Category Archives: MMA

IT WILL BE VICTORY OR VALHALLA (AND MAYBE A NEW TATTOO) AT NEF 32

Lewiston, Maine (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 5, 2017) – No, you have not been transported back to the 9th century. There will be no longboats, no battleaxes, and no shield maidens present on February 3rd nyob rau hauv Lewiston. Tsis tau, the Androscoggin River is very likely to run red with blood that evening. A Viking and a Berserker will wage war in Central Maine when New England Fights (NEF) returns to Lewiston with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 32: Super Saturday.” Wrestling and jiu-jitsu, rather than swords and Thor’s hammer, will be the weapons of choice as Jesse “Lub Viking” Erickson (8-7) ntsej muag Mike “Lub hwj txwv” Hansen (5-8) of Berserkers MMA in a featured professional welterweight bout.

The fight will be Erickson’s twentieth in the NEF cage, a record number for any one fighter in the promotion, but it will be a year since his last NEF appearance. He lost to Jon Lemke (7-8) in the semi-finals of the NEF Lightweight Title tournament last February at the Colisee. Erickson, an instructor with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ), and a homegrown talent of Lewiston-Auburn, will be looking for a triumphant return after a recent loss in Canada.

“It will be a year since I’ve fought in Lewiston,” said Erickson. “The NEF cage is like home to me. I’m really looking forward to hearing my friends, tsev neeg, and CMBJJ team as I enter the cage. But once the door shuts, all I hear is my corner and all I’m focused on is dismantling the man across from me. Odin’s Son is here to slay the great wolf. This is Ragnarok. Victory or Valhalla.”

Like his opponent, Mike Hansen is also in search of a much-needed win. Hansen lost all four of his fights in 2017, including back-to-back defeats this fall in Western Massachusetts. His last win came atNEF 25” nyob rau hauv 2016 when Hansen, a former state champion wrestler for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine, scored an impressive first-round submission of Matt Andrikut (2-1), defending the honor of Maine wrestling against the New York mat native.

“I’m super excited for this fight,” exclaimed Hansen of the upcoming meeting with Erickson. “It’s a great matchup for Maine MMA. Our schools are close to each other and we have competed against each other many times. It’s finally time for the coaches to get down and boogie. My pick for this fight is the fans for sure. Fans will not be upset.

Hansen challenged Erickson to add a stipulation to the bout when they announced the fight publicly atNEF 31in Portland last month. Hansen would like the loser to receive a tattoo with the design chosen by the winner.

I have nothing but respect for Jesse Erickson, but so still want our sponsor C+C O’Leary Tattoo in Lewiston to do his tattoo I pick for him when he loses. Kuv yuav, ‘finish him,’ thiab ‘if he dies, he dies.Time to start making your sacrifices Jesse, you will need the gods in your favor on February 3rd, because when war time comes the blood will flow.”

NEF tus tom ntej mixed-martial-kev kawm cov kev tshwm sim, “NEF 32: Super Saturday,” yuav pom lub tuam txhab ua nws rov qab mus rau lub Androscoggin Bank Colisee nyob rau hauv Lewiston, Maine. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Lub ob hlis ntuj 3, 2018. Tickets are on-sale now online at www.TheColisee.com.

