Tag Archives: Mixed Martial Arts

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

WOMEN CONTINUE TO EXCEL IN THE NEF MMA CAGE

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Lewiston, Maine (May 17, 2016) – Just days removed from hosting a “Fight of the Year” candidate in Hyannis, Massachusetts between Kylie O’Hearn (1-0) and Angela Young (1-2), New England Fights (NEF) announced that the fight promotion’s cage would host another women’s amateur bout in Lewiston on June 18, 2016.  At “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND,” NEF veteran Alex Walker (0-1) returns to the cage to meet newcomer Nicole Burgess (0-0) in an amateur strawweight bout.

 

Walker arrived in NEF in the spring of 2015 to face Randi Beth Boyington (1-3) in what was the cage debut for both women.  Just like O’Hearn and Young did this past weekend in Hyannis, Walker and Boyington stole the show at “NEF 17.”  They battled tooth-and-nail for three rounds before Boyington took a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.

 

Walker is expected to give another “Fight of the Night” performance at “NEF 24” after an injury forced her out of competition for the past year.  Those who know her, including her coach and teammates at Team Kaze in Lancaster, New Hampshire, say that Walker lives to fight.  Being unable to climb into the cage for so long has made Walker more determined than ever.

 

“I can’t wait to fight in Maine again,” exclaimed Walker when reached for comment.  “I had an injury last year, a month after my fight with Randi Beth. I am recovered and ready to go. It killed me to be on the sidelines. I feel like I earned some respect and some fans in Maine and I don’t want to lose that. I am sure this girl will be ready, but she won’t be ready for me! Between life’s hardships, surgery, losses, and whatever else, I will not quit until I am successful! It would mean a lot to me to get my first W in front of the Maine fans on June 18th!”

 

Standing opposite Walker on June 18 will be Nicole Burgess.  If the name sounds familiar to NEF fans, it should.  She is the sister of NEF MMA fighter Ryan Burgess (2-0).  Ryan is the reigning NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Champion.  The undefeated streak of the Burgess family in the NEF cage will be on her shoulders at “NEF 24.”

 

Burgess, a native of Mexico, Maine, wrestled and played field hockey for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine prior to attending Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire.  While at Mountain Valley, she placed three times at states in wrestling.  She currently trains with Berserkers MMA.

 

“I’m excited about this opportunity to finally get in the cage,” said Burgess.  “After seeing my brother win the title at 125, it really amped me up to take this on since I’ve been wrestling with him for years. This will be an opportunity to show people what I’m made of. I’m ready for a fight.”

 

“Women’s fights have stolen the show at three different NEF events in the past year,” stated NEF matchmaker and co-owner Matt Peterson.  “This one will be no different.  Women’s fights in MMA are not a novelty.  From the regional level right up to the UFC, female athletes are excelling to heights unseen in other sports.  The sky is the limit for Nicole and Alex.  I can’t wait for this one!”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR MMA EXTENDS CONTRACT OF STANDOUT BANTAMWEIGHT SUPERSTAR DARRION ‘THE WOLF’ CALDWELL

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 16, 2016) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the contract extension of undefeated bantamweight superstar Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (9-0) to an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract.

 

“Darrion is a fighter who I really think has that x-factor,” said President Scott Coker. “After his last fight, I looked at our matchmaker and I just said, ‘Wow, this is kid is exploding with talent.’ I’m very happy we were able to get this deal done and I look forward to seeing this star rise for years to come.”

 

Growing up in New Jersey, Caldwell was a talented, multi-sport athlete who shined the brightest on the wrestling mats. After becoming a three-time high school state champion in New Jersey, “The Wolf” naturally joined “The Wolfpack,” earning a spot on the North Carolina State University wrestling squad. With the Wolfpack, he continued dominate his opponents, winning the NCAA national wrestling championship in 2009.

