Category Archives: mixed martial arts

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, Paramount Network

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS VALERIE LOUREDA TO A MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT EXTENSION

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LOS ANGELES — Bellator MMA is proud to announce that undefeated Valerie Loureda (3-0) will continue to compete inside the Bellator cage after signing an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight extension to remain with the ViacomCBS-owned promotion. 
 
“I am pleased to have re-signed with Bellator,” Loureda said. “As I have always said, I am here to show the world the true martial artist that I am and chase the flyweight belt. I was born for this, I am a natural born fighter.”
 
Undefeated to start her mixed martial arts career, a run that has been spent entirely with Bellator, the 22-year-old Loureda has immediately made a mark on the flyweight division by emphatically winning all three of her fights. A 4th dan taekwando black belt who was a former member of the U.S. Olympic team, “Master” Loureda is a proud Miami resident who spends a great deal of her time training at American Top Team. Most recently, Loureda made her 2020 debut inside Bellator’s “FightSphere” at Bellator 243, stopping Tara Graff in the second round, a finish that garnered worldwide media attention and that earned over 11 million views through Bellator’s social media platforms.
 
Re-live Valerie Loureda’s emphatic stoppage victory from Bellator 243 here.
 
Loureda competes in Bellator MMA’s flyweight division, a weight class currently championed by Ilima-Lei Macfarlane and includes other top athletes the likes of Liz Carmouche, Juliana Velasquez, Alejandra Lara, Denise Kielholtz, Malin Hermansson, amongst others.
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
 
iKon Fighting Federation, mixed martial arts, MMA

Newest MMA promotion Ikon fighting federation to launch september 24 in mississippi

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Streaming Live and Exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS® 

LAS VEGAS (August 10, 2020) – Veteran combat sports promoter Keith Veltre has announced the debut of MMA’s newest promotional company, iKON Fighting Federation (iKON), September 24 at Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. 

All iKON events, held in association with Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.   

Veltre, who also announced the hiring of Dean Toole as iKON’s matchmaker, is the CEO and co-founder of RJJ Boxing Promotions and Kinektic submission grappling, both streaming events exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS. 

“I have always lived by the motto, when businesses are downsizing during tough times, I either acquire or expand,” Veltre said.  “I take advantage of times like this to rollout new adventures and MMA has always been in my game plan.  I have always attached myself to a great team and bringing in Dean Toole as lead matchmaker was a no brainer, and I promise Ikon will deliver fireworks. I am thankful to have a great broadcast partner, UFC FIGHT PASS, and we’re excited to launch our first Ikon event with UFC FIGHT PASS on September 24th.” 

Toole added, “Being the founder and CEO of Island Fights, on UFC FIGHT PASS, it sometimes gets overlooked that I’m also the matchmaker for all of our professional events.  I couldn’t be happier for this opportunity to continue doing what I’m best at and matchmake fights for iKON Fighting Federation. 

“I had the privilege of being hired by Keith Veltre and UFC FIGHT PASS in December for the Quinet Ultra event and I think they liked working with me and my staff.  I hope we made a good impression.  I’m very excited to get started and do what we do best and that’s get these athletes to UFC.” 

Full details and matchups will soon be announced. 

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com or download the UFC app. 

INFORMATION:  

Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre  

Twitter: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre  

Instagram: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre  

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com. 

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

BELLATOR MMA DOUBLE CHAMP RYAN BADER DEFENDS LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST TEAM FEDOR’S VADIM NEMKOV ON FRIDAY, AUG. 21

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BELLATOR 244 AIRS LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK AND DAZN AT 10 P.M. ET FROM MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

PLUS, FORMER TITLEHOLDER JULIA BUDD RETURNS TO ACTION AGAINST JESSY MIELE IN THE CO-MAIN EVENT

LOS ANGELES – On Friday, August 21, Bellator’s “FightSphere” at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. will host a light heavyweight world title main event bout featuring two-division Bellator champ Ryan Bader (27-5, 1 NC) defending his 205-pound championship against Russia’s Vadim Nemkov (11-2).

