mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BOYINGTON RETURNING TO NEF CAGE AFTER TWO-YEAR ABSENCE

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (December 29, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Lewiston on Saturday, February 3, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 32: Super Saturday.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional catchweight bout to the card.  Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (14-11) has signed to face Taylor Trahan (7-8) at a fight weight of 150-pounds.

The fight will be the first for Boyington in the NEF cage since February 2016 when he successfully defended the NEF Lightweight Title against Jon Lemke (7-8).  It was Boyington’s third defense of the belt since winning it in the late summer of 2014.  After the Lemke defense, Boyington relinquished the championship in order to sign with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF).

While he has fought on many of the largest stages in the world over the past two years, including Madison Square Garden in New York City and halfway across the globe in Russia, Boyington is looking forward to his homecoming and the opportunity to once again fight before his many Maine fans.

“Man, I couldn’t possibly be more excited to get inside the NEF cage, where I have molded my career, built my fan base and learned so much about myself over the years,” said Boyington.  “I am so hungry to entertain people that I can guarantee everyone will want to see what’s going down! I live for this, and on February 3rd, there will be some of the best MMA that has ever been on display from the State of Maine, and I’m grateful and humbled by the opportunity.  My opponent is a respectable guy that I believe loves to fight and I want that in there.  I wish him the very best in preparation, and I thank (NEF owners) Matt (Peterson) and Nick (DiSalvo) once again for providing me a platform.”

Boyington currently owns and operates Boyington’s Taekwondo of Bangor, Maine.  He also trains with Young’s MMA in the same city.

Taylor Trahan is a familiar face to NEF fans.  He has competed twice for the promotion in the past.  Trahan submitted Matt Denning (5-7) in the first round of their meeting at “NEF 25.”  He returned to Maine just weeks later at “NEF 26” in a losing effort to Aaron Lacey (4-1).  Trahan is coming off a win over Conor Barry (3-2) last month in New Hampshire.  He represents Team Link of Hooksett.

“I’m looking forward to returning to NEF,” said Trahan.  “They always put on a good show and treat the fighters right. I’m really looking forward to fighting Bruce.  He definitely is the most experienced fighter I’ll be going up against so far.”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 32: Super Saturday,” will see the company make its return to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 3, 2018.  Tickets are on-sale now online at www.TheColisee.com.

M-1, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

M-1 Arena grand opening and M-1 Challenge 100 to highlight 21st season for M-1 Global

