Category Archives: Spike TV

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

A NEW CHAMPION IS CROWNED, ANOTHER RETAINS AT ‘BELLATOR 145: WITH A VENGEANCE’

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More photos from Straus vs. Freire here

 

Patricio Freire (24-2) and Daniel Straus (23-6) went to war at Scottrade Center on Friday night, sending a packed house home happy after 25-minutes of nonstop action. In the end, the judges crowned a new champion.

 

Straus walked away with the unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) and the belt tightly wrapped around his waist. The American Top Team product claimed that he broke his hand during the fight, but with all the punches thrown, it sure didn’t seem so.

More photos from Brooks vs. Held here

 

In the first of not one, but two world title bouts, Will Brooks (17-1) dominated Marcin Held (21-4) on the mat, cruising to a unanimous decision victory (50-45, 49-46, 49-46).

 

After getting taken down in the opening round, Brooks came back and utilized his wrestling to gring out the Polish fighter over the course of the next 20 minutes. With the victory, Brooks has now successfully defended his title for the second time since defeating Chandler to win the title.

 

More photos from Chandler vs. Rickels here

 

Michael Chandler (14-3) truly has Dave Rickels’ (16-4) number. The Missouri native managed to finish “The Caveman” for the second time in as many tries on the main card of “Bellator 145: With a Vengeance.”

 

“I’ve had so many people pour into my life for decades, I am thankful to all of them,” Chandler said. “I just listen to my coaches and luckily tonight I got the finish,” Chandler said. “I want that title so bad I can taste it. Scott Coker, give me the winner of Marcin and Held or else I’ll be forced to keep knocking out every lightweight on the roster until you do.”

 

The end came at 3:05 of round two, which saw “Iron” Mike pummel his foe with punches until the referee stopped the fight.

 

More photos from Lashley vs. Thompson here

 

Revenge is a dish best served cold and Bobby Lashley (14-2) defeated James Thompson (20-15) so quickly, there was no time for the dish to get hot.

 

“The Dominator” did what he does best, shooting in on “The Colossus” and scoring the takedown which he then followed up with offensive shots to the head of his opponent, earning the technical knockout at 54-seconds of round one.

 

There’s not much doubt that Lashley moves inevitably closer to a title shot with the win and remains undefeated under the Bellator MMA banner. When he receives his title shot though, is yet to be seen.

 

More photos from Sanchez vs. Lawrence here

 

The opening fight of the main card at “Bellator 145: With a Vengeance” featured a competitive bout between two young, up-and-coming featherweights. In the end, Emmanuel Sanchez (12-2) took home a split decision over Justin Lawrence (7-3) with scores of (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

 

With the victory, “El Matador” has now notched two consecutives wins via split decision, while the defeat is Lawrence’s first under the Bellator MMA banner and likely sets up sets up a fight that will propel him to the

 

Preliminary Card Results:

Fazlo Mulabitinovic defeats Scott Ettling via submission (armbar) at 1:52 of round one

Kain Royer defeats Clay Mitchell via submission (kneebar) at 3:41 of round one

Rashard Lovelace (2-0) defeats Brandon Lowe (0-1) via TKO (strikes) at 2:07 of round one

Augusto Sakai (9-0) defeats Alex Huddleston (6-2) via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Adam Meredith (4-1) defeats Jordan Dowdy (2-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:54 of round one

Kyle Kurtz (5-1) defeats Steven Mann (11-3) via submission (triangle choke) 2:59 of round one

Garrett Gross (7-4) defeats Jeff Crotty (0-1) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Chel Erwin-Davis (3-1) defeats Adam Cella (6-5) via TKO (Punches) at :35 of round three

Preliminary card photos here

In addition, three other announcements regarding “Bellator 149” were made this evening and those press releases can be found here.

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST PITTING HOUSTON ALEXANDER AGAINST GUILHERME VIANA COMPLETES ‘BELLATOR 146: KATO VS. MANHOEF’ MAIN CARD

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FINAL FIVE PRELIMINARY CONTESTS ALSO CONFIRMED FOR NOV. 20

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (October 28, 2015) – A light heavyweight contest featuring Houston Alexander (16-12) versus Guilherme Viana (6-2) completes the main card of “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, OK., on November 20.

 

The televised card of “Bellator 146: ‘Kato vs. Manhoef,” airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 6 p.m. CT. Tickets for “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” are on sale now at the WinStar World Casino and Resort Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster. Ticket prices range from: $75, $55, $45 and doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, with the first contest taking place one hour later.

Previously announced pairings for the event include featherweight action featuring Bubba Jenkins (9-2), who takes on Jordan Parsons (11-1) and Hisaki Kato (5-1) who meets Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1) in a middleweight headlining attraction. In addition, a welterweight scrap pitting Ricky Rainey (11-3) against Chidi Njokuani (13-4) and a lightweight feature fight pitting Brandon Girtz (13-4) against Derek Campos (15-5) will also take place.

The card’s preliminary slate is also now complete, with the addition of five new contests. A middlweight fight between Ben Reiter (16-0) and Francisco France (12-3), two women’s bouts, one featuring Arlene Blencowe (6-5) against Gabrielle Holloway (5-3) and Julia Budd (7-2) versus Roberta Rovel(4-0), also a welterweight scrap pitting Andre Santos (37-10) against Josh Neer (36-14), and a couple 145-pounders going to war when Israel Giron (18-4) meets Mark Dickman (10-2).