 

Making his professional MMA debut in 2012, the 28-year-old has looked seemingly unstoppable at times throughout his first nine fights. In his last outing, the six-fight Bellator MMA veteran Caldwell convincingly defeated former two-division Bellator champion, and Greco-Roman world champion wrestler Joe Warren. You can watch the video by clicking on the photo’s below.

 

“Bellator has been nothing but good to me,” Caldwell shared with the MMA Hour this morning. “They saw my talent early on in my career and they came after me… I’m here to let everyone know I’m going to continue my talents at Bellator MMA… With Bellator Jumping on board, it’s time to get married. I’m in it for the long run.”

 

Caldwell is nothing if not confident in himself, continuing with host Ariel Helwani:  “I’ve always been a star, but it’s just been about getting on that platform and Bellator is giving me that opportunity… I don’t think any 135-pounder can see me, ya feel me? Whether its UFC, Bellator, anywhere in the world there isn’t a 135-pounder that can beat me.”

 

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

PHIL DAVIS REAFFIRMS HIMSELF AS LIAM MCGEARY’S NEXT CHALLENGER WITH WIN OVER KING MO

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Full Event Photos Here

San Jose, Calif. (May 14, 2016) — In the main event of Bellator MMA’s return home to San Jose, Phil Davis and King Mo showcased why their widely regarded as two of the top light heavyweights on the planet. In the end, it was Davis who emerged victorious, taking home a unanimous decision with scores of 29-28, 30-27, 30-27.

The first ten minutes of action were razor thin, with both men using their strengths to gain the upper hand. For Lawal, the American Top Team standout relied heavily upon his power punching, throwing overhand rights with frequency. Davis used his lower limbs, keeping Mo at distance with leg kicks and short jabs. The tides really began to shift in the final frame though, as Davis clipped his opponent with a shot that he parlayed into a single-leg takedown, nearly finishing the bout with a kimura.

After his hand was raised, Davis was joined inside the cage by current Bellator 205-pound kingpin Liam McGeary who will likely face Davis in “Mr. Wonderful’s” next action. The two traded words and passed the eye test when it comes to a future Bellator MMA main event matchup.

Welterweight Bloodbath Ends in TKO Victory for Saad Awad

In the co-main event of “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo,” Saad Awad (19-7) provided one of the most entertaining performances of the night with a first round TKO win over “Cyborg” Santos (21-17). The knockout came just 4:31 into the bout, when Awad unleashed a flurry of hammer fists that left forced referee Jason Herzog to call a stop to the action. “Assassin” fought off a brutal toe hold earlier in the round and countered with relentless blows to the sides of Santos’ head, eventually opening a large cut that spilled blood onto the canvas. With victories in four of his last five bouts and now a victory at 170-pounds to boot, the options for Awad’s future with the promotion remain endless.

San Diego-Labiano Give it All in Swing Bout on SPIKE 

With two quick stoppages to start the card, Bellator aired a swing bout between Josh San Diego (7-1) and Jeremiah Labiano (9-5). A native of San Jose, “JSD” took full advantage of his opportunity on the big stage, and capped off the fight with a rapid flurry of attacks to end the final frame, earning himself a unanimous decision (29-28) victory over Labiano in front of a loud, hometown crowd. The win is “JSD’s” second with the promotion, both of which ended via unanimous decision.

Piccolotti Continues to Submit Opponents, Finishes Wood on Short Notice

In a highly emotional bout, Adam Piccolotti (8-0) thoroughly dominated Ray Wood (7-2) over the course of their lightweight bout, sealing the deal after 3:17 with a standing rear-naked choke submission. The win was Adam “Bomb’s” second first-round finish and the quickest of his budding career. With the victory, the Half Moon Bay, Calif. native remains undefeated and has solidified himself as one of the company’s brightest young prospects. Piccolotti was originally slated to fight Jordan Parsons before his death, which Bellator instated a memorial scholarship fund in his honor earlier on in the day.