Leave a comment
In January the new M-1 Arena is scheduled to open in Saint Petersburg
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (December 29, 2017) — The grand opening of the state-of-the-art M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburgh, in addition to the celebration of M-1 Challenge 100 later in 2018, will highlight M-1 Global’s 21st season.
Plans in 2018 also include more events, expansion into new countries and, as the No. 2 MMA organization in the world, to keep giving its fans world-class competition, entertaining match-ups, innovative developments and even a few surprises.
M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein discussed a few of these subjects (see below) prior to the holidays.
Can you tell us about the new M-1 Arena?
VF: “M-1 Arena is an absolutely unique structure seating a maximum of 3000. It is built in the form of the Colosseum, stone and wood, with an incredible dome made of glulam, which gives the place perfect acoustics. Not only can we promote sporting events, but also music concerts. M-1 Arena allows us to have even more events and realize new ideas like, for example, a reality show. M-1 Arena will be multifunctional but martial arts will be the main form of entertainment held there.”
M-1 Challenge was more international last year in terms of showcasing more fighters from different countries like USA, Portugal, UK, Canada, South Korea, China, etc.  Do you plan to expand your fighter base even more this year and, if so, what countries are you targeting for fighters?
VF: “Usually, we hire fighters from countries where our events are being broadcasted. If we have new contracts with the countries from where we don’t have representative fighters, or only have a few of them, we are going to increase their number. The same for countries where we’ve held events because fans desire to see the local athletes fighting in the Rage. We give them an opportunity to see that.”
With the success of female MMA stars around the world do you plan to add a female division in 2018?
VF: “One day we will probably create a female division in M-1 Global. Right now, though, we don’t have enough strong female fighters to do it, yet. As soon as we are ready to make this happen, it will be done, but we don’t want to open a new division just to check the box. We want the best fighters to compete at the highest level.”
M-1 Global is closing in on your 100th M-1 Challenge event.  Do you plan to promote your 100th event in 2018?  If so can you provide any additional information about when, where, special plans, etc.
VF: M-1 Global has already promoted more than 200 events, including 85 M-1 Challenges, which was created in 2008. I think that this event will happen either in Saint-Petersburg or in Moscow, but we still have a lot of time left and a dozen other events before it. We are going to take care of it a bit later.”
M-1 has developed fighters who’ve moved on to the UFC and other organizations.  How do you feel about that trend?  Does it frustrate you that you to spend time building a fighter and then have him move on, or do you look at it as a compliment that M-1 Global develops fighters who can compete in the UFC and any other organization?
VF: “We can consider this situation from different perspectives. I’m not happy to let my best fighters go, of course, but it is what it is, and we are not ready to compete with UFC yet. Sometimes our fighters leave us. From another perspective, we are happy that our fighters who leave keep winning fights and become the top competitors in other promotions. It proves that the level of M-1 Global fighters is equal to the level of UFC fighters. The top athletes who left M-1 Global for UFC are in top positions there and other promotions don’t have such results. Other organization may make their fighters popular but, as soon as they move to UFC, they start losing and get released.
“Our company is probably the second MMA promotion in the world and when some fighters move to the strongest league on the planet, they take a step forward, which I like much better than when they move to weaker promotions than M-1 Global just to make more money.”
Any plans to do anything different this year than in the past, outside of the grand opening of the M-1 arena and possible 100th event?
VF: “The main difference will be that we are going to have our own home, M-1 Arena, which means we will be able to hold even more events. We’d like to have two events each month, 24 events a year. We opened our own TV channel (M1global.tv) and next year, MMA fans from former Soviet Republics will have an opportunity to watch all the fights. Using our iOS and Android App, viewers from all over the world can watch old and new fights right now, and next year we are going to make it even better. We are also going to create our own studio to produce different content, probably a new reality show with fighters from different countries.”
Will you have showcase M-1 Medieval fights this coming year?
VF: “Apparently, we will have some medieval fights in 2018, but the only issue is that we have a lot of fighters under contract, so it is not easy to find a place for M-1 Medieval fights on our cards. We make knight fights in regions where they are popular, like in Ingushetia and Finland in 2017, because fans demonstrated to us that they want to see them. I hope one day we’ll have more resources for them.”

INFORMATION:
Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@Vadim_finkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
boxing, FNU Combat Sports Show, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show: Year End Special

Leave a comment

Tom, Tony and Rich discuss the week’s boxing and MMA news, kick around the idea of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. facing CM Punk in the Octagon, and preview the upcoming events for this weekend. UFC 219 features an amazing matchup of the top female fighters in the world in Holly Holm and Cris “Cyborg” Justino. Tony also invites us to his fantasy football championship parade in Philadelphia.

Listen live here:

boxing, women's boxing

Selina Barrios and Lisa Porter Make Weight for NABF Lightweight Title

Leave a comment
SELINA BARRIOS vs. LISA PORTER
Both Fighters Make Weight For
NABF Lightweight Championship




ALEXANDRIA, LA (December 28, 2017) – Undefeated female fighters, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (2-0, 1 KO) and “Lovely” Lisa Porter (1-0-1), both made weight for their upcoming NABF Lightweight title bout, set to take place this Friday, December 29, at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, LA.  Barrios weighed in at 131.2 lbs. while Porter tipped the scales at 134.5 lbs.
“I’m ready for war.  I know Lisa Porter is in great shape and will bring everything she’s got.  All the hard work is done.  Now it’s time to fight.” – Selina Barrios
“Barrios and I made weight and it’s go time now.  I’m ready to take my career to the next level.” – Lisa Porter
boxing