At 43-years-old, Houston Alexander has been competing professionally since 2001, lacing up the gloves from promotions the likes of Ultimate Fighting Championship, Shark Fights, Resurrection Fighting Alliance, KSW and Bellator MMA. “The Assassin” is known for his one-punch knockout power, a skill the Grudge Training Center standout has showcased in 11 of his 16 wins as a professional. Now, a loser of his last two bouts, Alexander looks to end 2015 on a high note at the expense of his Nov. 20 opponent.

Coming off a defeat in his Bellator MMA debut, the 29-year-old Viana looks to bounce back against an opponent who has more than two times his experience. Hailing from Brazil, Viana has made a living off ending fights early, stopping the man standing opposite of him inside the cage five times before reaching the judges’ scorecards.

Complete “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” Fight Card

Main Card:

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Hisaki Kato (5-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Bubba Jenkins (9-2) vs. Jordan Parsons (11-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Ricky Rainey (11-3) vs. Chidi Njokuani (13-4)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Brandon Girtz (13-4) vs. Derek Campos (15-5)

 

Preliminary Card:

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Ben Reiter (16-0) vs. Francisco France (12-3)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Israel Giron (18-4) vs. Mark Dickman (10-2)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Arlene Blencowe (6-5) vs. Gabrielle Holloway

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Andre Santos (37-10) vs. Josh Neer (36-14)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Julia Budd (7-2) vs. Roberta Rovel (4-0)

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Zach Rosol (1-0) vs. Alonzo Menifield (Debut)

Bellator Catchweight (140 lbs.) Feature Fight: Stephen Banaszak (4-5) vs. George Pacurariu (10-4)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Treston Thomison (8-3) vs. Chris Jones (9-3)

Bellator Bantamweight Feature Fight: Eli Tamez (9-0) vs. Roshaun Jones (2-3)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Justin Patterson (6-0) vs. Sean Holden (3-1)

Bellator Catchweight (195 lbs.) Feature Fight: Bubba McDaniel (25-10) vs. Kenyon Jackson (3-2)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

LIGHTWEIGHT REMATCH BETWEEN BRANDON GIRTZ-DEREK CAMPOS ADDED TO MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 146: KATO VS. MANHOEF’

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SIX PRELIMINARY CONTESTS ALSO CONFIRMED FOR NOV. 20

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (October 29, 2015) – A lightweight scrap pitting Brandon Girtz (13-4) against Derek Campos (15-5) has been added to“Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, OK., on November 20.

 

The 155-pound tilt will take place during the main card of “Bellator 146: ‘Kato vs. Manhoef,” which airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 6 p.m. CT.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” are on sale now at the WinStar World Casino and Resort Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster. Ticket prices range from: $75, $55, $45 and doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, with the first contest taking place one hour later.

Previously announced pairings for the event include featherweight action featuring Bubba Jenkins (9-2), who takes on Jordan Parsons (11-1) and Hisaki Kato (5-1) who meets Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1) in a middleweight headlining attraction. In addition, a welterweight scrap pitting Ricky Rainey (11-3) against Chidi Njokuani (13-4) will also take place.

The card’s preliminary slate is also taking shape with the addition of six contests. A heavyweight fight between Zach Rosol (1-0) and Alonzo Menifield, two catchweight bouts, one featuring Bubba McDaniel (25-10) against Kenyon Jackson (3-2) and Stephen Banaszak (4-5) versus George Pacurariu(10-4). Also, a featherweight scrap pitting Treston Thomison (8-3) against Chris Jones (9-3), a bantamweight feature with Eli Tamez (9-0) battling Roshaun Jones (2-3) and welterweights Justin Patterson (6-0) meets Sean Holden (3-1).

Coming off a fight that many mixed martial arts media members and fans consider to be an upset, Girtz will “Cold Roll” his way into “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” riding momentum from his split decision win against Melvin Guillard at “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz.” Now, with two wins in his last two Bellator MMA appearances, the 30-year-old Minnesota resident will look to redeem himself from a unanimous decision loss suffered against Campos more than two years prior.

On the opposite end of the spectrum will be Campos, who is coming off a defeat at the hands of Michael Chandler at this past June’s record-breaking“Bellator 138: Unfinished Business” event. “The Stallion” will hope to duplicate the success he experienced at the expense of Girtz during “Bellator 96”where he took home scores of 29-28 from all three judges sitting at cageside. Campos will be competing close to home, with Lubbock, Texas being a short drive away from Thackerville, OK.

“Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” Updated Fight Card

Main Card:

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Hisaki Kato (5-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Bubba Jenkins (9-2) vs. Jordan Parsons (11-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Ricky Rainey (11-3) vs. Chidi Njokuani (13-4)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Brandon Girtz (13-4) vs. Derek Campos (15-5)

 

Preliminary Card:

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Zach Rosol (1-0) vs. Alonzo Menifield (Debut)

Bellator Catchweight (140 lbs.) Feature Fight: Stephen Banaszak (4-5) vs. George Pacurariu (10-4)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Treston Thomison (8-3) vs. Chris Jones (9-3)

Bellator Bantamweight Feature Fight: Eli Tamez (9-0) vs. Roshaun Jones (2-3)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Justin Patterson (6-0) vs. Sean Holden (3-1)

Bellator Catchweight (195 lbs.) Feature Fight: Bubba McDaniel (25-10) vs. Kenyon Jackson (3-2)

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

EXCITING LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS THOMAS WILLIAMS & HUMBERTO SAVIGNE MEET IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE TELEVISED OPENER 9 P.M. ET

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 FROM THE BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO 
IN BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
 
BILOXI, MISS. (October 28, 2015) – Exciting light heavyweights Thomas “Top Dog” Williams (18-1, 12 KOs) and Humberto Savigne (12-2, 9 KOs) will meet in a 10-round clash to open up Premier Boxing Champions on Spike, Friday, November 13 from the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET.
The PBC on Spike main event pits light heavyweight contender Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (27-1, 18 KOs) against undefeated Michael Seals (19-0, 14 KOs) in a 10-round affair.
“I feel completely rejuvenated heading into this fight,” said Williams. “I’ve been able to get back to the things I’ve done in camp since early in my career and I’m excited forNovember 13. I have seen my opponent and I’m planning on picking him apart. I will be victorious when I leave the ring.”
“I’m feeling one-hundred percent and have had a great training camp,” said Savigne.  “I’m working hard and come November 13, it’s going to be a dominant Humberto Savigne. I don’t want to make any predictions, but I’m coming for the victory.”
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $62.95, $48.95, $34.95 and $20.95, plus tax and service charges. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
At 28-years-old, Williams is looking to take out another tough contender on his road to title contention. The Fort Washington, Maryland-born fighter owns victories over Enrique Ornela, Cornelius White and Yusaf Mack throughout his career. He most recently dominated Michael Gbenga on his way to earning a unanimous decision in December 2014.
Born in Cuba but fighting now out of Miami, Savigne won a gold medal at the 1999 Pan American Games and the 2000 Cuban National Championships. He has beaten Jeff Lacy, Maxell Taylor and previously unbeaten fighters Jackson Junior and Quinton Rankin since turning pro in 2009.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaBombaBoxing, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

IT’S TRUE! IT’S DAMN TRUE! – BELLATOR MMA SIGNS FORMER WWE AND CURRENT TNA SUPERSTAR, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST KURT ANGLE

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ANGLE SET TO JOIN THE ALREADY-AWESOME ‘BELLATOR MMA FAN FEST’ AT DAVE & BUSTER’S ON NOV. 5 AND ATTEND ‘BELLATOR 145’ ON NOV. 6 AT SCOTTRADE CENTER IN ST. LOUIS

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Click for Bellator 145 Official Fan Fest video

Fan Fest is exclusively for Bellator Nation Members only, becoming an official Bellator Nation Member is simple and FREE. Click here to register and RSVP to Fan Fest.

 

CLICK HERE TO GET PUMPED FOR THE NEXT 10 HOURS

 

 

Click for Bellator 145 Official Fan Fest video

 

Santa Monica (Oct. 28, 2015) – On November 5, combat sports fans from all around the country will converge on the Dave & Busters in Maryland Heights, Missouri for the “Official Bellator Fan Fest,” where they can meet several of their favorite athletes and receive photos and autographs.

 

Bellator officials announced today that TNA superstar, former WWE superstar and Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle will join the epic line up, which is already packed with star power the likes of Kimbo Slice, Liam McGeary, Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock and Tito Ortiz.

 

WHAT:                     Bellator Fan Fest at Dave & Buster’s

Fans of all ages are invited to Dave and Buster’s in Maryland Heights, MO to meet and receive autographs from some of the greatest and most popular MMA fighters of all time. Fans will also have the opportunity to win tickets and great prizes, as well as snap a photograph with the Bellator ring girls.

Fan Fest is exclusively for Bellator Nation Members only, becoming an official Bellator Nation Member is simple and FREE. Click here to register and RSVP to Fan Fest. If you are already a member of Bellator Nation you will receive an email invitation to RSVP.

 

WHERE:                  Dave & Buster’s

13857 Riverport Dr.

Maryland Heights, MO

 

WHEN:                    Thursday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. CT

 

WHO:                       Kurt Angle was a Pennsylvania High School State Champion Wrestler, and an All-State linebacker on the Mt. Lebanon High School Football team. The two-sport star pursued wrestling at Clarion University’s D-1 program, where he collected a slew of accolades including one National runner up, two National Championships, three All-American honors, and countless additional championships.

 

After college, Angle won gold at the FILA Wrestling World Championships and began training for the 1996 Olympic games under the tutelage of Dave Schultz at the Foxcatcher Club before his highly publicized murder. After Schultz’s death, Angle would leave Foxcatcher and join the Dave Schultz Wrestling Club in his memory.

 

When the Olympic trials concluded, Angle had earned his spot to compete in the Olympics, but suffered two fractures of his cervical vertebrae, two herniated discs and four pulled muscles in the process. With five months to rest and rehab, Angle would win his Olympic gold medal in the 90-100 kg division.

