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ANDRE WARD VS. PAUL SMITH & UNDERCARD MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST AND WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE WARD VS. FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER PAUL SMITH ON JUNE 20, 2015 AT ORACLE ARENA IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, LIVE ON BET NETWORKS & TIDAL.COM, PRESENTED BY ROC NATION SPORTS
Oakland, CA (June 17, 2015) – On Tuesday, June 17, Olympic Gold medalist and WBA Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO’s) and former World Title Challenger Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO’s) of England participated in a media workout at King’s Gym in Oakland, California in advance of their June 20 fight at Oracle Arena in Oakland in a 12-round fight that will be televised live televised live on BET and streamed globally on TIDAL.com at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT. Undercard fighters Wang Zhimin, Meng Fanlong and Aaron Coley also partook in the open training session.
PHOTOS:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ud1jq49v4g8ml51/AAA8v8BNwkNm1butPgB08eVDa?dl=0
PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Roc Nation Sports
VIDEO:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3ha7kllmuc2yyvw/AAAB10itDL-u9DBopLKnWNzRa?dl=0
VIDEO CREDIT: Roc Nation Sports
Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO’s) – Olympic Gold Medalist and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion
“I haven’t felt this feeling, fight week in Oakland, in awhile. Last week those emotions started to set in. I’ve been focused and getting ready, but fight week is just different. No matter the magnitude of the fight you should feel like this. I’m excited. I’m used to this kind of pressure.”
“Smith is a European champion. He’s got no problem traveling. He doesn’t care if he bleeds. If you knock him down, he’s coming to win, and that’s why we picked him. We didn’t pick him because there was anything soft about him. We picked him because he’s a tough competitor. I’m glad that all of a sudden he started talking like he did last week. I was almost getting offended that he wasn’t saying anything. I’m so used to guys talking a lot. So, he finally started talking and I loved it. It’s not that I needed more motivation, but it’s just a little bit extra.”
“I’m coming back off of two layoffs. During this past camp, I felt a lot better than I have in the past. I did more. My shoulder feels stronger and I think you all are going to see that on Saturday night.”
“Each fighter has their own personal struggles. You can’t predict what those challenges and struggles are going to be and you can’t predict how long they are going to be. I was able to persevere through that. Paul Smith is not just fighting Andre Ward off of an eight week camp, he’s fighting Andre Ward off of everything I just went through. All the frustrations, all the delays, all of those emotions…he’s fighting that guy come Saturday night.”
“Every fight for me is a Super Bowl. I haven’t lost in a very long time. We prepared for everything that Paul Smith is going to have and everything he’s going to bring to the table. It’s a beautiful thing when fight week comes around and you know that you didn’t cut any corners. Every rep counted for me in this camp. Every round counted for me. I pushed past what my coach wanted me to do. There was nothing light about this camp. I hear Smith’s camp talking a lot about ring rust and if that’s what they are banking on, they have the wrong game plan come June 20.”
“The game plan is to razzle, dazzle, be explosive and do it all. I have to be aware as a professional. Virgil has told me this whole camp ‘There is no game plan for Paul Smith. Let it come to you. You’ve been boxing long enough that when you get in the ring you’ll know what to do.’ We’ll make adjustments along the way, but there isn’t a specific game plan for Paul Smith. I think you are going to see everything come Saturday night. I’m not going to force it. I’m just going to let it flow.”
“This town is a major fight time. It’s not just Oakland. It’s San Francisco. It’s Haywayd. It’s Stockton. It’s all the surrounding cities. Any time they have one of their own in the forefront, they support and that’s what I love about the Bay Area.”
Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO’s) – Former World Title Challenger
“The last big gym session I had was this past Friday. Everything I could have possibly done happened during my training camp. The last week is all about relaxing, resting, getting your energy levels up and your weight down.”
“When [trainer] Joe [Gallagher] gets in [to Oakland], we’ll sit down and he will point out things straight away that we need to work out…what needs pushing, the game plan. Concentrate on the game plan and tactics. We’ll be watching tapes of Ward and dissecting them.”
“It’s great having people in the gym today. Yesterday, we came to King’s Gym to do a work out and it was a bit more quiet. It’s nice having a good atmosphere like this in the gym. Everyone knows there’s a fight this week and it’s great having the kids (from the Boys and Girls Club of Oakland) here.”
