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Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

ONCE AGAIN, EDUARDO DANTAS DEFEATS MARVOS GALVAO, TAKING BACK THE BELLATOR MMA BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE PROCESS

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COMPLETE EVENT PHOTOS HERE — VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS HERE

FRESNO, Calif. (June 17, 2016) — It was a rematch over three years in the making, it was a fight that was scheduled, cancelled and re-scheduled, andon Friday at “Bellator 156” inside Save Mart Center, Marcos Galvao (17-7-1) versus Eduardo Dantas (18-4) was also a barnburner of a main event with the Bellator MMA Bantamweight Championship on the line.

Galvao, 33, walked into the arena with the belt in tow, riding high on his memorable victory at the expense of Joe Warren in 2015. But over the course of 25 minutes, Dantas put a halt to any momentum “Loro” had, peppering his former training partner’s left-eye with punches, until it swelled shut. Galvao tried valiantly to slow the pace of “Dudu” through grappling, but the 27-year-old did enough to earn the nod from the California State Athletic Commission judges and take back the belt that he claimed was his all along.

With the defeat, Galvao’s four-fight winning streak was snapped, while Dantas has now pieced together two consecutive victories. The Nova Uniao product will now set his sights on the winner of Darrion Caldwell against Joe Taimanglo at “Bellator 159,” a bout that will determine the new No. 1 contender for Dantas’ freshly won title.

Chidi Njokuani ‘Bang Bangs’ His Way to Knockout Victory

The co-main event of the evening featured contrasting styles, with Chidi Njokuani (15-4) looking to keep the fight at length and utilize his height and reach advantage, while Thiago Jambo (18-5) worked hard to close the distance and compete on the inside. “Chidi Bang Bang” won out, cracking the gut of Jambo with a kick that folded the Brazilian to the mat. Njokuani pounced, landing left and right punches until referee Mike Beltran waved the fight off at2:39 of the final round, giving the Las Vegas native a knockout win. After the scrap, the 28-year-old made his interview concise, telling the welterweight division: “anyone can get it.”

John Salter Taps Brandon Halsey via Triangle Choke

Throughout the lead up to Friday’s event in Fresno, Brandon Halsey (9-2) made it clear that fans watching would see a new and improved “Bull,” and while the former Fresno State Bulldog did demonstrate a new array of striking, it was John Salter (12-3) who stole the show. The 31-year-old Wilmington, N.C. resident caught Halsey on the mat with a triangle choke submission, forcing him to tap out after 4:03 in the first round. Keeping with the trend of his career thus far, every fight Salter has won has been via submission, furthering his claim for a shot at the promotion’s 185-pound belt.

Honeycutt Impresses Hometown Crowd in Middleweight Debut

In the opening main card contest of “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas,” Fresno’s own Chris Honeycutt (8-1) welcomed Mikkel Parlo (13-3) back to the Bellator MMA cage with a complete 15-minute performance, building upon the wrestling pedigree he’s known for with a newfound dynamic striking arsenal. Usually Parlo, a Danish fighter who had not competed for the Scott Coker-led promotion since 2014, gets the better of his opponents when the fight stays upright, but on Friday, it was “The Cutt” who got the better of the punching exchanges. In the end, it was the 27-year-old Honeycutt who walked away with a unanimous decision, pushing out his current winning streak to two bouts and improving to 4-1 under the Bellator umbrella.

Preliminary Card Results:

Jermaine McDermott (3-0) defeated Blake Watkins (5-1) via TKO at :20 of round one

Paul Ruiz (7-3) defeated Chris Buron (5-1) via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

Javy Ayala (9-5) defeated Roy Boughton (14-8) via TKO at 3:02 of round one

Nick Bustamante (4-1) defeated Antoine Smith (2-6-1) via majority decision (28-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Jose Cabezas (6-8) defeated John Paul Elias (3-1) via knockout at :25 of round one

Chris Lewis (1-0) defeated Myron Smith (2-3) via TKO at 4:48 of round one

Luis Jauregui (4-2) defeated Ryan Tobar (3-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Ben Reiter (17-1-1) defeated A.J. Matthews (8-5) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Carrington Banks (5-0) defeated C.J. Keith (8-4) via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-26)

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

Shlemenko submits Vasilevsky to capture M-1 Grand Prix middleweight championship

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Volkov KOs Vegh to retain
M-1 Challenge heavyweight title
 
