COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES ‘MEXICO VS. USA’   HEADLINED BY BANTAMWEIGHT SHOWDOWN BETWEEN ERIK “EL GOYITO” PEREZ AND JOHN “SEXI MEXI” CASTANEDA

LIVE ON DAZN, UNIVISION & UNIVISION DEPORTES NETWORK
FROM TUCSON, ARIZ. ON SATURDAY, OCT. 13

PLUS
ANTHONY BIRCHAK FACES ADAM MARTINEZ AT BANTAMWEIGHT
FOUR OTHER MATCHUPS ANNOUNCED

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

NEW YORK – September 18, 2018 – Combate Americas today announced “Combate Americas: Mexico vs. USA,” a star-studded Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event that will be headlined by a bantamweight (135 pounds) showdown between world-ranked superstars Erik “El Goyito” Perez (18-6) and John “Sexi Mexi” Castaneda (16-4), live from the AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Ariz. on Saturday, Oct. 13.

 

The three-bout main card airs live on television in Spanish on both Univision (12 a.m. ET/PT) and Univision Deportes Network (UDN) (12 a.m. ET/9 p.m. PT), while the entire event including the preliminary bout card, will stream live in English on DAZN (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

 

 

Priced from $15, tickets for “Combate Americas: Mexico vs. USA,” are on sale online at CombateAmericas.com/Tickets.

 

 

“Both Mexico and the U.S. have eagles as symbols, and this fight between ‘Goyito’ Perez and John Castaneda is, indeed, a clash of ferocious, fighting eagles,” said Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren.

 

 

The winner of the matchup between the 28-year-old Perez of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and the 26-year-old Castaneda of Mankato, Minn., USA will become the number one contender to newly crowned Combate Americas bantamweight world champion Jose “Pochito” Alday.

 

 

Perez, who recently left the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on a three-fight win streak and with an overall record of 7-2, made his Combate Americas debut on April 20, avenging one of his only career defeats by scoring a third round (1:22) knockout (punches) on D.J. Fuentes in the main event of “Combate Estrellas II.”

 

 

Castaneda, the runner-up of the inaugural “COPA COMBATE,” one-night, eight-man, $100,000 grand prize tournament that took place in Cancun, Mexico on November 11, 2017, is looking to return to the win column after suffering a split decision defeat at the hands of Alday at “Combate Estrellas I” on April 13.

 

 

Also announced today was a bantamweight preliminary bout matchup pitting Anthony “El Toro” Birchak (12-6) of Tucson against Adam “The American Bully” Martinez (5-1) of Colorado Springs, Colo., USA.

 

 

In another bantamweight battle, Juan “El Molo” Pablo Gonzalez (7-1-2) of Buenos Aires, Argentina will square off with undefeated Mario Bautista (5-0) of Glendale, Ariz.

 

 

Also at bantamweight, Arturo “Chucky” Guzman (2-2) of Tucson will collide with unbeaten Kasey Tanner (1-0) of Scottsdale, Ariz.

 

 

In a meeting between unbeaten upstarts, the 20-year-old brother of ‘El Goyito,’Jair “El Lupe” Perez (1-0) of Monterrey, will take on Peter De La Cruz (1-0) of Scottsdale.

 

 

Elsewhere on the card, Misael “Pitbull” Iñarritu (6-2) of El Paso, Texas via Juarez, Mexico will face off with Peter Quezada (1-4) of Tempe, Ariz. in a 160-pound catchweight contest.

 

 

Additional matchups for “Combate Americas: Mexico vs. USA,” including the co-main event, will be announced soon.

 

 

Doors at the AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol open at 6 p.m. PT, with the first preliminary bout will begin at 7 p.m.

DEPPMEYER AND RICHARD TO COLLIDE AT NEF 36 IN PORTLAND, MAINE

 

 

Portland, Maine (September 18, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the card.  Jacob Deppmeyer (1-1-1) will face Zac Richard (2-0) at a fight weight of 140-pounds.

