Category Archives: mixed martial arts

BELLATOR MMA TO AIR ON AMERICAN FORCES NETWORK

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 25, 2015) – On a holiday when Americans take a moment to remember those who gave their lives serving in the country’s armed forces, Bellator MMA officials are honored to announce a new partnership with the American Forces Network.

 

With the new deal in place, the American Forces Network will now broadcast Bellator MMA events on its global networks to American servicemen and women, as well as U.S. Navy ships at sea.

 

“We at Bellator are always looking for ways to give back to our troops,” said Bellator MMA President Scott Coker. “We’re all extremely grateful for all that they do abroad to keep us safe, and we hope that they will enjoy some Bellator fights during any downtime they may have.”

 

Multiple Bellator athletes including Bobby Lashley and Mike Richman have served in the American Military.

 

“I’m personally thrilled for this new partnership,” said Bobby Lashley, who fights James Thompson on June 19. “AFN is providing a platform for me to be fighting for my brothers and sisters who are away from home, fighting for us.”

 

The new partnership commences with June’s dual Bellator MMA events.

 

On June 19, Bellator MMA visits St. Louis’ Scottrade Center for “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business,” featuring one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport with Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock. Also, several current Bellator fighters as well as some of the sport’s biggest legends will pay a visit to Scott Air Force Base on Wednesday, June 17.

 

On June 26, the promotion touches down at Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan., with “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which sees French striking specialist Cheick Kongo and Russian knockout artist and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov stand toe-to-toe in the Bellator MMA cage.

 

Complete details of the new Bellator MMA-American Forces Network partnership will be available shortly.

FIGHT NETWORK MMA & KICKBOXING PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (May 25-31, 2015)

Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, boxing, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

 

Below find highlights of this week’s programming:

Monday, May 25

6:30 p.m. ET – 2014 Judo Qingdao Grand Prix– Highlights from the 2014 Judo Qingdao Grand Prix from Nov. 19-21, 2014 in China.

7:00 p.m. ET – 5 Rounds – Hosts John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to break down the weekend of MMA action.

7:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

8:00 p.m. ETEnfusion Live #29: Amsterdam – Professional kickboxing from Amsterdam, Holland.

Tuesday, May 26

1:30 a.m. ETHip Show: Arena Combat – Tag-team MMA inside a 12m by 12m arena with three-level obstacle structures.

2:30 am. ET – XPTV – Coverage of regional U.S pro and amateur MMA.

7:30 a.m. ETFight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

7:00 & 7:30 p.m. ETXtreme Fighting Championship – Florida-based professional MMA featuring top American prospects, international stars and UFC veterans.

8:00 p.m. ET – 5 Rounds – Hosts John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to break down the weekend of MMA action.

8:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

11:00 p.m. ETHard Knocks Fighting 41 – Featuring Rodney Wallace vs., Misha Cirkuinov from Jan. 30, 2015in Calgary, Canada.

Wednesday, May 27

3:00 a.m. ETTexas Fight Night – MMA action from Texas featuring the Lone Star State’s top prospects in the cage.

6:00 p.m. ETBest of Cage Rage – Featuring classic fights from the UK-based Cage Rage organization with Anderson Silva, Antonio Silva, Victor Belfort, Paul Daley and others.

7:00 p.m. ETFight News Now Extra: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

7:30 p.m. ETFight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

8:00 p.m. ETFighting Spirit Season 4 – Compilations of international MMA fights from SFL, FFC, M-1 and more.

9:00 p.m. ETCage Warriors 39 – Featuring Rosi Sexton vs. Sally Krumdiack and Aisling Saly vs. Molly Helsel in female bouts from Nov. 27, 2010 in Cork City, Ireland.

11:00 p.m. ETMMA Meltdown with Gabriel Morency – Gabriel Morency breaks down all the happenings in MMA, discussing odds, predictions, plus special weekly guests and exclusive interviews.

11:30 p.m. ETTakeDown Wrestling – Extensive coverage of amateur wrestling events, including the latest news, behind-the-scenes coverage from events and exclusive interviews.

Thursday, May 28

1:30 a.m. ETUltimate Challenge MMA 9: Fighting for Heroes – Featuring Jimi Manuwa vs. Shaun Lomas from Dec. 5, 2009 in London.

6:00 p.m. ETChampionship Fightling Alliance – Pro MMA from Florida featuring the likes of Josh Sampo, Mike Kyle, John Howard, Sean McCorkie, Luis Palomino and others.

7:00 p.m. ETFighting Rookies – Aspiring kickboxers climb the ladder of success in the sport as rookies compete for a chance to become professionals and get experience needed to succeed at a higher level.

