Category Archives: Showtime

RISING STARS AND TOP CONTENDERS SET FOR HIGH-STAKES MATCHUPS ON STACKED CANELO VS. CHARLO SHOWTIME PPV UNDERCARD SATURDAY, CUAJ HLI 30

Plus All-Action Rising Middleweights Elijah Garcia and

Armando Reséndiz Meet in Pay-Per-View Opener

Canelo Promotions Presents a Premier Boxing Champions

Pay-Per-View from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS – August 25, 2023 -Three matchups featuring rising stars, top contenders and former world champions from 147 rau 160 pounds will highlight a robust pay-per-view undercard leading up to theCanelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charloundisputed super middleweight championship clash on Saturday, Cuaj hlis 30 live on SHOWTIME PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions Pay-Per-View.

Nyob rau hauv lub co-ntsiab kev tshwm sim, undefeated sensationJesus “Mono” Ramos Jr.,will take on hard-hitting top contenderErickson "Rauj" Lubinin a 12-round super welterweight special attraction. The pay-per-view also includes former world championsYordenis UgasthiabMario “El Azteca” Barriosgoing toe-to-toefor the Interim WBC Welterweight Title. Opening up the action at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT are rising middleweightsElijah GarciathiabArmando Reséndiz squaring off in a 10-round attraction.

Daim pib rau lub nyob kev tshwm sim, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

“These three matchups deliver everything boxing fans could hope for in a pay-per-view undercard and are worthy of the historic main event clash they will lead up to,” said Tom Brown, Thawj Tswj Hwm ntawm TGB Promotions. “Each fighter stepping into the ring has an opportunity to catapult themselves to the top of their respective division with a win on September 30. Fans can expect to see all of these competitors give everything they have to emerge victorious on SHOWTIME PPV at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”

A strong southpaw who at 22 has yet to come close to hitting his ceiling as a fighter, Ramos (20-0, 16 Kos) blitzed then-unbeaten Joey Spencer in March, dropping him in round one before stopping him in round seven to earn the TKO in his sensational 2023 debut on the undercard of David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant on SHOWTIME PPV. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos also owns back-to-back 10-round unanimous decisions over Brian Mendoza and Javier Molina in 2021, which he followed up by defeating Luke Santamaria and Vladimir Hernandez in 2022. Zuag qhia tag nrho, the youthful Ramos has gained recognition with highlight-reel KOs, stopping seven of his last 10 tw, showcasing his skills and ability to end his fights early.

I’m excited to be part of this huge card against a tough opponent on September 30,” said Ramos. “I know Lubin is training hard and coming to win, which will make for an entertaining fight. This whole card is stacked and we don’t want to disappoint, so the fans are in for a great night of boxing.

The 27-year-old Lubin (25-2, 18 Kos) returned to the ring in June to deliver an impressive fifth-round stoppage of veteran Luis Arias, who had never been stopped previously. Lubin’s previous outing saw him go toe-to-toe in one of 2022’s best fights, as he traded knockdowns with fellow contender Sebastian Fundora on SHOWTIME in April 2022. Heading into the Fundora fight, Lubin had put together an impressive six-bout winning streak since a loss to then unified and now undisputed 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017, a run that included triumphs over Jeison Rosario, Terrell Gausha and Ishe Smith. A native of Orlando, Fla., Lubin turned pro at 18 years old in 2013 and became one of the youngest prospects to ever appear on the developmental seriesSHOBOX: Tshiab Tiam®,earning “Prospect Of The Year” honors from ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.

“I know the world will be watching on September 30 and I plan on winning in a big way,” said Lubin. “We’ve got a young and talented fighter in front of us, but I’m young and talented as well. The difference is that I’ve fought the cream of the crop of the 154-pound division. Doesn’t matter if it’s Olympians, top prospects, contenders or champions, I’ve taken them on. I have a big chip on my shoulder and I know that with this win, I’ll be in a mega fight. I’m training extremely hard and the whole world will see it pay off.”

Ugas (27-5, 12 Kos) will step back into action on September 30 for the first time since an April 2022 unification bout defeat to Errol Spence Jr. on SHOWTIME PPV. He established himself as an elite welterweight after returning from a more than two-year layoff in 2016 following back-to-back losses in 2014. He punched his ticket as a world champion in January 2021 after winning a WBA belt by defeating Abel Ramos in September 2020. He solidified his world-championship status in August 2021, when he stepped in for an injured Spence to defeat legendary future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao by unanimous decision. Hailing from Santiago, Cuba and now living in Miami, Florida, the Olympic bronze medalist trains in Las Vegas with renowned coach Ismael Salas and owns victories over then undefeated fighters Jamal James, Omar Figueroa Jr. and Bryant Perrella, plus veteran contenders Thomas Dulorme and Ray Robinson.

“Both me and Mario Barrios have a lot to gain with a victory on September 30, so I know that this fight is going to be one to remember,” said Ugas. “I have tremendous respect for Barrios. He’s a true warrior who’s been in the ring with the best of them, but I have confidence that I’ll be victorious. I have a lot of fight left in me and my best skills will be on display in this fight. Patria y Vida, I fight for my people.”

The 28-year-old Barrios (27-2, 18 Kos) most recently scored a sensational knockout of Jovanie Santiago in February stopping Santiago in the eighth-round. Barrios’ previous fight was his welterweight debut as he dropped a hard-fought decision to former unified champion Keith Thurman in February 2022. The San Antonio-product, who now trains with top coach Bob Santos in Las Vegas, became a 140-pound world champion in September 2019, using his aggressive style to edge out Batyr Akhmedov and earn a unanimous decision. Barrios lost the super lightweight title in another action packed, highly competitive bout, as he was defeated by three-division and five-time world champion Gervonta Davis in June 2021.

“This fight is going to be a war, because we both fight with a lot of heart and neither of us ever backs down,” said Barrios. “I can’t wait to compete in a matchup like this on one of the biggest cards of the year. This is going to be a great night of boxing from start to finish and the Mexican fans can expect to see an explosive performance from ‘El Azteca’!"

Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Garcia (15-0, 12 Kos) is one of 2023’s biggest breakout stars He burst onto the scene in March by blasting out the previously unbeaten Amilcar Vidal in the fourth-round to announce his presence at 160-pounds. The 20-year-old followed up that performance by dominating veteran Kevin Salgado on his way to a unanimous decision in April on the SHOWTIME PPV undercard of Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia. The precocious Garcia has moved fast since turning pro in 2020 and has knocked out six of his last eight opponents.

“This is my second fight this year on a huge pay-per-view card and I’m super excited and even more prepared than the first time,” said Garcia. “Reséndiz is a hungry fighter just like myself, so I have no doubt that we are going to put on a hell of a show for all the fans watching.”

The 24-year-old Reséndiz(14-1, 10 Kos) earned a career-best victory in his last outing as he stopped former unified champion Jarrett Hurd in the 10th and final round of their March showdown on SHOWTIME. Reséndiz led on all three cards when the bout was stopped due to a severe laceration on Hurd’s lip. A native of Nayarit, Mexico, he now fights out of Los Angeles and will look to make it three-straight wins since a close decision loss to Marcos Hernandez in September 2021. Reséndiz turned pro in February 2018 and made a successful U.S. debut in April 2021 with a decision victory over Quilisto Madera.

“I’m very happy to have this great opportunity to compete on such an important fight card,” said Reséndiz. “I’m excited to realize my dream of fighting in Las Vegas, just like my boxing idols that I watched on TV. I’ve had an amazing training camp that will help me look my best on September 30 and put on a performance worthy of the boxing legends who inspire me.”

#          #          #

Yog xav paub ntxiv mus xyuassho.com/ppv thiabwww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CaneloCharlo, raws li nyob rau hauv Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing thiabwww.Facebook.com/premierboxingchampions/.

FORMER CHAMPION EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ BATTLES CONTENDER MELVIN LOPEZ FOR VACANT BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP LIVE ON SHOWTIME SATURDAY, YIM HLI NTUJ 12 FROM MGM NATIONAL HARBOR

FORMER CHAMPION EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ BATTLES STREAKING CONTENDER MELVIN LOPEZ FOR VACANT BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP LIVE ON SHOWTIME® HNUB SATURDAY, YIM HLI NTUJ 12 IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT FROM MGM NATIONAL HARBOR IN MARYLAND

Rising 140-Pound Star Gary Antuanne Russell Faces

Undefeated Kent Cruz in Co-Main Event

Sensational Top Prospect Travon Marshall Duels Unbeaten Contender Gabriel Maestre in Telecast Opener at

9 PM ET/6 PM PT

Daim pib rau muag khoom Tam sim no!