“I love Oakland. It’s tough, but it’s tough where I am from too. Liverpool is tough. I’m really hoping that the Finals go to game seven so it’s a big weekend for Oracle Arena. It would bring some atmosphere to the arena the night before the fight. I probably won’t get any sleep because of the noise.”
“There’s not much more I can do to prepare now. There’s nothing Andre can do today to help beat me on Saturday night. Whatever we have both done in the weeks before is what we are going in the ring with. I can’t get any more fit. The game plan is done. I’m in a position where I’m getting to fight the best fighter in my division on the planet. I know that more than anyone. No one needs to remind me of that, but I also know I have a chance of beating him. I know that I just have to do what I have to do and stick to the game plan.”
Aaron Coley (9-1-1, 6 KO’s) – Junior Middleweight Prospect
“I have been training in the same gym as Andre Ward for this fight. It’s very exciting for me to fight in Oakland. I have about 200 people coming to the fight. I’m looking for a stoppage in this fight, for real. I’m coming off of the first loss of my career and I’m fighting for the first time in Oakland, so I’m looking to impress. I want to get that stoppage early.”
Meng “Cold Blood” Fanlong (1-0) – Light Heavyweight Prospect
“I’m very happy and honored to be on this great event at Oracle Arena on Saturday, June 20 featuring Andre Ward. I am very honored to be fighting on the same card as World Champion Andre Ward.”
Wang “Jimmy” Zhimin (9-1) – Junior Welterweight Prospect
“I’m looking forward to my fight on Saturday, June 20 at Oracle Arena in Oakland. I am very happy to be on this great card with Andre Ward and Go Warriors.”
Ward vs. Smith, a 12 round bout presented by Roc Nation Sports, takes place Saturday, June 20 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, will be televised live on BET and streamed globally on TIDAL.com at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT and is presented in association with Matchroom Sport. The fight is sponsored by The Waterfront Hotel, Venue Kings, Shoe Palace, CTMS Travel, U-BOAT, FanDuel, Fandango, Q 102.1, 95.7 the GAME and KBLX 102.9. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including Nipsey Hussle taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee Sway Calloway and will also feature hit master DJ Franzen who will serve alongside Sway throughout the night. Tickets priced at $250, $125, $90, $60 and $30, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000. Doors open at 3:00 PM, the first fight begins at 3:30 PM and the BET telecast and TIDAL.com stream begin at 10:00PM ET/7:00 PM PT.
For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.
ROBERT ‘THE GHOST’ GUERRERO DONATES 100K TO BFC FOUNDATION
Photos By Team Guerrero
GILROY, CA (June 15, 2015) -This past Saturday and Sunday hometown hero, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero hosted the first inaugural fundraiser for the BFC (Breathe For Caley) Foundation at Uesugi Farms Pumpkin Park in San Martin, CA. Known for being a community leader, Robert Guerrero donated 100K to the non-profit organization, helping the foundation, which grants chronically ill kids with a wish of their choice, to kick off their first event.
Children of all ages attended the BFC event and their first recipient, 13-year old Maria Fajardo, who received a double lung transplant, was granted her wish to attend an Oakland Raiders game with her donor family. Together they will receive VIP tickets and field passes to a Raiders home game in 2015.
“This was a very special day for everyone involved with the BFC Foundation,” said Robert Guerrero. “We’ve all worked really hard to get this non-profit organization off the ground and I wanted to show my gratitude by donating to the cause. It brings me great pleasure to see these kids get a wish of their choosing. Caley Camarillo was dear to my heart and her love and legacy will live on through her foundation. The first event was a great success and many more will follow. I want to thank all the board members, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who attended for making this a wonderful time.”
ROBERT ‘THE GHOST’ GUERRERO TO DONATE 100K TO BFC FOUNDATION GRANTING WISHES TO CHRONICALLY ILL CHILDREN
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ROC NATION SPORTS ANNOUNCES SPECIAL PERFORMANCES AND UNDERCARD FIGHTERS FOR JUNE 20, 2015 ANDRE WARD VS. PAUL SMITH throne boxing EVENT AT ORACLE ARENA IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA LIVE ON BET NETWORKS & TIDAL
Nipsey Hussle, Sway Calloway & DJ Franzen Comprise Entertainment Line Up
Antonio Nieves vs. Stephon Young Featured In Televised Co-Featured Bout
Luis Arias, Aaron Coley, Daniel Franco, Tony Hirsch, Meng Fanlong & Wang Zhimin
To Be Featured on Undercard
NEW YORK – JUNE 10, 2015 – The highly anticipated return to the ring of WBA Middleweight World Champion and Olympic Gold medalist Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO’s) against former World Title Challenger Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO’s) of England on June 20 has been elevated to another level with the announcement that the event will now include a live musical performance by Los Angeles-based rapper Nipsey Hussle immediately before Ward and Smith do battle. Fans will also be able to catch the action and performance live on BET Networks in the United States and globally on TIDAL.com, the newly launched music streaming service that combines the best high fidelity sound quality, high definition music videos and expertly curated editorial.
