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Tag Archives: Chris Leben
WBKFF FEMALE BANTAMWEIGHTSWorld Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation “Rise of the Titans” PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PICTURES
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Chris Leben (speaking at podium) and Phil Baroni exchanged pleasantries at today’s “Rise of the Titans” press conference in Casper, Wyoming. (more pictures below, all courtesy of Christopher Cook)
CASPER, Wyoming (November 7, 2018) — The final press conference for Friday night’s “Rise of the Titans,” pay-per-view event, presented by the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF), was held today at Hilton Gardens Inn in Casper, Wyoming.
The entertaining main card is headlined by a WBKFF middleweight title fight between former UFC welterweight champion Johny “Big Rigg” Hendricks and MMA veteran Dakota Cochrane, who has replaced original title challenger “Irish” Brennan Ward.
The spotlight will also be on the co-featured event, when Chris “The Crippler” Leben and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni battle for the WBKFF light heavyweight crown, in what is expected to be a highly entertaining fight.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute the “Rise of the Titans” main card throughout North America, commencing at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV and DISH in the United States, as well as Rogers, Shaw, Bell TV and SaskTel in Canada, and live-streamed worldwide on the FITE.TV app and website, for a suggested retail price of $29.95.
The PPV main card will also feature Las Vegas middleweight Joey Angelo against Albuquerque’s Julian “Nitrane” Lane, Ultimate Fighter runner-up Christina Marks against professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson for the WBKFF Women’s Bantamweight Championship,Brazilian Marcelo “Mello” Alfaya takes on Joey Munoz at a 177-pound catchweight, andformer UFC and Bellator fighter, middleweight Josh “The Dentist” Neer, faces Albuquerque boxer “Mad” Mike Aldrete.
A blind draw will be held at today’s weigh in (7 p.m. MT at Hilton Garden Inn) to determine the match-ups for the WBKFF’s launching of its $100,000 Lightweight Tournament, kicking-off with three fights: MMA veterans Nick “The Ghost” Gonzalez, Ireland-native Jay “The Mellow Fellow” Cucciniello, Estevan “El Terrible” Payan, Robbie “Problems” Peralta, Mike “The Greek Assassin” Bronzoulis, and South African Leon “The Iron Lion” Mynhardt
The “Rise of the Titans” preliminary card will precede the PPV event, which will be available to watch on a free Preview, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT, live on FITE.TV, as well as via DIRECTV and DISH pay-per-view channels leading up to the main card on PPV.
The preliminary card’s fights are former UFC fighter Issac Vallie-Flagg vs. Cory Simpson at a 175-pound catchweight, California super heavyweight C.J. “Big Cake” Leveque vs. New Mexico’s Juan Torres, and Fred Pierce vs. Jeff Chiffens fighting at a 160-pound catchweight.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Hall of Fame ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. joins WBKFF all-star announcing team comprised of Bas Rutten, Kenny Rice and Jessica Penne, who will all work the PPV and preliminary cards.
Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.
Limited tickets are on sale available to purchase by going online here: https://www.caspereventscenter.com/events/detail/world-bare-knuckle-fighting-federation-championship
Ticket prices range between $200.00 – $500.00 for Ringside, $50.00, $30.00, $20.00, $10.00 in the 100 Level Grandstands.
Press conference quotes and additional pictures are below
BAS RUTTEN, WBKFF president: “Two and one-half months ago I was asked to be the color commentator for this show. I was told that they do anything for me to work it I did some research and felt bare knuckles has a good future, so I met with the WBKFF officials in Chicago, and now I’m president.”
TOM STANKIEWICZ, WBKFF CEO & founder: “This is going to be a a great show. We have a great ring announcer, Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and great announcing team with Bas, Kenny Rice and Jessica Penne. I want to thank the people of Wyoming for supporting us. All the fighters are ready, and this is going to be a great show.”
PHIL BARONI: “I’m always the main attraction. It’s going to be a good fight. Good luck to you (Leben).”
CHRIS LEBEN: “It’s been a long road. I saw the bout sheet and thought it was rad. I was called to fight Phil Baroni. He comes out wining, I come out swinging. I’m sorry you’r (Baroni) going to be the guy in the ring Friday night.”
