boxing, Roc Nation, women's boxing

TWO-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CLARESSA SHIELDS ANNOUNCES PROFESSIONAL DEBUT ON KOVALEV-WARD “POUND FOR POUND” FREEVIEW TELECAST

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

AT T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

 

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (October 25, 2016) – Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Sportswoman of the Year Claressa Shields will be making her much anticipated professional debut during the lead-off freeview telecast of Kovalev-Ward “Pound For Pound” on Saturday, Nov. 19 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shields is set to face an opponent to be announced in a four-round middleweight bout, with each round timed at two-minutes. The pay-per-view telecast will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The freeview telecast which includes the live Claressa Shields bout will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT and will be available on cable, satellite, and telco channels.

 

As an amateur, Shields achieved unprecedented Olympic success as an American athlete. She is the only boxer in U.S. history, male or female, to successfully defend a title, winning back-to-back Gold medals at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio games. The 21-year-old Flint, Michigan native and four-time USA National Champion has merited accolades at every level of international competition, earning Gold medals in the Pan American Games, two World Championships and two-time AIBA Female Boxer of the Year honors. The pride of a nation, Shields looks to break boxing’s glass ceiling and engage a new generation of fight fans with her move into the professional ranks.

 

“After working hard for so many years and having the honor to represent my country at two Olympic games, I am thrilled to take the next big step in my career, fighting professionally and leading the rise of women’s boxing worldwide,” said Shields. “There is no better place to begin the journey than to join the biggest fight of the year, Kovalev vs Ward, and to fight alongside my idol and fellow U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward.  I can’t wait to entertain the fans onNov.19!”

 

“Claressa Shields is a uniquely talented and special young woman. At just 21 years old, she is a once-in-a-lifetime type athlete whose talent inside the ring and charisma outside of it gives her the potential to be a trailblazer for women’s boxing and for all of boxing for years to come,” said Mark Taffet and Jamie Fritz, co-managers of Claressa Shields. “We are proud to be part of Claressa Shields’s team and are thrilled she will be part of the year’s marquee event, Kovalev vs Ward, on Nov. 19 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”

 

“Claressa Shields is about to take the boxing world by storm and we are honored to host her professional debut as part of an already loaded fight card on Nov. 19,” said Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy Michael R. Yormark. “Claressa’s unique blend of talent, style and charisma make the two-time Olympian a rising force to be reckoned with in the boxing world and beyond.”

 

Claressa Shields is a talented 21-year-old boxer from Flint, Michigan. Inspired by former boxing star Laila Ali, Shields developed a passion for the sport and began boxing at the age of 11. It was soon after beginning her journey she realized her family was apprehensive towards the contact sports. After weeks of family discussions, Shields was granted her family’s permission to pursue her passion – a decision they will likely never regret.

 

Shields burst onto the boxing scene, developing a name for herself as one of the most talented female boxers in the country. Her reputation continued to build through her middle and high school years leading her to become the first ever U.S. women’s boxer to qualify for the 2012 London Games. To Shields, simply earning an invitation to the Olympics was not enough, she wanted to make a lasting impact for her country. After three exciting fights, Shields was rewarded her first Gold medal in the 165-pound weight class, and became the first American woman to win a Gold medal in boxing.

 

Shields was named the 2014 AIBA Female Boxer of the Year, 2014 USA Boxing National Champion, 2015 Pan American Games Gold Medalist in the light heavyweight division, and two-time World Champion in the women’s middleweight division. Chasing greatness, she became the first U.S. boxer to successfully defend an Olympic title as she earned a second Gold medal at the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro. Concluding an unparalleled amateur legacy, Shields announced that she would be making her professional debut on the freeview broadcast of the year’s biggest boxing matchup, Kovalev-Ward at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 19, 2016.

 

As a proud Flint, Michigan native, Shields is constantly looking for ways to shine a positive light on her hometown. She understands the importance of being a role model to youth in her community and has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support she has received since returning from Rio with another Gold medal. Following her first Gold medal summer, Shields became the first in her family to graduate from high school and is enrolled in online college classes to pursue her academic goals and competitive aspirations simultaneously.

