Category Archives: World Series of Fighting

mixed martial arts, NBC, World Series of Fighting

WSOF 23: “GAETHJE VS. PALOMINO II”  PRELIMINARY BOUT CARD RECEIVES TWO NEW PROSPECTS IN PLACE OF INJURED ISAAC VALLIE-FLAGG AND KELVIN TILLER

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Preliminary fight card streams live on WSOF.com prior to
five-bout telecast on NBCSN on
Friday, Sept. 18 from Comerica Theatre in Phoenix

LAS VEGAS (September 14, 2015) – Two Tucson, Ariz.-based fighting prospects – Kamuela Kirk and Brian Grinnell – have been given the shot of a lifetime after injuries have rendered Isaac Vallie-Flagg and Kelvin Tiller ineligible to compete in their respective  “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” preliminary card bout commitments at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 18.

Kirk (4-1) will replace Vallie-Flagg, who sustained an elbow injury, in the scheduled lightweight (155 pounds) contest against Estevan Payan (16-8) of Tempe, Ariz., and Grinnell (8-6) will fill in for Tiller in the scheduled middleweight (185 pounds) matchup against undefeated Vagab Vagabov (19-0) of Dagestan, Russia.

The 21-year-old Kirk, who will make his fourth start of 2015, is coming off of a powerful performance on July 19, when he scored a first round (3:17) TKO on Edgar Escarrega with a barrage of knee strikes.

Kirk produced submission victories in each of his first three starts.  His only defeat, thus far, came via split decision in February.

Originally from Shawnee, Okla., the 27-year-old Grinnell (8-6) is an expert on the mat who has claimed 6 of his 8 professional career wins by way of submission.   In his latest effort, a July 24 matchup against Levi Queen, Grinnell forced Queen to tap out in the first round (2:59) of battle.

The WSOF 23 seven-bout preliminary card will stream live on an embeddable video player on WSOF.com.

Priced from just $39.99, tickets for “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” are on sale at the Comerica Theatre box office and online at WSOF.com and Ticketmaster.com.

In the main event, undefeated, reigning World Series of Fighting Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (14-0) will collide for the second time with hard-hitting rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10), after the two engaged in an all-out war, which has already been touted as a “Fight of the Year” candidate, in the main event of WSOF 19 at Comerica Theatre.

In the co-main event and inaugural World Series of Fighting light heavyweight (205 pounds) championship bout, David Branch (16-3), the promotion’s reigning world middleweight (185 pounds) champion, will attempt to become the first two-division kingpin in World Series of Fighting history, when he faces off with Cinderella story Teddy Holder (9-1), whose nine career wins have all come by way (T)KO or submission.

The live, five-fight NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Doors at Comerica Theatre will open at 3 p.m. MT and the first preliminary bout will begin at 3:45 p.m.

MAIN CARD (Live on NBCSN)

World Series of Fighting Lightweight Championship Main Event:
Justin Gaethje (Champion) vs. Luis Palomino (Challenger)

World Series of Fighting Light Heavyweight Championship Co-Main Event:
David Branch vs. Teddy Holder

Bantamweight: Timur Valiev vs. Tito Jones
Catchweight (160 pounds): Phoenix Jones vs. Roberto Yong
Lightweight: Brian Foster vs. LaRue Burley

PRELIMINARY CARD (Live on WSOF.com)

Middleweight: Vagab Vagabov vs. Brian Grinnell
Middleweight: Clifford Starks vs. Krasimir Mladenov
Lightweight: Estevan Payan vs. Kamuela Kirk
Welterweight: Matthew Frincu vs. Danny Davis, Jr.
Bantamweight: Andres Ponce vs. David Nuzzo
Bantamweight: Randy Steinke vs. Joey Miolla
Lightweight: Benny Madrid vs. Jeff Fletcher
mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING ADDS PROMINENT SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA EXECUTIVES MARK FORD, MIKE STEVENS & JOHN WEISER, TO LEAD ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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LAS VEGAS (Sept. 9, 2015) –World championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today the addition of three prominent industry leaders in sports, entertainment and media, respectively, to lead its Board of Directors. Joining the Board, effective immediately, are Mark Ford (Executive Vice President, Global Advertising for Time Inc.), Mike Stevens (Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer, New York Football Giants, Inc.) and John Weiser(President, U.S. Distribution for Sony Pictures Television).