 

After winning the gold, Angle parlayed his wrestling skills into an amazing career in professional wrestling in several organizations such as TNA, ECW, NWA, WCW, IGF and most notably the WWF/WWE.

 

Angle is the only professional wrestler in history to have won championships in WWE, WCW, TNA and IWGP, totaling an impressive 13 World Championships and 21 total championship belts.  In 2010, Dave Meltzer’s “Wrestling Observer Newsletter” named Angle the “Wrestler of the Decade” for the 2000s.

 

                                There is only one Kimbo Slice. The unmistakable bearded brawler achieved fame through a series of street fights that garnered extreme levels of attention on YouTube. After parlaying his fame into an MMA career, Kimbo exploded onto the scene and became one of the sports most popular stars of all-time.  Kimbo has been the focal point of the first and third-most watched MMA fights in the sport’s history. This past June in St. Louis, his fight against Ken Shamrock shattered Bellator MMA’s viewership records.

 

The first British World Champion in the history of MMA will always be Liam McGeary. At 6’6 the towering fighter has achieved notoriety around the world with his impressive skillset which has seen him end fights with impressive knockout power as well as jiu-jitsu prowess.  Currently undefeated at 11-0, the future is bright for the Bellator MMA Champion. Most recently, McGeary defeated fellow Fan Fest participant Tito Ortiz in the main event of the groundbreaking “Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1.”

                                   

The name Gracie is synonymous with MMA, and that is largely in part to Royce Gracie, the man who is considered to have invented the sport as we know it today.  The winner of the first several UFC events, Gracie would dismantle multiple opponents in a single night, many of whom were much larger than him.  For many years there was no answer for the Gracie jiu-jitsu technique that he brought into a fight.  Today, it’s hard to find an MMA fighter who hasn’t trained in the art of jiu-jitsu.

 

Often referred to as “The Godfather” of MMA, Ken Shamrock is a pioneer of the sport, and introduced an incredible brand of MMA that helped shape the sport into what it is today. With incredible suplexes and leg locks, “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” always made for must-see TV.  His heated rivalries with guys like Royce Gracie and Tito Ortiz generated incredible buzz, and helped popularize the sport.  His fight with Tito Ortiz was at one time the second-most watched MMA fight of all time.

                                   

                                 “The People’s Champion” Tito Ortiz is a fan-favorite all over the world.  The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion was one of the toughest competitors in the cage.  Utilizing his wrestling background, Ortiz was a grinder who defended his title an impressive five times.  Always with a flare for the dramatic, Ortiz had intense rivalries in the cage with guys like Ken Shamrock, as well as outside the cage with UFC President Dana White.

 

FIGHT INFO:           “Bellator 145” features two world title bouts. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (24-2) defends his featherweight strap against Daniel Straus (23-6) and Will “Ill Will” Brooks (16-1) meets submission specialist Marcin Held (21-3), with the 155-pound belt on the line. The event will also feature a trio of Missouri natives with Michael Chandler (13-3), who fights David Rickels (16-3, 1 NC); heavyweight Bobby “The Dominator” Lashley (13-2) who looks to avenge a previous loss on his record when he finally meets James Thompson (20-14) in a rematch; and Justin Lawrence (8-2) who meets Emmanuel Sanchez (11-2).

 

Tickets for “Bellator 145,” which start at just $30, are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and at the Ford Box Office at Scottrade Center. Doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, and the first contest takes place one hour after.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

RAFAEL CARVALHO WINS VACANT MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE AFTER LIVER KICK TO BRANDON HALSEY

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CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SET OF PHOTOS

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Oct. 23, 2015) – Rafael Carvalho (12-1) won the title that was vacated by Brandon Halsey (9-1) after missing weight in his last appearance, finishing the former undefeated fighter during an enthralling middleweight encounter in the main event of ”Bellator 144: Halsey vs. Carvalho.”

 

Carvalho had the belt wrapped around his waist by Bellator MMA President Scott Coker after sending Halsey to the mat in a heap, with a perfectly placed liver kick in front of a packed house at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

 

“I want to thank my team for everything,” Carvalho said after the win. “I have believed in myself from the beginning and I knew this time would come.”

 

The 29-year-old Brazilian fighter was an exorbitant underdog heading into the matchup, but as the saying goes, that’s why they fight. The next time Carvalho enters an arena, his banner will now hang from the rafters.

Ward Stops Olson to the Delight of Partisan Crowd

 

Much like the last time Brennan Ward (12-3) competed in his homestate of Connecticut, “Irish” caught Dennis Olson (14-10) with a right hand that sent“The Menace” to the mat, where Ward quickly pounced and forced the hand of referee John McCarthy. The finish came at 4:37 of the opening round.

 

Olson proved to be tough enough to withstand multiple flurries from Ward, even landing an upkick that seemed to hurt Ward when he tried to score a finish early. But Ward refused to let up, making sure he sent his friends and family home with a smile on their faces.

 

“I’m a hometown guy. Dennis and I talked a lot of stuff before the fight, but it was a battle in there. I have nothing but respect for him. He’s tough as hell. He almost knocked me out off his back with an elbow.

