Tag Archives: mma

Fight Network, mixed martial arts, MMA

Fight Network Presents TKO 36: Resurrection Prelims & Main Card Live Nov. 4 in Canada

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Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, today announced the return of the newly resurrected TKO MMA to Canadian airwaves, as TKO 36: Resurrection will air live on Fight Network across Canada on Friday, November 4, 2016 from TOHU Cite des Arts du Cirque in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Fight Network will televise the live TKO 36: Resurrection prelims at 6 p.m. ET and live main card at 7:30 p.m. ET.

In the main event, former TKO mainstays will collide as former Shawn Tompkins pupil “The Polish Hammer” Chris Horodecki (21-6-1, 1NC) returns for his first bout in over a year against Quebec’s own Derek “The War Machine” Gauthier (7-6), a representative of Montreal’s world-famous Tristar Gym.

In other featured bouts, Horodecki’s teammates Jesse “The Body Snatcher” Ronson (15-8) and Malcolm “X” Gordon (8-2) will take center stage against Drysdale Jiu-Jitsu disciple Jimmy Spicuzza (7-3) and Speedy Gym’s Dimitri “No Stress” Waardenburg (11-7), respectively, while House of Champions MMA product Josh Hill (14-2) meets undefeated Tristar Gym disciple Xavier “The Breadman” Alaoui (7-0) and Ontario native Lindsay Garbatt (3-1) clashes with France’s Maguy Berchel (5-1-1) in a featured women’s bout. Top Canadian prospects will also be featured asJo Vallee (4-1) faces Fritz Paul (10-3) in a middleweight affair, plus TJ “The Truth” Laramie (3-1) throws down with Maxime “The Gladiator” Dubois (5-2) in a featherweight showdown.

Fight Network analysts John Ramdeen and Robin Black will be on the scene providing English commentary alongside former TKO competitors Jason St. Louis and Mark Colangelo.

Formerly known as UCC, TKO MMA was a staple of Canadian MMA in the early-to-mid 2000s and helped launch the careers of pioneers Georges St-Pierre, Patrick Cote, Mark Hominick and Sam Stout, as well as current UFC light heavyweight Steve Bosse. Over the course of its run,m the promotion also featured names like former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin, former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk and former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber.

“TKO MMA has a rich history in Canada, spawning the careers of some of the sport’s biggest names, while setting a benchmark for production value, matchmaking, star power and dedicated fan base during the sport’s early years,” said Ariel Shnerer, Director of Programming & Communications at Fight Network. “Dating back to 2005, Fight Network has always provided TKO MMA with a national television platform. I’ve personally known Stephane (Patry) for over 10 years and there’s no doubt he has always had a passion and a gift for promoting mixed martial arts. The world-class quality that our viewers have come to expect from TKO MMA will put the spotlight back on Quebec’s MMA scene and provide athletes with a great platform to shine.”

“The word ‘tradition’ means the world to me and with the resurrection of TKO, it was very important for me that our organization would be available for our fans on Fight Network,” said TKO president Stephane Patry. “Fight Network has been the home of TKO for so many years in the past and I’m very proud that this tradition will now continue. TKO 36 will feature the top prospects in Canada, as well as some of the most recognizable names in our sport.”

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. 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

KERI MELENDEZ SET FOR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS DEBUT VS. SHEILA PADILLA AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE ON NOV. 19

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UNDEFEATED LIGHTWEIGHTS JAKE ROBERTS-CARRINGTON BANKS READY FOR ACTION IN PRELIMINARY CONTEST

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 19, 2016) – The anticipated mixed martial arts debut of flyweight Keri Melendez will come against Sheila Padilla (2-0) during the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

 

In addition, a lightweight bout pitting Carrington Banks (5-0) against Jake Roberts (7-0) has been added to the Bellator.com-streamed preliminary card.

 

The bouts join action-packed fights highlighted by a lightweight world title main event featuring Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In addition, a welterweight clash between undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) will also be the card’s co-main event. Rounding out the televised action, a lightweight showdown pitting Adam Piccolotti (8-0) against Brandon Girtz (14-4) and a light heavyweight matchup pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) versus Francis Carmont (14-4) were added earlier this week.

