Tag Archives: Scott Coker

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

MARCOS GALVAO CLAIMS BELLATOR BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SECOND-ROUND SUBMISSION VICTORY OVER FORMER CHAMPION JOE WARREN

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CREDIT: Bellator / Eric Coleman – Additional photos below

THACKERVILLE. Okla. – March 27, 2015 – Joe Warren (12-4) may very well be “The Baddest Man on the Planet,” but Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) is the new Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Champion.

 

In a rematch of a controversial 2011 affair, Galvao earned a verbal submission win after a kneebar forced Warren to scream out in pain. The two met in the headlining contest of Friday’s “Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” event at Winstar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla.

 

The action was fast-paced from the opening bell with both fighters finding success. It was Warren’s takedowns that served as the primary offense, but Galvao always seemed to find an answer. He would make Warren pay in the second.

 

As the fight hit the floor again early in the second frame, Galvao transitioned to a kneebar, and as he applied the hold, Warren screamed out in pain, earning an intervention from referee John McCarthy 45 seconds into the second round. The contest was waved off via verbal submission, and Galvao was awarded the win and the Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Title.
The night’s co-main event saw L.C. Davis (23-6) and Hideo Tokoro (32-28-2) combine for an instant classic and a candidate for “Fight of the Year”, with Davis eventually earning a hard-fought split-decision victory scored 29-28 Tokoro, 29-28 twice Davis. The action was fast-paced from start to finish, with both men finding success in brutal striking exchanges, as well as slick grappling sequences. It was the type of fight which truly produces no loser, but Davis did just enough to get the official victory.

“The guy has fought the best,” Davis said of Tokoro. “I knew he was going to be tough. I thought I was going to put him away but I wasn’t able to; hats off to him.
“Next fight, I would like a title shot or a No. 1 contender.”
Tokoro admitted he disagreed with the razor-thin call but declined to blame anyone other than himself.
“I don’t agree with the split-decision, but I have to respect the judges’ decision,” Tokoro said. “I think there were many things I could’ve improved in the fight, but I think I did very well with my wrestling.”
In a light heavyweight contest, Francis Carmont (23-10) earned a decision win overGuilherme Viana (6-2), but it certainly didn’t come easy. After nearly finishing Viana in the second round with strikes, Carmont found himself defending a series of choke attempts in the third. Carmont’s defense was sound, and was granted a decision win, 29-28 on all three cards.
In the night’s first main-card contest, Ryan Couture (10-3) picked up a quick submission win over Dakota Cochrane (18-8), earning the tap at the 3:23 mark in the first round. It was Cochrane who initiated the grappling game, but Couture made him pay by moving to his back and sinking in a rear-naked choke that ended the fight.

 

Rashad Coulter (5-1) wrapped up the preliminary card with an impressive first-round TKO of Jeremiah O’Neal (13-25). The Bellator MMA newcomer overwhelmed his opponent with heavy punches and brutal knees to the body, scoring the finish by strikes just 1:44 into the opening round.
In a spirited featherweight matchup, Emmanuel Sanchez (10-1) dominated early and then survived a late rally attempt from a game Alejandro Villalobos (17-4) to walk away with a decision win, 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.
Sean Holden (3-1) couldn’t quite get a finish over Tim Roman (2-2), but he did just about everything he could to pick up a victory over fellow welterweight Roman. Dominating the action from start to finish, Holden ended the first round with a deep rear-naked choke attempt and finished the third punching away in full mount, but Roman simply wouldn’t go away. Still, Holden was awarded a clear win, 30-27 on all three judges’ cards.
In middleweight action, Neal Ewing’s wrestling game proved too strong for Logan Nail (1-1). Ewing (6-0) took the fight to the floor repeatedly throughout the three-round affair, and while he was never especially close to finishing the fight, he cruised to a decision win 29-28, 30-27 and 30-27.
Although Stephen Banaszak (4-4) missed weight for a planned featherweight matchup with Brad Mitchell (4-2), he still picked up an impressive submission win. Banaszak declined to engage his opponent on the feet, instead searching for takedown opportunities at every turn. The strategy worked, as Banaszak picked up just the second omo plata win in Bellator MMA history, tapping out Mitchell at the 2:51mark of the second round.
In flyweight action Klayton Mai (7-1) missed on early opportunity to finish Xavier Siller(5-4) via rear-naked choke but went back to the position later in the opening round. While he couldn’t quite get the choke, he adjusted the hold to a neck crank and scored the submission at the 3:55 mark of the first.
In the night’s first contest, bantamweight George Pacurariu (9-4) used a beautiful hip toss to throw opponent J.P. Cole (2-3) to the floor, where he immediately locked in a modified armbar to score the submission at the 2:59 mark of the first frame.
About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

“BELLATOR: WARREN vs. GALVAO” OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS FIGHT ON SPIKE TV

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“I’m not worried about anything that Marcos Galvao does, he’s just a body in front of me to punish. I have a focus and game plan. If I keep moving forward, no one can stop me.” – Joe Warren
“I am well prepared for wherever the fight goes. I am better than him in all aspects of MMA, including wrestling.” – Marcos Galvao
 

THACKERVILLE. Okla. – March 26, 2015 – Fighters took to the scales and successfully hit their targeted weights Thursday afternoon at the WinStar World Casino & Resort, the site of tomorrow’s highly anticipated “Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” event, which airs LIVE and FREE on Spike at 9 p.m. ET.