8:00 p.m. ETFight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

8:30 p.m. ET Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

9:00 p.m. ETM-1 Challenge 31: Monson vs. Oleinik – Featuring Jeff Monson vs. Alexey Oleinik, Alexander Yakovlev vs. Shamil Zarurov, Rashid Magoimedov vs. Yasubey Enomoto and Aleksander Emelianaenko vs. Tadas Rimkevicius from Mar. 16, 2012 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Friday, May 29

2:00 a.m. ETPancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Nate Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.

4:00 a.m. ETBest of DEEP – Featuring class fights from the historic Japanese DEEP promotion including Shinya Aoki, Hayato Sakurai and Gegard Mousasi.

5:00 a.m. ETBest of Jewels – Classic fights from the all-female Japanese MMA league, Jewels.

6:00 p.m. ETM-1 Challenge – Pro MMA from Europe featuring top rising prospects and international stars.

8:00 p.m. ETToe 2 Toe with Carlos Condit – In-depth sit-down interview with interim UFC welterweight champion Carlos Condit.

9:00 p.m. ET — KSW 19 Featuring Pudzianowski vs. Sapp – Featuring Mariusz Pudzianowski vs. Bob Sapp and Mamed Khalidov vs. Rodney Wallace from May 12, 2012 in Lodz, Poland.

Saturday, May 30

1:00 a.m. ETSuperKombat: New Heroes Constanta 2014I – Featuring Catalin Morosanu vs. Giannis Stoforidis from Aug. 2, 2014 in Constanta, Romania.

6:00 a.m. ETBest of TKO – Featuring David Loiseau vs. Shawn Tomkins from TKO UCC 4

7:00 a.m. ET – Best of Gladiator Challenge – Featuring Urijah Faber vs. Jay Valencia from Gladiator Challenge 20.

10:00 a.m. ETBest of SportFight – Top quality MMA from the Pacific Northwest, hosted by UFC veterans Matt LIndland and Chael Sonnen. This episode features the rise of SportFight champion Enoch Wilson.

7:00 p.m. ETUFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Alves Pre-Show – LIVE pre-fight coverage and analysis from UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Alves in Goiania, Brazil.

8:00 p.m. ET – CANADA ONLY – UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Alves Prelims LIVE

8:00 p.m. ETFight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

8:30 p.m. ET Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

9:00 p.m. ETWorld Combat Games Wrestling Package – Coverage of the wrestling event from the 2013 SportAccord Games from Oct. 24, 2013.

10:30 p.m. ETWorld Combat Games Wrestling Package Day 2 – Coverage of the wrestling event from the 2013 SportAccord Games from Oct. 25, 2013.

Sunday, May 31

6:00 a.m. ETPancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Name Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.

10:00 a.m. ETBest of ADCC – Featuring compilations of the greatest grappling matches ever held, featuring Tito Ortiz, Matt Hughes, Eddie Bravo, Fabricio Werdum, Marcelo Garcia, Ronaldo Souza and Royler Gracie.

11:00 a.m. ET – Elite Muay Thai: Thailand vs. Challenger – The biggest Muay Thai series in the world featuring premium international stand-up fighters taking on the renowned Thai National Team

7:00 p.m. ETUSA Wrestling Weekly – Host Scott Casber gives weekly news and analysis centering around USA Wrestling, the sport’s national governing body, including interviews, features and look back at the past.

7:30 p.m. ETJudo Jeju Grand Prix 2014 – Highlights from the Judo Jeju Grand Prix from Nov. 27-29, 2014 in South Korea.

11:00 p.m. ET – King of Kings: World Cup Heroes 2013 – Featuring a one-night, single-elimination 71 kg tournament from Nov., 16, 2013 in Vilnius, Lithuania.

 

Information:

 

www.FightNetwork.com

 

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

 

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork

 

ABOUT FIGHT NETWORK:  Fight Network is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to 24/7 coverage, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available in the U.S. on Cablevision in parts of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, Texas-based Grande Communications, Armstrong Cable in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, as well as on Shentel Cable in Virginia, West Virginia and portions of western Maryland. Fight Network is also on Roku set top boxes in the U.S. and Canada, streamed live on website KlowdTV.com, and available on all major carriers in Canada and more than 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

THREE TITLE MATCHES FOR FIGHT NIGHT 10 AT CLUB NOKIA AT L.A. LIVE, MAY 31

Los Angeles, CA – The University of MMA marks its latest milestone on Sunday, May 31, with the tenth installment of its ‘Fight Night’ series. Taking place at Club Nokia at L.A. LIVE (aka “the U of MMA campus”), University of MMA: Fight Night 10 is packed with 15 fights, including three title matches to crown new University of MMA champions. Tickets are now on sale atwww.UofMMA.com and www.axs.com.

 

A new University of MMA’s lightweight champion will be decided between Julio ‘The Gr818er’ Lopez (Kings Combat Sports) and Antonio Lopez (Gooch Training Academy/Saekson Muay Thai). Julio advanced from the opening round of the University of MMA lightweight championship tournament, still undefeated. Antonio was originally scheduled to be in the tournament as well, before injury sidelined him from action. But both men ride four-fight win streaks going into this title match, meaning pride and glory are on the line.