“We are thrilled to add the diverse sports, media, and brand building expertise that Mark, Mike, and John bring to our Board as we look to continue to grow as a premier destination for MMA fans and sponsors alike,” said CEO, Carlos Silva.

In his role EVP, Time Inc. Global Advertising Sales, Ford works across Time Inc.’s brands to drive overall advertising sales revenue for the company and to build on their leadership in the marketplace. Ford previously served as EVP and President of Time Inc’s Sports Group, where he was responsible for the global business development and operations of Sports Illustrated, SI For Kids, Golf and popular brand franchises including the SI Swimsuit issue.

Stevens, the New York Giants first-ever CMO, has a strong track record of growing businesses through innovative corporate partnerships, live events, multi-platform media and innovative activations. He has led the team’s transformation to become a leader in team business performance while also successfully building, marketing and selling the largest privately funded stadium in the world, MetLife Stadium. Stevens brings extensive sports industry experience to the World Series of Fighting with prior roles at eBay Sports and the National Basketball Association.

As President of U.S. Distribution for Sony Pictures Television, Weiser oversees all domestic sales operations including sales of features films produced by Sony Pictures, first-run and off-network syndicated programs and Sony Pictures library titles to U.S. broadcast networks, cable networks and television station groups along with video-on-demand, subscription video-on-demand and domestic pay television.

The World Series of Fighting cards air exclusively on NBC Sports Network and NBC. Its next fight card, WSOF 23 Gaethje vs. Palomino, is headlined by this exciting Lightweight rematch scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT from Comerica Theater in Phoenix, AZ.

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.
mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING SIGNS CAROS FODOR AND COREY DEVELA TO EXCLUSIVE PROMOTIONAL AGREEMENTS

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LAS VEGAS (September 10, 2015) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today that it has inked another pair of recognized stars – lightweight (155 pounds) Caros “The Future” Fodor and middleweight (185 pounds) Cory “The One” Devela – to exclusive, multi-year agreements.  Each athlete’s promotional debut will be announced soon.

Fodor (10-4) of Kirkland, Wash. joins his brother, rising star and costumed crime fighter Phoenix Jones aka Ben Fodor, on the World Series Fighting roster.

“Caros and Cory are two seasoned and accomplished stars in their respective weight classes, so it is a pleasure to welcome them aboard,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

“With our roster of stars,” said Sefo, “and our schedule of live events and television programming all growing rapidly, this is a more exciting time than ever for World Series of Fighting, and we are delighted to be able to have more and more established talent like Caros and Cory be a part of what we are building.”

The 31-year-old Fodor, a protégé of famed trainer Matt Hume, has won three of his last four bouts that took place over the course of a two-year stint competing in Asia.  Fodor put himself on the map in 2010 after signing with Strikeforce and reeling off five consecutive victories on national television while competing for the now-defunct, former number two promotion in the world.

Fodor boasts a 70 percent finish rate, having earned 5 of his 10 career wins by submission and 2 wins by (T)KO.  Since he began his career as an amateur 10 years ago, he has not suffered a knockout.

Also 31 years old, Devela (15-6) of Bonney Lake, Wash. is coached by wrestling guru and MMA submission ace Dennis “Superman” Hallman.  Like Fodor, he established his name at a young age by competing against top-level competition on a major stage.

Devela, who will look for his fourth consecutive victory after earning a unanimous decision over superstar Nick Ring on June 26, produced one of the memorable moments in Strikeforce history when he stopped Joe “Diesel” Riggs with a vicious body slam in the first round (1:22) of their matchup on February 23, 2008.

Live World Series of Fighting action returns to NBCSN on Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with the much-anticipated “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” world championship doubleheader event that will be headlined by a world lightweight championship rematch between reigning kingpin Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje(14-0) and hard-hitting rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10).

About World Series of Fighting (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF.com) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.
mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

BARRY PINCUS JOINS WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICIER (CFO)

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Pincus previously served as CFO for IMG Artists, the New York Yankees and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, among others

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 3, 2015) – World championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today the addition of Barry Pincus as its’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Pincus brings with him over 20 years of experience serving as a Senior Executive/CFO of major sports and entertainment brands including IMG Artists, the New York Yankees and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

“Barry is a terrific addition to the World Series of Fighting management team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and financial experience, as well as a dynamic approach to brand development to our growing sports property,” said CEO, Carlos Silva.

