Tag Archives: Josh Copeland

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING KICKS OFF “WHO’S THE TOUGHEST?” WITH FOUR MILITARY VETERANS DOING BATTLE IN LOVELAND, COLORADO ON SATURDAY, Nov. 12

Liyane: Kevin Sears replaces injured Josh Copeland against Smealinho Rama in heavyweight action

Tickets for WSOF34 on sale now

 

Las Vegas (Oktober 10, 2016) - World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) announced that it has tabbed four military veterans for action in three different bouts, including one that will air on its live NBCSN telecast (10:30 P.M. Lan/7:30 P.M. PT), to kick off it’s “Who’s The Toughest?” program at WSOF34: Foster vs. Tameng, at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Lap. ing Setu, Jan. 12.

The league also announced that Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (13-4) has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled heavyweight matchup with former world champion Smealinho “The Prince” Rama (9-2) due to a knee injury. Rama will now face Kevin Sears (4-2).

“We are extremely excited to launch the ‘Who’s The Toughest?’ program with a group of four professional fighters that have served our country valiantly, and who have since been looking for a potentially career-changing opportunity to compete on a major stage,"Ngandika World Series of Fighting Presiden Rama pimpinan.

World Series of Fighting announced in May that it would be launching “Who’s The Toughest?” in order to provide military veterans who are active or aspiring MMA fighters, with the opportunity to compete under its promotion.

Leading off the live NBCSN telecast of WSOF34, Shane Kruchten (11-4) lan Jeremy Mahon (5-4) – both U.S. Marine Corps veterans – will do battle in a 150-pound catchweight contest.

Ing abot cahya (205 kilogram) matchup that will headline the WSOF34 preliminary bout card, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Brandon Collins (3-2) bakal tabrakan karo Chris Morgan (0-0), who will make his professional debut.

The fourth veteran, former U.S. Army ranger Nicoli Navarro (3-1), will square off with unbeaten upstart Alan Gutierrez (2-0) ing entheng (155 kilogram).

Shane Kruchten vs. Jeremy Mahon

6-mlaku 1, 32-year-old Kruchten of San Diego, Calif. saw action in the Iraq War in 2003 lan 2004, and was subsequently awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and a Combat Action Ribbon for his efforts in battle before retiring from the military with the rank of Lance Corporal.

Since turning professional in 2007, Kruchten has donated a portion of each of his fight purses to the Mighty Oaks Warrior Foundation, a California-based retreat for veterans run by fellow U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former World Series of Fighting competitor Chad Robichaux.

Kruchten’s start will bring an end to a two-and-a-half-year hiatus that he took following a loss to Mike Corey by way of second round (2:59) pengajuan (mburi-wuda keselak) in what was Kruchten’s World Series of Fighting debut. Sadurunge asor, Kruchten had reeled off 11 kamenangan consecutive, 6 via submission and 3 liwat (T)KO.

The 5-foot-10, 37-year-old Mahon of Houston, Texas was deployed to Iraq during the initial invasion of the country in 2003, and later served as a security contractor in Fallujah, working to procure the safety of civilians there.

Before retiring as a Sergeant, Mahon earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as a Presidential Unit Citation. He runs a non-profit organization, DAWG Foundation, which trains dogs and offers them to veterans in need of everyday assistance.

Mahon is looking to notch his third straight victory following a second round (4:22) WHO (punches) saka Davis Sylvester ing Bellator 149 ing Februari 19.

Brandon Collins vs. Chris Morgan

6-mlaku 1, 32-year-old Collins of Houston, Texas was also a recipient of a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during his eight-year stint (2004-2012) with the Marine Corps that saw him tour Afghanistan where he was a special operations officer and his unit’s martial arts instructor.

Collins was a member of his North Carolina base’s boxing team and, after relocating to California, he quickly transitioned to MMA.

Morgan, a 6-foot-3, 28-year-old resident of Denver, Lap. will make his first professional start after a three-year amateur career that saw him compile an overall record of 5-2. Kabeh 5 of his victories came inside the first round of action via (T)KO utawa pengajuan.

Nicholi Navarro vs. Alan Gutierrez

6-mlaku, 30-year-old Navarro of Denver served in the Army’s 75th Ranger Regimen, a special operations unit, antarane 2004 lan 2008, eventually reaching the rank of Corporal.

During his four-year tenure in the military, Navarro earned a Combat Infantry Badge, an Expert Infantry Badge and a Parachutist Badge.

Navarro is a student of retired, former Muay Thai world champion and UFC star Duane “Bang” Ludwig. All three of Navarro’s professional victories to date have come by way of (T)KO utawa pengajuan.

While not a veteran, 5-mlaku-11, 23-year-old Gutierrez of Skagit Valley, Wash. was born into and raised by a family of Marines, karo kang rama, mother and brother all having served. Gutierrez dedicates each of his fights to his recently deceased brother.