PRIMUS Fighting Championship on FITE

New York, NY (Hlis ntuj nqeg 5, 2017) – FITE TV announces the debut of PRIMUS Fighting Championship December 9th 2017. Cov kev tshwm sim, which will be the inaugural event for PRIMUS FC, features a number of UFC veterans as well as some of the hottest young talent in MMA. The event streams live and globally on PPV for $16.99 on the FITE app and online at https://www.fite.tv/watch/primus-fc-rakim-cleveland-vs-houston-alexander/2m2kg/
Headlining the event will be UFC veteran HoustonThe AssassinAlexander as he looks for vengeance against RakimThe BoogeymanCleveland who handed Alexander a TKO loss early this year. The light heavyweight matchup is sure to produce fireworks both fighters have high TKO/KO finishing rates. Midwest fighting pride will also be on the line as both fighters hail from and have made their careers on the Midwest MMA scene.
In the co-main event one of the hottest heavyweight prospects in MMA and recent winner of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender series, Shelton “The Gravedigger” Graves, faces off against Jason Walraven who will be hungry and looking to prove himself after a TKO loss to one of the toughest heavyweights in MMA, Tony “KyrptoniteLopez earlier this year.
A pair of former Ultimate Fighter contestants are also featured on the card in RobThe SaintEmerson and Jamie Yager. Emerson, a contestant of The Ultimate Fighter season five, faces DavidThe KingSachs in a battle of experienced grapplers who are no strangers to submissions. Yager, a standout in The Ultimate Fighter season 11 and Kings MMA product, brings his explosive style of striking and a two fight winning streak into the cage against the Canadian Tyler “TNT” Jackson who makes his way back to the cage after a three year break from the sport.
Also on the card is Oklahoma product CortezThe Crazy CowboyColeman who is now training out of Factory X under Muay Thai coah Mark Montoya in Denver Colorado and is looking to get back on track against the surging ChristianoUrsoFrohlich who rides a four fight win streak into a matchup that promises to be a standup battle.
Adding to the lineup of MMA talent will be former Ultimate Fighter season 2 winner and UFC lightweight title contender JoeDaddyStevenson who will be providing commentary on the night’s action. Fans will also be treated to a National Anthem performance by Miss Oklahoma Alex Smith! Catch the action live December 9th at 7PM ET/4PM PT on FITE TV PPV.
About FITE
FITE brings premium combat sports programming to MMA, Boxing and Pro Wrestling fans to watch live on every screen – computer, ntsiav tshuaj, phone and TV.The FITE mobile app works with any Wi-Fi connected TV around the world as well as streaming devices such as Chromecast, Xyoo, Xbox, Apple TV and more. The app can be downloaded for free at iTunes Appstore los yog Google Play. Lub hli tas los, FITE launched its Android TV app expanding its content offering and making live television accessible with just a click to Android TV users globally.
FITE is a product of Flipps Media Inc, the digital entertainment company which allows users to cast video to connected TVs requiring no setup and no additional software.
Yog xav paub ntxiv: www.fite.tv

Titan Fighting Championships finds a new home in time for Titan FC:47 rau hlis ntuj nqeg 15, 2017

Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 1, 2017 - Titan Fighting Championships (Titan FC) will have their thawj Mixed Martial Arts event, Titan FC 47, rau Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 15, 2017 in their new tsev, Xtreme Action Park nyob rau hauv Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event will feature 10 Professional fights with its main event being for the Featherweight Title.

1. Sodiq Yusuff VS Luis Gomez, Featherweight Title Match


2. Gustavo Balart VS Bruno Korea Mesquita, Flynyob rau hauveight


3. Michel Batista VS Edison Lopes, Heavyweight


4. Demarques Jackson VS Beibit Nazarov, Lightweight


5. Michael Cora VS Rico Farrington, Welterweight


6. Fred Moncaio VS , Marcos Lloreda, Welterweight


7. Steve Mowry VS Frank Tate, Heavyweight


8. Mike Lombardo VS TBD, Middleweight


9. Alberto Blas VS Jean Colon, Bantamweight

10. Thais Nega VS Hannah Cifer, WMMA Strawweight

Raws li always, Titan FC 47, will be available for live streaming via UFC Fight Pass.

Titan’s COO, Lex McMahon:

"I believe that we have certainly found a home with our move to Xtreme Action Park. We are excited about showing off our new venue with such an action-packed card, and look forward to more fan and fighter focused events to consistently take place thoob plaws hauv 2018."

