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Amateur MMA at The Visalia Convention Center
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COMBATE AMERICAS APPOINTS FINANCE AND SPORTS INDUSTRY LEADER JOE PLUMERI BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN
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Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna to battle Eduardo Flores on Saturday, January 28th at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City
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Several Match-ups Announced for Detroit Brawl on Sunday, January 22 in Detroit
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Conor McGregor Fastest Climber On 120 Sports, MVPindex Most Valued Athletes On Social Media Of 2016
McGregor topped only by three NFL Players and Rory McIlroy, and ahead of LeBron James; Ronda Rousey in at Number 18; NFL Dominates with Nine Athletes in Top 25
January 11, 2017 (CHICAGO) – The Seattle Seahawks Russell Wilson (No. 1), New York Giants Odell Beckham Jr. (No. 2) and the Houston Texans JJ Watt (No. 3) were officially named the Top 3 Most Valued Athletes in Social Media of 2016 in a ranking created in partnership between MVPindex™ and 120 Sports. UFC star Conor McGregor jumped an impressive 33 spots from last year’s index to claim the No. 5 spot in 2016, just behind golfer Rory McIlroy and ahead of Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James.
The ranking includes U.S. professional and Olympic athletes.
To determine the most valued athletes on social media this year, Chicago-based digital sports network 120 Sports collaborated with industry-leading social measurement and valuation platform MVPindex to rank athletes using a proprietary algorithm that evaluates all of their social activity throughout the past year. The ranking combines three separate scores: Reach (fans, followers, impressions), Engagement (likes, comments, shares, retweets, favorites) and Conversation (positive/negative mentions).
At 9 p.m. ET tonight, 120 Sports will reveal the full list and take a deeper look at the Top Valued Athletes in Social Media on its nightly sports show, The Rally, a two-hour, first-of-its-kind interactive prime-time highlights show exclusively on Twitter. 120 Sports uses up-to-the-moment insight from consumer trends to shape the way it produces its daily live and on-demand programming, providing real-time data on what is resonating most with sports fans.
The National Football League dominated the 2016 ranking with 9 players in the Top 25. The NBA followed with five of the Top 25 athletes. Wilson claimed the top spot for the second straight year with an overall ranking of 0.983, remaining at the center of the social spotlight this year not only for his athletic performance, but also for his recent marriage to singer Ciara.
The 120 Sports talent team will provide insights and analysis on the Top 25 list, as well as break down the top viral trends, videos and photos on social media from this past year, ranking their top 3 in a variety of categories that resonated with sports fans this year like “Best Athlete & Team Mannequin Challenge,” “Cutest Athlete’s Kid Dance,” and “Best Workout Session Video.”
“We produce and deliver sports content based on whatever is the hottest story as indicated by what is trending on social media and what sports fans are talking about on social platforms,” said Jason Coyle, president of 120 Sports. “MVPindex helps us to quantify the commanding voices and influencers on social media from the past year so we can continue to relate with our fans by showcasing the athletes that matter most to them.”
In addition, Cam Newton (No. 16), Stephen Curry (No. 11) and Antonio Brown (No. 12) all made notable double-digit climbs up from 2015.
There are five women represented on the list in 2016; Alex Morgan (No. 15), Serena Williams (No. 16), Ronda Rousey (No. 18), Hope Solo (No. 22) and Kerri Walsh Jennings (No. 25). The Seahawks, Patriots and Cavaliers all have two players each; the youngest person on the list is Beckham Jr. at 24, and the oldest is Tiger Woods at 41.
Top athletes in each sport include:
Robinson Cano (MLB)
Conor McGregor (UFC)
Russell Wilson (NFL)
Rory McIlroy (PGA TOUR)
LeBron James (NBA)
Alex Morgan (US Soccer)
Serena Williams (WTA)
Jeff Gordon (NASCAR)
Kerri Walsh Jennings (AVP)
The 2016 list reveals interesting findings including a spotlight on the growth in popularity of MMA/UFC in the past year, as both McGregor (No.5) and Ronda Rousey (No. 18) are featured in the Top 25.