Gutierrez made quick work of each of his first two professional opponents, to date, submitting Ryan Schecterson with a brabo choke in the first round (2:00) of action in Gutierrez’s professional debut on May 9, 2015, and scoring a first round (1:11) KO (punches) ing Taylor Roberts ing Februari 27.

Diregani saka $20, tickets for “WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields” are on sale at the Budweiser Events Center box office, BudweiserEventsCenter.com, and by phone at 1-877-544-TIXX.

In the main event of WSOF34, reigning world welterweight (170 kilogram) juara Jon Fitch (28-7-1, 1 NC) will collide with number one contender and fellow decorated superstar Jake Shields (31-8-1).

In the welterweight co-main event, Paul Bradley (23-6), will make his promotional debut for World Series of Fighting and take on former top 10 -ditingkat donya Yushin "Thunder" Okami (32-10).

Additional matchups for “WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields” will be announced soon.

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING: RETURNS TO EVERETT, WASHINGTON WITH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BLOCKBUSTER EVENT ON SATURDAY, Desember 3, LIVE ON NBCSN

Blagoy Ivanov makes his third heavyweight title defense

Jared Rosholt faces Caio Alencar in a featured heavyweight scrap

Tickets for WSOF35 go on sale sesuk

Las Vegas (September 22, 2016) - World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) announced today that it will return to Everett, Wash. with a heavyweight championship blockbuster Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event at XFINITY Arena at Everett, ing Setu, Jan. 3, manggon ing NBCSN ing 10 P.M. Lan/7 P.M. PT.

In the main-event, reigning world champion Blagoy Ivanov (14-1) will put his title on the line for the third time against the victor of the WSOF33 bout between knockout artists and contenders Shawn Jordan (18-7) lan Ashley Gooch (10-4) ing Ana, Oct. 7.

Saliyane, former UFC standout Jared Rosholt (14-3) will make his much-anticipated promotional debut against fellow World Series of Fighting newcomer and finisher Caio Alencar (9-1) in a featured heavyweight contest.

Tickets for WSOF35 go on sale sesuk, Ana, Pitu. 23 ing 10 a.m. PT at the XFINITY Arena Box Office, daya telpon 866.332.8499, utawa online ingwww.WSOF.com lan www.xfinityarenaeverett.com.

“We are looking forward to bringing another action-packed night of world-class MMA action to the city of Everett, on the heels of what was one of our greatest fight cards to date, from top to bottom, and an arena packed with incredibly passionate fight fans,"Ngandika World Series of Fighting Presiden Rama pimpinan.

The 5-foot-11, 29-year-old Ivanov of Sofia, Bulgaria fended off a valiant and tenacious Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland for five straight, electrifying rounds of battle in the main event of WSOF31 on Juni 17 to retain the coveted heavyweight title.

Ivanov is a Judo black belt and was a semi-finalist at the 2008 world Sambo championships where he famously defeated all-time MMA great Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko.

The stocky, heavy-handed Ivanov went on to emerge the runner-up in the 2014 Bellator MMA season-long, heavyweight tournament. During his seven-fight stint with the league that began in 2013, he notched six consecutive victories, all by way of (T)KO utawa pengajuan.

6-mlaku-2, 30-year-old Rosholt of Sandpoint, Idaho is coming off a solid run with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) where he amassed a record of 6-2, defeating the likes of Walt Harris and seven-foot giant Stefan Struve, sadawane dalan.

Rosholt was a 2010 NCAA Division I national wrestling championship runner-up and three-time All-American for Oklahoma State University.

Alencar of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil is a 6-foot-4, 37-year-old import who will make his debut in the U.S. as well as his first start in the World Series of Fighting decagon cage.

After beginning his professional career just five years ago, Alencar ran to six consecutive wins and, to date, has earned all but one of his nine career victories by way of (T)KO.

Additional WSOF35 bouts will be announced soon.

Doors at XFINITY Arena at Everett will open for WSOF35 at 3:30 P.M. PT, lan pisanan bab kertu pambuka bakal miwiti ing 4 P.M.

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING: JON FITCH-JAKE SHIELDS WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN SET FOR SATURDAY, November 12 IN LOVELAND, COLORADO LIVE ON NBCSN

Liyane:
Josh Copeland vs. Smealinho Rama in heavyweight battle
Paul Bradley vs. Yushin Okami in welterweight collision

Tickets for WSOF34 on sale Ana, Pitu. 16

Las Vegas (September 13, 2016) - World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) officially announced today the highly-anticipated welterweight (170 kilogram) title fight between reigning world champion Jon Fitch (28-7-1, 1 NC) and number one contender and fellow decorated superstar Jake Shields (31-8-1) kanggo Setu, Jan. 12 at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colo., manggon ing NBCSN ing 10:30 P.M. Lan/7:30 P.M. PT.

Diregani saka $20, tickets for “WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields” go on sale on Ana, Pitu. 16 at the Budweiser Events Center box office, BudweiserEventsCenter.com, or by phone at 1-877-544-TIXX.