Tickets priced at $250, $125, $90, $60 and $30, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at(800) 745-3000.
In an intriguing televised co-featured bout pitting two unbeaten prospects against one another, Cleveland native Antonio Nieves (12-0, 6 KO’s) and Stephon Young (13-0-1, 5 KO’s) of St. Louis will battle it out over eight rounds in a featherweight bout. Cleveland has been known as a hotbed for producing promising boxers, including undefeated prospect Nieves who was a highly touted amateur, winning over 60 fights while becoming a five-time Cleveland Golden Gloves champion, a National Golden Gloves silver medalist and competing in the Olympic Trials. 28-year old Nieves made his professional debut on November 12, 2011 securing a unanimous decision against DeWayne Wisdom at La Villa Banquet in Cleveland, Ohio. Nieves has continued to rack up victories picking up five wins in a busy 2014, including three by knockout. In his last outing, less than two weeks ago on June 6, Nieves earned a first round technical knockout win over Gabor Molnar at Presque Isle Downs Casino in Erie, Pennsylvania. On June 20, fellow undefeated prospect Young will look to end Nieves’ winning streak. Also a decorated amateur who rose as high as a number two national ranking and narrowly missed making the 2012 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, Young made his pro debut on August 12, 2011 with a unanimous decision victory over Ricky Lacefield at Ameristar Casino in Saint Charles, Missouri. Young’s undefeated run continued most recently on March 27 against Jesus Gonzalez with a second round technical knockout at The Ambassador in Saint Louis, Missouri.
In addition to the action inside the ring, Roc Nation Sports will bring other major names to the throne boxing experience at Oracle Arena including notable event emcee, radio personality, MTV news correspondent and Oakland-native Sway Calloway, who will serve as the event’s host, and hit master DJ Franzen, resident DJ at Las Vegas’ Hot 97.5. Sway and Franzen will entertain together throughout the night to keep the energy up between bouts.
There will be several notable faces ringside ready to catch all the action on June 20 including WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto, Michael B. Jordan, Frank Gore (Indianapolis Colts), Colin Kaepernick (San Francisco 49ers), E-40, Brice Butler (Oakland Raiders), Marcell Reece (Oakland Raiders), James Jones (Oakland Raiders), Too Short and Ryan Coogler.
In non-televised undercard action, Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s undefeated prospect Luis “Cuba” Arias (10-0, 4 KO’s) will make his second appearance of 2015. Arias began boxing at the age of seven and compiled an amateur record of 140-25, earning U.S.A Boxing’s number one men’s junior ranking in 2006, the number one men’s under-19 ranking in 2008 and the number one men’s ranking in 2010. He captured the U.S.A. Men’s Under-19 National Championship in 2008 and two U.S.A Men’s National Championships in 2009 and 2010. Arias’ professional debut took place on November 10, 2012 at Staples Center in Los Angeles where he defeated Josh Thorpe via a four-round unanimous decision. He began 2013 with three victories, all by knockout, which were followed by a decision win over DonYil Livingston on May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He closed the year with three more victories including a second-round knockout of Cameron Allen in his first scheduled eight-round fight. In his most recent bout on March 14at Coliseo Roger L. Mendoza in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Arias defeated Zachariah Kelley when Kelley was disqualified in the second round for repeated low blows. On June 20, he’ll look to keep his winning ways going in a six round super middleweight bout against an opponent to be determined.
Local Hayward, California favorite Aaron Coley (9-1-1, 6 KO’s) joins the undercard looking to come back from his first professional loss which came via unanimous decision against the highly touted Ievgen Khytrov at Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, New York on April 10 in fight that was televised on Showtime’s ShoBox. He will look to get back on a winning track on June 20 when he takes on Yosmani Abreu (4-9-2) of Las Vegas, Nevada in a six round junior middleweight clash.