Pincus most recently served as CFO for IMG Artists (2012 – 14), the global leader in performing arts management, tours, festivals, events and consulting. Prior to IMG Artists, Pincus worked in a variety of senior-level management and consulting roles for over a decade including leading brand development for Dennis Publishing for seven years. His impressive career in financial management includes serving as CFO/VP of Finance for one of the crown jewels in sports; the New York Yankees (1991 – 97), as well as serving as CFO for media conglomerate Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (1997 – 99).

The World Series of Fighting cards air exclusively on NBCSN and NBC. Its next fight card, “WSOF 23 Gaethje vs. Palomino,” is headlined by this exciting lightweight rematch scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT from Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, AZ.

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.
mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

CHAEL SONNEN JOINS WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING AS COLOR COMMENTATOR FOR LIVE NBCSN TELECASTS

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Decorated MMA superstar to call the world championship action
at WSOF 23: “Gaethje vs. Palomino II” in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 18

LAS VEGAS (September 1, 2015) –Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) superstar Chael Sonnen has signed on with World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) as a color commentator for multiple events, and will call his first action with veteran play-by-play announcer Todd Harris, at the highly-anticipated “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” world championship doubleheader mega-event, live on NBCSN from Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 p.m. ET.

“I am stoked to join the powerhouse team at World Series of Fighting, and call their fights that feature some of the best mixed martial artists on the planet,” said Sonnen “World Series of Fighting has done an outstanding job of building their organization into a top-tier franchise in a very short span of time, and I am just proud to be a part of such a fast-growing company.

“We are thrilled to have Chael Sonnen, one of the most colorful individuals in professional sports, join our production,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.  “We are confident Chael will enhance the fan viewing experience both for our growing national audience on NBCSN and across the globe by providing the insights he learned competing at the highest level of the sport.”

The 38-year-old Sonnen is a former three-time UFC world championship challenger, NCAA Division I All-American wrestler and two-time PAC-10 runner-up for the University of Oregon and 2000 Greco-Roman World University championships silver medalist.

As an analyst, Sonnen has covered the sport of MMA for ESPN and FOX Sports 1.

The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Friday, Sept. 18 from Comerica Theatre.  In the main event, undefeated reigning World Series of Fighting Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (14-0) will put his coveted title on the line for the second time against hard-hitting challenger Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10), six months after the two engaged in an all-out slugfest that is widely regarded as a “Fight of the Year” candidate.

In the co-main event, David Branch (16-3) will attempt to become the promotion’s first two-division champion and first World Series of Fighting light heavyweight (205 pounds) champion in history when he squares off with determined, hard-hitting KO artist Teddy Holder (9-1) in the championship round of the four-man, multi-event tournament that kicked off at Comerica Theatre on March 28.

About World Series of Fighting (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF.com) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.
mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING SIGNS LIGHTWEIGHT HEAVY HITTERS  JASON HIGH AND MIKE RICCI TO EXCLUSIVE PROMOTIONAL AGREEMENTS

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LAS VEGAS (August 19, 2015) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today that it has signed two more marquee athletes – lightweights (155 pounds) Jason High and Mike Ricci – to exclusive, multi-year fight agreements.  The promotional debut of each fighter will be announced soon.

“We are pleased to welcome Jason High and Mike Ricci, two extremely talented and exciting athletes, to our roster,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

“Our lightweight division is expanding at an aggressive pace,” continued Sefo, “and both Jason and Mike will surely add depth to the competitive pool of athletes in this weight class, and provide us with the means to create some highly compelling matchups with potential title fight implications.”

The 33-year-old High (18-6) of Kansas City, Mo. earned the fight world’s attention for the first time six years ago during a stint at welterweight (170 pounds) with the Japan-based promotion Dream, where he notched a first round (:59) submission (rear-naked choke) victory over Yuya Shirai followed by a split decision win over Andre Galvao on April 5, 2009 and July 20, 2009, respectively.

After an impressive, unanimous decision conquest of rival star Jordan Mein on U.S. soil on Aug. 26, 2010, High returned to Japan where he edged out a split decision over all-time great Hayato Sakurai on New Year’s Eve that year.

High’s stock has continued to rise with successful performances in the now-defunct, former number two promotion in the world, Strikeforce, followed by his move to lightweight.

Ricci (10-4) of Montreal, Quebec, Canada is a 29-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt trained by famed Georges St. Pierre-mentor Firas Zahabi.  Like High, he has faced and defeated stiff competition under some of the world’s top promotional banners.

When he makes his World Series of Fighting debut, Ricci will hunt for his third straight victory, following a first round (3:57) TKO (punches and elbows) of road warrior Jorge Gurgel on Feb. 28, 2014 and a unanimous decision over George Sotiropoulos on Aug. 22, 2014.

