This week’s FNU Combat Sports Show starts off with Tom and Rich talking MMA for a while and then Tony joins in to cap off the show with a long boxing discussion. Listen to the whole broadcast below:
Category Archives: whakauru toi hōia
LFA RETURNS TO SOUTH DAKOTA WITH CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER AT LFA 37
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HOUSTON, Texas – Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) CEO Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will bring a championship doubleheader to South Dakota at LFA 37. The promotion will crown its king and queen of the flyweight division as both the men’s and women’s vacant 125-pound titles will be on the line.
The main event of LFA 37 will crown a new LFA flyweight champion when South Dakota native Sid “Nanakia” Bice battles Cuban Olympic wrestler “Super” Maikel Perez for the vacant strap. The co-main event of LFA 37 will crown a new LFA women’s flyweight champion when Colombian knockout sensation Sabina Mazo faces Colorado powerhouse Shannon Sinn for the vacant women’s title. LFA 37 – Bice vs. Perez takes place Rāmere, April 20th i te Sanford Taparima i Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Ka teata te kāri matua katoa ora me te motu i runga i AXS TV i 9 p.m. AND / 6 p.m. PT.
“LFA 37 will continue our exciting history in South Dakota that began with the RFA in August 2014,” Ua parau Soares. “We brought the first sanctioned MMA event to the state at RFA 17, we hosted the first MMA world title fight in the state, and now we will bring the first women’s world title fight to ‘The Mount Rushmore State’ at LFA 37.”
Bice (8-1) is widely considered one of the top flyweight prospects in MMA as well as one of the best fighters to hail from “Ko te State Mount Rushmore”. The Winner, South Dakota native, who wrestled collegiately in Sioux Falls at Augustana University, made a successful return to his homestate after signing with LFA last year. “Sid Vicious” won both of his fights for LFA in Sioux Falls by establishing his signature frenetic pace that he uses to outclass his opponents with movement, dominant wrestling, and precise striking. The 28-year-old Factory X Muay Thai product, who is based in Denver, now looks to win gold in his home state at LFA 37.
Parete (6-1) is a former Olympian and Cuban national wrestling team member. The 34-year-old began competing on Cuba’s national team at international tournaments when he was 17-years-old. This included competing at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. “Super Maikel” also represented Cuba at the 2009 World Championships and the 2006 a 2009 Pan American Championships. Perez took the gold medal at 60 kg at the 2009 Pan American Championships. Parete, who trains at Kings MMA in southern California, now looks to add more gold to his trophy case at LFA 37. He will get that chance in front of the same fans he impressed last summer at LFA 19.
Mazo (4-0) is one of MMA’s breakout stars of 2017. The 20-year-old Colombian signed with LFA when she was 19-years-old and quickly burst onto the global scene last April at LFA 9. This happened when she knocked out 82nd Airborne Army veteran Jamie Thorton with a jaw-dropping head kick that went viral and was featured on every major MMA website as well as mainstream outlets such as USA Today. The Kings MMA product, who trains alongside Perez, then doubled-down in her sophomore appearance for LFA by knocking out Minnesota National Guard member Linsey Williams with another first round head kick. Te “Colombian Queen” is now looking for her crown and perhaps a hat trick head kick KO courtesy of one of the most lethal high kicks in MMA.
Sinn (5-5) is one of the most physically imposing women in the flyweight division. Her statuesque physique, aggressive fighting style, and technical grappling have made her a fan favorite. The Colorado native also happens to train alongside two of the best female fighters in the world, UFC women’s strawweight champion Rose Namajunas and UFC women’s flyweight #1 contender Valentina Shevchenko. Sinn’s world-class training partners, take-on-all-comers mentality, and relentless work ethic has allowed the 38-year-old Coloradan to enjoy a career resurgence that includes back-to-back wins over the 2016 RFA Fans’ Choice “E 'amanaki o te Tau” Katy Collins as well as former LFA title challenger Heather Bassett. She now looks for her crowning moment by capturing LFA gold.
LFA 37 will feature the fourth championship doubleheader to take place in the state of South Dakota as well as the first-ever women’s world title fight to take place inside “Ko te State Mount Rushmore”. The first three championship doubleheaders (six overall title fights) were contested under the RFA banner.
RFA visited South Dakota a total of four times and produced an incredible amount of talent at those four events. Ten fighters went on to compete for the UFC and five more would go on to fight for Bellator. Christos Giagos, Luke Sanders, Devin Clark, Geane Herrera, Khalil Rountree, Matthew Lopez, Taonga Terrion, Jordan Johnson, Joe Gigliotti, and Brian Camozzi are the ten fighters that competed for the RFA in South Dakota before signing with the UFC. Justin Lawrence, Mark Dickman, Francisco France, Leandro Higo, and Logan Storley are the five fighters that competed for the RFA in South Dakota before signing with Bellator.