Hailing from Riverside, California and fighting out of the boxing hotbed of Oxnard, undefeated junior lightweight Daniel “Twitch” Franco (10-0-3, 7 KO’s) began boxing at the age of eight, amassing an amateur record of 67-15, winning the Oxnard PAL Championship in 2006 and the California State Silver Gloves Championship in 2007 along the way. During Franco’s professional debut on December 18, 2010, he defeated Emanuel Machorro at Club 401 in Ontario, California via a third round technical knockout. Despite being enrolled as a full-time student at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, Franco impressed early in his career, compiling an undefeated record with two draws in venues throughout California by the end of 2013. One of those draws came against Alejandro Ochoa at Quiet Cannon in Montebello, California on September 20, 2013, but in a rematch three months later, Franco outmatched Ochoa scoring a six-round unanimous decision victory at Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles. In his most recent bout on January 17, he scored an impressive first-round knockout win over Sergio Najera at the Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme, California. On June 20, Franco, who recently signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Roc Nation Sports, will see action in an eight round junior lightweight bout against Jonathan Alcantara (7-13-2, 1 KO) of Los Angeles, California.
Another product of the Bay Area, Oakland’s Tony Hirsch (18-6-2, 8 KO’s) captured the vacant WBC United States Middleweight Title against then-undefeated Wes Capper by majority decision in his last fight on March 14, 2015 at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hirsch joins the undercard on June 20 looking to continue his winning ways an opponent to be named in a six round middleweight fight.
Meng “Cold Blood” Fanlong (1-0) was the Chinese national light heavyweight champion for seven consecutive years from 2008 to 2013. Hailinging from Chi Feng, Inner Mongolia, the seven-time national Chinese champion also was awarded a gold medal during the Chinese National Games. Fanlong’s list of credits in the amateurs also includes representing China in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, where he won his opening bout before falling to highly touted Brazilian Yamaguchi Falcão in the round of 16; reaching the finals of the Asian Championship in 2011 when his took home the silver medal; winning three bouts at the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships in dominant fashion to reach the quarterfinals; and making it to the semifinals of the 2010 Asian Games, from which he brought home a bronze medal. Meng made his professional debut on January 17, 2015 at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, scoring a decision victory over Marcellus Yates. He will now look to continue his professional rise when he takes on Albert Avina (0-3) of Stockton, California in a four round cruiserweight bout on June 20.
Rounding out the undercard will be Wang “Jimmy” Zhimin (9-1) of Ning Bo, China who will face Jose Guzman (6-10-1) of The Bronx, New York in a six round junior welterweight bout. In 2010, Zhimin reached the final of the Chinese National Boxing Championships where he received a silver medal. A year later in 2011, Zhimin reached the pinnacle of his amateur career when he won the gold at the World Series of Boxing in his native China. In 2012, he won another silver medal, this time at the Erdos International Boxing Competition. Zhimin made his professional debut on January 17, 2015 at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut scoring a unanimous decision victory over Kin Moy (Pro Debut).
Ward vs. Smith, a 12 round bout presented by Roc Nation Sports, takes place Saturday, June 20 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, will be televised live on BET and streamed globally on TIDAL.com at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT and is presented in association with Matchroom Sport. The fight is sponsored by The Waterfront Hotel, Venue Kings , Shoe Palace, Q 102.1, 95.7 the GAME and KBLX 102.9. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including Nipsey Hussle taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee Sway Calloway and will also feature hit master DJ Franzen who will serve alongside Sway throughout the night. Tickets priced at $250, $125, $90, $60 and $30, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000. Doors open at 3:00 PM, the first fight begins at 3:10 PM and the BET telecast and TIDAL.com stream begins at 10:00PM ET/7:00 PM PT.
For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.
BELLATOR MMA TO AIR ON AMERICAN FORCES NETWORK
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 25, 2015) – On a holiday when Americans take a moment to remember those who gave their lives serving in the country’s armed forces, Bellator MMA officials are honored to announce a new partnership with the American Forces Network.
With the new deal in place, the American Forces Network will now broadcast Bellator MMA events on its global networks to American servicemen and women, as well as U.S. Navy ships at sea.