JOSH NEER: “I haven’t fought for almost three years, but I’ve been training every day. I was approached to fight on this card. When I saw Leben and Baroni were fighting, I knew this was going to be a sick card.”
MIKE ALDERETE: “I’m happy to be here. I’m fighting a name opponent. WBKFF is giving us this opportunity. I’m a boxer and I want to show everybody what I can do.”
ISSAC VALLIE-FLAGG: “I’m excited to be here and fight without gloves, stand-up with no takedowns. Cory is a tough guy. I’m sure we’re going to beat the hell out of each other.”
CORY SIMPSON: “I’m excited to show what I can do. I’m going to scrap.”
L-R: (front) Christina Marks and Jasmine Clarkson; (rear) WBKFF president Bas Rutten and
WBKFF CEO Tom Stankiewicz
WBKFF $100,000 Lightweight Tournament Kickoff participants
L-R – (front) Nick Gonzalez, Leon Mynhardt, Estevan Payan, Jay Cucciniello and Robbie Peralta; (rear) WBKFF president Bas Rutten. WBKFF CEO Tom Stankiewicz and Mike Bronzoulis
Website: www.WBKFF.com
Facebook: /WBKFF
Twitter: @WBKFF
Instagram: @WORLDBKFF
ABOUT WORLD BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING FEDERATION (WBKFF): Based in Chicago, WBKFF’s mission is to become the worldwide leader in combat sports. The WBKFF stable of fighters already exceeds 100. Bare knuckle fighting is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Only the strong will survive when the gloves are off and all that stands between opponents is their will and determination.
World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation “Rise of the Titans” Stacked final card from top to bottom
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CHICAGO (November 5, 2018) — The World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation’s (WBKFF) inaugural event, “Rise of the Titans,” is set for this Friday night (Nov. 9) at Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming.
A stacked main card, headlined by a WBKFF middleweight title fight between Johny “Big Rigg” Hendricks and “Irish” Brennan Ward, as well as Chris “The Crippler” Leben and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni for the WBKFF light heavyweight crown, will be available to watch LIVE on pay-per-view.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute the “Rise of the Titans” main card throughout North America, commencing at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV and DISH in the United States, as well as Rogers, Shaw, Bell TV and SaskTel in Canada, and live-streamed worldwide on the FITE.TV app and website, for a suggested retail price of $29.95.
The PPV main card will also feature Ultimate Fighter runner-up Christina Marks against professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson for the WBKFF Women’s Bantamweight Championship, Las Vegas middleweight Joey Angelo takes on Albuquerque’s Julian “Nitrane” Lane, former UFC and Bellator fighter Josh “The Dentist” Neer faces light heavyweight Albuquerque boxer “Mad” Mike Alderete, and California heavyweight C.J. “The Night” Leveque vs. New Mexico’s Juan Torres is the PPV swing bout.
Retired All-Pro linebacker Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman has withdrawn from fighting on Friday evening’s show.
WBKFF will also launch its $100,000 Lightweight Tournament, showcasing eight fighters on the PPV main card in four separate quarterfinals bouts, on the PPV main card. The loaded tournament field includes MMA veterans Nick “The Ghost” Gonzalez, Ireland-native Jay “The Mellow Fellow” Cucciniello, Estevan “El Terrible” Payan, Robbie “Problems” Peralta, Mike “The Greek Assassin” Bronzoulis, South African Leon “The Iron Lion” Mynhardt and Zach “The Juice” Juusola, in addition to Kazakh boxer Radmir Akhmediyev.
A blind draw to determine the quarterfinals matchups will be held this Wednesday (Nov. 7) at the “Rise of the Titans” final press conference in Casper.
A solid three-fight “Rise of the Titans” preliminary card will precede the PPV event, available to watch on a free Preview, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT, live on FITE.TV, as well as via DIRECTV and DISH pay-per-view channels leading up to the main card on PPV.
