Qeb Archives: mixed martial arts

RIZIN FF: SHOOT BOXING RULES TO PRESIDE OVER AKEBONO VS. SAPP II ON NEW YEAR’S EVE; “KING MOTO FACE BRETT MCDERMOTT IN EIGHT-MAN GRAND PRIX TOURNAMENT

Two K-1 rules bouts announced for highly-anticipated,
three-day launch of RIZIN FF in Tokyo, Japan

TOKYO, JAPAN – December 9, 2015 – RIZIN FF officials announced today that the highly anticipated rematch between Akebono thiab Bob Sapp will be contested under Shoot Boxing rules on Hnub plaub, Dec. 31, and that BAMMA fighter Brett McDermott has been named the new opponent for “King Mo” Lawal in the eight-man heavyweight Grand Prix elimination tournament, following the withdrawal of BAMMA champion Mark Godbeer last week due to injury.

In K-1 rules action, it was announced that Hiroya Kawabe will face striking phenom Akiyo “Wicky” Nishiura rau Hnub, Dec. 29, thiab Takeru Segawa will square off with Chinese Muay Thai champion Yang Ming rau Hlis ntuj nqeg 31.
Shoot Boxing founder and CEO, Cezar Takeshi joined RIZIN FF Chairman Nobuyuki Sakakibara, General Manager Nobuhiko Takada, Sapp, Akebono, Segawa, and producer Kensaku Maeda at a press conference in Tokyo to make the announcements.

“I have been seeking advice about what rules the highly anticipated rematch should be held under, and Mr. Cezar introduced me to the idea where both fighters will be able to maximize their potential,” said Sakakibara.

“The new K-1,” continued Sakakibara, “has become popular in such a rapid rate, and I am happy that they are going to be sending their top, young talent to our ring. We would like to match both K-1 representatives up with tough opponents.”

Sakakibara also mentioned that Nam Jin Jo has injured his knee during training and was forced to withdraw, so Felipe Efrain from Shoot Boxe Academy will be facing Yuki Motoya.

Sakakibara closed his announcement by describing the details of the three-day, free-of-charge fight expo, which will begin on Hlis ntuj nqeg 29, and include amateur MMA bouts and an open grappling tournament.

The rematch between Akebono and Sapp and the bout between Segawa and Ming join matchups between Yuichiro Nagashima thiab Andy Souwer, thiabAsen Yamamoto thiab Kron Gracie on December 31st.

Comments:

Bob Sapp:

“It has been a while since I last fought on NYE, and very excited. And to be facing my nemesis once again. Last time we fought, we made history, and that was a great honor. I would like to aim for making history again, and I assure you it will be an exciting fight.”

Akebono:

“I have been living with grief and defeat for the past 12 xyoo. I have carried a thought of redemption deep inside and got the offer at the perfect timing. I never want to have to feel that way again, so I want everybody to come watch the new Akebono. I’m going in there for the win.”

Takeru Segawa:

“I was frustrated because I wanted to fight more this year, but I’m glad for this perfect opportunity. There are many MMA fights on the card, but I would like to show that K-1 fights are the most exciting. I want everybody to be talking about the lightest fighter’s being the most exciting out of all RIZIN fights.”

RIZIN FF General Manager Nobuhiko Takada:

“I am just too excited. One of the reasons is that the fight card is near complete, but more so because of the fact that we will be able to kick of our event on the day where people watch television the most. It needs to be a festivity. We put together various fights for a wide audience. We would like to continue to promote the greatness of this event.”

Takada continued in describing each fighter. “Hiroya has the looks and the skills who reigns as the top fighter in K-1. I can see why he has many female fans. But once the bell rings, he shows his aggressiveness and power. It is always irritating when you know very little about your opponent, but he is determined to show the greatness of K-1 regardless of his opponent.”

He continued on about the legendary fight, “The ratings for that fight was unreal. And that same fight will be coming back. There are many opinions about this fight, but that is what makes it so exciting. Many fighters will be motivated to gather all the attention which will lead to better performance. This fight has many meanings behind it.” Takada added,” If Akebono wins, maybe next year?” and teased everybody about a possible rubber match. Takada announced that Cezar Takeshi was assigned as the referee for this fight and asked him not to trip during the fight.

Follow RIZIN FF online:

Websitehttp://www.rizinff.com/en/
Facebook – https://www.Facebook.com/rizinfightingfederation/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/rizin_PR

OF CROWS & BULLS: FIRST BOXING MATCH ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 21

Lewiston, Maine (Hlis ntuj nqeg 9, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 21: THE IMMORTALS” rau Hnub vas xaum, Lub ob hlis ntuj 6, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The fight card is scheduled to feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF announced the first professional boxing match officially signed for theNEF 21fight card. JoelBaby BullBishop (0-0-1) will meet Crowsneck Boutin (0-0) in a four-round light-heavyweight contest.

 

Joel Bishop is a 2004 graduate of Upper Kennebec Valley Senior High School in Bingham, Maine. It was during high school that Bishop began boxing. He put together an amateur boxing record of 10-4, thiab nyob rau hauv 2009 won the New England Tournament of Champions Heavyweight Sub Novice championship. Bishop has twice made it to the finals of the Northern New England Golden Gloves. In October 2014, Bishop made his professional debut against another NEF MMA regular, Jarod Lawton (0-0-1) and fought to a draw in Lewiston in what was a back-and-forth slugfest.