 

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” will take place on November 19, airing LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m ET/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

 

The queen of the infamous Skrap Pack in Northern California, Melendez made her first appearance in a victory during the kickboxing portion of “Bellator: Dynamite 1,” and followed up with another win at “Dynamite 2.” Melendez tallied a 4-1 amateur mark before taking her talents to the professional circuit, where she currently holds a 4-1 kickboxing record. The 32-year-old flyweight will now make the transition to MMA, an iteration of combat sports that her husband, Gilbert Melendez has plenty of success in. Living up to her promise of making her debut in 2016, Melendez will compete on the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

Fighting out of Visalia, Calif., Padilla will enter the Bellator MMA fray following two successful wins on the regional scene, both coming in 2016. Training under Bellator MMA veteran Doug Marshall at Team Elite, this will be Padilla’s opportunity to truly make a name for herself against Melendez, when she competes LIVE on SPIKE.

 

Just like his opponent, Banks enters the cage undefeated and ready to make another splash in his second fight since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion. The Peoria, Illinois native has finished two of his five victims and dominated all three of his decision victories, earning each by unanimous variety. “Jetsetter” will look to use Roberts as his runway for success as the Blackzilian product hopes to couple his Bellator MMA debut triumph with yet another feat and continue his climb up the lightweight ranks. After competing professionally in Kansas, Texas, and Iowa, the trip to Connecticut will mark Banks’ first on the East Coast. Tune in to Bellator.com’s live-streaming preliminary action to find out if the long journey will have any effect on “Jetsetter” and his performance.

 

“The North County Nightmare” hasn’t the slightest idea what it’s like to lose, as the 25-year-old enters his eighth professional contest at an admirable 7-0. Having won all five amateur bouts and each of his first four professional fights by way of first round submission, it is Roberts’ ground game that keeps his opponents up at night. However, Roberts’ 2016 campaign has been all about power, after recording back-to-back knockout finishes, highlighted by an emphatic first round knockout in his Bellator MMA debut at “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull.” Roberts hopes to haunt Banks’ dreams when the two clash in the bright lights of SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

 

 

Complete “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Debut) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)

 

Complete Preliminary Card:

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Gabe Carrasco (7-0) vs. Rolando Velasco (10-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jose Perez (2-1) vs. J.T. Donaldson (2-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)

Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

‘THE BAD BOY’ MEETS ‘THE BAD GUY’ ON JANUARY 21 AT THE FORUM IN LOS ANGELES

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TITO ORTIZ & CHAEL SONNEN TO MAIN EVENT ‘BELLATOR 170’ LIVE & FREE ON SPIKE

 

KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE TAKING PLACE NOV. 3 AT MOHEGAN SUN PRIOR TO BELLATOR 163

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 19, 2016) – It’s a fight that many mixed martial arts fans thought they’d never see, but on January 21, 2017, both Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) and Chael Sonnen (28-14-1) will return to action inside the beautifully renovated Forum in Inglewood, Calif., to headline “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen.” In college, the two met on the wrestling mat, in a matchup that Sonnen won by pinning Ortiz on his birthday. Now, Ortiz will have the opportunity to avenge that loss when the compete in the Bellator MMA cage on SPIKE.

 

Ticket information will be made available shortly. The event will be broadcast live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announcing in the coming weeks.

 

Since shocking the world with his surprise signing with Bellator MMA last month, Sonnen has made it clear he wants to fight anyone and everyone – regardless of weight class, or anything else that could stand in his way. Sitting atop that list, is a name that has sat atop the sport of MMA practically since its inception, Tito Ortiz.

 

Not one to shy away from any sort of challenge, “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” wasted zero time welcoming “The American Gangster” to the fray as only he can, by responding to Sonnen’s call-out with open arms on his social media account.

 

Sonnen spent a vast majority of his 43-fight career with the UFC, a run where he competed against names the likes of Jon Jones, Anderson Silva (2x), Rashad Evans, “Shogun” Rua, Demian Maia, Brian Stann, and current middleweight champion Michael Bisping. In addition to his exploits inside the cage, the West Linn, Ore., native has mastered the art of being in front of the camera, doing major broadcasting work for both ESPN and Fox Sports. Now, after a three-year hiatus from active MMA competition, Sonnen looks to add to his impressive resume by defeating Ortiz.

