SOLID BROADWAY BOXING CARD ANNOUNCED STRONG NEW ENGLAND FLAVOR


This Thursday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino
MASHANTUCKET, CT (August 30, 2016) – DiBella Entertainment has announced a solid  Broadway Boxing card, showcasing many of New England’s most promising prospects, this Thursday night in Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
“Nice” Nick DeLomba (10-1, 2 KOs), fighting out of Cranston, RI, is one of six New Englanders that will be featured on, ironically, Broadway Boxing. The 26-year-old DeLomba will square off against Groveland, Florida’s Amos “2 Smooth” Cowart (11-1-1, 9 KOs) in the eight-round main event.
Belgian super featherweight Dardan Zenunaj (12-1, 9 KOs), a former World Boxing Association (WBA) International champion, faces New Mexico’s Jose “Shorty” Salinas(9-2-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round contest.
Undefeated Brooklyn lightweight Wesley Ferrer, a 2013 New York City Golden Gloves champion, will participate in another eight-round bout.
A pair of newly signed DiBella Entertainment fighters, unbeaten Spanish junior lightweight Jon “Jonfer” Fernandez (8-0, 6 KOs), who is co-promoted by future Hall of Famer Sergio Martinez, and pro-debuting Puerto Rican welterweight Jose Roman, will also be in action. Fernandez is matched against Mexican Naciff “Chata” Castillo (17-8-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder, while Roman turns pro against Philadelphian Khaaliq Core in a four-round match.
East Hartford, CT welterweight “Marvelous” Mykey Williams (3-0, 2 KOs), a three-time Ringside World Tournament champion, returns to his second home at Foxwoods for his fourth pro fight against David Nelson (3-5, 1 KO), of Los Angeles, CA, in a four-round bout.
Connecticut’s own Anthony Laureano and Jonathan “Smooth” Figueroa will be making their pro debuts in separate four-round bouts against Philadelphians. The welterweight Laureano, a 2016 N.E. Golden Gloves champion from East Hartford, challenges pro-debuting Nihir Albright, while Hartford junior welterweight Figueroa, a 2012 Southern N.E. Golden Gloves gold medalist, competes against Demetris Williams(0-1).
A pair of Massachusetts featherweights will be fighting in separate four-round bouts. N.E. Golden Gloves winner Timmy Ramos (4-0-1, 4 KOs), of Framingham, will battle Sean Acosta, of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Worcester’s Irvin Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO) will take on Texan Juan Muniz.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets for the September 1st card are on sale and priced at $125, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available atwww.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information, visit www.DBE1.com and www.Foxwoods.com, follow on Twitter @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt, @FoxwoodsCT, @dardanzenunaj, and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/foxwoods/.

MAJOR CHANGE TO NEF 25 MMA CARD

Lewiston, Maine (August 30, 2016) – The weight cut is regarded by many fighters as the most difficult part of preparing for a fight.  For Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (7-5),  his weight cut was cut short Monday night in preparation for his upcoming bout at “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS” next week.  Erickson was initially scheduled to take on Jon Lemke (5-6) in a rematch of their bout from Bellator 93.  The fight would have been at the lightweight limit of 155-pounds.  NEF executives, however, were informedMonday afternoon that Lemke had been injured in training and was out of the fight.

 

Enter Crowsneck Boutin (2-2).  The middleweight from the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine stepped in to fill the void left by Lemke’s departure.  Boutin will take on Erickson at a catchweight of 180-pounds on September 10th.  For Erickson, the heavier limit means not just the end of his weight cut, but a chance to finally face Boutin in a showdown that has been some time in the making.

 

“It seems the stars have aligned for me and Crow to finally fight in the NEF cage,” said Erickson.  “I’m thankful he took the fight and look forward to going to battle with him September 10th. Victory or Valhalla”

 

“Well, my buddy, Jim Bass, he’s a workin’ pumpin gas and he makes two-fifty for an hour,” sang Boutin when reached for comment. “He’s got rhythm in his hands as he’s tappin’ on the cans. Sings rock and roll in the shower.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 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.”