M-1 Challenge 68
OFFICIAL RESULTS
New M-1 Grand Prix middleweight champion Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (June 17, 2016) – Former three-time Bellator champion Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko submitted Vyacheslav Vasilevsky to capture the M-1 Grand Prix Middleweight Championship, while fellow Russian Alexander “Drago” Volkov knocked out Attila “Pumukli” Vegh, last night at M-1 Challenge 68 in St. Petersburg, Russia’s Yubileyny Sports Palace.
Shlemenko (53-9-0, M-1: 4-0-0) qualified for the M-1 Grand Prix middleweight final as did reigning M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev (14-3-0, M-1: 8-1-0).  Leading up to their showdown, however, Emeev suffered ligament damage to his elbow, forcing him out of his fight with Shlemenko.  Vasilevsky (28-5-0, M-1: 10-3-0), who Shlemenko had defeated by decision in the M-1 Grand Prix middleweight semifinals, accepted the challenge to replace Emeev a rematch. Shlemenko used a choke hold to submit the always tough Vasilevsky in the third round.
 
In his first M-1 Challenge heavyweight title defense, Volkov (26-6-0, M-1: 9-3-0) stopped Vegh (11-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), fighting out of Slovakia, in the opening round.
 
M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov
 
In other main event fights, Russian welterweight Sergey Romonav (9-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0) defeated Andreas Birgels (12-10-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Germany, by way of a first-round technical knockout, Russian welterweight Abukar Yandiev (5-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0) submitted Greek-born American Tony Christodoulou (12-7-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in the opening round,  Russian middleweight Valery “The Russian Hammer” Myasnikov (10-1-2, M-1: 1-1-2) and Spaniard Enoc Solves Torres (18-9-1, M-1: 5-6-1) fought to a three-round draw.
 
On the preliminary card, Ukrainian featherweight Andrei “Iron” Lezhnev (8-5-0, M-1: 2-2-0) choked out Russian foe Kuznetsov (5-2-0 (M-1: 2-2-0).  Russian lightweight Alexey “Ataman” Makhno (11-4-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Russian heavyweight Anton Vyazigin (6-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russian welterweight Maksim Grabovich (4-2-0, M-1: 4-0-0) and Belarussian lightweight Maksim Pugachev (3-0-00, M-1 1-0-0) all won their matches by unanimous three-round decisions.
 
Complete results and photo gallery below:
 
MAIN CARD
MAIN EVENT – M-1 GRAND PRIX MIDDLEWEIHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Alexander Shlemenko (53-9-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia
WSUB3
Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (28-5-0, M-1: 10-2-0), Russia
(Sclemenko won M-1 Grand Prix middleweight title)
CO-FEATURE – M-1 CHALLENGE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Alexander Volkov (26-6-0, M-1: 10-3-0), Russia
WKO1
Attila Vegh (11-2-0, M-1: 7-2-0), Slovakia
(Volkov retained M-1 Challenge heavyweight title)
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Enoc Solves Torres (18-9-1, M-1: 5-6-1)
DRAW3
Valery Myasnikov (10-1-2, M-1: 1-1-2)
WELTERWEIGHTS
Sergei Romanov (9-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia
WTKO1
Andreas Birgels (12-10-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Germany
Abukar Yandiev (5-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia
WSUB1
Tony Christodoulou (12-7-0, M-1: 0-1-0), USA
PRELIMINARY CARD
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Anton Vyazigin (6-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Daniil Arepyev (5-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia
WELTERWEIGHTS
Maksim Grabovich (4-2-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Danila Prikaza (3-1-1, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Alexey Makhno (11-4-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Russia
WDEC3
Felipe Rego (7-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil
Murodzhon Kodirov (2-0-0), M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Maksim Pugachev (2-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0)
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Andrei Lezhnev (8-5-0, M-1: 2-2-0), Ukraine
WSUB1
Mikhail Kuznetsov (5-2-0, M-1: 2-2-0), Russia
Vasilvesky & Shlemenko
Volkov & Vegh

Christodoulou & Yandiev

Torres & Myasnikov

Grabovich & Prikaza
  Kodirov & Pugachev
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Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

SAVE MART CENTER TO PLAY HOST TO BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE REMATCH TOMORROW AT ‘BELLATOR 156’

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FRESNO, Calif. (June 16, 2016) – Only one day separates us from the ultra-compelling “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” event at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. and Bellator’s digital team has yet again whipped up a fresh batch of exclusive new content in preparation of Friday’scompetition. For an inside look and more behind-the-scenes footage, tune in to Bellator’s YouTube page now.

 

Foundations with Marcos Galvao

After suffering a controversial loss to Joe Warren the first time they fought, Marcos “Loro” Galvao left no doubt who was the better fighter the second time around.