 

Known to the masses as “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” or “The People’s Champion” Tito Ortiz is a fan-favorite all over the world.  The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion has always been one of the toughest competitors in the cage, utilizing his wrestling background; Ortiz is a grinder who defended his title an impressive five times. Always with a flair for the dramatic, Ortiz had intense rivalries in the cage with guys like Ken Shamrock, Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva, and Randy Couture. Most recently, Ortiz challenged current Bellator MMA 205-pound champion Liam McGeary at “Bellator: Dynamite 1.”

 

Updated “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” Main Card:

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) vs. Chael Sonnen (28-14-1)

 

559 Fights, mixed martial arts, MMA

559 Fights is back at The Tower Theatre in Fresno for 559 Fights #51!

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559 Fights returns to Fresno’s Tower Theatre on Friday, Oct. 21. Doors open at 6 pm and first Fight is at 7.

Featuring a Bantamweight Title fight, pitting champion Bryce Gonzales vs. Daniel Campagna.

Tickets start at just $25 and can be purchased at the Tower Theatre Box Office, Pink Panthers Espress in Fresno, Pacific Metal Fab & Design, Inc. & Central Cal Machining, Inc. in Madera and Nutrishop Visalia.

VIP Table and other special pricing text or call 559-813-0307.

For more information check out the offical 559 Fights mobile app, which can be downloaded FREE on all devices. Also, visit www.559fights.com

Tickets are almost sold out!
~News From The Promoters Corner~

Coming off a huge event for 559 Fights in September, we prepare for an Oct. 21 return to Fresno’s Tower Theatre.

In the main event, we have Bantamweight Champion Bryce Gonzales returning from a minor injury to compete against Porterville’s Daniel Campagna.

This bout was scheduled as the main event of the #50 event, but injuries forced us to scrap the bout and move it to a later date.

We have several local showdowns booked for this event, including the return of Devon Chavez and two big flyweight bouts as Strawweight Champ Freddy Mendez moves up in weight to take on up-and-coming talent Paul Elizondo and Carlos Hernandez battles Jose Navarro.

We have three events left for this year.

In November we make our return to Hanford and debut at the Civic Auditorium and then close out the year in Fresno at Tower Theatre.

For more info download the 559 Fights App free on your mobile device.

– Jeremy Luchau

        Join us for post fight excitement at 10 PM at The Ivy Room  
In case you missed all the action, here are some videos from 559 Fights #50
559 Fights #50 Highlights
Watch the amazing highlight reel from 559 Fights #50
559 Fights #50 Esperanza Cadena VS Elizabeth Jackman
Watch main event action with Esperanza Cadena and Elizabeth Jackman at 559 Fights #50
559 Fights #50 Jacobo Longoria vs. Steven Robinson
Watch Jacobo Longoria in action against Steven Robinson at 559 Fights #50
Bellator, kickboxing, Spike TV

“THE SOUL ASSASSIN” READY TO BRING KILLER INSTINCT BACK TO ITALY IN LIGHTWEIGHT KICKBOXING CLASH WITH ALESSIO ARDUINI DEC. 10 INSIDE THE MANDELA FORUM

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MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOWDOWN BETWEEN JOE SCHILLING-VICTORIO LERMANO AND WELTERWEIGHT MATCHUP PITTING LUCA NOVELLO AGAINST KARIM GHAJJI ALSO ADDED TO STACKED BELLATOR KICKBOXING CARD

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 18, 2016) – Bellator Kickboxing has added a trio of fantastic fights highlighted by a lightweight matchup between Kevin Ross (31-9) and Alessio Arduini (26-14-2). A Middleweight bout pitting Joe Schilling (19-9) against Victorio Lermano (30-7) and a welterweight contest pairing Karim Ghajji (96-13-1) with Luca Novello (22-4-2) have also been added to the action-packed “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” card. The event marks the promotions second visit to Italy this year, as Bellator returns with another thrilling combo-event, featuring both Bellator MMA and Bellator Kickboxing brands on Dec. 10 from the Mandela Forum in Florence.

