Category Archives: mixed martial arts

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

KNOCKOUT ARTISTS MELVIN MANHOEF AND CHIDI NJOKUANI COLLIDE IN EXPLOSIVE BELLATOR 210 MAIN EVENT AT WINSTAR WORLD RESORT AND CASINO ON NOV. 30  

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Tickets on sale Friday

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator heads back to WinStar World Casino and Resort on Friday, November 30 with a battle of heavy-handed middleweights, as combat sports-veteran Melvin Manhoef (30-14-1, 2 NC) takes on the dynamic Chidi Njokuani (18-5, 1 NC) in the main event of Bellator 210.

 

 

 

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, September 21 and can be purchased at the WinStar World Casino and Resort box office, as well as through Bellator.com and Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Bellator 210: Manhoef vs. Njokuani will be broadcast on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and will stream LIVE on DAZN, while preliminary bouts will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in coming weeks.

 

 

 

A former world title challenger, Manhoef returns to the Bellator cage looking to stake his claim in a suddenly crowded middleweight division. The famed Dutch kickboxer and mixed martial artist is known for his highlight-reel KO’s throughout his impressive combat sports career that spans two and a half decades, including successful runs in DREAM, Cage Rage and Bellator. With career wins over Mark Hunt, Kazushi Sakuraba, “Cyborg” Santos, and most recently for Bellator, Hisaki Kato, “No Mercy” has plans for adding another name to his lengthy resume.

 

 

 

Njokuani made his Bellator debut in the welterweight division with a decisive victory over Ricky Rainey in 2015. Since then, “Chidi Bang Bang” has notched impressive wins over Melvin Guillard and Andre Fialho. The Las Vegas fighter later announced himself to the 185-pound weight class in emphatic fashion with a victory over Hisaki Kato at Bellator 189. With 10 knockouts to his credit, the always-dangerous Njokuani looks to add another “W” to his record in November.

 

 

 

Updated Bellator 210: Manhoef vs. Njokuani Fight Card:

Middleweight Main Event Bout: Melvin Manhoef (30-14-1, 2 NC) vs. Chidi Njokuani (18-5, 1 NC)

 

 

 

*Card subject to change

 

 

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

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

M-1 Challenge 49 still holds the Russian MMA live attendance record

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M-1 Challenge 49 still holds the single MMA event live attendance record (23,255) in Russia
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (September 19, 2018) – Contrary to some media reports, the 22,603 fans at last weekend’s UFC Fight Night 136 in Moscow did not set a Russian MMA live attendance record.
M-1 Global still holds the record for the highest live attendance of an MMA event in Russia, when 23,255 fans attended M-1 Challenge 49: Battle in the Mountains on June 7, 2014 in Ingushetia, which is officially registered in the Russian Book of Records.
Last weekend’s UFC debut event in Russia UFC Fight Night 136 is the second-most fans to attend a Russian MMA event.
Living legend Fedor Emelianenko‘s return from retirement on November 20, 2011 at M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Monson drew 22,000 fans, dropped to third place on the all-time Russian MMA live attendance list.
INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@M1Global
Facebook:
Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:
Sept. 28 – M-1 Challenge 97/TATFIGHT 7: Bogatov vs. Pereira in Kazan, Russia
Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES ‘MEXICO VS. USA’   HEADLINED BY BANTAMWEIGHT SHOWDOWN BETWEEN ERIK “EL GOYITO” PEREZ AND JOHN “SEXI MEXI” CASTANEDA

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LIVE ON DAZN, UNIVISION & UNIVISION DEPORTES NETWORK
FROM TUCSON, ARIZ. ON SATURDAY, OCT. 13

PLUS
ANTHONY BIRCHAK FACES ADAM MARTINEZ AT BANTAMWEIGHT
FOUR OTHER MATCHUPS ANNOUNCED

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

NEW YORK – September 18, 2018 – Combate Americas today announced “Combate Americas: Mexico vs. USA,” a star-studded Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event that will be headlined by a bantamweight (135 pounds) showdown between world-ranked superstars Erik “El Goyito” Perez (18-6) and John “Sexi Mexi” Castaneda (16-4), live from the AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Ariz. on Saturday, Oct. 13.