 

I’m very excited to get back in the ring at NEF 21,exclaimed Bishop. “I was at the last dual show and there was a ton of energy and excitement. Rau February 6th, I’ll be fighting a very tough, active fighter in Crowsneck Boutin, and I will do my best to give the fans an exciting bout.

 

Crowsneck Boutin is a mainstay of the NEF roster, having competed in no less than 14 of the promotion’s previous MMA events as both an amateur and a professional. Nyob rau hauv 2014, he was votedFighter of the Yearby the NEF fans after going undefeated with three wins that year. Boutin will be making his professional boxing debut atNEF 21,but he will undoubtedly be prepared for the task, training under boxing coach Jon Pinette, an international boxing champion himself, at the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine.
Very thankful, very fortunate for this opportunity,” said Boutin. “Joel is a tough opponent, but it isn’t my intention to let this fight reach the scorecards. It will be my pleasure to stand and gun.

 

New hais Fights’ next event, “NEF 21: THE IMMORTALS,” takes placeHnub vas xaum, Lub ob hlis ntuj 6, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Daim pib mus “NEF 21start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. tsis tas li ntawd, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New hais Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Record participation numbers in 2015 World MMA Championship Testimony to WMMAA’s rapid growth

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (Hlis ntuj nqeg 9, 2015)- The rapid growth of the World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) in four relatively short years of existence was best demonstrated in last month’s 2015 World MMA Championship (WMMAA) in Prague, Czech Republic.
Nearly 200 athletes, representing 49 countries (see list below), participated in the record-setting 2015 World MMA Championship, which was dominated by team champion Russian Federation. Heavyweight Zaur Gadzhibabaev, who became the first two-time WMMAA champion, gave Azerbaijan the only gold medal not captured by the Russian Federation, which had the individual winners in six of seven weight classes.
This year’s World Championship was the best event we have had so far,” WMMAA Director of Communications Mikhail Mazur said. “The highest number of countries, as well as participants, competed this year. WMMAA is still in its infancy but we keep evolving. You can clearly see that with each year. We have added new weight categories and accepted new countries as members of our non-profit organization. This is a difficult job but it’s extremely satisfying to see athletes fly in from all over the world to compete against the best amateur fighters who each went through a hard selection process in their home country.
Prague was a great host and the WMMAA is extremely happy to have held the championship in this beautiful European capital. A lot more needs to be done next year. We expect more Asian and Pan-Am countries to enter the WMMAA family as our continental presidents put a lot of effort looking for the best National Federations to work as hard and as diligent as our current members do. We are only gearing up. I’m thrilled to see what the next year will bring us and the sports of amateur MMA in general.
Afganistan Argentina Armenia Azerbaijan
Belarus Brazil Bulgaria China
Chinese Taipei Columbia Croatia Cuba
Czech Republic France FYR of Macedonia Georgia
Germany Greece Hungary India
Iran Italy Kazakhstan Republic of Korea
Kyrgyzstan Latvia Mexico Moldova
Monaco Morocco Netherlands Netherland Antilles
Nicaragua Nigeria Paraguay Romania
Russian Federation Serbia Singapore Slovakia
Spain Suriname Tajikistan Turkey
Turkmenistan Ukraine United States Uzbekistan
Venezuela
(L-R) Tajikistan MMA President Pulod Nazarov, WMMAA Honorary President Fedor Emellianenko, WMMAA President Vadim Finkelchtein and Anatoly Kim, President of the Kazakhstan MMA Federation
Information

FINALLY! LONG-AWAITED BATTLE FOR BANGOR TO TAKE PLACE AT NEF 21

Lewiston, Maine (Hlis ntuj nqeg 8, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 21: THE IMMORTALS” rau Hnub vas xaum, Lub ob hlis ntuj 6, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. The fight card is scheduled to feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF announced the main event of the MMA portion of the fight card. BrucePretty BoyBoyington (12-8) will defend the NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Championship against the challenge of number-one contender Jon Lemke (5-3). Both Boyington and Lemke are veterans of the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

 

Boyington is riding high on a three-fight win streak. Earlier this fall, he made his debut on the national stage, defeating Rodrigo Almeida (13-3) on a World Series of Fighting (WSOF) card in Connecticut. Boyington followed up that win with a decisive third-round TKO victory over Jimmy Davidson (7-2) last month atNEF XXin a successful defense of his title. A product of Young’s MMA, and the head of Boyington’s Taekwondo Academy, both located in Bangor, Maine, Boyington has been on an unstoppable tear since losing a non-title fight to Jamie Harrison (6-1) early in 2015. He has won six of his last seven in the MMA cage, and holds another victory in the NEF boxing ring during the course of that run.

 

I wouldn’t want to be Jon Lemke going into that cage with me right about now, that’s what I’m thinking, if I’m being honest,” said Boyington. “I don’t really understand why he would want a fight with me right now, and I do believe he will show up and give his best effort, but I wouldn’t want to fight me right now. I’m dangerous, and my confidence is through the roof and when it’s like this, it is going to take a world-class athlete to stop me, and my focus this whole camp will be on remaining humble and focused. When February 6th comes, I will be the most dangerous Bruce Boyington that has ever stepped foot in the cage, and I know if I want to be in there right now, I’m really going to be hungry by then.