The evening’s co-main event sees fomer world champion Julia Budd (13-3) take on Connecticut’s Jessy Miele (9-3) in a featherweight clash.

Bellator 244: Bader vs. Nemkov airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN Friday, August 21 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. Preliminary action will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming days.

A winner of seven out of eight contests at both heavyweight and light heavyweight, Bellator’s double champ Ryan Bader will make his first light heavyweight title defense since defeating “King Mo” Lawal, Matt Mitrione and Fedor Emelianenko en route to winning Bellator’s 2018 Heavyweight World Grand Prix and becoming world heavyweight champ. Fighting out of Chandler, Ariz., the former two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler out of Arizona State University began his professional career by winning season eight of The Ultimate Fighter. “Darth” continued his path of dominance by collecting victories over some of the 205-pound division’s top talent, including career wins over Phil Davis (x2), Linton Vassell, “Rampage” Jackson, Rashad Evans, Rafael “Feijão” Cavalcante and Ovince Saint Preux. Most recently, Bader fought heavyweight Cheick Kongo to a no contest following an accidental eye poke.

The 28-year-old Russian powerhouse Vadim Nemkov, who is undefeated over his last six fights and a perfect 4-0 in Bellator since signing in 2017, will enter his first-ever title shot in MMA fresh off a submission win against former middleweight world champion Rafael Carvalho. With that victory, Nemkov has defeated some of the best athletes Bellator has to offer, including three former champions consecutively in Carvalho, Phil Davis and Liam McGeary. A three-time Russian national sambo champion, Nemkov trains alongside the legendary Fedor Emelianenko in Stary Oskol, Russia for the standout Team Fedor.

Former Bellator featherweight world champion Julia Budd has won 11 of her last 12 bouts, including seven victories since signing with Bellator in 2015. After defeating Dutch legend Marloes Coenen for the inaugural Bellator women’s featherweight world title at Bellator 174, the Gibson MMA-product and Port Moody, British Columbia native has gone on to collect victories over top contenders Olga Rubin, Arlene Blencowe and Talita Nogueira. With seven of her 13 career victories coming by way of knockout or submission, “The Jewel” will look to jump back into title contention with a statement win on August 21.

With an impressive career mark of 9-3, Jessy Miele will look to parlay her most recent win over former Bellator title contender Talita Nogueira when she competes at Bellator 244. Hailing from Waterbury, Conn. the 35-year-old is currently in the midst of a four-fight unbeaten streak and was slated to compete against Leslie Smith at Bellator 241 before it was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. Fighting professionally since 2014, and competing against the likes of Nogueira and Charmaine Tweet along the way, “The Widowmaker” will undoubtedly face the stiffest test of her nearly six year-career when she meets Budd on August. 21.

Updated Bellator 244: Bader vs. Nemkov Main Card:

Paramount Network and DAZN

10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Ryan Bader (27-5, 1 NC) vs. Vadim Nemkov (11-2)

Featherweight Co-Main Event: Julia Budd (13-3) vs. Jessy Miele (9-3)

Heavyweight Feature Bout: Roy Nelson (23-19) vs. Valentin Moldavsky (9-1)

Updated Preliminary Card:

Bellator MMA’s YouTube Channel

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: John Salter (17-4) vs. Andrew Kapel (15-6)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Adam Piccolotti (12-3) vs. Sidney Outlaw (14-4)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Erik Perez (19-7) vs. Joshua Hill (19-3)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Lucas Brennan (2-0) vs. Will Smith (3-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Vladimir Tokov (7-0) vs. Chris Gonzalez (4-0)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Lance Gibson Jr. (3-0) vs. Shane Kruchten (12-5)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

FITETV, mixed martial arts, MMA

SFT MMA And Xtreme’s american debut august 13 in miami

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“SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis”  

Streaming live & exclusively on FITE.TV pay per view 

MIAMI (Aug. 6, 2020) — The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered plans in combat sports, particularly for Brazil-based SFT MMA & Xtreme (Standout Fighting Tournament), which planned to make its American debut last June at Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.  Its long-awaited American debut will finally take place on Thursday, August 13, with “SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis”, in a closed show at Wynwood Studios in Miami, Florida. 

“SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis” will be streamed live and exclusively worldwide on pay per view via the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv), starting at 7 p.m. EDT / 4 p.m. PDT, for $14.95.  It’ll also be taped live and air at future dates on regional television throughout the U.S. on United Fight Alliance (UFA), as well as on Brazilian television. 

Only fighters and one corner person each, a skeleton staff including television production crew, officials, and commission members will be allowed onsite. No fans, media, or ring-card girls.  SFT will provide masks and be responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and encouraging everyone to follow all COVID-19 recommendations. Everybody will be tested for COVID-19 the day prior to the weigh in, at the weight in, and during the day of the event. 

“Our plan was for SFT MMA & Xtreme to have a circuit, starting in Brazil, and then promoting shows in the United States and Mexico,” SFT president David Hudson said. “The Coronavirus changed everything.  Our show last Saturday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was canceled after we had the weigh in, but we wanted to do the right thing and paid everybody involved. 

“We can’t wait for U.S. fans to watch our product to understand what they’ve been missing.  SFT gives fans what they want: competitive, action-packed fights in a completely different form of entertainment.  We’re having our August 13th show in Miami because we want to increase awareness, particularly in the United States, of our unique product of combat sports entertainment.  Our shows are regularly broadcast on one of the five national television networks in Brazil.  We have five of the top seven pound-4-pound MMA fighters in Brazil and we want to bring some U.S. talent to fight in Brazil.  Two fighters from this show will be given a chance to fight in Brazil and then, hopefully, at the Seminole Hard Rock later this year.” 

The main event pits Canadian middleweight Aaron Jeffrey (7-2-0, (SFT: 0-0-0) against Brazilian  Bruno “Brunao” Assis (9-4-0, SFT: 0-0-0) in their SFT MMA debuts.  Styles make fights and Jeffrey, the No. 1 rated middleweight in the Province of Ontario, will be looking for his sixth knockout, while Assis, the No. 1-rated fighter in the State of Minas, has his sights set on his seventh submission finish. 

American lightweight Frank “The Praying Mantis” Buenafuente (10-4-0, SFT: 0-0-0), fighting out of Garfield, New Jersey, takes on Mexico’s No. 4-rated Daniel “Danger” Vega (12-3-0, SFT: 1-0-0) in the co-featured event.  Buenafuente, who has a strong wrestling background, will be making his SFT MMA debut.  Vega defeated Fabio Gasolina at “SFT 12” held in Mexico.   

An SFT Xtreme (striking & kicking with 4-ounce gloves, no ground fighting) match will showcase Brazilian-native kickboxing legend Maycon Oller, who now fights out of Tustin, California, against World kickboxing champion Jadar Alves, of Brazil, in what promises to be a sensational showdown. 

A grappling match will be on tap as well, pitting two of Brazil’s leading middleweights, Markus “Maluco” Perez against Luis “Buscape” Firmino. 

The opening bout on the main card finds American lightweights Jornel “A1” Lugo (3-0-0, SFT: 0-0-0) and Contavious Romious (4-0-0, SFT: 0-0-0) in a well-matched battle of two undefeated prospects. 

The preliminary card offers strong support.  Brazilian Regivaldo “Handstone” Carvahlo (5-2-0, SFT: 0-0-0) faces American Raymond “Godson” Ramos (5-4-0, SFT: 0-0-0) fighting at a 140-pound catchweight in SFT debuts for both fighters, and two other SFT debut fighters, Brazilian  Lucas Alexandre (0-2-0, SFT: 0-0-0) and his American opponent, Shawn Brown (2-2-0, SFT: 0-0-0), square-off in a featherweight fight. 

Also fighting on the preliminary card are Puerto Rican lightweights Orlando Santana (2-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0) and James Hay (2-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0), American light heavyweights Joshua DaSiveira (1-0-0, SFT 0-0-0) and pro-debuting Cody Rolling, and American bantamweights Sal Guerriero (1-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0) versus John “The Baptist” Birdson (0-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0). 

The card is subject to change. 

SFT MMA & Xtreme is coming to America next week.  Catch the revolution! 