 

The three-bout main card airs live on television in Spanish on both Univision (12 a.m. ET/PT) and Univision Deportes Network (UDN) (12 a.m. ET/9 p.m. PT), while the entire event including the preliminary bout card, will stream live in English on DAZN (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

 

 

Priced from $15, tickets for “Combate Americas: Mexico vs. USA,” are on sale online at CombateAmericas.com/Tickets.

 

 

“Both Mexico and the U.S. have eagles as symbols, and this fight between ‘Goyito’ Perez and John Castaneda is, indeed, a clash of ferocious, fighting eagles,” said Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren.

 

 

The winner of the matchup between the 28-year-old Perez of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and the 26-year-old Castaneda of Mankato, Minn., USA will become the number one contender to newly crowned Combate Americas bantamweight world champion Jose “Pochito” Alday.

 

 

Perez, who recently left the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on a three-fight win streak and with an overall record of 7-2, made his Combate Americas debut on April 20, avenging one of his only career defeats by scoring a third round (1:22) knockout (punches) on D.J. Fuentes in the main event of “Combate Estrellas II.”

 

 

Castaneda, the runner-up of the inaugural “COPA COMBATE,” one-night, eight-man, $100,000 grand prize tournament that took place in Cancun, Mexico on November 11, 2017, is looking to return to the win column after suffering a split decision defeat at the hands of Alday at “Combate Estrellas I” on April 13.

 

 

Also announced today was a bantamweight preliminary bout matchup pitting Anthony “El Toro” Birchak (12-6) of Tucson against Adam “The American Bully” Martinez (5-1) of Colorado Springs, Colo., USA.

 

 

In another bantamweight battle, Juan “El Molo” Pablo Gonzalez (7-1-2) of Buenos Aires, Argentina will square off with undefeated Mario Bautista (5-0) of Glendale, Ariz.

 

 

Also at bantamweight, Arturo “Chucky” Guzman (2-2) of Tucson will collide with unbeaten Kasey Tanner (1-0) of Scottsdale, Ariz.

 

 

In a meeting between unbeaten upstarts, the 20-year-old brother of ‘El Goyito,’Jair “El Lupe” Perez (1-0) of Monterrey, will take on Peter De La Cruz (1-0) of Scottsdale.

 

 

Elsewhere on the card, Misael “Pitbull” Iñarritu (6-2) of El Paso, Texas via Juarez, Mexico will face off with Peter Quezada (1-4) of Tempe, Ariz. in a 160-pound catchweight contest.

 

 

Additional matchups for “Combate Americas: Mexico vs. USA,” including the co-main event, will be announced soon.

 

 

Doors at the AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol open at 6 p.m. PT, with the first preliminary bout will begin at 7 p.m.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

DEPPMEYER AND RICHARD TO COLLIDE AT NEF 36 IN PORTLAND, MAINE

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Portland, Maine (September 18, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card.  Jacob Deppmeyer (1-1-1) will face Zac Richard (2-0) at a fight weight of 140-pounds.

 

 

 

Jacob Deppmeyer is coming off a “fight of the night” performance earlier this month at “NEF 35” in Bangor, Maine.  Deppmeyer went the distance with Taylor Bartlett (1-1-1) in a back-and-forth war that was ultimately ruled a draw on the judges’ scorecards.  That bout marked Deppmeyer’s return to the cage after more than a year off from competition.  He defeated Glenn Kasabian (2-3) via first-round technical knockout at “NEF 28” in the spring of 2017.  Deppmeyer trains with First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine.

 

 

 

“Zac looks like a tough guy, fast with good pressure,” said Deppmeyer.  “I don’t know much more about him, but I know I will train hard with my team, as I’m sure he will, and we will have some good fun in the cage come November 17!”