 

“Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” is headlined by a rematch of a controversial fight between Bellator Bantamweight World Champion Joe Warren (12-3) and Marcos Galvao (16-6-1).  Many people felt that the Brazillian Galvao was robbed in their first match up, and now Warren looks to win in convincing fashion tomorrow night.

 

The event also features a bantamweight co-main event between L.C. Davis (22-6) and Japanese mainstay Hideo Tokoro (32-27-2).

Joe Warren (134.4 lbs.) vs. Marcos Galvao (134.6 lbs.)

LC Davis (135.4 lbs.) vs. Hideo Tokoro (135.6 lbs.)

Francis Carmont (204.8 lbs.) vs. Guilherme Viana (205.6lbs.)

Ryan Couture (156 lbs.) vs. Dakota Cochrane (205.6 lbs.)
George “Geo” Pacurariu (135.8 lbs.) vs. J.P. Cole (134.4 lbs.)
Klayton Mai (126 lbs.) vs. Xavier Siller (126 lbs.)
Brad Mitchell (145.4 lbs.) vs. Stephen Banaszak (146.8 lbs.)
Emmanuel Sanchez (145.4 lbs.) vs. Alejandro Villalobos (145.2 lbs.)
Logan Nail (184.8 lbs.) vs. Neil Ewing (184.6 lbs.)
Sean Holden (169.6 lbs.) vs. Tim Roman (170.8 lbs.)
Rashad Coulter (229.8 lbs.) vs. Jeremiah O’Neal (242.4 lbs.)

Additional fighter photos / Credit Bellator/Eric Coleman
PRE-FIGHT QUOTES:

 

Joe Warren: 

“It’s an honor to be fighting again at WinStar Casino. I’ve been here three or four times and my fans show up and we sell out the venue. It’s really exciting to have the opportunity to beat up another Brazilian tomorrow.

 

“I always perform better in the bigger events in front of my fans. I rise to that level, it’s from my Olympic background.

 

“I’m not worried about anything that Marcos Galvao does, he’s just a body in front of me to punish. I have a focus and game plan. If I keep moving forward, no one can stop me.

 

“I am 100 percent looking for the knockout. I am trying to be the champion everybody wants me to.

 

“If it’s a five round fight, I am ready for that. This is a championship fight and MMA is the most unpredictable sport. Of course I would like to finish every single opponent in the first minute of the first round, but if that doesn’t happen and I am ready for good long fight.

 

“I am ready for whoever they put in front of me. Whoever is in that cage with me, I am going to punish. I want to keep this belt for as long as I can.”

 

Marcos Galvao:

“I have never felt better going into a fight. I had the best training camp I have ever had, I am ready for tomorrow.
“I am well prepared for wherever the fight goes. I am better than him in all aspects of MMA, including wrestling.
“It is a dream come true to be fighting on SPIKE. Everybody back home in Brazil is very excited to watch me fight. They all have their big screens up in their house and are ready to cheer me on.”

  “Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” – Friday, March 27, WinStar World Casino, Thackerville, Okla.
Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

Bellator Bantamweight Title Fight: Champ Joe Warren (12-3) vs. Marcos Galvao (16-6-1)

Bellator Bantamweight Feature Fight: L.C. Davis (22-6) vs. Hideo Tokoro (32-27)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Francis Carmont (22-10) vs. Guilherme Viana (6-1)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Ryan Couture (9-3) vs. Dakota Cochrane (18-7)

Preliminary Card (6:30 p.m. ET)

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Sean Holden (2-1) vs. Tim Roman (2-1)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Neal Ewing (5-0) vs. Logan Nail (1-0)

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Emmanuel Sanchez (9-1) vs. Alejandro Villalobos (17-3)

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Stephen Banaszak (3-4) vs. Brad Mitchell (4-1)

Bellator Flyweight Prelim Fight: Klayton Mai (6-1) vs. Xavier Siller (5-3)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: J.P. Cole (2-2) vs. Geo Pacurariu (8-4)

Swing Bout

Bellator Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Rashad Coulter (4-1) vs. Jeremiah O’Neal (13-24)

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

Two of MMA’s biggest superstars clash on Friday, June 19 at “Bellator: Unfinished Business” – Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock

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Also: Former Lightweight Champ and Mizzou wrestling star Michael Chandler takes on Derek Campos

 

Event date changed to June 19 – Tickets on-sale March 27

 

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 24, 2015) – Their names transcend the sport of MMA.  Kimbo.  Shamrock.