 

The bout is one that Maine fight fans have waited a long time to see. Boyington and Lemke have stood atop the NEF lightweight division together for several years now, their careers paralleling one another. With Lemke competing out of Marcus DavisTeam Irish in nearby Brewer, Maine, the cross-town rival of Young’s MMA, Boyington and Lemke seemed like natural rivals. But they often passed like ships in the night, and the stars never aligned for an encounter between the two. That was untilNEF XXlast month when, just moments before Boyington took to the cage against Davidson, Lemke vanquished Matt Denning (2-1) in that evening’s co-main event. It was an impressive performance that saw Lemke overwhelm a game Denning as the first round went on. With both Lemke and Boyington scheduled to appear on the February card, and neither having an opponent signed, the time was ripe for theBattle for Bangor,” as fans have dubbed it, to finally take place.

I am so incredibly grateful and excited to be fighting for NEF once again and especially an opportunity to fight for the title,” said Lemke. “Those who know my story know what a long road this has been for me, which makes it all the more special. Bruce is the man and has done a phenomenal job promoting himself as champion, and in the process brought a lot of attention to the rest of the MMA community in the area. He has a couple of titles with different promotions and had fights on the national stage. He presents a unique and explosive set of challenges that I very much look forward to rising up and meeting that challenge head on. This is going to be a great fight that fans are not going to want to miss, so get your tickets and come on down.

 

I don’t know if there’s any single fight fans ask us to see more than this one,” exclaimed NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “It seems like at least a few times a week we’re getting messages asking ‘when are we going to see the Battle for Bangor between Lemke and Boyington?’ Well, it’s happening onLub ob hlis ntuj 6 at ‘NEF 21,and everyone within our organization is just as excited as the fans to see it!”

 

The back story to this bout is incredible,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Nothing is manufacturedit’s completely authentic and gut wrenching. This fight has been a long time coming, and I have a feeling that the lead-in to February 6th will be unlike anything we’ve ever witnessed in the countdown to a showdown of this magnitude where so much more than just bragging rights are on the line.

 

New hais Fights’ next event, “NEF 21: THE IMMORTALS,” takes placeHnub vas xaum, Lub ob hlis ntuj 6, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Daim pib mus “NEF 21start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. tsis tas li ntawd, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

RFA RETURNS TO COLORADO WITH RFA 34: VELICKOVIC vs SMITH

photo credits: sherdog.com
MAIN EVENT:
BOJANSERBIAN STEELVELICKOVIC
vs. BENJAMIN SMITH
WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 15TH, 2016 LIVE ON AXS TV
LIVE from the 1STBANK Center, Broomfield, CO
Tickets on Sale Now at ALTITUDETICKETS.com
LAS VEGAS, NevadaResurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) president Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will return to Colorado with RFA 34 – Velickovic vs. Smith in January to kick off the new year. The main event will feature a welterweight title fight between two of the division’s most accomplished fighters as BojanSerbian SteelVelickovic battles former RFA welterweight champion Benjamin Smith for the vacant title. RFA 34 – Velickovic vs. Smith will take place Hnub vas Xuv, January 15th inside the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. LI / 7 p.m. PT.
RFA has a busy 2016 schedule and I’m excited about starting it back in Colorado,” stated Soares. “Bojan Velickovic and Benjamin Smith will headline RFA 34 for the vacant welterweight title. They are two of the most accomplished 170-pound fighters in RFA history and it’s a great way to kick off the new year.
Tickets for RFA 34 – Velickovic vs. Smith are available for purchase NOW through AltitudeTickets.com or you can support your favorite fighter by purchasing your tickets through CageTix.com. Tickets to RFA 34 start at just $30. VIP tables are available by calling 303-521-0966.
Velickovic (12-3) earned his title shot after going a perfect 3-0 nyob rau hauv 2015. In March, the Serbian destroyer earned a quick first round TKO victory over the seasoned MMA vet Chris Hugh at RFA 24. Velickovic then participated as a member of Team RFA at the historic RFA vs. LEGACY event in May. His bout was the first match of the promotion vs. promotion competition and Velickovic picked up the pivotal lead-off win against Charles Byrd. He then closed out the year with a victory over decorated Armenian-Ukrainian wrestler Vardan Sholinian at RFA 31. Velickovic’s win over Sholinian in Las Vegas was accomplished with only 5 daysnotice. Now the surgingSerbian Steellooks to start the new year exactly how 2015 went downwith his hand getting raised.
When I found out that I would be getting an RFA title shot, I was vey happy,” stated Velickovic. “I feel that I deserve this opportunity and it didn’t matter who I would be facing. I will fight anyone who’s put in front of me. I am also excited to be fighting in Colorado. I moved here 3 months ago and it already feels like home. This will be the first time in 5 years that I get to fight in the place I live. Ben Smith and I fought on the same card twice for RFA and he’s a really tough dude. He comes to fight and I look forward to our title fight onJanuary 15th.”
Smith (15-3) also ended the year on a high note with a unanimous decision victory over the previously undefeated Craig Eckelberg at RFA 32 last month. The win came on the heels of two consecutive RFA title fights that Smith had for the RFA in 2015. Now the second-ever RFA welterweight champion will look to reclaim his RFA crown in what he sees as his last ride towards UFC glory. That ride continues in the main event of RFA 34 against a man he shared cards with at both RFA 20 and RFA 24.
This is the last hurrah for ole Ben Smith,” Smith explained. “I’d been feeling that way before my last fight, but I also wanted to put an exclamation point on my career by reclaiming my RFA title and earning my shot in the UFC. I got the win at RFA 32, but I felt like I could do more, which is what I will show in this next fight. Colorado has always treated me well and I enjoy competing there. Bojan is a good fighter, he’s a marketable guy, and a very worthy opponent. When I was offered this fight, there was no way I could say no. I love to compete and I’m looking forward to this title fight with Bojan.
The full RFA 34 fight card and further information regarding this event will be announced soon. RFA 34 will be the promotion’s seventh event to take place in the state of Colorado. The entire main card of RFA 34 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. LI / 7 p.m. PT rau Hnub vas Xuv, January 15th, 2016.
Please visit RFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. RFA is also on Facebook at Facebook.com/RFAfighting, Instagram at @RFAfighting, and Twitter at @RFAfighting.
About RFA: RFA is a professional mixed martial arts promotion that gives rising stars and top contenders the opportunity to prove their talent to fans and leaders in the industry. The RFA presents live events on a monthly basis around the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Milwaukee. RFA can be seen live in over 43 million homes nationally through its television deal with AXS TV. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, RFA is one of the most active and respected MMA organizations in the fastest growing sport in the world. (The Octagon, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, UFC®, and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC. All rights reserved).