 

Follow Claressa Shields on Twitter @ClaressaShields, Instagram @ClaressaShields, and Facebook: www.facebook.com/claressa.shields.7

 

Kovalev vs. Ward “Pound For Pound”, a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight World Titles, takes place Saturday, Nov. 19, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

“Pound for Pound” is presented by Main Events, Roc Nation Sports, Krusher Promotions and Andre Ward Promotions and is sponsored by MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Rosneft and Corona Extra. Tickets are on sale now at AXS.com and the T-Mobile Arena Box Office.

 

Follow the conversation using #KovalevWard.

 

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www.kovalboxer.com @KrusherKovalev @SergeyKovalev_Official /thekrusher /kovalboxer
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www.mainevents.com @Main_Events @Main_Events /MainEventsBoxiNg /MEBoxingSeries
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boxing

Former world champion Jonathan Oquendo Hot undefeated prospect Yomar Alamo & Unbeaten 2012 Olympian Jontay Ortiz added to Juan Manuel López-Wilfredo Vázquez, Jr. PPV 

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This Saturday night in San Juan, Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (October 24, 2016) – Former world featherweight title challenger Jonathan Oquendo, undefeated junior welterweight prospect Yomar “The Magic” Alamo and 2012 Puerto Rico Olympian Jontay Ortiz have all been added to this Saturday night’s (Oct. 29) Juan Manuel “JuanMa” López and Wilfredo”Papito” Vázquez, Jr pay-per-view card in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Guerra En El Clemente: Vázquez Jr. v. López, presented by Black Tiger Promotions, will  be distributed by Integrated Sports Media live, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, in the United States and Puerto Rico on both cable and satellite pay per view on iN Demand, DISH, DIRECTV and Vubiquity.  The event will also be available to watch across Canada on Fight Network, as well as via Fite TV app for iOS and Android devices or watch on thewww.Fite.TV website.  Suggested retail price is $29.95.
The Vázquez, Jr. (24-6-1, 19 KOs) vs. López (34-5, 31 KOs) 12-round Special Attraction main event (contested at a 129-pound catch-weight) is presented in association with Matias Entertainment and sponsored by Best Alarms and Municipio de San Juan.
“We’re confident this will truly be a memorable night of boxing for fans in attendance,” saidCarlos Maldonado, President of Black Tiger Promotions, “as well as for those watching on pay per view.”
Vázquez (24-6-1, 19 KOs) is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) FECABOX super bantamweight champion, while López (34-5, 31 KOs) is a past 3-time, 2-division world champion (WBO super featherweight & featherweight, Interim World Boxing Association featherweight).
The 33-year-old Oquendo (26-5, 16 KOs) is coming off a 12-round decision loss to WBA world featherweight champion last December to Jesus Marcelo Andres Cuellar. Oquendo’s most notable victories during his 12 ½-year professional career includeJhonny Gonzalez (DEC10) Alexandro Montiel (TKO1).
Oquendo has lost, ironically, to both Vázquez TKO7) and López (TKO3).  He hopes to parlay an impressive win in the 10-round co-feature against Mexican rival Gustavo “El Gustavo” Molina (23-13, 9 KOs) into a rematch with the Vázquez-López winner.
Rising star Alamo (11-0, 8 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX junior welterweight champion, will be fighting in his first scheduled 10-round bout versus an opponent to be announced.  Alamo’s last action was this past August, in which he stopped Edgardo Rivera to capture his regional title belt.
In the PPV opener, Ortiz (5-0, 3 KOs) faces fellow Puerto Rican Luis Hernandez in a 6-round match.  Ortiz was bronze medalist in the 2011 Pan-American Games.  He lost in the 2012 London Olympics to Russian David Ayrapetyan, 13-15, the eventual Olympic bronze medalist.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @integratedPPV
boxing

Warriors Boxing Signs Chicago’s Undefeated Josh Hernandez to Promotional Contract