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. – July 17, 2023 -Yav tas los lub ntiaj teb championEmmanuel Rodriguezwill take on streaking contenderMelvin Lopezfor the vacant IBF Bantamweight World Championshipheadlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, Lub yim hli ntuj 12 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast pib thaum 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and will see undefeated rising star and Capitol Heights, Maryland-nativeGary Antuanne Russellkev noj nyob khub unbeatenKent Cruzin the 10-round super lightweight co-main event, plus sensational top prospect and Landover, Maryland-nativeTravon Marshallduels unbeaten two-time OlympianGabriel Maestrein the 10-round welterweight telecast opener.

Daim pib rau lub nyob kev tshwm sim, uas yog txhawb los ntawm TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased throughwww.mgmnationalharbor.com/.

“This show on August 12 is jam-packed with action for boxing fans as they will get an exciting world title clash in addition to some of the area’s top rising talent in tough contests live on SHOWTIME,” said Tom Brown, Thawj Tswj Hwm ntawm TGB Promotions. “Emmanuel Rodriguez is hungry to make a second run as world champion at bantamweight and will be given all he can handle by the red-hot Melvin Lopez. With two of Maryland’s top rising stars in Gary Antuanne Russell and Travon Marshall stepping in for separate bouts before that showdown, this lines up to be a can’t-miss card at MGM National Harbor.”

Fighting out of Manati, Puerto Rico, Rodríguez(21-2, 13 Kos) defeated the previously unbeaten Gary Antonio Russell last October by technical decision to put himself back into position to fight for the world title. The 30-year-old originally won the IBF Bantamweight World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Paul Butler in 2018 and successfully defended it against the then-unbeaten Jason Moloney. Rodríguez went on to lose the title to former undisputed champion Naoya Inoue in their May 2019 title bout.

“I’m happy to have this chance to become a world champion again,” said Rodriguez. “We’re gonna go out there to win in spectacular fashion and my goal is to show that I’m the best fighter in the world at 118-pounds. My goal is to become undisputed at bantamweight, however I’m not overlooking Melvin Lopez, because he’s a good fighter and will come to give it his all on August 12.”

The 25-year-old Lopez (29-1, 19 Kos) has won eight-straight fights since suffering his only career loss in October 2019. Originally from Nicaragua and now fighting out of Miami, Lopez has fought professionally since 2015 and began competing stateside in 2018. Lopez scored three victories in 2022, starting the year with knockouts of Juan Gabriel Medina and Victor Ruiz, before most recently defeating Jobert Alvarez last December. Out of his last 10 victories, Lopez has ended nine of those inside of the distance.

“I’m very excited that the time is almost here to fight for a world title,"Hais tias Lopez. “We’ve had a great training camp and everyone has sacrificed and worked hard so that we’re at our best on August 12. I’m going to show everyone why I earned this opportunity and repay my team for all of their efforts. I have a lot of respect for Emmanuel, but the best man will have his hand raised when we share the ring.”


Fighting out of his native Capitol Heights, Md., Russell (16-0, 16 Kos) will carry on the legacy left by his late father Gary Sr. A member of one of the sport’s preeminent fighting families, Russell trains alongside his older brothers, former WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Jr. and bantamweight contender Gary Antonio. The 26-year-old has yet to allow an opponent to make it to the final bell since turning pro in 2017 following his run representing the U.S. at the Rio 2016 Lub caij ntuj sov Olympics. Russell defeated his most accomplished foes to date in 2022, stopping former champion Viktor Postol in February before a TKO win against former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy in July.

“When you’re a student of the game like me, you have to consider that each step we take is about more than self-gratification. We’re doing this for keeps,” said Russell. “Kent Cruz has to catch up to me, but there’s no need for me to look back. The only direction I’m going is forward and that means putting on a spectacular performance on August 12, and proving I’m the next world champion in this division.”

The 30-year-old Cruz (16-0-3, 10 Kos) steps back into the ring after a pair of draws against fellow unbeaten Enriko Gogokhia in February and then November 2022. A native of St. Louis, Hli, Cruz defeated veterans Erik Humberto Castillo and Travis Hartman following a draw against Carlos Mohamed Rodriguez in April 2018. Cruz will pick up his past ring history with the Russell family on August 12, looking to avenge an amateur loss to Gary Allan Russell, Gary Antuanne’s older brother.

“I’m very excited for this fight on August 12,” said Cruz. “I’ve been waiting for a fight like this my whole career, so we didn’t hesitate when offered this one. I’m coming in as the underdog and that’s what’s fueling me. I’ve been an underdog my whole life and on August 12 I’m gonna shock the world. When I win this fight, I’ll be in contention to fight for a world title and have my chance to achieve my childhood dream.”

At just 22-years-old, Marshall (8-0, 7 Kos) has quickly shown the skill, power and poise to become a highly regarded prospect in just eight fights. Born in Landover, Md., and now fighting out of Capitol Heights, Md., Marshall is trained by former contender Andrew Council and has already scored two stoppages in 2023. Most recently he dominated veteran contender Justin DeLoach via third-round knockout in March, his most impressive victory to date.

“I’m really excited to be fighting at home in front of my family, friends and fans on August 12,” said Marshall. “I’m working hard every day in the gym so that when fight night comes I’m 100% and ready to put on a great performance for everyone watching. My goal is to show everyone that I belong on the big stage, and that starts with a victory over Gabriel Maestre.”

A two-time Olympian for his home country of Venezuela, Maestre (5-0-1, 4 Kos) had an extensive amateur run that included victories over Brian Castano, Carlos Adames, Alexander Besputin, Oscar Molina and Brian Ceballo. The 36-year-old made his U.S. debut with a controversial decision victory over Mykal Fox in August 2021 before fighting fellow unbeaten Taras Shelestyuk to a draw last March. Uas nyuam qhuav, Maestre defeated former two-division champion Devon Alexander after three rounds in April.

“I’m very ready for this fight against Travon Marshall,” said Maestre. “We are focused on the work that we need to put in so that we are victorious on August 12. I’m focused on having my hand raised and putting on a good show. We want to leave a good impression with the fans and move on to fight the big names in the welterweight division.”

#          #          #

Yog xav paub ntxiv mus xyuaswww.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RodriguezLopez, raws li nyob rau hauv Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

Statik 360 is the Best Charger Cord You Will Ever Own

Take it from the guys at Fight News Unlimited. We love this product. It is durable, practical and will keep your hassles with phone charging to a minimum. Check it out:

Multiple High-Profile Fights Added to Both Nights of BELLATOR MMA’s Hawaii Double-Header on April 21 thiab 22

Bellator 295 MAIN CARD GETS AN UPDATED MAIN CARD START TIME OF 11 P.M. ET / 8 P.M. PT

FRIDAY’S SHOW IS FREE TO ALL FIRST RESPONDERS, MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES, WHILE TICKETS FOR SATURDAY’S EVENT ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE

LOS ANGELES – The two main cards for BELLATOR MMA’s annual doubleheader on the Hawaiian island of Oahu are complete with the addition of today’s confirmed bouts.

Honolulu’sNeal S. Blaisdell Arena will play home to a pair of events on back-to-back nights withBellator 294 noj qhov chawFriday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 21 thiabBellator 295 noj qhov chawSaturday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 22

Bellator 294: Carmouche vs. Bennett 2 - Friday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 21

Main card airs live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT/4 p.m. local HST

Bellator 294: Carmouche vs. Bennett 2 on Fridayhas two new main card contests, bringing Friday’s slate to five fights in total. Former BELLATOR bantamweight title challenger and No. 5-rankedDanny Sabatello (13-2) will return to action for the first time since his shot at the world championship, when he competes againstMarcos Breno (15-2), who surprised many people when he bested Josh Hill on the scorecards in his BELLATOR debut. A welterweight contest pittingLevan Chokheli (11-2) and American Top Team’sMichael Lombardo (13-3) is also official for the SHOWTIME-aired portion of the event.