INFORMATION: 

Website: www.sftmma.com 

Facebook: /SFT.MMA, /SFT.Extreme, davidhudson.SFT 

Twitter: @SFTMMA 

Instagram: @SFTMMA, @SFTEXTREME, @DavidHudson.SFT 

You Tube: /SFTUSA, /SFTBrasil 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR MMA LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE CHANNEL ON PLUTO TV AUGUST 4 THE LEADING FREE STREAMING TELEVISION SERVICE IN THE US TO FEATURE AROUND-THE-CLOCK BELLATOR ACTION

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LOS ANGELES – Bellator MMA and Pluto TV, ViacomCBS companies, today announced that they have partnered to launch an exclusive channel on Pluto TV with iconic, action-packed past matches showcasing legendary talent and champions all from Bellator’s extensive library of content. The Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV officially launched today with nonstop, adrenaline-rich entertainment and can be found in the “Sports” category on the leading, free streaming television service in the US.
 
The Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV will debut with more than 500 fights from Bellator’s vast collection of past events. Fans will see historic bouts featuring current world champions Ryan Bader,Douglas Lima, Patricio “Pitbull” and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, as well as other iconic names and top talent in the sport, including Fedor Emelianenko, Michael Chandler, Gegard Mousasi,Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, A.J. McKee, Benson Henderson, Jake Hager, Michael “Venom” Page and Chael Sonnen.
 
The Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV can be accessed directly by clicking here: https://pluto.tv/live-tv/bellator-mma
 
“I am excited for the launch of the Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV that will feature unlimited access to our extensive content library,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “This is a great way to increase the promotion’s visibility across additional ViacomCBS platforms, while giving our fans the opportunity to relive these incredible moments from inside the Bellator cage.”
 
“We are excited to welcome a renowned and respected mixed martial arts organization like Bellator MMA to Pluto TV.  Being a part of the ViacomCBS organization affords us unique access to a coveted portfolio of premium brands and properties with built-in fanbases, like Bellator, that further differentiates the types of programming we can stream on Pluto TV,” states Amy Kuessner, SVP of Content Strategy & Global Partnerships at Pluto TV. “The launch of Bellator MMA as an exclusive channel on Pluto TV brings free and easy access to millions of new and existing fans, with premium content that is guaranteed to really pack a punch.”
 
Pluto TV offers hundreds of channels and thousands of movies and television series on-demand to a domestic audience of over 24 million users. With over 100,000 hours of premium content available on the platform, Pluto TV is available across all major mobile, connected TV and web-based devices and has a global footprint spanning three continents across 22 countries.
 
Please visit Pluto.tv and Bellator.com for additional information.
 
****
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

FULL RESULTS & PHOTOS FROM BELLATOR 242: BANDEJAS VS. PETTIS

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COMPLETE EVENT PHOTOS
 
Bellator 242: Bandejas vs. Pettis Main Card:
Sergio Pettis (20-5) defeated Ricky Bandejas (13-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jason Jackson (12-4) defeated Jordan Mein (31-13) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jay Jay Wilson (6-0) defeated Tywan Claxton (6-2) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
Aaron Pico (6-3) defeated Solo Hatley, Jr. (8-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:10 of round one
 
Preliminary Card:
Mark Lemminger (1-1) defeated Jake Smith (7-4) via TKO (strikes) at 4:46 of round two
Raufeon Stots (14-1) defeated Cass Bell (5-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:24 of round three
Ras Hylton (6-4) defeated Rudy Schaffroth (6-2, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

MICHAEL CHANDLER AND BENSON HENDERSON REMATCH SET FOR BELLATOR 243 HEADLINER FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK AND DAZN

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PLUS, HEAVYWEIGHTS MATT MITRIONE AND TIMOTHY JOHNSON SQUARE OFF IN EXPLOSIVE CO-MAIN EVENT
 
LOS ANGELES – Bellator is pleased to announce multiple upcoming events set to take place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., including Bellator 243 on Friday, Aug. 7, Bellator 244 on Friday, Aug. 21 and Bellator 245 on Friday, Sept. 11.
 