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Warriors Boxing proudly announce the signing of undefeated Chicago-based super featherweight prospect Josh Hernandez to a promotional contract.
A role model to the city’s youth, when not in training at Sam Colonna’s Gym on Chicago’s south side, the young Hernandez majors in Physical Education and Exercise Science as a junior at Chicago’s De Paul University while working as a personal trainer at Unanimous Boxing Gym.
“I’m excited. It’s a great opportunity for me,” said Hernandez. “All my pro fights so far have been with Warriors and I’m very comfortable working with Leon, Luis and Dominic and their team. That’s what matters most. Other than that, they can offer me some great opportunities. My first three fights were on big PBC cards, so that was exciting. Even my fourth fight was exciting at the UIC Pavilion.”
As an amateur, Hernandez (4-0, 4 KOs as a pro) had just over 50 fights and in 2014, won the Power Gloves and Chicago Golden Gloves, where he was named Best Male Boxer of the tournament.
He is managed and trained by his father, former middleweight contender and fan favorite “Macho” Miguel Hernandez. The 20-year-old has inherited his father’s exciting style, having KO’d all his opposition, thus far, in dramatic fashion.
“My father took me to the gym at five years old and I had my first fight when I was seven. We are very close. He’s my best friend. He is my manager and trainer since I started boxing. I’ve learned everything from him. When I was younger, he took me everywhere with him in his pro carer. When he sat down to talk business with Dominic, I was in the room. When he auditioned for ‘The Contender,’ I was there. At a young age, I was exposed to the business of boxing and what it takes to be a high-level fighter. I bring a lot of people out to watch me fight, but when I’m in the ring, all I hear is his voice. That’s how close we are. I can block everything out but him.”
Long-time Chicago boxing staple and top promoter Dominic Pesoli, now Vice President of Warriors, says he’s happy to be working with the second generation of Hernandez.
“Josh comes from a good, hard-working family,” said Pesoli. “Despite all his talent, he is an extremely humble young man focused on his goals. He has excellent power and great technical skills in the ring and he’s very smart. I couldn’t be happier to be part of this family affair in boxing. Looking forward to working with them.”
Warriors President, Leon Margules, says Hernandez has shown a great deal of promise so far.
“Luis DeCubas and I couldn’t ask for anything more from Josh so far,” he said. “He trains hard and stays dedicated. And in the ring, he’s been levelling his opponents. It’s always amazing to me to see such a nice young man turn so ferocious in the ring, but he does and the fans love it. Warriors is thrilled he is allowing us to handle his career.”
The elder Hernandez says he’s also optimistic for his son’s ring future.
“I fought for Dominic and we have a good relationship. He treated me fairly and he knows when it comes to my son that I’m going to be a little overprotective. He, Luis and Leon are good guys. Warriors is a good company that can take my son to the next level. I’m very happy about this deal.”
About Warriors Boxing
Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.
With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.
When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.
For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.
boxing, charity, Team Fight to Walk