About AXS TV Fights: AXS TV Fights is renowned for its universally recognizedHnub vas Xuv Night Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing events. As Your Home For MMA, AXS TV utilizes an expansive network of promotions from the United States, Canada, and Europe. And Asia to broadcast more LIVE fights than any other television network. “The VoiceMichael Schiavello and five-time MMA world-champion Pat Miletich provide viewers expert play-by-play, in-depth fighter coverage, and extensive analysis to each fight card. AXS TV broadcasts world-class LIVE fight events from RFA, Lion Fight, Legacy FC, and MFC everyHnub vas Xuv night at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. LI.

Russian fighters dominate 2015 World MMA Championships

PRAGUE, Czech Republic (Hlis ntuj nqeg 7, 2015) — Russian fighters dominated the recent 2015 World MMA Championships (WMMAA), winning gold medals in six of seven divisions to easily capture the team title, in Prague, Czech Republic.
On the strength of Zaur Gadzhibabaev’s victory in the heavyweight competition, Azerbaijan won a silver medal in terms of quality medals won in team competition. Gadzhibabaev became the first two-time WMMAA champion. In quantity of medals earned, Kazakhstan won five silver and one bronze medal, second only to Russia with seven, including six golds and one bronze.
In other team scoring, Latvia and Tajikistan both won silver medals; China, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia took home two bronze medals apiece; Greece, Colombia, Czech Republic and Ukraine all earned one bronze medal.
Here’s a breakdown of results from each weight class:
BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION: -61.2 kg (135 lbs.)
1. Bakhachali Bakhachaliev (Zog ntawm Guj kuj)
2. Sergey Morozov (Kazakhstan)
3. Andrey Roa Ruiz Dumar (Colombia)
3. Yuan Liu Ping (China)
FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION: -65.8 kg (145 lbs.)
1. Magomed Yunusilau (Zog ntawm Guj kuj)
2. Zhumageldi Zhalgassuly (Kazakhstan)
3. Archil Taziashvili (Georgia)
3. Elnur Veliev (Ukraine)
LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION: -70.3 kg (154 lbs.)
1. Gadzhi Rabadanov (Zog ntawm Guj kuj)
2. Loik Radzhabov (Tajikistan)
3. Rashid Dagaev (Kazakhstan)
3. Changxin Fu (China)
WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION: -77.1 kg (170 lbs.)
1. Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov (Zog ntawm Guj kuj)
2. Shavkat Rakhmonov (Kazakhstan)
3. Denis Maher (Belarus)
3. Beknazar Kainazar uulu (Kyrgyzstan)
MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION: -84 kg (185 lbs.)
1. Gamzat Khiramagomedov (Zog ntawm Guj kuj)
2. Dauren Ermekov (Kazakhstan)
3. Daniyar Abdibaev (Kyrgyzstan)
3. Giorgi Lobjanidze (Georgia)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION: -93 kg (205 lbs.)
1. Magomed Ankalaev (Zog ntawm Guj kuj)
2. Khasan Mezhiev (Latvia)
3. Michal Kotalik (Czech Republic)
3. Yulian Borisov (Belarus)
HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION: +93 kg (+205 lbs.)
1. Zaur Gadzhibabaev (Azerbaijan)
2. Mokhmad Sulimanov (Kazakhstan)
3. Rizvan Kuniev (Zog ntawm Guj kuj)
3. Angelos Giatras (Greece)

Go here to watch video of the 2015 WMMAA Championships:

CHAMPIONSQUOTES OF NOTE
2015 WMMAA Bantamweight Champion Bakhachali Bakhachali:
It was a wonderful experience. You know it was a long road. I’m so glad it’s over and I was successful in reaching all the goals I had set. The final fight was very hard, my opponent was a serious test for me. He’s physically strong and determined. But thanks God I got the victory.
The next step is of course the Russian MMA SuperCup. I hope God will help me win it.
I’d like to say thank you to my coaches: Rasul Magomed-Aliev, Abdulla Gaidarbekov. Thanks to Shamil Alibatyrov who was cornering me throughout the whole championship and helped me a lot.