 

 

 

Jacob Deppmeyer is coming off a “fight of the night” performance earlier this month at “NEF 35” in Bangor, Maine.  Deppmeyer went the distance with Taylor Bartlett (1-1-1) in a back-and-forth war that was ultimately ruled a draw on the judges’ scorecards.  That bout marked Deppmeyer’s return to the cage after more than a year off from competition.  He defeated Glenn Kasabian (2-3) via first-round technical knockout at “NEF 28” in the spring of 2017.  Deppmeyer trains with First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine.

 

 

 

“Zac looks like a tough guy, fast with good pressure,” said Deppmeyer.  “I don’t know much more about him, but I know I will train hard with my team, as I’m sure he will, and we will have some good fun in the cage come November 17!”

 

 

 

Undefeated Zac Richard has been one of the emerging stories of the 2018 NEF season.  Richard has won both of his previous bouts this year by first-round technical knockout.  A win over Deppmeyer would put Richard in serious contention for “Rookie of the Year” honors at the close of 2018.  Richard is a native of Waterboro, Maine where he wrestled for Massabesic High School.  He won a Class-A state championship in wrestling in 2015.  He currently trains at Nostos MMA in Somersworth, New Hampshire under former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, and current UFC competitor, Devin Powell (9-3).

 

 

 

“I can’t wait to get back in the NEF cage in Portland, close to home for my family and friends,” said Richard.  “Fighting in NEF has helped me find new purpose in my life – it’s taken me back to my wrestling roots and given me a competitive outlet to continue testing my skills. This fight is the day after the anniversary of my sister’s passing, so it’s a very meaningful date for me. I’m excited to get out there and notch my third win on November 17th in honor of her memory.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

Derrieck Cuevas to Face Silverio Ortiz at Heavyweight Factory’s “Rumble at the Rock 2” on Friday, Sept. 28 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood

 

The Heavyweight Factory’s latest promotional signing, undefeated welterweight power puncher Derrieck Cuevas, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, will face Mexican veteran Silverio Ortiz over 10 rounds on the undercard of “Rumble at the Rock 2,” the professional boxing event on Friday, Sept. 28 in the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

 

 

 

A former decorated amateur, Cuevas (17-0-1, 14 KOs) has torn through his professional opposition thus far. Ortiz (37-22, 18 KOs) is a true spoiler, having faced a long list of world champions and undefeated fighters and taken a number of their “0’s.”

 

 

 

Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in the night’s 10-round main event, Honolulu, Hawaii’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (12-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBO-NABO Youth Junior Welterweight Championship against John “El Emperador” Rentería (16-4-1, 12 KOs) of Panama.

 

 

 

In the night’s 10-round co-main event, Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (7-0, 6 KOs) will take on Monteira, Colombia’s Deivi “El Cabo” Bassa (20-5, 12 KOs) for the WBA International Featherweight Championship. In an “All Florida” bout, undefeated welterweight Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (8-0, 5 KOs), from Miami (via Cuba) will face once-beaten Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez (18-1, 12 KOs) of Key West.

 

 

 

Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock 2” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP and are available through ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Cuevas sat down for the following interview during a break in training:

 

 

 

How does it feel fighting in the USA mainland for the first time?

I am happy to be fighting here in Hollywood Florida with my new team. I’m in phenomenal shape and, come September 28, I plan on showing it big time.

 

 

 

What do you know about your opponent?

I know he’s a tough savvy Mexican veteran, but I will be prepared for anything he brings to the table. Mexico vs PR has always been a real draw when it comes to boxing and I invite all the Puerto Rican fans to come see me fight.

 

 

 

How long until we see you in a championship-level fight?

My promotional team at The Heavyweight Factory will take care of that for me. I have full faith in what my manager Alex Troya did when he brought me here. I’m working with my new trainer Jesse Robinson and within 18 months, I will hopefully be fighting for the world title. These people know what they’re doing and work hard for their fighters. I’m glad to be here.

 

 

 

Describe your style of fighting for the people who will be seeing you for the first time.

I don’t run away. I stand in the pocket and slip and make my opponents pay. I am working on power, explosivity and speed. That’s a dangerous combination. I can box. I can bang. I will get it on, how ever they want it. I want to be showman and a crowd pleaser.

 

 

 

How old were you when you realized you had above average punching power?