Melson to coach charity game; host boxing clinic for recovering heroin addicts

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New York, NY (October 23, 2016) – “The Rainmaker” Boyd Melson, a professional boxer and WBC U.S. Boxing Champion, Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, West Point Graduate, philanthropist, and humanitarian will serve as a coach in the Team Fight To Walk Celebrity Charity Basketball Game and is also hosting a special event to help young adults with addictions.
The game pits a celebrity team against the North Rockland Volunteer Firefighters and takes place Friday, October 28 at North Rockland Hills High School at 7 pm. Members of the celebrity team include former Super Bowl Champions Odessa Turner, Kevin Dockery and Brandon London all of the New York Giants. Other members of the celebrity team include former Giants running backs RJ Cobbs and Billy Taylor along with Harlem Globetrotter great Derek “The Wizz” Murphy.
Melson will coach the celebrity team, and all of the proceeds will benefit Team Fight to Walk’s efforts to cure Spinal Cord Injuries. Tickets can be purchased by going tohttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/team-fight-to-walk-celebrity-basketball-game-tickets-17808173727. Tickets to an autograph signing session will be available at the event.
Two days later, Melson is volunteering his time by organizing and running a boxing clinic for the charity Big Vision at Mendez Boxing Gym in New York City. Big Vision was established as a 501c3 Non-Profit with the mission of helping young adults with addictions. Big Vision conducts constructive events for their members to participate in pretty much on a monthly basis. These positive events, surrounded by other battling addictions, helps to serve as an escape from the environment that traditionally leads to drug relapses. This past May of 2016, Melson volunteered his time and conducted a boxing workshop for Big Vision at Mendez Boxing Gym.
Last month, Melson told Eve Goldberg, founder of Big Vision, that he wants to help again by conducting another boxing clinic at Mendez for them. Helping Melson with the event will be charismatic heavyweight contender Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, WBC Women’s Champion Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon and Jose Guzman. The clinic will host 20-30 adults between the ages of 19-30. It will be approximately three hours and include a full workout, workshop, constructive events and motivational speeches. Goldberg, whose son passed away from an overdose, will provide a heartfelt speech to conclude the event.
“I’m extremely pleased to help two causes near and dear to my heart,” said Melson, who returns to the ring November 19 and is donating his purse to help combat the heroin epidemic on Staten Island. “Raising funds and awareness is crucial for the clinical trial. The clinical trial I have fought and risked my life now for almost 6 years is on track receive its FDA approval here in the US sometime next summer. it is that close to happening here in our own country. In regard to helping human beings, especially young human beings, with their battle to overcome their addictions to drugs, I have chosen to take a highly proactive approach.”
“I came out of retirement to use my platform as a professional athlete to bring attention to the heroin epidemic in Staten Island specifically. It is not in my nature nor my character to stand by and do nothing to help fellow human beings when I believe I can help. Heroin seems to be the drug that is killing human beings at the greatest frequency, so that is where I am focusing most of my attention.”
“Staten Island is the borough that is being beaten down the greatest by heroin, and Staten Island is the only borough after Brooklyn that was part of my childhood. I had a meeting with the Staten Island DA last month to discuss bringing Big Vision to Staten Island. The DA shared that 74 people were reported as dead from heroin overdoses in Staten Island since January 1st, and I’ve joined the fight to do whatever I can do to keep former addicts clean while helping those with serious addiction overcome it. I have chosen to now put myself in harms way so that I can bring attention to this plague in Staten Island. I have chosen to literally fight for Staten Island. My family has a history of addiction and finding the cure for paralysis has been one of the most important things in my life for more than a decade.”
boxing

AC Sports Management Presents:  “Protect Yourself At All Times:  The Documentary”   

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Dallas, TX (October 24, 2016) – 2016 has been a huge year for boxing manager, Adrian Clark. Along with being named one of Forbes magazines top 30 under 30 game-changers in sports, he also created the ‘Boxer-Manager Agreement’, which serves as a contract for the fighters to sign manager’s. Most recently, Clark released his second book titled, ‘Protect Yourself at All Times: A Guide for Professional Boxers’ available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.

The 30 year-old owner of AC Sports Management, LLC is now following up the Protect Yourself at All Times book with a documentary which is to release in the spring of 2017.
“The Protect Yourself at All Times campaign is something that is much needed in the sport of boxing. With no regulation in the sport to protect the athletes, I am making a conscious effect to bring awareness directly to the fighters in hopes to transcend the sport for the fighters.” Clark stated.
Clark is the strategic partner of Willie Monroe Jr who just won the WBO Intercontinental title on HBO PPV vs Gabe Rosado. He also represents James de la Rosa who squares off against Curtis Stevens on the undercard of Ward-Kovalev, Nov 19th on HBO PPV.
boxing, women's boxing

Rosalinda Rodriguez shines in Charlotte, NC

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charlotte, NC (October 24, 2016) -Undefeated bantamweight Rosalinda Rodriguez won the NABF Bantamweight title with an eight-round unanimous decision over Noemi Bosques in a bout that took place last Wednesday night at the Grady Cole Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The bout headlined a card promoted by Hall of Famer, Christy Martin and Pretty Girl Promotions’ Mercedes Vazquez Simmons.
It was an exciting toe-to-toe fight that saw Rodriguez win every round and took home the decision by scores of 80-72 on all cards.
With the win, Rodriguez of Miami, stays perfect at 5-0 and now will receive a top-ten ranking.
The 30 year-old Rodriguez is trained by former world champion Ada Velez.
Also on the outstanding night of boxing, Quinton Rankin (12-3-1, 9 KO’s) of Charlotte stopped Michael Wilmer (5-9-1) in the fifth round of their light heavyweight bout.
Larry Pryor (10-14) scored a mild upset when he took a six-round unanimous decision over Berry Butler (25-14-1) in a light heavyweight bout.  Scores were 58-55 on all cards.
Middleweight prospect Radzhab Buteav (3-0) kept his perfect knockout streak alive as he stopped Johnathan Batista (16-10) at 2:01 of round four of their scheduled six-round bout.
Christian Camacho (5-1, 1 KO), the 24 year-old son of Hall of Famer, the late Hector Camacho, notched his first stoppage victory as he needed just 71 seconds to take out Jovanni Said in a junior lightweight bout.
Cruiserweight Sam Crossed (5-0, 3 KO’s) stopped Michael Tillery at 1:22 of round two of their scheduled four-round rumble.

