Category Archives: mixed martial arts

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

SECOND NIGHT OF BELLATOR DOUBLEHEADER FEATURES FLYWEIGHT BOUT PITTING UNDEFEATED ILIMA MACFARLANE AGAINST EMILY DUCOTE AT WINSTAR WORLD CASINO & RESORT

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CHIDI NJOKUANI-ANDRE FIALHO ALSO ADDED TO MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 167’ ON DECEMBER 3

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (October 21, 2016) – A flyweight clash pitting Ilima-Lei MacFarlane (4-0) against Emily Ducote (4-1) and a welterweight bout pitting Chidi Njokuani (15-4, 1 NC) against Andre Fialho (7-0) have been added to the main card of “Bellator 167: Curran vs. Teixeira,” which will take place inside WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, OK., on Saturday, December 3.

The second night of entertainment – “Bellator 167” — will feature a featherweight main event between Pat Curran (22-7) and John Teixeira (19-1-2), while “Bellator 166” is headlined by a bantamweight world title rematch pitting current champion Eduardo Dantas (18-4) against Joe Warren (14-5) and a featherweight bout pitting undefeated prospect A.J. McKee (5-0) against Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3).

Tickets for the unique doubleheader event start at just $45 and can be purchased at the WinStar World Casino & Resort Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

“Bellator 167: Curran vs. Teixeira” airs live and free on Saturday on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT., while “Bellator 166: Dantas vs. Warren 2” also airs live and free on Friday on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Preliminary bouts for both events will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Possibly no name is growing faster in the MMA community than Ilima-Lei MacFarlane’s, as the 26-year-old flyweight has rapidly climbed the ranks with four consecutive victories and three finishes. The undefeated submission specialist has emerged victorious in her first three bouts under the Scott Coker-led promotion, and finishing both Amber Tackett and Rebecca Ruth via submission. Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, “The Ilimanator” has secured one career knockout victory, which came just 10 seconds into her first professional bout and spread virally around the internet. MacFarlane will now direct her attention to another one of Bellator MMA’s top young female competitors, Emily Ducote.

The 23-year-old Ducote will look to add to an already impressive 2016 campaign, having earned victories in each of her four fights this year. Ducote’s most recent pair of wins have come under the Bellator MMA umbrella, recording back-to-back second round submission finishes over Brazilian flyweights Bruna Vargas and Kenya Miranda. Ducote will now look to add to her current four-fight winning streak, as she prepares for what is undoubtedly the toughest opponent of her young career. A native of Oklahoma City, “Gordinha” returns home to fight in her back yard, where she anticipates a sold out WinStar World Casino & Resort chock full of close friends and family.

Njokuani made his presence felt early in his career, recording finishes in each of his first seven career victories, including six knockouts and six first round finishes. “Chidi Bang Bang” continued to see success with his knockout power, as 10 of his 15 career wins came by way of knockout or submission. You’d be hard pressed to find a more consistent fighter than Njokuani right now, the 27-year-old Las Vegas native enters the cage in search of his seventh consecutive victory and 11 of his last 12, dating back to 2012. Njokuani has won both of his first two bouts under the direction of Bellator MMA since joining the promotion in 2015, with key victories over the likes of Ricky Rainey and Thiago Jambo Goncalves. He hopes to add to that list when he joins his opponent Andre Fialho on December 3.

With an unblemished mark of 7-0, Fialho joins his opponent Njokuani as one of the most feared knockout artists in the game. The 22-year-old welterweight has finished each of his seven opponents and tacked on six knockouts. Possibly even more impressive is the manner in which the young Portuguese prospect has defeated his opponents, with six of the seven victories coming in the first round and three in the first minute of action. Since joining the Bellator MMA fray earlier this year, Fialho has recorded first round knockout wins over Manuel Meraz and Rick Reger, proving early in his career that he belongs with the top dogs. We can be sure to see some fireworks fly when Fialho enters the cage inside WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville this December.

 

Updated “Bellator 167: Curran vs. Teixeira” Main Card:

Featherweight Main Event: Pat Curran (22-7) vs. John Teixeira (19-1-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Ilima MacFarlane (4-0) vs. Emily Ducote (4-1)

Welterweight Feature Bout: Chidi Njokuani (15-4, 1 NC) vs. Andre Fialho (7-0)

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

NEF 26 MMA CARD FEATURES WOMEN’S FIGHTS, TITLE FIGHTS, RETURNS, DEBUTS AND MORE

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Lewiston, Maine (October 21, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY,” on Saturday, November 19 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF executives announced the full fight card for the event which will be the fight promotion’s grand finale for 2016.