 Foundations with Eduardo Dantas

Jimmy Smith breaks down the fight that led to Dantas’ title shot with Galvao on Friday night.

 

What To Watch: Galvao vs Dantas

Two teammates clash, as Marcos Galvao and Eduardo Dantas meet again in the cage with another belt on the line.

 Slow Motion Kneebar

Marcos Galvão flashes his bantamweight belt in this week’s #‎SlowMoMonday

 

Foundations with Brandon Halsey

According to Jimmy Smith, “Brandon Halsey is the guy when he walks down the hallway, you get out of his way.” Can he walk his way to a win?

 Foundations with John Salter

John Salter doesn’t wait for the judges to decide the outcome of a fight. Jimmy Smith discusses Salter’s style and confidence.

 

Foundations with Chidi Njokuani

It’s hard to prepare and battle a fighter like Chidi Njokuani. Jimmy Smith talks about Chidi’s advantage in the cage.

 

The Bellator MMA Bantamweight Title will be on the line in a rematch pitting Marcos “Loro” Galvao (17-6-1) against former champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (17-4) in the main event of“Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” on June 17 inside Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

 

In addition, Thiago Jambo (18-4) will be making his Bellator MMA debut in a welterweight co-main event against Chidi Njokuani (14-4). The main card also includes a middleweight matchup between Calif. native Brandon Halsey (9-1) and knockout specialist John Salter (11-3). “Bellator 156” also features one of Fresno’s own, Chris Honeycutt (7-1), who will look to put on a clinic in front of thousands of his biggest fans when he challenges Mikkel Parlo (13-2) in a middleweight clash.

 

Be sure to tune in to the live streaming preliminary card of “Bellator 156,” beginning at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT, where you can watch the highly-anticipated professional debut of California’s No. 1 ranked amateur heavyweight, Chris Lewis.

 

Very few tickets remain for “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2,” so secure your seat now by visiting the Save Mart Center Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com. The event takes place at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., and airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while the highly entertaining preliminary card will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

KICKBOXING LEGEND DON “THE DRAGON” WILSON JOINS BELLATOR MMA ‘FAN FEST’ AT MARYLAND HEIGHTS’ DAVE & BUSTER’S ON THURSDAY, JUNE 23

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Wilson Joins Bellator MMA Moneyweight Fighter “King Mo” & Lightweight Contender Benson Henderson Join “Stitch” Duran as Well as MMA Legends Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva at the Bellator MMA Fan Fest Prior toFriday’s “Bellator: Dynamite 2” Event at Scottrade Center

 

Event is exclusively for Bellator Nation members – Join Bellator Nation now

 

 

WHAT:                      Bellator Fan Fest at Dave & Buster’s

Fans of all ages are invited to Dave and Buster’s in Maryland Heights, MO. to meet and get autographs from some of the top names in all of mixed martial arts. Fans will also have the opportunity to win tickets and great prizes, as well as snap a photograph with the Bellator ring girls.

Fan Fest is exclusively for Bellator Nation Members only, becoming an official Bellator Nation Member is simple and FREE. Click here to register and RSVP to Fan Fest. If you are already a member of Bellator Nation you will receive an email invitation to RSVP.

 

WHERE:                   Dave & Buster’s

                                    13857 Riverport Dr.

Maryland Heights, Mo. 63043

 

WHEN:                      Thursday, June 23 at 8 p.m. CT

 

WHO:                        Widely considered the greatest kickboxing champion of all time, Don “The Dragon” Wilson is the only person to win 11 world kickboxing titles in three separate weight divisions. Along the way, he defeated 11 other world champions, 12 number one contenders, 15 champions on four continents and was the first kung-fu practitioner to become a kickboxing world champion. With a professional record of 72 wins, 5 losses and 2 draws — 48 coming by way of knockout — “The Dragon” parlayed his success in the ring to multiple high profile roles on the silver screen, notably the legendary “Bloodfist” series. Overall, Wilson has starred in 29 motion pictures and gained fans all across the globe with his tangible charisma. If you’re not familiar with some of the 5th-degree kickboxing black belt’s combat sports work, look no furtherthan this exciting highlight reel.

    

 

One of the most recognizable MMA fighters of all time, Hall of Famer Randy Couture transitioned nicely into the entertainment world after his fighting career, starring in several television shows and movies, most notably the Expendables franchise and Dancing with the Stars. Inside the cage, Couture was a fearless underdog, often defeating men with great size advantages. “The Natural” was a multi-time heavyweight and multi-time light heavyweight champion in the UFC.