Britain Hart made a successful pro debut as she stopped Crystal Sutton in the 2nd round of their featherweight bout.

Santario Martin (2-2, 1 KO) stopped Travis Davidson in the 2nd round of their light heavyweight bout.

Ruslan Shamalov made a successful pro debut by needing just a minute to stop big Schyuler Marshall in their heavyweight bout.
For additional information visit www.christy-Martin.com
M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

M-1 CHALLENGE 71 RESULTS

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Nemkov decisions Vegh
Vitruk 1st M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion
Puetz, Romanov & Butenko winners
INGUSHETIA, Russia (October 22, 2016) – Former two-time M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Viktor Nemkov put himself in position for another title shot and Pavel Vitruk became the first M-1 Challenge Bantamweight Champion at last night’s entertaining M-1 Challenge 71 in Ingushetia, Russia.
Kazakhstan-native Nemkov (24-6-0, M-1: 17-5-0), fighting out of Stary Oskol, Russia, won a three-round unanimous decision from former Bellator champion Attila “Pumukli” Vegh(29-8-2, M-1: 0-2-0), of Slovakia, in the main event.
Nemkov (L) had too much for Vegh
Fighting in the inaugural M-1 Challenge Bantamweight Championship, Russian fighter Vitruk (14-2-0, M-1: 8-2-0) defeated Vitali Branchuk (21-6-0, M-1: 1-2-0), of Ukraine, by way of a fourth-round submission.
Vitruk forced Branchuk into submission
Russian welterweight Sergey Romanov (9-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0) took a three-round unanimous decision from Carlos Alexandre “Indio” Pereira (37-11-1, M-1: 1-1-0), of Brazil, while M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Alexander Butenko (42-11-2, M-1: 9-1-0) decisioned Brazilian foe Rubenilton “Rubinkho” Pereira (16-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in a non-title fight contested at a 160-pound catrchweight.
Former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight Stephan “T-800” Puetz (15-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0), of Germany, also put himself in position for another title fight, possibly against his arch-rival Nemkov, by forcing Brazilian Marcus Vinicius “Mountan” Lopes (9-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0) into submission via a rear naked choke in the third round.
 
Official Results & photo gallery below:
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Viktor Nemkov (24-6-0, M-1: 17-5-0), Russia
WDEC3
Attila Vegh (29-8-2, M-1: 0-2-0), Slovakia
Stephan Puetz (15-2-0, M-1: 6-1-0), Germany
WSUB3
Marcus Vinicius Lopes (9-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Brazil
BANTAMWEIGHTS
Pavel Vitruk (14-2-0, M-1: 8-2-0), Russia
WDUB4
Vitali Branchuk (21-6-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Ukraine
(Vitruk won vacant M-1 Challenge bantamweight title)
WELTERWEIGHTS
Sergey Romanov (9-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Carlos Alexandre Pereira (37-12-1 (M-1: 1-1-0), Brazil
CATCHWEIGHT (160 lbs.)
Alexander Butenko (42-11-2, M-1: 9-1-0), Ukraine
WDEC3
Rubenilton Pereira (16-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil
Puetz (R) domianted Lopes
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Nov. 18 – M-1 Challenge 72:  Kunchenko vs. Abdulaev in Moscow, Russia
Dec. 9 – M-1 Challenge 73: Emeev vs. Tokov in Ingushetia, Russia
  