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING CONTINUES FIGHTER SIGNING SPREE WITH ACQUISITION OF LIGHTWEIGHT STAR RAMSEY NIJEM

LAS VEGAS (August 29, 2016) – World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) announced today that it has bolstered its roster of world-class athletes yet again with the signing of lightweight (155 pounds) star and former The Ultimate Fighter competition reality television series runner-up Ramsey Nijem (9-6), to an exclusive, multi-fight promotional agreement with the world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) league.
 

Fighting out of Orem, Utah, the 5-foot-11, 28-year-old Nijem, a member of superstar Gilbert Melendez’s Skrap Pack fight team, will make his debut under the World Series of Fighting banner on a date to be announced soon.

 

“We have been aggressively pursuing some of the best available fight talent on the market and as a phenomenal and established competitor, Ramsey Nijem should make an exciting addition to our stacked, 155-pound division,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.
 

Nijem defeated three straight adversaries – two by way of submission and one via TKO – to finish as runner-up on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos in 2011, while competing at welterweight (170 pounds) as a member of UFC superstar Junior Dos Santos’ seven-man fight team that opposed a squad captained by WWE icon and former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.
 

Nijem began his successful run on the reality television show with a second round (3:31) submission (rear-naked choke) of Charlie Rader, and followed up the victory with a quick, 56-second submission (rear-naked choke) of Clay Harvison and a second round (1:49) TKO (punches) of Chris Cope, respectively, to reach the show’s final round of competition where he was stopped with an onslaught of punches by Tony Ferguson in the first round (3:54) of battle.
 

During his 10-fight stint with the UFC, Nijem earned both a “Performance of the Night” honor for his first round (4:20) TKO (punches) conquest of Beneil Dariush on April 11, 2014, as well a “Fight of the Night” award for his gritty effort in a second round (1:53) TKO (punches) defeat at the hands of Carlos Diego Ferreira on August 30, 2014.
 

A lifelong athlete, Nijem was a three-sport (wrestling, cross country and soccer) competitor in high school before going on to wrestle for NCAA Division I Utah Valley University.
 

Live World Series of Fighting action returns to NBCSN on Saturday, Oct. 7, with an unprecedented, three-hour telecast and world championship doubleheader, beginning at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m., from Kansas City Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.
 

In the main event of WSOF33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubgov, reigning, undefeated world lightweight champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (16-0) of Safford, Ariz. will risk his title against number one contender Ozzy Dugulubgov (8-2) of Ridgewood, N.J.
 

In the light heavyweight (205 pounds) co-main event, reigning world champion David Branch (16-3) of New York, N.Y. will defend his title against fellow Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and battle-tested veteran Vinny Magalhaes (14-7) of Las Vegas, Nev. via Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BELLATOR MMA FORECASTS ‘STORM’ AT MEMPHIS’ FEDEXFORUM ON OCT. 21, WHEN ALEXANDER SHLEMENKO RETURNS TO FACE KENDALL GROVE

BOBBY LASHLEY LOOKS TO SOLIDIFY HIMSELF AS TOP BELLATOR HEAVYWEIGHT AGAINST JOSH APPELT

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (August 29, 2016) – On Oct. 21, Bellator MMA will come to FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., when the Scott Coker-led promotion presents a card headlined by the return of former middleweight champion Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko (53-9), who meets Kendall Grove(23-15) in middleweight action.

In addition, during the card’s co-main event, the always-exciting former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley (14-2) meets Josh Appelt (12-5) in heavyweight action.