I must have been 13 and my coach at the time was telling others that I had pop in my punch. Then it just became part of my arsenal.

 

 

 

Would you ever consider an “All Puerto Rico” showdown with a fighter like Subriel Matias or Danielito Zorrilla?

Auntie and Daniel are my friends we spar often on the island. I have great respect for both guys, but once you step in the ring, it’s ‘go time’ no matter who it is.

 

 

 

Do you miss Puerto Rico when you train in the US?

I miss my family and my people but I’m a pro who is focused on getting to the top now and now is the time I will stay focused until I get to that big showdown for the title, coming soon to a theatre near you!

 

 

 

LARA WANTS CANELO OR GGG NEXT

Photo by Stephanie Trapp – Showtime

HOUSTON, TX (September 17, 2018) – Former WBA super welterweight world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (25-3-2, 14 KOs), felt inspired by the state of boxing after watching last Saturday night’s main event between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

 

 

“Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin fought an amazing fight, it was a true classic.” said Lara. “I want to congratulate both of them for putting together such a tremendous effort to bring the spotlight back on boxing. It would be a great honor to fight either fighter, and I would love to challenge myself against them.”

 

 

 

Erislandy Lara has been training in Houston, Texas for his next fight with trainer Ronnie Shields, as he is working hard in the gym, getting ready for his next fight date.

 

 

 

“I am ready to make a statement and to challenge either fighter at middleweight, whether it is Gennady Golovkin or Canelo Alvarez in a rematch…I am ready!”

Undefeated Heavyweight Darmani Rock to headline on Saturday, October 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

   
Top lightweight prospect Jeremy Cuevas to take part in co-feature
Brandon Pizarro goes for 12th win
Undefeated Gadwin Rosa, Christian Tapia, & Marcel Rivers in action
Plus the pro debut of Benny Sinakin

(Photo/Roc Nation Sports)

Philadelphia, PA (September 17, 2018) – Top Heavyweight prospect Darmani Rock will take part in the eight-round main event on Saturday, October 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Also, appearing in the co-feature bout will be rising lightweight prospect Jeremy Cuevas.

 

 

 

The show is promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports.

 

 

 

Rock of Philadelphia, who was the number-one amateur heavyweight in the United States and former Youth Amateur champion, has a record of 12-0 with seven knockouts.

 

 

 

The 22 year-old Rock is a two-year professional who has a 1st round stoppage over Carlos Cotto (8-1-1) on his resume.  Rock is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Marquis Valentine on July 20th in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

This will be Rock’s 3rd appearance in Philadelphia.

 

Cuevas (10-0, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia will fight in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

 

 

The 22 year-old Cuevas is a two -year professional, who has been recognized as one of the top lightweight prospects in the country.  He has stopped his last two opponents, which includes his last bout when he stopped Deo Kizito at The 2300 Arena.  This will be Cuevas’s 3rd consecutive and 4th overall fight at The 2300 Arena.

 

 

 

Surging 18 year-old prospect Brandon Pizarro will see action in a six-round bout.

 

 

The former Junior Olympic champion has a record of 11-1 with five knockouts.

 

 

 

The Philadelphia native is a two-year professional, and has a win over previously undefeated Abdiel Padilla.

 

 

 

Pizarro, who has won three consecutive bouts, is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over veteran Hector Marengo on August 11th at The 2300 Arena.  This will be Pizarro’s 3rd consecutive appearance at The 2300 Arena.

 

 

 

Seeing action on the undercard in a six-round bout will undefeated super featherweight Gadwin Rosa (7-0, 6 KOs) of Ocala, Florida.

 

 

 

Also in a four-round bout will be undefeated super featherweight Christian Tapia (5-0, 4 KOs) of Coamo, Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

Undefeated welterweight Marcel Rivers (6-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia will take part in a four-round bout.

 

 

 

Making his pro debut will be 21 year-old Benny Sinakin of Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Also making his pro debut will be lightweight Thyler Williams of Philadelphia.

 

 

 

All opponents and more bouts will be announced shortly.