“We at Bellator are always looking for ways to give back to our troops,” said Bellator MMA President Scott Coker. “We’re all extremely grateful for all that they do abroad to keep us safe, and we hope that they will enjoy some Bellator fights during any downtime they may have.”
Multiple Bellator athletes including Bobby Lashley and Mike Richman have served in the American Military.
“I’m personally thrilled for this new partnership,” said Bobby Lashley, who fights James Thompson on June 19. “AFN is providing a platform for me to be fighting for my brothers and sisters who are away from home, fighting for us.”
The new partnership commences with June’s dual Bellator MMA events.
On June 19, Bellator MMA visits St. Louis’ Scottrade Center for “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business,” featuring one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport with Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock. Also, several current Bellator fighters as well as some of the sport’s biggest legends will pay a visit to Scott Air Force Base on Wednesday, June 17.
On June 26, the promotion touches down at Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan., with “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which sees French striking specialist Cheick Kongo and Russian knockout artist and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov stand toe-to-toe in the Bellator MMA cage.
Complete details of the new Bellator MMA-American Forces Network partnership will be available shortly.
Undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez returns Friday night in Corona, California
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Brandon Halsey Defeats Kendall Grove Via Technical Knockout Vacates Bellator Middleweight Title Due To Missing Weight
All photos by: Bellator MMA/Eric Coleman
TEMECULA, Calif. (May 15, 2015) – While Brandon “Bull” Halsey (9-0) can no longer say he’s Bellator MMA’s Middleweight World Champion, he’s still managed to show his talent with a one-sided destruction of proven veteran Kendall “Da Spyder” Grove (21-15).
The contest served as the feature main event of Friday’s “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” card at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif.
Halsey nearly finished the fight in the early going, moving to an arm-triangle choke that would have finished a lesser opponent, but Grove somehow battled through the effort. Still, it was a one-sided round for the former champ.
Grove was able to avoid such a precarious position in the second, but he was still forced to be on the defensive throughout most of the frame. With a high-paced wrestling attack, Halsey simply pushed his way to the floor and enjoyed top position for almost the entirety of the round.
The pattern continued as the fight wore on, with Halsey simply overpowering his opponent and constantly earning himself the dominant position. Grove briefly threatened with an armbar in the fourth frame, but Halsey simply yanked his limb free and pounded away with punches shortly after until he earned the TKO win at the 2:25 mark of the frame.
The undefeated Halsey, who was stripped of the Bellator MMA Middleweight World Title for failing to make weight, will look to again earn the belt in his next appearance.
“I was my own worst enemy. It was how I performed. He didn’t throw anything at me that I wasn’t ready for. I was just trying to tough through the injury. I had to tough it out and come out with the victory,” Halsey said.
“Obviously, you want to be as dominant as possible. I just felt like I couldn’t explode through my combinations or explode through the fight and finish how I wanted to. But like I said, you’ve got to deal with adversity, and I did it the best I could,” Halsey continued.
“I learned my lesson. I thank Bellator. I apologize to the commission. It’s unprofessional not to make weight. No excuses, but anybody knows that it’s hard to cut weight with an injury. The belt’s just a decoration, so I’m still the champ in my eyes. No one has taken the belt from me.”
In the night’s co-main event, former Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (17-4), of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, took a step toward another shot at the title with a hard-fought decision victory over the hard-hitting Mike “The Marine” Richman, of Rose Mount, Minn.
While Richman showed excellent takedown defense throughout the 15-minute affair, Dantas’ work rate helped him earn the favor of the judges. Constantly pressing and looking to bring the fight to the floor, Dantas was able to just edge out Richman on the cards, 29-28 according to all three officials.
“I went out there and fought the way I trained to fight,” Dantas said after the win. “I knew Mike Richman was going to come with everything, but I wanted to win this fight and get back to the title. The only fight that makes sense next is for the title.
In a welterweight contest, Fernando “The Menifee Maniac” Gonzalez (24-13), of Menifee, Calif., scored a thrilling, come-from-behind victory over “Curtious” Curtis Millender (7-2), of San Bernardino, Calif.
With Millender enjoying a six-inch height advantage, the smaller Gonzalez struggled to score points in the first two rounds. But when the fight hit the floor in the third, Gonzalez latched onto a guillotine choke and earned a tap from his opponent at the 1:14 of the final round.
“I’m 4-0 right now,” Gonzalez said after the win. “That’s one step closer to the title, and I’m excited to get in there and mix it up with whoever is next.”
