Tag Archives: mma

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® RELEASES SECOND INSTALLMENT OF DIGITAL TALK SHOW BELOW THE BELT

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Host Brendan Schaub Talks With Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder & UFC Star Brian Ortega Following Their Recent Triumphs

 

Available NOW On YouTube And Facebook

and right here:

 

 

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports released the second installment of the first-of-its-kind sports talk show BELOW THE BELT, hosted by Brendan Schaub, available now on theBelow the Belt YouTube Channel and the Below the Belt Facebook Page. Following the show’s debut on February 28, the second installment of the twice-monthly digital-first program features an interview with America’s only heavyweight world champion, Deontay Wilder, who reflects on his instant-classic victory over Luis Ortiz March 3 on SHOWTIME. Schaub also sits down with the UFC’s Brian Ortega following his first-round knockout win over Frankie Edgar at UFC 222.

 

 

 

 

 

BELOW THE BELT explores the latest news in combat sports and pop culture, with Schaub delivering candid thoughts in his unique and unfiltered style. The multi-platform program, which also includes a weekly podcast and a composite program that airs once per month on SHOWTIME EXTREME, features interviews with the biggest names in combat sports and entertainment, road trips, fight camp visits, sketches, animation and pop-culture spoofs. The next installment of BELOW THE BELT launches March 28 followed by new shows April 11, April 18, May 2 and May 16.

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

Undefeated M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko to defend title belt against former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Alexander Butenko

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Joe Riggs vs. Boris Polezhay in co-feature
 
M-1 Challenge 90, Mar. 30, in Saint Petersburg at M-1 Arena
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (March 14, 2018) – Undefeated M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko (17-0-0) will put his perfect MMA professional record and title belt on the line March 30, against former M-1 Challenge lightweight titlist Alexander “Iron Capture” Butenko, in the M-1 Challenge 90 main event at the new M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
M-1 Challenge 90 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.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 the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 90 is available on www.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)
The 33-year-old Kunchenko captured his M-1 Challenge welterweight title nearly two years ago, at M-1 Challenge 65, when he knocked out Murad Abdulaev in the fourth round. Kunchenko has made three successful title defenses. He won two decisions in a rematch with Abdulaev and against Maksim Grabovich, and he stopped Sergey Romonav in the opening round.
The Russian-born Kunchenko is a legitimate knockout artist, stopping 12 of his 17 pro victims, and he is 9-0 in in M-1 Global competition.
Kunchenko (R) is a lethal striker with 12 KOs in 17 pro fights
Butenko (45-12-3, M-1: 11-2-1) is an experienced fighter, who is attempting to become a two-division M-1 Challenge champion. The battle-tested Ukrainian won his M-1 Challenge lightweight crown at M-1 Challenge 67, back in June of 2016, when he won a five-round decision over Artem Damkovsky for the vacant title.
In his first title defense, Butenko was knocked out by Abukar Yandiev in the opening round, February 18, 2017 at M-1 Challenge 74.   He has won his last two fight, at M-1 Challenge 82 & 86, respectively, against Keith Johnson (DEC3) and Eler Narmurzan(TSUB1).

Butenko (R) also has power
American middleweight and former UFC fighter,Joe “Diesel” Riggs (47-17-0, 1 NC, M-1: 2-0-0), fighting out of Phoenix, AZ, takes on Boris Polezhay (18-6-0, M-1: 2-1-0), of Ukraine, in the co-featured event.
Riggs is riding a six-fight win streak, including a pair of victories in M-1 Challenge events, in which he knocked out Oleg Olenichev and Dmitry Samoilov. Polezhay has won 13 of his last 14 fights.
Also fighting in the main card is Brazilian flyweight Rafael Dias (14-5-0, M-1¨0-1-0), who faces Vadim Malygin, of Russia. Dias has lost only two of his last 10 fights, both of those in bantamweight matches. Malygin lost his only M-1 Challenge title fight last September, when Aleksander Doskalchuk submitted him in the second.
All fighters and fights are subject to change. Additional main and full preliminary card bouts will soon be announced.
INFORMATION:
Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@Vadim_finkelchtein
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Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

AARON CHALMERS, STAR OF MTV’S ‘GEORDIE SHORE,’ SET TO MAKE PROMOTIONAL DEBUT AT BELLATOR 200 IN LONDON

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WILL TAKE ON ASH GRIFFITHS IN MAIN CARD BOUT ON MAY 25 AT THE SSE ARENA, WEMBLEY

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LOS ANGELES – Bellator is proud to announce that reality star turned MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers (3-0) will make his promotional debut on the main card of historic Bellator 200 against Ash Griffiths (4-5) at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on Friday, May 25.

