator MMA Bantamweight Title matchup pitting Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) against Eduardo Dantas (17-4). In addition, welterweights Chidi Njokuani (14-4) and Douglas Lima (26-6) will duke it out in the evening’s co-main event and Brandon Halsey (9-1) meets John Salter (11-3) in an intriguing middleweight scrap.

“Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App at 5:00 pm PST. Tickets for the event start at only $25 and are currently on sale at the Save Mart Center Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

A Fresno native, Honeycutt, will return home after a one-fight hiatus when he faces Parlo in a middleweight bout on June 17. “The Cutt” is coming off of an impressive unanimous decision victory over Matt Secor at “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson,” his third win since joining Bellator MMA and the seventh of his young career. The 27-year-old began his occupation undefeated with four knockouts and three first round finishes, earning the distinction of being one of the welterweight division’s rising stars. Now, in a new weight class, it will be interesting to see how Honeycutt performs.

Parlo will return to the Bellator fray for the first time in nearly two years, riding a two-fight winning streak and a stretch of four victories in his last five bouts. After beginning his career undefeated, the Danish middleweight posted a 4-2 record for the Viacom-owned promotion, which was highlighted by a ferocious knockout win in his promotional debut at “Bellator 78.” With fights against competitors the likes of Brennan Ward already under his belt, Honeycutt will continue the trend of Parlo facing stiff competition.

A native of New York, Reiter began his career on a spectacular hot streak, recording 16 wins in his first 17 professional fights. The 28-year-old middleweight made 15 appearances under the direction of regional promotions before signing with Bellator MMA in 2014, where he has since strung together a 2-1 record with impressive victories over Benji Radach and Shamir Garcia. Standing at 6’3’ Reiter will have a slight height advantage over the 5’11’ Matthews when the two step into the cage on June 17.

Matthews also delivered a successful start to his flourishing career, earning wins in each of his first four bouts before joining Bellator MMA. A six fight veteran of the Scott Coker-led promotion, “The Mercenary” has posted a 4-2 record under the promotion’s umbrella, including two first round knockouts and one highlight reel soccer kick knockout over Charlie Rader at “Bellator 70.” The 28-year-old Calif. native now returns following a stint in Japan with hopes of creating havoc at 185-pounds when he challenges Reiter at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

Since making his professional debut in 2011, the 32-year-old Rainey has put together a stellar career, including multiple four-fight winning streaks and memorable victories over Jesse Juarez and Andy Murad. After collecting wins in eight of the first 10 fights of his career, the North Carolina native has made five appearances under the Bellator MMA banner, three of which ended in knockout victories for the man many refer to as “The Sniper.” The welterweight knockout artist will be searching for another explosive finish when he enters the cage next.

A native of Brazil, Jambo will look to continue his recent success when he makes his Bellator MMA debut on June 17 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. The 35-year-old Jambo has put together an impressive career, recording wins in six of his last seven fights dating back to 2010. With 11 of his 18 victories going to the judges’ table, we can expect Jambo to bring a similar game plan to the cage, as he will try to outlast the knockout specialist standing in front of him.

Complete “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” Card:

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Title Bout: Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) vs. Eduardo Dantas (17-4)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Co-Main Event: Chidi Njokuani (14-4) vs. Douglas Lima (26-6)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Feature Bout: Brandon Halsey (9-1) vs. John Salter (11-3)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Feature Bout: Chris Honeycutt (7-1) vs. Mikkel Parlo (13-2)

Preliminary Card:

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: A.J. Matthews (8-4) vs. Ben Reiter (16-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ricky Rainey (11-4) vs. Thiago Jambo (18-4)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Jermaine McDermott (2-0) vs. Blake Watkins (5-0)

Bellator MMA 140lb. Preliminary Bout: Paul Ruiz (6-4) vs. Christian Navarro (5-0)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Javy Ayala (8-5) vs. TBD

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nick Bustamante (5-1) vs. Antoine Smith (3-5)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: C.J. Keith (8-3) vs. Carrington Banks (4-0)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Justin Smitley (10-7) vs Chris Avila (4-2)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: John Paul Elias (3-0) vs. Jose Cabesas (5-8)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Lewis (0-0) vs. TBD

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Luis Jauregui (3-2) vs. Ryan Tobar (3-2)

 

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

M-1 Challenge 66 Viktor Nemkov vs. Rashid Yusopov M-1 Challenge Light Heavyweight Championship May 27, 2016 * Orenburg City, Russia

Leave a comment
 
 
M-1 Challenge 66, Friday in Orenburg City, Russia
WATCH FREE ON M-1GLOBAL.TV
Friday, May 27 at 11 a.m. / 8 a.m. PT in U.S.A.
(L-R) – Viktor Nemkov & Rashid Yusopov
 