RFA 37 was the final RFA event in the state of South Dakota, before the merger, and it was featured on UFC President Dana White’s hit reality show Dana White: Lookin’ For A Fight. Five fighters from that event were signed to the UFC and another two signed with Bellator. That includes every fighter that won on the main card and another fighter that won on the undercard. LFA 37 looks to continue this tradition of success in the state.
Currently Announced Main Card (Televised on AXS TV at 9 p.m. AND / 6 p.m. PT):
Takahanga Main | Flyweight Title Bout (125 LB)
– Sid Bice (8-1) vs. Maikel Perez (6-1)
-Main Co Takahanga | Women’s Flyweight Title Bout (125 LB)
– Sabina Mazo (4-0) vs. Shannon Sinn (5-5)
Welterweight But (170 LB)
– Jordon Larson (8-4) vs. Clarence Jordan (10-4-1)
Kōmāmā a'ee (155 LB)
– Bryce Logan (8-2) vs. Dakota Bush (4-0)
I roto i te Mahuru 2016, RFA and Legacy FC officials announced that they would be merging to form the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tīmata i roto i te marama o Hānuere 2017. Kua whakarewahia RFA ko Legacy FC nga mahi o runga i 150 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.
LFA 37 will serve as the third LFA event to take place in the state of South Dakota. RFA visited “Ko te State Mount Rushmore” four times before the merger. That includes RFA 17, which was the first sanctioned MMA event to take place in the state of South Dakota. Further information about LFA 37 kia ka kauwhautia hohoro. The entire main card of LFA 37 Ka teata ora me te motu i runga i AXS TV i 9 p.m. AND / 6 p.m. PT.
Haere ki LFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. LFA is on Facebook at Legacy Fighting Alliance. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.
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THE LONG-AWAITED MMA DEBUT OF DILLON ‘EL JEFE’ DANIS SET FOR BELLATOR 198 ON APRIL 28
BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU WORLD CHAMP MEETS KYLE WALKER IN MAIN CARD BOUT AT ALLSTATE ARENA
Los Angeles – Renowned Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Dillon Danis (0-0) will make his highly anticipated mixed martial arts debut against Kyle Walker (2-4) at Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Mate. i runga i Rāhoroi, April 28hoki Bellator 198: Fedor vs. Ahau.
Bellator 198, headlined by a first-round Heavyweight World Grand Prix bout between Fedor Emelianenko (36-5, 1 NC) a Frank Mir (18-11), will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. AND/8 p.m. CT, ia ka rere mahi tuatahi i runga i Bellator.com me te ao i runga i te Bellator Mobile App. Tickets for the event are on sale now and are available at the Allstate Arena box office and Ticketmaster.
Under the tutelage of Marcelo Garcia at Alliance in New York, Danis began competing at an elite level on the jiu-jitsu circuit not long after emerging on the scene. Danis would win the IBJJF World Championship in Gi and No-Gi in 2014 as a brown belt, with those victories earning him his black belt in 2015. The very next year, Danis would return to the IBJJF tournament and take home the Pan American No-Gi Championship. Garnering the attention of fans along the way, Conor McGregor also took notice, enlisting the services of the New Jersey native to help him train for his 2016 rematch with Nate Diaz. Always one to challenge himself, Danis signed an exclusive multi-fight contract with Bellator in 2017 and has already settled in for training camp at the famed SBG Ireland.
Fighting out of Herrin, Mate., Kyle Walker will enter the Bellator cage for the first time at Bellator 198, where he will likely play the role of underdog to the BJJ kingpin. Walker made his pro debut in 2013, racking up wins in two of his first three matchups within the calendar year. After taking some time away from the sport, Walker stepped back inside the cage competing for some of the best regional promotions, including a return to Shamrock FC.