 

In the main event, “The” Ryan Sanders (10-8) will meet Jon Lemke (5-6) in a professional lightweight bout.  It will be Sanders’ first fight in Lewiston since November 2014.  Much has been made of the fact that Sanders and Lemke are former teammates.  The bout is considered a “dream match” by Maine fight fans, especially those from the Bangor-area familiar with the rivalry between Sanders’ camp Young’s MMA and Lemke’s camp Team Irish.

 

The co-main event of the evening will feature an interesting “coach vs. coach” battle.  “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (4-7), head of the Shatterproof Combat Club, is scheduled to face Ruthless MMA & Boxing founder Josh Parker (4-8) in a professional featherweight contest.  Shorey is coming off a big win in Rhode Island earlier this fall, while Parker will be returning to the MMA cage after spending the last three years competing as a boxer.

 

Rounding out the professional portion of the card will be undefeated prospect Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (3-0) and Taylor Trahan (6-6) in a featherweight bout.  Lacey and Trahan both submitted their respective opponents at “NEF 25” last month.  Many local followers of the sport feel that Lacey is just a handful of wins away from getting the call to the major league of the sport.  Trahan will be looking to play the role of spoiler while also avenging the loss of his Team Link teammate John Santos (3-5) to Lacey in Bangor this past August.

 

The amateur portion of the card will be headlined by a heavyweight title fight between Nick “The Guardian” Gulliver (3-0) and Yorgan DeCastro (2-2).  DeCastro stepped up to the plate to face Gulliver when no other heavyweight in the region would do so.  Gulliver has been on a path of destruction, ripping through three opponents in a combined two minutes.

 

Two women’s fights are on tap for “NEF 26.”  Jessica “The Black Widow” Borga (2-2) returns from Florida to meet Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Brianne Genschel (0-0).  Genschel’s First Class MMA teammate “Hollywood” Hannah Sparrell (1-1) will also be in action against Fernanda Araujo (4-4-2).

 

Jay Jack and Amanda Buckner’s The Academy in Portland, Maine will send two new fighters to the cage at “NEF 26.”  Chad Pierce (0-0) will debut against Shatterproof’s  Lyman Curtis (0-0), while Phil Chiasson (0-0) meets Rik Seymour (0-0) of 3Ronin Athletics.  Both bouts will take place in the 155-pound lightweight division.

 

The full “NEF 26” fight card (subject to change and approval of the Combat Sports Authority of Maine):

 

 

PROFESSIONAL

 

155 Ryan Sanders 10-8 (Young’s) vs Jon Lemke 5-6 (Team Irish)

 

145 Josh Parker 4-8 (Ruthless) vs Derek Shorey 4-7 (Shatterproof)

 

145 Aaron Lacey 3-0 (Young’s) vs Taylor Trahan 6-6 (Team Link)

 

 

AMATEUR

265*TITLE Nick Gulliver 3-0 (First Class) vs Yorgan DeCastro 2-2 (SSSF)

265 Kevin Smith 3-2 (Young’s) vs Ras Hylton 2-0 (First Class)

 

210 Mike Swan 0-0 (Choi) vs Joe Krech 0-2 (Independent)

 

185 Nash Roy 2-2 (Young’s) vs Chris Smith 1-0 (Berserkers)

 

170 Darren Ducharme 0-0 (CMBJJ) vs Tom Burgess 2-0 (Berserkers)

 

155 Ken Dunn 0-3 (Independent) vs Angelo Rizitello 0-1 (Shatterproof)

 

155 Chad Pierce 0-0 (Academy) vs Lyman Curtis 0-0 (Shatterproof)

 

155 Phil Chiasson 0-0 (Academy) vs Rik Seymour 0-0 (3Ronin Athletics)

 

145 Alex Clark 3-1 (Young’s) vs Shawn Lunghi 1-0 (S. Tampa Jiu Jitsu/MMA)

 

145 Hannah Sparell 1-1 (First Class) vs Fernanda Araujo 4-4-2 (Defensive Edge)

 