 

“King Mo” has been a mainstay with Bellator MMA since 2013, fighting everyone both the light heavyweight and heavyweight division has to offer. This will be Lawal’s first appearance at one of Bellator MMA’s “Fan Fest” events, giving fans the opportunity to meet the explosive striker for the first time. After his recent main event bout with Phil Davis, “Mo” now sets his sights on other “Moneyweight” fights to satiate his thirst.

 

Benson Henderson has accomplished a great deal over the course of his 10-year professional career as a mixed martial artist.  A former WEC and UFC lightweight titlist, “Smooth” holds black belts in both Taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and also earned NAIA All-American honors in both 2005 and 2006. Multiple media outlets named Henderson the fighter of the year in 2012, and has been a part of several epic battles that have received “Fight of the Year” accolades: Donald Cerrone (2009), Anthony Pettis (2010), Frankie Edgar (2012), and Brandon Thatch (2015).

 

Having first fought in the sport almost twenty years ago, very few men have a more legendary resume than Wanderlei Silva. “The Axe Murderer” is a Pride and UFC veteran, who brings an intimidating and imposing presence with him every time he steps into the cage.  Currently one of the biggest free agents in the sport, Silva may soon return to action in hopes of adding to an already-impressive list of wins that include: Guy Mezger, Dan Henderson, Kazushi Sakuraba, Ricardo Arona, Kazuyuki Fujita, Michael Bisping, Cung Le, Brian Stann and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson twice

 

When watching any combat sports event, it’s odd not to see Jacob “Stitch” Duran as the professional cutman on duty. Recently, Bellator MMA was pleased to exclusively secure his services as cutman for the foreseeable future, after “Stitch” signed a multi-year contract with the Scott Coker-led promotion. “Stitch” is seen everywhere combat sports events take place, and played a vital role in the recent smash blockbuster, “Creed.”

 

FIGHT INFO:           “Bellator: Dynamite 2” takes place on Friday, June 24, and airs LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and features a heavyweight main event of “Rampage” Jackson versus Satoshi Ishii. Tickets start at just $30 and are on sale now at Ticketmaster, and the Scottrade Center Box Office.

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

M-1 CHALLENGE 68 OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
M-1 Challenge 68
WATCH ON M-1GLOBAL.TV
Thursday, June 16 at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT in U.S.A.
 
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
MAIN CARD
MAIN EVENT – M-1 GRAND PRIX MIDDLEWEIHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5
ALEXANDER “Storm” SHLEMENKO (52-9-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia 184 1/2 lbs. (83.7 kg)
vs.
VYACHESLAV VASILEVSKY (28-4-0, M-1: 10-2-0), Russia 185 lbs. (84.0 kg)
CO-FEATURE – M-1 CHALLENGE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5
ALEXANDER “Drago” VOLKOV (25-6-0, M-1: 9-3-0), Russia 238 lbs. (108.0 kg)
vs.
ATTILA “Pumukli” VEGH (11-1-0, M-1: 7-1-0), Slovakia 220 lbs. (100.1 kg)
WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
SERGEI ROMANOV (8-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia 169 1/2 lbs. (76.9 kg)
vs.
ANDREAS BIRGELS (12-9-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Germany 169 1/2 lbs. (76.9 kg)

ABUKAR YANDIEV (4-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia 175 lbs. (79.5 kg)
vs.
TONY CHRISTODOULOU (12-6-0, M-1: 0-0-0), USA 177 1/2 lbs. (80.5 kg)
MIDDLEWEIGHTS — 3 X 5
ENOC SOLVES TORRES (18-9-0, M-1: 5-6-0), Spain 183 1/2 lbs. (83.7 kg)
vs.
VALERY “The Russian Hammer” MYASNIKOV (10-1-1, M-1: 1-1-1), Russia 184 1/2 lbs. (83.7 kg)
PRELIMINARY CARD
HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
DANIIL AREPYEV (5-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 271 lbs. (123.3 kg)
vs.
ANTON VYAZIGIN (5-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 249 lbs. (113.5 kg)
WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
DANILA PRIKAZA (3-0-1, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia 169 1/2 lbs. (77.0 kg)
vs.
MAKSIM GRABOVICH (3-2-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia 169 1/2 lbs. (76.9 kg)
LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
FELIPE REGO (7-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil 154 1/2 lbs. (70.2 kg)
vs.
ALEXEY “Ataman” MAKHNO (10-4-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia 154 1/2 lbs. (70.1 kg)
 