The MMA portion of the International event is headlined by a Middleweight World Title rematch between current champion Rafael Carvalho (13-1) and Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC). A light heavyweight fight pitting Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) against Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC) will also be featured on the “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” main card.

 

Exact broadcast details for “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” and“Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” will be revealed shortly.

 

The “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” card also features a previously announced female flyweight rematch between Denise Kielholtz (45-3) and rival Gloria Peritore (11-1-1) as well as a lightweight bout pitting Italian superstar Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) against Jordan Watson (48-11-2).

At 36 years old, “The Soul Assassin” has strung together one of the most accomplished kickboxing and muay Thai careers in the game, collecting belts in several promotions across multiple divisions. Ross has brought home six career championships, highlighted by the WBC Muay-Thai USA welterweight title, the WBC Muay-Thai International Super-lightweight title and the Lion Fight Super-lightweight title. During his 54-fight career, the Reading, Penn., native has collected notable wins over former champions Malaipet Sasiprapa, Kang En, and more. Ross hopes to add to his unblemished promotional mark, after recording back-to-back victories to begin his tenure with the Bellator Kickboxing brand. Fighting out of Dublin, Calif., Ross returns to Italy for the second time this year, having defeated Matteo Taccini at“Bellator Kickboxing: Torino” in April.

 

The 32-year-old Schilling has demonstrated his versatile skillset at the highest levels of competition by claiming multiple titles over his 10-year career, including two WBC Muay Thai World Championships, two WBC Muay Thai National Championships, and the MTAA Muay Thai Super-Middleweight National Championship. “Stitch ‘Em Up” continues to be one of the most aggressive fighters in the sport, collecting 11 of his 19 career wins via knockout. The multi-dimensional Schilling has also spent time competing in mixed martial arts, where he was awarded the 2014 Knockout of the Year for a ferocious second round blow that turned the lights out on Melvin Manhoef. Now, the 2013 Glory World Middleweight Tournament Champion Schilling returns to the ring in search of his first win under the newly-founded Bellator Kickboxing umbrella.

 

Fighting out of Meaux, France, the 10-time World Kickboxing Champion Ghajji will return to Italy after making his Bellator Kickboxing debut in Torino earlier this year. “Gadjetboy” became the first Bellator Kickboxing World Champion with a split decision victory over Mustapha Haida in the Inaugural Bellator Kickboxing Welterweight World Title fight at “Bellator 152.” Dating back to 2014, Ghajji has collected wins in nine of his previous 11 contests, including an eight-fight winning streak over a two-year stint. With 96 career wins under his belt, including 50 knockouts, the 110-fight kickboxing veteran will look to inch closer to the century mark as he prepares to challenge Italian hot shot Luca Novello.

Complete “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” Card:

Lightweight Feature Fight: Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) vs. Jordan Watson (48-11-2)

Flyweight World Title Fight: Denise Kielholtz (45-3) vs. Gloria Peritore (11-1-1)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Kevin Ross (31-9) vs. Alessio Arduini (26-14-2)

Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (19-9) vs. Victorio Lermano (30-7)

Welterweight Feature Fight: Karim Ghajji (96-13-1) vs. Luca Novello (22-4-2)

 

Updated “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” Card:

Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (13-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC)

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) vs. Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER DANIEL WEICHEL TAKES ON PAUL REDMOND AT ‘BELLATOR 169: KING MO VS. ISHII’

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**TICKETS ON SALE TODAY**

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 14, 2016) – Bellator MMA has added a brand new fight to its debut event in Ireland, seeing former featherweight title-challengerDaniel Weichel (37-9) take on Dublin’s own Paul Redmond (11-6) at “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii,” which emanates from the state-of-the-art 3Arena on Dec. 16.

 

“Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii,” will be headlined by a heavyweight fight pitting “King Mo” (19-5, 1 NC) against Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1). Ireland will also have one of its brightest prospects on the card as well, as the pride of Strabane, James Gallagher (4-0) returns home against a yet-to-be-announced foe.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” start at 35€ and go on sale TODAY atBellator.com, Ticketmaster.ie and the 3Arena Box Office. The event can be seen free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

In addition to a full card of Bellator action, ticketholders will also get to experience a complete fight card from Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, BAMMA. “BAMMA 27” will be headlined by a bantamweight title fight pitting Tom Duquesnoy(13-1, 1 NC) against Alan Philpott (16-8), as well as a featherweight title fight featuring former Bellator competitors Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) against Martin Stapleton(18-4).