THIAB TSEEM! JULIA BUDD RETAINS WOMEN’S FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE WITH A SPLIT DECISION VICTORY AT BELLATOR 189

 

 

Complete Bellator 189: Budd vs. Blencowe 2 Main Card tau:

Julia Budd (11-2) yeej Arlene Blencowe (10-7) ntawm cais kev txiav txim siab (46-49, 48-47, 49-46)

Duab: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sch58s8ehmtwnjr/AAAx69mIvHYsMWb1iukNObqea?dl=0

Rafael Lovato Jr. (7-0) yeej Chris Honeycutt (10-2, 1 NC) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Duab: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tcr1yg7q1e190fc/AAA7RYTKz1PLenoBmmjKaluTa?dl=0

Chidi Njokuani (18-5, 1 NC) yeej Hisaki Kato (8-3) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Duab: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xbk2nyzieavcgcm/AADm9fwL3c9TniJiK-gb-u4oa?dl=0

 

David Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) yeej Adas Piccolot (9-2) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Duab: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jz0hx1wjmz82s11/AAB-PokM2z8vn211Lmv9WojZa?dl=0

 

Preliminary Card tau:

Sam Sicilia (16-8) yeej Marcos Galvao (18-9-1) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Gaston Bolanos (2-1) yeej Rick Gutierrez (0-2) via knockout at 1:13 ntawm puag ncig ib

Mandel Nallo (6-0) yeej Alec Williams (6-2) via TKO at 0:18 ntawm puag ncig ib

Juliana Velasquez (6-0) yeej Na Liang (6-2) ntawm cuav (arm bar) ntawm 0:32 ntawm round ob

Cris Williams (3-0) yeej Thomas Lopez (1-3) ntawm cuav (triangle) ntawm 1:39 ntawm puag ncig ib

Stephanie Geltmacher (2-0) yeej Ky Bennett (0-1) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)

Brian Grinnell (9-7) yeej Kemmyelle Haley (7-6) via submission at 0:39 ntawm puag ncig ib

Brandon Phillips (7-3) yeej Jordan Howard (10-4) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Andrew Parker (7-2) yeej Frank Patterson (4-5) ntawm cuav (triangle) ntawm 3:03 ntawm puag ncig ib

 

LFA RETURNS TO DALLAS NEXT WEEK WITH NEW MAIN EVENT LFA 28 – JACKSON vs. LUNA

MAIN kev tshwm sim:
THE LEECH
DAMON JACKSON
vs.
LUIS LUNA
LIGHTWEIGHT REMATCH
CO-MAIN kev tshwm sim:
TRAIL BLAZER
KEVIN HOLLAND
vs.
MOOSE
CHRIS BACHMEIER
Middleweight showdown
Friday, DECEMBER 8th LIVE on AXS TV
THE BOMB FACTORY in DALLAS, Texas
Tickets are on sale NOW through TheBombFactory.com
Houston, Texas – Legacy Sib ntaus sib tua Alliance (LFA) CEO Ed Soares announced today that the promotion has a new main event at LFA 28, which takes place next week at The Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas.