Live World Series of Fighting action returns to NBCSN on Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with the much-anticipated “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” world championship doubleheader event that will be headlined by a world lightweight championship rematch between reigning kingpin Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje(14-0) and hard-hitting rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10).

About World Series of Fighting (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF.com) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.
mixed martial arts, NBC, World Series of Fighting

WSOF 23 PRELIMINARY FIGHT CARD COMPLETE WITH SEVEN BOUTS HIGHLIGHTED BY ISAAC VALLIE-FLAGG, CLIFFORD STARKS AND LEGION OF LOCAL PHOENIX AREA TALENT

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Preliminary fight card streams live on WSOF.com prior to
five-bout telecast on NBCSN on Friday, September 18

LAS VEGAS (August 18, 2015) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today a stacked, seven-bout preliminary card for its “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” world championship doubleheader mega-event at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, September 18.

The preliminary fight card, which will stream live on WSOF.com prior to the five-bout, live NBCSN telecast of the event’s main card, is highlighted by the promotional debut of battle-tested road warrior Isaac Vallie-Flagg, the quick return of streaking Clifford “Big Cat” Starks, the U.S. debut of undefeated finisher Vagab Vagbov and a total of nine of the Phoenix area’s top professional prospects.

“This is a phenomenal assembly of up-and-coming talent from Phoenix as well as established veterans and rising stars from elsewhere around the U.S. and other parts of the globe,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

“When we brought World Series of Fighting to the city of Phoenix for the first time earlier this year,” continued Sefo, “we discovered a considerable pool of talent.  We are excited to be able to put some of this talent back in action and to deploy several new faces that we feel have earned a shot to compete in the big leagues.”

Topping the preliminary bout card is a middleweight (185 pounds) matchup between Vagabov (19-0) of Dagestan, Russia and submission specialist Kelvin “The Mama’s Boy” Tiller (7-1) of Topeka, Kan.

Just six weeks after he shocked the world by pulling off an upset victory over Mike “MAK” Kyle in a matchup that he accepted on less than one week’s notice, Starks (12-2) of Tempe, Ariz. will re-enter the World Series of Fighting decagon cage and hunt for his fifth consecutive win when he faces another steep test in undefeated, former Bulgarian national wrestling champion Krasimir “The Wrestler” Mladenov (12-0), who is fighting out of Las Vegas.

Vallie-Flagg (15-7-1) of Santa Fe, N.M., a member of the famed Jackson-Winklejohn fight squad will make his debut under the World Series of Fighting banner in a lightweight (155 pounds) tilt against power puncher Estevan “El Terrible” Payan of Tempe.

Matthew “The Thunder From Down Under” Frincu (6-1) of Tempe via Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia will make his second start for World Series of Fighting, after scoring a devastating, second round (:14) KO on Eric Regan with a headkick at WSOF 19 on March 28.

Frincu, whose six career victories have all come by way of (T)KO or submission, will battle streaking Danny Davis, Jr. (11-8-1) of Las Vegas at welterweight (170 pounds).  Davis Jr. is a winner of his last five straight fights, including three World Series of Fighting matchups.

In one of two bantamweight (135 pounds) preliminary card bouts, Tempe-based rivalsAndres Ponce (1-0) and David Nuzzo (7-1) will go to war while, in the other, Randy Steinke (15-9-1) of Phoenix will face off with Joey “The Beast” Miolla (4-1) of Mesa, Ariz.

Leading off the preliminary fight card will be a lightweight scrap between Benny “El Hijo” Madrid (7-3) of Phoenix and Jeff Fletcher (11-10, 1 NC) of Ahwatukee, Ariz.

Priced from just $39.99, tickets for “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” are on sale at the Comerica Theatre box office and online at WSOF.com and Ticketmaster.com.

In the main event of WSOF 23, undefeated, reigning World Series of Fighting Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (14-0) will collide for the second time with hard-hitting rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10), after the two engaged in an all-out war, which has already been touted as a “Fight of the Year” candidate, in the main event of WSOF 19 at Comerica Theatre.

In the co-main event and inaugural World Series of Fighting light heavyweight (205 pounds) championship bout, David Branch (16-3), the promotion’s reigning world middleweight (185 pounds) champion, will attempt to become the first two-division kingpin in World Series of Fighting history, when he faces off with Cinderella storyTeddy Holder (9-1), whose nine career wins have all come by way (T)KO or submission.