Boxing Returns to San Antonio January 20 – TMB & PRB Entertainment Presents Fight Nite at the Scottish Rite

Leave a comment
“FIGHT NITE AT THE SCOTTISH RITE”
DANIEL “DA BEAST” BAIZ
vs. JOEY DUNMOODIE
JANUARY 20, 2018 AT THE SCOTTISH RITE THEATRE
SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 28, 2017) – On January 20, 2018, the Scottish Rite Theatre in downtown San Antonio, TX, will host “FIGHT NITE AT THE SCOTTISH RITE”, a five-star boxing event presented by TMB & PRB Entertainment.
Headlining the main event will be an all-action showdown between hometown hero, Daniel “Da Beast” Baiz (10-1, 6 KOs), as he battles Joey Dunmoodie (9-2, 4 KOs), in a 6-round super-welterweight bout. The co-main event will feature a special female attraction when two local warriors square off against each other as Briana “Queen B” Gonzales (2-1) faces Brittany “Mi Vida Loca” Ordonez (2-1), in a 6-round bantamweight clash.
“Boxing is thriving here in San Antonio and we are expecting a sellout crowd,” said TMB & PRB Entertainment promoter Rick Morones. “The Scottish Rite is a beautiful venue and the fans are going to see some really good action-packed fights.  We will be showcasing a lot of local talent.  Every boxing fan that lives in San Antonio will be at this event so everyone please get your tickets in advance.  Bring the family, everyone is welcome.”
“This will be a great event for boxing fans of all ages” said Greg Hannely, president of Prince Ranch Boxing, who manages Biaz and Pasillas. “Daniel Biaz has a crowd-pleasing style and brings a lot of excitement to the ring.  Pasillas is returning after a long layoff and will look to stay undefeated.  With all the other local fighters performing, this will be a fantastic show.”
Tickets priced $25 General Admission $30 at the door, $60 Lower Level, $75 Ringside, are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling (210) 449-5599 or (210) 322-9974.  The Scottish Rite Theatre is located at 308 Ave E, San Antonio, TX 78205.  Doors open at 6:00 PM, first bell at 7:30 PM
Undercard Bouts:
6-round bantamweight bout
“Vicious” Vic Pasillas (11-0, 4 KOs) vs. Alejandro Moreno (28-36-1, 11 KOs)
6-round heavyweight bout
Tyrell “Too Real” Herndon (6-2, 2 KOs) vs. Armando Herrera (3-5-1)
6-round featherweight bout
Ignacio “El Alacran” Holgiun (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Adrian Leyva (0-1)
4-round middleweight bout
“Ferocious” Luis Villareal (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Adam “Ghost” Castillo (1-5-1,
4-round lightweight bout
Frank “Bloodhound” Brown (1-1-1) vs. Daniel Sanchez
4-round featherweight bout
Gregory “Goyo” Morales (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Ben Guerrero (Pro Debut)
4-round Jr. bantamweight bout
Faith Morones (1-0) vs. Nina Gallegos (Pro Debut)
FITETV, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rizin FF

RIZIN FIGHTING FEDERATION WORLD GRAND PRIX 2017

Leave a comment
RIZIN FF World Grand Prix 2017 PPV
Dec. 29 Weights
Dec. 29 & 31 LIVE on PPV from Japan

  OFFICIAL DEC. 29TH WEIGHTS
FIGHT ORDER
RED
BLUE
１ 

(10min/1R, 5min/2R)
RIZIN MMA rules
75.0 kgs (Elbow allowed)
SATORU KITAOKA
75.0kgs / 165 lbs.
KIICHI KUNIMOTO
75.0kgs / 165 lbs.
２ 