“This is a fight between two of the sport’s most seasoned and accomplished competitors, and a matchup that has been building for quite some time, so we are excited to see it finally come to fruition in the decagon cage, and to crown the better man that night, our world welterweight champion,"Ngandika World Series of Fighting Presiden Rama pimpinan.

In addition to the main event, World Series of Fighting announced a featured heavyweight attraction pitting Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (13-4) marang mantan juara Smealinho “The Prince” Rama (9-2), as well as the promotional debut of battle-tested Paul Bradley (23-6), who will take on former top 10 -ditingkat donya Yushin "Thunder" Okami (32-10) in a welterweight affair.

Additional matchups for “WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields” will be announced soon.

Jon Fitch vs. Jake Shields

6-mlaku, 38-year-old Fitch of Las Vegas, Nev. via Fort Wayne, Ing. will put his title on the line for the second time since seizing the vacant belt on October 17, 2015, when he earned a unanimous decision over Yushin Okami.

Fitch, who has faced and defeated some of the best rival welterweight fighters of his era to cement his legacy in the sport, risked his World Series of Fighting title for the first time on April 2, defeating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Joao Zeferino by way of unanimous decision.

Fighting out of San Francisco, Calif., 6-mlaku, 37-year-old Shields will seek his fourth major world championship. Ing Cesar Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt held both the Shooto and EliteXC welterweight straps as well as the Strikeforce middleweight crown.

Like Fitch, Shields has provided fight fans with a host of memories, including his unforgettable, upset unanimous decision defeat of future Hall of FamerDan Henderson ing April 17, 2010. Shields also boasts a split decision win over reigning UFC champion Tyron Woodley as well as a split decision victory over UFC superstar Demian Maia.

Josh Copeland vs. Smealinho Rama

6-mlaku 1, 33-year-old Copeland is coming off what was perhaps the grittiest performance of his four-year professional career in his bid for the World Series of Fighting heavyweight title against reigning champion Blagoy Ivanov. Copeland stood toe-to-toe and held his own against the Sambo champion, but was left on the losing end of a unanimous decision after five competitive rounds of action.

Copeland, who has notched 7 kang 12 professional victories by way of (T)KO utawa pengajuan, earned his place in the world title fight by taking a unanimous decision from Mike “300” Hayes at WSOF29 on Maret 12.

6-mlaku 1, 24-year-old Rama of Calgary, Alberta, Canada made history on October 11, 2014, becoming the first-ever World Series of Fighting heavyweight champion by scoring a devastating, 51-second TKO (punches) ing Derrick “Caveman” Mehman at WSOF14.

Rama, who also holds a unanimous decision win over Steve Mocco in the World Series of Fighting decagon cage, surrendered the heavyweight title after being submitted (keselak guillotine) by Ivanov in the third round (1:17) of their bout on June 5, 2015.

Paul Bradley vs. Yushin Okami

One of World Series of Fighting’s recent, high-profile acquisitions, 5-mlaku-9, 33-year-old Bradley of San Diego, Calif. signed with the league after decimating previously unbeaten Chris Honeycutt by way of TKO (punches) in just 40 seconds in the Bellator MMA cage on January 29, 2016.

A mantan, two-time All-American wrestling star for NCAA Division I University of Iowa, Bradley placed as high as fourth in the national championships before turning to MMA in 2006 where he has since faced off with elite competition in the UFC and Strikeforce.

Similar to his opponent, 6-mlaku-2, 35-year-old Okami of Kanagawa, Japan has scrapped with top-level, world ranked competition to earn his place in the decagon cage.

Since the loss to Fitch, Okami, a veteran of the UFC as well as PRIDE, has since reeled off two consecutive victories in his home country – a second round (4:23) WHO (corner stoppage) saka Ryuta Sakurai ing Tokyo ing Februari 27, and a first round (2:06) pengajuan (mburi-wuda keselak) saka Shingo Suzukiing Juli 24.

MIKE ARRANT REPLACES INJURED THIAGO MELLER AGAINST JOHN HOWARD AT WSOF31: IVANOV VS. COPELAND LIVE ON NBCSN FROM MASHANTUCKET, Conn. On Friday, Juni 17

HOWARD VS. ARRANT TO BE CONTESTED AT MIDDLEWEIGHT

PLUS UNDEFEATED MARCUS SURIN TO BATTLE
CHRISTIAN TORRES IN WSOF31 PRELIMINARY BOUT
LIVE ON WSOF.COM

Las Vegas (Juni 15, 2016) -World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) ngumumake dina iki Thiago Meller has withdrawn from his scheduled welterweight (170 kilogram) Ing kontes marang John “Doomsday” Howard (23-12), sing saiki bakal ngadhepi“Mad” Mike Arrant (15-10) in a middleweight (185 kilogram) bout at the much-anticipated WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland world championship doubleheader Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) acara, manggon ing NBCSN (9 P.M. Lan/6 P.M. PT) saka Foxwoods Resort Casino ing Mashantucket, Conn. ing Ana, Juni 17.