LFA 28 will feature a new main event when UFC vet DamonThe LeechJackson battles longtime rival and fellow Legacy FC alum Luis Luna in a lightweight rematch. The change came when original headliner Evan Cutts suffered an injury in training. Undefeated prospect Jaleel Willis was set to face Cutts, but will now have his LFA debut at a future date. LFA 28 – Jackson vs. Luna takes place this Friday, December 8th at The Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas. Tag nrho lub ntsiab card yuav tawm hauv TV nyob thiab thoob tebchaws rau AXS TV ntawm 9 p.m. THIAB / 6 p.m. PT.
Damon Jackson is a UFC vet and former Legacy champion that is coming off an impressive submission win at LFA 16,” Hais Soares. “He will face his longtime rival Luis Luna, who has been wanting a rematch with Jackson for over four and a half years. LFA started at The Bomb Factory in Dallas in January and returned in July. We will continue our exciting history in Big D next week at LFA 28.
Tickets for LFA 28 – Jackson vs. Luna are available for purchase NOW at TheBombFactory.com.
Jackson (12-2-1) comes into this fight looking to remind people that history has a way of repeating itself in the world of combat sports. In April 2013, Jackson faced Luna (14-6) in his fifth professional fight. The bout was Luna’s eleventh as a professional fighter. Jackson won the bout via armbar, but not without a bit of controversy.
The fight was back and forth until Jackson landed an illegal knee to a downed opponent in Round 1. The referee stopped the action and re-centered the fighters, but Luna was angry. When Jackson put his hand out to touch gloves, Luna ignored the gesture and threw a left hook and a flurry of punches that dropped Jackson. The NAIA All-American, Jackson, used his elite wrestling skills to survive the round.
In Round 2, both fighters came out firing. Luna gained top position off a trip that he utilized during the early striking exchange. Jackson, who is a master scrambler and appropriately nicknamedThe Leech”, quickly got back to his feet and landed a double-leg takedown. He then advanced seamlessly into a full mount. After raining down some ground and pound, Luna turned and Jackson moved with him, while transitioning into a fight-ending belly down armbar at the 1:15 mark of Round 2.
Jackson got the win that night, but Luna feels that the fight is not finished. While Jackson went on to gain fame fighting for Legacy FC, UFC, and LFA, Luna also elevated his profile by fighting in Legacy FC and is widely considered one of the top lightweights in the state of Texas. While Jackson is looking to have history repeat itself, Luna is aiming to prove another old adage. That would be the one that says lightning never strikes twice in the same place. Therein, as the Bard would tell us, lies the rub. The LFA 28 headliner will settle this bad blood rivalry, while also determining which maxim expresses the most truth.
Main Card (Televised rau AXS TV nyob 9 p.m. THIAB / 6 p.m. PT):
Main tshwm sim | Hnav Bout (155 lb)
Damon Jackson (12-2-1) vs. Luis Luna (14-6)
Middleweight Bout (185 lb)
Kevin Holland (10-3) vs. Chris Bachmeier (10-1)
Light-Heavyweight Bout (205 lb)
– Alonzo Menifield (4-0) vs. Otavio Lacerda (9-4)
Bantamweight Bout (135 lb)
Miles Johns (5-0) vs. Caio Machado (10-4)
Featherweight Bout (145 lb)
– Steven Peterson (15-6) vs. Dustin Winter (6-4)
Welterweight Bout (170 lb)
Melvin Jordan (5-2) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (4-3)
Welterweight Bout (170 lb)
Ramiz Brahimaj (4-0) vs. Ben Simons (2-1)
Nyob rau hauv lub Cuaj Hli Ntuj 2016, Legacy FC and RFA officials announced that they would be merging to form the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) pib nyob rau hauv Lub ib hlis ntuj 2017. Legacy FC and RFA have launched the careers of over 150 ncaws pob uas tau mus txog lub pinnacle ntawm MMA los ntawm competing nyob rau hauv lub UFC.
LFA 28 will be the third LFA event to take place in the City of Dallas. It will also be the seventh time that the LFA has traveled toThe Lone Star Stateof Texas. Further information about LFA 28 yuav muab tshaj tawm sai. Tag nrho lub ntsiab card ntawm LFA 28 yuav tsum tawm hauv TV nyob thiab teb chaws rau AXS TV nyob 9 p.m. THIAB / 6 p.m. PT.
Thov mus saib LFAfighting.com rau sib ntau sib tw tshiab thiab cov lus qhia. LFA is on Facebook at Legacy Sib ntaus sib tua Alliance. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting thiab Twitter ntawm @LFAfighting.

LEAR VACATES AMATEUR TITLE TO TURN PRO AGAINST JONES AT NEF 32

Lewiston, Maine (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 1, 2017) - Tshiab England Fights (NEF) rov qab los rau Lewiston rau Saturday, Lub ob hlis ntuj 3, 2018 nrog rau cov kev sib ntaus qib tom ntej mixed-martial-kev kawm cov kev tshwm sim, “NEF 32: Super Saturday.” Nyuam qhuav pib hnub no, NEF announced the addition of a professional bantamweight bout to the card. Fred Lear (0-0) yuav siv sij hawm nyob rau hauv DomDomnation” Jones (1-1) ntawm ib tug sib ntaus luj ntawm 135-phaus.

The bout will be Lear’s debut in the professional ranks after a successful amateur career that saw him amass a 6-2 cov ntaub ntawv. He is riding a three-fight win streak into the showdown with Jones. Lear’s last appearance in the NEF cage saw him capture the amateur bantamweight title with a second-round technical knockout over Jonesteammate Walt Shea (2-1) kawg lub caij ntuj sov. He will now vacate that championship upon turning professional. Lear is a member of Young’s MMA of Bangor, Maine. He has competed regularly in the amateur ranks for more than four years.