 

 

 

Tickets available now! $50 GA , $70 Premium, $125 VIP +fees

 

 

Purchase Tickets online at hardhittingpromotions.com ;  2300arena.com or by calling 267.758.2173  as well as the 2300 Arena Box Office.

 

Doors 6PM – First bout 7PM

 

USA vs. Germany Duels to take place in Chattanooga alongside Eastern Qualifier 

World medalist and Olympic Hopefuls to step into the ring on American soil 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (September 17, 2018) — Two of the world’s top amateur boxing powerhouses will meet in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for two separate duels taking place Saturday, October 6 and Friday, Oct. 12, at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

 

 

 

The duels will feature some of the top male and female elite boxers from both the United States and Germany, as they prepare for the lead up to the Olympics in 2020. The two events will take place alongside this year’s Eastern Elite Qualifier & Regional Open Championships, which is expected to have more than 650 boxers, aged 8-40, compete from Oct. 8-13.

 

 

 

“We are excited to host the German Federation, as they have hosted us numerous times for training camps over the past two years,” said USA Boxing High Performance Director Matt Johnson. “This will be a great competition and a great opportunity for USA Boxing to showcase our next generation of Olympic hopefuls on home soil.”

 

 

 

Team USA is expected to bring a talented team that will include multiple World Championship medalists, including 2017 Elite World Championship medalists Troy Isley (Alexandria, Va.), Duke Ragan (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Freudis Rojas Jr. (Las Vegas, Nev.), as well as two-time World Championship medalist Christina Cruz (New York, N.Y.), 2016 Youth World Champion Delante Johnson (Cleveland, Ohio) and 2016 Youth World Championships bronze medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (Tulare, Calif.)

 

 

 

Other boxers anticipated to compete for Team USA include international medalists Khalil Coe (Jersey City, New Jersey), Keyshawn Davis (Norfolk, Va.), Virginia Fuchs (Kemah, Texas), Oshae Jones (Toledo, Ohio), Quinton Randall (Katy, Texas) and Stacia Suttles(Brooklyn, N.Y.). These boxers are subject to change, and a full roster for both teams will be released closer to the start of the duels.

 

 

 

Boxers who are competing at the Eastern Elite Qualifier & Regional Open Championships are eligible for an early check-in on Saturday, Oct. 6 for the qualifier and will receive free entrance to that night’s duel. Coaches who pre-register for the Qualifier and complete early check-in will also receive free entrance to that night’s event.

 

 

 

Check USABoxing.org for updates on the event in the coming weeks.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

 

 

 

ABOUT USA BOXING: The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

Brandon Robinson stops Ernest Amuzu in three rounds in Philadelphia

   
Williams defeats Grayton in terrific Welterweight battle

Yunusov, Jimenez, Butt, Williams and Tazhibay remain undefeated


(Photo by Matthew Heasley) 

Philadelphia, PA (September 17, 2018) -Surging super middleweight Brandon Robinson won his 11th straight bout as he took out Ernest Amuzu in round three of their scheduled eight-round bout that headlined a nine-bout card this past Friday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

The spectacular show was promoted by King’s Promoted and was streamed live all over the world on Facebook Fight Night Live.  -Note–The show can be viewed by clicking here.

 

 

 

Robinson of Upper Darby, PA bided his time until in round three, when he landed a nice body shot that drove Amuzu into the corner.  That set up a furious flurry by Robinson.  Robinson rocked Amuzu several times until he was defenseless, and the bout was stopped at 2:04.

 

 

 

Robinson is now 11-1 with eight stoppages.  Amuzu of Prichard, Alabama is 24-4.

 

 

 

“It was a good fight.  Ernest Amuzu came to fight, and he was a worthy opponent. We work hard in the gym and the reward is even better,” said Robinson.  “The finish came from a jab, and then I touched the body a couple of times.  We started to wear him out, and that was that.  A knockout is always great.  I want to fight Derrick Webster for the number-five spot in the IBF.  It is nothing personal just business.  I know that I can beat him.”

 

 

 

In the exciting co-feature, Terrel Williams registered three knockdowns en-route to a ten-round unanimous decision over David Grayton in a welterweight contest.