 

With Elite Training Center’s featherweight star Tommy Aaron vacating his University of MMA title to turn pro, the crown at 145 lbs. once again finds itself without a king. That won’t be for long, however, as U of MMA perennial favorite Ryan ‘The Lion’ Lilley (Bas Rutten’s Elite Training Center) and the fast-rising Albert Veloz (Cage Combat Academy) vie to become the third-ever University of MMA featherweight champion.

“The University of MMA has definitely grown as a live event series with the expansion of our fan base and the shows getting bigger and better every time.  The same can be said for amateur fighters who have grown and matured within our promotion. Guys like Ryan ‘The Lion’ Lilley who will be fighting for us for the eighth time, and Albert Veloz, who is improving right under our eyes. We’re proud to see the development of fighters like Ryan and Albert, who will go on to be great pros,” commented U of MMA founder Turi Altavilla.

Two more U of MMA favorites will also square off to become the first-ever University of MMA bantamweight champion, as Vince ‘The Anomaly’ Cachero and Demar ‘King’ George revisit each other in a rematch from 2013. The two met originally at Fight Night 3, when both were very young in their MMA careers. More seasoned in experience and sharper in skill, they are very much different fighters.

 

“The six individuals vying for University of MMA titles on this show are people of heart, technical skill, character and integrity. We’ve seen their championship efforts on previous shows and they deserve the recognition these matches offer,” said U of MMA matchmaker Jay Tan.

 

Other confirmed matches for University of MMA: Fight Night 10 include:

 

University of MMA Lightweight Championship Tournament Finals:

155 lbs. – Julio Lopez (Kings Combat Sports) vs.Antonio Lopez (Gooch Training Academy/Saekson Muay Thai)

 

University of MMA Bantamweight Championship:

135 lbs. – Vince ‘The Anomaly’ Cachero (Systems Training Center) vs. Demar ‘King’ George (Dream Killer Fight Team)

 

University of MMA Featherweight Championship:

145 lbs. – Ryan ‘The Lion’ Lilley (Bas Rutten’s Elite MMA Gym) vs. Albert Veloz (Cage Combat Academy)

 

155 lbs. – Remington Thorne (Saekson Muay Thai) vs.Carnation ‘The Flash’ Contreras (Krav Maga Unyted)

 

120 lbs. (catchweight) – Jasmine ‘Tapout Queen’ Pouncy (Nubians MMA) vs. Akari Wang (Systems Training Center)

 

205 lbs. – Travis Williams (Elite Training Center) vs.Jonathan ‘Jonny McGregor’ Sweitzer (Valhalla ETC)

 

155 lbs. – Troy Hargrow (Nubians MMA) vs. Zach Kraschinsky (Bas Rutten’s Elite Training Center)

 

125 lbs. – Karlee Pagilinan (Team Quest) vs. Gilbert Nakatani (Sityodtong LA)

 

125 lbs. – Matheus Leaondro Santos (MMAFC) vs.Angel Diaz (Systems Training Center)

 

170 lbs. – Aaron Landry (Ring of Fire Martial Arts Academy) vs. Lance ‘The Black Ranger’ Bush (Team Lagarto)

 

145 lbs. – Victor Rivera (Nubians MMA) vs. Juan Vasquez (Team Victory Muay Thai/Dream Killer Fight Team)

 

195 lbs. (catchweight) – Christopher Llanes (Team Quest) vs. David Boyko (Bas Rutten’s Elite MMA Gym)

 

145 lbs. – Andrew Secaida (Dream Killer Fight Team)vs. Kurt Eberhard (Saekson Muay Thai)

 

135 lbs. – David Perez (Riverside Submission) vs. Julio Santa Cruz (Systems Training Center)

 

145 lbs. – Benito Mendez (Kings Combat Sports) vs.Sergio Gonzalez (Yuma United Fight Team)

 

The University of MMA: Fight Night 10 takes place at5:00pm on Sunday, May 31, 2015, at Club Nokia at L.A. LIVE, 800 West Olympic Boulevard. Doors open at 4:30pm. Fight card is subject to change. Tickets are now available and can be purchased through www.UofMMA.com andwww.AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or 888-929-7849, and from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Mon-Fri at the STAPLES Center Box Office located at 1111 S. Figueroa St. Applicable fees may apply. The Club Nokia box office will open at 2:00pm the day of the event.