My opponent is big, muaj zog, and dangerous,” said Lear. “Styles are what make big fights, and the fans will be in for another barn burner here. I have dreamt of this opportunity and will work hard to ensure that it is not squandered.

Dom Jones, a member of First Class MMA of Brunswick, Maine, made his NEF debut last spring as a professional after going 5-1 as an amateur in his native state of Florida. He dominated Tollison Lewis (1-6) that night, pounding out a technical knockout victory late in the first round. Jones returned to the NEF cage weeks later and suffered his first pro loss to Matt Denning (5-7). Not one to give up on his goals, Jones is using that loss as motivation to better himself in training.

I’m glad to be back in NEF,” said Jones when reached for comment. “I missed the cage and the NEF fans! I’m excited for my upcoming fight against Fred. Last time I was in the cage, the fight didn’t turn out my way. I used that as a motivation to be better. I jumped right back in the gym and went 110%. I’m excited to be back at 135 and challenge myself. Fred is a great match up. He is great fighter with a future in the sport. I’m excited to see our wrestling skills compete. It’s going to be a fun and explosive fight and something the fans want to see. February 3rd is going to be fireworks!”

NEF tus tom ntej mixed-martial-kev kawm cov kev tshwm sim, “NEF 32: Super Saturday,” yuav pom lub tuam txhab ua nws rov qab mus rau lub Androscoggin Bank Colisee nyob rau hauv Lewiston, Maine. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Lub ob hlis ntuj 3, 2018. Tickets are on-sale now online atwww.TheColisee.com.

Hais txog Tshiab England Fights

Tshiab England Fights ("NEF") yog ib tug sib ntaus txheej xwm promotions lub tuam txhab. NEF lub hom phiaj yog los tsim lub siab tshaj plaws zoo txheej xwm rau Maine lub tua hluav taws thiab cov kiv cua zoo tib yam nkaus. NEF lub thawj pab neeg no muaj nws kim heev kev nyob rau hauv nqe ntaus rog kev ua si tswj, txheej xwm ntau lawm, xov xwm kev sib raug zoo, marketing, kev cai lij choj thiab advertising.

Combate 19 Weigh-In Results, Photos and Video

Kyra Batara (tshuav) and Paulina Granados (txoj cai) faced off on stage after each weighed in one day before their much-anticipated main event showdown atTS-1 Promotions Presents: Combate 19 (Queen Warriors)” live on Telemundo from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas on Friday, Dec. 1.

OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR
“TS-1 PROMOTIONS PRESENTS: COMBATE 19 (QUEEN WARRIORS)”

San Antonio, TX – November 30, 2017 –The fighters stepped on the scale and faced off with each other on Thursday, Nov. 30, one day before the “TS-1 Promotions Presents: Combate 19 (Queen Warriors)" Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) extravaganza, headlined by the much-anticipated women’s atomweight (105 phaus) showdown between rivals Kyra "Mogwai" Batara (6-4) thiab Paulina “Firefox” Granados (4-2), live on Telemundo at 12 a.m. THIAB/11 p.m. CT on Friday, Dec. 1 from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas.

After Batara of Las Vegas, Nev. missed weight by one pound (107.4 phaus) after the contracted, one-pound allowance was considered, an agreement was made between her and Granados (4-2), who weighed in at 105.5 phaus, to proceed with the bout as planned.

Co-main event fighters Andres “The Bullet” Quintana (12-2) ntawm Albuquerque, N.M. thiab Rey "Lub Warrior" Trujillo (21-19) ntawm Houston, Texas tipped the scales at 145 phaus thiab 145.9 phaus, respectively for their featherweight (145 phaus) matchup.

Undefeated Daniel Rodriguez (4-0) ntawm Los Angeles, California. and fellow knockout artistVictor “Kelevra” Reyna (9-3) ntawm Dallas, Texas clocked in at 171.1 phaus thiab 170 pounds for their welterweight (170 phaus) scrap that will serve as the opening bout on the live Telemundo broadcast.

Prior to the live Telemundo broadcast, the seven-bout preliminary card will stream live on TelemundoDeportes.com, the Telemundo Deportes En Vivo App and Facebook LIVE, pib thaum (9 p.m. THIAB/8 p.m. I).

