Tag Archives: Mixed Martial Arts

M-1 Global continues worldwide expansion

 

Saint Petersburg, Russia (August 11, 2016) – In nearly 20 years since its founding, M-1 Global has promoted 215 izenzakalo, kuhlanganise kuka 2,000 emidlalweni, in 17 different countries on three continents.
M-1 Global’s homeland of Russia has hosted, kunjalo, the most events with 128. Followed by Yuri Fuuta-led Belarus, which in only five years (2010 to 2014) has presented 29 competitions, and Ukraine, led by Dmitry Khristyuk, kanye 20.
While the three leading hosts of M-1 events are former Soviet Union-bloc nations, the fourth leading host in the MMA World is the United States with 10: 8 independent, M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge and M-1 Breakthrough, which showcased a rising star at that time, King Mo Lawal, Ukuqhathanisa Mark Kerr kwenzeka main, as well as two super shows in partnership with Affliction, lapho fedor Futhimelianenko crushed former UFC champions Tim Sylvia futhi Andrei Arlovski.
In the 2009-2010 era of team World Cup and M-1 Challenge, the most widely traveled around the world, included events held in the Netherlands (5 Teams), Japan (4 Teams), Finland (2 izenzakalo), along with one-time events in Brazil, Futhingland, Spain, Bulgaria and Germany. Representing their country’s national teams in these competitions were the likes of UFC and Bellator fighters such as Gegard Mousasi, Stefan Struve, JakeFuthillenberger, Karl Amossou, Gu Hyun Lim, Christian M`Pumbu, Mikhail Zayats,Dave Jansen, Hakran Diaz, Futhiiel Weichel futhi Niko Puhakka, the future winner of Grand Prix KSW.
M-1 Global’s recent history in Georgia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan added to its collection of diverse location events, plus an unprecedented event in China for any MMA organization, the inaugural show, “Battle in Yenaaven,” was held in Beijing, followed by the Chhendu stage of the tournament, “Road to M-1”. Futhi, the “Road to M-1project was a trial for M-1 Global’s move into Germany.
Seventeen countries have hosted M-1 Global events as the Russia-based organization continues to expand its borders. Future M-1 Global plans include hosting events in the UAE, Indonesia and Monaco.
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BELLATOR 93 REMATCH TO FEATURE PROMINENTLY ON NEF 25 IMPI CARD

Lewiston, Maine (August 11, 2016) - New England ayalwa (NEF) returns to Lewiston on September 10, 2016 with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS.NEF executives announced earlier today that Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (7-5) futhi Jon Lemke (5-6) will square off for the second time in their respective careers. Lemke won the first meeting at NEF’s co-promotion with Bellator, “Bellator 93,in the spring of 2013. The bout will take place in the 155-pound lightweight division.

 

Originally scheduled to take place earlier this month atNEF Presents Dana White: Lookinfor a Fightin Bangor, Erickson-Lemke II was postponed when Erickson suffered an injury in training. Devin Powell (8-1) stepped in to replace Erickson in the bout. While he was stopped late in the first round, Lemke put on a valiant performance, shattering Powell’s nose in the process. Lemke hopes to get back on the winning track atNEF 25.

 

My last couple of performances have been a bit disappointing for me as a fighter, so I wanted to fight again as soon as possible and figure this out,” wathi Lemke. “I am incredibly grateful for another opportunity to fight for NEF. I am learning how to separate who I am as a person and man versus who I am as a fighter when I step in to that cage. This will enable me to stop holding back and really leave it all in the cage. Jesse is a fighter through and through and this will be a great battle for sure.

 

Erickson, Ngokwesinye isandla, is coming off a brutal knockout victory over Amos Collins (4-5) lokhu June esidlule. It was just the latest in a string of improved striking performances from Erickson in the past couple of years. He says that he will welcome the opportunity to stand and exchange with Lemke should the opportunity present itself.