2015 WMMAA Featherweight Champion Magomed Yunusilau:
Extreme happiness. First of all, I was not sure I would be able to participate because of injuries, but my coaches, friends and family helped me gather physically and mentally. I flew to Prague and got the best possible result.
I had four fights. The first one (1/8) went the distance. My opponent, from Colombia, was really determined, he would not give up. It was a hard-fought battle. In my other fights I finished all three opponents.
First, I need to heal my injuries; it’s revalidation time. I’ll take a break for the first post-World Championship week and then I’ll focus on my health. I have issues with my back and one knee. And then, God bless, I’ll get back in business within 2-3 months. I intend to transfer to professional MMA competition. We have great coaches and the team that are highly qualified and able to facilitate in my transition. I’m sure I’ll be OK.

2015 WMMAA Lightweight Champion Gadzhi Rabadanov:
I’m extremely happy. It’s such a nice feeling to make your friends and family happy. I’m really grateful for all support I got from them.
I had four fights in total and I finished all of my opponents. I can’t say which one was harder, everyone in front of me was quite good in his own right.
If I look back, I’ve had five full training camps this year. Now, it’s time for a break from competition. I need to heal my wounds, rest and then return as a different fighter. There is enough room for improvement. I know I had one more fight planned at the Russian MMA SuperCup in December but I’ll have to cancel it because of my knee injury. Moreover it’s rather hard to make weight twice within a 10-day frame. It would be to the detriment of my health under these circumstances. Sorry, everyone who was hoping to watch me fight in Chelyabinsk (Zog ntawm Guj kuj –wmmaa.org) come December 5.

2015 WMMAA Welterweight Champion Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov:
I can’t describe my feelings right now. It has been a long road. Two years ago, me and my brother, (Gamzat Khiramagomedovwmmaa.org) set our sights on the World Championship. And here we areboth champions. I’m so happy.
I really need to repair my body before planning anything else. My hand and foot are broken. One ligament is torn on my left leg. I need time to heal and then we’ll see.
2015 WMMAA Middleweight Champion Gamzat Khiramagomedov:
This experience is the best possible. After all work that I had done it’s time to catch a breath for a little while. Still, I’m not going to relax on my laurels. I have a fight scheduled at the SuperCup against Gamazan Gamzatov. After that fight I’ll be able to rest normally.
At the World Championship I had four bouts. Assessing my opponents, I can say they were all good fighters. The hardest battle I had was against a warrior from Georgia. He would not give up; extremely powerful and good wrestler. I injured my left arm that’s why I couldn’t show my best in the finals. However, I’m so happy I made my people smile, especially my brother, Gadzhimurad, who puts a lot of effort into helping me. He’s always happier than me when I win. He’s my biggest fan.

2015 WMMA Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev:
My feelings are the best possible. Gold in this amateur MMA World Championship had been my target for a long time.
I had five fights and the final one was the most difficult for me. I felt huge responsibility because it was up to me whether or not the Russian flag would be flying that high. Thank God, I was able to achieve that.
I plan to take part in the Russian MMA SuperCup. After that, I’ll take a rest that, I believe, I’ll have fully deserved.

2015 WMMA Heavyweight Champion Zaur Gadzhibabaev:
A lot was at stake in the finals since my opponent, Mokhmad Sulimanov, wanted to avenge his loss from last year’s WMMAA World Championship. I’m glad I prevailed again.
I’m honored to be the first two-time WMMAA champion. The competitors in my division were outstanding this year. I trained very hard to give my best and I’m very happy with my performances during the tournament.
Information

Nemkov decisions Puetz in exciting rematch Recaptures M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title Emeev stops Fioravanti Retains M-1 Challenge middleweight crown M-1 Challenge 63 OFFICIAL RESULTS