Bellator 243 sees former world champions Michael Chandler (20-5) and Benson Henderson (28-8) face off once again inside the Bellator cage nearly four years after their first unforgettable meeting, The highly anticipated lightweight main event rematch airs live Friday, Aug. 7 on Paramount Network and DAZN at 10 p.m. ET from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
 
In the card’s co-main event, perennial heavyweight contender Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) will take on the hard-hitting Timothy Johnson (13-6) in an exciting matchup that will likely not go to the judges’ scorecards.
 
Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson 2 airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN on Friday, August 7 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The event will also air live on Sky Sports in the UK. Preliminary action will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel.
 
Making his 23rd promotional appearance for Bellator, “Iron” Michael Chandler will have the opportunity to silence his critics and prove that his November 19, 2016 split decision-win over Henderson was no fluke. Following victories in each of his first 12 professional bouts, highlighted by his first Bellator lightweight world title win and a pair of successful title defenses, the High Ridge, Missouri-native quickly made a name for himself in a stacked 155-pound class. The 34-year-old would eventually go on to collect a promotional record three lightweight title reigns that included three successful title defenses. Having won three of his previous five career rematches, including a pair of lightweight world title victories over Patricky Pitbull and Brent Primus, the 2009 NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at the University of Missouri will look to add to that total and remind everyone what the former champion is capable of. 
 
Fighting out of Glendale, Ariz., “Smooth” will once again have a shot at revenge with his longtime rival Chandler, following multiple attempts to schedule the fight over the past year. The highly anticipated rematch was originally slated to take place on New Year’s Eve at Rizin.20 in Japan, before Henderson was forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered during training. A few months later, the two former lightweight world champions were set to face off in the main event of Bellator’s return to the Windy City on June 6, before the global pandemic led to yet another postponement. Now, the MMA Lab-product will look to settle the score and collect his fifth consecutive victory en route to a final push at Bellator’s 155-pound strap. With half of his 28 career wins coming by way of knockout or submission, the 36-year-old former UFC and WEC lightweight world champion will aim to put all doubts to rest and finish his nemesis in emphatic fashion on August 7.
 
After initially being scheduled to face Ronny Markes at Bellator 241 in March prior to the pandemic, Matt Mitrione is now slated to meet Johnson, a competitor who also prefers to keep the fight upright. Prior to his MMA career, the 41-year old Illinois-native was a standout defensive end at Purdue University who subsequently earned his way into the NFL, playing six seasons as a member of the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. He ultimately found his way into MMA where he became the high-level competitor he is today, defeating the likes of the late Kimbo Slice, Derrick Lewis,Roy Nelson and Fedor Emelianenko.
 
A heavy betting underdog coming into his last matchup with Tyrell Fortune at Bellator 239, Timothy Johnson shocked many when he finished the undefeated competitor five years his junior via highlight reel-knockout in the opening frame. The win was the first for the Xtreme Couture-fighter inside the Bellator cage, who signed with the promotion in 2018 following seven outings in the UFC. With an impressive finishing mark of 10 stoppages in his 13 wins as a professional, Johnson will be looking to deliver another impressive outing when he returns to action next month.
 
Updated Bellator 243: Chandler vs. Henderson 2 Main Card:
Paramount Network and DAZN
10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT 
 
Lightweight Main Event: Michael Chandler (20-5) vs. Benson Henderson (28-8)
Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Matt Mitrione (13-7, 1 NC) vs. Timothy Johnson (13-6) 
 
*Card subject to change.
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
 
Bellator, mixed martial arts

Royce Gracie Hosts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Seminar Live Today at 3 p.m. PST / 6 p.m. EST on Bellator MMA’s Social Channels

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Today at 3 p.m. PST / 6 p.m. EST on Bellator MMA’s social channels, one of the most influential MMA fighters of all-time, Royce Gracie, will be teaching a Brazilian jiu-jitsu seminar.

The event will begin promptly on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA

CONTENDERS CLOTHING LAUNCHES FIGHTING FOR FIGHTERS FUND – ALL PROCEEDS TO GO DIRECTLY TO PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 CRISIS!