 

I can’t wait to step into the NEF cage against Jon,” said Erickson. “I Ziningi nenhlonipho enginayo ngaye. He is a talented well rounded fighter and always puts on a show. He beat me in my pro debut, but that was years ago and I’m very excited to show everyone how far I’ve come. I’m not the same fighter I was then and now that I’ve recovered from injury, I look forward to competing against him. Most people expect me to look for the takedown to utilize my jiu jitsu, but I love to strike and want to show him and everyone else that I’ve got Thor’s hammer in these hands. If he thinks the outcome will be the same and he will walk through me, it’ll be a rough night for him. Victory or Valhalla.

 

umzuliswano olandelayo New England ayalwa ', "NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée e Lewiston, Maine. Tickets start at just $25 futhi ukudayiswa manje www.TheColisee.com noma ngokumemeza Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

 

Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe mcimbi fight updates ikhadi, sicela uvakashele iwebhusayithi ukukhuthazwa sika at www.NewEnglandFights.com. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ungakwazi watch NEF imiqophi at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, landela them on Twitternefights futhi ukuhamba neqembu Facebook esemthethweni "New England Ilwisana."

BANTAMWEIGHT STANDOUTS JOE WARREN AND SIRWAN KAKAI SET FOR BATTLE DURING CO-MAIN EVENT OF ‘BELLATOR 161’

 

Santa Monica, Calif (August 10, 2016) – A bantamweight showdown pitting Joe Warren (13-5) ngokumelene Sirwan Kakai (12-4) has been added to the main card of "Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson," ebanjwa on September 16 inside the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Texas, and will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE.

The bantamweight contest joins a heavyweight main event featuring Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) ukuthatha on Tony Johnson (10-2), and the U.S. DEBUT of Anastasia Yankova (3-0), ohlangabezana Veta Arteaga (2-0). Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Amathikithi for "Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” ukuqalisa at kuphela $25 can be purchased at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster, or the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park Box Office. The event will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 10 p.m. KANYE/9 p.m. CT.

A 15-fight veteran of Bellator MMA and champion in not one but two different weight classes, Warren enters the cage with an 11-4 mark under the Scott Coker-led promotion, including multiple streaks of five consecutive wins. Dating back to 2015, the 2006 Pan American and World Champion wrestler has made three consecutive appearances in Bellator’s main event, including an impressive unanimous decision victory over L.C. Davis at "Bellator 143: Warren vs. Davis. " Hailing from Denver, Colorado, the “Baddest Man on the Planet” will look to become the first-ever fighter to knock out Kakai when the two meet in main card action on SPIKE.

 

Nicknamed “Zohan,” Kakai comes into the fight in search of his first career win under the Bellator MMA banner. At nje 26 iminyaka yobudala, the Swedish submission specialist hopes to make a splash against the former two-division champion in Warren. Since making his professional debut in 2008, Kakai has recorded 12 wins as a pro, with half coming by way of submission. Prior to joining the Bellator MMA fray, Kakai made a splash fighting under the direction of the UFC, recording a unanimous decision victory over Danny Martinez in his promotional debut. Kakai now faces one of the most challenging opponents Bellator MMA’s stacked bantamweight division has to offer when he enters the cage on September 16 at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.

 

Kubuyekeziwe "Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” Main Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) vs. Tony Johnson (10-2)

Bantamweight Co-Main Event: Joe Warren (13-5) vs. Sirwan Kakai (12-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Anastasia Yankova (3-0) vs. Veta Arteaga (2-0)

IT WILL BE CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION ON SEPTEMBER 10 IN Lewiston

Lewiston, Maine (August 9, 2016) – In a rare occurrence, two champions from two different weight divisions will square off onSeptember 10, 2016 when New England Fights presents “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS” e Lewiston. Reigning NEF MMA Amateur Bantamweight Champion Johnny Crafts (4-0) will come up in weight to challenge Caleb Hall (7-3) for Hall’s NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Title.