With the result, Gonzalez now boasts four-straight Bellator MMA victories and put himself in line for a potential shot at the promotion’s Welterweight Title.
In the night’s first main-card matchup, undefeated prospect Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (7-0), of Rahway, N.J., used a superior wrestling game to outwork more experienced opponent Rafael “Morcego” Silva (22-5), of Lajes, Brazil, en route a unanimous-decision victory.
With Caldwell scoring takedowns throughout the matchup, Silva looked for submissions when available, but he simply couldn’t find the necessary hold to work past his opponent’s defense. Instead, Caldwell kept his pressure high, and judges awarded him the fight, 29-28 on all three cards.
After the victory, Caldwell made it clear he’s clearing his way to a shot at the Bellator MMA World Title.
“I don’t think there are any fighters out there as explosive as me at 135 pounds, or as fast,” Caldwell said. “Eventually, I’ll be able to prove that.”
In the night’s final preliminary bout, Guam’s Joe Taimanglo (21-6-1) scored a third-round knockout of Mexico’s Antonio Duarte (18-6).
Additionally, featherweight prospect Jordan Parsons (11-1), of San Diego, Calif., earned a third-round decision win over the previously undefeated Brazilian Julio Cesar Neves Jr. (30-1).
In a light heavyweight contest, Virgil Zwicker (14-4-1), of Temecula, Calif., earned a first-round knockout win over Razak Al-Hassan (12-5), of Milwaukee, Wisc.
And in the night’s first fight, Ricky “The Sniper” Rainey (11-3), of Gastonia, N.C., earned a second-round knockout win over Jessie Juarez (22-10), of Torrance, Calif.
Brandon Halsey (9-0) def. Kendall Grove (21-15)
Eduardo Dantas (17-4) def. Mike Richman (18-6 )
Fernando Gonzalez (24-14) def. Curtis Millender (7-2)
Darrion Caldwell (7-0) def. Rafael Silva (22-5)
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 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, 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.
About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS, PHOTOS AND INFORMATION FROM “BELLATOR: HALSEY VS. GROVE”
TEMECULA, Calif. (May 14, 2015) – All twenty-six athletes competing at tomorrow’s “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” event were happy to rehydrate after stepping on the scales at today’s official weigh-in, which took place at the Cabaret Theatre inside the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif.
“Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,” which airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT, features a main event between Brandon “Bull” Halsey (8-0) and well-respected veteran Kendall “Da Spyda” Grove (21-14). The incumbent champion failed to hit the required mark of 185-pounds. As a result, Grove is the only fighter who can leave the event as the champion, if Halsey does manage to win, he will be forced to vacate the belt.
In the co-main event, a bantamweight battle will go on as planned between former 135-pound champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas(16-4) and a streaking Mike “The Marine” Richman (18-5), despite Richman missing weight.
In a critical welterweight battle between two hometown fighters, Cinderella Man Fernando “The Menifee Maniac” Gonzalez (23-13) looks to continue his hot streak against a young Curtis “Curtious” Millender (7-1).
In the opening televised bout of the evening, one of MMA’s most promising prospects Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (6-0), looks to keep his record unblemished against a tough Rafael “Morcego” Silva (22-4), who has only suffered one defeat in his last 15 bouts
CLICK HERE FOR ALL WEIGH-IN PHOTOS
Main Card (9 p.m. ET)
Bellator Middleweight Title Fight: Champ Brandon Halsey (188.1 lbs.) vs. Kendall Grove (184.9 lbs.)
Bellator Bantamweight Fight: Eduardo Dantas (135.2 lbs.) vs. Mike Richman (139.8 lbs.)
Bellator Welterweight Fight: Fernando Gonzalez (170.9 lbs.) vs. Curtis Millender (170.8 lbs.)
Bellator Bantamweight Fight: Darrion Caldwell (135.7 lbs.) vs. Rafael Silva (135.7 lbs.)
Preliminary Card (7:45 p.m. ET)
Bellator Middleweight Fight: Benji Radach (186 lbs.) vs. Ben Reiter (186 lbs.)
Bellator Bantamweight Fight: Joe Taimanglo (136.2 lbs.) vs. Antonio Duarte (135.1 lbs.)
Bellator Featherweight Fight: Jordan Parsons (145.5 lbs.) vs. Julio Cesar Neves Jr. (146 lbs.)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Fight: Virgil Zwicker (206.7 lbs.) vs. Razak Al-Hassan (205.6 lbs.)