New M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Viktor Nemkov is crowned
ST. PETERSBURG, Zog ntawm Guj kuj (Hlis ntuj nqeg 4, 2015) – In a much anticipated rematch, Viktor Nemkov recaptured the coveted M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title, winning a hard-fought five-round decision over defending champion StephanT-800Puetz, in the M 1 sib tw 63 main event, at the Sports and Concert Complex in St. Petersburg, Zog ntawm Guj kuj.
Nyob hauv tus nqi feature, M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev successfully defended his crown, as American challenger LuigiThe Italian TankFioravanti was unable to continue after four rounds.
M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev retained his title
Undefeated in four previous M-1 Global fights to date, Puetz (13-2-0, 5 KO/TKO, 4 SUB) captured the M-1 Challenge title 1 ½ years ago with an entertaining five-round split decision over defending champion Nemkov, who was making his first title defense after having defeated Vasily Babich (SUB2arm-lock) two years ago for the vacant title.
Puetz came into his rematch with Nemkov off a sensational SuperFight victory this past May against M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Marcin Tybura, whose severely broken nose halted the action in the third round at M 1 sib tw 57.
Kazakhstan-native Nemkov, who fights out of Stary Oskol, Zog ntawm Guj kuj, had won two straight fights since he lost to Puetz, of Germany, including an impressive decision in his last action over always tough Maro Perak.
Two-time M-1 Challenge middleweight champion, Emeev (13-3-0, 3 KO/TKO, 6 SUB) is a native of Dagestan who fights out of Makhachkala, Zog ntawm Guj kuj. He first won the M-1 Challenge championship in 2012 tom M 1 sib tw 35, taking a decision from Mario Miranda, who Emeev defeated four months later by third-round knockout at M 1 sib tw 38. At M 1 sib tw 51, Emeev was stopped in the fourth round by Vyacheslav Vasilevsky, who lost the title back to Emeev by fifth-round submission this past April at M 1 sib tw 56.
Fioravanti (26-14-0, 10 KO/TKO, 7 SUB), representing American Top Team, is a popular fighter out of Orlando, Florida. He was coming off a second-round win by submission (choke) last July against Sergey Kovalev tom M 1 sib tw 59.
Georgian light heavyweight Raul Tutarauli (6-2-0, 5 KO/TKO, 1 SUB) registered a huge upset, knocking out Russian AlexeyAtamanMakhno (10-4-0, 4 KO/TKO, 1 SUB) in the second round.
Russian light heavyweight prospect Rashid Yusupov (7-0-0, 2 KO/TKO, 2 SUB) remained undefeated, taking a three-round unanimous decision from German foe MartinKing KongZawada (26-14-1, 16 KO/TKO, 5 SUB)).
Unbeaten featherweights Mikhail Korobkov (9-0-1, 1 KO/TKO, 6 SUB), of Russia, and Brazilian invader Rodrigo Magalhaes (7-0-1, 0 KO/TKO, 6 SUB) fought to a three-round draw.
In preliminary card action, veteran Ukrainian lightweight Alexander Butenko (39-11-2) and Russian featherweight Zalimbek Omarov (6-1-1) won three-round unanimous decision, respectively, over Heydar Mammadaleiv (8-2-0), of Azerbaijan, and Ukrainian ArtemIronLezhnev (7-5-0). Ruslan Shamilov (1-0-0) stopped Bulat Zhumabatov (0-1-0) in the second round (doctor’s stoppage) in a Super Cup St. Petersburg match between Russian middleweights.
Also fighting on the preliminary card, Russian middleweight Vasily Zubkov (9-4-0) won a hard fought three-round split decision from pro-debuting Uzbekistan-native Sarvar Iskhakov, fighting out of Russia, Russian welterweight Damila Prikaza (2-0-1) stopped experienced Ukrainian ArtemShockwaveShokalo (13-14-0), and Russian featherweight Mikhail Kuznetsov (5-1-0) defeated Ukrainian opponent StanislavWhite WarriorReutsky (8-5-) by way of a rear naked choke for a second-round submission.
Complete results and photo gallery below (all winners listed first):
MAIN CARD
M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Viktor Nemkov (23-5-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
WDEC5
Stephan Puetz Puetz (13-2-0), Germany
(Nemkov recaptured M-1 Challenge middleweight title)
M-1 CHALLENGE MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Ramazan Emeev (13-3-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
Luigi Fioravanti (26-14-0), USA
(Emeev retain M-1 Challenge middleweight title)
SIB HEAVYWEIGHTS
Rashid Yusupov (7-0-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
WDEC3
Martin Zawada (26-13-0), Germany
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Raul Tutarauli (5-2-0), Georgia
WKO/TKO2 (punches6:29)
Alexey Makhno, Zog ntawm Guj kuj
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Mikhail Korobkov (9-0-1), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
DRAW3
Rodrigo Magalhaes (7-0-1), Brazi
PRELIMINARY CARD
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Ruslan Shamilov (1-0-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
WKO/THO2 (doctor’s stoppage2:15)
Bulat Zhumabatov (0-1-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
Sarvar Iskhakov (4-2-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
Vasily Zubkov (8-4-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
WELTERWEIGHTS
Damila Prikaza (2-0-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
WKO/TKO1 (punches2:15)
Artem Shokalo (13-14-0), Ukraine
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Alexander Butenko (39-11-0), Ukraine
WDEC3
Heydar Mammadaliev (8-2-0), Azerbaijan
FEATHERWEIGHT
Zalimbek Omarov (6-1-1), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
WDEC3
Andrey Lezhnev (8-5-0), Ukraine
Mikhail Kuzenetsov (4-0-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
WSUB2 (rear naked choke3:00)
Stanislav Reutsky (4-2-0), Ukraine
(L-R) Puetz vs. Nemkov
(L-R) Puetz vs. Nemkov

(L-R) Nemkov vs. Puetz

(L-R) Fioravanti vs. Emeev


Emeev punished Fioravanti
Alexey Makhno & Raul Tutarauli

Andrey Lezhnev & Zalimbek Omarov
Bulat Zhumabatov & Ruslan Shamilov

Alexander Butenko vs. Heydar Mammadaliev

M-1 Challenge Medieval Knight Fight between Dmitry Kovrizhin & Evgeniy Bedenko
Rodrigo Magalhaes & Mikhail Korobkov fought to a draw
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JOSH THOMSON STOPS PABLO VILLASECA IN ‘BELLATOR 147HEADLINER

 

COMPLETE MAIN CARD PHOTO SELECTION HERE

 

SAN JOSE, CA. (Hlis ntuj nqeg 4, 2015) Josh Thomson’s (22-8, 1 NC) a mixed martial arts legend in San Jose and hisBellator 147effort against a young and promising prospect by the name of Pablo Villaseca (10-2) will only add to his career’s story.