RFA BRINGS FIRST NATIONALLY TELEVISED MMA EVENT TO IDAHO

 

 

RFA 27 IN BOISE,IDAHO
FRIDAY JULY 3RD LIVE ON AXS TV
MAIN EVENT:
JOE MURPHY vs JESSE BROCK
CO-MAIN EVENT:
CZAR SKLAVOS vs NICK BURGOS
Tickets on Sale now at

CenturyLinkArenaBoise.com

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) president Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will be bringing the first nationally televised MMA event to the state of Idaho. RFA 27 – Murphy vs. Brock will feature a main event pitting a rising prospect against asurging vet. RFA fan favorite Joe Murphy returns to face the powerhouse Jesse Brock, who is one of the most accomplished MMA fighters to call Idaho home. The event takes place Friday, July 3rd at the CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
“I’m excited to bring the first nationally televised MMA event to Idaho,” stated Soares. “Joe Murphy vs. Jesse Brock is a classic match-up of jiu-jitsu vs. wrestling, but more importantly it’s a clash between a promising prospect and a surging vet. That really makes you appreciate the gravity of this main event in what will be the crown jewel MMA event to take place in the Gem State.”
Eric Trapp, the president of CenturyLink Arena, also expressed his excitement about hosting Idaho’s first nationally televised MMA event.
“We’re excited to help bring such a great event to the state of Idaho and showcase not only our arena, but also our fighters to a nationwide audience on July 3rd,” stated Trapp. “The RFA brand is one of the best out there and CenturyLink Arena is proud to host this event.”
Tickets for RFA 27 – Murphy vs. Brock are available for purchase NOW through CenturyLinkArenaBoise.com.
Murphy (8-2) returns to the RFA octagon after two memorable performances in the RFA octagon within a 9 week span. Murphy made his long-awaited RFA debut this past December in the co-main event of RFA 21 to much fanfare. He more than lived up to expectations with a scintillating first round TKO victory over the highly-touted Bruno Frazatto. 9 weeks later, Murphy headlined RFA 23 against Terrion Ware in what many have pegged as a “Fight of the Year” contender. Murphy is now looking forward to a new challenge as he travels to his next opponent’s hometown.
“Jiu-Jitsu vs. Wrestling is an endless debate. I’m excited to see how I match up against someone with Jesse Brock’s credentials,” said Murphy. “Hopefully, he sells out the arena on July 3rd, so I get boo’d on my way to the cage. I’m pretty damn good at turning those boos into cheers by the time it’s over.”
Brock (20-8) enters this fight as one of the most experienced bantamweight fighters in RFA history. Brock will be making his RFA debut 9 years after he made his professional MMA debut. The former Boise State wrestling standout has since competed on three continents against some of the biggest names in the sport, which includes bouts against current UFC flyweight champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, #3 ranked UFC lightweight Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, and former UFC lightweight title challenger Caol Uno. Brock is currently riding the momentum of a four-fight win streak and is looking forward to parlaying that momentum into the main event of RFA 27.
“This fight is definitely a big deal for me and the entire MMA community in Idaho,” stated Brock. “I feel honored that the RFA picked me to spearhead Idaho’s first nationally televised MMA event. I can’t wait to perform in front of my friends and family at RFA 27.”
The co-main event of RFA 27 will feature two of the sport’s most promising flyweight prospects, when Idaho’s own Czar Sklavos (11-4) battles Jeremy Horn protégé Nick Burgos (9-3). Sklavos, who hails from Twin Falls, Idaho, has secured 9 of his 11 wins via submission and has never been finished in a career dating back to March 2010. In his pro debut, he happened to go the distance with current UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw. More recently, Sklavos advanced to the finals of the Vale Tudo Japan flyweight tournament last fall and is eager to test his experience against the talented and red-hot Burgos. Six consecutive opponents over the past two and a half years have been defeated by the Utah based flyweight, but Burgos’ marquee victory came in his most recent bout. That win came over former RFA flyweight champion Matt Manzanares via Unanimous Decision in March.
The feature fight of RFA 27 will be a battle of two explosive heavyweights, who are hungry to make a statement. Jan Jorgensen (7-1) and Dale Sopi (6-1) are a combined 13-0 outside the RFA and are eager to make some noise in the talented RFA heavyweight division. Jorgensen, who was a football star at BYU before transitioning to MMA, trains at The Pit Elevated in Orem, Utah alongside UFC star and TUF 11 champion Court McGee. His opponent Sopi is a native of Nanakuli, Hawaii and trains at Power MMA in Gilbert, Arizona alongside UFC star and TUF 8 champion Ryan Bader. Additional bouts at RFA 27 will be announced soon. RFA 27 will be the promotion’s first event to take place in the “Gem State” of Idaho, which will be the 13th state the RFA has held an event. The entire main card of RFA 27 – Murphy vs. Brock will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Friday, July 3rd.
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.

Fight Network Presents KSW 31, UFC 187 Pre & Post-Fight Coverage & Enfusion Live 29 this Weekend 

TORONTO | NEW YORK (May 21, 2015) – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, continues its loaded week of live fights this weekend, building off the momentum of live telecasts of ONE Championship: Warrior’s Quest andHard Knocks Fighting 43 on Friday, May 21.