INFORMATION

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

ALEXANDER ‘STORM’ SHLEMENKO IS BACK IN BUSINESS AFTER TKO VICTORY AT ‘BELLATOR 162’ IN MEMPHIS

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10 Kendall Grove V Alexander Shlemenko_0051

 

FULL FIGHT PHOTOS / VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Alexander Shlemenko returns with a patented livershot TKO over Kendall Grove

 

Memphis (Oct. 21, 2016) – The most decorated middleweight in Bellator history, Alexander Shlemenko (54-9, 1NC) returned to the cagetonight in a big way against Kendall Grove (23-16). The first round saw aggressive back and forth action with each fighter getting rocked. Shlemenko successfully utilized powerful spinning backfists and heelkicks to close the distance on the 6’6 Hawaiian. “The Storm” stalked Grove throughout the cage before ultimately connecting with a nasty combo that saw a left hand to the liver, followed by a right hand to the chin, sending his towering opponent to the mat. Shlemenko followed up with a barrage of strikes to “Da Spyda” before “Big John” McCarthy waved the fight off at 1:43 of the second frame.

 

 

 

 

Lashley sinks in a rear-naked choke to end Appelt’s night in round two

 

Bobby Lashley (15-2) continued to live up to his nickname of “The Dominator” as he tossed his opponent, Josh Appelt (12-6) to the mat at will. Throughout the first round, Lashley jockeyed for position as he rained down punches while trying to lock in a submission in front of his friend from his days as a WWE Superstar, Jerry “The King” Lawler, who watched from his cage side seat. Appelt landed a couple strikes to start the second frame before being slammed to the mat and ultimately submitted with a one-armed rear-naked choke at 1:43 of Round 2.

 

 

 

 

Yamauchi finishes Couture with armbar submission just one minute into bout

 

The 23-year-old submission specialist Goiti Yamauchi (20-3) defeated Ryan Couture (10-5) via arm bar submission just 1:01 into the opening round. Making his lightweight debut, Yamauchi becomes the first opponent to submit Couture over his 15-fight career. The win gives the Brazilian-Japanese prospect 20 total over his career, including five since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion back in 2013. The slick arm bar marks the 16th submission victory for Yamauchi, 13 of which have come in the first frame.

 

 

 

 

Kato scores TKO victory over Matthews

 

The first televised fight of the evening featured two highly gifted strikers in A.J. Matthews (8-6), a muay-Thai practitioner and Hisaki Kato(7-2), who holds a black belt in Kyokushin Karate. Both fighters exchanged great combinations throughout the entirety of the first round, with Matthews even wobbling Kato halfway through the frame. but was unable to capitalize, allowing Kato to regain his composure. A break in the action because of an accidental eye poke to Matthews allowed Kato to completely recover, and when the fight continued, Kato utilized his right kick to the body-left hand to the dome combination to send Matthews to the canvas, pouncing with a flurry of punches forcing the referee to call a stop to the action at 4:58 of the first frame.

 

 

Complete Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

 

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Steve Garcia (7-1) def. Ronnie Lawrence (1-1) via UD

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ricky Rainey (12-4) def. Gilbert Smith (12-6) via UD

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Julia Budd (9-2) def. Arlene Blencowe (7-6) via MD

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Virgil Zwicker (15-5-1) def. Dan Charles (10-4-1) via TKO at 4:31of Round 2

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Chase Gormley (14-5, 1 NC) def. Bobby Brents (17-6) via SD

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Wade Johnson (11-1) def. Tyler Hill (6-1) via SUB (rear-naked choke) at 3:35 of Round 3

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: James Wallace (2-0) def. Jonathan Burdine (4-5) via SUB (rear-naked choke) at 3:33 of Round 2

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Eryk Anders (5-0) def. Brian White (5-5) via TKO at 0:23 of Round 1

Catchweight (160 lb.) Preliminary Bout: Jaleel Willis (7-0) vs. Omar Johnson (4-1) via UD

Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Grady Hurley (10-1) def. Chad Cook (10-11) at 2:29 of Round1

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Wessell (15-8) vs. Frank Tate (4-2) via UD