MURODZHON KODIROV (1-0-0), M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 151 1/2 lbs. (68.9 kg)
vs.
MAKSIM PUGACHEV (2-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0) 154 1/2 lbs. (70.2 kg)
FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
ANDREI “Iron” LEZHNEV (7-5-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Ukraine 145 lbs. (65.9 kg)
vs.
MIKHAIL KUZNETSOV (5-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia 144 1/2 lbs. (65.6 kg)
WHEN:             Thursday, June 16, 2016
WHERE:           St. Petersburg, Russia
PROMOTER:    M-1 Global
LIVE STREAM: www.m-1global.tv (11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT in USA) 
 
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mixed martial arts, MMA

Top 5 Tips On Choosing Martial Arts Training Camp

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Whether you are a beginner or a pro, choosing a martial arts training camp is a tough decision. I’d like to share with you the top 5 tips on choosing the right camp from 8 martial arts experts that will help you simplify the daunting selection process. Read on!

  1. Class size

 

Similar to any other kind of training, if you happen to be a beginner in MMA, it’s best to stick to a smaller-sized class. Regardless of your level, the smaller the class, the more 1-on-1 attention and supervision your trainer is able to give you. Ideally, a training class only consists of 3-4 trainees per coach. You should steer clear of any class that has more than 10 students for each trainer.

 

As MMA is considered one of the most ‘brutal’ combat sports out there, your trainer will need to closely supervise your techniques and provide you with more guidance to minimize the likelihood of injuries during your practice. With a large-sized class, it’s unlikely that they would be able to give the attention you need.

 

  1. Equipment

 

According to Aaron of Fight Quality, the most important equipment in an MMA gym is properly padded mats on the floor. This way, you are likely to minimize injuries when you get knocked down during a fight. Most MMA establishments should have a cage; however, some may have a ring instead.

 

MMA gyms should also have high quality pads to hold. Good gyms will have a nice selection of pads, from boxing mitts, to Thai style kick pads to strike shields. These will be used by either one of the gym’s instructors or students in partner exercises.

 

When practicing striking, another important thing to look out for are heavy bags. Bags come in all shapes and sizes, and most gyms will have a selection of several types. These are great for perfecting techniques on your own.

 

To recap, a good MMA training camp should also have the following:

 

  • Rings or cages
  • Punching or spar bags
  • Boxing equipment
  • Full weights equipment
  • Fitness & cardio machines

 

Quality training camps and gyms may also offer ‘spare’ gear available to use or rent. This may be an alternative if you are only going to be using it only a couple of times. Even though these gears are probably cleaned after every use, it’s always best to buy your own in order to ensure the best quality and hygiene.

 

  1. Price

 

Prices for MMA training camps vary greatly depending on the level of trainers, location, facilities & equipment, and so forth. However, it doesn’t always mean that a cheaper training camp has less qualified trainers than more expensive one. For example, to give you a better idea on the price range, a budget option of Super Pro’s 1 month MMA & Muay Thai training in Thailand is priced as low as US$ 344 (includes 30 days/29 nights acommodation) whereas a more luxury option such as Evolve MMA retreat in Singapore would cost you US$ 2490 (also includes 30 days/29 nigths acommodation). Despite on different price ranges, there are positive reviews for both types of camps, and their visitors have shared that they significantly developed their skills after their training, which illustrates that lower-priced training camp doesn’t necessarily equal to low quality of training.

 

  1. Training program

In order to evaluate the price range, you might want to compare the training program that is offered. Typically, you will undergo at least 3 training sessions in different martial arts training disciplines. Some training courses offer additional classes such as yoga, meditation, or cross training sessions. Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate, or a pro, it’s advisable to always carefully weigh out the fee of the training camp against what is being offered. Take your time and feel free to ask around and make comparisons in determining whether the price tag is ‘worth it’ to invest in.

 

  1. Location

If you are more serious about your training and looking to hone your skills in MMA, location may not be a huge variable that you need to take into account in making your selection. You can instead focus on evaluating which options would best assist you in becoming the great MMA champion you are striving to become. Sean of Muay Thai Guy also shared his insights in terms of location: “The people and the coaches make the place doesn’t matter if you are training in a remote place or in a busy city it all comes down to the people and how they treat you as an individual, but if the camp is near a beach, that’s always a plus!”

 

If you are curious and want  to learn more  on  choosing an MMA training camp, check out the full version of ‘The Definite Guide On Choosing the right MMA training camp’ created by BookMartialArts.com in collaboration with 8 top experts in MMA and related disciplines!

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV, wrestling

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS FOUR-TIME NCAA DIVISION II WRESTLING CHAMP JOEY DAVIS

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Newest Bellator MMA acquisition Joey Davis

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (June 15, 2016) – Bellator MMA is thrilled to announce the signing of NCAA Division II wrestling star Joey Davis, to an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract. The signing was first reported by FloWrestling.com’s Jeremy Botter.