The preliminary card’s entertaining match-ups are Issac Vallie-Flagg vs. Cory Simpson, contested at a 175-pound catchweight, Brazilian middleweight Marcel “Mello” Alfaya vs. Dakota Cochrane, and super lightweight Fred Pierce vs. Jeff Chiffens.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Hall of Fame ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. and the WBKFF all-star announcing team –Bas Rutten, Kenny Rice and Jessica Penne — will work the PPV and preliminary cards.
All fights and fighters subject to change.
Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.
Limited tickets are on sale available to purchase by going online here: https://www.caspereventscenter.com/events/detail/world-bare-knuckle-fighting-federation-championship
Ticket prices range between $200.00 – $500.00 for Ringside, $50.00, $30.00, $20.00, $10.00 in the 100 Level Grandstands.
Website: www.WBKFF.com
Facebook: /WBKFF
Twitter: @WBKFF
Instagram: @WORLDBKFF
ABOUT WORLD BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING FEDERATION (WBKFF): Based in Chicago, WBKFF’s mission is to become the worldwide leader in combat sports. The WBKFF stable of fighters already exceeds 100. Bare knuckle fighting is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Only the strong will survive when the gloves are off and all that stands between opponents is their will and determination.
World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation Announces Inaugural PPV card
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CHICAGO (October 11, 2018) – World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF) has officially announced the Pay-Per-View fight card for its inaugural event, “Rise of the Titans”, to be headlined by a WBKFF middleweight title fight between Johny “Big Rigg” Hendricks and
“Irish” Brennan Ward, as well as Chris “The Crippler” Leben and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni, Friday, November 9, at Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute “Rise of The Titans”, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, in North America on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV and DISH in the United States, as well as Rogers, Shaw, Bell TV and SaskTel in Canada, and live-streamed worldwide on the FITE.TV app and website, for a suggested retail price of $29.95.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday) and will be available to purchase by going online here:
Ticket prices are between $200.00 – $500.00 for Ringside, $50.00, $30.00, $20.00, $10.00 in the 100 Level Grandstands.
BAS RUTTEN NAMED WBKFF PRESIDENT
(L-R) – WBKFF President Bas Rutten & WBKFF CEO Tom Stankiewicz
“I am super excited about our first show on November 9th,” newly named WBKFF President Bas Rutten said. “Every single person I’ve talked to me who has heard about this event let me know what a crazy good card we have. I must admit, they are correct! I would love to talk about each fight on the card, but will do that in interviews coming up, so I will just mention a few right now. Brennan Ward versus Johny Hendricks as main event; two KO artists going at it, can’t get any better than that. Chris Leben versus Phil Baroni, both known for their KO’s in MMA, but now, bareknuckle? Sign me up! Shawne Merriman versus Mike Bourke; Merriman is a former NFL Linebacker with a crazy vertical leap of 41.5” (he’s a heavyweight!) facing off against Mike Bourke, a guy who everybody knows can hit. And let’s talk about our lady’s fight. Pro boxer Jasmine Clarkson versus Christina Marks, who has 10 MMA wins with 8 finishes. So, expect great competitive fights, and I hope to see you in Casper Wyoming on November 9th. If you can’t make it, please watch on PPV! Godspeed and bare-knuckle on!”
Hendricks, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas, is a former UFC middleweight champion. A past NCAA wrestler out of Oklahoma State University, Hendricks is a powerful striker who was the original WEC middleweight champion. The Oklahoma native captured the coveted UFC title belt in 2014, taking a unanimous decision from Robbie Lawler at UFC 171 in Dallas.
Ward, who comes from Waterford, Connecticut, is a powerful striker, as well, who was a top contender in Bellator for several years. A collegiate wrestler, as well, he was the Bellator Season 9 middleweight champion
The previously announced Nov. 9 co-featured event is a much-anticipated, entertaining showdown between a pair of legendary MMA fighters, Chris “The Crippler” Leben, of Portland, and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni, for the WBKFF light heavyweight title.
MMA veteran Mike “The Rhino” Bourke will be the opponent for retired All-Pro linebacker Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman, who recently signed with WBKFF to make his combat sports pro debut on “Rise of The Titans”, in a Special Heavyweight Attraction.