Saliyane, suwé Marcus Surin (3-0) of Stamford, Conn. has been tabbed to step in for Sam Watford ing dijadwal entheng (155 kilogram) preliminary card contest against Christian “The Terminator” Torres (0-0) of Endicott, N.Y..

Originally hailing from Orlando, Fla., 5-mlaku-9, 28-year-old Arrant, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, resides in Las Vegas, where he is a member of legendary champion Randy “The Natural” Couture’s Xtreme Couture fight squad.

Arrant is looking to return to the win column following a unanimous decision defeat in his last start on August 7, 2015, at the hands of two-time UFC veteran Brock Jardine.

Prior to the loss, Arrant had reeled off six consecutive victories, five of which he produced in the first round, by way of (T)KO utawa pengajuan. Kanggo tanggal, 12 kang 15 professional wins have been finishes.

During the six-fight win streak, Arrant seized his first championship – regional promotion SteelFist Fight Night’s welterweight title – with a first round (5:00) WHO (retirement) saka Carl Dieckmann Juli 12, 2013.

Like Arrant, the 5-foot-7, 33-year-old Howard boasts a phenomenal finish rate with 15 kang 23 professional victories having come by way of (T)KO utawa pengajuan.

Howard will make his promotional debut with World Series of Fighting following a second stint with the UFC that spanned seven fights and included wins over Uria Hall, Siyar Bahadurzada lan Cathal Pendred.

Diregani saka $39.99, tickets for WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland are on sale at WSOF.com and Foxwoods.com.

Doors at The Grand Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino will open at 5 P.M. Lan, and the first of seven preliminary card bouts will begin at 5:45 P.M.

Kabeh pambuka kertu perang bakal stream manggon ing pamuter video embeddable ing WSOF.com.

In the main event of the five-bout, manggon NBCSN telecast, reigning World Series of Fighting heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov (13-1) will put his title on the line against Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (12-3).

Ing acara co-utama entheng, superstars Jason "Ing Kansas City Bandit" High (19-5) lan Mike "Ing Martian" Ricci (11-4) will square off with their division’s number one contender ranking at stake.

WSOF31: IVANOV VS. COPELAND

CARD MAIN (Urip ing NBCSN)

World Series of Fighting Heavyweight Championship Main Event:
Blagoy Ivanov (Juara) vs. Josh Copeland (Challenger)

Co-Main entheng Event:
Jason High vs. Mike Ricci

Men: John Howard vs. Mike Arrant
Bulu: Luis Palomino vs. Sheymon Moraes
Men: Phil Hawes vs. Josh Key

CARD PRELIMINARY (Urip ing WSOF.com)

Entheng: Tom Marcellino vs. Devin Powell
Abot: Juliano Coutinho vs. Justin Willis
Abot: Tyler King vs. Lorenzo Hood
Welterweight: Robert Fonseca vs. Sean Lally
Entheng: Bruce Boyington vs. Saul Almeida
Bantamweight: Rodrigo Almeida vs. Ben Pierre-Saint
Entheng: Marcus Surin vs. Christian Torres

UNDEFEATED SENSATION PHIL HAWES SIGNS WITH WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING

FORMER JUNIOR COLLEGE NATIONAL WRESTLING CHAMP
WILL DEBUT AGAINST JOSHUA KEY AT WSOF31

LIVE ON NBCSN AT 9 P.M. Lan ON Wigatosipun, Juni 17
FROM MASHANTUCKET, Conn.

 

Las Vegas (May 20, 2016) -World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) has signed undefeated middleweight (185 kilogram) prospek Phil Hawes (3-0) kanggo eksklusif, persetujuan promosi multi-taun.

A product of the famed Jackson-Winklejohn camp in Albuquerque, N.M., 6-mlaku, 27-year-old Hawes who hails from Little Ferry, N.J., bakal nggawe debut promosi marang Joshua “The Prince of MMA” Key (6-11, 2 NC) on the live, five-bout NBCSN telecast (9 P.M. Lan/6 P.M. PT) of WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland, ing Foxwoods Resort Casino ing Mashantucket, Conn. ingAna, Juni 17.

“Phil is one of the most exciting, young prospects in the sport of MMA, so we are excited to welcome him to the World Series of Fighting family, and we look forward to seeing how his career develops under our promotion,"Ngandika World Series of Fighting Presiden Rama pimpinan.

The matchup with Key will be Hawes’ first start since 2014, his professional debut year when he ran to three straight victories, the first two by way of TKO and the third – a first round victory over Brandon Collins ing Oktober 18 – by way of armbar submission.

A 2009 junior college national wrestling champion for Iowa Central Community College, the alma mater of UFC champion and Jackson-Winklejohn teammate Jon "balung" Jones, Hawes has been described by Jones as having“limitless” potential.