 

Poland-based MMA powerhouse KSW returns on Saturday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET, as KSW 31: Materla vs. Drwal emanates from Gdansk’s Ergo Arena, headlined by a clash for the KSW middleweight title, as Polish compatriots Michal Materla (21-4) and Tomasz Drwal (21-4-1) vie for 185-pound supremacy.

 

Fight Network’s live broadcast of KSW 31: Materla vs. Drwal will air on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

 

The KSW light heavyweight title is also on the line as Slovakian former Bellator kingpin Attila Vegh (29-5-2) battles Croatian former UFC contender Goran Reljic (14-4)

 

In another blockbuster pairing, Polish strongman Mariusz Pudzianowski (8-3) faces one of his toughest career tests against submission ace Rolles Gracie (8-3).

 

In other featured bouts, Polish heavyweight Karol Bedorf (11-2) meets seasoned Australian strikerPeter Graham (10-8), Brazilian UFC veteran Jay Silva (9-9-1) throws down with Germany’s Aziz Karaoglu (7-6) in middleweight action, Polish light heavyweights Tomasz Narkun (9-2) and Karol Celinski (12-5-1) are on a collision course, plus Kamil Szymuszowski (12-4) and Maciej Jewtuszko (11-2) meet in a clash of top Polish welterweights.

 

Following KSW 31: Materla vs. Drwal, the attention shifts to the sport’s biggest stage, as UFC 187: Johnson vs. Cormier airs live on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.

 

But first, Fight Network presents the UFC 187 Weigh-ins Live on Friday, May 21 at 7 p.m. ET, as middleweight champion Chris Weidman and challenger Vitor Belfort tip the scales in Las Vegas, plus Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and Daniel Cormier go toe-to-toe ahead of their vacant light heavyweight title showdown.

 

On Saturday, May 22, Fight Network has all the pre-fight coverage leading into the highly anticipated event with the UFC 187 Pre-Show Live at 7 p.m. ET, featuring previews, predictions and analysis.

 

Post-fight coverage, highlights, reactions and the live press conference will air immediately following the event on Fight Network’s UFC 187 Post-Show Live.

 

In addition to all the live pre and post-fight coverage, Fight Network is the Canadian destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including UFC Unleashed, UFC Now, UFC Ultimate Insider and classic UFC PPV events. All airings are listed at tv.fightnetwork.com.

 

On Sunday, May 23, live kickboxing will take over the airwaves at 3 p.m. ET, as Enfusion Live 28emanates from Amsterdam, Holland.

 

The event will feature a one-night, single-elimination -70 kg tournament. In opening round bouts, Turkey’s Tayfun Ozcan and Fatih Ozkan battle Morocco’s Redouan Larkoubi and Aziz Kallah, respectively.

 

Additionally, Dutch female stars Rachel Adamus and Sheena Widdershoven will vie for the Enfusion -67 kg world championship.

 

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

NEF THANKS MILITARY WITH FREE TICKET GIVEAWAY

Lewiston, Maine (May 21, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced a free ticket giveaway for all past and present United States military personnel to coincide with Memorial Day weekend.

 

“This is something we’ve done in conjunction with Memorial Day and Veterans Day in the past, and we’ve given away hundreds of tickets,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “It is the most important promotion we do all year.  It’s our small way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who serve and sacrifice so much for our nation.  Come down to the Colisee box office today or Fridaymorning, present your military ID and get your free ticket.  It’s as simple as that.”

 

The ticket giveaway will take place at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee box office from the hours of noon to 5:00 pm today, Thursday, May 21, 2015, and the hours of 9:00 am to noontomorrow, Friday, May 22, 2015.  The Colisee is located at 190 Birch Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240.  The giveaway is open to all branches of the military.  Personnel must present a valid military identification card at the box office window.  There will be a limit of one ticket per identification card.

 

Tickets for “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee 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.  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.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England 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.

FEATHERWEIGHT BATTLE ADDED TO NEF XVIII FIGHT CARD

 

Lewiston, Maine (May 21, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur featherweight bout to the fight card.  The matchup will feature Jeremy Tyler (4-3) facing Johnny Crafts (3-0) at the featherweight limit of 145-pounds.

 

Jeremy Tyler will be making his return to the NEF cage after an extended absence of nine months.  A member of Marcus Davis’s famed Team Irish gym in Brewer, Maine, Tyler will look to rebound from the first back-to-back losses of his career.  Both of those losses came to Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) competitors.  It is a gym affiliated with Johnny Crafts’ team New England United (NEU), so the June 13 fight will be an opportunity for Jeremy to gain a measure of revenge as well.  Like his opponent at “NEF XVIII,” Tyler has proven himself a submission specialist with all four of his victories coming by way of capitulation.