Fighting out of Newcastle, England, Chalmers steps inside the Bellator cage following three first-round stoppage victories under the direction of BAMMA. Chalmers is a well-known cast member of MTV’s British reality television series “Geordie Shore,” having appeared for 10 seasons beginning in 2014, as well as MTV’s “Ex on the Beach.” He would go on to make his MMA debut in 2017, winning his first bout via submission in the first round. “The Joker” has since defeated two other opponents in under a minute and now looks to take the next step in his professional career.

Griffiths turned pro in 2013, fighting regionally in England, prior to making his debut with Bellator last year during the main card of Bellator 191 in Newcastle. Hailing from Willington, England, the nine-fight veteran provides a tough test for the newcomer. Fans can expect fireworks, when these two compete for bragging rights in front of their U.K. crowd.

The catchweight contest joins a stacked card that already includes a Bellator middleweight title matchup pitting current champ Rafael Carvalho (15-1) against Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2), a rematch betweenheavyweight fan-favorites Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) and Roy Nelson (23-15), while former titleholder Phil Davis (18-4) takes on Linton Vassell (18-6) in a light heavyweight matchup and undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (12-0) meets David “The Caveman” Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) at welterweight.

Tickets for the event are on sale now at The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com, ssearena.co.uk and axs.com. Bellator 200 will be broadcast on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. The main card is now complete, additional preliminary contests will be announced in coming weeks.

Complete Bellator 200 Main Card:

Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (15-1) vs. Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2)

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) vs. Roy Nelson (23-15)

Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Phil Davis (18-4) vs. Linton Vassell (18-6)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Michael Page (12-0) vs. David Rickels (19-4, 2 NC)

163-Pound Catchweight Main Card Bout: Aaron Chalmers (3-0) vs. Ash Griffiths (4-5)

*Card subject to change

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Amateur MMA, Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES SIX NEW MATCHUPS FOR “COMBATE ESTRELLAS I” IN LOS ANGELES ON APRIL 13

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JOSE “FROGGY” ESTRADA TO FACE PABLO “GALLO NEGRO” SABORI IN FEATHERWEIGHT MAIN CARD CONTEST

PLUS PRELIMINARY CARD MATCHUPS:

LIGHTWEIGHT: RAFA “GIFTED” GARCIA VS. CHASE “EL GUERO” GIBSON
ATOMWEIGHT: PAULINA “FIREFOX” GRANADOS VS. SHEILA PADILLA
LIGHTWEIGHT: DANNY “THE REALIST” RAMIREZ VS. ERICK GONZALEZ
LIGHTWEIGHT: JAVIER “EL MARIACHI” GARCIA VS. GABRIEL GREEN
FLYWEIGHT: HEINRICH WASSMER VS. “MALICIOUS” MICHAEL REYES
TICKETS ON SALE NOW

NEW YORK – March 13, 2018 – Combate Americas announced six new matchups today for “Combate Estrellas I,” the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise’s first live television event of 2018, and the first event of a two-part series featuring a collection of Combate Americas’ top estrellas, or “stars,” that will take place at Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles, Calif. on Friday, April 13.
 

 

 

Priced from $40, tickets for “Combate Estrellas I” are on sale at Ticketon.com.
 

 

 

The newly announced bouts include a featherweight (145 pounds) main card battle between fellow rising stars Jose “Froggy” Estrada (4-1), representing the U.S., and Pablo “Gallo Negro” Sabori (8-4) of Mexico.
 