The 34-year-old Merriman played eight seasons in the NFL between 2005 and 2012 for the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills. He was drafted out of the University of Maryland in the first round, 12th overall pick, by the Chargers in the 2005 NFL draft. The six-foot, 275-pound Bourke, hailing from La Habra, California, knocked out living legend Ken Shamrock in the opening round of his most notable career fight.
WBKFF will also launch its $100,000 Lightweight Tournament, showcasing eight fighters in four separate bouts to determine the semifinalists for WBKFF’s second event, culminating with the championship final in its third event. A draw to determine the quarterfinal matches will soon be conducted.
Tournament contestants include UFC veterans Issac Vallie Flagg, along with veteran MMA fighters Nick “The Ghost” Gonzalez, Ireland-native Jay “The Mellow Fellow” Cucciniello, Estevan “El Terrible” Payan, Robbie “Problems” Peralta, Mike “The Greek Assassin” Bronzoulis, and South African Leon “The Iron Lion” Mynhardt.
Las Vegas middleweight Joey Angelo squares off with Albuquerque’s Julian “Nitrane” Lane, while last year’s Ultimate Fighter runner-up Christina Marks, of San Diego, takes on professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson for the WBKFF Women’s Flyweight Championship.
The PPV opener will feature Internet MMA sensation Chris “Mighty Mouse” Yarboroughmeets fellow Virginian, Brandon Dunivan, in a middleweight clash for home state bragging rights,
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Additional undercard fights will be live-streamed prior to the PPV broadcast with full details to be announced.
Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.
INFORMATION:
Website: www.WBKFF.com
Facebook: /WBKFF
Twitter: @WBKFF
Instagram: @WORLDBKFF
World Bare Knuckle FF: Rise of the Titans (WATCH ON FITE):
Legendary 3x All-Pro NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman signs to fight in World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation Inaugural event this fall
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Airing on worldwide PPV live from Casper, Wyoming
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CHICAGO (August 1, 20-18) – Retired National Football League 3x All-Pro linebacker and 3x Pro Bowl fan-favorite Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman has signed to fight on World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation’s (WBKFF) inaugural event, “Rise of the Titans,” airing on worldwide pay-per-view (full details to come) this fall, live from Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming.
The 34-year-old Merriman, fighting out of Los Angeles, played 8 seasons in the NFL between 2005 and 2012 between 2005 and 2012 for the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills. He was drafted out of the University of Maryland in the first round, 12th overall pick, by the Chargers in the 2005 NFL draft.
Known as an extremely physical football player, the 6′ 4″ Merriman will take his powerful presence into the ring as a bare-knuckle fighter, against his heavyweight opponent to be announced.
“This is really exciting for me,” Merriman said. “It’s a real privilege and honor for me to come out and fight. Thank you to everyone at the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation for your support. It’s time for Lights Out!”
“We are thrilled to have Shawne as part of our team,” WBKFF CEO Tom Stankiewicz commented. “It’s a very exciting time for everyone. Shawne was a proven warrior on the field and we look forward to seeing him in the ring. We feel that Shawne’s signing with WBKFF opens the doors to champions from all sports and shows that he has the guts and courage to step into this gladiator sport. Bare knuckle fighting is the combat sport for the 21st century. We welcome Shawne as part of our family!”
WBKFF will host a star-studded meet-and greet for fans during fight week, “Fandamonium”, featuring an appearance by women’s MMA superstar, Cris Cyborg, along with former UFC champions and other celebrities.
The announced co-featured event is a showdown between a pair of legendary MMA fighters, Chris “The Crippler” Leben and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni, for the WBKFF light heavyweight title.
Ultimate Fighter contestant and UFC veteran Christina Marks and professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson will square off for the WBKFF Women’s Flyweight Championship.
WBKFF will also launch its $100,000 Grand Prize 8-Man Lightweight Tournament, showcasing eight fighters in four separate bouts to determine the semifinalists for WBKFF’s second event, culminating with the championship final in its third event.
Tournament contestants include UFC veterans Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard, Tom “Da Tank” Gallicchio, Josh Neer and Issac Vallie Flagg, as well as undefeated professional Joey Bryant (16-0, 12 KOs).
Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.
Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Website: www.WBKFF.com
Facebook: @WBKFF
Twitter: @WBFFF
Instagram: @WORLDBKFF
World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation Inaugural event set for October 20
Airing on worldwide PPV live from Casper, Wyoming
CHICAGO (July 26, 2018) – World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF) announced today that its inaugural event, “Rise of the Titans”, will be held Saturday night, October 20, to air on worldwide pay-per-view live from Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming.
Full PPV details will soon be announced.
WBKFF also announced it will host a star-studded meet-and greet for fans during fight week, “Fandamonium”, featuring an appearance by the Queen of MMA, Cris Cyborg, along with former UFC champions and other celebrities.
The co-featured event is a dream match-up between two of the most polarizing MMA fighters of all time, Chris “The Crippler” Leben and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni for the WBKFF light heavyweight title.
The 37-year-old Leben, who lives in Portland, Oregon, is coming out of a five-year retirement
A veteran UFC title contender, Leben’s victims include Wanderlei Silva, Yoshihiro Akiyama,Alessio Sakara, Patrick Cote, Terry Martin and Mike Swick
Baroni, 42, came out of a four-year retirement earlier this year. Fighting out of Long Island, New York, he is a former pro kickboxer (7-0) and wrestler, who has successfully fought in the UFC, Bellator, PRIDE, Strikeforce, Dream and other MMA organizations.
Another sighed fight will match Ultimate Fighter contestant and UFC veteran Christina Marks and professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson for the WBKFF Women’s Flyweight Championship.
WBKFF will also launch its $100,000 Grand Prize 8-Man Lightweight Tournament, showcasing eight fighters in four separate bouts to determine the semifinalists for WBKFF’s second event, culminating with the championship final in its third event.
Tournament contestants include UFC veterans Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard, Tom “Da Tank” Gallicchio, Josh Neer and Issac Vallie Flagg, as well as professional boxers Nick Casal (23-4, 18 KOs) and undefeated Joey Bryant (16-0, 12 KOs).
Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.
Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Website: www.WBKFF.com
Facebook: /WBKFF
Twitter & Instagram: @WBKFF
CHRIS ‘THE CRIPPLER’ LEBEN RETURNS TO MIXED MARTIAL ARTS, SIGNS WITH BELLATOR MMA
SANTA MONICA (February 6, 2015) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of Chris “The Crippler” Leben (22-11) to an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract. The former World Extreme Cagefighting Middleweight World Champion has fought professionally since 2002, and holds the record for most fights in the UFC at 185-pounds (22).
Since taking a break from the sport in 2014, Leben has resided in San Diego, Calif. and served as a coach at Victory MMA & Fitness. Known for his tendency to put on an exciting show each and every time he enters the cage, Leben was a member of the inaugural cast of “The Ultimate Fighter” alongside fellow Bellator MMA competitors Stephan Bonnar and Josh Koscheck. The 35-year-old has fought elite talent throughout his mixed martial arts tenure, against names the likes of: Wanderlei Silva, Anderson Silva, Brian Stann, Michael Bisping, Patrick Cote, Mark Munoz, and Bellator MMA’s own Alessio Sakara.
“If I were to draw up the prototypical Bellator MMA competitor, there would be parts of Chris [Leben] in there,” Bellator MMA President Scott Coker said. “The guy has never had a boring fight and as I’ve said from day one, we’re going to continue to grow from the ground up and buy from the top down. I know that Chris still has a lot of fight left in him and I’m excited to see him fight We are hoping to see his Bellator debut this Spring.”
“Focusing on just coaching at Victory MMA has been amazing, but recently, I started to get the itch to compete again,” Leben said. “So I extended an olive branch to the people at Bellator and here I am. I’m in great shape, I love the possible matchups this roster has to offer and I’m ready to show the world why they call me ‘The Crippler.’”
Leben joins a budding roster of Bellator MMA talent, with recent signings that include: Benson Henderson, Anastasia Yankova, Lena Ovchynnikova, and Sergei Kharitonov.
It has yet to be determined what weight class Leben will compete at, but when asked what division he hopes to settle in, Leben made it clear: “I’ll go wherever the big fights are.”