Tickets for the event go on sale September 2 at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster or FedExForum Box Office. Bellator Nation (www.bellator.com/bellatornation) will have special access to a pre-sale offering from Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Main card action kicks off LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and additional main card and undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

A former Bellator MMA Middleweight Champion, the “Storm” has kept busy, racking up a pair of wins already in 2016, and adding to his seemingly endless resume of victories since turning pro in 2004. A natural born finisher, Shlemenko’s success in MMA has also translated to coaching, as he’s played a pivotal role in the ascension of current Bellator MMA welterweight kingpin Andrey Koreshkov.

Also of note, due to Shlemenko’s recent suspension, Bellator officials have enlisted the services of The Mohegan Department of Athletic Regulation to administer drug tests before and after Shlemenko’s fight against Grove. The former middleweight champion is presently licensed with the Mohegan commission.

Fixated on getting another shot a Bellator’s middleweight title, Grove has strung together two emphatic stoppage wins since losing his bid to attain gold at“Bellator 137: Halsey vs. Grove.” The winner of “The Ultimate Fighter: 3” on SPIKE, the Maui, Hawaii, native has also been competing professionally for longer than a decade, racking up victories and a plethora of finishes along the way. An experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Muay Thai practitioner, Shlemenko will need to be on his A-game when the two square off in the card’s main event on Oct. 21.

Lashley is a must-see mixed martial artist, as well as professional wrestler, and will make his first appearance inside the Bellator cage in 2016 during the co-main event at FedExForum. “The Dominator” will be looking to run his current winning streak to eight fights, and five-straight finishes. With the heavyweight belt recently vacated, there’s an argument that can be made that the Aurora, Colo., native is the big man to beat in Bellator MMA’s heavyweight weight class.

Appelt was set to make his fifth appearance under the direction of Bellator MMA against Sergei Kharitonov at “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo,” but after the 35-year-old Russian withdrew due to illness, Appelt was forced to wait. Now, “The Juggernaut” is once again set to return, and again, the 33-year-old California native will have his hands full. With ten stoppages in 12 victories, Appelt will look to use his striking ability to nullify the strong wrestling pedigree of Lashley.

Updated “Bellator MMA: Shlemenko vs. Grove” Main Card:

Middleweight Main Event: Alexander Shlemenko (53-9) vs. Kendall Grove (23-15)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Bobby Lashley (14-2) vs. Josh Appelt (12-5)

GH3 Promotions signs undefeated Heavyweight Ray Edwards

Nutley, NJ (August 29, 2016) – GH3 Promotions is honored to announce the signing of undefeated heavyweight Ray Edwards to an exclusive promotional contract.
Edwards of Cincinnati, Ohio has a perfect mark of 11-0-1 with seven knockouts.
After a successful seven-year career as a defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League, Edwards has made professional boxing his full-time occupation.
The 31 year-old Edwards actually turned professional May 20, 2011 when the NFL players were entrenched in a lockout.
“Ray has shown that he has the physical tools to become a top heavyweight,” said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki.
“He has a ton of upside and with heavyweights, there is a chance to become a star very quickly here in the States.  I think that because he has competed at a high level in the NFL, he has a chance to do that in boxing.  We are looking to get him three fights before the end of the year.  He is 6’6 255 lbs. and we will move him like like most heavyweights,  steady but right and no rush.  He will be at the top when it’s time. He is class act, well spoken and when he walks in a room u see his presence.
“I always loved boxing.  I started doing in at as an off-season workout and just really enjoyed it,” said Edwards.
In his pro debut, Edwards won a four-round unanimous decision over Tyrone Gibson in Hinckley, Minnesota..
Edwards, who did not have an amateur fight, has increased his level of opposition and is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Steven Tyner on August 26 in Minneapolis.
“It is a big deal for me to sign with GH3 Promotions,” continued Edwards.  “Vito Mielnicki has a good stable with Antoine Douglas and Jerry Odom and this is the type of step I was looking for.”
Because Edwards was known for his prowess on the gridiron, his transition into the ring was not taken seriously.
“I was looked down upon because I was a football player.  I have the right team around that will help develop my style.  I have been in camp wiith (WBC Heavyweight champion) Deontay Wilder and I held my own, and I have confidence in myself.”
In what he thinks his move from the NFL to boxing can help persuade kids to start boxing, where in the recent past, a lot of the good young athletes have chosen other sports.
“I can help kids be passionate about boxing.  Kids haven’t dedicated themselves and learned their crafts.  People just see the finished products of fighters.  I don’t listen to the negative comments and have good people around me.”
“I just want to stay busy and keep winning.  Let me be great.  In do time, people will see the finished product.”
In what playing at the highest level of professional sports, he can take into boxing, Edwards notes, “I played defensive line and I was focused on the ball.  So I have learned to tune things out.  It’s that tunnel vision that playing in front of 100,000 people, you learn that.  Not to listen to the crowd and stay focused.”
When asked if what his former NFL fraternity thinks of his move to boxing, Edwards stated, “I still get support from my friends in the league.  They are always asking when and where I am fighting, so I feel when the fights get higher profile, It will become a really big thing.”