Lub sij hawm luag card rauBELLATOR 294currently features four fights, including No. 4-ranked heavyweightTyrell Fortune(12-3), who looks to get back to his winning ways against Russia’sSergei Bilostennyi(10-2). Ua Tsis. 5-ranked light heavyweightAlex Polizzi (10-2) returns to the BELLATOR cage and will compete against a streakingKarl Moore (11-2), who holds the No. 8 qeb duas. A lightweight tilt between five-fight BELLATOR veteranKillys Mota(14-3) and promotional newcomerKenneth Cross(13-3) is official, as is a 145-pound bout between Oregon’sCris Lencioni (10-3) tangling withBlake Smith (7-3). Rounding out the preliminary card is a middleweight affair between Colorado’sAnthony “Sugafoot” Adams(9-3) and Tajikistan’sSharafSherkhanDavlatmurodov(18-4-1).

The card is headlined by a Women’s Flyweight World Championship main event rematch pitting current champion and U.S. Tubrog nkojLiz Carmouche(18-7) against No. 4 ranked flyweight challengerDeAnna Bennett (13-7-1). Nyob rau hauv lub yav tsaus ntuj tus co-ntsiab kev tshwm sim, Ua Tsis. 6-ranked heavyweight and Minnesota National GuardsmanTim Johnson(15-9) will compete againstSaid Sowma (8-4). A women’s featherweight contest featuring former UFC title challengerSara McMann (13-6), who makes her highly anticipated BELLATOR debut against former No. 1 contender, Arlene Blencowe (15-9).

Friday night’s event is being held in honor of America’s Military, Veterans and First-Responders, all of whom are eligible to attend the event with a guest for free entry the day of with valid proof of ID. Free admission is based on a limited capacity and available on a first come-first serve basis.

LubBellator 294 preliminary card will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT/2 p.m. HST. The complete bout listing for both events can be found below.

Bellator 295: Stots vs. Mix – Saturday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 22

Updated Start Time – Main card airs live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT/5 p.m. local HST

The main card for Saturday’sBellator 295: Stots vs. Mixevent has also been sweetened with the addition of homegrown BELLATOR talent and No. 3-rankedAaron Pico (10-4), who returns from his highly publicized shoulder injury to square off against Brazil’sOtto Rodrigues (13-1), who makes his BELLATOR debut.

The preliminary portion of Saturday’s event also features multiple new, high-profile additions confirmed including a marquee bout pitting two top-ten contenders against each other at featherweight, when No. 6-rankedMads Burnell(16-4) tests his skills against No. 7-rankedJustin Gonzales (14-1). Ua Tsis. 8-rankedIlara Joanne(11-6) meets fellow BrazilianBruna Ellen(6-4) in a women’s flyweight contest, and a welterweight tilt betweenAlexey Shurkevich(13-5) and Japan’sMasayuki Kikuiri(8-2-1). 

BELLATOR 295on Saturday is main evented by the Finals of the BELLATOR Bantamweight World Grand Prix, which will see current Interim ChampionRaufeon Stots (19-1) face No. 2-rankedPatchy Mix(17-1). Nyob rau hauv lub co-ntsiab kev tshwm sim, the pride of Honolulu, Ua Tsis. 3-rankedIlima-Lei MacFarlane (12-2) looks to defend home turf against Japan’s No. 2-rankedKana Watanabe (11-1-1). Tsis tas li ntawd, at 125-pounds, former BELLATOR World ChampionKyoji Horiguchi (31-5) moves down a division to welcome former UFC Title ChallengerRay Borg (16-5) to the Paramount-owned promotion.

Daim pib rauBellator 295: Stots vs. Mixare on sale now and are available at Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

LubBellator 295 preliminary card will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT/1 p.m. HST. The complete bout listing for both events can be found below.

Bellator 294: CARMOUCHE VS. BENNETT 2MAIN CARD:

Friday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 21 – live onSHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT/4 p.m. HST (local)

Flyweight World Title BoutC-Liz Carmouche(18-7) vs. #4-DeAnna Bennett (13-7-1)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #6-Tim Johnson(15-9)vs.Said Sowma(8-4)

Featherweight Bout: #2-Arlene Blencowe(15-9) vs.Sara McMann(13-6)

Bantamweight Bout: #5-Danny Sabatello (13-2) vs.Marcos Breno (15-2)

Welterweight Bout: Levan Chokheli (11-2, 1 NC) vs.Michael Lombardo (13-3, 1 NC)

Bellator 294: CARMOUCHE VS. BENNETT 2Nteg CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT/2 p.m. HST (local)

Lub teeb Heavyweight Bout: #5-Alex Polizzi (10-2) vs.#8-Karl Moore(11-2)

Hnav Bout: Killys Mota(14-3) vs.Kenneth Cross(13-3)

Heavyweight Bout: #4-Tyrell Fortune(12-3, 1 NC) vs.Sergei Bilostennyi(10-2)

Featherweight Bout: Cris Lencioni(10-3) vs.Blake Smith (7-3)

Middleweight Bout: Anthony Adams (9-3) vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov(18-4-1)

Bellator 295: STOTS VS. MIXMAIN CARD:

Saturday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 22 – live onSHOWTIME

11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT/5 p.m. HST (local)

Bantamweight World Grand Prix FinalIC-Raufeon Stots(19-2) vs. #2-Patchy Mix(17-1)

Flyweight Bout: #3-Ilima-Lei MacFarlane(12-2) vs. #2-Kana Watanabe(11-1-1)

Featherweight Bout: #3-Aaron Pico (10-4) vs.Otto Rodrigues (13-1)

Flyweight Bout: Kyoji Horiguchi (31-5) vs.Ray Borg (16-5)

Bellator 295: STOTS VS. MIXNteg CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT/1 p.m. HST (local)

Featherweight Bout: #6-Mads Burnell(16-4) vs. #7-Justin Gonzales(14-1)

Hnav Bout: Yancy Medeiros(16-8, 1 NC) vs.Charlie Leary(17-13-1)

Featherweight Bout: Kai Kamaka III(10-5-1) vs.Adli Edwards (9-2)

Flyweight Bout: #9Sumiko Inaba(5-0) vs. #7-Veta Arteaga (7-4)

Featherweight Bout: Keoni Diggs (10-2) vs.Weber Almeida (7-1)

Hnav BoutBobby King(12-5) vs.Aalon Cruz(10-4)

Heavyweight Bout: Davion Franklin(5-1) vs.Kasim Aras(7-1)

Flyweight Bout: #8-Ilara Joanne(11-6) vs.Bruna Ellen(6-4)

Welterweight Bout: Alexey Shurkevich(13-5) vs.Masayuki Kikuiri(8-2-1)

*Card subject to change.

Thov mus saibBellator.com rau cov lus qhia ntxiv.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR eventsclick links for updated fight cards

Dawb. Hiav txwv. 31 // Bellator 293: Golm vs. James // Pechanga Resort Casino // Temecula, XWS LI

Dawb. Apr. 21 // Bellator: 294: Carmouche vs. Bennett 2 // Blaisdell Arena // Honolulu, HI

Sat. Apr. 22 // Bellator: 295: Stots vs. Mix // Blaisdell Arena // Honolulu, HI

Dawb. Tej zaum 12 // Bellator 296: Mousasi vs. Edwards // Accor Arena // Paris, Fabkis

SUBRIEL MATIAS CAPTURES VACANT IBF 140-POUND WORLD TITLE WITH FIFTH-ROUND TKO OF JEREMIAS PONCE IN HIGH-OCTANE SHOWTIME® MAIN EVENT SATURDAY NIGHT FROM THE ARMORY IN MINNEAPOLIS

Minneapolis-Native Jamal James and Super Lightweight Contender Elvis Rodriguez Score Victories in Televised Undercard of Premier Boxing Champions Event

NyemNTAWM NO rau cov duab los ntawm Esther Lin / Showtime

MINNEAPOLIS – February 26, 2023 -Power-punchingSubriel Matiasshowed why he’s become one of boxing’s most vaunted knockout artists as he stopped the previously unbeatenJeremias Ponceafter five rounds to win the vacant IBF 140-pound World Championship Saturday night live on SHOWTIME from The Armory in Minneapolis headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Puerto Rico’s Matias (19-1, 19 Kos) captured the title in an electric firefight that saw the two top-ranked 140-pounders throw over 800 combined punches in five rounds according to CompuBox. For Matias, the victory culminated a long journey that had him away from his family for nearly a year as he trained in Mexico for his first title opportunity.