 

The matchup between Estrada, 27, who fights out of Ventura, Calif., and the 26-year-old Sabori of Tecate, Baja California, will precede the flyweight (125 pounds) women’s co-main event between five-division world boxing champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, (0-0) representing Puerto Rico in her much-anticipated MMA rules debut, against Erendira “Aketzaly” Ordoñez (2-1) of Mexico, and the bantamweight (135 pounds) main event rematch between John “Sexi Mexi” Castaneda (16-3), representing the U.S., and Marc “Lufo” Gomez (21-11), representing Spain.
 

 

 

In “Combate Estrellas I” preliminary bout card action, Rafa “Gifted” Garcia (5-0) of Mexico will risk his perfect record in a lightweight (155 pounds) scrap against fellow streaking prospect Chase “El Guero” Gibson (8-2) of the U.S.
 

 

A winner of Combate Americas’ first-ever open fighter tryout in 2016, the 25-year-old Garcia of Mexicali, Baja California, has defeated all of his opponents to date by way of submission inside of two rounds, while the 28-year-old Gibson, who fights out of Los Angeles, is a winner of his last five bouts.
 

 

 

In women’s atomweight (105 pounds) action on the preliminary bout card, Paulina “Firefox” Granados (4-3) will battle fellow American Sheila Padilla(3-2).
 

 

 

Lightweight American rivals Danny “The Realist” Ramirez (6-3) and Erick “Ghost Pepper” Gonzalez (7-2) will face each other for the second time, in a grudge bout, just over one year after Ramirez took a unanimous decision from Gonzalez at “Combate 11” on February 16, 2017.
 

 

 

Undefeated Javier “El Mariachi” Garcia (3-0) will collide with fellow American and aggressive-minded finisher Gabriel Green (7-2) in another lightweight affair.  Both Garcia and Green have claimed all of their respective victories to date by way of (T)KO or submission.
 

 

 

In a flyweight contest, submission ace Heinrich “Ricky Scraps” Wassmer (6-2) of the U.S. will face “Malicious” Michael Reyes (3-4-1) of the U.S.

 

 

 

UPDATED “COMBATE AMERICAS: COMBATE ESTRELLAS I” FIGHT CARD

 

 

 

MAIN CARD:
 

 

 

Bantamweight Main Event:
John Castaneda (16-3) vs. Marc Gomez (21-11)
 

 

 

Flyweight Co-Main Event:
Amanda Serrano (0-0 vs. Erendira Ordoñez (2-1)
 

 

 

Featherweight: Jose Estrada (4-1) vs. Pablo Sabori (8-4)

 

 

UNDERCARD:
 

 

Lightweight:  Rafa Garcia (5-0) vs. Chase Gibson (8-2)

 

Atomweight: Paulina Granados (4-3) vs. Sheila Padilla (3-2)

 

Lightweight:  Danny Ramirez (6-3) vs. Erick Gonzalez (7-2)

 

Lightweight:  Javier Garcia (3-0) vs. Gabriel Green (7-2)

 

Flyweight: Heinrich Wassmer (6-2) vs. Michael Reyes (3-4-1)
# # #
Bellator, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

JAMES GALLAGHER FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM BELLATOR 196 IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY ONAPRIL 6 DUE TO INJURY

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‘SMOOTH’ BENSON HENDERSON TAKES ON THE RETURNING ROGER ‘EL MATADOR’ HUERTA IN NEW MAIN EVENT

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BELLATOR KICKBOXING 9 MAIN EVENT REVEALED

 LOS ANGELES – Due to an undisclosed injury, James Gallagher’s highly anticipated return to the Bellator cage will be delayed.

As a result, the new headliner for Bellator’s third event in Budapest, Hungary on Friday, April 6, will feature former world champion Benson Henderson (24-8) in a lightweight matchup against Roger Huerta (24-9-1, 1 NC), who returns to Bellator for the first time since 2010. Gallagher’s opponent, Hungary’s Adam Borics (6-0), will remain on the card and take on the undefeated Manuel Gaxhja (6-0) in the featherweight co-main event. In addition, Bellator 196 will also feature a flyweight contest pitting Bellator women’s 125-pound kickboxing champion Denise Kielholtz (1-1) versus Lena Ovchynnikova (12-5, 1 NC) and a featherweight battle between SBG Ireland’s Brian Moore (10-6) and Giorgio Belsanti (7-6-1).