Said Edwards trainer Kennie Johnson, “He is developing into a good
fighter.  We started out with a guy who had a great physical presence, but he has been a fast learner and now it is time for people to see that.  He is coming along well and when the competition steps up, we will see that he is a quality fighter.  He is the hardest worker that I ever seen in the forty years that I have been around the sport.”
Edwards is managed by Chances Aurelius, who said, “Vito Mielnicki is a good guy and I am happy to be on board with GH3 Promotions.  I think we will do big things together.”

Edwards will fight on September 15 against an opponent to be named in Philadelphia.  The bout will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
GH3 Promotions features Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Ronald Ellis, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Kenneth Sims Jr., Jerrell Harris, Arturo Trujillo & Keenan Smith, Heavyweight Ray Edwards,  Lightweight O’Shaquie Foster, Jr. Lightweight O’Shaquie Foster, Bantamweight’s Brent Venagas & LeRoy Davilla to the GH3 Promotions stable.

PROMOTER LEWKOWICZ SAYS PERALTA NO LONGER A CAB DRIVER AFTER HUGE UPSET VICTORY OVER ROBERT GUERRERO

Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter of suddenly red-hot welterweight David Emanuel “El Pirata” Peralta, says big changes are on the way for his cab-driving Argentinean fighter.
On Saturday night, Peralta (26-2-1, 14 KOs), a 70:1 underdog, came out of retirement to win a surprise 12-round split decision over former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
The victory, televised nationally on PBC on Spike, has changed 33-year-old Peralta’s fortunes in the talent-rich welterweight division.
“He is no longer a cab driver,” laughed a happy Lewkowicz, post-fight. “David came out of retirement to take this fight when I offered it to him. Now his life will change. He will go back to being a full-time fighter and I will find him another big fight to win.”
Lewkowicz, credited with discovering Manny Pacquiao and Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez among many others, says his Argentinean fighter was taken lightly because he had never fought outside his homeland, but he knew what he could do.
“David is very talented fighter and very tough,” said Lewkowicz. “We knew Guerrero was in a tough battle against him, but no one else did. And I thank the great champion Robert Guerrero for giving him the opportunity. He and his team have our utmost respect.”
Lewkowicz says he will get to work finding Peralta another big opportunity as soon as possible.
“You have to like David. He is very humble and honest and he fought his heart out and now everybody knows his name. He’s a special fighter and I’m very happy to be his promoter. He was only retired because he thought nothing would ever happen in his career. He’s back now and he’ll be in the gym full-time. His cab can wait. I will find him a big fight against another top contender and try to get him in line for a world title shot. Or if Robert Guerrero feels like he wants an immediate rematch, we would give it to him. He gave us the chance.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.
Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Argentina’s David Emanuel Peralta Shocks Former World Champion Robert Guerrero in Main Event Of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike

 
Freddy Hernandez Defeats Alfredo Angulo and Terrell Gausha Scores Decision Over Steve Martinez
 