 

Davis joins a string of recent signings by Bellator president Scott Coker including standout wrestlers the likes of three-time All-American Jarod Trice and Olympic contender Tyrell Fortune. The 21-year-old standout wrestler competed at Notre Dame College, where he accumulated an incredible undefeated 131-0 record and four consecutive NCAA Division II Championships during his college tenure, becoming the only Division II wrestler to ever win four national titles and go unbeaten in a career. Davis will look to compete in Bellator MMA’s stacked welterweight division and will make his professional debut before the end of this year.

 

“With God you can achieve anything, and I’m gonna do it with high fashion,” Davis said. “Joining Bellator is my latest achievement to date.  I don’t remember what it’s like to lose, and I’m not planning on finding out any time soon.”

(L to R) Joey Davis, Antonio McKee and A.J. McKee

 

Named 2016 “Man of the Year” by Wrestling USA Magazine, the Compton, Calif., native began his stretch of domination as early as the ninth grade, when he attended Sante Fe High School. Davis was crowned the California State champion at 152-pounds in his junior year and followed that impressive campaign with a second State Title at 160-pounds in his senior year.

 

Davis will train at Antonio McKee’s Body Shop Gym in Long Beach, Calif. alongside childhood best friend and Bellator featherweight wrecking machine AJ McKee. Davis joins a budding roster of Bellator MMA talent, with recent signings that include: Matt Mitrione, Benson Henderson, Jarrod Trice, Sergei Kharitonov, and recent re-signings the likes of Darrion Caldwell and Michael Chandler.

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA

Weight Training for Fighters

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In the past fighters would stay far away from weight training, thinking it would make them slow, but research has proven otherwise, mainly because there are different kinds of strength. Any fighter, from all styles, is looking to develop speed strength and explosive strength.

The highly regarded sports bio-chemist Vladimir Zatsiorsky, was a well-recognized strength coach/consultant for the Olympic teams that were competing for the Soviet Union many years ago.  He said the ability for any athlete to produce the most maximal force in minimal time is known as explosive strength. He says that a strong body does not necessarily mean strong explosive strength.

It is clear that developing one type of strength like max strength will not guarantee development of another type of strength like explosive strength or speed strength. Speed strength is defined as the ability to execute any unloaded movement against a small resistance very quickly.

A good example would be punching a heavy punch-bag which would be considered a small external resistance. The few ounces of weight that your gloves weigh would be insufficient to qualify as minimal resistance. But, all fighters should note that excessive max strength training may eventually impair strength speed, reducing the technical speed of a good boxer.

Strength endurance is different as it is defined as maintaining the muscular function/integrity of the muscles for longer periods. No matter what style a fighter uses, strength endurance is vitally important for any competitive combat fighter. Having a whole lot of power and speed with no stamina is not going to get a fighter very far.

Combat sporting events require the athlete to be multifaceted and well-rounded when it comes to strength preparation. Developing max strength at the expense of other strengths is not going to help the athlete.  A fighter needs a completely unique blend of these strengths.

It does not mean that fighters should never do max training to improve their strength, a fighter needs to understand a bit of muscle physiology to be able to appreciate how important max training could be for a fighter. Muscle fibers are always grouped into different motor units.

These motor units each contain one nerve and hundreds of separate muscle fibers. The nerve delivers the signal for a muscle to fire, slow or fast twitch, depending on how many reps, the weight used and the muscle(s) isolated. The muscle fibers are then contracted when the signal is delivered.

Training specifically for power development, a fighter needs to target only the fast twitch muscle-fibers. But unfortunately, not all of the motor units will be activated at once. Any and all low intensity exercise will not activate the important fast twitch fibers.

If the exercise that a fighter performs does not stimulate any fast-twitch motor units, then the muscle fibers inside that motor unit will not be able to adapt to the training. If the motor unit isn’t being recruited, no response will happen. But when the athlete lifts heavy loads they’ll be activating fast-twitch muscle fibers.

Strength coaches across the world recognize the importance of maximal strength training because it is the best way to improve both intramuscular and intermuscular coordination, required for any fighter.

Despite what you might have heard about heavy weight training, it’s a common myth that all heavy weight training will only result in unnecessary bulk, which will then reduce the range of motion and the speed development. This is totally false, any fighter considering strength training will improve his/her competitiveness in the ring.