(5min x 3R)
Female MMA rules
57.0 kgs
SHIZUKA SUGIYAMA
57.0kgs / 125 ½ lbs.
KANA WATANABE
56.95kgs / 129 ½ lbs.
３ 

(5minx3R)
RIZIN MMA Special rules
KIZAEMON SAIGA
62.60kgs / 138 lbs.
KAI ASAKURA
62.70kgs / 138 lbs.
４

 
(5min x 3R) 61.0 kgs

Bantanweight GP
Reserve Match
ANTHONY BIRCHAK
60.85kgs / 134 lbs.
JAE HOON MOON
60.95kgs / 134 lbs.
５

 

(10min/1R, 5min/2R)
RIZIN MMA rules
66.0 kgs
HIROYUKI TAKAYA
65.95kgs / 145 lbs.
AZJAVKHLAN BAATAR
65.75kgs / 144 ½ lbs.
６

 

(5min x 3R)
Female MMA rules
70.0 kgs (Elbow allowed)
KING REINA
70.0kgs / 154 lbs.
CINDY DANDOIS
68.60kgs / 151 lbs.
７
(10min/1R, 5min/2R)
RIZIN MMA rules
93.0 kgs (Elbow allowed)
JIRI PROCHAZKA
92.95kgs / 204 ½ lbs.
KARL ALBREKTSSON
92.40kgs / 203 ½ lbs.
８ 
(3min x 3R)

Female MMA Special rules
95.0 kgs
GABI GARCIA
107.70kgs / 237 lbs.
SHINOBU KANDORI
73.75kgs / 162 ½ lbs.
９ 

(5min x 3R) 61.0 kgs
Bantanweight GP QF1
KHALID TAHA
60.85kgs / 134 1/s lbs.
TAKAFUMI OTSUKA
61.0kgs / 134 ½ lbs.
１０
(5min x 3R) 61.0 kgs
Bantanweight GP QF2
KEVIN PETSHI
60.80kgs / 134 lbs.
SHINTARO ISHIWATARI
61.0kgs / 134 ½ lbs.
１１

 

(5min x 3R) 61.0 kgs
Bantanweight GP QF3
IAN MACCALL
60.45kgs / 133 lbs.
MANEL KAPE
60.40kgs / 133 lbs.
１２

 

(5min x 3R) 61.0 kgs
Bantanweight GP QF4
KYOJI HORIGUCHI
60.75kgs / 133 ½ lbs.
GABRIEL OLIVEIRA
61.0kgs / 134 ½ lbs.
 
DEC. 31st RIZIN WORLD GRAND PRIX MATCHES
(Men’s Bantamweights – semifinals & final & Women’s Super-Atomweights final)
SPECIAL HEAVYWEIGHT ATTRACTION
Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic (35-11-0, 27 KO/TKO, 5 SUB), Croatia
vs.
Tsuyoshi Kosaka (27-19-2, 8 KO/TKO, 6 SUB), Japan
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi (18-6-0, 13 KO/TKO, 6 SUB), Japan
vs.
Yusuke Yachi (18-6-0, 5 KO/TKO, 1 SUB), Japan
WOMEN FLYWEIGHTS
Shinju “Juju” Auclair (1-0-0, 1 SUB), USA
vs.
Chelsea LaGrasse (pro debut), USA
Kickboxing
Yamato Fujita, Japan vs. Mitsushisa Sunabe, Japan
Tenshin Nasuikawa, Japan vs. TBA
(all fights & fighters subject to change)
WHAT:               RIZIN FF World Grand Prix 2017 Pay Per View
WHEN:              Friday, Dec. 29, 2017 – 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT
                          Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017 — 5:00 a.m. ET / 2:00 a.m. PT
WHERE:           Saitama Super Arena * Saitama City, Japan
 