Luv nqi los ntawm $30, tickets for “TS-1 Promotions Presents: Combate 19 (Queen Warriors)"Yog rau cov muag khoom nyob rau ntawm lub Ticketmaster.com.

Doors at Freeman Coliseum open at 7 p.m. I. The first preliminary bout begins at 8 p.m.


(Pictured above): Rey “The Warrior” Trujillo (tshuav) and AndresThe BulletQuintana (txoj cai) will square off in the ‘Combate 19’ co-ntsiab kev tshwm sim, live on Telemundo tag kis, Friday, Dec. 1.

COMPLETE WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR
“TS-1 PROMOTIONS PRESENTS: COMBATE 19 (QUEEN WARRIORS)"

MAIN FIGHT CARD (LIVE ON TELEMUNDO AT 12 A.M. THIAB/11 P.M. I):

Atomweight (105 phaus) Main tshwm sim: Kyra Batara (107.4 phaus) vs Paulina Granados (105.5 phaus)

Featherweight (145 phaus) Co-Main kev tshwm sim: Andres Quintana (146 phaus) vs Rey Trujillo (146.4 phaus)

Welterweight (170 phaus) Featured Bout: Daniel Rodriguez (171.1 phaus) vs Victor Reyna (170 phaus)

PRELIMINARY FIGHT CARD
(LIVE ON TELEMUNDODEPORTES.COM, TELEMUNDO DEPORTES EN VIVO APP AND FACEBOOK LIVE):

Catchweight (140 phaus): Ray Rodriguez (139.1 phaus) vs Michael Rodriguez (143.7 phaus)

Atomweight (105 phaus): Vanesa Rico (105.1 phaus) vs Brenda Enriquez (106.1 phaus)

Bantamweight (135 phaus): David Jesus Fuentes (135 phaus) vs Joel Scott (135.1 phaus)

Flyweight (125 phaus): Heinrich Wassmer (125.4 phaus) vs Juan Deantes (123.8 phaus)

Catchweight (140 phaus): Javier Obregon (139.5 phaus) vs Jose Ceja (138.9 phaus)

Flyweight (125 phaus): David Miramontes (125.6 phaus) vs Federico David Olivera (123.8 phaus)

Sib (155 phaus): Fernando Rodriguez (153.1 phaus) vs Jesse Almaraz (154.2 phaus)
###

HAIS TXOG COMBATE teb chaws Amelikas no

Combate Americas is the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, rapidly becoming the number two sport, after soccer, for Spanish speaking sports fans worldwide. The Combate Americas franchise includes reality TV programming, live events and mobile programming. The company’s CEO, Campbell McLaren, is universally recognized as the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). New York Magazine described McLaren as “lub lag luam ntse heev tom qab lub UFC” thiab Yahoo! Cov kev ua si hais tias hais tias nws “paub ntau ntxiv txog cov kev ua si nawv tshaj yog hais txog leej twg nyob rau hauv nws hnub no.” With an unprecedented product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Americas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.

2017 ROOKIE STANDOUTS WILL BATTLE IN FIRST NEF EVENT OF NEW YEAR

Tam sim TSO TAWM: Lewiston, Maine (Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 30, 2017) - Tshiab England Fights (NEF) rov qab los rau Lewiston rauSaturday, Lub ob hlis ntuj 3, 2018 nrog rau cov kev sib ntaus qib tom ntej mixed-martial-kev kawm cov kev tshwm sim, “NEF 32: Super Saturday.” Nyuam qhuav pib hnub no, NEF announced the addition of an amateur middleweight bout to the card. Josh Jones (2-2) yog teem kom tau raws li Mark Gardner (1-0) ntawm ib tug sib ntaus luj ntawm 185-phaus.

Josh Jonesrise to the top of the NEF middleweight division in 2017 was nothing short of meteoric. A former basketball star at Erskine Academy in South China, Maine and draftee of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Developmental League, Jones has honed his craft in the martial arts at First Class MMA of Brunswick. It took him a mere 24-seconds combined to knock out his first two opponents this past year. Jones’ four-second knockout of Anthony Spires (0-3) went viral worldwide and was featured on major websites like Bleacher Report. After back-to-back losses to finish the year, Jones is looking to rebound with a win to open 2018.