“For years, the yard stick in determining social media value was based solely on the number of followers someone had. But at MVP we know that quantity does not mean quality,” said MVPindex co-founder Kyle Nelson. “With our sophisticated Engagement Value Assessment™ tool, we look at social media impressions, engagement, virality and social authority to help figure out what it’s all really worth.”
Nelson continued: “This year’s list rewarded those athletes who were able to leverage their success on the field of play to also win on social. They were able to consistently drive high levels of engagement through compelling content and authentic conversations with consumers. This not only helps build their own personal brands but also makes them the most effective ambassadors for the brands they represent.”
The Top 10 of the list is as follows:
Russell Wilson (NFL)
Odell Beckham Jr. (NFL)
J.J. Watt (NFL)
Rory McIlroy (PGA TOUR)
Conor McGregor (UFC)
LeBron James (NBA)
Tiger Woods (PGA TOUR)
Richard Sherman (NFL)
Tom Brady (NFL)
Rob Gronkowski (NFL)
To watch the full reveal of the Top 25 ranking results this evening including an additional spotlight on the Top 30 Social Athletes Under 30, visit rally.twitter.com from 9 -11 p.m. ET.
About MVPindex
Founded in 2014, MVPindex was the first social media intelligence platform to analyze athletes’ social media portfolios and calculate their digital brand value. Today, MVPindex is a comprehensive social media index and valuation platform for the sports and entertainment industries, offering real-time analytics on more than 43,000 athletes, entertainers, teams, leagues, and brands ranked across the most popular social platforms. The MVPindex Engagement Value Assessment™ (EVA) has become the de facto industry standard for calculating the monetary value of social media campaigns and properties. MVPindex clients rely on this data and insight to make strategic decisions about brand ambassadors; evaluate their partnerships; maximize sponsorships; and see what is resonating with their fans. For more information or to request a demonstration, visit www.mvpindex.com.
About 120 Sports
120 Sports is the ultimate destination for up-to-the-moment expert commentary on all trending sports topics. The digital-only broadcast network offers more than 50 hours of live and original content, plus more than 1,200 on-demand video clips, each week. Equity partners in 120 Sports include MLBAM, the NHL, the PGA TOUR, Campus Insiders, Time Inc. /Sports Illustrated, and Silver Chalice. The network’s daily live broadcasts include hosted programming delivering timely narratives of the stories across every sport, as well as breaking news, fan response, video highlights and live look-ins, all integrated with social conversation and expert analysis. The 120 Sports free app has been lauded as one of the best in class by a host of media outlets and is available in both the Google Play and Apple App Store as well as a web experience at 120Sports.com. In addition to Chromecast, 120 Sports is also available on Apple TV, as well as other distribution outlets.
GH3 PROMOTIONS FIGHTERS LEROY DAVILA, KEENAN SMITH HIGHLIGHT NON-TELEVISED UNDERCARD ON FRIDAY, JAN. 20 AT BALLYS ATLANTIC CITY HOTEL AND CASINO
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A must win for Nicklow; Golden opportunity for Fields
Baltimore, MD (January 11, 2017) – When Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow enters the ring Friday evening against Chauncey Fields, he’ll do so in need of an impressive victory.
The Baltimore native has a solid 25-8-3 record with 8 knockouts and built a reputation for remarkable physical toughness. The 29-year-old however has come up short in some of his recent bouts against world class fighters including 2012 Olympic gold medalist Ryota Murata, Ronald Gavril and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Nicklow’s undefeated when he fights in Maryland but is faced with a hungry opponent that has everything to gain.
Enter Chauncey “Grimm” Fields. Living and fighting out of Lynchburg, VA, Fields is 4-0 with 2 knockouts. On paper, some have been critical due to the experience gap however Fields’ first four fights were six rounders and he sees the opportunity as a way to better his career sooner than later.