With marquee victories over Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone (x2), Frankie Edgar (x2), Gilbert Melendez and Jorge Masvidal, Glendale, Ariz.’s “Smooth” Benson Henderson looks to add another name to his already-impressive resume. The former UFC and WEC champ owns a win over a Patricio “Pitbull” inside the Bellator cage and is looking to make a statement on his way back to title contention when he meets Roger Huerta on April 6 in Budapest, Hungary. Fighting out of Austin, Texas, the 34-year-old Los Angeles native returns to Bellator for the first time since facing Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 33. The first MMA fighter to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Huerta’s entertaining fight style saw him memorably defeat Clay Guida and Leonard Garcia. Now, fresh off of two consecutive victories, “El Matador” is not shying away from elite competition for his first fight of 2018.

The April 6 card at BOK Hall will also feature world-class kickboxing action, as Bellator Kickboxing returns for another great night of fights. In the main event, Raymond Daniels (33-3) defends his welterweight crown against Djibril Ehouo (38-9-2) of France, while the undefeated Jorina Baars (44-0-3) returns to face Julie Burton (7-1) at 145-pounds. Additionally, fan-favorite Alexy Ignashov (85-21) will compete in a heavyweight matchup.

Bellator 196: Henderson vs. Huerta will be broadcast Friday, April 6 free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Bellator Kickboxing 9 will air immediately following at 11 p.m. ET/10 p.m. CT.Tickets for the event are on sale now and are available at www.Bellator.hu.

Updated Bellator 196: Henderson vs. Huerta Fight Card:

Lightweight Main Event: Benson Henderson (24-8) vs. Roger Huerta (24-9-1, 1 NC)

Featherweight Co-Main Event: Adam Borics (6-0) vs. Manuel Gaxhja (6-0)

Women’s Flyweight Main Card Bout: Denise Kielholtz (1-1) vs. Lena Ovchynnikova (12-5, 1 NC)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Brian Moore (10-6) vs. Giorgio Belsanti (7-6-1)

Updated Bellator Kickboxing 9 Fight Card:

Welterweight World Title Bout: Raymond Daniels (33-3) vs. Djibril Ehouo (38-9-2)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Alexy Ignashov (85-21) vs. TBD

Women’s Featherweight Main Card Bout: Jorina Baars (44-0-3) vs. Julie Burton (7-1)

 

*Card subject to change.

****

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

Ivan Buchinger rebounds from title loss with impressive win over Andrey Krasnikov

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
“Buki” is back!
 
 
M-1 CHALLENGE 89 RESULTS

Ivan Buchinger is back!