 

“I’m very excited to be stepping into the NEF cage for the first time in 2015,” said Tyler.  “I am looking forward to the opportunity to fight John Crafts who is a highly ranked MMA fighter with a very good Jiu Jitsu game.  I believe the NEF fans will be very happy with the match-up and feel this will make for an entertaining fight. Expect to see an improved performance from me. I took some time off after my last fight to focus, build upon my technique and add to my overall skill sets.  I am ready to unleash the game I’ve been developing in the cage so June 13th can’t get here fast enough.”

 

Originally scheduled to challenge for the NEF MMA Amateur Bantamweight Championship at “NEF XVIII,” Johnny Crafts was left without a fight after his original opponent pulled out due to injury. That was until Jeremy Tyler stepped up to the challenge this week. This fight will mark the first time Johnny Crafts, who holds a brown belt in BJJ, has competed above the bantamweight limit of 135-pounds.  Crafts was voted the “2014 Rookie of the Year” by NEF fans.

 

“I’m very excited to be fighting Jeremy Tyler,” said Crafts.  “He’s a well-rounded fighter with good experience.  I’m looking to test the waters at 145 for my first time and see how I feel fighting up.  I was pretty disappointed in the title fight falling through, but I assure everyone that this fight will be just as exciting to watch.”

 

Tickets for “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee 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.  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.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England 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.

Fight Network Presents Hard Knocks Fighting 43

LIVE this Friday, May 22 at 11 p.m. ET

TORONTO | NEW YORK (May 20, 2015) – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of Hard Knocks Fighting 43 this Friday, May 22 at 11 p.m. ET from Markin MacPhail Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

 

Fight Network’s broadcast will air on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

 

In the main event, Calgary-based Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai black belt Nick Ring (13-3) makes his first post-UFC appearance against MFC and King of the Cage veteran Jason Zentgraf (8-2).

 

Hard Knocks light heavyweight champion Misha Cirkunov (8-2) makes his first defense of the championship in his co-main event clash with Shaun Asher (10-1-1), who makes his promotional debut riding a five-fight winning streak.

 

The Hard Knocks welterweight championship is also on the line as titlist Sergej Jusekic (14-7-2) looks for his fourth straight win opposite Grudge Training Center product LT Nelson (6-2).

 

In other pro matchups, Joel Powell (8-5) battles Jordan McKay (7-2) in the welterweight division, lightweights Aaron Gallant (6-6) and Mike O’Neill (4-4) will square off, Owen Carr (5-3-1) takes onRyan Connor (5-2) in a bantamweight bout, light heavyweights Devon Smith (1-1) and Trent Rowell(2-3) throw down, plus flyweight Keegan Oliver (2-3) meets the debuting Derek Folk (0-0).

 

Fight Network’s live broadcast airs following IMPACT Wrestling from 9 to 11 p.m. ET in Canada, and live globally at 11 p.m. ET.

 

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” receives first prelim fight, as featherweight standout Bubba Jenkins meets gritty Midwestern veteran Joe Wilk

 

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“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” receives first prelim fight,

as featherweight standout Bubba Jenkins meets gritty Midwestern veteran Joe Wilk

 

Easy Tweet: “.@2sinsurrJenkins and @JoeNoseMMA set to headline #Bellator139 at the @KansasStarArena on June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” event, Bellator MMA officials are now turning their attention to the evening’s Spike.com-streamed preliminary lineup.

 

The first preliminary contest booked features featherweight standout Bubba “The Highlight Kid” Jenkins (8-2), as he looks to build his way back to a title shot against 28-fight veteran Joe “The Nose” Wilk (18-10).

 

Featuring a heavyweight contest between French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5), “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” takes place June 26 at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Kan.

 

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “The Natural” Alessio(35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2) and a contest between middleweight sluggers with Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1) on the event’s featured portion.

 

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. CT.

 

Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

Tickets for “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which start at just $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, are currently available atTicketmaster.com.

 

Jenkins, a former NCAA Division I wrestling champion at Arizona State University, also earned All-American honors during a separate stint at Penn State University. Just 27 years of age, Jenkins has already fought seven times under the Bellator MMA banner and is considered one of the top up-and-coming fighters in the 145-pound division. “The Highlight Kid” was one step away from a shot at the Bellator MMA Featherweight World Title before coming up short against Georgi Karakhanyan at Bellator 132 in January. The Corona, Calif. resident now looks to get back on the winning track at Bellator 139.

 

Wilk is a 33-year-old Kansas native who already boasts 28 professional contests to his name and made his Bellator MMA debut this past October, where he suffered a TKO loss to fellow Sunflower State veteran Ricky Musgrave. Wilk has been a staple on the Midwestern scene since 2007 and has incredibly fought to a judges’ decision only once in his 28 appearances. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 of his 18 career victories by way of submission.