Diregani saka $39.99, tickets for WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland are on sale at WSOF.com and Foxwoods.com.

Doors at The Grand Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino will open at 5 P.M. Lan, lan pisanan bab kertu pambuka bakal miwiti ing 6 P.M.

In the main event of the live NBCSN telecast, reigning world heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov (13-1) will risk his title against Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (13-1).

In the lightweight (155 kilogram) co-utama acara, superstars Jason "Ing Kansas City Bandit" High (19-5) lan Mike "Ing Martian" Ricci (11-4) will square off with their division’s number one contender ranking at stake.

WSOF31: IVANOV VS. COPELAND
CARD MAIN (Urip ing NBCSN)

World Series of Fighting Heavyweight Championship Main Event:
Blagoy Ivanov (Juara) vs. Josh Copeland (Challenger)

Entheng: Jason High vs. Mike Ricci
Welterweight: John Howard vs. Thiago Meller
Bulu: Luis Palomino vs. Sheymon Moraes
Men: Phil Hawes vs. Joshua Key

CARD PRELIMINARY (Urip ing WSOF.com)

Entheng: Tom Marcellino vs. Devin Powell
Abot: Juliano Coutinho vs. Justin Willis
Abot: Tyler King vs. Lorenzo Hood
Welterweight: Robert Fonseca vs. Sean Lally
Entheng: Bruce Boyington vs. Saul Almeida
Bantamweight: Rodrigo Almeida vs. Ben Pierre-Saint
Entheng: Sam Watford vs. Christian Torres

WSOF31: IVANOV VS. COPELAND PRELIMINARY BOUT CARD COMPLETE WITH SEVEN MATCHUPS

PRELIMINARY BOUTS STREAM LIVE AT 6 P.M. Lan
ON AN EMBEDDABLE VIDEO PLAYER ON WSOF.COM

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MAIN CARD
AIRS LIVE ON NBCSN AT 9 P.M. Lan
FROM MASHANTUCKET, Conn. ON Wigatosipun, Juni 17

Las Vegas (May 19, 2016) -World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) today announced a complete, seven-bout preliminary fight card for its WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland world heavyweight championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) acara, manggon ing NBCSN ing 9 P.M. Lan/6 P.M. PT from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. ing Ana, Juni 17.

The WSOF31 undercard lineup includes the promotional debut of heavyweight knockout artist Lorenzo Hood (9-3), who will square off with fellow finisher Tyler “The Marauder” King (10-4).

The 6-foot-3, 27-year-old Hood of Chicago, Gerah. is a former professional football player turned MMA wrecking machine who has notched all 9 of his professional victories by way of (T)KO in the first round of battle.

King, a 6-foot-5, 35-year-old resident of North Attleboro, Massa. wis entuk 8 kang 10 career wins via (T)KO utawa pengajuan. He is coming off a 51-second submission (hak pancing) saka Eric Bedard ing April 16.

In another heavyweight contest, Juliano “Banana” Coutinho (7-2) saka Langkawi District, Massa. liwat Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will look to secure his second straight victory when he faces off with Team AKA product Justin Willis (3-1) of San Jose, Calif.

Willis, who is riding a three-fight win streak, was originally slated to face Chris "Huggy Bear" Barnett on the main card portion of the bill.

Returning to the decagon cage for the fourth time, submission specialist Tom “Tommy Gunnz” Marcellino (7-4) of Amsterdam, N.Y.. bakal njupuk ing Devin Powell (6-1) of South Berwick, Maine in one of three lightweight (155 kilogram) matchups on the WSOF31 preliminary bout card.

Powell boasts won four straight fights, three by way of (T)KO utawa pengajuan.

In welterweight (170 kilogram) tumindak, Robert Fonseca (10-3, 1 NC) saka Manaus, Amazon, Brazil will seek his fourth consecutive victory when he squares off with Sean Lally (4-2) of Orleans, Massa.

Saul "Ing Spider" Almeida (18-6) Boston, Massa. will make his third start in the decagon cage in a lightweight matchup with prolific power striker Bruce "Cantik Boy" Boyington saka Bangor, Maine.

Thirty-year-old rising star Rodrigo "Ing Young Lion" Almeida saka Woburn, Massa. will do battle with Ben Pierre-Saint (9-4) of Superior, Pesta Wisc. ing bantamweight (135 kilogram).

In the leadoff preliminary card fight, kalah Sam Watford (2-0) of Mount Vernon, N.Y.. bakal padha ngadhepi Christian “The Terminator” Torres (0-0) of Endicott, N.Y..

Diregani saka $39.99, tickets for WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland are on sale at WSOF.com and Foxwoods.com.

Doors at The Grand Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino will open at 5 P.M. Lan, lan pisanan bab kertu pambuka bakal miwiti ing 6 P.M.

In the live NBCSN televised main event, reigning world heavyweight championBlagoy Ivanov (13-1) will risk his title against Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (13-1) nalika, in the lightweight co-main event, superstars Jason "Ing Kansas City Bandit" High (19-5) lan Mike "Ing Martian" Ricci (11-4) will square off with their division’s number one contender ranking at stake.