Fialho Remains Unbeaten With Monstrous Hammer Fist Knockout

 

In the opening bout of the main card on SPIKE, Andre Fialho (7-0) finished Rick Reger (7-2) with a vicious hammer fist knockout 2:11 into the first frame. Fialho was the aggressor from the get-go, setting the tone early and often with heavy fists and quick combinations. The 22-year-old Portuguese star continues to climb the ranks in a stacked Bellator welterweight division, as he remains undefeated with six consecutive knockouts and back-to-back first round finishes since joining the Bellator fray. At the conclusion of the fight, Fialho took a moment to acknowledge the significance of his win, dedicating the victory to his friend who had recently passed away.

Preliminary Results:

James Chapman (1-0) defeated Sean Tucker (0-1) via TKO (punches) at 4:41 of round two

Anthony Taylor (1-1) defeated Victor Jones (0-2) via KO at 0:27 of round one

Danasabe Mohammed (4-0) defeated Martin Sano (4-2) via KO (punches) at 1:18 of round one

Josh Paiva (8-1) defeated Steven Gruber (5-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:14 of round two

Sam Spengler (9-5) defeated Doyle Childs (2-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Joshua Hardwick (1-0) defeated Jorge Acosta (1-2) via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:21 of round one

Jamielene Nievara (4-1) defeated Stephanie Frausto (5-6) via TKO at 2:43 of round three

Mark Dickman (11-2) defeated Thomas Diagne (5-6-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:05 of round three

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, wrestling

BELLATOR TO INSTATE THE ‘JORDAN PARSONS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND’

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On May 4, the world lost an incredibly talented mixed martial artist and an even better human being with the passing of Jordan Parsons. Today, Bellator MMA has committed to ensuring that his legacy lives on in the form of a yearly scholarship to “Pretty Boy’s” favorite wrestling camp. With the newly-announced Jordan Parsons Scholarship Fund, Bellator will annually send a young wrestler to “The J Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camp” where Parsons honed his skills.

 “Jordan Parsons was an integral part of the Bellator family and his devastating loss is one that we are all continuing to mourn,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “In collaborating with Jordan’s family, we are very proud to announce this scholarship program in his name. We are hopeful that the future recipients of this scholarship will be afforded a wrestling education and honor Parson’s name by embodying the passion and intensity that he had for this sport and life in general.”

In 2007, a 16-year-old Jordan Parsons spent two weeks at the J Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camp, which offers several locations across the country taught by University of Minnesota Head Coach J Robinson.

“We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jordan Parsons,” said Robinson. “We are humbled and honored that the Parsons family and Bellator have committed to send a deserving wrestler to one of our Camps. We will work as hard as we can at helping that wrestler reach their goals and create a positive change in their life, while honoring Jordan’s memory.”

“I couldn’t be more grateful for all of the support that Scott Coker and Bellator are providing with this scholarship fund,” said Parson’s mother Anna Morsaw. “This camp really helped Jordan develop into a better wrestler, and more importantly a better young man. He came home with J Robinsons ‘Never Quit, Never Give up’ mentality engrained in him. he learned to set goals, reach his goals and then set new goals. Bellator is doing their part to make Jordan a legend, and that’s what he always wanted.”

Details on how to apply for the scholarship will be announced in the near future.

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA

Injury forces Ramazan Emeev to withdraw from M-1 Challenge 68 vs. Alexander Shlemenko June 16 in St. Petersburg, Russia

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For Immediate Release
 
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (May 14, 2016) – An elbow injury has forced M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev (pictured to left) to withdraw from his June 16thshowdown with  Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko at M-1 Challenge 68 at Yubileyny Sports Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Emeev (14-3-0, M-1: 8-1-0) suffered a torn ligament in his elbow during training camp, postponing his M-1 Grand Prix Middleweight Championship fight against Shlemenko (52-9-0, M-1: 3-0-0) to a future date pending Emeev’s recovery period.
 