 

Caleb Hall was a two-time Maine state champion wrestling for Dirigo High School in Dixfield. He would go on to wrestle for Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, as well as the University of Southern Maine. At “NEF 22” this past spring, Hall captured the vacant featherweight title by submitting Erik Nelson (2-3) e emzuliswaneni wesibili. In the upcoming bout with Crafts, Hall will be looking to not only retain his title, but to also gain a measure of revenge against Crafts who defeated Hall’s teammate Henry Clark (3-2) ukuwa last.

 

Johnny’s making a big mistake coming up in weight trying to take my belt,” said Hall. “I will avenge my teammate, Henry Clark, and put him away early.

 

Johnny Crafts is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ). As mentioned, Crafts defeated Henry Clark of the Choi Institute last fall to claim the amateur bantamweight title. On September 10, Crafts hopes to make history by becoming the first competitor to simultaneously hold two championships in two different weight divisions.

 

I’m honestly just excited to get in there and have a brutal, fun fight,” said Crafts. “It’s going to be a guaranteed war versus Caleb. It’s less focus on cutting weight at 145 for me and more on the training camp. I’m going to be the most technical and strong I have ever been for this fight.

 

umzuliswano olandelayo New England ayalwa ', "NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée e Lewiston, Maine. Tickets start at just $25 futhi ukudayiswa manje www.TheColisee.com noma ngokumemeza Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.

 

Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe mcimbi fight updates ikhadi, sicela uvakashele iwebhusayithi ukukhuthazwa sika at www.NewEnglandFights.com. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ungakwazi watch NEF imiqophi at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, landela them on Twitternefights futhi ukuhamba neqembu Facebook esemthethweni "New England Ilwisana."

 

CHINZO MACHIDA SET FOR BELLATOR MMA DEBUT DURING PRELIMINARY PORTION OF ‘BELLATOR 160: HENDERSON VS. PITBULL’

 

Santa Monica, Calif (August 8, 2016) - Chinzo Machida (3-2) will make his promotional debut in featherweight preliminary action at "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” on August 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., ngokumelene Mario Navarro (4-4).

The fight joins a main card that includes a lightweight main event between fellow superstars Benson Henderson (23-6) futhi Patricio “Pitbull” (25-3). Ngaphezu kwalokho, Ezingakanqotshwa Knockout artist A.J. McKee (4-0) clashes with former KOTC titlist Henry Corrales (12-3), while explosive lightweights You Awad(19-7) futhi Derek Anderson (13-2) go toe-to-toe in a matchup that you do not want to miss. Rounding out the televised action is a women’s flyweight encounter pitting Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) ngokumelene Jaimelene Nievera (4-1).

During the must-see preliminary portion of the event, Bubba Jenkins (11-2) will look for revenge against Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan (24-6-1) in a featherweight rematch. In welterweight action, both Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. futhi Joey Davis will both suit up for the first time under the Bellator umbrella and make their professional debuts.

"Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” ithatha indawo August 26 inside Anaheim California’s Honda Center, and will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 10 p.m. KANYE/9 p.m. CT.

Lezivalo umcimbi evuliwe 4:45 p.m. PT local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com futhi I Bellator Mobile App — uqala at 5:00 p.m. PT. Amathikithi umcimbi uqale nje $30 and can be purchased now on Ticketmaster and at the Honda Center Box Office.

Machida, the elder brother of former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, has only fought five times in his career, but is currently riding a two-fight winning streak. Machida impressively finished Brian Wood via flying knee for Resurrection Fighting Alliance in 2014 futhi phezu August 26 Machida will be fighting an opponent who’s currently on the opposite end of the spectrum, and has lost his last two outings. If unfamiliar with Machida’s handy work, look no further than his aforementioned finish of Wood here.

Navarro, 33, has competed almost exclusively in his home state of California, kanye 7 of 8 fights taking place a short drive from his home in Huntington Beach. A two-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, “Handsome” has competed against Cleber Luciano and Brandon Bender under the Scott Coker-led promotion and will look to get back to his winning ways in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 26.