“I’m on cloud nine right now,” said Matias. “I don’t think I’ve woken up from this dream. Maybe I can tell you how it feels tomorrow, tab sis tam sim no, it’s a dream come true. I wanted to work him from the first round on, because I knew he wouldn’t have the same power as me as the fight went on.”

Ponce (30-1, 20 Kos) came out extremely aggressive and looked to swarm Matias early as he threw 96 punches in round one, out landing Matias 28 rau 11. Matias adjusted in round two, closing the distance and smothering Ponce to dull some of his attack while also finding spots for his own short power punches.

I thought it was an even fight, but one punch can change everything and that’s what happened,” said Ponce. “Subriel is a tough, strong fighter and I knew what he was capable of.”

After landing a powerful left hand that hurt Ponce late in round four, Matias returned determined and sharp in round five, tsaws 47% of his power punches over the three minutes. In the waning moments of the round, Matiaslanded the decisive blows, a series of head and body shots that badly hurt Matias and put him on the mat.

Ponce was able to make it to his stool, but his corner had seen enough and suggested that the fight be stopped, with the official result coming as a TKO at the end of round five.

“I’m fine now,” said Ponce. “My team knows me, and they made the decision that they had to make. It hurts, but the most important thing is that I’m healthy.”

“I wasn’t really surprised,” said Matias. “Once I saw how his corner reacted. I saw that [Ponce] was hurt. I thought that I was patient in the first four rounds, so I came out with a different approach and mindset in the fifth.”

Tom qab kev sib ntaus, with his IBF belt in tow, Matias set his sights on a unification showdown against WBC 140-pound World Champion Regis Prograis.

“Regis Prograis, I’m coming for you,” said Matias. “I’m the world champion now. I promise that I’m coming to hurt you. Prograis likes to talk the talk, but I have that same mentality. Let’s see who prevails. I want him to see that there are people crazier than him in this sport.”

Nyob rau hauv lub co-ntsiab kev tshwm sim, Minneapolis-native and welterweight contenderJamal “Shango” James(28-2, 12 Kos) returned from a 16-month layoff to thrill a sold-out hometown crowd and earn a unanimous decision victory after 10-rounds against Argentine OlympianAlberto Palmetta(18-2, 13 Kos).

“I’m pretty sure everybody can see that layoff affected me,” said James. “I had a lot of rust in me. My legs weren’t sharp, my punches weren’t sharp, but I’m glad I was able to get in there. I liked that because it’s pushing me mentally and it made me step up to the occasion.”

“I thought it was an even fight,” said Palmetta. “I was the aggressor throughout against a former world champion, a taller opponent with longer reach than me.”

In his first action since losing his WBA Welterweight Title to Radzhab Butaev in October 2021, James picked up his fifth career victory at the friendly confines of The Armory. Using his considerable height and reach advantage, James was able to control much of the action and contest the bout on his terms.

“I was trying to adapt,” said James. “I definitely felt like I won the fight but I believe I could’ve done much better. I know that I’m a lot sharper. I know that my endurance is a lot stronger. I just had a lot of time off and my body is still getting back in shape. I’ll be back for sure.”

“I also like to counter, but I ratcheted up the pressure in the second half of the fight,” said Palmetta. “Maybe it looked like Jamal James was superior in the first half because he kept being conservative and countering.”

Palmetta had success countering James but was unable to put together enough combinations or hurt James during the action. James’ edge was reflected on the scorecards, as he out landed Palmetta 193 rau 111, xws li ib tug 153 rau 102 edge in power punches.

James was also able to use a sharp body attack to keep Palmetta at bay, tsaws 68 throughout the fight, piv rau xwb 20 from Palmetta. In round nine, a sharp right uppercut caused Palmetta to stumble and let to a raucous exchange that stirred James’ hometown fans.

The crowd again rose to their feet as James and Palmetta whipped power punches throughout the final moments of round 10. James kept his perfect record at The Armory intact by wide scores of 99-91 thiab 98-92 ob zaug.

“I know I can be a champion again because I was a champion before,” said James. “I have to stay focused. Stay in the gym and back and study this fight – actually, my last two fights – and step it up. Thanks to everybody in Minneapolis for coming and showing me love.”

In the telecast opener, super lightweight contenderElvis Rodriguez(14-1-1,12 Kos) overcame a slow start to earn a hard-fought majority decision over the hard-hittingJoseph Adorno(17-2-2, 14 Kos) tom qab 10 rounds.

“Ring rust was definitely a factor,” said Rodriguez. “Maybe the struggle was more mental than physical in a way, but the important thing is that I overcame it.”

After a couple of rounds feeling each other out, Adorno was the first to have success, showing a varied attack with hooks to the body and head. He punctuated a strong fourth round with several counter hooks right before the closing bell.

In round five the action began to heat up, with Rodriguez starting to find a home for his offense as well, while still taking consistent return fire from Adorno. Rodriguez would eventually take control of the fight in the seventh roundlanding a perfect right hook that badly hurt Adorno. Rodriguez followed up quickly and forced Adorno to the canvas to score the knockdown, although Adorno was able to stay in the fight and make it through the round.

“I thought I had him once I landed that right hook, but he got up,” said Rodriguez. “He’s a warrior and a good fighter… The seventh round was huge, that’s when I truly started to win this fight. I have to give credit to Adorno for being savvy and knowing how to keep his distance before then.”

Rodriguez rode that momentum through the rest of the fight, out landing Adorno 52 rau 33 across rounds seven through 10. The Freddie Roach-trained contender punctuated his victory in the final frame, landing a left that referee Jon Schorle ruled a knockdown, despite the objection from Adorno, who felt he was tripped during the exchange.

After the 10rounds Rodriguez emerged victorious on the judges’ cards, as one score of 94-94 was overruled by tallies of 95-93 thiab 97-91. Post-fight, Adorno expressed his belief that his early success was enough for him to earn a better result, while Rodriguez set his sights on the new 140-pound champion Matias.

I thought the judges were blind,” said Adorno. “I can’t get a win with these judges. I don’t know how you see the fight 97-91. I thought I won every round except the ones he dropped me. He never out worked me at all. I had the jab in his face and was snapping him to the body. He couldn’t do anything. No way he won seven rounds. I thought 94-94 was okay because of the two knockdowns.

“Like I said yesterday at the weigh-in, bring on the winner of the main event,” said Rodriguez. “And to my people in the Dominican Republic, just know that I’ll be back even bolder and even better next time.”

Prior to the telecast, the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show streamed live on theSHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel thiabShowtime Boxing Facebook page and was topped by a welterweight matchup that saw Minneapolis-nativeVe’Shawn Owens(14-3, 12 Kos) score a unanimous decision overKudratillo Abdukakhorov(18-2, 10 Kos) after 10-rounds. Lub tsev hais plaub 'cov qhab nees twb 99-91, 98-92 thiab 97-93.

Streaming action also featured the Ronnie Shields-trainedWillie Jones(9-2, 6 Kos) delivering avicious first-round knockout over the previously unbeatenDerrick Jackson(10-1, 5 Kos) cia li 1:22 into their welterweight clash, plus sensational super lightweight prospectMickel Spencer(3-0, 2 Kos), with his older brother and unbeaten contender Joey Spencer watching ringside, dismantledMargarito Hernandez(3-5-1) to earn a first-round TKO 2:18 into the fight.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtelecast will replay Sunday, Lub ob hlis ntuj 26 ntawm 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday, Lub ob hlis ntuj 27 ntawm 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Veteran sportscasterBrian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voiceMauro Ranallohandled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analystAl Bernstein thiab peb-division ntiaj teb no yeejHlob Abner mares. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporterJim Gray, world-renowned ring announcerJimmy Lennon, Jr. and boxing historianSteve Farhood as unofficial scorer. The executive producer was four-time Emmy Award winnerDavid Dinkins, Jr., nrogRay Smaltz III ua thiabChuck McKeandirecting. Former junior middleweight world champion andSHOBOX: Tshiab Tiam® commentatorRaúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscasterAlejandro nkauj hnub nraug hli served as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP). 

The SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show was hosted by award-winningMORNING KOMBAT live digital talk-show hostsLuke Thomas thiabBrian Campbell, who also serves as an expert analyst on the popularSHOBOX® series.

#          #          #

Yog xav paub ntxiv mus xyuaswww.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #MatiasPonce follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

Complete Results, Duab, Quotes, & Videos for BELLATOR MMA 291: Amosov vs. Storley 2

FIGHT NIGHT PHOTOS HERE – PLEASE CREDIT: LUCAS NOONAN/BELLATOR MMA

POST-FIGHT INTERVIEWS HERE

Dublin –Bellator 291 sawYaroslav Amosov (27-0) mark his return to the BELLATOR cage in perfect fashion, as he unified the BELLATOR Welterweight World Title with a victory overLogan Storley. Amosov also continues to boast the longest active win streak in MMA, adding to his record for the first time since returning to Ukraine to defend his country in 2022.

Nyob rau hauv lub co-ntsiab kev tshwm simJeremy Kennedysilenced the home crowd as he defeatedPedro Carvalhonrog ib tug unanimous kev txiav txim siab yeej. ‘JBC’ will be hoping to move closer to a title shot as he continues to climb the featherweight rankings following his statement victory in the Irish capital.

BELLATOR announced its return to the ‘Emerald Isle’ will come on Saturday, Cuaj hlis 23 with what will undoubtedly be a stacked card at the3Arenanyob rau hauv Dublin. More information will be announced soon. BELLATOR returns to action on Friday, Lub peb hlis ntuj 10 rauBellator 292: Nurmagomedov vs. Hendersonat theSAP Center San Jose, XWS LI. The card airs in the U.S. on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

Text

Description automatically generated

BELLATOR MMA 291 MAIN CARD RESULTS:

  (C) Yaroslav Amosov(27-0) yeej #1-Logan Storley(14-1) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

Amosov quotes:“I feel very good because I waited for this for a long time. I train hard training, and I feel a lot of motivation and responsibility. Tam sim no, Kuv so. I’ll relax after the fight, and I’m happy because I think I gave my country a good day. It’s the first time I’ve had big support in the cage. In America, I’ve had support, but not like today. Many Ukrainian flags, many Ukrainian people. My uncle, kuv cov phooj ywg; I see many people. It was a big support, and it gave me very good energy.”

On His Message to the People of Ukraine: “Thank you for my country, thank you for my army and the fans. It was for my country. Today I think it is a very good day for my country. To hold two gold belts.”

On If He’s the Best Welterweight on the Planet: “I think yes, [that was my best performance]. Ntawm chav kawm [I think I’m the best welterweight in the world]. I am here. If a UFC champion wants to fight, come to BELLATOR. Scott Coker will give the contract, and we’ll make the fight.”

On His First Match with Logan Storley: “Before this fight, I said this fight was different. I have many kilograms that I cut for my first match with Logan [Storley]. Now I had a very good camp and recovery as well as different training. Every day I train hard and become better. I have the best team with me. Nws yog [Logan Storley] a very good fighter, and I knew this. All people who enter the cage are strong, so if you go in the cage, you’re a high-level fighter. It’s not a surprise to me, tab sis kuv yuav npaj [for everything]."

On Training with BELLATOR Middleweight World Champion Johnny Eblen: “He’s my friend [Johnny Eblen]. I train with him every time, he’s very high level. He’s a very good fighter and a real champion. Thaum peb spar, many people watch and I think it’s beautiful.”

#5-Jeremy Kennedy(19-3) yeej #3-Pedro Carvalho(13-7) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Kennedy quotes“I’m happy with the win, regardless. I would’ve liked to get the finish, but there’s a lot of circumstances whenever you travel across the world. I’m just ready for the next one. It was my rehydration, Kuv xav hais tias. I made mistakes on the rehydration. I was really dryI wasn’t sweating, but I felt exhausted there; my gas tank’s [feem ntau] much better than that. He had a tight squeeze right at the beginning but he jumped for it too early but I think I am the best grappler in the division. He had a little bit of a squeeze but it ultimately got me the takedown. I wanted to really hurt him with some hands, but he’s a pressure fighter. I thought I could sit him down, but as soon as I got ahold of him, Kuv yog zoo li, ‘This is my path to victory.’”

On Fighting for the Title Next: “I believe so, I don’t know who else is there for me to fight. Three wins in a row. Sanchez, Pico, and Carvalho and they have all been dominant victories.. I’ve been all around the world; it’s a cool way to see the world. In a perfect world, I get to fight somewhere in the United States, but I’d fight ‘Pitbull’ in a WalMart. I’m coming. I’ve been on his heels the whole time. When I was fighting Borics and I was fighting Pico, Kuv yog zoo li: I can’t wait to get the opportunity to fight him. Now there’s talk of him going down to 135; he’s probably calling his nutritionist right now because he doesn’t want this fight. Cia ua nws. We can go ASAP. I’ll fight him in any corner of the world, in any timeframe.”

Bryce Logan(12-8) yeej #10-Peter Queally(12-8) ntawm TKO (punches) ntawm 2:32 ntawm round ob

#3-Sinead Kavanagh(9-5) yeejJanay Harding(6-7) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Kavanagh quotes“I feel good. It feels good to get back in there. It was a nice win. I went and put on a show, and that’s all I needed to do. I kept in one piece; I can go again soon, uas yog zoo. I put on a clinic. I knew she was a striker, so I showed in there what I’ve done for the last 12 weeks. All is good.”

On a Potential Rematch with Cris Cyborg: “That’s two great wins, and I put on a show both times. Kuv npaj txhij. Kuv xav [Cris] ‘Cyborg’ in Dublin. That’s what I want. Fight the best in Ireland, Sinead Kavanagh. I’ve been well-prepared for Cris ‘Cyborg.’ I won’t rush into things. I’ll be ready.”

“I got a good 15 feeb [nyob rau hauv] muaj. Good strikes. My power was there. I do want ‘Cyborg’ here. I want her in Dublin. But that’s in September, that’s too long. I want another one and then ‘Cyborg.’”

On Rectifying the Outcome from First Harding Fight: “It feels good; I got me win back. It’ll be on my record forever. I did win, and I am better.”

Ciaran Clarke(7-0) yeejLeonardos Sinis(11-6-1) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Clarke quotes: "It was a clean performance. I obviously would’ve liked the finish. [Opponent Leonardos Sinis has] fought at welterweight and lightweight before; he’s a big lad.”

On his Opponent’s Size Advantage, Weight Miss: “I thought he was a good actor. Saib, I didn’t think that mattered at all because I knew I was giving up a few kilos anyways. It was a catchweight and he missed weight. I knew he was coming big.”

On What He Wants Next: “Two Dublin shows every year. Get better for the next one, end of June, Lub Xya hli ntuj. Those decisions, all of my decisions, I had 10-8 rounds. 7-0. I think that’s right up there with the win streaks in the company. It’s a bit gray with BELLATOR; the rankings are solid, then it’s gray underneath that. People are mentioning the rankings — I’m trying to gradually get to that point. If they offer it, I’ll accept it because that’s just who I am, but as long as it makes sense and its progression. I’m here in BELLATOR; whatever they say I’m worthy of.”

On a Potential Matchup with Khasan Magomedsharipov: “I think we match up well and like said I will fight anyone. They’re all getting behind me: the whole town, the whole country, Kuv xav tias. They’re bringing buses up. I really feel like a winner already. I’ve brought the whole town here. People talk. That buzz in the town, everyone gets behind me. It’s unreal.”