“This is an interesting fight because Jessie needs this win to remain a contender and Chauncey wants to make a name for himself at an early stage of his career,” said Jake Smith. “The winner will definitely move onto bigger things and both guys understand the importance of this fight.”
The eight round super middleweight contest headlines a Jake Smith’s Baltimore Pro Boxing pro-am card dubbed as “Scary Night at the Fights” live from Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD. Tickets from $50 are on sale by logging onto Baltimoreboxing.com or calling 410-375-9175.
In the co-main event, Baltimore’s “Dangerous” Donald Wallace looks to go 2-0 when he faces fellow unbeaten Tahir Thomas (4-0-1, 3 KO’s), of Salisbury, MD over six rounds. Wallace turned pro last year with a first round knockout while Thomas most recently drew with 10-0 Antowyan Aikens.
Undercard bouts include four rounders featuring Roger Caruso and Lamont White, Ernest Hall against Cleveland Hemphill and Gary Hudson vs Marvin Johnson.
There will also be an amateur portion of the card, topped by a heavyweight title rematch between Brian “Bam Bam” Haneschlager and Dallas Butts and Baltimore Boxing is running a 50/50 along with a silent auction to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
For more information, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.
Selina Barrios to Make Pro Debut Jan, 21 in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, TX (January 11, 2017) – Amateur standout, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios, sister of undefeated lightweight sensation, Mario Barrios (17-0, 9 KOs), is set to make her pro debut on January, 21, 2017. The fight will take place at the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium, on the “Famoso’s Night of Champions” card in San Antonio, TX, presented by former world champion, Carlos “El Famoso” Hernandez. Selina will face, ….. in a four-round bout.Barrios, an amateur standout, has power in both hands. Her crowd-pleasing style was admired by many in the amateurs. As a teenager, Selina Barrios defeated the very talented Mikayla Meyer, who represented Team USA in 2016. Barrios wants the city of San Antonio to know they will now have a female pugilist to get behind. Look for Barrios to come out swinging.
“First off, I want to thank my family for all their support during my time away from boxing.” said an enthused Selina Barrios. “Everyone who’s seen me in the ring, knows I’m an aggressive fighter that throws a lot of power punches. I’m always going to be looking for the knockout. I’m very happy to be making my pro debut in San Antonio. I want to build my fan base one fight at a time. I’m inviting all boxing fans from San Antonio to come see me fight. I’m only 22-years old, so I have plenty of time to make my mark in this sport. I have dreams and ambitions of becoming a world champion. God willing, I’ll reach that goal.”
Tickets for “Famoso’s Night of Boxing”, priced $25, $40, $50, $80 and $120 are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling Famoso Productions at (210) 240-2071 or (210) 422-8787. For more information, visit www.famosoproductions.com. The San Antonio Shrine Auditorium is located at 901 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX. Doors open at 5:00 P.M., first bell at 7:30 P.M.
STACKED FIGHT CARD OPENS THE YEAR FOR NEF IN LEWISTON
Lewiston, Maine (January 11, 2017) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.” Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the full card for the event. The night will feature both amateur and professional MMA bouts.
Headlining the evening will be the semi-finals of the tournament to crown a new professional lightweight champion. The title was vacated when previous champion Devin Powell (8-1) signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Ryan Sanders (12-8) will take on John Ortolani (8-10) while Jon Lemke (5-7) faces Jesse Erickson (9-5) in a rematch from Bellator 93. The winners of those two bouts will meet in the finals tentatively scheduled for “NEF 28” later this year.
In a highly-anticipated heavyweight bout, Ras Hylton (0-0) will make his professional debut against Mike Hansen (5-4). The 6’6″ Hylton, or “Rasquatch” as he is known amongst his fans, was voted the “2016 Rookie of the Year” by NEF fans after going 3-0 as an amateur. Hansen was a Maine state wrestling champion for Mountain Valley High School (MVHS), and he has developed quite a reputation for downing larger opponents on both the mats and the MMA cage. Hansen was the recipient of the “2016 Submission of the Year” award.