 
Click HERE For Fight Highlights
Anaheim, CA (August 27, 2016) Argentina’s David Emanuel “El Pirata” Peralta, (26-2-1, 14 KOs) shockingly defeated former world champion Robert “The Ghost Guerrero, (33-5-1, 18 KOs) by 12-round split decision in the main event of Premier Boxing Champion (PBC) on Spike Saturday night from the Honda Center in Anaheim.
Scores were 116-112 and 115-113 for Peralta and 115-113 for Guerrero in the main event of the televised tripleheader promoted by TGB Promotions.
Guerrero opened strong in the first two rounds, scoring at will over the slower Peralta. Guerrero continued to have success in the third stanza as they traded back and forth throughout the round. Peralta started to mount a consistent attack in the fifth round, upping the tempo and using movement to keep the oncoming Guerrero at bay.
The middle rounds featured excellent exchanges with Guerrero using a blistering uppercut to score points against Peralta. However, Peralta turned the tables in the ninth, seemingly scoring a knockdown which wasn’t called and landing right hands at will on Guerrero.
Peralta continued to land and score in the final three rounds earning the split decision.
Stated the victorious Peralta, “I was a cab driver, driving cabs in Argentina. I was offered a chance to fight in the U.S. and came away victorious.
“I came to fight and I knew I would win. He is a very good fighter but I hit him with the
harder shots.
“Yes, I want to fight bigger names now, no way I’m going to retire now. I’ll be ready again to fight soon, this was no joke and I can beat a lot of great fighters.”
Said a disappointed Guerrero, “I thought I clearly won the fight. For the judge to say I lost eight rounds sounds crazy to me. Peralta was very awkward but I felt I won. I won the rounds when I boxed. This is very disappointing but I’ll be back, that you can count on.”
In a 10-round battle between two Mexican warriors, Freddy Hernandez, (34-8, 22 KOs), won a unanimous decision over Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, (24-6, 20 KOs). Scores were
98-92 and 97-93 twice. From the opening bell, it was bombs away with both fighters unloading thunderous power shots. Hernandez seemed to have more on his punches as Angulo slowed over the first few rounds.
Although continuing with heavy pressure and moving forward in his aggressive style, Angulo was not able to score consistently as Hernandez kept his distance and used a solid jab to control the action.
Said the happy Hernandez following the fight, “I felt great, I know I clearly won the fight. This weight is too big for me, I’m not a super middleweight or a middleweight. He still punches hard but I hit him harder tonight.
“I have a great deal of respect for Alfredo, tonight the people saw two real Mexican warriors.”
2012 U S. Olympian Terrell Guasha, (19-0, 9 KOs) remains undefeated with a 10-round majority decision over the Bronx’s Steve Martinez, (16-3, 13 KOs) in the opening bout of the PBC on Spike telecast.
Fighting on the inside over the first two rounds featuring excellent two-way action, both Gausha and Martinez landed, hard accurate shots.
Gausha continued to score points in the first half of the fight with stunning and accurate body shots to slow down the aggressive Martinez. Gausha’s success continued throughout the fight controlling the action and distance with his jab with Martinez scoring occasionally with powerful right hands shots. Scores at the end of the of the entertaining bout were 97-93 twice for Gausha and 95-95.
Said the happy winner Gausha, “He was aggressive but I was able to solve him. This was a real test and just what I needed, I need the competition to be the best and become a world champion.”
“I wasn’t surprised by the one scorecard for a draw, it was a close fight but I definitely won.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @GhostBoxing@SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm. Premier Boxing Champions on Spike was sponsored by Corona.