Nteg CARD:

#9-Karl Moore(11-2) yeejMaciej Różański(14-4) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mike Shipman(15-4) yeejCharlie Ward(10-6) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Oleg Popov(16-1) yeejGokhan Saricam(8-2) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Norbert Novenyi Jr.(6-0) yeejAndy Manzolo(26-7) via TKO at 3:12 ntawm puag ncig ib

Brian Moore(16-9) yeejLuca Iovine(18-9) ntawm cais kev txiav txim siab (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Richie Smullen (10-2-1) yeejPiotr Niedzielski(17-5) ntawm cais kev txiav txim siab (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Darragh Kelly(3-0) yeejDorval Jordan(2-3) ntawm TKO (punches) ntawm 1:58 ntawm puag ncig peb

Asaël Adjoudj(5-1) yeejLiam McCracken(3-1) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Khasan Magomedsharipov(8-0) yeej Rafael Hudson(7-5) via TKO at 4:40 ntawm puag ncig ib

Jena Bishop(5-0) yeejElina Kallionidou(9-5) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Kenny Mokhonoana(5-0) yeejCraig McIntosh(3-5) ntawm TKO (lub luj tshib) ntawm 3:13 ntawm puag ncig ib

Dmytrii Hrytsenko(8-0) yeejDaniele Scatizzi (12-7) ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Steven Hill(7-0) yeejJoel Kouadja(7-10)ntawm cuav (rear-liab qab caj pas) ntawm 2:03 ntawm round ob

*Card subject to change

Apply for BELLATOR media credentials 
RSVP for BELLATOR virtual media availabilities 

For more information on upcomingBELLATOR MMA txheej xwm, mus ntsibBELLATOR.com

Updated Schedule of BELLATOR Events

Dawb. Lub peb hlis ntuj 10 // Bellator 292: Nurmagomedov vs. Henderson // SAP Center // San Jose, XWS LI

Dawb. Lub peb hlis ntuj 31 // Bellator 293: Golm vs. James // Pechanga Resort Casino // Temecula, XWS LI

Dawb. Plaub Hlis Ntuj 21 // Bellator 294: Carmouche vs. Bennett 2 // Neal S. Blaisdell Arena // Honolulu, Hawaii

Sat. Plaub Hlis Ntuj 22 // Bellator 295: Stos vs. Mix // Neal S. Blaisdell Arena // Honolulu, Hawaii

Dawb. Tej zaum 12 // Bellator 296: Mousasi vs. Edwards // Accor Arena // Paris, Fabkis

Sat. Xya. 23 // BELLATOR Dublin// 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

NO. 10-RANKED BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT GADZHI RABADANOV WILL REPRESENT THE PROMOTION AT THE HISTORICAL BELLATOR MMA VS. RIZIN EVENT AGAINST JAPAN’S KOJI TAKEDA ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Los Angeles— BELLATOR MMA has announced that its fifth participant for the New Year’s Eve spectacle against RIZIN Fighting Federation opponents will be No. 10-ranked lightweightGadzhi Rabadanov(18-4-2), taking on 27-year-old Japanese standoutKoji Takeda(15-3) in a compelling matchup between two competitors riding high on the strength of consecutive victories.

A first-of-its-kind blockbuster co-promotionBELLATOR MMA vs. RIZIN takes place inside the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on Saturday, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 31, and can be seen in the United States on SHOWTIME at 8 p.m. ET/PT on New Year’s Eve.

Rabadanov versus Takeda will join a star-studded five-fightBELLATOR MMA vs. RIZINntsiab card, which is stacked from top to bottom with current and former champions competing in the four-sided ring under RIZIN’s unique rules. Headlining the event will be a dream matchup between RIZIN lightweight championRoberto “Satoshi” de Souza(14-1) against No. 3 BELLATOR pound-for-pound talentAJ “Mercenary” McKee(19-1), with BELLATOR and RIZIN featherweight championsPatricio Pitbull(34-5) thiabKleber Koike(31-5-1) co-headlining the must-see event.

Former BELLATOR championsJuan “The Spaniard” Archuleta(26-4) thiabKyoji Horiguchi(30-5) will round out the unparalleled main card, facing off with RIZIN’sSoo Chul Kim(18-6-1) thiabHiromasa Ougikubo(25-6-2), feem.

Gadzhi Rabadanov, 29, signed with BELLATOR in 2021 after capturing the Eagle FC lightweight title, and has made an immediate impact on the promotion’s remarkably deep lightweight division. He announced his arrival in thunderous fashion atBELLATOR 263with an emphatic viral knockout of Daniel Carey, which he followed up with back-to-back dominant unanimous decision victories over Jay Jay Wilson and Bobby King in 2022. The product of the renowned Club Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s School in Dagestan and the prestigious American Kickboxing Academy, Rabadanov’s pedigree is world-class. On New Year’s Eve, Rabadanov will look to continue building upon his momentum with an impressive performance against Koji Takeda.

“It is a childhood dream come true to fight in Japan at the legendary Saitama Super Arena,” said Rabadanov. “I’m very excited and I know I have a tough opponent, who always leaves everything in the ring. Expect a masterpiece from me, it will be a memorable fight.”

A former DEEP lightweight champion, Japan’sKoji Takedahas been an active fighter since his 2017 kev debut. Takeda boasts a compelling case for inclusion on this historic fight card, winning seven of his last ten and three of his last four outings under the RIZIN and DEEP banners. Takeda is also familiar with BELLATOR foes; he has previously fought Spike Carlyle and submitted Zach Zane by armbar, both of whom fought recently for the Scott Coker-led promotion. Takeda will look to add a third straight win to his resume against the highly-touted Rabadanov in his hometown of Saitama, Nyiv, rau hlis ntuj nqeg 31.

BELLATOR MMA VS. RIZIN MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME

Saturday, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 31 — 8 PM ET/PT

Lightweight Non-Title Main EventAJ McKee(19-1) vs.Roberto de Souza(14-1)

Featherweight Non-Title Main EventPatricio Pitbull(34-5) vs.Kleber Koike(31-5-1)

Bantamweight Feature BoutJuan Archuleta(26-4) vs.Soo Chul Kim(18-6-1)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Kyoji Horiguchi(30-5) vs.Hiromasa Ougikubo(25-6-2)

Lightweight Feature BoutGadzhi Rabadanov(18-4-2) vs.Koji Takeda(15-3)

For more information on this and other upcomingBELLATOR MMA txheej xwm, mus ntsibBellator.com.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR eventsclick links for updated fight cards


Dawb. Nov. 18 // Bellator 288: Nemkov vs. Anderson 2 / Pitbull vs. Nurmagomedov // Wintrust Arena // Chicago, Il.


Dawb. Dec. 9 // Bellator 289: Stots vs. Sabatello // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

Sat. Dec. 31 // BELLATOR MMA vs. RIZIN // Saitama Super Arena // Tokyo, Nyiv


Dawb. Feb. 24 //Bellator: DUBLIN // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

TOWERING HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT BAKHODIR JALOLOV CLOSES THE SHOW IN STYLE WITH 11TH STRAIGHT KNOCKOUT IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

George Arias Earns Split-Decision Over Alante Green; Chann Thonson Impresses With TKO Victory Over Tyler Tomlin in Telecast Opener on SHOWTIME®

NyemNTAWM NO rau cov duab los ntawm Stephanie Trapp / Showtime

(Photos will be uploaded shortly)

Verona, N.Y.. – June 10, 2022 - Undefeated heavyweight knockout artistBakhodir Jalolovtook his time on Friday night, but ultimately closed the show in dramatic fashion with an eighth-round knockout overJack Mulowayinyob rau hauv lub ntsiab kev tshwm sim ntawm ib tugSHOBOX: Tshiab Tiamtelecast at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.. that helped kick off the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in nearby Canastota, N.Y..

Known as “Big Uzbek”, the 6-foot-7 Jalolov, a two-time Olympian and 2020 Gold Medalist from Uzbekistan, improved to a perfect 11-0 nrog 11 KOs when he landed a huge left hand that sent Mulowayi (11-3-1, 7 Kos) flat on his back in the eighth and final round.

“I’m feeling really good about the performance,” said the 27-year-old Jalolov. “The opponent was at a really good level and a great fighter. He was a really tough, durable guy. I landed some big shots on him and he can take a punch.”

In front of a who’s who of boxing royalty including the likes of Andre Ward, Shane Mosley, Antonio Tarver and Terence Crawford, Jalolov put an exclamation mark on an exciting night of boxing during an historic weekend of Hall of Fame inductions which will include the last three classes of inductees during Sunday’s ceremony.

Jalolov was dominant throughout the entire fight, with the only question being whether or not he would continue his knockout streak. It looked likely in both the third and fifth rounds, as Jalolov wobbled Mulowayi but the game Belgium showed heart in making it out of both rounds unscathed. In the sixth round, Mulowayi was dropped for just the second time in his career by a left cross as the bell sounded. He rose to his feet and beat the count, but was knocked down for good with yet another signature left hand at 1:20 ntawm qhov kawg puag ncig.