 

 

 

Undefeated Zac Richard has been one of the emerging stories of the 2018 NEF season.  Richard has won both of his previous bouts this year by first-round technical knockout.  A win over Deppmeyer would put Richard in serious contention for “Rookie of the Year” honors at the close of 2018.  Richard is a native of Waterboro, Maine where he wrestled for Massabesic High School.  He won a Class-A state championship in wrestling in 2015.  He currently trains at Nostos MMA in Somersworth, New Hampshire under former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, and current UFC competitor, Devin Powell (9-3).

 

 

 

“I can’t wait to get back in the NEF cage in Portland, close to home for my family and friends,” said Richard.  “Fighting in NEF has helped me find new purpose in my life – it’s taken me back to my wrestling roots and given me a competitive outlet to continue testing my skills. This fight is the day after the anniversary of my sister’s passing, so it’s a very meaningful date for me. I’m excited to get out there and notch my third win on November 17th in honor of her memory.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

TOP BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDERS TO SQUARE OFF AT NEF 36 IN PORTLAND, MAINE

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Portland, Maine (September 17, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur bantamweight bout to the card.  Henry Clark (4-4) is scheduled to meet Killian Murphy (1-1) in a battle of top contenders to the promotion’s 135-pound amateur title.

Henry Clark is a member of the Choi Institute based in Portland.  After starting his amateur career at 3-1, Clark would lose his next three in a row.  He would bounce back this past June with a first-round submission of Jack Greene (2-6) via D’Arce choke at “NEF 34” in Portland.  It was a return to form as Clark had picked up all three of his previous wins by submission – all various forms of chokeholds.  He previously challenged for the amateur bantamweight title in early 2016 in a losing effort to Johnny Crafts (4-1).

“I’m hyped about this fight with Killian,” said Clark.  “He’s as game as they come, but he is nowhere near ready for me. I’ll smash him up, and then next I’ll take that belt and put it around my waist with my own hands. This is my time to shine.”

Killian Murphy is a former Maine state wrestling champion.  He captured a title for Marshwood High School in Elliott in 2015.  Murphy made his amateur MMA debut earlier this year at “NEF 33” in Portland with a technical knockout of Krishna Scott (0-1).  Like Clark, he would also make an unsuccessful bid for the amateur bantamweight title.  Murphy lost to current champion Kam Arnold at “NEF 34” in a hard-fought battle that will certainly be a contender for “Fight of the Year” at the end of 2018.  He trains with Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire under former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, and current UFC fighter, Devin Powell (9-3).

“I’m excited to fight Henry,” said Murphy. “Beating Henry gives me another shot at the title – and winning that belt has always been my goal.”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, MMA Pro League

Team Pennsylvania Defeats Team New Jersey in Inaugural MMA Pro League Fight Card at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

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Click HERE for Photos from Mike Dorsi/MMA Pro League

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (September 16, 2018) – The newest entity in MMA, MMA Pro League, launched Saturday as Team Pennsylvania led by head coach Daniel Gracie defeated Team New Jersey led by head coach Dan Miller by a score of 14 – 6 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and on FloCombat.com.

 

 

 

In the opening bout on FloCombat.com, Joseph Penafiel of Team Pennsylvania defeated Turpal Khamzayev of Team New Jersey by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), securing three points for Team Pennsylvania.

 

 

“Getting that first win for my team meant everything,” said Penafiel. “I wanted to set the tone for my team and let everyone know we’re here to bang. I knew (Khamzayev) was tough, but I’m way too much for him. Even when he tried to strike me I was able to stay comfortable. And in the grappling department I don’t think many people can mess with me.”

 

 

 

The second official team bout saw Cody Hier of Team Pennsylvania secure a TKO victory over Gabriel Ruiz of Team New Jersey 3:43 into round two and earning Team Pennsylvania five more points, expanding their lead 8 – 0.

 

 

 

“I finally feel like I’m hitting my rhythm in the cage,” said Hier. “I did everything that I could to help Team Pennsylvania get the win tonight. I could tell Ruiz was out and he was quitting. When I hit him with that first big ground and pound, I felt how well I tagged him. And then when he tried to go to his side that’s when I really got aggressive and finished him.”