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
MAIN EVENT – M-1 GLOBAL LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5
VIKTOR NEMKOV (23-5-0, M-1: 14-4-0) Champion, Russia by way of Kazakhstan 205 lbs. (93 kg)
vs.
RASHID YUSOPOV (6-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Challenger, Russia 204 lbs. (92.7 kg)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
STEPHAN “T-800” PUETZ (13-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Germany 204 ½ lbs. (92.9 kg)
vs.
ANDREY SELEDTSOV (5-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 205 lbs. 93 kg)
LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
RAUL TUTARAULI (6-2-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Georgia 154 ½ lbs. (70.3 kg)
vs.
DAMIR ISMAGULOV (6-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Russia by way of Kazakhstan 154 ½ lbs. (70.3 kg)
 BANTWAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
JOSH RETTINGHOUSE (12-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), United States 139 lbs. (63.3 kg)
vs.
VADIM ZHLOBICH (4-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Belarus 138 lbs. (62.7 kg)
 FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
MIKHAIL KOROBKOV (9-0-1, M-1: 0-0-1), Russia 145 lbs. (65.8 kg)
vs.
TIMUR NAGIBIN (7-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia 144 ½ lbs. (65.7 kg)
FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
ALEXANDER KRUPEMKIN (pro debut), Ukraine 131 LBS. (59.6 kg)
vs.
MOVSAR EVLOEV (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0) 136 lbs. (61.75 kg)
WHEN:             Friday, May 27, 2016
WHERE:           Orenburg City, Russia
PROMOTER:    M-1 Global
LIVE STREAM: FREE at www.m-1global.tv (Friday, May 27 at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT in USA) 
 


 
Information

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
mixed martial arts, MMA, RFA

MAIN EVENT:  THIAGO MOISE vs. EMMERS  LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE

Leave a comment

RFA 38 – Moises vs Emmers

CO-MAIN EVENT:
 JOE MURPHY vs. VINICIUS ZANI
BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT
FEATURE FIGHT:
CHRISTOS GIAGOS vs. KAREN DARABEDYAN
WELTERWEIGHT WAR
THIAGO MOISÉS FACES NEW TITLE CHALLENGER
IN MAIN EVENT OF RFA 38
AS E.J. CHAVEZ WITHDRAWS
 

FRIDAY, JUNE 3rd, 2016 LIVE ON AXS TV

LIVE at THE HANGAR at the OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER
in COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA

 

Tickets on Sale Now at CageTix.com
LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) president Ed Soares announced today that there has been a change at the top of next week’s RFA 38 event set to take place in southern California. E.J. Chavez was forced to withdraw from his lightweight title fight in the main event of RFA 38 due to illness. RFA lightweight champion Thiago Moisés (7-1) will now defend his title against collegiate wrestler turned MMA prospect Jamall “Pretty Boy” Emmers (9-2) in the evening’s main event. RFA 38 – Moisés vs. Emmers takes place Friday, June 3rd at The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California.
“Thiago Moisés vs. Jamall Emmers is the new lightweight title fight in the main event of RFA 38 on June 3rd,” stated Soares. “Moisés took full advantage of a similar situation in February due to a last-minute injury to a fighter in the main event of RFA 35. He got elevated to the main event and won the RFA lightweight title. Jamall Emmers is now looking to do the same thing. This will be a great title fight between two young, hungry, and talented prospects.”
Tickets for RFA 38 – Moisés vs. Emmers are available for purchase NOW. You can support your favorite fighter by purchasing your tickets through CageTix.com
RFA 38 – Moisés vs. Emmers takes place this Friday, June 3rd at The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. This will be the RFA’s seventh event to take place in “The Golden State” of California and it will be the fifth RFA event of 2016. The entire main card of RFA 38 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Friday, June 3rd.
Please visit RFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. RFA is also on Facebook at Facebook.com/RFAfighting, Instagram at @RFAfighting, and Twitter at @RFAfighting.
About RFA: RFA is a professional mixed martial arts promotion that gives rising stars and top contenders the opportunity to prove their talent to fans and leaders in the industry. The RFA presents live events on a monthly basis around the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Milwaukee. RFA can be seen live in over 43 million homes nationally through its television deal with AXS TV. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, RFA is one of the most active and respected MMA organizations in the fastest growing sport in the world. (The Octagon, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, UFC®, and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC. All rights reserved).