 

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov”Friday, June 26, Kanas Star Event Center Arena, Mulvane, Kansas

 

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

 

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2)

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

 

Preliminary Card 

 

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Bubba Jenkins (8-2) vs. Joe Wilk (18-10)

 

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” receives first prelim fight,

as featherweight standout Bubba Jenkins meets gritty Midwestern veteran Joe Wilk

 

Easy Tweet: “.@2sinsurrJenkins and @JoeNoseMMA set to headline #Bellator139 at the @KansasStarArena on June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” event, Bellator MMA officials are now turning their attention to the evening’s Spike.com-streamed preliminary lineup.

 

The first preliminary contest booked features featherweight standout Bubba “The Highlight Kid” Jenkins (8-2), as he looks to build his way back to a title shot against 28-fight veteran Joe “The Nose” Wilk (18-10).

 

Featuring a heavyweight contest between French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5), “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” takes place June 26 at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Kan.

 

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “The Natural” Alessio(35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2) and a contest between middleweight sluggers with Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1) on the event’s featured portion.

 

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. CT.

 

Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

Tickets for “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which start at just $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, are currently available atTicketmaster.com.

 

Jenkins, a former NCAA Division I wrestling champion at Arizona State University, also earned All-American honors during a separate stint at Penn State University. Just 27 years of age, Jenkins has already fought seven times under the Bellator MMA banner and is considered one of the top up-and-coming fighters in the 145-pound division. “The Highlight Kid” was one step away from a shot at the Bellator MMA Featherweight World Title before coming up short against Georgi Karakhanyan at Bellator 132 in January. The Corona, Calif. resident now looks to get back on the winning track at Bellator 139.

 

Wilk is a 33-year-old Kansas native who already boasts 28 professional contests to his name and made his Bellator MMA debut this past October, where he suffered a TKO loss to fellow Sunflower State veteran Ricky Musgrave. Wilk has been a staple on the Midwestern scene since 2007 and has incredibly fought to a judges’ decision only once in his 28 appearances. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 of his 18 career victories by way of submission.

 

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov”Friday, June 26, Kanas Star Event Center Arena, Mulvane, Kansas

 

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

 

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2)

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

 

Preliminary Card 

 

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Bubba Jenkins (8-2) vs. Joe Wilk (18-10)

 

Easy Tweet: “.@2sinsurrJenkins and @JoeNoseMMA set to headline #Bellator139 at the @KansasStarArena on June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” event, Bellator MMA officials are now turning their attention to the evening’s Spike.com-streamed preliminary lineup.

 

The first preliminary contest booked features featherweight standout Bubba “The Highlight Kid” Jenkins (8-2), as he looks to build his way back to a title shot against 28-fight veteran Joe “The Nose” Wilk (18-10).

 

Featuring a heavyweight contest between French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5), “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” takes place June 26 at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Kan.

 

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “The Natural” Alessio(35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2) and a contest between middleweight sluggers with Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1) on the event’s featured portion.

 

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. CT.

 

Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

Tickets for “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which start at just $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, are currently available atTicketmaster.com.

 

Jenkins, a former NCAA Division I wrestling champion at Arizona State University, also earned All-American honors during a separate stint at Penn State University. Just 27 years of age, Jenkins has already fought seven times under the Bellator MMA banner and is considered one of the top up-and-coming fighters in the 145-pound division. “The Highlight Kid” was one step away from a shot at the Bellator MMA Featherweight World Title before coming up short against Georgi Karakhanyan at Bellator 132 in January. The Corona, Calif. resident now looks to get back on the winning track at Bellator 139.

 

Wilk is a 33-year-old Kansas native who already boasts 28 professional contests to his name and made his Bellator MMA debut this past October, where he suffered a TKO loss to fellow Sunflower State veteran Ricky Musgrave. Wilk has been a staple on the Midwestern scene since 2007 and has incredibly fought to a judges’ decision only once in his 28 appearances. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 of his 18 career victories by way of submission.

 

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov”Friday, June 26, Kanas Star Event Center Arena, Mulvane, Kansas

 

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

 

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2)

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

 

Preliminary Card 

 

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Bubba Jenkins (8-2) vs. Joe Wilk (18-10)

 

NEW ENGLAND FIGHTS ANNOUNCES FULL NEF XVIII FIGHT CARD

Displaying NEF_FNVXIII_Boyington_Raio_viral2.jpg

Lewiston, Maine (May 19, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced the full fight card for the event.

 

In a highly-anticipated rematch, NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) takes on rivalJohn “First Class” Raio (2-7) in a non-title catchweight contest. Raio scored a victory over Boyington by rear-naked choke in their initial meeting in February 2014.  That win, however, was marred in controversy as Boyington contends the referee mistook his wave to his fans in the crowd as a sign of submission.  Regardless, Boyington and Raio will look to settle the score on June 13 in Lewiston.