Complete Bellator 198 Kāri Main:
Taumahamaha Grand Prix Tuatahi Rauna: Fedor Emelianenko (36-5, 1 NC) vs. Frank Mir (18-11)
Featherweight Co-Main Event: Emmanuel Sanchez (16-3) vs. Sam Sicilia (16-8)
Middleweight Main Card Bout: John Salter (15-3) vs. Rafael Lovato Jr. (7-0)
Welterweight Main Card Bout: Neiman Gracie (7-0) vs. Javier Torres (10-3)
175-Pound Catchweight Main Card Bout: Dillon Danis (Tuatahi Pro) vs. Kyle Walker (2-4)
Kāri hukihuki:
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: R’Mandel Cameron (4-3) vs. P.J. Cajigas (6-6)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Dan Stittgen (12-5) vs. Mark Stoddard (15-9)
150-Pound Catchweight Feature Bout: Eric Wisely (27-9-1) vs. Morgan Sickinger (20-10)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Matt Paul (2-2) vs. Brian Booth (4-3)
Flyweight Tuhinga o mua: Joey Diehl (11-9) vs. Nate Williams (27-17)
Kōmāmātanga Tuhinga o mua: Tom Shoaff (8-3) vs. Mike Budnik (13-4)
*Ka whakarerekehia te kaari
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
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SHOWTIME SPORTS® RELEASES SECOND INSTALLMENT OF DIGITAL TALK SHOW BELOW THE BELT
Host Brendan Schaub Talks With Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder & UFC Star Brian Ortega Following Their Recent Triumphs
Available NOW On YouTube Na Facebook
and right here:
TA: SHOWTIME Sports released the second installment of the first-of-its-kind sports talk show BELOW THE BELT, hosted by Brendan Schaub, available now on theBelow the Belt YouTube Channel me te Below the Belt Facebook Page. Following the show’s debut on February 28, the second installment of the twice-monthly digital-first program features an interview with America’s only heavyweight world champion, Deontay Wilder, who reflects on his instant-classic victory over Luis Ortiz March 3 i runga i SHOWTIME. Schaub also sits down with the UFC’s Brian Ortega following his first-round knockout win over Frankie Edgar at UFC 222.
BELOW THE BELT explores the latest news in combat sports and pop culture, with Schaub delivering candid thoughts in his unique and unfiltered style. The multi-platform program, which also includes a weekly podcast and a composite program that airs once per month on SHOWTIME EXTREME, features interviews with the biggest names in combat sports and entertainment, road trips, fight camp visits, sketches, animation and pop-culture spoofs. Ko te utunga i muri o te BELOW THE BELT launches March 28 followed by new shows April 11, April 18, Kia 2 and May 16.
Undefeated M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko to defend title belt against former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Alexander Butenko
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Kunchenko (R) 
AARON CHALMERS, STAR OF MTV’S ‘GEORDIE SHORE,’ SET TO MAKE PROMOTIONAL DEBUT AT BELLATOR 200 IN LONDON
WILL TAKE ON ASH GRIFFITHS IN MAIN CARD BOUT ON MAY 25 AT THE SSE ARENA, WEMBLEY
Los Angeles – Bellator is proud to announce that reality star turned MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers (3-0) will make his promotional debut on the main card of historic Bellator 200 ki Ash Griffiths (4-5) at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on Rāmere, Kia 25.
Fighting out of Newcastle, Ingarangi, Chalmers steps inside the Bellator cage following three first-round stoppage victories under the direction of BAMMA. Chalmers is a well-known cast member of MTV’s British reality television series “Geordie Shore,” having appeared for 10 seasons beginning in 2014, as well as MTV’s “Ex on the Beach.” He would go on to make his MMA debut in 2017, winning his first bout via submission in the first round. “The Joker” has since defeated two other opponents in under a minute and now looks to take the next step in his professional career.
Griffiths turned pro in 2013, fighting regionally in England, prior to making his debut with Bellator last year during the main card of Bellator 191 i roto i te Newcastle. Hailing from Willington, Ingarangi, the nine-fight veteran provides a tough test for the newcomer. Fans can expect fireworks, when these two compete for bragging rights in front of their U.K. crowd.
The catchweight contest joins a stacked card that already includes a Bellator middleweight title matchup pitting current champ Rafael Carvalho (15-1) ki Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2), a rematch betweenheavyweight fan-favorites Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) a Roy Nelson (23-15), while former titleholder Phil Davis (18-4) e i runga i Linton Vassell (18-6) in a light heavyweight matchup and undefeated British striker Michael whārangi "mana'o" (12-0) tutaki Rawiri "Ko e Caveman" Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) i te Welterweight.
Tickets for the event are on sale now at The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com, ssearena.co.uk a axs.com. Bellator 200 will be broadcast on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. AND/8 p.m. CT, ia ka rere mahi tuatahi i runga i Bellator.com me te ao i runga i te Bellator Mobile App. The main card is now complete, additional preliminary contests will be announced in coming weeks.