 

 

 

Williams scored a knockdown in round one from a perfectly placed right hand. A round later, it was another straight right that put the southpaw Grayton the canvas.  Grayton began to mount a comeback in the middle rounds as he tried to will himself back into the fight.

 

 

 

In round six, Williams gained back the momentum as yet another right hand sent Grayton down.  That knockdown seemed to actually fuel Grayton as he did his best work over the next few rounds.  Williams came back to have a good round ten and came home home with the victory by scores of 98-90, 98-89 and 97-92.

 

 

 

Williams of Los Angeles, California is now 17-0.  Grayton of Washington. D.C. is 15-3-1.

 

 

 

Three-time Olympian, Anvar Yunusov was impressive as he dropped Angel Monreal twice in round one, and got the stoppage win at 2:39 of that opening frame,

 

 

 

Yunusov scored both of those knockdowns with hard left hands, with the finishing blow being a left that sent Monreal plummeting to the deck.

 

 

 

Yunusov of Tajikistan who now resides in Philadelphia is 5-0 with two knockouts.  Monreal of Monterrey, Mexico is 10-11-1.

 

 

 

Alejandro Jimenez won a four-round unanimous decision over Jerrod Miner in a bantamweight bout.

 

 

 

Jimenez of New Hope, PA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 3-0.  Miner of Philadelphia is 1-2-1.

 

 

 

Keeshawn Williams won a four-round unanimous decision over Farhad Fatulla in a welterweight contest.

 

 

 

Williams was the quicker and more skilled fighter, who flashed a piston jab that cut the left eye of Fatulla.  Williams won by 40-36 scores on all cards.

 

 

 

Williams of Washington, D.C. is 3-0-1.  Fatulla of Salt Lake City, Utah is 1-2.

 

 

 

Daiyann Butt remained undefeated by winning a four-round unanimous decision over Anthony Smith in a junior welterweight fight.

 

 

 

Butt of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 2-0.  Smith of Fresno, California is 1-3.

 

 

 

Yueri Andujar made an impressive pro debut by taking out previously undefeated Crystian Peguero in the 3rd round of their scheduled four-round featherweight bout.

 

 

 

Andujar used his height to land wicked combinations that hurt Peguero throughout the contest.

 

 

 

The fight culminated in round three when Andujar landed a booming uppercut that rocked Peguero.  With Peguero hurt, Andujar landed three more crushing shots, and the bout was stopped at 2:06.

 

 

 

Andujar of Reading, PA is 1-0 with one knockout.  Peguero of Philadelphia is 2-1.

 

 

 

James Bernadin made a successful pro debut with a 3rd round stoppage over Christopher Burgos in a super featherweight battle.

 

 

 

In round two, Burgos began to bleed under his left eye.  In round three, Bernadin landed a right-left combination that was followed by a booming right to the head that dropped Burgos.  Burgos got to his feet, but wobbled and the fight was stopped at 2:19.

 

 

 

Bernadin of Lancaster, PA is 1-0 with one knockout.  Burgos of Philadelphia is 1-3-1.

 

 

 

Shyngyskhan Tazhibay remained perfect by winning a four-round unanimous decision over Justin Johnson in a welterweight bout.

 

 

 

Tazhibay of Washington, D.C. won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice, and is now 7-0.  Johnson of Pittsburgh, took the fight on one day notice is 6-18-6.

 

 

 

KING’S PROMOTIONS WILL BE BACK ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH AT THE SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENT CENTER WITH ANTHONY MERCARDO TAKING ON VICTOR VAZQUEZ IN THE MAIN EVENT.  UNDEFEATED STEPHEN FULTON WILL ALSO SEE ACTION ON THE NINE-BOUT CARD 

TOP BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDERS TO SQUARE OFF AT NEF 36 IN PORTLAND, MAINE

Portland, Maine (September 17, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur bantamweight bout to the card.  Henry Clark (4-4) is scheduled to meet Killian Murphy (1-1) in a battle of top contenders to the promotion’s 135-pound amateur title.