About AXS TV Fights: AXS TV Fights is renowned for its universally recognized Friday Night Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing events. As Your Home For MMA, AXS TV utilizes an expansive network of promotions from the United States, Canada, and Europe. And Asia to broadcast more LIVE fights than any other television network. “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and five-time MMA world-champion Pat Miletich provide viewers expert play-by-play, in-depth fighter coverage, and extensive analysis to each fight card. AXS TV broadcasts world-class LIVE fight events from RFA, Lion Fight, Legacy FC, and MFC every Friday night at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET.
Amateur MMA, boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NO MORE DRAWS; THERE MUST BE A WINNER IN NORTHEAST TITLE FIGHT

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (May 25, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine onJune 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  The fight promotion will put on another full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) cagefights and pro boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF executives announced the headline fight for the boxing portion of the fight card.  West Forks, Maine’s own Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1-1) will put the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title on the line in a rematch against Detroit, Michigan’s James “The Motor City Bad Boy” Lester (10-9-1).

 

Berry and Lester met earlier this spring at “NEF 22” in Lewiston.  The six-round bout was ruled a majority draw on the judges’ scorecards.  This time around, however, NEF executives had a trick up their sleeves – add a seventh round to all but guarantee a winner.

 

Berry won the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title in October 2014 in Lewiston against West Virginia Toughman Champion Eric Palmer (4-3-3).  He has been the kingpin of the 140-pound division in the Northeast ever since.  The draw against Lester halted a three-fight win streak Berry had been on since returning from a shoulder injury last year.

 

“I think the main difference in a rematch between me and James will be more action,” Berry predicted.  “We both know what we bring to the table, we both enjoy pleasing the crowd, and we both want to win.  I think those are some key ingredients to a great matchup.  I have a lot of respect for James , his boxing ability, and what he brings to the table.  I was impressed with his speed, his all around toughness, and his ring generalship.  I’m excited to headline another card in Lewiston, and can’t wait for the crowd to enjoy my fight, along with a few other boxing matches that include some talented Maine boxers.  I hope that we can draw a big crowd and have a quality night of fights.  See you all on the 18th!”

 

“I’m most definitely looking forward to fighting in Maine again,” said Lester, a former top-ranked national amateur boxer.  “The fans there are awesome. I even gained a few fans from my last fight who’s been messaging me on a regular like a young guy by the name of Hunter Moore who messages me every week making sure I’m training hard for the rematch.”

 

Lester is a product of the world-famous Kronk Gym in Detroit where Thomas “Hitman” Hearns (61-5-1, 48 KOs), Oscar De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KOs), Lennox Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KOs) and Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs), among others, have prepared for world title bouts under legendary trainer, the late Emanuel Steward.  “The only thing that will be different this time is I will be in better condition. That was my only downfall last time. This time I’ll be able to box and stay on my toes for the tough pressure that Brandon brings.”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events 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 @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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 Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

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

LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT HAS ALL THE MAKINGS OF A WRESTLING CLASSIC

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (May 23, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  The fight promotion will put on another full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) cage fights and pro boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of an amateur lightweight matchup to the MMA portion of the card.  After a year’s absence, “Dangerous” Dom “Hands of Stone” Cofone (6-5) will return to the NEF MMA cage to face Steve Bang, Jr. (3-5) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

Dom Cofone was a Class A state wrestling champion out of Westbrook High School in Westbrook, Maine.  He entered the MMA ranks in February of 2013.  Since that time, he has been featured on nine NEF cards.  Cofone’s last appearance in the promotion was in June 2015 at “NEF 18.”  That night, Cofone submitted Jason Lachance (2-3) in the second round.  He is currently a member of the Academy of MMA in Portland, Maine, training under MMA pioneers Jay Jack and Amanda Buckner.

 

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to step into the NEF cage once again,” said Cofone.  “With my coaches and teammates from the Academy behind me, I know I’ll be able to have a great performance.  June 18th is going to be an awesome night for the NEF fans and an even better night for the Westbrook wrestling alumni!”

 

Steve Bang is a member of the famous Bang fighting family of Auburn, Maine.  On June 18, he will join his father and brothers in the NEF MMA cage.   Bang wrestled as an independent during his years at Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine.  He is currently a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ).  Bang will look to rebound from a second-round submission loss to Fabian Miranda (2-0) last week at “NEF 23” in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

 

“I’m super pumped to fight with all of my family,” said Bang.  “It’s always a great experience. This past year has been a rough year for me in many different ways and I feel like I am just – as of a month or two ago – coming out of it. I feel great in all aspects; mentally, spiritually, and physically.  I am fired up and ready to do battle with so much of my family doing what Bangs’ do just fires me up more.  I’m excited to fight alongside Shawn again who I haven’t seen in two years and have only spoken to three times.  I’m excited to fight Dom. I think it will be a great match up. I don’t get to fight many wrestlers.  And I want to thank him for the opportunity to allow me to do what I love to do.”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events 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 @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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 Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.