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

SECOND NIGHT OF BELLATOR DOUBLEHEADER FEATURES FLYWEIGHT BOUT PITTING UNDEFEATED ILIMA MACFARLANE AGAINST EMILY DUCOTE AT WINSTAR WORLD CASINO & RESORT

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CHIDI NJOKUANI-ANDRE FIALHO ALSO ADDED TO MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 167’ ON DECEMBER 3

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (October 21, 2016) – A flyweight clash pitting Ilima-Lei MacFarlane (4-0) against Emily Ducote (4-1) and a welterweight bout pitting Chidi Njokuani (15-4, 1 NC) against Andre Fialho (7-0) have been added to the main card of “Bellator 167: Curran vs. Teixeira,” which will take place inside WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, OK., on Saturday, December 3.

The second night of entertainment – “Bellator 167” — will feature a featherweight main event between Pat Curran (22-7) and John Teixeira (19-1-2), while “Bellator 166” is headlined by a bantamweight world title rematch pitting current champion Eduardo Dantas (18-4) against Joe Warren (14-5) and a featherweight bout pitting undefeated prospect A.J. McKee (5-0) against Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3).

Tickets for the unique doubleheader event start at just $45 and can be purchased at the WinStar World Casino & Resort Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

“Bellator 167: Curran vs. Teixeira” airs live and free on Saturday on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT., while “Bellator 166: Dantas vs. Warren 2” also airs live and free on Friday on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Preliminary bouts for both events will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Possibly no name is growing faster in the MMA community than Ilima-Lei MacFarlane’s, as the 26-year-old flyweight has rapidly climbed the ranks with four consecutive victories and three finishes. The undefeated submission specialist has emerged victorious in her first three bouts under the Scott Coker-led promotion, and finishing both Amber Tackett and Rebecca Ruth via submission. Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, “The Ilimanator” has secured one career knockout victory, which came just 10 seconds into her first professional bout and spread virally around the internet. MacFarlane will now direct her attention to another one of Bellator MMA’s top young female competitors, Emily Ducote.

The 23-year-old Ducote will look to add to an already impressive 2016 campaign, having earned victories in each of her four fights this year. Ducote’s most recent pair of wins have come under the Bellator MMA umbrella, recording back-to-back second round submission finishes over Brazilian flyweights Bruna Vargas and Kenya Miranda. Ducote will now look to add to her current four-fight winning streak, as she prepares for what is undoubtedly the toughest opponent of her young career. A native of Oklahoma City, “Gordinha” returns home to fight in her back yard, where she anticipates a sold out WinStar World Casino & Resort chock full of close friends and family.

Njokuani made his presence felt early in his career, recording finishes in each of his first seven career victories, including six knockouts and six first round finishes. “Chidi Bang Bang” continued to see success with his knockout power, as 10 of his 15 career wins came by way of knockout or submission. You’d be hard pressed to find a more consistent fighter than Njokuani right now, the 27-year-old Las Vegas native enters the cage in search of his seventh consecutive victory and 11 of his last 12, dating back to 2012. Njokuani has won both of his first two bouts under the direction of Bellator MMA since joining the promotion in 2015, with key victories over the likes of Ricky Rainey and Thiago Jambo Goncalves. He hopes to add to that list when he joins his opponent Andre Fialho on December 3.

With an unblemished mark of 7-0, Fialho joins his opponent Njokuani as one of the most feared knockout artists in the game. The 22-year-old welterweight has finished each of his seven opponents and tacked on six knockouts. Possibly even more impressive is the manner in which the young Portuguese prospect has defeated his opponents, with six of the seven victories coming in the first round and three in the first minute of action. Since joining the Bellator MMA fray earlier this year, Fialho has recorded first round knockout wins over Manuel Meraz and Rick Reger, proving early in his career that he belongs with the top dogs. We can be sure to see some fireworks fly when Fialho enters the cage inside WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville this December.

 

Updated “Bellator 167: Curran vs. Teixeira” Main Card:

Featherweight Main Event: Pat Curran (22-7) vs. John Teixeira (19-1-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Ilima MacFarlane (4-0) vs. Emily Ducote (4-1)

Welterweight Feature Bout: Chidi Njokuani (15-4, 1 NC) vs. Andre Fialho (7-0)

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