Qedela "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” SPIKE-Televised Main Card:

Lightweight No. 1 Contender Main Event: Benson Henderson (23-6) vs. Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (25-3)

UHlelo Co-Main Indawo: You Awad (19-7) vs. Derek Anderson (13-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (4-0) vs. Henry Corrales (12-3)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Chinzo Machida (3-2) vs. Mario Navarro (4-4)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Bubba Jenkins (11-2) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joey Davis (Pro Debut) vs. Keith Cutrone (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Pro Debut) vs. Jon Tomasian (Pro Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Gabriel Green (2-0) vs. Alex Trinidad (1-0)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Steve Ramirez (4-1) vs. Ron Henderson (4-2)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Kyle Estrada (3-2) vs. David Duran (3-4)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Segura (4-3) vs. Jacob Rosales (3-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Jonny Cisneros (9-4) vs. Andy Murad (12-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jake Roberts (6-0) vs. Stephen Martinez (11-4)

NEW ENGLAND FIGHTS SELLS OUT IN BANGOR

Bangor, Maine (August 6, 2016) - New England ayalwa (NEF) held its most recent event, “NEF Presents Dana White: Lookinfor a Fight,Friday night at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. The event sold out moments before doors opened to the public. Over 1200 fans in attendance witnessed a wild night of eight professional bouts. The crowd included UFC President Dana White who was in attendance to film a future episode of his web series.

 

Fight of the night went to Aaron Lacey (2-0) futhi John Santos (3-4). The two featherweights battled back and forth for a grueling, and bloody, 15-amaminithi. Lacey was declared the winner by split decision on the judges’ scorecards.

 

In a rematch from 2014, NEF MMA Professional Esilula Champion Devin Powell (8-1) took on Jon Lemke (5-6) in a non-title catchweight contest. In a repeat of the first bout, Powell scored the win over Lemke with a first round submission.

 

Ryan Sanders (11-8) futhi Derrick Kennington (11-8) were the third fight of the evening to go the distance with Sanders picking up the victory via unanimous decision.

 

In the bantamweight main event, Brazilian prospect Ricardo Lucas Ramos (9-1) submitted Glendale, California Alfred Khashakyan (7-3) e emzuliswaneni wesibili.

 

The results from Bangor, Maine:

 

Ricardo Lucas Ramos def. Alfred Khashakyan via rear-naked choke, round 2

Ryan Sanders def. Derrick Kennington via unanimous decision
Devin Powell def. Jon Lemke via rear-naked choke submission, round 1

Aaron Lacey def. John Santos via split decision

David Mundell def. Jarod Lawton via unanimous decision

CJ Ewer def. Ruben Redman via KO, round 1

Derrick Brown def. Brendan Battles via TKO, round 2

Josh Harvey def. Zénon Herrera nge TKO, round 1

 

umzuliswano olandelayo New England ayalwa ', "NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée e Lewiston, Maine. Tickets start at just $25 futhi ukudayiswa manje www.TheColisee.com noma ngokumemeza Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.

 

Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe mcimbi fight updates ikhadi, sicela uvakashele iwebhusayithi ukukhuthazwa sika at www.NewEnglandFights.com. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ungakwazi watch NEF imiqophi at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, landela them on Twitternefights futhi ukuhamba neqembu Facebook esemthethweni "New England Ilwisana."