M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (25-6-0, M-1: 9-3-0) will make his first title defense against Attila “Pumuklo” Vegh (29-6-2, M-1: 0-0-0) at M-1 Challenge 68.  A match between Russian middleweight Valery “The Russian Hammer” Myasnikov (10-1-1, M-1: 1-1-1) and Spanish veteran Enoc Solves Torres (18-9-0, M-1: 5-6-0) has also been announced for the June 16th card.
“This is a tough blow for our organization because there is only one month before M-1 Challenge 68 and we have lost one of our main event fighters,” M-1 Global presidentVadim Finkelchtein said.  “It was the most anticipated fights for fans.  We still have a great heavyweight title fight between defending champion Alexander Volkov and challenger Attila Vegh and we’re looking for a suitable replacement for Emeev to fight Shlemenko.  M-1 Global has been working under a lot of pressure recently but, never-the-less, we continue to promote great events for our loyal fans.  We will do everything possible to keep our fans happy.”
M-1 Challenge 68 will be streamed live from St. Petersburg in high definition onwww.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
 
Upcoming M-1 Global Events:
 
May 27 – M-1 Challenge 66: Nemkov vs. Yusopov, Orenburg City, Russia
June 4 – M-1 Challenge 67: Buchinger vs. Idrisov, Baku, Azerbaijan
Information

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

MONSTER ENERGY SIGNS EXTENSION AS BELLATOR’S OFFICIAL ENERGY DRINK PARTNER

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DEAL CONTINUES STARTING WITH TOMORROW NIGHT’S ‘BELLATOR 154: DAVIS VS. KING MO’ – FEATURING MONSTER ENERGY ATHLETE PHIL DAVIS – ONLY ON SPIKE

 Screen Shot 2014-02-22 at 8

PHOTO © HANS MOLENKAMP// MONSTER ENERGY/All Rights Reserved

 

 

Santa Monica, Calif. (May 13, 2016) – Bellator MMA is pleased to announce an extension with one of its major sponsors, Monster Energy. The new deal with the world’s leading energy drink company ensures that fans will see the iconic green “M” Monster logo in the Bellator cage for years to come.

 

 

Monster will continue to own highly visible inventory inside the Bellator cage and sponsor concourse activations during events as well as additional off-site promotional activations. To complement the live event experience, Monster and Bellator will look to engage in a multi-faceted activation plan intended to build customer loyalty and drive tune-in of the Bellator broadcasts on Spike. The sponsorship extension will also see Bellator MMA continue to put on fights during the “Monster Energy Cup” – an event that showcases the world’s top supercross riders in a head to-head battle for the coveted “Monster Energy Cup” award and the chance to win one million dollars.

 

 

“Monster Energy is the ultimate lifestyle brand that puts its fans first – which aligns perfectly with our philosophy at Bellator,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “They are an ideal partner and we look forward to continuing to link our high-energy action-packed events with their world-class product.”

 

 

“Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo” on May 14 will be the promotion’s first event with the newly-renewed sponsorship deal, and features Monster Energy athlete Phil Davis in the main event. In addition to Davis, Monster sponsors several Bellator athletes including: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Joe Schilling, Michael Chandler, Joey Beltran and Brennan Ward.

 

 

Coker continued: “The ability for our athletes to procure their own sponsorships is something we take great pride in, and we look forward to giving our athletes an opportunity to represent the world’s largest energy drink brand for the foreseeable future.”

 

Global Proving Ground, mixed martial arts, MMA

GPG 24 Fighting for Wounded Soldiers 3 – THIS Saturday – May 14, 2016 – 7 PM at the Voorhees Coliseum FIGHT CLUB!!

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10 LIVE matches! Watch full combat MMA fights including former UFC and Bellator fighter Nah’shon Burrell (13 – 6) take on Dustin Long (6 – 1).

This stacked card also includes Des “M-80” Moore, Albert Tapia, Ruslan Melikov, Timothy Woods, Darren Mima, and Juan Puerta.

It all comes down to just…one…night! Don’t miss out on the biggest New Jersey MMA event – GPA 24 –Saturday, May 14, 2016 – 7 PM!!!

Get your tickets today for a fight card so EXHILLARATING- so ELECTRIFYING – so EXPLOSIVE you and your friends will be talking about it for weeks!

Got a large group attending, or you’re looking for V.I.P. evening? We have you covered – Contact James Jefferson at 609-923-2663 for more information.

This isn’t your average MMA event- Click the button below to get your tickets today!
mixed martial arts, MMA, World Series of Fighting

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING ADDS  SECOND TITLE FIGHT AND NEW MAIN EVENT BETWEEN MARLON MORAES AND JOSH HILL TO WSOF32 ON SATURDAY, JULY 30

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Reigning world bantamweight champion Marlon Moraes will put his title on the line against Josh Hill for the second time, in the new main event of WSOF32 on Saturday, July 30, live on NBCSN at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

LIVE ON NBCSN FROM EVERETT, WASH.

LAS VEGAS (May 10, 2016) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) has announced a new main event and second championship rematch between reigning bantamweight (135 pounds) kingpin Marlon Moraes (16-4-1) and streaking challenger Josh “Gentleman” Hill (14-1), for its stacked Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event at XFINITY Arena at Everett on Saturday, July 30, live on NBCSN at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

The highly-anticipated world featherweight (145 pounds) title fight and second showdown between Alexandre “Capitao” Almeida (18-5) and the man he took the title from – Lance Palmer (10-2) – will now serve as the co-main event of WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill II.

“The magnitude of this event has increased dramatically with the addition of a second world title fight and rematch between Marlon Moraes, who has been unstoppable, in the cage, and one of the most formidable and talented contenders in the world in Josh Hill” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

The second meeting between Moraes and Hill comes 17 months after the two superstars went the five-round distance of their championship main event fight at WSOF18 on February 12, 2015, with Moraes successfully defending his coveted title by way of unanimous decision.

The 5-foot-6, 28 year-old Moraes of Howell, N.J. via Nova Friburgo, Brazil is a former Muay Thai champion and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt whose reign of terror in the 135-pound division has been ongoing since the end of 2011, when he ignited a win streak that has spanned 11 straight fights, including 3 defenses of his World Series of Fighting title.

In his last start and third title defense at WSOF28 on February 20, Moraes, who captured the World Series of Fighting crown with a unanimous decision overJosh Rettinghouse on March 29, 2014, needed just 1 minute and 13 seconds to score a brutal TKO on Joseph Barajas with a series of rapid-fire leg kicks.

Since the first meeting with Moraes, his only loss to date, the 5-foot-6, 29-year-old Hill of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada has rebounded with four straight victories, a streak that Hill started with a third round (2:01) submission (rear-naked choke) of Rettinghouse on May 30, 2015.

Hill is coming off of a unanimous decision win over Bendy Casimir on April 9, in a bout that took place in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.

Priced from $29, tickets for WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill II are on sale at XFINITYArenaEverett.com and WSOF.com.

In other action on the live NBCSN telecast, costumed crusader Phoenix Jones(6-1-1) aka Ben Fodor of Seattle, Wash. will look to settle his rivalry with adopted brother Caros “The Future” Fodor (10-5) of Seattle in a 162-pound catchweight affair.

Additional bouts for WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill II will be announced soon.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV, women's MMA

MARLOES COENEN RECEIVES NEW OPPONENT AHEAD OF ‘BELLATOR 155’ — ALEXIS DUFRESNE REPLACES JULIA BUDD

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SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (May 10, 2016) – Due to injury, Julia Budd (8-2) has been forced to withdraw from her inaugural Bellator MMA Women’s Featherweight Championship Bout against Marloes Coenen (23-6). As a result, Alexis Dufresne (5-2) will take her place and challenge Coenen during the featured preliminary contest of “Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef” at CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho, on May 20.