The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Doors at Comerica Theatre will open at 3 p.m. MT and the first preliminary bout will begin at 3:45 p.m.

MAIN CARD

World Series of Fighting Lightweight Championship Main Event:
Justin Gaethje (Champion) vs. Luis Palomino (Challenger)

World Series of Fighting Light Heavyweight Championship Co-Main Event:
David Branch vs. Teddy Holder

Bantamweight: Timur Valiev vs. Tito Jones
Catchweight (160 pounds): Phoenix Jones vs. Roberto Yong
Lightweight: Brian Foster vs. LaRue Burley

PRELIMINARY CARD

Middleweight: Vagab Vagabov vs. Kelvin Tiller
Middleweight: Clifford Starks vs. Krasimir Mladenov
Lightweight: Estevan Payan vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg
Welterweight: Matthew Frincu vs. Danny Davis, Jr.
Bantamweight: Andres Ponce vs. David Nuzzo
Bantamweight: Randy Steinke vs. Joey Miolla
Lightweight: Benny Madrid vs. Jeff Fletcher

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

ABOUT NBCSN

NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — NASCAR, Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, and America’s Cup. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk,The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.
mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

 “WSOF 23: GAETHJE VS. PALOMINO II” ADDS TWO MORE BOUTS TO LIVE NBCSN TELEVISED MAIN CARD FROM PHOENIX, ARIZONA ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

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Bantamweight: Timur Valiev vs. Tito Jones  
Lightweight: Brian Foster vs. Larue Burley  

LAS VEGAS (August 12, 2015) – World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) has finalized the live NBCSN televised portion of its highly anticipated, “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” world championship doubleheader at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 18, with the addition of two new bouts – a bantamweight (135 pounds) battle between ferocious rising star Timur “Lucky” Valiev and seasoned puncher Tito Jones, and a lightweight (155 pounds) tilt between dangerous finisher Brian Foster and undefeated LaRue Burley.

“We are looking forward to another incredible night of action, now that the main card for WSOF 23 is complete with five bouts featuring an exciting mix of championship fights and matchups filled with accomplished veterans and some of the world’s best prospects,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

Fighting out of the famed Jackson-Winklejohn camp in Albuquerque, N.M., the 25-year-old Valiev (9-1) of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia has been on fire in the cage, winning 9 straight fights since his second professional start in July 2011.

Valiev’s run includes three victories in the World Series of Fighting decagon cage.  In his last effort at WSOF 19 on March 28, Valiev decimated Ed West, scoring a first round (1:39) TKO on West with an impressive combination of elbow strikes and punches.

Jones (11-7), a native of Panama City, Fla., now fighting out of Phoenix, is a two-time regional Golden Gloves boxing champion and former protégé of boxing trainer Roy Jones, Sr.  The 34-year-old has never been knocked out over the course of a 9-year professional career that has spanned 18 bouts.

Foster (22-7) of Sallisaw, Okla. is a 31-year-old, battle-tested grappling expert who has notched 20 of his 22 career victories by way of (T)KO or submission, and who has defeated a collection of name rivals, including the current number 6-ranked welterweight in the world, Matt Brown, whom Foster forced to tap out from a guillotine choke in the second round (2:11) of their matchup on Nov. 20, 2010.

Foster will look to rebound from a defeat at the hands of superstar Jake Shields on Jan. 17 when the two faced off in the main event of WSOF 17 in Las Vegas.  The result halted a 4-fight win streak that Foster had ignited on July 27, 2013, when he scored a stunning second round (:43) KO on James Wood with a spinning back kick.

Also 31 years of age, Burley (6-0) of Phoenix, has yet to be beaten over the course of six professional starts and two amateur bouts, a run that includes six wins by either (T)KO or submission.

Burley has earned six victories during a professional run that began with a unanimous decision win over Kelly Osser on Sept. 15, 2012, and also includes a third round (3:40) TKO (punches) over 2011 NCAA Division I National Wrestling Champion and fellow rising star Bubba Jenkins.

In the main event of WSOF 23, undefeated, reigning World Series of Fighting Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (14-0) will collide for the second time with hard-hitting rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10).

The first matchup between Gaethje and Palomino, which headlined WSOF 19, was a barnburner affair that Gaethje won via third round (3:57) TKO (leg kicks and punches), and that has already been touted as a “Fight of the Year” candidate.