“I thought I was going to stop him at the end of the sixth round when I dropped him, but the referee let him continue and the round was over,” said Jalolov, who was deducted a point for holding in the fourth round. “I thought that was the time. But I had to wait until the final round. I’m happy that I got the stoppage. I feel like I hurt him three or four times.”

Jalolov went past the fifth round for the first time in his career, tsaws 47 percent of his power punches and out-landing Mulowayi 99-17 in total punches.

Nyob rau hauv lub co-ntsiab kev tshwm sim, undefeated Dominican heavyweight prospectGeorge Arias(18-0, 7 Kos) won a tactical duel over previously unbeatenAlante Green(10-1-1, 7 Kos) via split-decision with scores of 78-74, 77-75 in favor of Arias and 77-75 for Green.

“I definitely learned more than anything from this fight so I give my performance a C-plus or a B-minus because this is the type of fight that makes me go back to the gym hungrier and knowing there’s a lot more to do,” said Arias, who now lives and trains out of the Bronx. “But we were blessed this time because should he have been a little bit stronger, things could have been more disastrous.”

Arias jumped out to a commanding lead in the first half of the fight, executing the game plan by outboxing Green and landing the cleaner, harder punches. Cleveland’s Green grew into the fight in the later rounds, but it was too little too late and Arias was able to do enough to hold off the late rally.

It was a difficult fight to score, as all three judges agreed on just two out of the eight rounds but the punch stats backed up the judges’ decision as Arias out-landed Green 81-58. Green became the 213th fighter to have his undefeated record spoiled onSHOBOX.

“Everyone who I face always trains for me a thousand percent better,” continued Arias. “He was real complete. He didn’t really necessarily have any weakness that I could exploit. The reaction time he had was really good and he had good inner footwork where it took me a little too long to get into a zone because every strategy I used he seemed to have a good reaction.”

In the telecast opener, undefeated lightweight prospectChann Thonson (11-0, 8 Kos) put on a boxing display, bruising, battering and eventually breaking down the previously undefeatedTyler Tomlin (13-1, 9 Kos) en route to a fifth-round TKO. Referee Mark Nelson stopped the action 1:01 mus rau hauv lub round.

“I knew if I stayed in the pocket with him that the shots I was going to give him would put him away,” said Canada’s Thonson, who is trained by former Olympic bronze medalist and light heavyweight contender Chris Johnson. “Surprisingly, he was a little tougher than I thought because when I hit him hard, he wasn’t taking a step back. So eventually I knew that would be his own demise and it was just a matter of time.”

Thonson, who was fighting for the fourth time in 2022, controlled the tempo and distance from the opening bell and looked like the more relaxed and experienced fighter. He used his jab and straight right hand to cause both swelling around Tomlin’s left eye and serious cause for concern in Tomlin’s corner. Prior to the start of the third round, Tomlin’s father and trainer Darryl urged his son to pick up the pace.

Txawm li cas los, it was Thonson who stepped on the gas even more. Late in the third round, Thonson landed a barrage of punches that hurt Tomlin and left his face a bloody mess. The sound of the bell temporarily saved Tomlin but his night would come to an end in the fifth round. Unable to avoid the constant punishment that Thonson was dishing out, the action was stopped after the ringside physician assessed Tomlin.

Zuag qhia tag nrho, Thonson landed 44 percent of his power punches and out-landed Tomlin 102-39 in total punches.

"Kuv xav tias zoo, I feel like I was in the fight. I just got caught with two overhand rights and I’m pretty sure one of them either broke or fractured my nose,” said the 22-year-old Tomlin. “It was in the second or third round when I got caught. I felt and it threw off the game plan as far as what I was trying to do. I got a little more hesitant than I should have. I just can’t get hit by those overhand rights. SHOWTIME, that’s what they do, they put good fighters against good fighters. I felt like I was going to come out on top but we have to go back and watch film and see what comes next.”

2017 International Boxing Hall of Fame inducteeBarry Tompkins called the action from ringside alongside former world championRaul Marquez and renowned combat sports authorityBrian Campbell serving as expert analysts.Steve Farhood, ib tug 2017 IBHOF inductee, was the unofficial scorer andAl Bernstein, ib tug 2012 inductee, was the ringside reporter.Ray Floresserved as the ring announcer. Cov thawj tsim yogGordon Hall nrogRichard Gaughan ua thiabRick Phillips directing.

The event was promoted by DiBella Entertainment, whose owner, Lou DiBella, yog ib tug 2020 Hall of Fame inductee and will be formally inducted along with the classes of 2021 thiab 2022 on Sunday. TheSHOBOX tripleheader will re-air on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.

# # #

Yog xav paub ntxiv mus xyuaswww.sho.com/sports raws li nyob rau hauv Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, #ShoBox, los yog los ua ib tug kiv cua nyob rau Facebook ntawmwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports  

Hais txogSHOBOX: Tshiab Tiam

Txij thaum nws inception nyob rau hauv Lub Xya hli ntuj 2001, lub critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, SHOBOX: Tshiab Tiam tau featured hluas txuj ci sib phim nyuaj. LubSHOBOX philosophy yog televise exciting, neeg coob coob-pleasing thiab sib tw ntais thaum npaj ib qhov tseeb hauv av rau kam zeem muag txiav txim sib ntaus rau ib lub ntiaj teb title. Ib co ntawm cov loj hlob daim ntawv teev cov 86 neeg tua hluav taws uas tau tshwm sim rauSHOBOX thiab advanced rau garner ntiaj teb no lub npe muaj xws li: Errol Spence Jr., Lwm Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

COMPLETE BELLATOR 280: BADER VS. KONGO FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED FOR THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

RYAN BADER DEFENDS HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST NO. 2 RANKED CHEICK KONGO IN MAIN EVENT REMATCH IN PARIS

MELVIN MANHOEF’S FAREWELL BOUT DELAYED AFTER THE DUTCHMAN WITHDRAWS DUE TO INJURY, YOEL ROMERO NOW MEETS NO. 7 RANKED LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT ALEX POLIZZI IN CO-MAIN EVENT

Text

Description automatically generated

PARIS –A massive night of championship-level MMA guaranteed to bring fireworks is set for this Friday, Tej zaum 6 from the Accor Arena in Paris and airs live at a special time of4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME.

Anchoring the card will be a heated rematch between BELLATOR Heavyweight World ChampionRyan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) against French combat sports legend and No. 2-ranked heavyweightCheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC). Both Bader and Kongo will be looking for closure when they run it back inside the BELLATOR cage, following a controversial no-contest stemming from a disputed eye-poke during their first meeting in 2019.

In an equally action-packed co-feature eventYoel Romero (13-6) who was originally slated to take on Melvin Manhoef at 205-pounds, has agreed to meet No. 7 ranked-Alex Polizzi(10-1) on less than a week’s notice. Polizzi has won three consecutive contests en route to his opportunity in Paris against one of the sport’s most popular athletes.

Newly announced, No.6-ranked middleweightLorenz Larkin(23-7, 1 NC) yuav tam sim no fimKyle Stewart(15-5) during theBellator 280ntsiab card. France’sDavy Gallon(20-7-2) will go to battle in front of his fellow countrymen and women when he faces Switzerland’sBenjamin Brander(13-8) at lightweight. Opening theBellator 280televised card, English middleweightMike Shipman(14-3) will clash with proud ParisianGregory Babene(21-11, 1 NC).

Nine titillating preliminary matchups have been announced, including a smash between former featherweight title challengerPedro Carvalho(12-5) thiab newly signed Polish standoutPiotr Niedzielski(16-4), plus a 160-pound contract weight clash between “The True Viking”Søren Bak(15-1) thiab ces tusCharlie Leary(17-12-1).