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (March 10, 2018) — Former M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger rebounded from his title loss last November with an impressive win over Andrey Krasnikov in tonight’s M-1 Challenge 89 main event, at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The judges had an uneventful evening as only one of a dozen fights on the overall M-1 Challenge 89 card went the full distance for a decision in this true International event. Fighters represented 11 different countries: Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Brazil, Azerbaijan, France, Belarus, Georgia, Bulgaria, Israel and Spain.
Buchinger (33-6-0, M-1: 7-2-0), fighting out of Slovakia, originally captured the M-1 Challenge featherweight title on October 17, 2014, stopping Tural Ragimov on punches in the fourth round, in the M-1 Challenge 52 Fight of the Night. Buchinger retained his title for more than three years, losing his title belt last November 24 at M-1 Challenge 86, when Khamzat Dalgiev knocked him out by punches in the opening round.
In the second round, Buchinger used his vast arsenal of skills to defeat the game Krasnikov, of Russia, by way of an anaconda choke for a second-round submission.
Buchinger’s strong comeback against his Ukrainian opponent, Krasnikov (14-4-0), who had won 13 of his last 14 MMA fights going into his showdown with Buchinger, should position the Slovakian for a possible rematch with Dalgiev.
Russian featherweight contender Viktor Kolesnik (12-3-1) went to the ground with a effective Guillotine Choke for a first-round triumph by submission over M-1 Global-debutingDavid “Davi Boxer” Silva de Souza (8-3-0), of Brazil, in the co-featured event.
Also fighting on the main card, Russian heavyweight Anton Vyazigin (9-2-0) knocked outZaur Gadzhibabayev (6-2-0) in the first round on punches
French lightweight Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (17-8-2) turned in an impressive M-1 Global debut, knocking out Belorussian challenger Sergey Faley (20-11-0) on punches in the opening round.
Late replacement Oleg Aduchiev (4-0-0), of Russia, upset veteran Ukrainian flyweight Vitaliy Branchuk (23-8-0), stopping him on punches in the second round for a technical knockout.
On the preliminary card, Georgian flyweight Vazha Tsiptauri (4-1-0) used a Guillotine Choke to force Dimitar Kostov (9-5-0), of Bulgaria, in a second-round submission; Ukrainian light heavyweight Denis Vygovsky (7-3-0) won a three-round majority decision over Brendson “Zyzz” Ribeiro (9-3-0), of Brazil, and Russian featherweight Nikita Solonin(4-1-0) stopped Elizar Tariku (3-1-0) in the first round on punches.
Ali Albogachiev (5-0-0) punched out Rasul Magomedov (7-0-0) in the first round of a fight between undefeated Russian lightweight prospects, while Russian featherweight Ivan Kibala (3-0-0) stopped Spaniard Daniel “Diamond” Vasquez (4-3-0) in the second round on punches.
In pre-undercard action, Dmitry Novikov (1-0-1) locked in a rear naked choke on fellow Russian heavyweight Mikhail Makogon (0-2-0) for a victory by first-round submission. Russian middleweight knocked out fellow countryman Krill Mazhara (2-2-0) with a kick to the head in the second round.
Complete results and photo gallery below:
MAIN CARD
MAIN EVENT – FEATHERWEIGHTS
Ivan Buchinger (33-6-0, M-1: 8-2-0), Slovakia
WSUB2 – Anaconda Choke – 2:54)
Andrey Krasnikov (14-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine
CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS
Viktor Kolesnik (12-3-1, M-1: 3-1-1), Russia
WSUB1 (Guillotine Choke – 0:44)
David Silva de Souza (7-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Anton Vyazigin (9-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia
WKO1 (Punches – 0:16)
Zaur Gadzhibabayev (6-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Azerbaijan
          LIGHTWEIGHTS
Mickael Lebout (17-8-2, M-1: 1-0-0), France
WKO1 (Punches – 4:53)
Sergey Faley (20-11-0, M-1: 4-2-0), Belarus
FLYWEIGHTS
Oleg Aduchiev (4-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WTKO2 – (Punches – 3:09)
Vitaliy Branchuk (23-5-0, M-1: 2-4-0), Ukraine
PRELIMINARY CARD
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Denis Vygovsky (7-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Ukraine
WDEC3
Brendson Ribeiro (9-3-0 (M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Ali Albogachiev (5-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia
WKO1 (Punches – 2:45)
Rasul Magomedov (6-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Nikita Solonin (4-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WTKO1 (Punches – 0:51)
Elizar Tariku (3-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Israel
Ivan Kibala (3-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WTKO2 (Punches- 4:18)
Daniel Vasquez (4-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Spain
FLYWEIGHTS
Vazha Tsiptauri (4-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Georgia
WSUB2 (MOUNTED Guillotine Choke – 1:28)
Dimitar Kostov (9-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Bulgaria
PRE-UNDERCARD
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Dmitry Novikov (1-0-1, M-1: 1-0-1), Russia
WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke – 4:03)
Mikhail Makogon (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Boris Medvedev (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia
WKO2 (Head Kick – 1:33)
Kirill Mazhara (2-2-0, M-1: 0-2-0), Russia

Ivan Buchinger had top position here on way to his victory

Anton Vyazigin knockoyuts Zaur Gadzhibabayev

  Oleg Aduchiev drops Vitaliy Branchuk

Viktor Kolesnik (white trunks) finishes off David Silva de Souza

Mickael Lebout knocked out Sergey Faley

INFORMATION:

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@M1GlobalNews
@Vadim_finkelchtein
@M1Global
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Mar. 30 – M-1 Challenge 90: Kunchenko-Butenko, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Bellator, boxing, FNU Combat Sports Show, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show: Wilder/Ortiz and UFC 222 Recaps

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Tom, Rich and Tony recap UFC 222 and Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz, along with the last week’s biggest combat sports news stories. We have a short discussion about the Canelo Alvarez positive PED test, and we also preview upcoming boxing events.