135 Brianne Genschel 0-0 (First Class/Foundry) vs Jessica Borga 2-2 (Champions)

 

135 Fred Lear 3-2 (Young’s) vs Robby Fraser 1-1 (S. Tampa Jiu Jitsu/MMA)

 

The opening bell on Saturday, November 19 is set for 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event 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 @nefightsand join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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

M-1 Challenge 71 weights & pictures from Russia

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LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
VIKTOR NEMKOV (23-6-0, M-1: 16-5-0), Russia  205 lbs. (93.1 kg)
vs.
ATTILA “Pumukli” VEGH (29-7-2, M-1: 0-1-0), Slovakia 204 lbs. (92.7 kg)

 
STEPHAN “T-800” PUETZ (14-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0) 205 lbs. (93.2 kg)
vs.
MARCUS VINICIUS “Montanha” LOPES (9-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil 204 lbs. (92.7 kg)
VACANT M-1 CHALLENGE BANTWMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5
PAVEL VITRUK (13-2-0, M-1: 7-2-0), Russia 134 ½ lbs. (61.2 kg)
vs.
VITALI BRANCHUK (21-5-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Ukraine 134 lbs. (61 kg)
WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
SERGEY ROMANOV (8-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia 176 lbs. (79.9  kg)
vs.
CARLOS ALEXANDRE “Indio” PEREIRA (37-11-1 (M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil 175 lbs. (79.5 kg)
CATCHWEIGHT – 3 X 5
ALEXANDER BUTENKO (41-11-2, M-1: 8-1-0), Ukraine 160 ½ lbs. (73 kg)
vs.
RUBENILTON “Rubinkho” PEREIRA (16-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil 160 lbs. (72.9 kg)
WHEN:                       Friday, October 21, 2016
WHERE:                     Ingushetia, Russia
 
PROMOTER:              M-1 Global
LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (11.00 a.m. ET / 8:00 a.m. PT in USA) 
         
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Fight Network, mixed martial arts, MMA

Fight Network Presents TKO 36: Resurrection Prelims & Main Card Live Nov. 4 in Canada

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Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, today announced the return of the newly resurrected TKO MMA to Canadian airwaves, as TKO 36: Resurrection will air live on Fight Network across Canada on Friday, November 4, 2016 from TOHU Cite des Arts du Cirque in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Fight Network will televise the live TKO 36: Resurrection prelims at 6 p.m. ET and live main card at 7:30 p.m. ET.

In the main event, former TKO mainstays will collide as former Shawn Tompkins pupil “The Polish Hammer” Chris Horodecki (21-6-1, 1NC) returns for his first bout in over a year against Quebec’s own Derek “The War Machine” Gauthier (7-6), a representative of Montreal’s world-famous Tristar Gym.

In other featured bouts, Horodecki’s teammates Jesse “The Body Snatcher” Ronson (15-8) and Malcolm “X” Gordon (8-2) will take center stage against Drysdale Jiu-Jitsu disciple Jimmy Spicuzza (7-3) and Speedy Gym’s Dimitri “No Stress” Waardenburg (11-7), respectively, while House of Champions MMA product Josh Hill (14-2) meets undefeated Tristar Gym disciple Xavier “The Breadman” Alaoui (7-0) and Ontario native Lindsay Garbatt (3-1) clashes with France’s Maguy Berchel (5-1-1) in a featured women’s bout. Top Canadian prospects will also be featured asJo Vallee (4-1) faces Fritz Paul (10-3) in a middleweight affair, plus TJ “The Truth” Laramie (3-1) throws down with Maxime “The Gladiator” Dubois (5-2) in a featherweight showdown.

Fight Network analysts John Ramdeen and Robin Black will be on the scene providing English commentary alongside former TKO competitors Jason St. Louis and Mark Colangelo.

Formerly known as UCC, TKO MMA was a staple of Canadian MMA in the early-to-mid 2000s and helped launch the careers of pioneers Georges St-Pierre, Patrick Cote, Mark Hominick and Sam Stout, as well as current UFC light heavyweight Steve Bosse. Over the course of its run,m the promotion also featured names like former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin, former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk and former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber.