The well-known Russian coach Yuri Verkhoshansky, said in one of his manuals that when any effective methodology is used for planning a weight training routine, the resistance used will promote an increase in speed of a movement but will also improve muscle coordination, motor-reaction plus the quickness and the frequency of the movements.

He continues by explaining that the primary function of a muscle is not to increase size when strength training, but rather to increase the contractibility for effective nervous stimulation. He explains that strength training correctly will increase the ability of your muscle to relax while developing local muscular endurance and it will increase the maximal anaerobic capacity of that muscle group.

About The Author:

Paul Becker is a natural (steroid free for life) bodybuilder and fitness consultant. Visit his website at http://www.bodybuilding-store.com

mixed martial arts, MMA, World Series of Fighting

MIKE ARRANT REPLACES INJURED THIAGO MELLER AGAINST JOHN HOWARD AT WSOF31: IVANOV VS. COPELAND LIVE ON NBCSN FROM MASHANTUCKET, CONN. ON FRIDAY, JUNE 17

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HOWARD VS. ARRANT TO BE CONTESTED AT MIDDLEWEIGHT

PLUS UNDEFEATED MARCUS SURIN TO BATTLE
CHRISTIAN TORRES IN WSOF31 PRELIMINARY BOUT
LIVE ON WSOF.COM

LAS VEGAS (June 15, 2016) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today that Thiago Meller has withdrawn from his scheduled welterweight (170 pounds) contest against John “Doomsday” Howard (23-12), who will now face“Mad” Mike Arrant (15-10) in a middleweight (185 pounds) bout at the much-anticipated WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland world championship doubleheader Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event, live on NBCSN (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. on Friday, June 17.

In addition, undefeated Marcus Surin (3-0) of Stamford, Conn. has been tabbed to step in for Sam Watford in the scheduled lightweight (155 pounds) preliminary card contest against Christian “The Terminator” Torres (0-0) of Endicott, N.Y.

Originally hailing from Orlando, Fla., the 5-foot-9, 28-year-old Arrant, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, resides in Las Vegas, where he is a member of legendary champion Randy “The Natural” Couture’s Xtreme Couture fight squad.

Arrant is looking to return to the win column following a unanimous decision defeat in his last start on August 7, 2015, at the hands of two-time UFC veteran Brock Jardine.

Prior to the loss, Arrant had reeled off six consecutive victories, five of which he produced in the first round, by way of (T)KO or submission.  To date, 12 of his 15 professional wins have been finishes.

During the six-fight win streak, Arrant seized his first championship – regional promotion SteelFist Fight Night’s welterweight title – with a first round (5:00) TKO (retirement) of Carl Dieckmann on July 12, 2013.

Like Arrant, the 5-foot-7, 33-year-old Howard boasts a phenomenal finish rate with 15 of his 23 professional victories having come by way of (T)KO or submission.

Howard will make his promotional debut with World Series of Fighting following a second stint with the UFC that spanned seven fights and included wins over Uriah Hall, Siyar Bahadurzada and Cathal Pendred.

Priced from $39.99, tickets for WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland are on sale at WSOF.com and Foxwoods.com.

Doors at The Grand Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino will open at 5 p.m. ET, and the first of seven preliminary card bouts will begin at 5:45 p.m.

The entire preliminary fight card will stream live on an embeddable video player on WSOF.com.

In the main event of the five-bout, live NBCSN telecast, reigning World Series of Fighting heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov (13-1) will put his title on the line against Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (12-3).

In the lightweight co-main event, superstars Jason “The Kansas City Bandit” High (19-5) and Mike “The Martian” Ricci (11-4) will square off with their division’s number one contender ranking at stake.

WSOF31: IVANOV VS. COPELAND

MAIN CARD (Live on NBCSN)

World Series of Fighting Heavyweight Championship Main Event:
Blagoy Ivanov (Champion) vs. Josh Copeland (Challenger)

Lightweight Co-Main Event:
Jason High vs. Mike Ricci

Middleweight:  John Howard vs. Mike Arrant
Featherweight:  Luis Palomino vs. Sheymon Moraes
Middleweight: Phil Hawes vs. Josh Key

PRELIMINARY CARD (Live on WSOF.com)

Lightweight: Tom Marcellino vs. Devin Powell
Heavyweight: Juliano Coutinho vs. Justin Willis
Heavyweight: Tyler King vs. Lorenzo Hood
Welterweight: Robert Fonseca vs. Sean Lally
Lightweight:  Bruce Boyington vs. Saul Almeida
Bantamweight:  Rodrigo Almeida vs. Ben Pierre-Saint
Lightweight: Marcus Surin vs. Christian Torres
Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

MIKE HANSEN: FACING FEAR HEADFIRST

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Mike Hansen

Lewiston, Maine (June 15, 2016) – Fighting anyone, anywhere, anytime and under any circumstances has become Mike Hansen’s calling card with New England Fights.