I am very honored and blessed to have the opportunity to compete against Mark,” said Jones. “Mark has shown to be an awesome competitor. I look forward to the challenge on February 3rd. As an MMA fighter and competitor, it is always a privilege to step into the cage and perform under the lights for New England Fights.

Mark Gardner made his debut in the NEF cage earlier this month in Portland. Gardner faced another up-and-coming middleweight in the form of Carlton Charles (1-1). Lub caij sov tas los, it was Charles who handed Josh Jones his first loss. Gardner impressed many in attendance with his gutsy performance against Charles. He had an answer for everything Charles threw at him early in the fight, dispatching Charles in the second round by technical knockout. For those who have followed Maine combat sports for some time, Gardner’s toughness comes as no surprise. His gritty, workmanlike style has been the hallmark of his team, the Academy of MMA in Portland, for many years.

I’m excited to get back in the cage for my next fight,” declared Gardner. “I learned a lot from my first fight and have been working on my technique. I can’t say much about my opponent, I don’t really know anything about himI just fight who my coach tells me to fight.

NEF tus tom ntej mixed-martial-kev kawm cov kev tshwm sim, “NEF 32: Super Saturday,” yuav pom lub tuam txhab ua nws rov qab mus rau lub Androscoggin Bank Colisee nyob rau hauv Lewiston, Maine. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Lub ob hlis ntuj 3, 2018. Tickets are on-sale now online atwww.TheColisee.com.

MICHAEL ‘MAYDAY’ MCDONALD MAKES PROMOTIONAL DEBUT AGAINST PETER LIGIER DURING MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR 191 IN NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND ON DEC. 15

VALERIE ‘TROUBLE’ LETOURNEAU ALSO SET FOR BELLATOR DEBUT AGAINST KATE JACKSON

LOS ANGELES – Two of Bellator’s top recent free agent signings, Michael McDonald (17-4) thiab Valerie Letourneau (8-6), will both make their long-awaited promotional debuts during Bellator 191 at Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England on Friday, Dec. 15.

 

“Mayday” will take on Peter Ligier (8-1-1) in a bantamweight main event, while “Trouble” will compete at flyweight against Kate Jackson (9-2-1) nyob rau hauv lub co-ntsiab kev tshwm sim. Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, British heavyweights collide when James “The Colossus” Thompson (20-16, 1 NC) returns to the Bellator cage where he meets Philip De Fries (13-6, 1 NC). Thaum kawg, two lightweight contests have also been added, as Jeremy Petley (11-8) battles Lewis Monarch (9-2) and Ash Griffiths (4-4) takes on Mohammad Yahya (3-1).

 

Bellator 191: McDonald vs. Ligier will be broadcast free on SPIKE Friday, Dec. 15 ntawm 9 p.m. THIAB/ 8 p.m. I. Tickets for the event can be purchased from Ticketmaster.co.uk & event.co.uk.

 

Tsuas 26 xyoo ntawm hnub nyoog, McDonald will enter the Bellator cage with experience against some of the top bantamweights the sport of MMA has to offer, including Renan Barao, John Lineker, Urijah Faber and Brad Pickett. A veteran of the WEC and UFC veteran, the Modesto, Calif.-native signed with Bellator following a nine-fight, five-year run with his former promotion. Nrog 15 finishes in his 17 yeej raws li ib tug kws, McDonald will look to hand Ligier his first stoppage loss of his career.

 

Hailing from Paris, Fabkis, Ligier turned pro in 2013 and has competed exclusively on the European circuit throughout his 10-fight career. Also known as “BadAzz,” the 31-year-old has finished his opponent in five out of eight opportunities, amounting to an impressive finishing rate of 63%. Now making his debut with Bellator, Ligier formerly competed for BAMMA in 2014.

 

The Canadian-born Létourneau, a former UFC strawweight title challenger, carries an impressive track record of thrilling fights, highlighted by a world title contest against former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Tam sim no, moving up to her more natural weight class, the 34-year-old American Top Team product will make her debut for Bellator. On Dec. 15, “Trouble” will look to improve upon her eight victories as a professional, a tally that includes five finishes, with four coming by way of knockout.