Henry Clark is a member of the Choi Institute based in Portland.  After starting his amateur career at 3-1, Clark would lose his next three in a row.  He would bounce back this past June with a first-round submission of Jack Greene (2-6) via D’Arce choke at “NEF 34” in Portland.  It was a return to form as Clark had picked up all three of his previous wins by submission – all various forms of chokeholds.  He previously challenged for the amateur bantamweight title in early 2016 in a losing effort to Johnny Crafts (4-1).

“I’m hyped about this fight with Killian,” said Clark.  “He’s as game as they come, but he is nowhere near ready for me. I’ll smash him up, and then next I’ll take that belt and put it around my waist with my own hands. This is my time to shine.”

Killian Murphy is a former Maine state wrestling champion.  He captured a title for Marshwood High School in Elliott in 2015.  Murphy made his amateur MMA debut earlier this year at “NEF 33” in Portland with a technical knockout of Krishna Scott (0-1).  Like Clark, he would also make an unsuccessful bid for the amateur bantamweight title.  Murphy lost to current champion Kam Arnold at “NEF 34” in a hard-fought battle that will certainly be a contender for “Fight of the Year” at the end of 2018.  He trains with Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire under former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, and current UFC fighter, Devin Powell (9-3).

“I’m excited to fight Henry,” said Murphy. “Beating Henry gives me another shot at the title – and winning that belt has always been my goal.”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

Team Pennsylvania Defeats Team New Jersey in Inaugural MMA Pro League Fight Card at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

 
Click HERE for Photos from Mike Dorsi/MMA Pro League

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (September 16, 2018) – The newest entity in MMA, MMA Pro League, launched Saturday as Team Pennsylvania led by head coach Daniel Gracie defeated Team New Jersey led by head coach Dan Miller by a score of 14 – 6 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and on FloCombat.com.

 

 

 

In the opening bout on FloCombat.com, Joseph Penafiel of Team Pennsylvania defeated Turpal Khamzayev of Team New Jersey by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), securing three points for Team Pennsylvania.

 

 

“Getting that first win for my team meant everything,” said Penafiel. “I wanted to set the tone for my team and let everyone know we’re here to bang. I knew (Khamzayev) was tough, but I’m way too much for him. Even when he tried to strike me I was able to stay comfortable. And in the grappling department I don’t think many people can mess with me.”

 

 

 

The second official team bout saw Cody Hier of Team Pennsylvania secure a TKO victory over Gabriel Ruiz of Team New Jersey 3:43 into round two and earning Team Pennsylvania five more points, expanding their lead 8 – 0.

 

 

 

“I finally feel like I’m hitting my rhythm in the cage,” said Hier. “I did everything that I could to help Team Pennsylvania get the win tonight. I could tell Ruiz was out and he was quitting. When I hit him with that first big ground and pound, I felt how well I tagged him. And then when he tried to go to his side that’s when I really got aggressive and finished him.”

 

 

 

In the third fight, Team New Jersey’s Claudio Ledesma won by unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-27) over Andre Bernardo of Team Pennsylvania, earning Team New Jersey their first three points and tightening the team contest 8 – 3.

 

 

 

“I was glad to do my part for my team,” said Ledesma. “I’m a little mad that I wasn’t able to stop him, though. I hit him with everything but the kitchen sink, but I just couldn’t finish him. After the second round, once I realized that I probably wasn’t going to finish (Bernardo), I knew my main goal was to just secure the win and that’s what I did.”

 

 

 

The fourth official contest of the night featured a unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27) victory by Zedekiah Montanez of Team Pennsylvania over Mike Pagano of Team New Jersey, capturing three more points for Team Pennsylvania and growing the lead 11 – 3.

 

 

 

“It felt great to get the win. I was just trying to listen to my coach and my teammates,” said Montanez. “I also had my son right there watching me tonight. He helps remind me what I do this for. But tonight, I was happy to get this experience under my belt and get the win for my team.”

 

 

 

In the evening’s fifth bout, Team Pennsylvania’s Rafael Celestino defeated Team New Jersey’s Emmanuel Walo by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). With Celestino’s win, Team Pennsylvania collected three more points, widening the score 14 – 3, and officially securing Team Pennsylvania victory.