In the co-main event and inaugural World Series of Fighting light heavyweight (205 pounds) championship bout, David Branch (16-3), the promotion’s reigning world middleweight (185 pounds) champion, will attempt to become the first two-division kingpin in World Series of Fighting history, when he faces off with Cinderella storyTeddy Holder (9-1), whose nine career wins have all come by way (T)KO or submission.

In a featured, 160-pound catchweight fight, rising star and costumed crime fighterPhoenix Jones (5-1-1) will look to return to the win column after suffering the first professional loss of his career during his World Series of Fighting debut in April, when he takes on professional boxer turned MMA upstart Roberto Yong (2-2).

Priced from just $39.99, tickets for “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” are on sale at the Comerica Theatre box office and online at WSOF.com and Ticketmaster.com.

The live NBCSN telecast begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Doors at Comerica Theatre will open at 3 p.m. MT and the first preliminary bout will begin at 3:45 p.m.  A complete preliminary bout card will be announced soon.
mixed martial arts, NBC, World Series of Fighting

COSTUMED CRUSADER PHOENIX JONES SUITS UP TO FACE ROBERTO YONG AT “WSOF 23: GAETHJE VS. PALOMINO II”  

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Live on NBCSN from Phoenix, Arizona
on Friday, September 18

LAS VEGAS (August 11, 2015) – World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) rising star and costumed crime fighter Phoenix Jones (5-1-1) will return to the decagon cage to take on Roberto Yong (2-2) in a 160-pound catchweight contest on the live, NBCSN-televised main card of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 18.

Headlined by a previously announced and much-anticipated rematch between undefeated, reigning World Series of Fighting World Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (14-0) and hard-hitting rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10), the star-studded event features a second title fight, the inaugural World Series of Fighting world light heavyweight (205 pounds) championship bout between David Branch (16-3) and Teddy Holder (11-7).

Priced from just $39.99, tickets for “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” are on sale at the Comerica Theatre box office and online at WSOF.com and Ticketmaster.com.

The 27-year-old Jones of Seattle, Wash. has received national media attention for his heroic deeds as a volunteer crime fighter who patrols his local streets, clad in a full-body suit and mask, in an effort to assist others in distress and curb every day street crimes.

Jones made his World Series of Fighting debut on April 10, coming up short in a unanimous decision against Emmanuel Walo in a 175-pound catchweight contest.  The upcoming bout will be contested at a weight closer to Jones’ natural fighting weight of 155 pounds.

Yong, of Glendale, Ariz. is a former professional boxer focused on establishing a career in MMA.  The 31-year-old opened his professional MMA career with back-to-back KO victories.

Yong has since stumbled against longtime veteran Estevan Payan and prospect Joel Champion but, like Jones, will look to return to the win column by dropping below the welterweight (170 pounds) limit.

The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” begins at 7:00 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Friday, September 18.

Doors at Comerica Theatre will open for “WSOF 23” at 3:00 p.m. MT and the first preliminary card bout will begin at 3:45 p.m.

Additional bouts for the event will be announced soon.

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF.com) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.
mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

LIVE NBCSN TELECAST OF “WSOF 22: PALHARES VS. SHIELDS” POSTS BEST WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING VIEWERSHIP IN OVER ONE YEAR

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LAS VEGAS (August 10, 2015) –The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields” averaged 254,000 viewers during the two-hour live telecast that began at 10:40 p.m. ET/7:40 p.m. PT – ranking as the best World Series of Fighting show on NBCSN in more than a year (6/21/14). In addition, the viewership is up 9% from NBCSN’s 2014 WSOF average of slightly over 233,000.

“We are thrilled with the outstanding, recent performance of our programming on NBCSN,” said World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva.  “World Series of Fighting has been putting on some incredible fights in our decagon cage, and NBCSN has been a great partner, offering its audience a healthy dose of both live events and replays of recent, past events, all of which undoubtedly helps the continued growth of our brand and our great sport through consistent and prominent exposure to a national audience.

“WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields” was headlined by a long-awaited showdown between World Series of Fighting World Welterweight (170 pounds) Champion Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares and challenger and two-time world champion Jake Shields

Live World Series of Fighting action returns to NBCSN with “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” on Friday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT from Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz.  In the highly-anticipated main event, undefeated, reigning world lightweight (155 pounds) champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje will put his title on the line for the second time against hard-hitting Luis “Baboon” Palomino.

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

ABOUT NBCSN
NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — NASCAR, Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, and America’s Cup. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk,The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.