“TKO MMA has a rich history in Canada, spawning the careers of some of the sport’s biggest names, while setting a benchmark for production value, matchmaking, star power and dedicated fan base during the sport’s early years,” said Ariel Shnerer, Director of Programming & Communications at Fight Network. “Dating back to 2005, Fight Network has always provided TKO MMA with a national television platform. I’ve personally known Stephane (Patry) for over 10 years and there’s no doubt he has always had a passion and a gift for promoting mixed martial arts. The world-class quality that our viewers have come to expect from TKO MMA will put the spotlight back on Quebec’s MMA scene and provide athletes with a great platform to shine.”

“The word ‘tradition’ means the world to me and with the resurrection of TKO, it was very important for me that our organization would be available for our fans on Fight Network,” said TKO president Stephane Patry. “Fight Network has been the home of TKO for so many years in the past and I’m very proud that this tradition will now continue. TKO 36 will feature the top prospects in Canada, as well as some of the most recognizable names in our sport.”

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet. 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

KERI MELENDEZ SET FOR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS DEBUT VS. SHEILA PADILLA AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE ON NOV. 19

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UNDEFEATED LIGHTWEIGHTS JAKE ROBERTS-CARRINGTON BANKS READY FOR ACTION IN PRELIMINARY CONTEST

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 19, 2016) – The anticipated mixed martial arts debut of flyweight Keri Melendez will come against Sheila Padilla (2-0) during the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

 

In addition, a lightweight bout pitting Carrington Banks (5-0) against Jake Roberts (7-0) has been added to the Bellator.com-streamed preliminary card.

 

The bouts join action-packed fights highlighted by a lightweight world title main event featuring Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In addition, a welterweight clash between undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) will also be the card’s co-main event. Rounding out the televised action, a lightweight showdown pitting Adam Piccolotti (8-0) against Brandon Girtz (14-4) and a light heavyweight matchup pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) versus Francis Carmont (14-4) were added earlier this week.

 

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” will take place on November 19, airing LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m ET/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

 

The queen of the infamous Skrap Pack in Northern California, Melendez made her first appearance in a victory during the kickboxing portion of “Bellator: Dynamite 1,” and followed up with another win at “Dynamite 2.” Melendez tallied a 4-1 amateur mark before taking her talents to the professional circuit, where she currently holds a 4-1 kickboxing record. The 32-year-old flyweight will now make the transition to MMA, an iteration of combat sports that her husband, Gilbert Melendez has plenty of success in. Living up to her promise of making her debut in 2016, Melendez will compete on the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

Fighting out of Visalia, Calif., Padilla will enter the Bellator MMA fray following two successful wins on the regional scene, both coming in 2016. Training under Bellator MMA veteran Doug Marshall at Team Elite, this will be Padilla’s opportunity to truly make a name for herself against Melendez, when she competes LIVE on SPIKE.

 

Just like his opponent, Banks enters the cage undefeated and ready to make another splash in his second fight since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion. The Peoria, Illinois native has finished two of his five victims and dominated all three of his decision victories, earning each by unanimous variety. “Jetsetter” will look to use Roberts as his runway for success as the Blackzilian product hopes to couple his Bellator MMA debut triumph with yet another feat and continue his climb up the lightweight ranks. After competing professionally in Kansas, Texas, and Iowa, the trip to Connecticut will mark Banks’ first on the East Coast. Tune in to Bellator.com’s live-streaming preliminary action to find out if the long journey will have any effect on “Jetsetter” and his performance.

 

“The North County Nightmare” hasn’t the slightest idea what it’s like to lose, as the 25-year-old enters his eighth professional contest at an admirable 7-0. Having won all five amateur bouts and each of his first four professional fights by way of first round submission, it is Roberts’ ground game that keeps his opponents up at night. However, Roberts’ 2016 campaign has been all about power, after recording back-to-back knockout finishes, highlighted by an emphatic first round knockout in his Bellator MMA debut at “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull.” Roberts hopes to haunt Banks’ dreams when the two clash in the bright lights of SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

 

 

Complete “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Debut) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)

 

Complete Preliminary Card:

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Gabe Carrasco (7-0) vs. Rolando Velasco (10-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jose Perez (2-1) vs. J.T. Donaldson (2-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)

Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

‘THE BAD BOY’ MEETS ‘THE BAD GUY’ ON JANUARY 21 AT THE FORUM IN LOS ANGELES

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TITO ORTIZ & CHAEL SONNEN TO MAIN EVENT ‘BELLATOR 170’ LIVE & FREE ON SPIKE

 

KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE TAKING PLACE NOV. 3 AT MOHEGAN SUN PRIOR TO BELLATOR 163

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 19, 2016) – It’s a fight that many mixed martial arts fans thought they’d never see, but on January 21, 2017, both Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) and Chael Sonnen (28-14-1) will return to action inside the beautifully renovated Forum in Inglewood, Calif., to headline “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen.” In college, the two met on the wrestling mat, in a matchup that Sonnen won by pinning Ortiz on his birthday. Now, Ortiz will have the opportunity to avenge that loss when the compete in the Bellator MMA cage on SPIKE.

 

Ticket information will be made available shortly. The event will be broadcast live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announcing in the coming weeks.

 

Since shocking the world with his surprise signing with Bellator MMA last month, Sonnen has made it clear he wants to fight anyone and everyone – regardless of weight class, or anything else that could stand in his way. Sitting atop that list, is a name that has sat atop the sport of MMA practically since its inception, Tito Ortiz.

 

Not one to shy away from any sort of challenge, “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” wasted zero time welcoming “The American Gangster” to the fray as only he can, by responding to Sonnen’s call-out with open arms on his social media account.

 

Sonnen spent a vast majority of his 43-fight career with the UFC, a run where he competed against names the likes of Jon Jones, Anderson Silva (2x), Rashad Evans, “Shogun” Rua, Demian Maia, Brian Stann, and current middleweight champion Michael Bisping. In addition to his exploits inside the cage, the West Linn, Ore., native has mastered the art of being in front of the camera, doing major broadcasting work for both ESPN and Fox Sports. Now, after a three-year hiatus from active MMA competition, Sonnen looks to add to his impressive resume by defeating Ortiz.

 

Known to the masses as “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” or “The People’s Champion” Tito Ortiz is a fan-favorite all over the world.  The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion has always been one of the toughest competitors in the cage, utilizing his wrestling background; Ortiz is a grinder who defended his title an impressive five times. Always with a flair for the dramatic, Ortiz had intense rivalries in the cage with guys like Ken Shamrock, Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva, and Randy Couture. Most recently, Ortiz challenged current Bellator MMA 205-pound champion Liam McGeary at “Bellator: Dynamite 1.”

 

Updated “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” Main Card:

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) vs. Chael Sonnen (28-14-1)

 

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

M-1 Challenge Middleweight Title Fight Champion Alexey Kunchenko vs. Murad Abdulaev To Headline M-1 Challenge 72

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Also announced lightweights
Artiom Damkovsky vs. Alexey Makhno
November 18 in Moscow
 

(L-R) – Alexey Kunchenko amd Murad Abdulaev
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (October 19, 2016) – M-1 Global has announced a rematch between M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko and former titlist Murad “Hunter” Abduleav will headline the November 18th M-1 Challenge 72 in Moscow, Russia.
M-1 Challenge 72 will be streamed live from Moscow in high definition onwww.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
Also announced was a lightweight battle between former champion Artiom Damkovsky and Alexey “Ataman” Makhno.
Kunchenko (14-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0), fighting out of Tyumen, Russia, will be making his first title defense.  He defeated defending champion Abdulaev, who was unable to continue in round four of their fight this past April at M-1 Challenge 65.
Abdulaev (15-4-0, M-1: 3-2-0), fighting out of Anapa, Russia, originally captured the M-1 Challenge welterweight title at M-1 Challenge 58, taking a decision from Marcello Britoon June 6, 2015 for the vacant title.
(L-R) – Murad Abdulaev vs. Alexey Kunchenko
Damkovsky (21-10-0, M-1: 11-7-0), fighting out of Minsk, Belarus, has a crowd pleasing style.  His last fight resulted in a kick-knockout victory (see picture below) of Maxim Divnich this past September at M-1 Challenge 70.
A native of Moscow, 26-year-old Makhno (13-4-0, M-1: 3-1-0) is a superior kicker and strong striker.  In his last fight, this past June at M-1 Challenge 68, Makhno won a decision over Felipo Rego (see picture below).
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Oct. 21 — M-1 Challenge 71: Nemkov vs. Vegh in St. Petersburg, Russia
Nov. 18 – M-1 Challenge 72:  Kunchenko vs. Abdulaev in Moscow, Russia
Dec. 9 – M-1 Challenge 73: Emeev vs. Tokov in Ingushetia, Russia
INFORMATION

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559 Fights, mixed martial arts, MMA

559 Fights is back at The Tower Theatre in Fresno for 559 Fights #51!

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559 Fights returns to Fresno’s Tower Theatre on Friday, Oct. 21. Doors open at 6 pm and first Fight is at 7.