The preliminary bouts will stream live three and a half hours earlier at12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Limited tickets for the fight remain on sale ataccorarena.com thiabbellator.frFollow Bellator France on Instagram @BellatorFrance and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/BellatorFrance/

A picture containing text, person, crowd

Description automatically generated

Bellator 280: BADER VS. KONGO 2MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME (U.S.) / RMC SPORT (FRANCE) / BBC Three & BBC iPlayer (U.K.) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Friday, Tej zaum 6, 10 p.m. CEST/9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Heavyweight World Title Main EventC-Ryan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) vs. #2-Cheick Kongo(31-11-2, 1 NC)

Lub teeb Heavyweight Co-Main kev tshwm sim: Yoel Romero (13-6) vs. #7-Alex Polizzi(10-1) 

Hnav Bout: Davy Gallon(20-7-2) vs.Benjamin Brander(13-8)

Middleweight Bout: #6-Lorenz Larkin(23-7, 1 NC) vs.Kyle Stewart (15-5)

Middleweight Bout: Mike Shipman(14-3) vs.Gregory Babene(21-11, 1 NC)

Bellator 280: BADER VS. KONGO 2Nteg CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

6:30 p.m. CEST/12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT

Featherweight Bout: Pedro Carvalho(12-5) vs.Piotr Niedzielski(16-4)

Welterweight Bout: Lewis Long(19-6) vs.Thibault Gouti(14-5)

Featherweight Bout: Fabacary Diatta(8-0) vs.Jordan Barton(6-2-1)

160-lb Contract Weight Bout Søren Bak(15-1) vs.Charlie Leary(17-12-1) 

Hnav Bout: Yves Landu (16-9) vs.Gavin Hughes (10-2)

Welterweight Bout: Nicolò Solli(3-1, 1 NC) vs.Levy Carriel(3-0)

Flyweight Bout: Lucie Bertaud(3-3) vs.Katarzyna Sadura(5-4)

Middleweight Bout: Youcef Ouabbas(2-0) vs.Matthieu Duclos(2-1)

Welterweight Bout: Victor Verchere(5-1) vs.Bourama Camara(4-1)

*Card subject to change.

Thov mus saibBellator.com rau cov lus qhia ntxiv.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Dawb. Tej zaum 6 // Bellator 280: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA

Dawb. Tej zaum 13 // Bellator 281: MVP vs. Storley // The OVO Arena Wembley // London

Dawb. Lub rau hli ntuj 24 // Bellator 282: Mousasi vs. Eblen// Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, I

Dawb. Sep. 23 // BELLATOR DUBLIN// 3Arena // Dublin

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Nyob rau hauv cov kev coj ntawm qub tub rog sib ntaus pab txhawb Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries by an available audience of over one billion people. Nyob rau hauv lub tebchaws United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, nyob kev tshwm sim orchestration, fighter txoj kev loj hlob / kev sib raug zoo, venue ceev, sponsorship creation / kev loj hlob, thoob ntiaj teb daim ntawv tso cai, marketing, advertising, tshaj tawm thiab commission kev sib raug zoo. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, California. and owned by entertainment giant Paramount, lub tsev mus rau lub ntiaj teb premier lom zem hom uas txuas nrog audiences los ntawm yuam cov ntsiab lus nyob rau hauv TV, tsab ntawv tsa suab duab, hauv internet thiab mobile platforms.

Hais txogSHOWTIME

Showtime tes hauj lwm Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramountowns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL thiab FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI ciaj thiab muab kev ua si thiab kev lom zem txheej xwm rau exhibition rau subscribers nyob rau hauv ib tug them nyiaj-ib-saib lub hauv paus los ntawm SHOWTIME PPV®. Yog xav paub ntxiv, mus rauwww.SHO.com.

TIM TSZYU LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

Unbeaten Rising Star Tim Tszyu Makes Much Anticipated U.S. Debut Against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha Saturday, Lub peb hlis ntuj 26 Nyob rau SHOWTIME® From The Armory in Minneapolis Headlining a Premier Boxing Champions Event

Nyem NTAWM NO for Photos from Nabeel Ahmad/
Premier Boxing Champions

Nyem NTAWM NO for Photos from Alex Sanchez/
MJS Entertainment


Las Vegas (Lub peb hlis ntuj 18, 2022) - Unbeaten nce hnub qub Tim Tszyu held a media workout in Las Vegas Thursday as he nears his much anticipated U.S. debut against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha taking place Saturday, Lub peb hlis ntuj 26 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The son of Hall of Famer Kostya, Tszyu arrived stateside last Saturday from his native Australia to finish training camp in Las Vegas before heading to Minneapolis. After amassing a 20-0 cov ntaub ntawv nrog 15 knockouts, Tszyu looks to move himself one step closer to a title shot with an emphatic victory on March 26.

Daim pib rau cov kev tshwm sim, uas yog txhawb los ntawm TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

Here is what Tszyu and his trainer, Igor Goloubev, had to say Thursday from Left Right Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

TIM TSZYU

“We’ve done a few camps here in Las Vegas before so we’re familiar with the terrain out here. It’s not too far to then go to Minneapolis, but it’s a lot warmer here is Las Vegas, so I’m glad I came here first. Adjusting to the time difference was tough at first but I’ve definitely recovered. By the time I arrived in Las Vegas, it was just about sharpening everything up.

“I’m coming to fight and I’m coming to win. I’m not here to ‘tip-tap’. If that means going for the knockout, I’ll go for it right away. I’m not here to out-jab someone and win on the scorecards. From the first second when the fight starts, my objective is to take him out. Every second of every round, I’m going to be in front of my opponent’s face.

“This has been a long time in the making. I’ve been keen on making my debut here ever since I beat Jeff Horn [Lub yim hli ntuj 2020]. It’s good to finally be here and I’m quite excited to be on this platform. This is a real opportunity for me.

“My dad hasn’t talked to me too much about what to expect fighting in the U.S. Mostly he just reminds me to stay ready, which I always am. I’m a professional and I’m fighting nonstop. I don’t take rests or honeymoons like some of these other fighters.

“It’s a big deal for me to be in this position headlining on SHOWTIME. You dream of it as a kid, and now for it to actually be happening, it’s unreal. I’m the first Australian who’s had their U.S. debut as a headline act, having not even won a world title yet. It shows that what we’ve done so far is pretty good for the moment. We’re here to make statements.

“This is going to be an interesting fight. I’m quite interested to see what he’s going to bring. Gausha has the tools to win. He’s got great skills and quick hands and a good variety of punches. He does the simple things very well. I like those types of styles. I’ve sparred guys like that in the U.S. and it’s a fun style to fight against.

“I don’t look particularly big or strong, but when I get in the ring, I give off that dominance that says ‘this is my ring. This is what I do and you’re coming onto my stage’. I present that dominance straight away and let everyone know.

Tszyu on the Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castaño 154-pound title rematch taking place May 14 on SHOWTIME”

“Charlo is a cautious fighter with power in both hands. He wobbled Castaño a few times. Charlo waits to land that perfect shot and that’s why Castano’s output wasn’t too high in that fight. I thought Castaño fought a great fight and out worked him. Charlo didn’t know what to do at times. I think it’s either going to be Castaño by decision or Charlo by knockout in the rematch.

“I’m coming for everyone in the division. I’m coming for the belts. You have to have confidence in yourself. I believe that I defeat either Charlo or Castaño. I wouldn’t be in the sport if I didn’t believe that. I’d take those guys to places they’ve never been and that’s all that matters to me.”

IGOR GOLOUBEV, Tszyu’s Trainer

“Tim is going to make adjustments, like he always does, based off what Gausha brings in the first round. Tim is an absolute pressure fighter. He’s going to be right on top of Gausha from the start. There’s going to be no rest and nowhere for him to go. This is going to be fought on the inside.

“Gausha is a crafty fighter. He’s got a good style from his amateur background and he’s also got strong legs and upper body. We’ve seen footage of him and we know that he can punch, that he’ll move and that he throws lots of jabs. He’s all-around a very good fighter.”

# # #

ABOUT TSZYU VS. GAUSHA
Tszyu vs. Gausha will see top super welterweight contender and rising star Tim Tszyu make his long-awaited U.S. debut when he takes on U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 12-round showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, Lub peb hlis ntuj 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Lub Showtime CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast pib thaum 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and will feature rising undefeated lightweight contender Michel Rivera dueling fellow unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in the 10-round co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez txojkev Juan José Velasco in the 10-round telecast opener.

Yog xav paub ntxiv mus xyuas www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuGausha, raws li nyob rau hauv Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.