 

NEF homegrown talent, and 2014 “Fighter of the Year,” Crowsneck Boutin (0-0) will debut in the professional ranks against “The Junkyard Dog” Ryan Cowette (2-2) in a middleweight bout. Boutin has developed over the course of three years from a street brawler to a well-disciplined martial artist.  Cowette is the head coach of MMA Athletix and the preacher of Victory Church in Bath, Maine.

 

In other professional bouts: Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (4-4) looks to follow up his commanding performance last month at “NEF XVII” with another victory when he takes on Zenon Herrera(0-0); “Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (2-1) will also try to make it two-in-a-row when he meets Canada’s Jeremy DiChiara (1-0) in a bantamweight battle; and Elias “Danger Mouse” Leland (2-1) hopes to rebound from a loss last month when he fights Chad “Machine Gun” Kelly (3-2) in what many are predicting to steal the show on the professional side of the card.

 

“NEF XVIII” will mark the first time NEF has crowned a set of amateur champions.  The amateur card will feature five championship title bouts.  Among those bouts will be a heavyweight title fight between the popular Billy “Bigfoot” Leahy (2-1) andRyan Glover (1-0).  Glover won a 2011 state championship wrestling for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine.

 

In another amateur title fight, Ricky Dexter (3-0) squares off against Josh Harvey (3-1) for the lightweight championship. Dexter will represent Team Irish while Harvey will represent Irish’s Bangor-area rival Young’s MMA.

 

A women’s fight will also be featured on the amateur card withAlex Walker (0-1) facing Kendra Streeter (0-0).  Walker thrilled the Lewiston crowd of more than 2,000 at “NEF XVII” last month with her “Fight of the Night” performance against Randi Knowles (1-0).

 

The full fight card (subject to change):

 

PROFESSIONAL

 

150 Bruce Boyington 10-8 (Young’s MMA/Boyington’s TKD) vs John Raio 2-7 (First Class/Choi)

185 Ryan Cowette 2-2 (MMA Athletix) vs Crowsneck Boutin 0-0 (Choi Institute)

155 Jesse Erickson 4-4 (CMBJJ – Team NEU) vs Zenon Herrera 0-0 (Independent)

135 Derek Shorey 2-1 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Jeremy DiChiara 1-0 (Wulfrun MMA)

135 Elias Leland 2-1 (The Academy) vs Chad Kelly 3-2 (Fighting Arts Academy)

265 Michael Hansen 2-1 (Berserkers MMA) vs TBD

 

AMATEUR

 

265*Title Billy Leahy 2-1  (CMBJJ/Young’s MMA) vs Ryan Glover 1-0 (Berserkers MMA)

155*Title Ricky Dexter 3-0 (Team Irish) vs Josh Harvey 3-1 (Young’s MMA)

145*Title Aaron Lacey 5-1 (Young’s MMA) vs Alex Johnson 2-1 (Ruthless MMA & Boxing)

125*Title Norman Fox 4-1 (MMA Athletix) vs Dustin Veinott 3-3 (CMBJJ – Team NEU)

135 *Title Johnny Crafts 3-0 (Team NEU) vs TBD

S.HWT Gravin Guillen 2-2 (Independent) vs Dave Smith 1-0 (Berserkers MMA)

265 “Sonny” Ora Spratt IV 0-1 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Nick Gulliver 0-0 (First Class MMA)

185 Heath Hanson 1-2 (3Ronin Athletics) vs Ruben Redman 0-2 (Independent)

170 Mike Bazanson 0-0 (Team Kaze) vs Jeff Dustin 0-0 (Independent)

170 Alex Bronish 0-0 (Berserkers MMA) vs Alex Payson 0-0 (MMA Athletix)

160 Pat Kelly 2-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Dr. Steve Bang 1-0 (CMBJJ – Team NEU)

155 Corey Hinkley 2-3 (CMBJJ) vs Cory Trial 0-1 (Ruthless MMA & Boxing)

155 Dom Cofone 5-5 vs Jason Lachance 2-1 (MMA Athletix)

145 Dustin Shorey 0-1 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Rob Robinson 0-0 (First Class MMA)

135 Mike Crespo 2-2 (MMA Athletix) vs Caleb Costello 2-3 (Team Irish)

125 Justin Witham 0-2 (Shatterproof Combat Club) vs Ryan Burgess 0-0 (Berserkers MMA)

125 David Brown 1-3 (Plymouth Fight Cluib) vs Steve Desjardins 4-3 (Team Irish)

125 Alex Walker 0-1 (Team Kaze) vs Kendra Streeter 0-0 (Independent)

145  Jimmy Jackson 2-2(Young’s MMA) vs TBD

145  Mike Peitersen 2-0 (Young’s MMA) vs TBD

 

Tickets for “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee 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.  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.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England 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.