PROMOTER:    RIZIN FF
LIVE AIRING: The Dec. 29 and 31 (1 a.m. /10 p.m. PT start) will be live-streamed worldwide (excluding Japan on the FITE.TV platforms for $19.99 or the two-day RIZIN Pack special offer for only $29.99. Fans may simply download the FITE app – free to download from iTunes and Google Play – and then cast the fight to the big screen by using the instant stream-to-TV function. The FITE app works with any Wi-Fi connected television around the world, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Fans may also watch the fights live on the FITE website at www.fite.tv from any computer.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute via cable and satellite PPV on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31 – 5:00 a.m. ET / 2:00 a.m. PT start) extravaganza live in North America via iN Demand, Vubiquity, and DISH in the U.S., as well as on SaskTel and Telus in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $19.95.
ANNOUNCERS: “Showdown” Joe Ferraro and former MMA fighter Frank Trigg
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @FiteTV, @IntegratedPPV
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Undercard Fighters Talk Upcoming Showdowns Taking Place Saturday, January 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn in Event Headlined by Errol Spence Jr. vs. Lamont Peterson

Leave a comment
 
Lightweight Champion Robert Easter Meets Javier Fortuna in
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Co-Feature while Marcus Browne Clashes with Francy Ntetu & Adam Kownacki Meets Iago Kiladze in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING PRELIMS Streaming Live on SHOWTIME Sports® Digital Platforms
 
BROOKLYN (December 28, 2017) – Rising stars and veteran contenders will enter the ring on Saturday, January 20 looking to start their 2018 with a statement victory when they compete in undercard action from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®, on the undercard for the welterweight championship showdown between IBF champion Errol Spence Jr. and two-division champion Lamont Peterson.
 
Undefeated 135-pound world champion Robert Easter will defend his IBF Title against former world champion Javier Fortuna in the co-main event live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING PRELIMS, unbeaten light heavyweight Marcus Browne will take on once-beaten Francy Ntetu in a 10-round fight and undefeated heavyweight sensation Adam Kownacki will face Iago Kiladze of Kiev, Ukraine in a 10-round bout.
The live digital offering will stream exclusively in the U.S. on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are priced starting at $50, and are on sale now. The Easter-Fortuna bout is promoted in association with Sampson Boxing and About Billions Promotions. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center or by calling 800-745-3000. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the fighters had to say about their January 20 matchups and more:
ROBERT EASTER (20-0, 14 KOs) – Making third defense of IBF Lightweight World Title
“This fight can definitely set a good tone for me in 2018. I’m going to be making a statement with this fight. My last three fights I haven’t gotten a knockout. I’m going to be giving my fans and fight fans a good show.
“I’m going to use my reach and length and destroy this guy from the outside. All my career I’ve been fighting shorter guys. Every short guy doesn’t fight the same. But you get in the ring and you feel him out and make adjustments.
“There’s nothing in particular that I have to prepare for with Fortuna. I take every fight the same. Every fighter fights different so you get in there, feel him out and make adjustments as you go along. I’m not worried about him being a southpaw. I’ve faced plenty of lefties in my career and in the amateurs. That’s no problems at all.
“I think what makes me the more dangerous boxer in this fight is having the height that I do and the punching power and the speed and the mindset as well. My mindset is that I’m not going in there to play around with him. I’m ready to destroy.
“My goals for 2018 are to capture more titles and to get unification bouts. We had a few champions in the weight class, but it appears that no one is willing to fight the other champions. We’re willing to do whatever it takes, fight whoever has the titles. We’re willing to capture all those titles whenever the other guys are willing to sign up for the fights.”
JAVIER FORTUNA (33-1-1, 23 KOs) – Former Super Featherweight World Champion
“My preparation for this fight is going very well. I’ve been working out in the Dominican Republic, but I’ve come back to Boston to finish my training. Right now we’re at 75% and closing in on 100%. I will be completely prepared when it’s time to fight. My preparation and my strategy make me the more dangerous guy.
“I see this like no other fight that I’ve had before, because every opponent is different. Everyone has their own niche at this level, something that works for them. His niche is that he’s tall. He uses that to his advantage. But it’s nothing that I can’t overcome. I’ve fought tall guys before.
“I prefer my opponents to be taller. It plays into what I’m able to do. I’ve never had a problem with taller opponents. Abner Cotto (5-10) is one of tall guys that I fought. I fought in Chicago and put on a great performance. (Fortuna scored a 5th round KO against Cotto)
“My goal for 2018 is to fight all the top elite fighters in my weight class, and I’m trying to become mentioned as one of the best in the sport. I really want to win another world title in a different weight class. It would be the biggest moment so far of my career to get another world title.”
MARCUS BROWNE (20-0, 15 KOs) – Top 10 Ranked at 175 lbs. (WBC, WBO, WBA & IBF)
 