 

 

 

In the third fight, Team New Jersey’s Claudio Ledesma won by unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-27) over Andre Bernardo of Team Pennsylvania, earning Team New Jersey their first three points and tightening the team contest 8 – 3.

 

 

 

“I was glad to do my part for my team,” said Ledesma. “I’m a little mad that I wasn’t able to stop him, though. I hit him with everything but the kitchen sink, but I just couldn’t finish him. After the second round, once I realized that I probably wasn’t going to finish (Bernardo), I knew my main goal was to just secure the win and that’s what I did.”

 

 

 

The fourth official contest of the night featured a unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27) victory by Zedekiah Montanez of Team Pennsylvania over Mike Pagano of Team New Jersey, capturing three more points for Team Pennsylvania and growing the lead 11 – 3.

 

 

 

“It felt great to get the win. I was just trying to listen to my coach and my teammates,” said Montanez. “I also had my son right there watching me tonight. He helps remind me what I do this for. But tonight, I was happy to get this experience under my belt and get the win for my team.”

 

 

 

In the evening’s fifth bout, Team Pennsylvania’s Rafael Celestino defeated Team New Jersey’s Emmanuel Walo by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). With Celestino’s win, Team Pennsylvania collected three more points, widening the score 14 – 3, and officially securing Team Pennsylvania victory.

 

 

 

“I’m very happy with my win and to be able to help my team earn the victory tonight,” said Celestino. “Walo is a very tough opponent and he came to fight tonight, but I did enough to get the win and am happy with my performance.”

 

 

 

The sixth and final official contest showcased an exhilarating finale as Kevin Sears of Team New Jersey scored a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27) over Ahmed Samir of Team Pennsylvania, making the final team score 14 – 6 in favor of Team Pennsylvania.

 

 

 

“I went in there and fought for my team, but I was also fighting for my daughter and my family,” said Sears. “I’m doing this to make my daughter’s life better. She helps push me and drives me to fight. Samir had me shook in the first round, and then again in the second, but I just dug deep and did what I needed to get this win.”

 

 

 

“The way we won showed me a lot about my team,” said coach Gracie. “We won decisively and showed the type of performance that I’ve come to expect from my guys.

 

 

 

“MMA needs innovation and something new to excite the fans and help bring the masses to our sport,” added Gracie. “I think MMA Pro League and this team concept is exactly what will help bring that added attention and take this sport to the next level.”

 

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

To access live and on-demand coverage of all MMA Pro League action, visit FloCombat.com and become a monthly or annual PRO subscriber. Either subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Watch the games on all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku, or Apple TV 4.

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.MMAProLeague.com, follow the conversation on Twitter @MMAPro_League, @DanMiller185, @DanielGracie, @Hani_Darwish1 and @MarkTaffetMedia, on Instagram at Instagram.com/mmaproleague,Instagram.com/DanMiller185, Instagram.com/DanielGracie,Instagram.com/Hani_Darwish1 and Instagram.com/MarkTaffetMedia, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/MMAProLeague.

 

CBS Sports Network, mixed martial arts, MMA

FFC and Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Ink Deal That Packs a Powerful Punch!

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Screen Shot 2018-09-05 at 7.49.46 AM.png

Final Fight Championship Makes History, With Multi-Year Combat Sports Agreement Involving, Rio Las Vegas and CBS Sports Network

LAS VEGAS, NV, (Sept. 14, 2018) – One of the fastest growing combat sports promotion companies in the world, Final Fight Championship (FFC), and Caesars Entertainment’s Rio Las Vegas, will deliver a weekly combat sports series called, “Fight Dome”, which debuts on Friday, Sept. 28, and will air live on CBSSN (CBS Sports Network).

The groundbreaking announcement marks the first time in the history of Las Vegas that a combat sports promotion company has established residency inside of a resort casino to deliver a weekly show involving multi-disciplines including, Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA.