A packed Event Center on the San Jose State University’s campus witnessed theThe Punkutilize a plethora of skills en route to a finish of the Chilean fighter. Referee Jason Herzog officially called a stop to the action at 3:59 of the second frame, sending those in attendance into an uproar and pushing Thomson’s mark under the Bellator MMA banner to 2-0.

After the fight, Thomson made it clear that while a matchup against incumbent Bellator lightweight kingpin Will Brooks is enticing, he’s about the fans and the vast majority of fans he’s heard from want him to fight IronMichael Chandler.

Will Brooks is a great fighter man, and he has the belt,” Thomson said. “But, regardless of the gold around his waist, the fans want me to fight Michael Chandler and I fight for the fans.

Bellator President Scott Coker has said he foresees Thomson returning to action in early 2016, and without fights scheduled for Chandler or Brooks as of print, another marquee lightweight contest could come to fruition sooner, rather than later. Watch the finish here.

Weichel Tops Karakhanyan, Hoping to Face Daniel Straus For the Title

 

In the featherweight co-feature bout of the evening, Georgi Karakhanyan (24-5-1) thiab Daniel Weichel (36-9) unleashed hard jabs and numerous round houses throughout a three-round thriller. The difference was Weichel’s ability to use his pinpoint accuracy to pepper away at his jab, putting an end to Karakhanyan’s night. Thaum kawg, “The Weasel” escaped with a split decision victory with scores of (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), and likely moved closer to another shot at the 145-pound champion. Watch the official decision here.

Anderson Outduels Freire Once Again, Inside the Bellator MMA Cage

 

A lightweight rematch between Patricky Freire (14-7) thiab Derek Anderson (13-2, 1 NC) came to a head hmo no, with both men trading body blows and kicks for the 15 minute duration of their violent bout. Thaum kawg, “Barbaric” took home a split decision victory with judgesscores of (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). The upset marks his second career win over Freire, after previously making his Bellator debut in a unanimous decision victory over Freire at “Bellator 98.”Take a look at some highlights here.

Piccolotti Wins Bloody Battle at the Expense of Soto

 

In a tightly contested battle between grappling experts Adam Piccolotti (7-0) thiab Mario Soto, (6-2) “The Bomb” remained undefeated after a second round rear-naked choke submission. Piccolotti sliced up Soto, opening up a significant cut over the right eye of the 29-year-old birthday boy. With blood squirting everywhere, “Dr. Mario” was forced to tap out at 3:25 of round two. Both Northern California fighters brought in a large contingent of hometown fans, but it was the Bay-area guy, Piccolotti, emerging victorious in the end, a product of landing 86% of his strikes thrown. Peep the gash on Soto’s head here.

Rogers Powers Past Zwicker in ‘Bellator 147’ Opener

 

During the opening contest on SPIKE, Brian Rogers (12-8) put an end to a two-fight skid in his debut at light heavyweight, opening fire with vicious ground-and-pound technique, mixed in with relentless hammer fists, which led to Virgil Zwicker (14-5-1) tapping out by arm-triangle submission at 4:38 of round two. “Rezdog” fought valiantly during his time inside the Bellator MMA cage, even withstanding a low blow earlier in the contest; but in the end, it was “B-Rog The Predator’s” night. Watch the video highlights here.

Preliminary Card Results & Photos:

A.J. McKee (3-0) defeated JT Donaldson (1-1) via knockout (knee) tom 4:14 of round two WATCH FINISH HERE

Brandon Hester (3-0) defeated Idris Wasi (1-3) via unanimous decision (30-24, 30-25, 30-27)

Gabriel Carrasco (7-0) defeated Khomkrit Niimi (6-8) via technical knockout (elbows) tom 3:19 of round one

Nick Barnes (10-1) defeated James Terry (16-8) via submission (rear-naked choke) tom 2:48 of round one

Erick Sanchez (6-2) defeated Thomas Diagne (5-5-1) via technical knockout (punches) tom 1:22 of round three

Jeremiah Labiano (9-3) defeated Alvin Cacdac (16-12) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Bronson Mohika (1-1) defeated Jose Perez (1-1) defeated via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Adin Duenas (3-1) defeated Anthony Taylor (0-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) tom 2:43 of round one

Anthony Do (2-0) defeated Dustin Moore (0-1) via technical knockout at 2:05 of round one

MARCOS GALVAO MEETS EDUARDO DANTAS IN REMATCH FOR BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE AT ‘BELLATOR 150: GALVAO VS. DANTAS 2’ ON FEBRUARY 26

ALSO: DAVID ‘THE CAVEMAN’ RICKELS RETURNS HOME

MONICA RAUG, Calif. (Hlis ntuj nqeg 4, 2015) – Bellator MMA’s Bantamweight Championship will be on the line in a rematch pitting Marcos “Loro” Galvao (17-6-1) against former champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (17-4) at Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas, rau Lub ob hlis ntuj 26.

tsis tas li ntawd, hometown favorite, David Rickels (16-4, 1 NC) will return to action against an opponent that will be revealed at a later date. “The Caveman” always comes ready to put on a show, whether it’s on his way to the cage, or when he’s taking on a who’s who of Bellator MMA lightweight talent.