 

Fresh off a victory over Colleen Schneider at Bellator 182 nyob rau hauv lub yim hli ntuj, the victory gave Jackson five wins in a row, including four stoppages. Jackson hasn’t lost since May of 2013, a period which also included a run on reality television show Qhov kawg Fighter lub caij 23. Hailing from Lostwithiel, Cornwall, Hais, Jackson will have the home crowd to her advantage at Bellator 191.

Complete Bellator 191: McDonald vs. Ligier Fight Card:

Bantamweight Main Event: Michael McDonald (17-4) vs. Peter Ligier (8-1-1)

Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event: Valerie Letourneau (8-6) vs. Kate Jackson (9-2-1)

Heavyweight Feature Bout: James Thompson (20-16, 1 NC) vs. Philip De Fries (13-6, 1 NC)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Jeremy Petley (11-8) vs. Lewis Monarch (9-2)

 

Preliminary Card:

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mohammad Yahya (3-1) vs. Ash Griffiths (4-4)

 

****

MOUNTAIN VALLEY WRESTLING ALUM TO MEET IN NEF MMA CAGE

Lewiston, Maine (Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 29, 2017) - Tshiab England Fights (NEF) rov qab los rau Lewiston rau Saturday, Lub ob hlis ntuj 3, 2018 nrog rau cov kev sib ntaus qib tom ntej mixed-martial-kev kawm cov kev tshwm sim, “NEF 32: Super Saturday.” Nyuam qhuav pib hnub no, NEF announced the addition of an amateur flyweight bout to the card. Ryan Burgess (2-2) yuav fim Nate Boucher (2-1) ntawm ib tug sib ntaus luj ntawm 125-phaus.

Ryan Burgess is wrestling royalty at his alma mater, Roob Valley High School, in Rumford, Maine. Burgess is one of only four Mountain Valley wrestlers to ever win triple state crowns in wrestling. He amassed an amazing 151-23 overall high school record before graduating and turning his focus to mixed martial arts. He is currently a member of Berserkers MMA based in Rumford. Burgess is the former NEF amateur flyweight champion. NEF 32 will see him return to the cage after a year’s absence.

I’m very excited for this opportunity to get back in the cage,” hais tias Burgess. “I’ve taken some time off to make proper adjustments and focus on my career that started not long before my last fight. I’m ready to take my belt back and right now only one guy stands in my way. It’s not every day you can go to an MMA fight and watch two men who saw each other grow up scrap. Xws li February 3rd, Nate, we will see what you’re made of.

Nate Boucher began wrestling at five-years old and due to some off-the-mat issues, never achieved the high school statistics of his upcoming adversary, Burgess. Txawm li cas los, Boucher’s wrestling skills were on full display back in August 2017at NEF 30 when he defeated Maine wrestling legend and four-time state champion Jeremiah Barkac (0-1) by first-round submission. Boucher, who grew-up admiring Burgessprowess on the mat, is anxious to test himself against such a decorated grappler and prove that his wrestling stands up against the best. He will be looking to rebound from a split decision loss to Justin Witham (4-4) earlier this month in an unsuccessful bid for the vacant flyweight title. It was a fight many in attendance felt Boucher had won.

“The disappointment of the decision going against me on November 3rd still stings,” said Boucher. “I’m confident that I beat Justin Witham that night, even though two of the three judges didn’t see it that way. Yog li ntawd, I’m going to get right back on the horse—it’s what we do—and take on the guy that holds a win over Witham in Ryan Burgess. I grew-up watching Ryan wrestle. We’re from the same town and I know what he brings to the fight. I will be ready. I’m coming for my title and no one is going to get in my way.”

NEF tus tom ntej mixed-martial-kev kawm cov kev tshwm sim, “NEF 32: Super Saturday,” yuav pom lub tuam txhab ua nws rov qab mus rau lub Androscoggin Bank Colisee nyob rau hauv Lewiston, Maine. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Lub ob hlis ntuj 3, 2018. Tickets are on-sale now online at www.TheColisee.com.