A winner in nine of his last 10 bouts, dating back to 2012, Weichel seems to be hitting his stride under the direction of Bellator MMA. “The Weasel” will enter the cage for the 47th time as a professional, a 14-year career that has seen him emerge victorious 37 times, including an M-1 Global Lightweight Championship. Weichel has finished 26 of his 37 victims over his career, including 21 by way of submission, making him one of the most feared featherweights on the ground. Since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion in 2014, the German submission specialist has collected wins in six of his seven bouts, including consecutive victories over the likes of Georgi Karakhanyan and most recently Emmanuel Sanchez. The durable 31-year-old hopes to build off of his key win over the aforementioned Sanchez at “Bellator 159: Caldwell vs. Taimanglo,”as he prepares to take on Ireland’s own Paul Redmond inside 3Arena on Dec. 16.

 

After beginning his professional career as a lightweight, Redmond made the transition to the featherweight division in 2015 and will immediately face a stiff test against one of Bellator MMA’s best in Weichel. The 29-year-old Dublin, Ireland native will be making his Bellator MMA debut after spending his 2015 campaign competing for the UFC. Redmond has recorded 11 career victories, including nine finishes including five knockouts. “Redser” will look to build off of his most recent victory at “BAMMA 26,”a unanimous decision win over Chris Stringer. With each of Redmond’s nine finishes coming in the second round, we can be sure to see the hometown favorite attempt to wear down Weichel and add to his impressive total.

 

Updated “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” Main Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (19-5, 1 NC) vs. Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: James Gallagher (4-0) vs. TBA

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Daniel Weichel (37-9) vs. Paul Redmond (11-6)

 

Updated “BAMMA 27” Main Card:

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Tom Duquesnoy (13-1, 1 NC) vs. Alan Philpott (16-8)

Featherweight World Title Bouut: Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) vs. Martin Stapleton (18-4)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Dylan Tuke (3-0) vs. Sean Tobin (4-2)

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll Edition of the FNU Combat Sports Show

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Tom, Tony and Rich discuss the last two weeks of combat sports news and events. We also preview a busy weekend for boxing. This is the Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll edition as we have stories to discuss in all three categories. We chat about Tyson Fury doing cocaine, Josh Samman’s possible drug overdose death, Donald Trump and Mike Tyson talking about rumors that Trump had an affair with Robin Givens,  and some high profile rockers and other celebrities buying into the UFC (Flea, Adam Levine, Anthony Keidis). We also recap UFC 204, headlined by an epic five round battle between Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping. Bisping won the fight, but Henderson did plenty of damage and went into retirement with an effort for the ages. Listen to us break it all down:

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

M-1 Challenge Middleweight Champion Ramazan Emeev vs. Anatoly Tokov to Headline M-1 Challenge 73: Battle of Narts