Bellator Welterweight Fight: Jesse Juarez (171 lbs.) vs. Ricky Rainey (170.7 lbs.)
Bellator Featherweight Fight: A.J. Jenkins (146 lbs.) vs. Arlene Blencowe (145.8 lbs.)
Bellator Lightweight Fight: Steve Kozola (155.8 lbs.) vs. Ian Butler (155.2 lbs.)
Bellator Bantamweight Fight: Shawn Bunch (135.4 lbs.) vs. Rolando Perez (135.3 lbs.)
Bellator Bantamweight Fight: John Yoo (135.4 lbs.) vs. Albert Morales (134.4 lbs.)
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 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, 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.
Veteran knockout artist Benji “The Razor” Radach returns to the cage to face Ben Reiter at “Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove”
EASY TWEET: Hard-hitting MMA vet @benjyradach returns to face undefeated former @PennWrestling star @BenReiterMMA May 15 #Bellator
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 7, 2015) – One of MMA’s hardest-hitting pioneers will return to action for the first time since 2010, as Benji “The Razor” Radach(21-6) has agreed to replace an injured A.J. Matthews (7-3) in a middleweight preliminary fight against Ben “The Hunter” Reiter (15-0-1).
The new addition again finalizes a full nine-bout preliminary card scheduled in support of four main-card contests at “Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove.”
The night’s featured matchups include undefeated Bellator MMA World Middleweight Champion Brandon “Bull” Halsey (8-0) against towering Hawaiian scrapper Kendall “Da Spyder” Grove (21-14), former Bellator MMA World Champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (16-4) vs. Mike “The Marine” Richman (18-5), welterweights Fernando “The Menifee Maniac” Gonzalez (23-13) vs. “Curtious” Curtis Millander (7-1) and bantamweights Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (6-0) vs. Rafael “Morcego” Silva (22-4).
“Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” takes place on Friday, May 15, at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif. The night’s main card airs live on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT local time), while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com.
Tickets for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,” which start at just $50, are currently on sale at Pechanga.com and the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office.
Doors for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” open at 4 p.m. PT local time, and the first contest takes place 45 minutes later.
Fighting professionally since 2001, Radach fought for many of MMA’s biggest promotions, including Strikeforce, EliteXC, the International Fight League and the UFC. Seventeen of Radach’s 21 career wins have come by knockout, and he makes no secret of his intentions when he enters the cage. Boasting past clashed with MMA notables such as Brian Foster, Gerald Harris, Matt Horwich, Chris Leben, Gustavo Machado, Murilo “Ninja” Rua and Scott Smith, among others, Radach put his fighting career on hold in 2010, as he addressed a variety of nagging injuries. Now fully recovered, Radach looks to make a successful return to action.
Radach now meets a top undefeated prospect and former UPenn wrestling star Reiter, who fights for the second time under the Bellator MMA banner after spending much of his early career in Peru.
“Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” – Friday, May 15, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, Calif.
Main Card (9 p.m. ET)
Bellator Middleweight Title Fight: Champ Brandon Halsey (8-0) vs. Kendall Grove (21-14)
Bellator Featured Bantamweight Fight: Eduardo Dantas (16-4) vs. Mike Richman (18-5)
Bellator Featured Welterweight Fight: Fernando Gonzalez (23-13) vs. Curtis Millender (7-1)
Bellator Featured Bantamweight Fight: Darrion Caldwell (6-0) vs. Rafael Silva (22-4)
Preliminary Card (7:45 p.m. ET)
Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Benji Radach (21-6) vs. Ben Reiter (14-0)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Virgil Zwicker (13-4-1) vs. Razak Al-Hassan (12-4)
Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Joe Taimanglo (20-6-1) vs. Antonio Duarte (18-5)
Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Jordan Parsons (10-1) vs. Julio Cesar Neves Jr. (30-0)
Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Jesse Juarez (22-9) vs. Ricky Rainey (10-3)
Dark Bouts (approx. 11 p.m. ET)
Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: John Yoo (0-0) vs. Albert Morales (1-0)
Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: Shawn Bunch (3-1) vs. Rolando Perez (7-4)
Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: Steve Kozola (5-0) vs. Ian Butler (1-1)
Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: A.J. Jenkins (17-5) vs. Arlene Blencowe (5-4)