“SEXY MEXY” AND UFC® VET DANNY MARTINEZ STEP IN FOR INJURED FIGHTERS IN MAIN AND CO-MAIN EVENT BOUTS AT COMBATE AMERICAS ON THURSDAY, Aug. 11, LIVE ON UFC FIGHT PASS® FROM LOS ANGELES

New featherweight main event:
John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda replaces injured Erick Sanchez against Angel Cruz

New flyweight co-main event:
Danny Martinez in for injured Jonathan Martinez against Benjamin Vinson

NEW YORK – August 4, 2016 - COMBATE Americas, the U.S yokuqala ngqa. LweSpanishi Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, today announced new main event and co-main event matchups for its 10-bout fight card that will air live on UFC FIGHT PASS® from The Exchange in Los Angeles, Calif. onThursday, Aug. 11 at 9:30 p.m. KANYE/6:30 p.m. PT.

Streaking star John "Sexy Sexy" Castaneda (10-2) will step in for Erick Sanchez, who suffered a staph infection, and face off with Angel “Tito” Cruz(5-2) in the featherweight (145 amakhilogremu) main event at “Aspira A Mas Presents Combate Americas: CombateOCHO,” while four-time UFC® veteran Danny “The Gremlin” Martinez will replace a hurt (knee injury) Jonathan Martinez(19-7) in the flyweight (125 amakhilogremu) co-main event contest with Benjamin Vinson (8-3-1).

Ngaphezu kwalokho, the planned women’s atomweight (105 amakhilogremu) matchup phakathi Kyra "Mogwai" Batara (5-3) futhi Lisa Ellis (15-10) has been scrapped due to a hamstring injury sustained by Batara.

“We wish Erick, Jonathan and Kyra speedy and full recoveries, and have the utmost respect for John Castaneda and Danny Martinez, two ferocious warriors who did not hesitate to accept our offers to face super tough opponents in the top two fights on our card, isaziso iDemo,"Kusho COMBATE Americas CEO Campbell McLaren.

The 24-year-old Castaneda of Mankato, Ibhayisikobho. is riding a five-fight win streak, the last three of which came inside the Combate Americas cage, or “La Jaula.”

Kuze kube manje, the fast-rising star who normally competes at bantamweight (135 amakhilogremu), but who began his career as a featherweight, has notched 7 of yakhe 10 umculi okhokhelwayo iwina ngendlela (T)KO noma ukuzithoba.

Martinez of Chula Vista, Calif. will see action for the first time since his unanimous decision win over Richie Vaculik at UFC 193 last November 14.

The 31-year-old finisher, originally hailing from Tempe, Ariz., uzuze 14 of yakhe 19 career zokunqoba ngendlela (T)KO noma ukuzithoba.

Tickets for “Aspira A Mas Presents Combate Americas: CombateOCHO,” priced from $40, are on sale at ItsMySeat.com as well as at The Exchange box office. UFC FIGHT PASS is available on: personal computers, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Sony TVs with Android TV and Roku devices.

Doors at the Exchange LA open for the event at 5:30 p.m. PT, owokuqala wokulungiselela ikhadi iziqubu uzoqala at 6 p.m. The live UFC FIGHT PASS stream will commence at 6:30 p.m.

COMBATE AMERICAS: CombateOCHO

Featherweight Main Event:
John Castaneda vs. Angel Cruz

Flyweight Co-Main Event:
Danny Ramirez vs. Benjamin Vinson

Flyweight: Heinrich Wassmer vs. Benji Gomez
Featherweight: Izic Fernandez vs. Mark Bonilla
Flyweight: Jonathan Santa Maria vs. Albert Tapia
Featherweight: Jonathan Quiroz vs. Ryan Lilley
Esilula: Jose Estrada vs. Christian Cardona
Esilula: Erick Gonzalez vs. Yoandy Carrillo
Welterweight: Daniel Rodriguez vs. Hector Saldana
Welterweight: George Hernandez vs. Hakob Ter Petrosyan

ANASTASIA YANKOVA PUTS UNDEFEATED RECORD ON THE LINE AGAINST VETA ARTEAGA ON SEPTEMBER 16AT ‘BELLATOR 161’

Santa Monica, Calif (August 4, 2016) – A flyweight bout pitting Anastasia Yankova (3-0) ngokumelene Veta Arteaga (2-0) has been added to the SPIKE-televised portion of "Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson," ebanjwa on September 16 at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Texas.

The fight joins a main card that features a heavyweight main event pitting French phenom Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) against the streaking Tony Johnson (10-2). Additional main and preliminary contests will be announced shortly.

Lezivalo umcimbi evuliwe 7:45 p.m. CT local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com futhi I Bellator Mobile App — uqala at 8:00 p.m. CT. Amathikithi umcimbi uqale nje $25 and can be purchased now at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster, or the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park Box Office.

The 25-year-old Yankova will make her second appearance of the year, after garnering the attention of the MMA world with an impressive promotional debut in Italy at "Bellator 152: Pitbull vs. Souza.” The Russian submission specialist began her professional career 2-0, before earning her first victory under the direction of Bellator MMA with an impressive first round armbar victory. An avid artist outside of the cage, Yankova hopes to carve out her next masterpiece when she returns to action on Isikhombisa. 16.

Since making her professional debut earlier this year, Arteaga has strung together back-to-back wins, including a unanimous decision victory over Jackie Vandenburgh in her promotional debut at "Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef. " Ngakho kude, each of Arteaga’s first two wins have gone to the judges’ table, leaving the 28-year-old Boise, Idaho native itching for her first career stoppage win.

 

Kubuyekeziwe "Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” Main Card:

Bellator MMA wesibhakela Main Indawo: Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) vs. Tony Johnson (10-2)

Bellator MMA Flyweight Feature Bout: Anastasia Yankova (3-0) vs. Veta Arteaga (2-0)

LENA OVCHYNNIKOVA-JAIMELENE NIEVERA FLYWEIGHT ENCOUNTER COMPLETES STACKED MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 160’ AT HONDA CENTER ON AUG. 26

PRELIMINARY CARD CONTINUES TO TAKE SHAPE

Santa Monica, Calif (August 2, 2016) – A flyweight matchup pitting Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) ngokumelene Jaimelene Nievera (4-1) has been added to the main card of "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” on August 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

 

The fight joins a main card that includes a lightweight main event between fellow superstars Benson Henderson (23-6) futhi Patricio “Pitbull”(25-3). Ngaphezu kwalokho, Ezingakanqotshwa Knockout artist A.J. McKee (4-0) clashes with former KOTC titlist Henry Corrales (12-3), while explosive lightweights You Awad (19-7) futhi Derek Anderson (13-2) go toe-to-toe in a matchup that you do not want to miss.

 

During the must-see preliminary portion of the event, Bubba Jenkins (11-2) will look for revenge against Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan (24-6-1) in a featherweight rematch. In welterweight action, both Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. futhi Joey Davis will both suit up for the first time under the Bellator umbrella when they make their professional debuts.

 

"Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” ithatha indawo August 26 inside Anaheim California’s Honda Center, and will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 10 p.m. KANYE/9 p.m. CT.

 

Lezivalo umcimbi evuliwe 4:45 p.m. PT local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com futhi I Bellator Mobile App — uqala at 5:00 p.m. PT. Amathikithi umcimbi uqale nje $30 and can be purchased now on Ticketmaster and at the Honda Center Box Office.

 

Fighting out of Ukraine, Ovchynnikova will enter the cage in search of her first win under the Bellator MMA banner since joining the promotion at the beginning of this year. After making her professional debut in 2006, “Hunter” came out guns blazing, earning victories in each of her initial eight bouts. Of her 11 career wins, eight have come by way of submission, including six of the armbar variety.

 

Nievera will prepare to challenge the Ukrainian star in what is surely the stiffest test of her young career. Fresh off an emphatic knockout win over Stephanie Frausto at "Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo," the Union City, Calif., native is eager to once again step back into the cage and represent Bellator MMA. Nicknamed “Queenie,” the 31-year-old Dragon House MMA product has her eyes set on building off of her current three-fight winning streak when she takes center stage in Anaheim on August 26.