“History will be made on Friday, Sept. 28,” said Orsat Zovko, President and Founder of Final Fight Championship. “We (FFC) are thrilled to be a part of this landmark agreement with Rio Las Vegas and CBS Sports Network.”

Fight Dome events will broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, Friday at 7 p.m. (PST) and 10 p.m. (EST) with the first official event, “Night of Champions”, debuting on Friday, Sept. 28. “Night of Champions”, will feature all three disciplines (Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA) and every fight will be for the FFC World Championship Belt!

All of the heart-pounding FFC action will take place inside of the all-new, Fight Dome Las Vegas, which is an intimate venue located inside of Rio Las Vegas that delivers combat sports fans, the experience of a lifetime.

“Our fans will literally be right on top of the action the entire time,” said Zovko. “This is every combat sports fan’s dream… You’ll be sitting so close, you’ll feel like you’re the one in the ring fighting!”

General ticket prices begin at $69. Tickets are available at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office, by calling 702-777-2782 or 855-234-7469 or online at Ticketmaster.com. For groups of 10 or more call 866-574-3851 or email EntertainmentGroupSales@Caesars.com.

About Final Fight Championship

Respected international combat sports promoter, Orsat Zovko, launched Final Fight Championship® (FFC®) in 2013. FFC has since held 30 successful dual-discipline events comprised of professional kickboxing and world class mixed martial arts. Featuring marquis athletes such as Satoshi Ishii, Mirko Cro Cop, Mladen Brestovac and Robin van Roosmalen. FFC presents live sports broadcasts in more than 50 countries around the world, across four continents, appearing on CBS Sports Network, Fight Channel Worldwide, among other sports and media properties.

For more information, please visit FinalFightChampionship.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Follow @FFCFighting

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

M-1 Global veterans & ex-champions Talk about M-1 & UFC Moscow

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SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (September 14, 2018) – M-1 Global veterans and former champions recently expressed their thoughts and opinions about their M-1 experiences and tomorrow’s (Sept. 15) UFC Moscow card at Olympic Stadium in Moscow.

Alexei Oleinik, M-1 Global veteran, vs. Mark Hunt in UFC Moscow main event:

“M-1 Global is a great Russian promotion and I really enjoyed the time when I fought there. Each fight for me was another step in my career. We did not choose opponents, had rated fights, and took part in the Grand-Prix.”

Alexander Volkov, former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion:

“One of the best moments that I had in M-1 Global was the victory for our team at M-1 Selection. At that time there were team competitions in M-1 Global and I miss that format. Another great moment was when I won the M-1 Challenge heavyweight title. Every important fight is very memorable.”

“My first M-1 Global fights were in M-1 Selection team competitions, which helped me as a young fighter to start my career, find my place in this sport and understand that I belong to MMA. At the time it was a great opportunity for young athletes to demonstrate their skills and show up on local TV stations, so M-1 Global was the first step in my professional career.”

“UFC has a huge impact on development of the Russian MMA market. The partnership between M-1 Global and UFC gives M-1 Global many advantages on the local market and makes it much more attractive for Russian fighters. All mixed martial artists have a dream to fight in the UFC and now the way is clear. As we’ve seen many times, top fighters and champions from M-1 Global compete on the highest level in the UFC.”

Ramazan Emeev, former M-1 Challenge middleweight champion, vs. Stefan Sekulic at UFC Moscow

“I feel some responsibility for this fight because I’m fighting at home. Many friends and fans will come to root for me and I don’t want to let them down. I want to put on a great show, win the fight, and make everyone who’s supporting me happy.

“Since I’m fighting at home, I don’t have to fly somewhere and acclimate. In my previous fights I had to fly across the ocean to compete. Now, it’s their turn, and everything will be by my rules.”