Lippe-Morrison to make TV debut against Latimore September 23

Tulsa, OK (August 27, 2016) – Heavyweight sensation Trey Lippe-Morrison makes his highly anticipated TV debut when he faces fellow unbeaten Ed Latimore as part of a quadruple header on ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, September 23 at 10 pm ET live from the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK.
Living and fighting out of Tulsa, OK, Lippe-Morrison’s 11-0 with all of his wins coming by knockout. A member of Holden Productions’ Four State Franchise, the 26-year-old power punching phenom has been out of the ring since January after suffering a hand injury. Under the watchful eye of 7-time BWAA Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach, Lippe-Morrison’s working hard daily towards his goal to become the heavyweight champion of the world like his late father Tommy.
Latimore, 13-0 (7 KO’s), is without question the toughest opponent of Lippe-Morrison’s career. Fighting out of the Steel City Pittsburgh, PA, Latimore is fresh off a July 15 victory over Juan Goode. Known by his moniker “Black Magic,” Latimore is a former Pennsylvania Golden Gloves, National PAL and Ringside Champion. He also owns amateur victories over 2012 Olympian Dominic Breazeale and former IBF heavyweight kingpin Charles Martin.
This is a definite step up for Trey but these are the kinds of opponents we need to be fighting on TV,” said Lippe-Morrison’s promoter Tony Holden. “Trey has improved his boxing ability tremendously under Freddie Roach and has dynamic power. At the same time, Latimore is here to spoil the party and was a very good amateur prior to his current run as an unbeaten professional. The fans at the Buffalo Run, where Trey is a favorite, and everybody watching on Showtime are in for exciting fight between two unbeaten heavyweights on the way up, which is a rarity these days.”
Lippe-Morrison and Latimore meet over six rounds.
Brooklyn-based Russian Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk, 11-0 (10 KO’s), puts his perfect record on the line against an opponent to be named in a ten round junior welterweight bout. Baranchyk, who scored back to back first round knockouts on ShoBox at the Buffalo Run, is the newest member of the Four State Franchise.
In a ten round light heavyweight affair, “Notorious” Travis Peterkin, 16-0-1 (7 KO’s), travels from Brooklyn, NY to face once-beaten contender Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic, 21-1 (14 KO’s), of St. Petersburg, FL.
Rounding out the televised portion of the card is fellow Brooklyn-based Russian Ivan “The Volk” Golub, who risks his 12-0 ledger against an opponent TBA over ten rounds in the welterweight division.
The card is promoted by Holden Productions in association with DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc. Tickets starting at $35 are on sale now by logging onto http://www.stubwire.com/event/shoboxthenewgeneration/buffaloruncasino/miami/13276 or calling the Buffalo Run Box Office at 918-542-7140.

BENSON HENDERSON EARNS LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE SHOT FOLLOWING INJURY TO FOOT OF PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’

 

Complete Fight Night Photos Here / Event Highlights Here

ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 26, 2016) – Benson Henderson (24-6) earned his first victory since joining the Bellator MMA fray at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., Friday night. A faulty kick by Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (25-4) led to a leg injury, forcing him to forfeit the loss two minutes and 26 seconds into the second round.

 

After making the jump up to Bellator MMA’s 170-pound division, Henderson returned to where he was dominant in the UFC as a lightweight. After the win, Henderson received word of his next opponent; Bellator MMA’s current Lightweight Champion, Michael Chandler. The two are scheduled to tangle November 19 in the main event of the recently announced “Bellator MMA in San Jose.”

‘Fight of the Year Candidate Ends in Unanimous Decision Victory for Anderson

 

It took all three rounds to determine a winner in the evening’s co-main event, but in the end, Derek Anderson (14-2) emerged victorious with a unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 twice) win over Saad Awad (19-8). “The Barbaric” continues his recent trend of extending fights through the final round, as the win marks his third consecutive fight to go to the judges’ scorecards. The San Diego native has now recorded five wins under the direction of the Scott Coker-led promotion, including multiple victories over fellow lightweight Patricky “Pitbull” Freire, earning himself well-deserved respect among the division’s elite.