Featuring a Bantamweight Title fight, pitting champion Bryce Gonzales vs. Daniel Campagna.

Tickets start at just $25 and can be purchased at the Tower Theatre Box Office, Pink Panthers Espress in Fresno, Pacific Metal Fab & Design, Inc. & Central Cal Machining, Inc. in Madera and Nutrishop Visalia.

VIP Table and other special pricing text or call 559-813-0307.

For more information check out the offical 559 Fights mobile app, which can be downloaded FREE on all devices. Also, visit www.559fights.com

Tickets are almost sold out!
~News From The Promoters Corner~

Coming off a huge event for 559 Fights in September, we prepare for an Oct. 21 return to Fresno’s Tower Theatre.

In the main event, we have Bantamweight Champion Bryce Gonzales returning from a minor injury to compete against Porterville’s Daniel Campagna.

This bout was scheduled as the main event of the #50 event, but injuries forced us to scrap the bout and move it to a later date.

We have several local showdowns booked for this event, including the return of Devon Chavez and two big flyweight bouts as Strawweight Champ Freddy Mendez moves up in weight to take on up-and-coming talent Paul Elizondo and Carlos Hernandez battles Jose Navarro.

We have three events left for this year.

In November we make our return to Hanford and debut at the Civic Auditorium and then close out the year in Fresno at Tower Theatre.

For more info download the 559 Fights App free on your mobile device.

– Jeremy Luchau

        Join us for post fight excitement at 10 PM at The Ivy Room  
In case you missed all the action, here are some videos from 559 Fights #50
559 Fights #50 Highlights
Watch the amazing highlight reel from 559 Fights #50
559 Fights #50 Esperanza Cadena VS Elizabeth Jackman
Watch main event action with Esperanza Cadena and Elizabeth Jackman at 559 Fights #50
559 Fights #50 Jacobo Longoria vs. Steven Robinson
Watch Jacobo Longoria in action against Steven Robinson at 559 Fights #50
Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE IS UP FOR GRABS AT NEF 26

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Lewiston, Maine (October 17, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY,” on Saturday, November 19 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of an amateur heavyweight title bout to the fight card.  Nick Gulliver (3-0) is scheduled to face Yorgan DeCastro (2-2) to fill the vacant NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Championship.

 

Gulliver is a member of John Raio’s First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine, as well as the Foundry Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Farmington, Maine.  Making his MMA debut in 2015, Gulliver scorched his first two opponents via first-round technical knockout prior to facing Dave Smith (2-1) last spring at “NEF 22.”  It took Gulliver a mere 28-seconds to dispatch Smith.  In all, Gulliver’s first three opponents have lasted barely over a combined two minutes in the cage with him.  He will be looking to continue that dominance of the NEF amateur heavyweight division on November 19 and claim its top prize.

 

” I would like to thank NEF for the opportunity to fight again,” said Gulliver.  “This is the biggest fight of my life. I’m excited to be fighting for the heavyweight title belt on November 19th in front of my family and friends. My goal in this sport was to get a title belt, but something bigger than that was to fight for the belt in front of my father. When I started back in June of last year my coach John Raio told me I would someday fight for the belt. This day has come and now it’s my time to finish what I set out to do.

 

“My father was not able to make my last fight because he was too sick. When I found out about this fight I called my parents and told them I would be fighting for the belt and my dad said he would do everything he could to make it. So, not only am I looking for a victory, but I’m looking to do it in front of my father.

 

“This fight is also big since my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach Brianne Genschel will be fighting alongside me.  Brianne has been working so hard for this and she deserves this fight and for her hand to be raised. I’m also excited to have longtime friend and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Shawn Smith in my corner which is also an honor. I truly want to thank The Foundry and First Class MMA for all the support and dedication they have had with me and my training.