Listen to the full show below:

LFA, mixed martial arts, MMA, UFC

LFA alum emerge as the biggest stars of UFC 222 in Las Vegas, Nevada

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7 former fighters compete,
Several stars are born, and
$150,000 in bonus money earned
HOUSTON, Texas – Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) and the two promotions that merged to create it, RFA and Legacy FC, saw several more alum show up in full force and shine on the biggest stage when the UFC hosted UFC 222 in Las Vegas this past weekend.

Seven former fighters competed, which included three former champions. The seven fighters included Brian Ortega, Sean O’Malley, Mackenzie Dern, Alexander Hernandez, Pedro Munhoz, Zak Ottow, and Jordan Johnson. That group made up 29.16% of the entire card. Six of the seven fighters were victorious with the lone loss coming via controversial split decision.
“I am always excited to watch the many fighters from LFA, RFA, and Legacy show what they can do in the UFC,” stated LFA CEO Ed Soares. “What we saw on Saturday night at UFC 222 is further proof that we are are producing the top prospects in MMA.”

In the co-main event, former RFA featherweight champion Brian Ortega, stole the show with a first round knockout of former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar. The undefeated contender known as “T-City” is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous submission masters in the sport, but it was an uppercut that allowed him to become the first person to finish the future Hall of Famer. The win also earned Ortega a shot at the UFC featherweight title and a $50,000 UFC “Performance of the Night” bonus.
The “Sugar Show” was also in full effect on the main card as Sean O’Malley continued to wow fans with his creative and wildly entertaining striking arsenal against Andre Soukhamthath. The LFA standout unleashed a flurry that nearly finished his opponent at the end of Round 1. Soukhamthath was literally saved by the bell as he was stumbling around as the round ended. The second round saw O’Malley impress on the ground with his underrated submission attack. However, it was the third and final round, that etched O’Malley’s name in MMA lore. After badly injuring his right foot, to the point he couldn’t stand on it, O’Malley finished out the fight by grappling. The huge lead he had built on the score cards through the first two rounds gave him the Unanimous Decision win. It resulted in a $50,000 UFC “Fight of the Night” bonus and the first time Joe Rogan interviewed a winning fighter while he was lying on his back.
Mackenzie Dern made the most anticipated UFC debut of the year in the final fight of the preliminary card. The multiple-time jiu-jitsu world champion got her start in MMA with LFA and Legacy FC. Dern has since seen every step of her progression in the sport followed closely by media and fans alike. The daughter of legendary jiu-jitsu and judo black belt Wellington “Megaton” Dias, Dern possesses the greatest grappling skills of any woman to compete in MMA. Dern used those skills in her UFC debut to close out the final round on her opponent Ashley Yoder’s back. She was unable to finish the Rear Naked Choke, but it was enough to earn her the Split Decision win.
Alexander Hernandez made his UFC debut on a week’s notice against #12 ranked Beneil Dariush. Like the old adage states, “with great risk comes great reward.” The Texan powerhouse, who made his mark under the LFA and RFA banners, wasted no time in dispatching his heavily favored and much more experienced opponent. “Alexander The Great” connected with a big left hand to knock out Dariush in just 42-seconds. The win earned him the other $50,000 UFC “Performance of the Night” bonus.
Zak Ottow also picked up a quick first round win. The RFA and Legacy FC alum earned a TKO win over UFC mainstay Mike Pyle midway through the opening round. The bout served as Pyle’s retirement bout and Ottow gave a touching show of respect to Pyle in his post-fight interview. This was Ottow’s third UFC win and the first after signing a new extension with the promotion.
Jordan Johnson got things moving in the right direction for the LFA alum at UFC 222. The former RFA light-heavyweight champion kept his undefeated record intact with a Split Decision win over former UFC heavyweight Adam Milstead. The win should set up a marquee matchup for the man who was victorious in the final bout under the RFA banner.
In September 2016, RFA and Legacy FC officials announced that they would be merging to form LFA. This new powerhouse promotion would serve as the premier  developmental organization in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) starting in January 2017. RFA and Legacy FC have launched the careers of over 130 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.
LFA returns this Friday, March 9th with LFA 35 – Newell vs. Luque. The main event will feature the comeback fight of bona fide MMA star and inspirational congenital amputee “Notorious” Nick Newell when he faces the gritty south Texan and Bellator vet Sonny “El Loco” Luque. The event will take place at the Arena Theatre in Houston, Texas.
LFA 35 will be the fourth LFA event to take place in the City of Houston. It will also be the ninth time that the LFA has traveled to “The Lone Star State” of Texas. The entire main card of LFA 35 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Please visit LFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. LFA is on Facebook at Legacy Fighting Alliance. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH FEATURING MIRKO CRO COP AND ROY NELSON SLATED FOR BELLATOR 200 IN LONDON ON MAY 25