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December 9 in Ingushetia
(L-R) – Anatoly Tokov and Ramazan Emeev
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (October 13, 2016) – M-1 Global has announced a super showdown between M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev and knockout artist Anatoly Tokov to headline the December 9th M-1 Challenge 73: Battle of Narts in Ingushetia, Russia.
M-1 Challenge 73 will be streamed live from Ingushetia 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.
“The fight between Ramazan Emeev and Anatoly Tokov is the most anticipated fight in Russian MMA, “M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein said. “Both Tokov and Emeev are fighters of the elite level, not only in Russia, but in the world.  This fight is being held to achieve our main goal: to make the most spectacular match-ups between the strongest MMA fighters of our time.”
Emeev (14-3-0, M-1: 8-1-0), who was the M-1 Global 2015 Fighter of the Year, returns to action after suffering a torn ligament in his elbow, which forced the Azerbaijan native to withdraw from his scheduled M-1 Grand Prix Middleweight Championship fight withAlexander Shlemenko.
The 29-year-old Emeev, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia, first captured the vacant M-1 Challenge middleweight title in 2012, taking a 5-round unanimous decision from Mario Miranda at M-1 Challenge 35, and he successfully won the rematch five months later atM-1 Challenge 38, stopping Miranda via strikes in the third round.
In 2014, Emeev lost his title belt to Vyacheslav Vasilevsky by way of a fourth-round knockout (punches) at M-1 Challenge 51 in 2014.  The resilient Emeev, however, bounced back to regain his throne as M-1 Challenge middleweight champion, using a choke hold to submit Vasilevsky in the opening round at
M-1 Challenge 56.
Emeev has successfully defended his title against Luigi Fioravanti, who was unable to continue after four rounds at M-1 Challenge 63, and this past April Emeev defeated Brazilian Maiquel Falcao (see picture above) at M-1 Challenge 65 in the first round by submission (choke).
Tokov (24-2-0, M-1: 9-1-0), 26, is a former ABC champion who fights out of Stary Oskol, Russia. He is riding a 17-fight win streak, including knockouts of Enoc Solves Torres atM-1 Challenge 54 and Albert Duraev at M-1 Challenge 46.
A feared striker with tremendous power, Tokov has stopped 14 of his 24 victims to date, resulting in him developing into one of MMA’s most spectacular fighters and a true rising MMA star throughout Russia and Europe.
Tokov can give and take
Information

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Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

BELLATOR MMA’S INTERNATIONAL ROADSHOW CONTINUES AT 3ARENA IN DUBLIN, IRELAND FRIDAY, DEC. 16

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KING MO RETURNS TO MONEYWEIGHT TO MEET SATOSHI ISHII IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MMA’S DEBUT IN ‘THE EMERALD ISLE’

 

NORTHERN IRELAND’S OWN JAMES ‘THE STRABANIMAL’ GALLAGHER ALSO SET TO RETURN TO ACTION

 

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 12, 2016) – Check Ireland off the list of countries Bellator MMA has yet to hold an event in, with the announcement that the Scott Coker-led promotion is set for action at the heart of Dublin’s docklands on Dec. 16.

 

“Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” emanates from the state-of-the-art 3Arena, and will be headlined by a heavyweight fight pitting “King Mo” (19-5, 1 NC) against Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1). Ireland will also have one of its brightest prospects on the card as well, as the pride of Strabane, James Gallagher (4-0) returns home against a yet-to-be-announced foe.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” start at 35€ and go on sale at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster.ie and the 3Arena Box Office on Friday, October 14, with a special presale on the 12 & 13. The event can be seen free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

In addition, Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion BAMMA will be holding “BAMMA 27,” alongside “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” in an effort to showcase some of the world’s leading MMA athletes from both organizations. “BAMMA 27” will be headlined by a bantamweight title fight pitting Tom Duquesnoy (13-1, 1 NC) against Alan Philpott (16-8), as well as a featherweight title fight featuring Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) against former Bellator MMA competitor Martin Stapleton (18-4).

 

“When thinking of a country that respects, understands and yearns for quality mixed martial arts action, Ireland immediately comes to mind,” Bellator MMA President Scott Coker said. “I’m very excited for this event, with ‘King Mo’ versus Ishii in the main event, and I cannot wait to be inside the 3Arena when ‘The Strabanimal,’ James Gallagher takes center stage, it’s going to be a madhouse. With that being said, I’m pleased to be bringing this action to Dublin alongside a promotion like BAMMA and David Green, who has been a good friend for years.”

 

BAMMA CEO David Green added: “It’s going to be the biggest and boldest MMA show in Ireland this year, as fans get the chance to get up close and personal with MMA superstars from both promotions.

 

“King Mo” returns to the cage for the second time in 2016, and first time at heavyweight since his Rizin Grand Prix heavyweight tournament victory. A winner in seven out of his last eight fights, Mo yearns for an opportunity to meet the winner of Liam McGeary versus Phil Davis at “Bellator 163,” onNov. 4, but instead of remaining inactive, the 35-year-old now looks to test himself against Ishii. A former Strikeforce champion, Mo has his sights set on adding Bellator gold to his mantel.