 

“I love this arena and my hometown fans, I was just trying to be patient, but he’s tough on the ground. My coach and dad told me that if I’m patient and land the right hand then the rest would be history.” Ward said. “[Andrey] Koreshkov is a tough dude, if I’m next in line then hopefully we can bang out.”

 

There are plenty of matchups that make sense for a striker the caliber of Ward, Bellator MMA fans will need to keep close tabs as 2016 quickly approaches.

Yamauchi Equals Featherweight Submission Record

 

The Bellator MMA debut of Isao Kobayashi (17-3) didn’t go as planned at “Bellator 144: Halsey vs. Carvalho,” as Goiti Yamauchi (19-2) finished the Japanese fighter with a rear-naked choke submission at 3:50 of the final frame.

 

With the win, Yamauchi tied former Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion Pat Curran, Daniel Straus, Alexandre Bezerra and Marlon Sandro for most submissions (15) in 145-pound history.

 

After the contest, the 22-year-old had some pointed words for current featherweight champion Patricio Freire.

 

“It feels great to get the victory, Kobayashi is a tough opponent. I feel my performance was good. We trained hard to improve my technique and I had a big performance today,” Yamauchi said. “Patricio, I know you will beat Daniel Straus. Accept my fight afterwards. I will be the next champion.”

”Venom” Showcases Ground Game in Opening Round Finish

In the opening main card bout at “Bellator 144: Halsey vs. Carvalho,” Michael Page (9-0) remained undefeated after finishing Charlie Ontiveros (6-4) with vicious elbows at 3:20 in the first round.

 

Previously, “Venom” has usually showcased his striking while standing upright, but on Friday, Page quickly took dominant position on the mat against his opponent and dropped perfectly placed elbows to the jaw of Ontiveros, forcing the Bellator MMA newcomer to verbally submit.

 

“I know I can finish anyone. I know I don’t have to prove anything. I hope he’s okay, I’m sorry I finished it like that, but you know I like to impress people,” Page said following the fight. “It’s down to Bellator and my coaches as to what happens next, but whoever they put in front of me the same thing is going to happen.”

 

With the win, Page has now finished eight of his nine wins as a professional in the opening round, a trend that the 28-year-old hopes to parlay into a title shot sooner rather than later.

Preliminary Card Results:

Kemran Lachinov (1-1) def. Ilya Kotau (1-0) via submission (Kneebar) 2:57, R2

Damien Trites (7-6) def. Keenan Raymond (2-2) via submission (Kimura) 1:17, R2

Kin Moy (8-2) def. Walter Smith-Cotito (3-4) via submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 3:53, R3

Billy Giovanella (9-4) def. Brandon Polcare (1-1) via submission (Triangle Choke) 2:19, R1

Matt Bessette (16-7) def. Kevin Roddy (15-16) via submission (heel hook) 3:47, R1

Kevin Haley (4-3) def. Mike Zichelle (7-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Matt Secor (7-2) def. Jeremie Holloway (7-1) via submission (heel hook) 4:54, R2

Marius Enache (3-3) def. Pete Rogers Jr. (3-2) via submission (Americana) 2:37, R2

Sam Watford (1-0) def. TJ Hepburn (4-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ANDRZEJ FONFARA WINS SLUGFEST AGAINST NATHAN CLEVERLY ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE IN FRONT OF ELECTRIC CROWD AT UIC PAVILION IN CHICAGO

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KOHEI KONO USES RELENTLESS ATTACK TO DEFEAT KOKI KAMEDA & RETAIN SUPER FLYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
 Click HERE For Photos From David Earnisse/Premier Boxing Champions
 
For Fight Highlights Go To www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions
 