Karakhanyan’s “Insane” Knockout Puts Early end to Jenkins’ Night

 

Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) needed only 53 seconds to finish Bubba Jenkins (11-3), as the Russian featherweight took care of “The Highlight Kid” for the second time in two years. “Insane” came out firing, landing multiple blows that sent Jenkins to the mat with an early knockout, earning his 11th win in his last 14 fights. The loss is only the third of Jenkins’ young career and second of the first round variety, both of which Karakhanyan is now responsible for. The win is the fifth knockout of Karakhanyan’s career and is his third in the opening frame.

McKee Remains Undefeated With Impressive Guillotine Finish

 

In the opening contest at “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull,” A.J. “Mercenary” McKee (5-0) remained unbeaten with a guillotine choke submission 32 seconds into the second round. By extending the fight past the opening frame, Walker was able to do what no other opponent has done, as each of McKee’s previous four wins had resulted in a first round finish. The win capped off an impressive night by Team Bodyshop, as McKee’s teammates Joey Davis (1-0) and Gabriel Green (4-0) also had their arms raised in the preliminary portion of the event. As one of Bellator MMA’s top young talents, the 21-year-old McKee was able to prove once again that he belongs among the division’s elite. After the fight, the Long Beach native called out Patricio “Pitbull,” saying “It’s nothing personal, I want (Daniel) Straus.”

 

Preliminary Card Results:

 

Jake Roberts (7-0) defeated Stephen Martinez (11-5) via TKO at 4:24 of round one

Chinzo Machida (4-2) defeated Mario Navarro (4-5) via TKO at 2:57 of round one

Jacob Rosales (4-2) defeated Mike Segura (4-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 twice)

Andy Murad (13-2) defeated Jonny Cisneros (9-5) via unanimous decision (29-28)

Gabriel Green (4-0) defeated Alex Trinidad (1-2) via TKO at 2:01 of round two

Joey Davis (1-0) defeated Keith Cutrone (1-1) via unanimous decision (30-27)

Steve Ramirez (5-1) defeated Ron Henderson (4-3) via TKO at 2:24 of round one

David Duran (4-4) defeated Kyle Estrada (3-3) via split decision (29-28)

THE ‘RED KING’ RORY MACDONALD LOOKS TO CLAIM HIS BELLATOR MMA THRONE – SIGNING EXCLUSIVE, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT WITH THE VIACOM-OWNED PROMOTION

 

ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 26, 2016) – Bellator MMA is elated to formally announce the signing of mixed martial arts superstar Rory MacDonald to an exclusive, multi-year, multi-fight contract with the Scott Coker-led promotion, making “Red King” the latest in a long line of blockbuster acquisitions for Bellator MMA.

The former No. 1 contender to the UFC welterweight crown is undoubtedly one of the premiere free agent signings in the history of the promotion. The “Red King” has totaled nine career victories under the UFC banner, including wins over current welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, in addition to B.J. Penn and Nate Diaz.

“There’s no denying that Rory MacDonald was the cream of the crop when it comes to free agents in MMA,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “As I say all the time, if there is a free agent out there, we’re going to talk to them, if they fit our model we’re going to make a hard push to bring them over here. I’m very happy that we were able to work out a deal with Rory, and I can’t wait to see him bring his menacing style to the Bellator cage.”

MacDonald is clearly the most popular active Canadian mixed martial artist since the former UFC welterweight Champion and teammate Georges St. Pierre, whom MacDonald has trained under for years at the world renowned TriStar Gym in Montreal.

“There are multiple reasons why I choose to fight for Bellator MMA and Scott Coker,” Rory MacDonald said. “One, they have given me the opportunity to develop and grow a business together. Two, because I already feel respected by the promotion as a professional athlete. And last but not least, because Bellator is offering a setup that no-one in the world can offer me.”

At only 27-years-old, MacDonald joins the fray with an impressive professional record of 18-4 and enters a stacked welterweight division of fighters already signed with Bellator, that currently has a world-class champion in Andrey Koreshkov.

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

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