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW

 

 

LOS ANGELES – An exciting battle between heavyweight fan-favorites Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) and Roy Nelson (23-15) has been added to historic Bellator 200 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on Friday, May 25.

 

The two renowned fighters join a stacked card that already includes a Bellator middleweight title matchup pitting current champ Rafael Carvalho (15-1) against Gegard Mousasi(43-6-2), while former titleholder Phil Davis (18-4) takes on Linton Vassell (18-6) in a light heavyweight matchup and undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (12-0) meets David “The Caveman” Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) at welterweight.

 

Tickets for the event are on sale now at The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com, ssearena.co.uk and axs.com. Bellator 200 will be broadcast on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Additional contests will be announced in coming weeks.

 

The man synonymous with head kick knockouts, Mirko Cro Cop makes his way to Bellator in the midst of an eight-fight win streak that includes TKO victories over “King Mo” Lawal, Gabriel Gonzaga and Satoshi Ishii. The proud Croatian famously won the PRIDE 2006 Openweight Grand Prix championship, as well as the RIZIN World Grand Prix 2016 title and K-1 World Grand Prix 2012 Final in kickboxing. One of the most feared strikers in MMA history, Cro Cop owns additional career wins over Wanderlei Silva, Josh Barnett (x3), Pat Barry, Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman.

 

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Roy Nelson made his Bellator debut at Bellator 183 in September with a hard-fought victory over Javy Ayala following an eight-year, 19-fight run with UFC that saw him earn wins over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, “Bigfoot” Silva, Cheick Kongo and Mirko Cro Cop. “Big Country” also memorably defeated the late Kimbo Sliceand later went on to win season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter. Having recently fought Matt Mitrione in the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix, Nelson is looking for a big win over one of the sport’s true legends.

 

Updated Bellator 200 Fight Card:

Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (15-1) vs. Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2)

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Mirko Cro Cop (36-11-2, 1 NC) vs. Roy Nelson (23-15)

Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Phil Davis (18-4) vs. Linton Vassell (18-6)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Michael Page (12-0) vs. David Rickels (19-4, 2 NC)

 

*Card subject to change

 

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

BELLATOR 195 RESULTS & PHOTOS

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Full Event Photos Here

 

Darrion Caldwell (12-1) defeated Leandro Higo (18-4) via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:36 of round one

 

Joe Taimanglo (24-8) defeated Joe Warren (15-7) via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

 

Kristina Williams (2-0) defeated Emily Ducote (6-4) via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)

 

Juan Archuleta (19-1) defeated William Joplin (17-15) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-24, 30-23)

 

Aaron Webb (2-0) defeated Thomas Lopez (1-4) via TKO (punches) at 3:11 of round one

 

Kevin Holland (12-3) defeated Teagan Dooley (6-3) via submission (triangle choke) at 2:59 of round one

 

Daniel Carey (4-2) defeated Cris Williams (4-1) via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

 

Romero Cotton (2-0) defeated Justin Reeser (1-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) 4:35 of round two

 

Fernando Gonzalez (3-0) defeated Armando Servin (4-6) via submission (arm-bar) at 2:24 of round one

 

Justin Patterson (10-4) defeated Brian Grinnell (10-8) via TKO (knee to body) at 4:49 of round one

 

Ky Bennett (1-1) defeated Morgan Solis (2-1) via submission (Americana) at 3:37 of round two