 

Ishii is a 29-year-old powerhouse Judoka who earned Gold at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing after defeating the best the world had to offer in the +100 kg division. Now fully focused on mixed martial arts, the Japanese star has competed in his home country almost exclusively throughout his 21-fight professional career and will be fighting three days ahead of his Dec. 19 birthday when he meets Lawal on Dec. 16 in Ireland. With half of his victories coming before judges’ scorecards, it’s worth noting that four of Ishii’s defeats have come at the hands of some of greatest the sport has to offer such as Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Mirko Cro Cop and Fedor Emelianenko.

 

Perfect through his first four professional fights, the 19-year-old Gallagher is one of the brightest stars in all of “The Emerald Island.” Hailing from nearby Straban in Northern Ireland, “The Strabanimal” moved away from home at age 15 to join coach John Kavanagh at Straight Blast Gym (SBG), where he now trains alongside the best fighters in the country including Connor McGregor. Having made his Bellator debut in London this past July when he beat Mike Cutting in London, Gallagher will look to make it five straight to start his career in front of a raucous home crowd. Please note: Gallagher was scheduled to appear at Bellator 164 in Tel Aviv Israel on Nov. 10, and will no longer be competing on that card. A replacement for him will be named shortly.

 

Updated “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” Main Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (19-5, 1 NC) vs. Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: James Gallagher (4-0) vs. TBA

 

Updated “BAMMA 27” Main Card:

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Tom Duquesnoy (13-1, 1 NC) vs. Alan Philpott (16-8)

Featherweight World Title Bouut: Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) vs. Martin Stapleton (18-4)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Dylan Tuke (3-0) vs. Sean Tobin (4-2)

Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

WORLD WRESTLING CHAMPION AND ICON ALBERTO “EL PATRỐN” JOINS COMBATE AMERICAS AS PRESIDENT

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Former WWE heavyweight champion takes on new moniker
“El Presidente” as well as executive role with the
leading Hispanic MMA sports franchise

NEW YORK, October 11 – Combate Americas, the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, today announced that it has named multiple-time professional world wrestling champion and former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star Alberto “El Presidente” Rodriguez, formerly known as Alberto Del Rio and Alberto El Patrόn, as its president.

A former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Rodriguez, the son of Lucha Libre legend Dos Caras, Sr., also competed in 14 professional MMA bouts – 2 of them under the promotion of former Japanese juggernaut PRIDE Fighting Championships – between 2001 and 2010, as Alberto “Dos Caras, Jr.” Rodriguez.  He compiled an overall record of 9-5 in the sport, with 7 of his victories coming by way of submission.

In his new executive role with Combate Americas, “El Presidente” will be actively involved in all aspects of athlete relations and development, from recruitment to enhancing their showmanship skills.

“A storied fighter, with a following throughout Mexico and the U.S., Alberto brings a tremendous amount of knowledge of what it means to be in competition, coupled with an ability to communicate his passion for the sport, to his new role,” said Campbell McLaren, Combate Americas founder and CEO.  “From working with Alberto in the past, we have gotten to know him very well, and are thrilled to have him on our team in an executive capacity.”

“I am excited to enter a new chapter in my career in combat sports, and to have the opportunity to spearhead the Combate Americas mission of delivering to fight fans everywhere, an authentic and first-rate Hispanic MMA product,” said Rodriguez.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Rodriguez made his professional wrestling debut in 2000, eventually signing with the WWE where he took on the “Del Rio” name and became the league’s only competitor in history to win both the “Royal Rumble” and the “Money in the Bank” ladder match in the same calendar year – 2011.

Over the course of two tenures with the WWE, Rodriguez faced and defeated a collection of top rival champions and other superstars in the sport, including fellow Mexican hero Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Dolph Ziggler and Randy Orton.

As a member of the Mexican National Greco-Roman wrestling team in the late ‘90s, Rodriguez won the Central American and Caribbean Games in his weight division three times.

Rodriguez will make his public debut as “El Presidente” this week, during the first-ever Combate Americas live event in New York on Friday, Oct. 14 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona. 

The seven-bout, “Combate Americas: Empire Rising” card will be headlined by the league’s first world championship showdown in history – a bantamweight (135 pounds) title fight between ferocious rising stars John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda (11-2) of Mankato, Minn. and Gustavo Lopez (6-1) of Las Vegas, Nev. via Yakima, Wash.