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FIGHTERS CAN SIGN UP NOW FOR A DIRECT PAYMENT SENT OUT FIRST WEEK OF MAY ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE NEW’GO THE SOCAL DISTANCE’ FUNDRAISER T-SHIRT& 10% OF SALES AT CONTENDERSCLOTHING.COM TO GO TO FUND
Las Vegas, NV. (April 13, 2020): Contenders Clothing is proud to announce the creation of the Fighting for Fighters Fund, a new program that will put money directly, and immediately, into the hands of professional fighters affected by the current Covid-19 crisis.

With combat sports across the United States being suspended indefinitely, many fighters who earn a living competing professionally are self-employed contractors leaving them out of work and not eligible for state unemployment. While there is money earmarked for contract workers under the Cares Act, funds have been hard to, if not impossible, to access, leaving many working class fighters in dire need of assistance.

“While some well-known apparel companies are donating to large and mostly worldwide health organizations, we’ve yet to see any company directly help fighters,” said Contenders Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Snyder.

“We have been embraced by professional fighters of all levels who have worn our boxer briefs and t-shirts at weigh ins and we truly consider anyone who wears us as part of our family. They’ve had our back and now it’s time to have theirs.”

Funding for Fighting for Fighters will come from the sales of an exclusive, ‘Go The Social Distance’ t-shirt created specifically as a fundraiser for the program. In addition, Contenders Clothing is giving 10% of every single sale throughout the entire month of April at www.contendersclothing.com directly into the fund.

Payments will go out the first week of May and will be divided equally from the overall amount Fighting for Fighters raises between all eligible fighters.

“We’ve come to find that fighters are special people in and out of the ring and not enough people understand their sacrifice. If Fighting for Fighters can literally buy groceries for a fighters’ family for a week or pay a utility bill at a time when they desperately need it, then we will consider it a success.”

If you are an active professional fighter based in the United States whose income has been affected by the Covid-19 crisis please sign up at:
https://contendersclothing.com/pages/contenders-fighting-for-fighters-fund

If you’d like to purchase the Go the Social Distance t-shirt and have all proceeds go to the Fighting for Fighters Fund, please head to:
https://contendersclothing.com/collections/t-shirts/products/go-the-social-distance-tee

ABOUT CONTENDERS CLOTHING
Contenders Clothing’s boxer brief line, which contains the first ever officially licensed Muhammad Ali and Rocky collections, has been a favorite of professional boxers at weigh-ins since launching in 2018. From world champions such as Tyson Fury to up and coming contenders and prospects, Contenders has been at the forefront of the world of boxing apparel. 

Fight Club, Contenders Clothing’s endorsement program, was established in 2019. With a focus on working class and inspirational fighters, Contenders Fight Club has already seen one of it’s athletes, Andrew Cancio, win a world title in a massive upset. In addition to the announcement of current #1 contender and former world champion Jessie Magdaleno joining Contenders Fight Club last month, Contenders is continuing it’s commitment to the boxing industry with plans on announcing several new signees throughout 2020 that represent the future of the sport. 

For more information visit: www.contendersclothing.com
For any further information on Contenders’ Fighting for Fighters Fund – please drop us a line at chris@contendersclothing.com and we will get right back in touch. Thanks in advance for your support and helping spread the word.
Follow Contenders Clothing on Social Media! ‌  ‌  ‌
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

Bellator MMA Statement on May Events

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Due to the ongoing safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as current federal, state and local government mandates, Bellator MMA officials today have announced that three upcoming live events scheduled for May have been postponed.

These events include:

  • Bellator 242 – May 9 in San Jose, Calif.
  • Bellator European Series London – May 16 in London
  • Bellator 243 – May 29 in Temecula, Calif.

The organization will continue to monitor the situation closely and fully intends to reschedule the events as soon as possible.

As always, the health and safety of our athletes, fans, partners and staff remains our top priority. We appreciate the understanding and patience of everyone involved during this incredibly difficult time.

Refunds for ticketholders to these events, as well as Bellator 241 originally scheduled for March 13 at Mohegan Sun Arena, will be available at their original point of purchase.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.