CHICAGO (October 16, 2015) – Hometown-favorite Andrzej Fonfara (28-3 16 KOs) outslugged former world champion Nathan Cleverly (29-3, 15 KOs) over 12 grueling rounds on his way to a unanimous decision on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike from the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
Fonfara and Cleverly exchanged punches throughout the night with neither man yielding an inch of ground. Cleverly won rounds by throwing punches from awkward angles and by countering effectively. Fonfara never seemed phased by Cleverly’s power however, and was able to impose his will as the fight wore on.
Cleverly began bleeding from his nose in the middle of the fight as Fonfara launched uppercuts and straight right hands at the injured appendage. The injury slowed the pace of Cleverly’s attack and allowed Fonfara to pull ahead on the scorecards. The fight set a record for most punches landed (936) and thrown (2524) in the light heavyweight division in CompuBox history.
The final judges’ scores were 115-113 and 116-112 twice.
The evening’s co-main event featured thrilling back-and-forth action as super flyweight world champion Kohei Kono (31-8-1, 13 KOs) retained his title via unanimous decision over former world champion Koki Kameda (33-2, 18 KOs). The bout was the first world title fight between two Japanese fighters that was fought on U.S. soil.
The action started in round two when Kono fell to the canvas as a result of a low blow from Kameda. Kono bounced back and immediately put Kameda on the ground with a sharp straight left hand.
In the third round, Kameda was twice deducted points for low blows as Kono continued to punish him with blows to the head. One point would eventually be deducted from Kono in round nine for excessive holding.
While Kameda fought through a left eye that was swollen shut, Kono proved to be dominant from start to finish on his way to a decision victory by scores of 116-108, 115-109 and 113-111. The two fighters landed a combined 679 punches, the second highest total in CompuBox history in the super flyweight division. Kono finished the fight landing 362 punches to 317 by Kameda.
ANDRZEJ FONFARA
“Cleverly has a great chin. He’s a great fighter. He was taking a lot of punches and not breaking down. He still wanted to go forward and fight. He believed he could win until the very end.
“I thought I would knock him out before the fight, but during the fight I realized he has great defense. I had no idea he could take so many punches and still be in the fight. I realized it would be very hard to knock him out. I respect him very much.
“It was not the toughest fight of my career, but I’m happy because it was a hard 12 rounds.
“I got the feeling I broke his nose around the seventh or eighth round. After taking so many hard punches I felt he was wearing down.
“I was positive I won before they read the decision. The last couple rounds there was no question who was the better fighter. He was still throwing punches, but I was blocking them and hitting him very hard.
“What’s next for me? Hawaii. Vacation.”
NATHAN CLEVERLY
“It was a fantastic fight – I had a feeling that our styles were going to gel and that’s what happened. It was a war from the very first bell and I am not surprised that it broke the records for the most punches thrown because when we started we just didn’t stop.
“He can really bang – he’s not far off Sergey Kovalev for power. But I thought I had him until the nose went and I think that without that, I could’ve got the win. But in the end, I think the 115-113 was about right, and credit to him, he took some punches in there too and kept on coming.
“It has been a great experience over here in the U.S. – it’s a pretty hostile crowd but they all congratulated me after the fight. Would I do it again? Why not – it’s what we are here to do, put on entertaining fights for great fans, and I am sure there will be the demand for it.”
KOHEI KONO
“I’ve been training to win this title for years and I’m so happy that I have defended the title.
“I am so happy that I got to face Kameda and get this victory over him. It is a big win for my career.
“If we had fought using movement, he probably would have beaten me, but he decided to trade punches with me and that gave me a chance to win.
“My jab was superb tonight and my uppercut rarely missed. Early in the fight I wasn’t sure I could take his power. But after he hit me a few times and I was still there, I started getting confidence.
“I felt great all week and I knew my performance would be very strong. Even before I left for the U.S. I felt better than I ever had before a fight.”
KOKI KAMEDA
I trained very hard for this fight. I’m very disappointed.
“I was going to make a decision on whether to retire or not based on my performance. I feel it might be time for me to retire.
“My stamina wasn’t what it should be in the later rounds.
“I got caught in the second round because I made a mistake I shouldn’t have made. He fought very well and I was surprised by his power. I think it’s time for me to retire.”
#          #          #
PBC on Spike was promoted by Warriors Boxing.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @NathanClev, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoandwww.Facebook.com/Spike.
 
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

FONFARA VS. CLEVERLY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Photo Credit: Przemek Garczarczyk
 
CHICAGO (October 13, 2015) – “Chicago’s Polish Prince” and top light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara (27-3, 16 KOs) and his opponent, former world champion Nathan Cleverly (29-2, 15 KOs); along with reigning super flyweight world champion Kohei Kono (30-8-1, 13 KOs) and former world champion Koki Kameda (33-1, 18 KOs), worked out for the media today in advance of their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike showdowns this Friday, October 16 from UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
 
Fonfara vs. Cleverly will serve as the 12-round main event, while Kono vs. Kameda will be the 12-round televised opener. The Spike broadcast begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $151, $101, $51, $41 and $31, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
 
Below is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
 
ANDRZEJ FONFARA
 
“I have won some big fights and I am proud of that, but I have to stay focused on the sport and continue to do my best. I’m just a normal guy. I’m a boxer and a warrior and I continue to improve with every fight. That’s more important to me than being called a rising star in boxing.
 
“Cleverly says he’s too slick for me, but we will see what happens in the ring on Friday. You never know what will happen in a fight. Maybe he is faster and slicker, but I’m stronger and I think I’m a better fighter right now.
 
“The plan is to beat him on Friday, but if I get the opportunity I will knock him out. This is the sport we are in: blood and sweat.
 
“Cleverly is a really big step for me. I know he’s an experienced guy. He’s a good technical guy. He’s fast and sneaky, but I want guys like him. I don’t want bums who show up to get paid and go down in the second or third round. I want a guy who tells me before a fight that he can beat me. That motivates me.”
 
NATHAN CLEVERLY
 
“It’s going to be an enjoyable experience fighting in his backyard of Chicago. It’s a bit of an adventure. The pressure is off in a way because he has the expectations of the home crowd. I’m just coming here to do my job and win the fight.
 
“I’m confident it’ll be a good fight and I’m ready.
 
“Fonfara is a good fighter. He’s tall and rangy. He’s a good puncher and strong. He’s fit. He throws correct, solid punches, but I believe I’ll win because I’ve simply got more tools and I’ve done more to my game. I’m sharper with more movement. My combination punching will be too much for him.”
 
KOEHEI KONO
 
“I have always had a dream to fight in the United States. I will do my best to perform up to the historic nature of this fight.
 
“Kameda says he is a ‘charismatic genius.’ I disagree and I’m here to prove him wrong. I will prove itFriday night that I am the true force.
 