 

Kubuyekeziwe "Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” SPIKE-Televised Main Card:

Lightweight No. 1 Contender Main Event: Benson Henderson (23-6) vs. Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (25-3)

UHlelo Co-Main Indawo: You Awad (19-7) vs. Derek Anderson (13-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (4-0) vs. Henry Corrales (12-3)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Bubba Jenkins (11-2) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joey Davis (Pro Debut) vs. Keith Cutrone (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Pro Debut) vs. Johnny Tomasian (Pro Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Gabriel Green (2-0) vs. Alex Trinidad (1-0)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Steve Ramirez (4-1) vs. Ron Henderson (4-2)

UFC SUPERSTAR JULIANNA PEÑA, DANNY CASTILLO TO HOST FIRST-EVER COMBATE AMERICAS OPEN FIGHTER TRYOUT IN LOS ANGELES ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

PRE-REGISTRATION PROCESS UNDERWAY
ON COMBATEAMERICAS.COM

TRYOUT TAKES PLACE TWO DAYS FOLLOWING
COMBATE AMERICAS LIVE EVENT ON UFC FIGHT PASS®

NEW YORK – August 2, 2016 – Combate Americas today announced that reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC) women’s bantamweight (135 amakhilogremu) superstar Julianna “The Venezuelan Vixen” Peña, along with 14-time UFC veteran and Team Alpha Male standout Danny “Last Call” Castillo and journalist Andrea Calle, will host the first-ever open tryout for the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, in Los Angeles, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 13.

All men and women, ubudala 18 futhi phezu, who are interested in participating in the tryout with the opportunity to earn a multi-fight promotional agreement with Combate Americas, can pre-register online at www.CombateAmericas.com.

Castillo and Calle will preside over the event, while Peña, along with Combate Americas referee Mike Beltran and Combate Americas Fight Director Mel Valenzuela, will comprise the panel of judges for the tryout that will take place two days after the much-anticipated, 10-bout “Aspira A Mas Presents Combate Americas: Combate OCHO” event, live on UFC FIGHT PASS® from Exchange LA.

“We are on an aggressive hunt to give undiscovered, hungry talent the opportunity to shine on our big stage, and hosting an open tryout in one of the major cities of the U.S. that is also a hotbed for combat sports is one of the best ways to achieve this,” said Combate Americas CEO and UFC co-founder Campbell McLaren.

The tryout process will begin at 12 p.m. and will put candidates through a variety of drills testing speed, ukukhuthazela namandla.

Basic boxing, kickboxing and grappling skills will also be examined.

Ontengo yakhe yayinqunyiwe kusuka $40, tickets for the “Aspira A Mas Presents Combate Americas: Combate Ocho,” 10-bout event are on sale at ItsMySeat.com as well as at The Exchange box office. UFC FIGHT PASS is available on personal computers, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV and Roku devices.

In the featherweight (145 amakhilogremu) Umcimbi main, Urijah Faber protégé Erick Sanchez (7-2) of Sacramento, Calif. will look for his third win in the Combate Americas cage, noma "La Cage,” and fourth consecutive victory overall when he squares off with dangerous finisher Angel “Tito” Cruz (5-2) of Rio Piedras, P.R.

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MAYELANA COMBATE ASEMELIKA
COMBATE Americas, LLC. is the first U.S. LweSpanishi Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) ezemidlalo franchise emlandweni, designed to build Latino fighting champions and serve Hispanic fans, one of the world’s most avid groups of prize fighting enthusiasts. The Combate Americas franchise includes reality TV programming, live events and mobile programming. The company’s CEO, Campbell McLaren, is universally recognized as the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). New York Magazine described McLaren as “the genius marketing ngemuva UFC” futhi Yahoo! Ezemidlalo wamemezela ukuthi “uyazi okwengeziwe sport kuka nje ngomuntu kuwo namuhla.” With an unprecedented product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Americas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.