Elsewhere on the live NBCSN telecast, John “Doomsday” Howard (23-12) will make his highly-anticipated World Series of Fighting debut against submission expert Thiago “Minu” Meller (20-7) ing kelas welter.

In a featherweight (145 kilogram) tilt between two prolific strikers, Luis "Baboon" Palomino (24-12) will battle former world championship challenger Sheymon Moraes (8-1).

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WSOF31: IVANOV VS. COPELAND MAIN CARD COMPLETE WITH ADDITION OF THREE NEW, STAR-STUDDED MATCHUPS

WSOF31: IVANOV VS. COPELAND
MAIN CARD COMPLETE WITH ADDITION

OF THREE NEW, STAR-STUDDED MATCHUPS

WELTERWEIGHT: JOHN HOWARD VS. THIAGO MELLER
Bulu: LUIS PALOMINO VS. SHEYMON MORAES
Abot: CHRIS “HUGGY BEAR” BARNETT VS. JUSTIN WILLIS

LIVE ON NBCSN AT 9 P.M. Lan
FROM MASHANTUCKET, Conn. On Friday, Juni 17

Las Vegas (April 12, 2016) -World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) today announced the addition of three star-studded matchups to complete the main card for its WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland world heavyweight championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) acara, manggon ing NBCSN ing 9 P.M. ET / 6 p.m. saka Foxwoods Resort Casino ing Mashantucket, Conn. on Friday, Juni 17.

In a second heavyweight matchup, dynamic, Rising star Chris "Huggy Bear" Barnett (14-2) will make his World Series of Fighting debut against Team AKA prodigy Justin Willis (4-1).

Also stepping in the decagon cage for the first time, battle-tested warrior John “Doomsday” Howard (23-12) will collide with submission expert Thiago “Minu” Meller (20-7) ing flyweight a (170 kilogram) hubungan.

In a featherweight (145 kilogram) scrap between two prolific strikers, Luis "Baboon" Palomino (24-12) will face off with former world championship challenger Sheymon Moraes (8-1).

Ing acara utama, reigning world heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov (13-1) will risk his title against Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (13-1) nalika, in the lightweight (155 kilogram) co-utama acara, superstars Jason "Ing Kansas City Bandit" High (19-5) lan Mike "Ing Martian" Ricci (11-4) will square off with their division’s number one contender ranking at stake.

Chris Barnett vs. Justin Willis

After spending the last year and a half making waves in Japan, 5-mlaku-9, 29-year-old Barnett of Tampa, Fla. will suit up as “Huggy Bear,” and make his way onto a major stage in the U.S. kanggo pisanan ing kariré.

With heavy hands and tremendous agility for a fighter of his massive stature, Barnett has notched 12 kang 14 Karir kamenangan kanthi cara (T)KO, and has celebrated his wins in flamboyant fashion, with everything from cartwheels to breakdancing to hand stands.

Like Barnett, the stocky, 6-foot-3, 28-iyor-old Willis, a training partner of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) greats Kain Velasquez lan Daniel Cormier, has been enjoying success in Japan under the promotion of Inoki Genome Federation (IFG).

Willis will make his first start of 2016, and look to extend his win streak to four consecutive bouts. In his last effort on August 29, he earned a unanimous decision over Rizvan Kuniev ing Tokyo.

Luis Palomino vs. Sheymon Moraes

The 5-foot-8, 35-year-old Palomino of Miami, Fla. via Lima, Peru is coming off an epic year in which he engaged in twing, all-out wars with reigning, World Series suwé saka Fighting juara entheng Justin "Ing Penting" Gaethje, both of which earned "Fight of the Month” honors.

After closing out 2015 with a gutsy appearance in World Series of Fighting’s first-ever, siji-wengi, eight-man tournament in which he scored a devastating, babak pisanan (4:55) WHO (punches) ing Sugih Patishnock in the event’s quarterfinal stage, before being stopped in the semifinal stage of battle via second round (4:19) WHO (punches) at the hands saka eventual tournament winner Brian Foster, Palomino will return to the featherweight division where he has held two world titles.

The 5-foot-8, 25-year-old Moraes of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil returned to form in his last bout, decimating fellow knockout artist Robbie "Masalah" Peralta by way of TKO (punches) ing babak kapindho (3:21) of their matchup at WSOF26.

A seasoned Muay Thai stylist, Moraes ran to seven straight victories in his first seven starts as a professional MMA competitor before being handed his first career defeat by way of third round (3:46) pengajuan (mburi-wuda keselak) in a title bid against reigning bantamweight (135 kilogram) juara Marlon Moraes.

John Howard vs. Thiago Meller

Following his second stint with the UFC that spanned seven bouts and included victories over Uria Hall, Siyar Bahadurzada lan Cathal Pendred, ing 5-foot-7, 33-year-old Howard of Boston, Massa. will aim to rebound from a second round (:21) KO (punches) mundhut kanggo Tim Means ing Desember 10.