“I am proud of my stamina and activity rate and my punching power. That is why I will win this fight.”
 
KOKI KAMEDA
 
“I am in the best shape of my entire boxing career right now. I spent five weeks in Las Vegas training with Ismael Salas and that was best thing I could have done. I didn’t do anything but prepare for this fight.
 
“Kono promised the Japanese press and his fans that he would knock me out… that’s about the last thing that is going to happen in this fight. I find that funny.
 
“This is the first time two Japanese have fought for a world title in the United States, but I don’t have any special feeling about the historic nature. This is just another fight for me because every single fight I’m in is equally important to me. Even a four-round fight is life or death for me.”
 
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @NathanClev, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoandwww.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN FIGHTER MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BOSTON (October 8, 2015) – Fighters took part in a media workout today at Welch’s Gym in South Boston to kick off fight week for this Saturday night’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN card at Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA, headlined byDanny “Bhoy” O’Connor (26-2, 10 KOs) vs. Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (23-2, 4 KOs) with triple-header coverage starting at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $125, $85, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Special student, veteran and senior ticket prices also available. For tickets visit www.lowellauditorium.com
See here what the participants had to say Wednesday:
DANNY O’CONNOR
 
“This is all about me fighting the process. Gabriel Bracero beat me but I really beat myself.  Just like training for this fight, we had a baby son.  Two weeks before our first fight, my first son was born and I didn’t know how to separate sport from such life-changing events.  I was 14-0 and fighting on Showtime. We just had a baby boy two weeks before this fight.  I want to prove to myself that I can beat this process.  Bracero is my redemption!
“This fight is me vs. me.  The time was right for this fight.  I was offered this fight five times during the past few years but the time wasn’t right.
“I was a scared little kid with no experience in our first fight.  I couldn’t handle the pressure, I didn’t even know it was there.  Now, I’m a mature man who is a husband and father.  I’m a totally different person.
“This fight could be in my living room.  I’m at peace in the ring doing what I love to do.  It’s great being back in the ring in Lowell, where I won the New England Golden Gloves title and I’m fighting on national TV, but the event is between the four corners and that’s what really counts.”
GABRIEL BRACERO
 
“I’m excited. I’ve trained for this fight like I’ve never fought Danny before.  I beat him but that was four years ago.  I can’t overlook him.  He has obviously made improvements and I did also to get where we are today.
“I’m more experienced. I moved to train in Orlando and get away from distractions.  I hit a few bumps and got incarcerated.  Tommy Gallagher (trainer) saved my lie.  He was there when I went to prison and there when I got out.  I added a new trainer to our corner, Alexander Lopes, but Tommy and my father, Kiro, are still there.  Tommy gives the orders and he likes what Lopez has done with me.
“Tommy Gallagher is my guardian angel.  He believed in me more than I believed in myself.  He had this vision before I did.
“Danny has become a better fighter.  I can’t take anything away from him, but I’m looking forward to putting on a spectacular performance Saturday night.”
JONATHAN GUZMAN
“I’m going to make it 20-for-20, yes!  I’m powerful because I make strong moves.  My left hook is my best punch. I can feel the power through my entire body when I hit somebody right.
“I don’t worry about my opponent or what he’s done in the past.
“Lawrence is my home now.  I will go back to the Dominican Republic in December for the holidays.  I feel like a Bostonian.  This is the sixth fight I’ve trained here for and I love the Boston Red Sox.”
DANNY AQUINO
 
“My last fight propelled me (upset by decision over Ryan Kielczweski).  It made me more confident in myself. My last fight was on ESPN and this one is on NBCSN.
“I don’t know too much about my opponent other than he has power that I’ll be looking out for.  A win over him should put me in the top 10 and that’s why I’m so motivated for this fight.
“I won the New England Golden Gloves championship in Lowell Memorial Auditorium in 2007.
“I train hard and I’m always in good enough shape to beat anybody.”
 
RYAN KIELCZWESKI
 
“I like fighting at home and this is one of my favorite venues.  I won the New England Golden Gloves there twice.
“I’ve trained for this to be the toughest fight of my career.
“(Vasquez) is tough with a lot of power.  He’s going come forward, but I’ll be able to out-box him.
“He’s rated in the top 10 of the world and a win should put me back in the top 10 fighting for a world title within the next year.”
 
RAFAEL VASQUEZ
 
“This is a great opportunity for me.  I think this fight will put me on the map fighting on national TV and showing fans what I’ve got.
“I’m a hungry, small fighter determined to win.  I fight for my wife, Sandra, who has stage-four cancer and my eight-year-old daughter, Kaline, who has autism.  It’s not just me fighting in the ring, it’s the Vasquez family.  With God’s grace, anything is possible.
“Ryan moves a lot. He uses the ring and boxes.  He lost to Aquino and I know he’ll be coming back to prove himself. “
GARY “SPIKE” O’SULLIVAN
 
“Boston is my second home.  I love it here.  The people are so nice and there are good gyms.
“I’m an exciting, entertaining fighter who always comes to fight.
“After I finish off Eubanks, I’ll be the No. 1 contender in the WBA and Golovkin can’t hold me off any longer.
“I watched a few clips of my opponent.  We have identical records.  We both knock people out, so I have to be careful.  I’d like to get in a few rounds, but when I hit people, they fall.”
 