“My opponent (Francy Ntetu, 17-1, 4 KOs) looks like a durable, tough guy. I see this fight being very exciting for the fans for as long as it lasts. I saw a little bit of tape on him. I know he always comes in tip-top shape, and I hear he’s consistent in his performance in the ring. I just know I’m going to have to be sharp on Jan. 20.
“It’s always an honor to fight here at home and at Barclays Center. It’s special to be able to perform in front of these fans and I can’t wait to put on a good performance leading up to the Spence vs. Peterson fight.
“This fight could put me in the position that I need to be in to fight for a world title. I can’t be lacking in any way. I have to come out strong with a great performance from start to finish and leave no doubt in there.
“For 2018, I want to become a world champion. I’m determined tomake it happen this year. That vision starts on Jan. 20 at Barclays Center against Francy Ntetu.”
FRANCY NTETU (17-1, 4 KOs) – Fought David Benavidez at Barclays Center in June 2015
“I know Marcus Browne is probably taking me lightly and thinks he will simply go through me. I hope that’s the case, because it’s going be a shock to him, the fans and his team when I take his spot in line for a title. I want to face Eleider Alvarez in our hometown of Montreal after I get this win.
“My previous fight at Barclays Center against the current WBC champion David Benavidez was obviously a very bad decision by the referee to stop the fight, especially when I was winning the round and Benavidez was slowing down. I was getting stronger while he was getting weaker.
“I’ve never been hurt and never been dropped in a fight. I want Marcus to challenge himself and see if he can do something no one else has. I’m excited to be in a fight of this magnitude. Marcus, it’s time for us to give the fans what they want!”
ADAM KOWNACKI (16-0, 13 KOs) – Originally from Poland & fighting out of Brooklyn
“This fight is going to be another step toward becoming a champion. I know I’m going to have to work very hard and prove that I’m continuing to build on my win against Szpilka. From the video I’ve seen on Iago Kiladze (26-1, 18 KOs), he moves a lot, so I’ll be needing to cut off the ring. Whatever he brings to the ring, I’ll have an answer for.
“Three years in a row now I’ve been fighting in January. I love starting off the year strong. My wife and I actually started a tradition of the “Kownacki Family Run” at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Since I’m always preparing for a fight around New Year’s, we figured we might as well have fun while we work. So, we’ll have some friends come out and run a few miles with us around the neighborhood during the fireworks. It’s fun and helps get me ready.
“Ultimately, I’m looking to become the best in the heavyweight division. The end goal for this year is to become a world champion. But the very first step is taking Iago Kiladze very seriously. I can’t look past January 20 right now. I have a tough opponent who will challenge and make me a better fighter in the long run.”
IAGO KILADZE, Third fight since move up to heavyweight division (2-0, 2 KOs)
“I feel great and my training has been terrific. My trainer is Freddie Roach now. I sparred with (IBF Cruiserweight Champion) Murat Gassiev three times recently which is great preparation for me. I believe I can knockout Kownacki but if I have to go the distance I’m prepared for that. Either way, I’ll be victorious. I’m feel that I’m the more skilled fighter and that will show in the ring.
“This is a great fight for my career and a terrific start for 2018. I know that if I win this fight I’ll be that much closer to a world title opportunity.
“My goal is to be a world champion at the end of 2018. I want to continue improving and learning under Freddie and with his guidance I’m confident of success.”
# # #
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
LFA, mixed martial arts, MMA