 

“I believe this will be a great fight and I’ll have to show people a side of me they have not been able to see yet and I look forward to that. I greatly respect my opponent for taking this fight and wish him the best of luck. To my fans be ready for the Guardian to come out like you have never seen him before.  I appreciate this opportunity and I’ll do my best to put a smile on everyone’s face.  I would also like to thank my wife Heather for all the help and support she has given me.”

 

A native of Portugal, Yorgan DeCastro came to the United States with a solid kickboxing background.  He began competing in mixed-martial-arts in 2014, quickly rattling off a pair of victories on fight cards in Massachusetts. November 19 will be DeCastro’s debut on Maine soil, and he plans to return home to South Shore Sportfighting (SSSF) with the heavyweight title belt in tow.

 

“I’m excited for the opportunity to showcase my skills in front of a new crowd,” said DeCastro.  “I don’t plan on letting the fight go the distance, but I’m ready for whatever he brings to the table.  I’ve faced tougher opposition, so I know I’m prepared.”

 

The opening bell on Saturday, November 19 is set for 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event 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 @nefightsand 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

FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER DANIEL WEICHEL TAKES ON PAUL REDMOND AT ‘BELLATOR 169: KING MO VS. ISHII’

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**TICKETS ON SALE TODAY**

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 14, 2016) – Bellator MMA has added a brand new fight to its debut event in Ireland, seeing former featherweight title-challengerDaniel Weichel (37-9) take on Dublin’s own Paul Redmond (11-6) at “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii,” which emanates from the state-of-the-art 3Arena on Dec. 16.

 

“Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii,” will be headlined by a heavyweight fight pitting “King Mo” (19-5, 1 NC) against Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1). Ireland will also have one of its brightest prospects on the card as well, as the pride of Strabane, James Gallagher (4-0) returns home against a yet-to-be-announced foe.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” start at 35€ and go on sale TODAY atBellator.com, Ticketmaster.ie and the 3Arena Box Office. The event can be seen free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

In addition to a full card of Bellator action, ticketholders will also get to experience a complete fight card from Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, BAMMA. “BAMMA 27” will be headlined by a bantamweight title fight pitting Tom Duquesnoy(13-1, 1 NC) against Alan Philpott (16-8), as well as a featherweight title fight featuring former Bellator competitors Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) against Martin Stapleton(18-4).

A winner in nine of his last 10 bouts, dating back to 2012, Weichel seems to be hitting his stride under the direction of Bellator MMA. “The Weasel” will enter the cage for the 47th time as a professional, a 14-year career that has seen him emerge victorious 37 times, including an M-1 Global Lightweight Championship. Weichel has finished 26 of his 37 victims over his career, including 21 by way of submission, making him one of the most feared featherweights on the ground. Since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion in 2014, the German submission specialist has collected wins in six of his seven bouts, including consecutive victories over the likes of Georgi Karakhanyan and most recently Emmanuel Sanchez. The durable 31-year-old hopes to build off of his key win over the aforementioned Sanchez at “Bellator 159: Caldwell vs. Taimanglo,”as he prepares to take on Ireland’s own Paul Redmond inside 3Arena on Dec. 16.

 

After beginning his professional career as a lightweight, Redmond made the transition to the featherweight division in 2015 and will immediately face a stiff test against one of Bellator MMA’s best in Weichel. The 29-year-old Dublin, Ireland native will be making his Bellator MMA debut after spending his 2015 campaign competing for the UFC. Redmond has recorded 11 career victories, including nine finishes including five knockouts. “Redser” will look to build off of his most recent victory at “BAMMA 26,”a unanimous decision win over Chris Stringer. With each of Redmond’s nine finishes coming in the second round, we can be sure to see the hometown favorite attempt to wear down Weichel and add to his impressive total.

 

Updated “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” Main Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (19-5, 1 NC) vs. Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: James Gallagher (4-0) vs. TBA

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Daniel Weichel (37-9) vs. Paul Redmond (11-6)

 

Updated “BAMMA 27” Main Card:

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Tom Duquesnoy (13-1, 1 NC) vs. Alan Philpott (16-8)

Featherweight World Title Bouut: Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) vs. Martin Stapleton (18-4)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Dylan Tuke (3-0) vs. Sean Tobin (4-2)