Rustam Khabilov M-1 Global veteran, vs. Kajan Johnson at UFC Moscow

“There’s a great responsibility fighting at home when the crowd is waiting for you. It doesn’t matter whether it’s M-1 Global or UFC. Crowds are the same. Many friends and fans will be worried, and they’ll come to root for me, so I owe this victory to them. I must win. That’s why I trained three times as hard for this fight. Now, I’m anticipating an opponent. Everything will be fine.”

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, one of best MMA coaches in the world and father of UFC and former M-1 Global fighter Kabib Nurmagomedov

“M-1 Global is the history of Russian MMA and it’s not a coincidence that many fighters who started their careers in M-1 Global are very successful in the MMA world. M-1 Global was a foundation for mixed martial arts in Russia, faced some challenges, learned from their mistakes and kept moving forward. Most Russian fighters who are now signed with the UFC came exactly from M-1 Global.”

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@M1Global
Facebook:
Upcoming M-1 Challenge Event:
Sept. 28 – M-1 Challenge 97 in Kazan, Russia
mixed martial arts, MMA, MMA Pro League

MMA PRO LEAGUE MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Inaugural Event This Saturday, September 15 from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City & Streaming Live on FloCombat.com
 
Head Coach Dan Miller Leads Team New Jersey Against
Head Coach Daniel Gracie & Team Pennsylvania
 
Click HERE for Photos from MMA Pro League

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (September 13, 2018) – As fight night approaches for the inaugural MMA Pro League event, fighters from head coach Dan Miller’s Team New Jersey and head coach Daniel Gracie’s Team Pennsylvania participated in media workouts Thursday at Hard Rock Live in Atlantic City.

The newest entity in MMA kicks off this Saturday, September 15 at the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in bouts streaming live on FloCombat.com (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Tickets for the inaugural installment of “MMA Pro League At The Hard Rock” are available at Ticketmaster.com.

The full bout sheet is available HERE. Here is what the fighters in attendance and league executives had to say Thursday:

DAN MILLER, Head Coach of Team New Jersey

“It means a lot to be coach for Team New Jersey. It’s my home state and it’s a big event for it. I love the team concept and I’m proud to be in this position.

“We’re here representing the whole state. We’ve had the team training together and building camaraderie. It’s like a wrestling match style where each team is sending people out.

“Everybody looks good and healthy in training camp. I think we’re ready to go. All of these fights are going to be fantastic. These are matched very well and it should be a fun night. Team Pennsylvania better be ready, because our guys are.”

DANIEL GRACIE, Head Coach of Team Pennsylvania

“Everything in training has been perfect. I’ve been working with most of these guys for a long time already so we just kept up what we’ve been working on. With the team concept we have a lot more people to focus on instead of just one or two. We already had good chemistry though, so everything went smoothly.

“Our amateur guys turning pro are going to show that they belong in these fights. It’s time to grab the spotlight. Your first fight is the best opportunity to make an impression.

“I think that MMA needs something new that can draw people’s attention. This is a great chance to bring in the fans who don’t pay attention to MMA and give them a chance to get behind their local teams.”

HANI DARWISH, CEO of MMA Pro League

“Fans should expect something completely different than they’re used to. MMA has always been a team sport and I’m glad we’re going to be the ones to expose that to the world. These guys have always trained with a team, because you can’t train by yourself.

“We believe this is going to be the new era of MMA. We’re going to give cities and states all around the world the chance to really stand behind their own teams.

“There’s been a lot of hard work and strategic planning leading to this and it’s finally coming to fruition. It’s a vision that we implemented and once we got the right people we knew it was a theme we believed in so much that we decided to execute.”

MARK TAFFET, President of MMA Pro League

“We’re going to create a legacy in this sport that is going to last for generations to come. I had the privilege of launching HBO PPV 30 years ago and I saw a lot of history be made. Now I have the chance to do it again, along with my partner Hani Darwish.

“My first fight at HBO PPV was right here in Atlantic City for Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman. It’s very significant for me to be back here in Atlantic City at the brand new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to have a chance to create another chapter of great moments.