STEPHEN ORMOND
“My first four fights were here in the US.  Boston is like my second home.  The people are so nice.  Boston is a real fight city.  I can’t wait for these people to see me in the ring.
                                                                                                                        
“I saw my opponent fight last year in Boston.  He’s an experienced guy with a lot of fights.  He fought for a world title a long time ago.
“With Ken Casey behind me, an impressive victory will get me a title shot.  I’ll take any of them. I was one fight away, losing a qualifier.  My grandmother passed away the day of my fight.  I’m ready now!”
#          #          #
The Saturday, Oct. 10 edition of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN, promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, features a O’Connor(26-2, 10 KOs) and Bracero (23-2, 4 KOs) rematch in a 10-round welterweight super middleweight showdown, Jonathan “Salomon King” Guzman (19-0, 19 KOs) Danny Aquino (17-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight match up, and Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (23-1, 7 KOs) meets Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez (16-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout to open the PBC on NBCSAN broadcast at 8:00 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.lowellauditorium.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @DOC_Boxing, @TeamBracero, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys,www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxingand www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST BETWEEN ALEX HUDDLESTON-AUGUSTO SAKAI TOPS ADDITION OF SEVEN PRELIMS TO ‘BELLATOR 145: VENGEANCE’

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. (October 8, 2015) – With the five fight main card for “Bellator 145: Vengeance” set, the completed preliminary portion of the event has now also officially been rolled out by Bellator MMA.

 

The newly announced bouts include heavyweights Alex Huddleston (6-1) and Augusto Sakai (8-0), former TUF welterweight contestant Adam Cella (6-4) who goes up against Chel Erwin-Davis (2-1), Steve Mann (11-2) fighting Hugh Pulley (5-2) in lightweight action, as well as Kain Royer (1-2) versus Clay Mitchell (1-0) in a heavyweight bout and welterweights Kevin Engel (4-0) and Kyle Kurtz (4-1). Rounding out the preliminary contests will be the professional debut of Brandon Lowe, when he faces Rashard Lovelace (1-0) and Adam Meredith (3-1) taking on Jordan Dowdy (2-0).

 

The contests will take place during the preliminary card of “Bellator 145: ‘Vengeance,” which streams live on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. CT.

 

Top billing at the November 6 event features two world title bouts. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (24-2) defends his belt against Daniel Straus (23-6) and Will “Ill Will” Brooks (16-1) meets submission specialist Marcin Held (21-3) with the 155-pound title on the line. “Bellator 145: Vengeance” will also featureMichael Chandler (13-3) against Dave Rickels (16-3) and heavyweights Bobby “The Dominator” Lashley (13-2) versus James Thompson (20-14).

 

Tickets for “Bellator 145: ‘Vengeance,” which start at just $30, are on sale now on Ticketmaster.com and at the Ford Box Office at Scottrade Center. Doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, and the first contest takes place one hour after.

 

Both Huddleston and Sakai will bring both impressive records and finishes to the table when they face-off in the featured preliminary contest on Nov. 6.

 

Huddleston is the main training partner of Bobby Lashley, who also competes at the event. Also known as “The Shaved Gorilla,” Huddleston most recently stopped Javy Ayala with a nifty first-round, rear-naked choke submission at “Bellator 139: Kongo vs. Volkov.” The win was the 29-year-old’s fourth finish in six tries. Sakai was also in action this past June, when he put a beating on Daniel Gallemore, so much so, the heavyweight was unable to get off the stool in between rounds. The Brazilian native has ended seven of his eight professional victories without help from the judges’ scorecards.

 

Complete “Bellator 145: Vengeance” Fight Card

Main Card:

Bellator Featherweight World Title Bout: Patricio Freire (24-2) vs. Daniel Straus (23-6)

Bellator Lightweight World Title Bout: Will Brooks (16-1) vs. Marcin Held (21-3)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Bout: Pat Curran (21-7) vs. Justin Lawrence (7-2)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Bout: Michael Chandler (13-3) vs. Dave Rickels (16-3)

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Bout: Bobby Lashley (13-2) vs. James Thompson (20-14)

 

Preliminary Card:

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Bout: Alex Huddleston (6-1) vs. Augusto Sakai (8-0)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Bout: Adam Cella (6-4) vs. Chel Erwin-Davis (2-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Bout: Garrett Gross (6-4) vs. Luke Nelson (2-1)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Bout: Steve Mann (11-2) vs. Hugh Pulley (5-2)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Bout: Chris Heatherly (9-3) vs. Vince Eazelle (9-2)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Bout: Kevin Engel (4-0) vs. Kyle Kurtz (4-1)

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Bout: Kain Royer (1-2) vs. Clay Mitchell (1-0)

Bellator Middleweight Feature Bout: Adam Meredith (3-1) vs. Jordan Dowdy (2-0)

Bellator Bantamweight Feature Bout: Garrett Mueller (2-0) vs. Scott Ettling (3-0

Bellator Lightweight Feature Bout: Brandon Lowe (debut) vs. Rashard Lovelace (1-0)