Kanggo tanggal, Howard has notched 15 kang 23 Karir kamenangan kanthi cara (T)KO utawa pengajuan. During his initial run with the UFC between January 2009 and June 2011, Howard scored a memorable, babak katelu (4:55) KO (punches) on submission ace Dennis "Superman" Hallman ing Desember 5, 2009, marking his third consecutive conquest in the league.

Meller of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil will look to collect his second win in a row, following his first round submission (mburi-wuda keselak) saka Leonardo Rodriguez ing Juni 26, 2015.

The 5-foot-10, 33-year-old Meller, a near 13-year veteran of the sport, has emerged victorious in 14 kang 20 career wins, kanthi cara pengajuan.

The preliminary bout card lineup for WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland will be announced soon.

Diregani saka $39.99, tickets for the event are on sale at WSOF.com and Foxwoods.com.

Doors at The Grand Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino will open for WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland, ing 5 P.M. Lan, lan pisanan bab kertu pambuka bakal miwiti ing 6 P.M.

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING RETURNS TO FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN CONNECTICUT WITH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MEGA-EVENT ON FRIDAY, Juni 17, LIVE ON NBCSN

TICKETS FOR WSOF31: IVANOV VS. COPELAND
ON SALE FRIDAY, April 1

LIGHTWEIGHT CO-MAIN EVENT:
JASON HIGH VS. MIKE RICCI

Las Vegas (Maret 29, 2016) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today that it will return to Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. with a stacked lineup of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights led by a world heavyweight championship showdown between reigning kingpin Blagoy Ivanov(13-1) and Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (13-1), manggon ing NBCSN ing 9 P.M. ET / 6 p.m. PT on Friday, Juni 17.

In the lightweight (155 kilogram) co-utama acara, superstars Jason "Ing Kansas City Bandit" High (19-5) lan Mike "Ing Martian" Ricci (11-4) will square off with the number one contender ranking at stake.

Diregani saka $39.99, tickets for WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland, go on sale on Friday, April 1 ing 10 a.m. Lan, at WSOF.com and Foxwoods.com.

“We are looking forward to returning to the great state of Connecticut, and putting on another phenomenal world championship event featuring some of our top superstars, for fans at Foxwoods Resort Casino,"Ngandika World Series of Fighting Presiden Rama pimpinan.

Blagoy Ivanov vs. Josh Copeland

Ivanov of Sulfia, Bulgaria is a 5-foot-11, 29-year-old Judo black belt and Sambo master who has earned 11 kang 13 career MMA wins by way of (T)KO utawa pengajuan. Ing 2008 World Sambo Championships, he made his first big mark in combat sports, defeating all-time great Fedor Emelianenko.

Ivanov made his way to World Series of Fighting after a near-flawless, 8-fight run under the promotion of Bellator, posting an overall, 7-1 record there. He seized the World Series of Fighting heavyweight championship from Smealinho Rama, forcing Rama to tap out from a guillotine choke in the third round (1:17) of their matchup on June 5, 2015, and successfully defended the title for the first time on October 17, damel babak kapindho (4:33) TKO ing Derrick Mehman karo barrage saka punches.

Copeland of Denver, Lap. is coming off his World Series of Fighting debut victory, a unanimous decision over Mike “300” Hayes, at WSOF29 on March 12. 6-mlaku 1, 33-year-old teammate of undefeated World Series of Fighting lightweight champion Justin "Ing Penting" Gaethje has notched 8 kang 13 career wins, to date, liwat (T)KO utawa pengajuan.

Jason High vs. Mike Ricci

Following his near 18-month absence from competition, High of Kansas City, Miss. made his long-awaited return to the cage on November 20 at WSOF25, after signing an exclusive, multi-fight contract with World Series of Fighting, and scored a thunderous, babak kapindho (:47) KO ing Estevan Payan with a head kick-punches combination.

5-mlaku-9, 34-year-old High, a veteran of the UFC and Strikeforce, initially caught the attention of the MMA world while fighting at an elite level in Japan under the promotion of K-1 and Dream where he faced and defeated the likes of Andre Galvão lan Hayato “Mach” Sakurai. High also holds a victory over retired phenom Kula Jordan.

Ricci of Montreal, Quebec, Canada reached the final round on the 16th season of the hit competition reality show Ultimate Petarung.

6-mlaku, 30-year-old member of famed trainer Firas Zahabi’s Tristar Gym fight team is looking for his fourth consecutive win, after defeating the likes of Jorge Gurgel, George Sotiropoulos lan Joe Condon, whom Ricci conquered by way of first round (2:41) KO with a head kick at WSOF25.

Doors at The Grand Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino will open for WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland, ing 5 P.M. Lan, lan pisanan bab kertu pambuka bakal miwiti ing 6 P.M.