“One of the most important things to MMA Pro League is to have the right coaches leading the teams. Dan Miller and Daniel Gracie are both natural leaders, mentors, great former fighters and great teachers. They represent everything we want to represent with MMA Pro League.”

MARK KOLKER (NJ) vs. ZULKARNAIYN KAMCHYBEKOV (PA) – Middleweights

Kolker: “This is really exciting and I’m very thankful for the opportunity. We’re doing something different than anyone else is doing and I think it can be something special.

“I know that I have an opponent who can wrestle and who’s undefeated as an amateur. I feel like I have the tools to beat him. I can catch, slip and put him away with something early. Or if he wants to go the distance we can do that too. I predict I knock him out.”

Kamchybekov: “This is my first pro fight and I’m very happy to have the opportunity. I don’t know too much about my opponent but I will be prepared. I have worked very hard and I’m going to show my wrestling and striking to get this win.”

GABRIEL RUIZ (NJ) vs. CODY HIER (PA) – Featherweights

Ruiz: “It feels good to get back in the cage and feel the adrenaline. I’m hoping to give everyone a great fight.

“I know my opponent is a wrestler so he’s going to try to take me down. He’s not going to want to stand up with me, but I’m prepared for a lot of wrestling. I’m trying to knock him out and go eat a burger.”

Hier: “It’s amazing to be a part of this MMA Pro League venture. It’s such a great opportunity and I’m glad to be on the ground floor.

“My opponent has taken some time off but I know he’s going to be ready to fight. I’m not sleeping on him. This is going to be an action fight.”

CLAUDIO LEDESMA (NJ) vs. ANDRE BERNARDO (PA) – Bantamweights

Ledesma: “It’s awesome to be able to represent New Jersey. I’m so happy to have this opportunity. This has been a great experience so far.

“I don’t know too much about my opponent. I like to focus on what I do and make adjustments when I have to.”

Bernardo: “It’s been a hard road getting to where I am today and I’m grateful to be fighting for MMA Pro League.

“I’m facing a very experienced fighter. He has a black belt in jiu-jitsu and is a well-rounded fighter. He’s still going to have to get in
there and fight me. I know we’re going to go to the ground eventually and I plan to choke him out.”

MIKE PAGANO (NJ) vs. ZEDEKIAH MONTANEZ (PA) – Welterweights

Pagano: “I’m proud to be a part of this first MMA Pro League show. I’m excited to represent my state in the cage.

“My opponent seems very well composed. He likes to sit back and box before looking to throw. Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face, so I’m going to go out there and just fight.”

Montanez: “It feels really good to be in this position. Fighting professionally has been a dream of mine and now it’s here. I’ve worked so hard to get to this moment and I’m really excited.

“I know that I’m facing a wrestler who likes to put pressure on and come straight forward. We’re prepared for anything he throws at me and I will adapt to anything he throws at me. It’s going to be a war but I just have to go out there and be the best I can be.”

JUSTIN OSBORN (NJ) vs. ANDY JIMENEZ (PA) – Welterweights

Osborn: “I’m excited to go out there and do what I love to do. I can’t wait to get in that cage and stare across at a guy who’s ready to take my head off.

“I know I’m facing an undefeated amateur making his pro debut so I’m ready for anything. I’m ready for the whole nine yards. I’m predicting a finish.”

JOSEPH PINAFIEL (PA) vs. TURPAL KHAMZAYEV (NJ) – Bantamweights

Pinafiel: “It means everything to me to have this platform. This is an opportunity to build upon my career. I’ve had amazing treatment here. I’m going for it all on Saturday.

“I’m facing a tough guy in his own backyard. But I’m here to make a statement. I want to take him out and give everyone a good fight. I’m hoping he brings the best out of me. I am going to win. I’m ready to finish him any way possible.”

KEVIN SEARS (NJ) vs. AHMED SAMIR (PA) – Heavyweights

Sears: “This means a lot to me. I’ve fought in 10 leagues and this has been the best experience by far. MMA Pro League just cares about their fighters.