No surprise, then, that the 30-year-old father of three from Rumford, ME will gladly entertain the idea of a mixed martial arts contest … against an opponent about whom he admittedly knows precious little … on the eve of Father’s Day.

Hansen (4-4) will take on Robert Laroski in a heavyweight clash at “NEF 24: Promised Land” on Saturday, June 18 at Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston.

There is no fear of the unknown in a man who has carved out his reputation confronting substantially bigger foes since his days as a state champion wrestler at Mountain Valley High School. During his relatively short time in NEF, Hansen has fought as a middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight.

“When I took the fight (at NEF 23 in Massachusetts) against Brendan Battles, people were saying, ‘You’re crazy! He’s going to bust your head!’ I understand why the weight classes exist, and I respect that it’s about safety and all that, but I’ve always felt that a fighter should be ready to fight anybody, no matter what,” Hansen said. “In high school, I would drink two gallons of water and put lead in my uniform just so I could get to the minimum weight for the unlimited class.”

That’s the attitude of a fighter whose skill and talent level far exceed his current record as a professional.

Hansen’s docket includes a stoppage win over former NEF “Fighter of the Year” Crowsneck Boutin. His record also includes TKO losses to Battles and Cody Anderson and a choke-out at the hands of Zach Elkins.

When he reflects upon his unique life story, Hansen, who fought twice for the World Fighting League as a 20-year-old college student, marvels that he ever got back into the cage at all.

“I started the winter of 2004-05. I started training because I had gone from 187 to 242 pounds in a few months. I was seeing stretch marks,” Hansen recalled. “I was pretty upset with myself for allowing that to happen. I started doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu two nights a week to get in shape. Then I went home for the summer and ended up with my first fight in August. My friends got me the fight without my coaches knowing about it. They told me it was a good thing I won, or they would have kicked my butt.”

Hansen kept a promise to his father to quit the sport after a knockout loss to Alexander Chianurashvili in 2006. He was studying at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, with intentions to enter the medical field.

He was stabbed and attacked with a baseball bat by three men in a case of mistaken identity not long thereafter. “I walked out of the hospital the next day, and all three of them were still in there from the beating I gave them in self-defense,” Hansen said proudly.

That dogged determination served Hansen well in the United States Army, where he studied in the elite Combatives program.

“They ask you ‘Who wins the fight?’ and the answer is, ‘Whoever’s buddy gets there first to help him clean up.’ That’s what Combatives taught me: How to survive that extra 30 to 60 seconds,” Hansen said. “Work ethic is what it taught me. It helped me grow and do things I might have questioned mentally whether or not I could do. Not many people find that extra little motivation. The Army taught me how to find it and utilize it.”

A few years later, Hansen found that inner fire again. Even as he returned to coaching wrestlers in his hometown, his own physical fitness suffered as work and fatherhood took precedence.

Hansen vividly describes sitting in a bean bag chair, eating snack food, watching TV at 2:11 a.m. when his phone rang. He assumed it was a friend in trouble.

“It was (NEF co-owner) Matt Peterson. Our families grew up maybe 200 yards apart. My high school wrestling coach had called him, unbeknownst to me, to tell him he needed to get me back in the cage,” Hansen said.

Three weeks later and 20 pounds lighter, Hansen dispatched super heavyweight fixture Artie Mullen at “NEF 16: New Blood Rising,” and the comeback was on.

In the 15 months that have followed, Hansen has been instrumental in launching Berserkers MMA and building his reputation as both a fighter and an instructor.

Life is blossoming at home, also. Hansen is the father of two girls, ages 5 and 2, and a boy of four months. His older daughter, Kaydn, often accompanies Dad to the gym at Greater Rumford Community Center. He returns the favor by chaperoning field trips for her kindergarten class.

“She and her friends will be on the playground practicing boxing stances and stuff,” Hansen said. “Her teacher says it’s adorable. Hopefully she is learning to take care of herself so I don’t have to.”

Kaydn’s parents are making plans to take her to her first live NEF show after she turns 6. For now, she is content to watch her Dad’s fights on YouTube.

“If we’re watching TV together,” Hansen said, “we have a thing where I get two shows and then she gets two shows. If I put in a fight tape, she’ll say, ‘Daddy, I know this doesn’t count as one of your shows, because this is your work.’”

The opening bell on June 18 is set for 7 p.m. Tickets for “NEF 24: Promised Land” start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

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