Complete Bellator 200 Kāri Main:
Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (15-1) vs. Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2)
Taumaha Kāri Matua Patupatu: Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) vs. Roy Nelson (23-15)
Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Phil Davis (18-4) vs. Linton Vassell (18-6)
Welterweight Main Card Bout: Michael Whārangi (12-0) vs. Rawiri Rickels (19-4, 2 NC)
163-Pound Catchweight Main Card Bout: Aaron Chalmers (3-0) vs. Ash Griffiths (4-5)
*Ka whakarerekehia te kaari
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES SIX NEW MATCHUPS FOR “COMBATE ESTRELLAS I” IN LOS ANGELES ON APRIL 13
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JAMES GALLAGHER FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM BELLATOR 196 IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY ONAPRIL 6 DUE TO INJURY
‘SMOOTH’ BENSON HENDERSON TAKES ON THE RETURNING ROGER ‘EL MATADOR’ HUERTA IN NEW MAIN EVENT
BELLATOR KICKBOXING 9 MAIN EVENT REVEALED
Los Angeles – Due to an undisclosed injury, James Gallagher’s highly anticipated return to the Bellator cage will be delayed.
Ka rite ki te hua, the new headliner for Bellator’s third event in Budapest, Hungary i runga i Rāmere, April 6, will feature former world champion Benson Henderson (24-8) in a lightweight matchup against Roger Huerta (24-9-1, 1 NC), who returns to Bellator for the first time since 2010. Gallagher’s opponent, Hungary’s Adam Borics (6-0), will remain on the card and take on the undefeated Manuel Gaxhja (6-0) in the featherweight co-main event. I tua atu, Bellator 196 will also feature a flyweight contest pitting Bellator women’s 125-pound kickboxing champion Denise Kielholtz (1-1) versus Lena Ovchynnikova (12-5, 1 NC) and a featherweight battle between SBG Ireland’s Brian Moore (10-6) a Giorgio Belsanti (7-6-1).
With marquee victories over Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone (x2), Frankie Edgar (x2), Gilbert Melendez and Jorge Masvidal, Glendale, Ariz.’s “Smooth” Benson Henderson looks to add another name to his already-impressive resume. The former UFC and WEC champ owns a win over a Patricio “Pitbull” inside the Bellator cage and is looking to make a statement on his way back to title contention when he meets Roger Huerta on April 6 in Budapest, Hungary. Fighting out of Austin, Texas, the 34-year-old Los Angeles native returns to Bellator for the first time since facing Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 33. The first MMA fighter to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Huerta’s entertaining fight style saw him memorably defeat Clay Guida and Leonard Garcia. Na, fresh off of two consecutive victories, “El Matador” is not shying away from elite competition for his first fight of 2018.
Te April 6 card at BOK Hall will also feature world-class kickboxing action, as Bellator Kickboxing returns for another great night of fights. I roto i te hui matua, Raymond Daniels (33-3) defends his welterweight crown against Djibril Ehouo (38-9-2) o France, ia te tūturu Jorina Baars (44-0-3) hoki ki te kanohi Julie Burton (7-1) at 145-pounds. I tua atu, fan-favorite Alexy Ignashov (85-21) will compete in a heavyweight matchup.
Bellator 196: Henderson vs. Huerta will be broadcast Rāmere, April 6 free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. AND/8 p.m. CT. Bellator Kickboxing 9 will air immediately following at 11 p.m. AND/10 p.m. CT.Tickets for the event are on sale now and are available at www.Bellator.hu.
Whakahōutia Bellator 196: Henderson vs. Huerta Fight Card:
Lightweight Main Event: Benson Henderson (24-8) vs. Roger Huerta (24-9-1, 1 NC)
Featherweight Co-Main Event: Adam Borics (6-0) vs. Manuel Gaxhja (6-0)
Women’s Flyweight Main Card Bout: Denise Kielholtz (1-1) vs. Lena Ovchynnikova (12-5, 1 NC)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Brian Moore (10-6) vs. Giorgio Belsanti (7-6-1)
Whakahōutia Bellator Kickboxing 9 Fight Card:
Welterweight World Title Bout: Raymond Daniels (33-3) vs. Djibril Ehouo (38-9-2)
Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Alexy Ignashov (85-21) vs. TBD
Women’s Featherweight Main Card Bout: Jorina Baars (44-0-3) vs. Julie Burton (7-1)
*Ka whakarerekehia te kaari.
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Ivan Buchinger rebounds from title loss with impressive win over Andrey Krasnikov
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FNU aro Sports Whakaatu: Wilder/Ortiz and UFC 222 Recaps
Tom, Rich and Tony recap UFC 222 and Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz, along with the last week’s biggest combat sports news stories. We have a short discussion about the Canelo Alvarez positive PED test, and we also preview upcoming boxing events.
Listen to the full show below: