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Weekly Fight Network MMA programming schedule (Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2015)

(U.S. only schedules unless otherwise indicated. For full Canadian schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com from your region.)
 
Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, boxing, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.
Below find highlights of this week’s programming:
Monday, Oct. 26
7:00 p.m. ET – 5 Rounds – Fight Network’s John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to breakdown the weekend of MMA action.
7:30 p.m. ET & 11:30 p.m. ET– Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
 
Tuesday, Oct. 27
1:30 a.m. ET – XPTV – Coverage of regional U.S. professional and amateur MMA events.
5:00 & 5:30 p.m. ETXtreme Fighting Championship – Florida-based pro MMA featuring top American prospects, international stars and UFC veterans.
6:00 p.m. & 10 p.m. ET — – 5 Rounds Today – Video podcast with John Ramdeen and Robin Black breaking down a wide variety of topics in the MMA world, including previews of upcoming events and all the latest rumors and headlines.
8:00 p.m. ET – 5 Rounds – Fight Network’s John Ramadeen and Robin Black invite special guests to breakdown the weekend of MMA action.
8:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
11:00 p.m. ETHard Knocks Fighting 46 – Featuring Jesse Arnett vs. Dimitri Waardenburg for the Hard Knocks bantamweight title from Oct. 24, 2015 in Calgary, Canada.
 
Wednesday, Oct. 28
5:00 p.m. ETTexas Fight Night – MMA action from Texas featuring the Lone Star State’s top prospects in the cage.
6:00 p.m. ETBest of Cage Rage – Featuring classic fights from the UK-based Cage Rage organization with Anderson Silva, Antonio Silva, Victor Belfort, Paul Daley and others.
7:00 p.m. ETFight News Now Extra: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and feature.
7:30p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
8:00 p.m. ETCage Warriors Fighting Championship 59 – Featuring Jim Alers vs. Martin Svensson for the featherweight title, plus bantamweight grand prix, from Sept. 14, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales.
11:00 p.m. ETMMA Meltdown with Gabriel Morency – Gabriel Morency breaks down all the happenings in MMA, discussing odds, predictions, plus special weekly guests and exclusive interviews.
11:30 p.m. ET2015 IMMAF Amateur MMA Championships: Part 4 / 4 – Coverage of the 2015 IMMAF Amateur MMA Championships from Las Vegas, featuring the men’s lightweight, men’s middleweight, female featherweight and Men’s super-heavyweight divisions.
 
Thursday, Oct. 29
2:00 a.m. ETUltimate Challenge MMA 31 – Featuring Neil Grove vs. Tomasz Czerwinski in heavyweight action from Dec. 1, 2012 in London.
4:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. ETTakeDown Wrestling – Eztensive coverage of amateur wrestling events, including the latest news, behind-the-scenes coverage from events and exclusive interviews.
6:00 p.m. ET – Championship Fighting Alliance – Pro MMA from Florida featuring the likes of Josh Sampo, Mike Kyle, John Howard, Sean McCorkie, Luis Palomino and others.
7:00 p.m. ET – Fighting Rookies – Aspiring kickboxers climb the ladder of success as rookies compete for a chance to become pros and get experience needed to succeed at a higher level.
8:00 p.m. ETFight News Now Extra: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and feature.
8:30p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
9:00 p.m. ETEnfusion Live #21: Belgium – Professional kickboxing featuring Nordin Ben Moh vs. Sergio Sanchez, Brice Guidon vs. Dexter Suisse and Anke Van Gestel vs. Aleide Lawant for the -61 kg world championship from Oct. 10,k 2015 in Gent, Belgium.
11:00 p.m. ETMMA Meltdown with Gabriel Morency – Gabriel Morency breaks down all the happenings in MMA, discussing odds, predictions, plus special weekly guests and exclusive interviews.
Friday, Oct. 30
12:00 a.m. & 11 a.m. ETIt’s Showtime Special – The world’s premier kickboxing organization featuring Badr Hari, Melvin Manhoef and Giorgio Petrosyan.
5:00 p.m. ET – Fighting Rookies – Aspiring kickboxers climb the ladder of success in the sport as rookies compete for a chance to become professional and get experience needed to succeed at a higher level.
6:00 p.m. ET – M-1 Challenge – Pro MMA from Europe featuring top rising prospect and international stars.
7:00 p.m. ETFight News Now Extra: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and feature.
7:30p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
9:00 p.m. ETToe 2 Toe with Chung Lee – Sit-down interviews with Sanshou specialist and UFC middleweight star Chung Lee.
9:30 p.m. ETKSW 23: Khalidov vs. Manhoef – Featuring Mamde Khakidov vs. Melvin Manhoef, Sean McCorkle vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski and Kendall Grove vs. Michal Materia from June 8, 2013 in Gdansk, Poland.
 
Saturday, Oct. 31
6:00 a.m. ETBest of TKO – Featuring George St-Pierre vs. Travis Galbraith from UCC 11.
7:00 a.m. ETBest of Gladiator Challenge – Featuring Urijah Faber vs. David Velasquez from Gladiator Challenge 27.
8:00 a.m. ETBest of SportFight – Top quality MMA from the Pacific Northwest.  Hosted by UFC veterans Matt LIndland and Chael Sonnen.  This episode features Brian Caraway and Ian Loveland in action.
2:00 p.m. ETKSW 32: Road to Wembley– LIVE MMA featuring Mariusz Pudzianowski vs. Peter Graham, Borys Mankowski vs. Jesse Taylor for the KSW welterweight title, Tomasz Narkun vs. Goran Reijic for the KSW light heavyweight title, plus James McSweeney vs. Marcin vs. Marcin Rozalski, from London’s Wembley Stadium.
8:00 p.m. ETFight News Now Extra: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and feature.
8:30p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
9:00 p.m. ET2015 IMMAF Amateur MMA Championships: Part 1 / 4 – Coverage of the 2015 IMMAF Amateur MMA Championships from Las Vegas, featuring the the men’s flyweight, female strawweight and men’s heavyweight divisions.
10:30 p.m. ET2015 IMMAF Amateur MMA Championships: Part 2 / 4 – Coverage of the 2015 IMMAF Amateur MMA Championships from Las Vegas, featuring the men’s bantamweight, female flyweight and men’s light heavyweight division.
Sunday, Nov. 1
6:00 a.m. ETPancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Name Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.
11:00 a.m. ETBest of ADCC– Features compilations of the greatest grappling matches ever held, featuring Tito Ortiz, Matt Hughes, Eddie Bravo, Fabricio Werdum, Marcelo Garcia, Ronaldo Souza and Royler Gracie.
12:00 p.m. ETElite Muay Thai: Thailand vs. Challenger – The biggest Muay Thai series in the world featuring premium international stand-up fighters taking on the renowned Thailand National Team.
5:30 p.m. ET – 2014 Judo Tyumen Grand Slam – Highlights from the 2014 Judo Tyumen Grand Slam from July 12-13, 2014 in Russia.
6:00 p.m. ET – Fighting Spirit MMA Season 4 – Compilation of international fights from SFL, Legend FFC, M-1 and more.
11:00 p.m. ET – Enfusion Live #18: Amsterdam – Pro kickboxing from Amsterdam, Holland, featuring top international and rising prospects.
Information:
Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

Fight Network Presents Hard Knocks Fighting 46 LIVE,  Golden Boy: Diaz Jr. vs. Tamayo this Friday, Oct. 23

TORONTO (Oct. 22, 2015) — Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents an explosive doubleheader this Friday, Oct. 23, beginning with a live broadcast of Hard Knocks Fighting 46 at 11 p.m. ET, which emanates from Calgary, Canada’s Markin Macphail Centre. Then, at 1 a.m. ET, catch a short tape delayed presentation of Golden Boy Live! from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif., headlined by undefeated featherweight sensation Joseph Diaz Jr. (17-0, 10 KOs) battling Mexican brawler Ruben Tamayo (23-6-4, 15 KOs) over 10 rounds.
Fight Network’s live Hard Knocks Fighting 46 broadcast will air nationwide in Canada, across the U.S. on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Suddenlink Communications, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable, and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The Golden Boy Promotions telecast airs on Fight Network exclusively in Canada.
In the Hard Knocks Fighting 46 main event, Jesse Arnett (8-4) and Dimitri Waardenburg (11-6) vie for the promotion’s vacant bantamweight crown. In other featured bouts, Dia Grant (9-12) meets Curtis Demarce (14-13), Valeria Maejia (2-1) tangles with Lindsay Garbatt (2-1), Alexi Argyriou(2-0) looks to extend his perfect run against Mike O’Neill (5-24) and Pat Pytlik (1-0) throws down with Tiago Tavares (2-1).
Headlined by Diaz Jr. vs. Tamayo, Golden Boy Live will also feature Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez (18-0, 13 KOs) against Tijuana, Mexcio’s Jorge “Pantera” Silva (19-9-2, 15 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight affair.
The live action continues on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. ET, as Fight Network presents the live main card for UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Duffy exclusively in Canada.
For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

IMG AND WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING RENEW MEDIA RIGHTS DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSHIP

IMG has secured distribution for World Series of Fighting programming
in over 70 countries and territories internationally since 2013

LAS VEGAS (October 21, 2015) – IMG, a global leader in sport, fashion and media, and world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise World Series of Fighting, have renewed their international media rights distribution agreement, it was announced today.

“IMG has been a tremendous partner for our growing MMA sports franchise, so we are thrilled to continue our relationship that has helped expand World Series of Fighting’s footprint on television all over the globe,” said World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva.

Hillary Mandel, SVP, Head of Media North America for IMG said, “We are delighted to be extending our relationship with World Series of Fighting, and help them continue to grow their worldwide audience.  The events have proven to be extremely popular with fight fans and viewers all over the globe, and we are looking forward to continuing to expand the reach and awareness.”

Since the two companies initially struck a deal in 2013, IMG has effectively placed World Series of Fighting programming in over 70 countries and territories around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Peru and Russia.  The U.S. rights are held by NBC and NBCSN.

In June, combat sports television channel, Fight Network, signed on to distribute World Series of Fighting events in Canada as well as in over 30 countries in Europe, Africa and The Middle East.

World Series of Fighting boasts a stellar, fast-growing roster of both elite level MMA talent, including renowned superstars Jake Shields, Jon Fitch, Yushin “Thunder” Okami, David Branch and Tyrone “King of the Ring” Spong, as well as a collection of home grown world champions and rising stars, such as undefeated Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje, Lance Palmer, Marlon Moraesand Timur Valiev.

Live World Series of Fighting action returns to NBCSN from Phoenix, Ariz. onFriday, Nov. 20 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT when, for the first time in its three-year history, the company will roll out a one-night, eight-man elimination tournament in its lightweight (155 pounds) division.  The winner, who will have fought three times that night, will be named the number one contender and next challenger for Gaethje’s lightweight crown.

About World Series of Fighting (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF.com) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

TUFF-N-UFF TEAMS UP WITH RANDY COUTURE TO SUPPORT ANNUAL FUNDRAISER


 

ROUND 6: OPERATION KNOCKOUT
TO BE HELD AT BROOKLYN BOWL

Sixth annual event raises funds for wounded soldiers and their families

Saturday, October 17, 2015 Doors open at 5 p.m.

 

Tickets On Sale Now!!!

 

To purchase tickets, please visit www.tuffnuff.com or the Brooklyn Bowl box office.

 

LAS VEGAS – The nation’s premier amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, Tuff-N-Uff Uff is teaming up with Randy Couture for its sixth annual Round 6: Operation Knockout event Saturday, October 17, 2015.

 

Now in its sixth year, “Round 6: Operation Knockout” is an annual Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event that was created to help raise funds and awareness for wounded soldiers and their families. This year’s event will be held at the Brooklyn Bowl.  Doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets are available starting at just $25 through www.tuffnuff.com or online http://www.brooklynbowl.com at Brooklyn Bowl or by visiting the Brooklyn Bowlir box office.

 

Following five successful years, Operation Knockout continues to grow in size and finds a new home at the Brooklyn Bowl. This exciting, unique charity event features a night of amazing fights and a fabulous silent auction. There will be something for everyone with eight amateur MMA bouts.  

 

Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation provides necessary support and services for wounded soldiers and their families, many of whom return with traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries.

 

Operation Knockout continues to build on its efforts to raise more money and help more wounded soldiers and their families. The event has raised over $133,000 since its first year and with help of their generous sponsors and donations, the event returns this October 17th at the Brooklyn Bowl for its biggest year to date. For more information about this great event, contact Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation at 702-616-1022 or please visit www.xcgif.org.

 

ABOUT XTREME COUTURE GI FOUNDATION:

 

The Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation, was founded by Randy Couture in 2009 to honor the veterans of America’s armed forces. The foundation was especially formed to raise money and awareness for those wounded in action and their families.

Many of the injuries are traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries that will retire these brave men and woman from the armed forces. Even though some of these men and woman are severely injured, they have the courage, strength and determination to win this battle.

For more information on the foundation please visit: http://www.xcgif.org.

ABOUT RANDY COUTURE:
Randy Couture served in the Army for 6 years within the 101st Airborne, is a former 6x World MMA Champion, TV and Actor Movie star who was in the Sylvester Stallone movie series – The Expendables I, II and III.

 

ABOUT TUFF-N-UFF:

A 21-year old combat sports organization, the Las Vegas-based Tuff-N-Uff has presented the best amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) action in the nation since 2003, giving rise to the biggest star in the sport today, UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, as well UFC and Strikeforce veteran Ryan Couture and newly-signed UFC welterweight Alan Jouban. Tuff-N-Uff has helped grow the careers of many other MMA athletes including Jessamyn Duke, Ashlee Evans-Smith, Tonya Evinger, Jon Fitch, Jesse Forbes, Chris Holdsworth, Brad Imes, Jimmy Jones and Jesse Taylor. In 2013, Tuff-N-Uff became the first combat sports organization to be included on the UFC International Fight Week schedule of events. In 2014, Tuff-N-Uff presented a second event Thursday, July 3 live from Texas Station, earning status as the first event promotion to be listed on the UFC International Fight Week schedule three years in a row. Tuff-N-Uff celebrated its historic 21st anniversary Saturday, June 27, 2015, with over 16,000 fans, in a sold-out live event inside the Thomas and Mack Center. In 2014, Tuff-N-Uff partnered with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) to present, as part of UFC International Fight Week 2014, the first-ever amateur MMA World Championships. Also in 2014, Tuff-N-Uff’s CEO, Jeff Meyer, was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame and honored with the Crystal Award for his contributions to martial arts. Dedicated to its founder, the late Barry Meyer, Tuff-N-Uff is committed to the sport of MMA and building the “Future Stars of MMA.”

 

For more information, visit TuffNUff.com and Follow on Twitter and Instagram/Facebook @TuffNuff and LIKE us on Facebook.com/TuffNUff.

 

ABOUT OPERATION KNOCKOUT:

During Operation Knockout’s ’first year in 2010, the event drew close to 300 people at Randy Couture’s Xtreme Couture Gym that featured a 10-fight exhibition with up-and-coming fighters. Additional entertainment and auction items donated from sponsors, including gym owner and MMA legend Randy Couture, helped to raise $12,000 for the charity. The event proved that MMA supporters were not only very interested in seeing excellent fights, but also in supporting those in need in their community. Continuing to grow, year two brought a partnership with Tuff-N-Uff showcasing 10 fights sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commissioner, adding a new layer of legitimacy for the event. The event was also televised for the first time. Due to these efforts and great people volunteering their time and services, the event raised more than $17,000 with close to 700 people in attendance. In year three, the event brought on a new partner and a new venue with The Pearl Theatre and The Palms Hotel & Casino. The third annual event raised even more money with $34,000 and more than 750 people in attendance.  The fourth annual event was at the Texas Station in which it raised $42,000 and more than 850 people in attendance.

 

ABOUT BROOKLYN BOWL:

Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas is where locals and tourists go for a nightly eclectic blend of live music, 32 bowling lanes and five bars with an all-house made menu created and executed by brothers’ Bruce and Eric Bromberg’s Blue Ribbon Restaurants. When there is a live show, there can be more than 2,000 concertgoers enjoying live music programming from the general admission area, as well as the multimedia bowlers’ lounges adjacent to the lanes, or the private lounge boxes overlooking it all. Since opening in March 2014, notable performances include Elvis Costello & The Roots, Jane’s Addiction, Phil Lesh & Friends, O.A.R., Smashing Pumpkins Robert Plant, and Jack White. Brooklyn Bowl is also located in Brooklyn and London, making Las Vegas its third location. Rolling Stone calls Brooklyn Bowl “one of the most incredible places on Earth” while USA Today says “Music lovers and food lovers finally have a spot to share the night: Brooklyn Bowl at The LINQ.” For additional information, including the most up- to-date show lineup, visit www.BrooklynBowl.com. To be added  to the email list for information regarding upcoming shows, email LasVegasNewsletter@BrooklynBowl.com

Voted Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas by Travel + Leisure

Reader’s Choice Best Live Music Venue – Las Vegas Weekly

Best Concert Calendar – Las Vegas Weekly

Top 10 New Restaurants 2014 – Las Vegas Review Journal

New Las Vegas Venue for Meetings and Events – BizBash

Best Bowling Alley – 2015 Las Vegas Review Journal “Best Of” Awards

Best Small Concert Venue – 2015 Las Vegas Review Journal “Best Of” Awards

Following in the footsteps of our original Brooklyn location, noted as “one of the most incredible places on Earth,” by Rolling Stone, we’ve stacked the deck for a truly unforgettable experience.

With three levels spanning nearly 80,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest music venues in America. Come for live concerts throughout the day and late into the night, 32 lanes of bowling, and food from New York’s famous Blue Ribbon restaurant. This is a Las Vegas experience like no other.

 

WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami  LIVE  Sat., Oct. 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET on Fight Network

TORONTO (Oct. 16, 2015) — Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okamifrom Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., this Saturday, October 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Fight Network’s World Series of Fighting broadcast will air live nationwide in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The domestic U.S. broadcast airs on NBC Sports Network.
In the star-studded welterweight main event, Jon Fitch battles Yushin “Tunder” Okami in a clash of experienced superstars.
“We are excited to return to Foxwoods Resort Casino and the state of Connecticut, where we showcased our brand of world championship MMA action in front of a highly passionate audience earlier this year,” said WSOF president Ray Sefo.
“Beginning with Jon Fitch and Yushin Okami, two of the best 170-pound athletes in our entire sport,” continued Sefo, “we are assembling another card loaded with some of the top superstars and emerging stars in MMA, and we look forward to giving fans another memorable night of fights.”
In the co-main event, WSOF heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov will put his coveted title on the line for the first time when he squares off with seasoned contender Derek “Caveman” Mehmen.
In other action on the live Fight Network telecast, superstars Vinny Magalhaes and Matt “The Hammer” Hamill will make their respective WSOF debuts against each other in a light heavyweight contest.
Also returning to the cage will be local favorite “Notorious” Nick Newell, who will take on Tom Marcellino in lightweight action.
The promotion will also crown its first flyweight champion in history as surging stars Magomed “Gladiator” Bibulatov and Donavon Frelow throw down for the crown.
All the action kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Fight Network in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

FORMER MEXICAN CHAMPION TO TEST BERRY ON NOVEMBER 21 IN LEWISTON

Lewiston, Maine (October 14, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the main event of the boxing portion of the fight card.  Reigning Northeast Junior Welterweight Champion Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (9-1, 6 KOs) will face Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (73-69-2, 56 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight contest.

 

Berry won the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title one year ago in Lewiston with a unanimous decision victory over Eric Palmer (6-8-3, 1 KO).  The title was the first in the professional career of the standout from West Forks, Maine.  Berry would, just a month later, suffer his first loss in a bout in which he severely injured his shoulder early on.  Following a successful surgery and months of rehab, Berry returned triumphantly to the ring this past summer with a second-round technical knockout (TKO) win in Skowhegan, Maine.

 

“I am very anxious as always to step back into the boxing ring on November 21stin Lewiston,” stated Berry.  “It’s exciting to be fighting for my tenth professional victory. I’m honored to have been invited back to the Colisee to headline another Pro Boxing card.  I want to thank NEF for making this possible for me, and hope to have another action packed, competitive fight like we had in October 2014.  A lot has changed for me in my boxing career, and I look forward to showing all of my fans my improvements made. As far as my opponent, the most experienced one to date, Roberto Valenzuela, it will be a good test for me while giving up size and experience. We tried to make a fight with a couple of different guys from the area but were unable to. My job is to train hard and be ready for whoever they put on the other side of the ring, one round at a time.”

 

Valenzuela is about as much of a veteran as one will find in a boxing ring.  Having begun his professional career in early 1992, Valenzuela got off to an amazing 14-0 start, competing around his home state of Sonora, Mexico.  Among the opponents Valenzuela has faced in his career are the likes of former world champions Andre Berto (30-4, 23 KOs) and Steve Forbes (35-14, 11 KOs) and current world champion Zahir Raheem (35-3, 21 KOs).  Valenzuela fought former lightweight world champion Jose Luis Castillo (66-13-1, 57 KOs) on the undercard of a 1996 Joey Gamache (55-4, 38 KOs) and Julio Cesar Chavez (107-6-2, 86 KOs) bout in Anaheim, California.  In addition, Valenzuela held the Mexican Pacific Coast Super Featherweight Title from 2003 to 2007.  He has the strongest pedigree of any opponent Berry has faced to date.

 

“I’ve fought all over the United States, but never in Maine, so I’m excited to go somewhere I’ve never been,” said Valenzuela through a translator.  “I’ve been doing this since he was a pup. I’ve been told that he has VHS tapes of some of my fights from some cards he taped on TV when he was a kid (laughing).  Thankfully, I’ve got video of him more recently on Youtube. He’s nothing I haven’t seen before in a fight or in sparring. I’ll be ready.”

 

“When Brandon signed on to the ‘NEF XX’ fight card, he was very clear that he wanted us to find him an opponent who’s been in the ring with the best,” recalled NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “Roberto presents a challenge unlike any other Brandon has faced to date.  He has actively competed as a professional for nearly a quarter of a century.  He hasn’t sat on a shelf either.  He just fought this past spring and summer.  Brandon Berry will be tested onNovember 21, make no mistake about it.  But Brandon has recently been sparring several times a week all over New England with top-notch partners.  He is coming into this bout as a whole new Brandon Berry, determined to make his mark in the boxing world.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event 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.

TWO NEF CHAMPIONS GET THE CALL UP TO THE MAJOR LEAGUES THIS SATURDAY

Lewiston, Maine (October 13, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, is proud to announce that two of the promotion’s reigning professional mixed-martial-arts (MMA) champions will compete on the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) card this Saturday, October 17, 2015.  “WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami” will broadcast live from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut and will feature NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington(10-8) and NEF MMA Professional Heavyweight Champion Tyler “The Marauder” King (9-3) on the undercard.  The undercard is scheduled to begin at 7 pm EST and can be watched at www.WSOF.com.

 

Boyington will meet a very tough Rodrigo “The Young Lion” Almeida (13-2) in a featherweight contest.  It will be Boyington’s first trip to the national stage of the sport after having competed in MMA regionally for some six years.  Next month, Boyington is scheduled to defend his NEF title against Jimmy “Jimbo Slice” Davidson (7-1) at “NEF XX” in Lewiston, Maine.  He is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine and also the founder and head coach of Boyington’s Taekwondo Academy (BTA).

 

“I have never been more excited in my Mixed Martial Arts career, and I have never taken camp more serious, especially when it comes to my diet and lifestyle so that in itself gives me a lot of excitement for what I’m going to get to do on the national stage Saturday night,” said Boyington.  “I have had a great team surrounding me and they have pushed me to my limits, so everyone will surely get to see the best Bruce Boyington to date and I have zero excuses for not performing.  I have one word in mind entering that cage – Volume.

 

“New England Fights has been a staple in my career and has been the platform that I have had the privilege of performing on as they groomed me for the national stage. I want to thank Matt and Nick for always taking care of my needs and helping make me who I am today. New England Fights has all the elements in place to help fighters reach the top.”

 

Tyler King has held the NEF heavyweight title since May of 2013 when he defeated Travis Bartlett (8-4).  Earlier this year, King successfully defended the title against Terry Blackburn (4-3) at “NEF XVI.”  King was a football standout at the University of Connecticut where he recorded 19 sacks as a defensive end.  He later played in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams including the San Diego Chargers and the St. Louis Rams.  At “WSOF 24,” King will face Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran Pat Walsh (6-2).

 

“I’m very excited to get the opportunity to fight on the huge stage that is World Series of Fighting vs a high level, UFC veteran opponent,” said King. “Less than a year ago I was out of the sport and had a very uncertain future as far as ever getting to compete again.  I’m grateful to Matt Peterson, Nick Disalvo and the rest of the team at New England Fights for giving me a stage to step back into the sport I love, in a main event title defense no less.  This fight has ‘Fight of the Night’ written all over it.  You have two determined fighters with competitive fire coursing through their veins ready to go out and lay it all on the line.  I look forward to having my hand raised.”

 

“NEF has certainly become a launching pad to the national promotions,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “We’re so proud to have not one, but two of our champions fighting on the WSOF card.  It really says something about the caliber of athlete gracing the NEF cage.  These fighters are earning their stripes with NEF and then getting the call up to the UFC, Bellator, Titan and WSOF.  Nothing gives us more satisfaction than to see these guys succeed in the sport they love.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event 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.

RECENT NEF SIGNEE MAKES HIS PRO MMA DEBUT AT NEF XX

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (October 12, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional flyweight bout to the MMA portion of the fight card.  Kevin “.50 Cal” Barrett (0-0) will meet Jimmy Alexander (1-10) at a fight weight of 125-pounds.

 

The bout will be Barrett’s professional debut in the MMA cage after going 2-1 as an amateur fighter.  Earlier this year, it was announced that Barrett had signed a multi-fight developmental deal with NEF.

 

“My mind is on one thing only,” stated Barrett.  “To be the best martial artist I can be. That’s it. Day in and day out that’s all I’m focused on. I’m not searching for fame. I’m searching to find out who I am, and so far martial arts has been kind of this light that’s guided me the last ten years to this very moment. I’ll be ready.”

 

Both of Barrett’s wins as an amateur came in the NEF cage, and he hopes to continue that success in the professional ranks.  While he has been inactive from competition for the past two years, Barrett is confident that his coaches and teammates at Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine will have him ready for his matchup with Alexander on November 21.

 

“I love my coaches and my teammates. They believe in me, which in return makes me believe in myself. I train at the best gym in New England every day. I’m blessed. But I take this sport day by day. My goal right now is to be ready for the best Jimmy Alexander anyone has ever seen. After November I’ll sit down with my coaches and go from there.”

 

Barrett insists that, while Alexander might not have a winning record, he will not take the Floridian lightly at “NEF XX.”  Alexander trains at F2 Arena under the guidance of Ryan Hodge (6-10).  Hodge and his team are recognized as dangerous opponents, and they often play the role of the “spoiler” when travelling to New England to compete.

 

“I love the fact I have a guy flying from another state to fight me,” continued Barrett. “I’m in no way looking past Jimmy. I know he has a lot of experience, he’s very explosive, he’s always down to stand and trade. You’ve got to respect that. I don’t have a prediction though. At the end of the day, all I can do is focus on what I’m doing, not what Jimmy is doing, and I’m sure he’s thinking the same thing. Win or lose I know there’s a lesson in this for me somewhere. I’m just trying to stay clear headed and open to whatever that might be.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event 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.

Buchinger retains M-1 Challenge featherweight title Decisions Barnaoui

M-1 Challenge 62 Results
Ivan Buchinger (R) vs. Mansour Barnaoui
SOCHI, Russia (October 11, 2015) – M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger successfully defended his title last night with a hard fought five-round unanimous decision over Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui in the M-1 Challenge 62
main event at The Ice Cube Curling Center in Sochi, Russia.
Buchinger (30-4-0, 7 KO/TKO, 16 SUB), fighting out of Slovakia, improved his M-1 Global record to a perfect 5-0 with his second title defense victory. He originally captured his title belt a year ago, stopping Tural Ragimov in the fourth round at M-1 Challenge 52.

Barnaoui (12-3-0, 4 KO/TKO, 7 SUB), of Paris, relinguished his M-1 Challenge lightweight title belt he won this past May in his M-1 Global debut, when he knocked out Maxim Divnich via punches at M-1 Challenge 57.

Former M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (27-3-0, 11 KO/TKO, 7 SUB), of Russia, used a rear naked choke for a win by second-round submission against Croatian opponentKristijan “Pacman” Perak (8-2-1, 3 KO/TKO, 2 SUB).

Russian featherweight Kurbanali Abdusalamov (6-2-0, 1 KO/TKO, 3 SUB) won a decision over American invader Lee “American Bulldog” Morrison (14-6-0, 4 KO/TKO, 4 SUB), while red-hot Russian light heavyweight prospect Adam “The Beard” Yandiev (9-0-0, 3 KO/TKO, 6 SUB) defeatedDemitry Voitov (10-5-0, 4 KO/TKO, 4 SUB) by way of an opening-round neck crank.

Rounding out the main card, Russian welterweight Alexey Kunchenko (10-0-0, 8 KO/TKO, 2 SUB) continued on his roll, punching out Brazilian Alexandre “Sangue” Ramos (9-3-0 (1 KO/TKO, 7 SUB) in the first round.

Fighting on the preliminary card, Spainard Enoc Solves Torres (17-9-0) won by armbar in the opening round versus Georgian middleweight Nodar Kudukjasvili (10-2-0), Ukrainian featherweight Andrey “Iron” Leshnev (8-4-0) won a three-round decision over Russian favorite Nikita “Piranha” Chistyakov (4-2-1), and Russian Delgat Kudbudinov (3-0-0) submitted Italian Georgia Belsanti (4-5-0) by way of a neck crank.

Also fighting on the preliminary card, Ukrainian lightweight Sergey Astapov (6-4-0) locked a rear naked choke on Russian Nikolay Kaushansky (6-3-0) for a third-round win by submission. Ukrainian light heavyweight Boris Polezhay (9-5-0) opened the night with a first-round submission victory via an arm-bar over previously unbeaten Russian Alexey Shopin (3-1-0).

Complete results below:

MAIN CARD

M-1 CHALLENGE FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Ivan Buchinger (30-4-0), Slovakia
WDEC5
Mansour Barnaoui (12-3-0), Challenger, France
(Buchinger retained M-1 Challenge featherweight title)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (27-3-0), Russia
WSUB2 (Rear Naked Choke – 1:02)
Kristijan Perak (8-2-0), Croatia2

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Adam Yandiev (9-0-0), Russia
WSUB1 (Neck Crank – 4:34)
Dmitry Voitov (10-5-0), Belarus

WELTERWEIGHTS
Alexey Kunchenko (10-0-0), Russia
WKO/TKO1 (Punches – 4:32)
Alexandre Ramos (9-3-0), Brazil

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Kurbanali Abdusalamov (6-2-0), Russia
WDEC3
Lee Morrison (14-6-0), USA

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Boris Polezhay (9-5-0), Ukraine
WSUB1 (Armbar – 4:39)
Alexey Shopin (3-1-0), Russia

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Enoc Solves Torres (17-9-0), Spain
WSUB1 (Armbar – 1:54)
Nodar Kudukjasvali (10-2-0), George

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Sergey Astapov (5-4-0), Ukraine
WSUB3 (Rear Naked Choke – 3:26)
Nikolay Kaushansky (6-2-0), Russia

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Andrey Leshnev (8-4-0), Ukraine
WDEC3
Nikita Chistyakov (4-2-1), Russia

Giorgio Belsanti (5-4-0), Italy
WSUB1 (Neck Crank – 3:25
Delgat Kudbudinov (2-1-0), Russia
 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
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