Bouts tambahan bakal announced rauh.

THREE NEW MATCHUPS COMPLETE WSOF29: GAETHJE VS. FOSTER MAIN CARD ON SATURDAY, MARCH 12

NEW, LIVE NBCSN START TIME OF 10 P.M. Lan
FROM GREELEY, COLORADO

Las Vegas (Februari 3, 2016) -World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today the addition of three main card matchups, including a heavyweight co-main event contest between Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland(11-3) lan Mike “300” Hayes (19-10-2), to its highly anticipated WSOF29: Gaethje vs. Foster world lightweight (155 kilogram) championship event at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, Lap. ing Setu, Maret 12, manggon ing NBCSN ing 10 P.M. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

In other action on the four-bout live telecast that will be headlined by the lightweight championship showdown between reigning, undefeated kingpin Justin "Ing Penting" Gaethje (15-0) and number one contender Brian Foster (25-9), Men (185 kilogram) standouts Cory "Salah" Devela (15-6) lan Louis "Handgunz" Taylor (11-3) will collide in their respective World Series of Fighting debuts.

Kicking off the live, four-fight telecast will be a welterweight (170 kilogram) scrap pitting Josh Cavan (11-6) marang Kris Hocum (7-4).

Diregani saka $39.99, tickets for WSOF29: Gaethje vs. Foster, are on sale at WSOF.com and the University of Northern Colorado’s online ticketing platform.

Josh Copeland vs. Mike Hayes

The 6-foot-1 Copeland of Denver, Lap. is a former number one ranked heavyweight in his home state, and a four-time title holder since turning professional in 2010.

The 33-year-old, former Youth Ministry student at Dallas Baptist College, wis entuk 8 kang 11 career victories as a professional by way of (T)KO utawa pengajuan, karo 5 of those wins coming in less than 2 menit.

A teammate of Gaethje’s at Grudge Training Center, Copeland will look to rebound from a second round (2:50) pengajuan (Kimura) defeat at the hands ofVitaly Minakov ing Desember 11, a result that snapped a two-fight win streak for Copeland.

During his professional career spanning eight-plus years, the 6-foot-4, 35-year-old Hayes of Redmond, Wash. has faced off with elite level competition, including former world champion Andrei Arlovski and superstar Ruslan Magomedov, both of whom he fought to a decision.

Ing November 2, 2013, Hayes notched his most impressive victory to date, damel ngancurake, babak katelu (3:11) KO on decorated MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling champion Jeff “The Snowman” Monson with a head kick.

In his last start on June 4, 2015, Hayes produced another impressive result, fighting former South African national wrestling champion and four-time MMA titlistTrevor Prangley, to a draw.

Cory Devela vs. Louis Taylor

6-mlaku-2, 31-year-old Devela of Bonney Lake, Wash., will enter the decagon cage in the midst of a four-fight win streak that includes a unanimous decision victory over superstar Nick “The Promise” Ring ing Juni 26, 2015.

A longtime protégé of MMA superstar and submission expert Dennis "Superman" Hallman, Marang, who has notched 11 kang 16 Karir menang kanthi cara (T)KO utawa pengajuan, burst into the national spotlight at a Strikeforce promoted event in Tacoma, Wash. ing Februari 23, 2008, damel babak pisanan (1:22) TKO on heralded superstar Joe "Diesel" Riggs with a thunderous slam that rendered Riggs unable to continue fighting.

Devela’s recent ascendance that has him knocking on the door of becoming a world championship contender again, comes after he took an extended, three-year hiatus from competition to care for a sick loved one between 2010 lan 2013.

Also looking to earn his fifth consecutive win, 5-mlaku-11, 36-year-old Taylor of Chicago, Gerah. is the number one ranked middleweight in his home state, according to the latest Tapology.com ratings.

A prolific striker who has finished 10 kang 11 opponents to date by way of (T)KO utawa pengajuan, Taylor’s last four victories all came inside of the first round of battle.

Prior to becoming a mixed martial artist, Taylor was a wrestling standout for the NCAA Division I program at Eastern Illinois University where he benefited from training with fellow, former team member turned assistant coach Matt Hughes, who went on to become a two-time UFC champion and Hall of Fame member.

Josh Cavan vs. Kris Hocum

Fighting out of Denver, Cavan is a 5-foot-10, 32-taun-lawas, lifelong athlete who competed at the minor league level of professional hockey before turning his attention to MMA. A winner of 9 kang 11 professional career fights by way of (T)KO utawa pengajuan, Cavan will look to bounce back from a second round (1:28) WHO (punches) defeat at the hands of Joe Eichelberger November 6.

The 5-foot-11, 30-year-old Hocum of Fort Collins, Lap. made his professional debut on October 27, 2012 as a participant in a one-night, eight-man tournament, defeating multiple opponents to emerge the victor of the grueling affair. He will look to regain momentum after back-to-back losses in his last two appearances.

The WSOF29 preliminary bout card will be announced soon.