Two of the most recognizable fighters in combat sports – Kimbo Slice and “The World’s Most Dangerous Man,” Ken Shamrock – will now battle in the Bellator cage on Friday, June 19.   “Bellator: Unfinished Business” will air Live and Free on Spike TV from inside St. Louis’ Scottrade Center.

On October 4, 2008, a freak accident robbed the MMA world of one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport. On Friday, June 19, Bellator MMA will right that wrong.  Street fighting legend and YouTube sensation Kimbo Slice and “The World’s Most Dangerous Man,” Ken Shamrock, have agreed to renew their rivalry and will now meet in the main event of “Bellator: Unfinished Business,”

“I remember how excited I was when this fight was originally announced, and how disappointed I was when it didn’t come to fruition at that time,” said Bellator President Scott Coker.  “I’m very happy we were able to put this one together because I know these guys still have a lot of unfinished business to take care of, and when they do, it will be something special.”

Additionally, former Bellator MMA World Lightweight Champion and Mizzou wrestling standout Michael Chandler meets Derek “The Stallion” Campos in a featured contest.

More bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets for “Bellator: Unfinished Business,” which range from $30 to $200, go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 27, at Bellator.com and Ticketmaster.com. Online presales begin on Wednesday, March 25.

The two superstar headliners each played featured roles in the two most-watched MMA contests in U.S. television history.

For Slice, a chance to revisit the matchup provides an opportunity to rewrite history.

“Ken Shedrack, I owe you this ass whooping,” Slice said. “No more running! No more hiding!”

Meanwhile, Shamrock is an MMA Hall of Famer and multiple-time world champion who is universally recognized as a true pioneer of the sport. Competing professionally since 1993, Shamrock has fought the absolute biggest names in the history of MMA, including Rich Franklin, Don Frye, Royce Gracie, Matt Hume, Ortiz, Bas Rutten, Kazushi Sakuraba and Dan Severn, among many others.

Shamrock believes his drive and determination have him in the best form of his career.

“I am back,” Shamrock said. “It’s good to be performing again for my fans. I feel great, and my health is great. Age should never be a factor if an athlete is healthy, in great shape, and has the drive to continue their sport. I will quit fighting when I want to.”

And for Shamrock, the frustration of that bizarre 2008 night has lingered for years. Now is a chance to prove he would have been the one with his hand raised.

“Kimbo Slice and I have some unfinished business,” Shamrock said. “I am a fighter – that’s who I am. Fighting has always invigorated me.”

Chandler is a former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at the University of Missouri who opened his professional MMA career with 12 consecutive victories, including Bellator MMA wins over Eddie Alvarez, Patricky Pitbull, Marcin Held and Rick Hawn, among others. Along the way, Chandler picked up the Bellator MMA lightweight belt, defending it twice before losing it in a hard-fought split-decision result to Will Brooks.

Campos is a 26-year-old Texas-based fighter who is 6-1 in his past seven overall contests. A professional fighter since 2009, Campos has fought five times under the Bellator MMA banner and now looks to announce himself as a true title contender with an impressive win over a former champion.

THIS WEEK: Catch Bellator Bantamweight World Champion Joe Warren defend his title in a rematch against a very dangerous Marcos Galvao.  The event airs Live and Free on Spike this Friday, March 27 at 9/8c from the WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, OK.

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

About Scottrade Center:

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this season, Scottrade Center is a contemporary, 12-story glass and concrete structure located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The home of the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, Scottrade Center also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events. Scottrade Center is consistently ranked by Pollstar Magazine as one of the top grossing arenas in the country.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

Bellator MMA signs Light Heavyweight Champion Liam McGeary to a multi-year, multi-fight contract extension 

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Follow us on TwitterEasy tweet: @Bellator LHW Champ @Liam_McGeary signs a multi-year, multi-fight contract extension with #BellatorMMA

 Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Eric Coleman


SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 16, 2015) – Less than a month after making history becoming the first-ever British World Champion in a major MMA organization, Liam McGeary (10-0) has signed a multi-fight, multi-year contract extension with Bellator MMA.

Born in England, but now living in the Bronx, NY where he trains with Renzo Gracie, Liam McGeary set a promotional record for most submission attempts (11) in a fight en route to defeating Emanuel Newton to win the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship at “Bellator: The British Invasion” last month.
“I’m excited to have signed this contract extension with Bellator,” said McGeary.  “I know that I’ve got a target on my back as Champion, but I’ve never been one to walk away from a fight. Whoever Scott Coker decides to put across the cage from me next, it doesn’t matter. To me, their name might as well be ‘Victory #11’. I look forward to working with Coker and Spike TV for years to come.”

Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Eric Coleman

Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Lucas Noonan

   Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Lucas Noonan

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

Bellator MMA World Middleweight Champion Brandon Halsey meets Kendall Grove at California’s Pechanga Resort & Casino – Friday, May 15 on Spike TV

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 3, 2015) – Undefeated Bellator MMA World Middleweight Champion Brandon “Bull” Halsey (8-0) looks to defend his belt for the first time when he takes on towering Hawaiian scrapper Kendall “Da Spyder” Grove (21-14).

 

The contest serves as the headlining bout of “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,” which takes place onFriday, May 15, at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif. The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike TV, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com.

 

Tickets for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,” which start at just $50, are already on sale at Pechanga.com and the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office.

 

Doors for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” open at 4 p.m. PT local time, and the first contest takes place one hour later. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

“We’re really looking forward to bringing another exciting world championship fight to a great sell-out crowd at Pechanga Resort & Casino this May,” said Bellator President Scott Coker.  “Our middleweight champion Brandon Halsey has been extremely impressive through his first 8 fights, and I’m looking forward to watching him defend his belt for the first time against Kendall Grove.”

 

Halsey, from Huntington Beach, Calif., is a former Division I wrestler at Cal-State Bakersfield who turned his attention to mixed martial arts in 2012 and has kept his professional record unblemished through the first eight matchups of his career. At just 28 years old, Halsey already owns six victories under the Bellator MMA banner, including a four-man tournament victory to earn a shot at the belt and a stunning, 35-second stoppage of then-champ Alexander Shlemenko to claim the Bellator MMA World Middleweight Championship.

 

Three of Halsey’s past four wins have come by way of first-round stoppage.

 

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Grove has been fighting professionally for nearly 12 years. The Hawaiian-born Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is a former winner of “The Ultimate Fighter,” who has earned 15 of his 21 career victories by stoppage, include 10 wins by submission.

 

The 6-foot-6 Grove signed with Bellator MMA in 2013 and earned his shot at the belt with an October submission win over former Bellator MMA World Light Heavyweight Champion Christian M’Pumbu.

 

“Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” – Friday, May 15, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, Calif.

 

Bellator Middleweight Title Fight: Champ Brandon Halsey (8-0) vs. Kendall Grove (21-14)

 

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
Bellator, mixed martial arts

He’s Back! Bellator MMA signs the unmistakable Kimbo Slice to a multi-fight contract

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THE BEARDED BRAWLER IS BACK!

 

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS KIMBO SLICE TO A MULTI-FIGHT PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT

 

 

 

 

SANTA MONICA – (January 16, 2015) The legend of Kimbo is back on Spike.  One of MMA’s most recognizable names, the wildly popular former internet sensation Kimbo Slice has signed an exclusive, multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA and will make his promotional debut later this year.

 

Bellator officially announced the signing moments ago on Spike TV during the “Bellator: Pitbull vs. Straus” event when Bellator’s Jimmy Smith caught up with the Miami slugger via Skype (#technology).

 

“I’ve been trying to keep busy as much as possible,” said Slice. “Been boxing over the past couple of years. My current record [as a boxer] is 7-0. Bellator is up there in the tops and they’re giving me the opportunity to fight on primetime and Spike TV. You know you can’t resist Spike TV.

 

“You gotta think, I’m still hungry out there.  I haven’t got my fill yet. Whoever steps up to the plate, they got to bring it. I’m comin to get it.”

 

“Anyone who has been to a Kimbo Slice fight has felt a thick, electric, tension in the air,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “The man has a proven knack for evoking excitement every time he steps inside a cage, and that fits perfectly with the kind of fights we aim to put together.”

 

Born in the Bahamas and raised in Florida, Slice started his combat sports career on the streets of Miami, where he competed in unsanctioned prize fights on camera. The bouts were viewed by millions on the Internet, establishing Slice as a true viral sensation.

 

Slice turned his attention to mixed martial arts in 2007, picking up a submission win over former WBO heavyweight boxing champion Ray Mercer in an exhibition contest to begin his career. He would go on to compete professionally for both the UFC and EliteXC, where he would notch wins over MMA legend Tank Abbott, as well as fellow sluggers Houston Alexander and James Thompson.

 

Slice walked away from the sport in 2010 to focus on a career in boxing, where he went undefeated in seven professional contests. Six of those wins came by knockout.

 

Nearly five years after his final MMA appearance, Slice now returns to the sport, where the 6-foot-2 heavyweight slugger again looks to stand toe-to-toe with anyone willing to put on a pair of four-ounce gloves and trade blows in the pocket.

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
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