The fight joins a card that already features a colossal Middleweight World Championship main event, in which Rafael Carvalho (12-1) defends his belt against the fiery Melvin “No Mercy” Manhoef (30-12-1). In addition, former Bellator MMA featherweight titlist Pat Curran (21-7) will return to action for the first time since June, when he faces the resilient Georgi Karakhanyan (24-5-1) in the card’s co-main event. The last two men to challenge for Will Brooks’ lightweight title, Marcin Held (21-4) and Dave Jansen (20-3) will also be in action. Rounding out the televised portion of the event will be two heavyweight fights, when Dan Charles (10-3) meets Augusto Sakai (9-0) and Joey Beltran (17-12) takes on Chase Gormley (12-5).

Tickets for “Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef” start at just $25 and are on sale now at Bellator.com, the CenturyLink Arena Box Office or CenturyLinkArenaBoise.com. The event airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while the can’t-miss preliminary card airs live on Bellator.comand The Bellator Mobile App.

A former Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion, Marloes Coenen, is riding a two-fight winning streak and undefeated record under the Bellator MMA fray into her bout with Dufresne. “Rumina” began her career winning eight consecutive fights and 13 of her first 14. The 35-year-old has been competing professionally since 2000 and has been an integral part of the progression of women’s mixed martial arts, challenging some of the best that the sport has to offer. Now, it’s back to the drawing board for the Dutch submission specialist when she looks to spoil the Bellator MMA debut of Alexis Dufresne.

The 25-year-old Alexis Dufresne began her career with a blazing start, earning victories in her first five scraps, all of which she ended in the first round. Born in Temecula, Calif., “Sneaky Zebra” has strung together an impressive resume, including three straight first round knockout wins dating back to her 2013-14 seasons and most recently two appearances for the UFC. Dufresne will be making her Bellator MMA debut next Friday and hopes to get back to her winning ways when she fills in for the absent Julia Budd on short notice.

 Complete “Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef” Fight Card

Bellator MMA Middleweight World Title Fight: Rafael Carvalho (12-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (30-12-1)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Co-Main Event: Pat Curran (21-7) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-5-1)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Feature Bout: Dan Charles (10-3) vs. Augusto Sakai (9-0)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Feature Bout: Dave Jansen (20-3) vs. Marcin Held (21-4)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Feature Bout: Joey Beltran (17-12) vs. Chase Gormley (12-5)

 

Preliminary Card

 

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Marloes Coenen (23-6) vs. Alexis Dufresne (5-2)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Joe Hamilton (3-0) vs. Tyler Freeland (3-0)

Bellator MMA Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Veta Arteaga (1-0) vs. Jackie Vandenburgh (0-1)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Vince Morales (3-1) vs. Hamilton Ash (3-1)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Brendon Raftery (4-2) vs. Casey Johnson (4-0)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Scott Thometz (9-5) vs. Josh Tyler (7-3)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Sean Powers (9-5) vs. Will Noland (15-6)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Ricky Steele (5-0) vs. Erick Cronkhite (2-1)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jesse Brock (21-8) vs. Olly Bradstreet (39-12)

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

Two Main Card Fights Complete ‘Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo’ on May 14

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SAAD AWAD-‘CYBORG’ SANTOS & ADAM PICCOLOTTI-RAY WOOD ARE OFFICIAL

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (May 5, 2016) – A welterweight matchup pitting “Cyborg” Santos (21-16) against Bellator MMA veteran Saad Awad (18-7) and a lightweight meeting featuring Adam Piccolotti (7-0) versus Ray Wood (6-1) have been added to the main card of “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo,” which airs LIVE and FREE on SPIKE and takes place on May 14 at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

These matchups join an electric main event between light heavyweight phenoms “King Mo” (19-4, 1 NC) and Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (15-3, 1 NC). In addition, a heavyweight bout between Sergei Kharitonov (23-5) and Josh Appelt (12-5) will serve as the evening’s co-main event and undefeated Andre Fialho (6-0) will face Rick Reger (7-1) in a welterweight feature fight.

The contests make up the televised portion of “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo,” which airs LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT while the preliminary card will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. Tickets start at just $30 and are on sale now at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster, and the SAP Center Box Office.

After beginning his career with five consecutive victories, the 32-year-old Saad Awad has continued to put together an impressive resume, including significant wins over the likes of Joe Duarte, Sergio Rios, and most recently Rob Sinclair. A 10-time veteran of Bellator MMA, “Assassin” has three first-round knockout wins, two of which came in the first 45 seconds of the bout. In 2013, the California native handed Will Brooks the only loss of his career thus far, stopping hiim with a punch only 43-seconds into the fight.

“Cyborg” Santos has begun his 2016 campaign with a bang, recording victories in each of his first two bouts, including a crowd-silencing win over hometown favorite Brennan Ward in his Bellator MMA debut at “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson.” Of his 21 career wins, the 38-year-old welterweight has recorded 12 knockouts, 10 of which came in the opening frame of the bout. The heavy-handed Brazilian originally made four appearances under the Strikeforce banner from 2009 to 2011, before signing a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA in March of 2016. “Cyborg” will look to add to his current winning streak when he challenges Saad Awad, who will be moving up in weight class to 170-pounds.

The 27-year-old Piccolotti has been flawless early in his young career, earning victories in all seven of his professional bouts, including three wins since joining the Bellator MMA team. A native of Northern California, he made his promotional debut against Andrew Ramm at “Bellator 133: Manhoef vs. Shlemenko,” with a unanimous decision win and then added to his admirable resume by finishing his 2015 campaign with a victory over Mario Soto at“Bellator 147: Thomson vs. Villaseca.” Making his 2016 debut, the submission specialist will have little time to prepare for his new opponent Ray Wood as the two look to square off on May 14 at the SAP Center.

Ray “All Business” Wood made a splash in his Bellator MMA debut, when he finished Chris Jones with a spinning-back fist that resulted in a first round knockout at “Bellator 151: Warren vs. Caldwell.” The 26-year-old Maine native has begun his professional career with a flashy 6-1 record, including four knockout victories and two first-round finishes. After beginning his career under the direction of regional promotions, Wood now has his eyes set on establishing himself among the top of Bellator’s always-competitive featherweight division. Watch the fight below.

Complete “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo” Fight Card:

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Main Event: Phil Davis (15-3, 1 NC) vs. Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (19-4, 1 NC)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Sergei Kharitonov (23-5) vs. Josh Appelt (12-5)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (7-0) vs. Ray Wood (6-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Feature Bout: Saad Awad (18-7) vs. Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos (21-16)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Feature Bout: Andre Fialho (6-0) vs. Rick Reger (7-1)

 

Preliminary Card:

Bellator MMA (160 lb.) “VOW” Prelim Bout: Joshua Hardwick (Debut) vs. Jorge Acosta (1-1)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Prelim Bout: Victor Jones (0-1) vs. Anthony Taylor (0-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Prelim Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (3-0) vs. Martin Sano (4-1)

Bellator MMA Flyweight Prelim Bout: Josh Paiva (7-1) vs. Steven Gruber (5-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Prelim Bout: Sam Spengler (8-5) vs. Doyle Childs (2-1)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Prelim Bout: Josh San Diego (6-1) vs. Jeremiah Labiano (9-4)

Bellator MMA (130 lb.) Catchweight Prelim Bout: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Darren Uyenoyama (10-5)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Prelim Bout: Thomas Diagne (5-5-1) vs. Mark Dickman (10-2)

Bellator MMA Strawweight Prelim Bout: Stephanie Frausto (5-5) vs. Jamielene Nievara (3-1)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Prelim Bout: Andres Alcantar (3-0) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Prelim Bout: James Chapman (Debut) vs. Sean Tucker (Debut)