 

 

 

“I’m very happy with my win and to be able to help my team earn the victory tonight,” said Celestino. “Walo is a very tough opponent and he came to fight tonight, but I did enough to get the win and am happy with my performance.”

 

 

 

The sixth and final official contest showcased an exhilarating finale as Kevin Sears of Team New Jersey scored a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27) over Ahmed Samir of Team Pennsylvania, making the final team score 14 – 6 in favor of Team Pennsylvania.

 

 

 

“I went in there and fought for my team, but I was also fighting for my daughter and my family,” said Sears. “I’m doing this to make my daughter’s life better. She helps push me and drives me to fight. Samir had me shook in the first round, and then again in the second, but I just dug deep and did what I needed to get this win.”

 

 

 

“The way we won showed me a lot about my team,” said coach Gracie. “We won decisively and showed the type of performance that I’ve come to expect from my guys.

 

 

 

“MMA needs innovation and something new to excite the fans and help bring the masses to our sport,” added Gracie. “I think MMA Pro League and this team concept is exactly what will help bring that added attention and take this sport to the next level.”

 

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

To access live and on-demand coverage of all MMA Pro League action, visit FloCombat.com and become a monthly or annual PRO subscriber. Either subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Watch the games on all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku, or Apple TV 4.

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.MMAProLeague.com, follow the conversation on Twitter @MMAPro_League, @DanMiller185, @DanielGracie, @Hani_Darwish1 and @MarkTaffetMedia, on Instagram at Instagram.com/mmaproleague,Instagram.com/DanMiller185, Instagram.com/DanielGracie,Instagram.com/Hani_Darwish1 and Instagram.com/MarkTaffetMedia, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/MMAProLeague.

 

FFC and Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Ink Deal That Packs a Powerful Punch!

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Final Fight Championship Makes History, With Multi-Year Combat Sports Agreement Involving, Rio Las Vegas and CBS Sports Network

LAS VEGAS, NV, (Sept. 14, 2018) – One of the fastest growing combat sports promotion companies in the world, Final Fight Championship (FFC), and Caesars Entertainment’s Rio Las Vegas, will deliver a weekly combat sports series called, “Fight Dome”, which debuts on Friday, Sept. 28, and will air live on CBSSN (CBS Sports Network).

The groundbreaking announcement marks the first time in the history of Las Vegas that a combat sports promotion company has established residency inside of a resort casino to deliver a weekly show involving multi-disciplines including, Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA.

“History will be made on Friday, Sept. 28,” said Orsat Zovko, President and Founder of Final Fight Championship. “We (FFC) are thrilled to be a part of this landmark agreement with Rio Las Vegas and CBS Sports Network.”

Fight Dome events will broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, Friday at 7 p.m. (PST) and 10 p.m. (EST) with the first official event, “Night of Champions”, debuting on Friday, Sept. 28. “Night of Champions”, will feature all three disciplines (Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA) and every fight will be for the FFC World Championship Belt!

All of the heart-pounding FFC action will take place inside of the all-new, Fight Dome Las Vegas, which is an intimate venue located inside of Rio Las Vegas that delivers combat sports fans, the experience of a lifetime.

“Our fans will literally be right on top of the action the entire time,” said Zovko. “This is every combat sports fan’s dream… You’ll be sitting so close, you’ll feel like you’re the one in the ring fighting!”

General ticket prices begin at $69. Tickets are available at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office, by calling 702-777-2782 or 855-234-7469 or online at Ticketmaster.com. For groups of 10 or more call 866-574-3851 or email EntertainmentGroupSales@Caesars.com.

About Final Fight Championship

Respected international combat sports promoter, Orsat Zovko, launched Final Fight Championship® (FFC®) in 2013. FFC has since held 30 successful dual-discipline events comprised of professional kickboxing and world class mixed martial arts. Featuring marquis athletes such as Satoshi Ishii, Mirko Cro Cop, Mladen Brestovac and Robin van Roosmalen. FFC presents live sports broadcasts in more than 50 countries around the world, across four continents, appearing on CBS Sports Network, Fight Channel Worldwide, among other sports and media properties.

For more information, please visit FinalFightChampionship.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Follow @FFCFighting

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