The main event, as well as Rickels’ fight will make up two of the televised contests atBellator 150: Galvao vs. Dantas,” which airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. LI/8 p.m. I, while preliminary bouts will stream on Bellator.com at 7 p.m. LI. Additional fights will be announced shortly.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 150: Galvao vs. Dantas 2,” which start at just $27, go on sale next Hnub vas xaum, Hlis ntuj nqeg 12 tom KansasStarEventCenter.com or Ticketmaster.com, as well as the Kansas Star Arena box office.

 

A rib injury sustained by Dantas during training camp forced him to withdraw from his previously scheduled title shot at“Bellator 144: Halsey vs. Carvalho.” Now fully recovered, promotional officials have rebooked the tilt.

 

“Loro,” who has fought for world-renowned promotions the likes of World Extreme Cagefighting and Shooto since 2003, will be competing for the 11th time under the Bellator MMA banner. The 34-year-old is presently in the midst of a four-fight winning streak and has emerged victorious in seven of his last eight scraps. In his last outing, Galvao finished Joe Warren tom“Bellator 135: Warren vs. Galvao” via submission to win his first-ever championship.

 

Meanwhile, Dantas will be looking to duplicate the success he had against Galvao in their first meeting, which resulted in a second-round knockout atBellator 89.” The 26-year-old Nova Uniao product bounced back from his unanimous decision loss against Warren to dispel of Mike Richman in the same manner at “Bellator 137: Halsey vs. Grove.” The Bellator Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament winner is looking to call himself a two-time bantamweight champion come October 23.

 

M 1 sib tw 63 WATCH LIVE ON M-1GLOBAL.TV OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN CARD

M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5
STEPHANT-800PUETZ (13-1-0), Champion, Germany 204 ½ lbs. (92.9 kg)
VIKTOR NEMKOV (22-5-0), Challenger, Zog ntawm Guj kuj 205 lbs. (93 kg)

M-1 CHALLENGE MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5X 5
RAMAZAN EMEEV (12-3-0), Champion, Zog ntawm Guj kuj 185 lbs. (84 kg)
LUIGIThe Italian TankFIORAVANTI (26-13-0), Challenger, USA 184 ½ lbs. (83.7 kg)
SIB HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
MARTINKing KongZAWADA (26-12-0), Germany 204 ½ lbs. (92.8 kg)
RASHID YUSUPOV (6-0-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj 204 lbs. (92.7 kg)

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

ALEXEYAtaMANMAKHNO (10-3-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj 155 ½ lbs. (70.7 kg)
RAUL TUTARAULI (5-2-0), Georgia 156 lbs. (70.8 kg)
FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
MIKHAIL KOROBKOV (9-0-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj, 145 lbs. (65.8 kg)
RODRIGO MAGALHAES (7-0-0), Brazil 14 lbs. (65.5 kg)
PRELIMINARY CARD

M-1 CHALLENGE MEDIEVAL KNIGHT FIGHT LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
DMITRY KOVRIZHIN (4-0-0), Russia lbs. ( kg)
EVGENIY BEDENKO (7-1-0), Russia lbs. ( kg)
MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
RUSLAN SHAMILOV (pro debut), Russia184lbs. (83.5 kg)
BUTAT ZHUMABATOV (pro debut), Zog ntawm Guj kuj 185 lbs. (83.9 kg.)

SARVARBekISKHAKOV
(4-2-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj 182 lbs. (82.6 kg)
VASILYVasiaZUBKOV (8-4-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj 183 ½ lbs. (83.4 kg)

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
ARTEMShockwaveSHOKALO (13-13-0), Ukraine, 170 lbs. (77.1 kg)
DAMILA PRIKAZA (1-0-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj, 170 lbs. (77.1 kg)

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
ALEXANDER BUTENKO (38-11-0), Ukraine 154 lbs. (70 kg)
HEYDAR MAMMADALIEV (8-1-0), Azerbaijan 154 lbs. (70 kg)

FEATHERWEIGHT – 3 X 5
ANDREYIronLEZHNEV (8-4-0), Ukraine 144 lbs. (65.6 kg)
ZALIMBEK OMAROV (5-1-1), Zog ntawm Guj kuj, 144 ½ lbs. (65.7 kg)
STANISLAVWhite WarriorREUTSKY (4-2-0), Ukraine 144 lbs. (65.3 kg)
MIKHAIL KUZNETSOV

(4-0-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj 145 lbs. (65.8 kg)

_____________________________________________________________________________________
WHAT: M 1 sib tw 63
WHEN: Hnub vas Xuv, Hlis ntuj nqeg 4, 2015
START TIMES: 11:00 a.m. (New York City), 7:00 p.m. (Moscow)
WHERE: Sports and Concert Complex in St. Petersburg, Zog ntawm Guj kuj 1:30
PROMOTER: M-1 Global
LIVE STREAM: WWW.M1GLOBAL.TV
M 1 sib tw 63 will be streamed live from St. Petersburg in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV.Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
Fight Network will air M 1 sib tw 63 live on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable, Suddenlink Communications and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., as well as nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in more than 30 countries throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
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