“Samir looks really tough and I know he has a lot of experience. Everyone is dangerous at this level and it only takes on punch to go to sleep. I’m going to go for the finish right from the start.”

# # #

To access live and on-demand coverage of all MMA Pro League action, visit FloCombat.com and become a monthly or annual PRO subscriber. Either subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Watch the games on all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku, or Apple TV 4.

For more information visit www.MMAProLeague.com, follow the conversation on Twitter @MMAPro_League, @DanMiller185, @DanielGracie, @Hani_Darwish1 and @MarkTaffetMedia, on Instagram at Instagram.com/mmaproleague, Instagram.com/DanMiller185, Instagram.com/DanielGracie, Instagram.com/Hani_Darwish1 and Instagram.com/MarkTaffetMedia, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/MMAProLeague.

Combate Americas, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA

GUSTAVO LOPEZ REPLACES LEVY MARROQUIN IN  COMBATE AMERICAS  WORLD BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MAIN EVENT AGAINST JOSE ALDAY  

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Former world championship challenger Gustavo Lopez (Pictured below) will replace Levy Marroquin in the Combate Americas bantamweight world championship main event bout tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 14, live on DAZN, Univision and Univision Deportes Network.

LIVE ON DAZN, UNIVISION, & UNIVISION DEPORTES NETWORK
FROM PHOENIX, ARIZ. TONIGHT, FRIDAY, SEPT. 14

FLYWEIGHT CO-MAIN EVENT:
TRACY CORTEZ VS. KAREN CEDILLO

FEATURED LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT: 
RAFA “GIFTED” GARCIA  VS. LARUE “THE CANNIBAL” BURLEY

Tickets for “Combate Americas: Marroquin vs. Alday” on sale now

PHOENIX – September 13, 2018 – Combate Americas today announced that former world championship challenger Gustavo Lopez (8-3) will challenge Jose “Pochito” Alday (11-3-1) in the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise’s bantamweight (135 pounds) world championship main event in Phoenix tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 14.

Alday’s original world championship opponent, Levy Marroquin (11-2) of Monterrey, Mexico, was forced to withdraw from the commitment due to symptoms of influenza detected by the Arizona Boxing Commission physician, Dr. Ken Ota.

The much-anticipated, world championship event’s three-fight main card airs live on television in Spanish in the U.S. on both Univision (12 a.m. ET/PT) and Univision Deportes Network (UDN) (12 a.m. ET/9 p.m. PT)

The complete, nine-bout fight card airs in its entirety on DAZN, the live and on-demand sports streaming platform, in English in the U.S. and Canada, beginning with the first preliminary card bout, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The 29-year-old Lopez of Las Vegas, Nev. via Yakima, Wash. is a five-time Combate Americas veteran who, in his last start under the promotional banner, notched an impressive, first-round (2:34) submission (guillotine choke) of Steve Swanson, the brother of MMA superstar Cub Swanson, in the main event of Combate Americas’ debut event in Mexico City, Mexico.

A member of MMA legend Randy Couture’s Xtreme Couture fight camp in Las Vegas, Lopez has produced all of his victories in La Jaula, the Combate Americas cage, by way of (T)KO or submission.

Lopez previously challenged fellow star John “Sexi Mexi” Castaneda for the vacant Combate Americas world bantamweight championship on October 14, 2016, but was stopped via fourth round (2:24) TKO (punches) by Castaneda in an epic, see-saw battle. Because Castaneda failed to make weight for the fight, he was not awarded the title.

Alday, who will celebrate his 27th birthday tomorrow, is a native of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and resident of Tucson, Ariz., coming off his career-best victory to date, a split decision win over Castaneda in the main event of the historic, first, live Univision and UDN simulcast of MMA action with “Combate Estrellas I” in Los Angeles, Calif. on April 13.

Priced from $30, tickets for “Combate Americas: Marroquin vs. Lopez” are on sale at CelebrityTheatre.com and Ticketon.com.

Doors at Celebrity Theatre open at 5 p.m. PT, with the first preliminary bout will beginning at 7 p.m.