LFA KICKS OFF 2018 IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WITH LFA 30

Leave a comment
 

MAIN EVENT:
“CURTIOUS”
CURTIS MILLENDER
vs.
“THE PHOENIX”
NICK BARNES
 
WELTERWEIGHT WAR
 
 
CO-MAIN EVENT:
 
MEXICO’S SUBMISSION ACE
FERNANDO PADILLA
vs.
BRAZIL’S BJJ BLACK BELT
TALISON SOARES
 
FEATHERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN
 
FRIDAY, JANUARY 12th LIVE on AXS TV
COSTA MESA HALL at the OC FAIRGROUNDS 
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA
 
Tickets are on sale NOW through CageTix.com/LFA
LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) CEO Ed Soares announced the promotion will kick off 2018 with an action-packed event in southern California.
The main event of LFA 30 will feature the long-awaited clash between southern California kingpins and top LFA welterweights “Curtious” Curtis Millender and Nick “The Phoenix” Barnes. LFA 30 – Millender vs. Barnes takes place Friday, January 12th at the Costa Mesa Hall at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, California. The entire main card of LFA 30 – Millender vs. Barnes will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
“I’m excited to kick off 2018 by bringing LFA back to southern California”, stated Soares. “Curtis Millender and Nick Barnes are coming off big wins in LFA headlining bouts where they won in enemy territory. Now they get to face each other in the main event of LFA 30 on their home turf in a perfect headliner to start the new year.”
Tickets for LFA 30 – Millender vs. Barnes are available for purchase NOW at CageTix.com/LFA.
Millender (13-3) returns home to the building where he fought and won his first seven fights. The Orange County juggernaut is looking to build off a perfect 2017 where he won three fights, including back-to-back LFA headliners. His most recent win came via highlight reel Head Kick KO in the main event of LFA 24. Millender will meet Barnes (12-2) in a long-awaited showdown between two of southern California’s finest. The welterweight stars started their careers in the southern California regional circuit, moved on to Bellator, and will finally meet in the main event of LFA 30. Barnes, like Millender, is coming off an impressive win in an LFA headliner this past August at LFA 20.
While the main event will feature a rivalry between two of the top welterweights in LFA, the co-main event will feature a rivalry between two of the LFA featherweight division’s most talented jiu-jitsu practitioners.
Fernando Padilla (10-1) put the division on notice in October, when he submitted longtime RFA vet Darrick Minner with a Triangle-Armbar in the first round of their co-main event bout at LFA 25. Padilla, who is a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, has now won 90% of his fights by first round stoppage. He will now face a man equally dangerous on the ground when he meets Talison Soares (9-2) in the co-main event of LFA 30. Soares is a jiu-jitsu black belt from the famed Checkmat BJJ team who has made a name for himself competing in his native Brazil. Soares has a 100% finishing rate in the nine bouts he has won and will now make his international debut in the co-main event of LFA 30.
Currently Announced Main Card (Televised on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT):
 
Main Event | Welterweight Bout (170 lb)
– Curtis Millender (13-3) vs. Nick Barnes (12-2)
Co-Main Event | Featherweight Bout (145 lb)
– Fernando Padilla (10-1) vs. Talison Soares (9-2)
Flyweight Bout (125 lb)
– Maikel Perez (4-1) vs. Charlie Alaniz (11-2)
Middleweight Bout (185 lb)
– Craig Wilkerson (7-3) vs. Jordan Wright (8-0)
Welterweight Bout (170 lb)
– Christian Aguilera (8-4) vs. Maycon Mendonça (6-3)
Bantamweight Bout (135 lb)
– Vince Cachero (3-0) vs. TBD
In September 2016, Legacy FC and RFA officials announced that they would be merging to form the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) starting in January 2017. RFA and Legacy FC have launched the careers of over 150 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.
LFA 30 will serve as the second LFA event to take place in the state of California after the merger. RFA hosted eight events inside “The Golden State” before the merger. The entire main card of LFA 30 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
Please visit LFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. LFA is on Facebook at Legacy Fighting Alliance. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.
boxing

MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER LAMAR “THE BOXING QUE” RUSS  SIGNS WITH EL MATADOR MANAGEMENT

Leave a comment

NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 28th, 2017) – El Matador Management, Inc. signs middleweight contender, Lamar “The Boxing Que” Russ (17-2, 8 KO’s). Felipe Gomez will now be managing the career of Russ, who hails from Wilmington, North Carolina. Gomez will work closely with DiBella Entertainment (Russ’ Promoter) as they jointly look to keep Russ busy, while guiding him toward a world title.

“My team is completed now that I have a manager looking out for my best interest,” said Lamar Russ. “I’m very happy with the direction that my career will be heading now that I have a manager. Felipe Gomez is a reputable guy and is someone I trust. I know he will get the job done managing my career, and I can’t wait to get back in the ring. I am definitely looking forward to my next fight. I would like to thank my family, friends and fans for their continuous support throughout the years. I would also like to shoutout Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. RQQ to all my good brothers!”

“I am extremely happy to be part of Lamar Russ’ team” said Felipe Gomez. “I believe he has all the tools to be a middleweight champion. I have big plans for him and I will work relentlessly with DiBella Entertainment. Russ is a skillful fighter that has punching power. I am happy he decided to join my stable of fighters.”

Follow El Matador Management :
Twitter: @BoxingAdvisor
Facebook: @ElMatadorManagement
Instagram: @ElMatadorManagement
SnapChat: @ElMatadorMngmt
YouTube: @NewLegendPromotions
www.ElMatadorManagement.com
mixed martial arts, MMA, Rizin FF

RIZIN on FITE – a year in the making

Leave a comment
RIZIN’s closing 2017 with two live events on FITE this Friday the 29th and Sunday the 31st. After a whole year of action- packed events and a multi – PPV tournament it is time to see the culmination of it all.
Things are getting hotter than ever with the full line-up already known as well as the two special guests who will join: Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic and Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi.
Each show is $19.99 Two-show pack available for only $29.99. Streams live on FITE worldwide outside of Japan.

2-Day Pack: RIZIN Fighting Federation World Grand-Prix 2017

RIZIN Fighting Federation World Grand-Prix 2017: 2nd Round
29th of December Fight card:
Satoru Kitaoka vs Strasser Kiichi
Shizuka Sugiyama vs Kana Watanabe
Kizaemon Saiga vs Kai Asakura
Anthony Birchak vs Jae Hoon Moon
Hiroyuki Takaya vs Azjavkhlan Baatar
KING Reina vs Cindy Dandois
Jiri Prochazka vs Karl Albrektsson
Gabi Garcia vs Shinobu Kandori
Khalid Taha vs Takafumi Otsuka
Kevin Petshi vs Shintaro Ishiwatari
Ian McCall vs Manel Kape
Kyoji Horiguchi vs Gabriel Oliveira
 
RIZIN Fighting Federation World Grand-Prix 2017: Final Round
31st of December Fight card:
McCall/Kape vs Horiguchi/Oliveira
Otsuka/Taha vs Petshi/Ishiwatari
Rena Kubota vs. Irene Cabello
Maria Oliveira vs. Kanna Asakura
Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipović vs. Tsuyoshi Kosaka
S. Nozawa-Auclair vs. Chelsea LaGrasse
Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi vs. Yusuke Yachi
Mitsuhisa Sunabe vs. Yamato Fujita
Tenshin Nasukawa vs Yuta Hamamoto
Plus GP Final Match-up’s
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The Best Fight News on the Net!

Newsletter Powered By : XYZScripts.com