Speaking of 2016 award winners, the “Fighter of the Year,” featherweight prospect Aaron Lacey (4-0), will look for his fifth consecutive victory in less than a year when he meets Florida’s Chris Jacobs (1-0). Jacobs put together an impressive 8-3 record as an amateur, winning regional titles along the way.
The amateur card will feature a bout for the light-heavyweight strap as Ryan Glover (3-1) defends against Victor Irwin (2-0). Glover has held the title since last February. Both Glover and Irwin were Maine state wrestling champions – Glover with MVHS and Irwin with Brewer High School.
Also scheduled on the amateur card are no less than three women’s bouts. Angela Young (1-2), who put on multiple “Fight of the Night” performances in 2016, returns to face New Hampshire’s Christine Brothwell (0-2). Young’s teammate, Katie Baker (0-0), will make her in-cage debut against another tough competitor from the Granite State in the form of Alex Walker (2-1), while Sarah Ziehm makes her debut against Nicole Burgess (0-1).
The full “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” fight card (subject to change):
PROFESSIONAL
235 Mike Hansen 5-4 (Berserkers MMA) vs Ras Hylton 0-0 (First Class MMA)
160 Matt Denning 3-5 (CMBJJ) vs Ricky Dexter 0-0 (Team Irish)
155 Ryan Sanders 12-8 (Young’s MMA) vs John Ortolani 8-10 (South Tampa Jiu-Jitsu & MMA)
155 Jesse Erickson 9-5 (CMBJJ) vs Jon Lemke 5-7 (Team Irish)
145 Aaron Lacey 4-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Chris Jacobs 1-0 (Pete White Boxing & MMA)
145 Josh Harvey 2-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Richie Collingham 3-3 (Lakes Region Vale Tudo)
135 Elias Leland 2-2 (The Academy) vs Nick Santos 0-4 (Team Fury)
AMATEUR
205*TITLE Ryan Glover 3-1 (Berserkers MMA) (c) vs Victor Irwin 2-0 (Young’s MMA)
205 Zeal McGrew 1-1 (Redline) vs Pete Grinnel 0-0 (Lawton BJJ)
185 Jon Tefft 0-0 (First Class MMA) vs Sean Worcester 0-1 (Independent)
155 Devin Corson 0-0 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Winston Cortez 0-0 (S. Tampa Jiu-Jitsu & MMA)
155 Ross Dannar 0-1 (Nostos) vs Phil Chason 0-0 (The Academy)
155 Ken Dunn 0-4 (Independent) vs Corey Hinkley 2-4 (CMBJJ)
145 Jacob Deppmeyer 0-0 (First Class MMA) vs Frank Johanson 1-2 (CMBJJ)
140 Henry Clark 3-1 (Choi Institute) vs Alex Clark 3-2 (Young’s MMA)
135 Michael Crespo 3-2 (First Class MMA) vs Fred Lear 4-2 (Young’s MMA)
135 Walt Shea 1-0 (First Class MMA) vs Alan Bustamante 0-0 (South Tampa Jiu-Jitsu & MMA)
125 Jeremiah Barkac 0-0 (Independent) vs James Ploss 0-0 (Kaze Dojo)
125 Ryan Burgess 2-1 (Berserkers MMA) vs Justin Witham 2-4 (Shatterproof Combat Club)
125 Angela Young 1-2 (Young’s MMA) vs Christine Brothwell 0-2 (Bucket Brigade)
115 Nicole Burgess 0-1 (Berserkers MMA) vs Sarah Ziehm 0-0 (CMBJJ)
115 Katie Baker 0-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Alex Walker 2-1 (Kaze Dojo)
NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.
For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”