Category Archives: mixed martial arts

Bellator, mixed martial arts

Welterweight clash pitting undefeated Michael “Venom” Page against Rudy “Bad News” Bears added to “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov”

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TICKETS ON SALE TODAY!

Easy Tweet: “BAD NEWS! British superstar @Michaelpage247 returns against Rudy “Bad News” Bears at #Bellator140, live and free on @Spike!”

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 24, 2015) – Michael “Venom” Page (7-0) will look to keep his unbeaten streak alive when he meets 29-fight veteran Rudy “Bad News” Bears (16-13) in a welterweight tilt at “Bellator: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” which takes place Friday, July 17, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

 

The July 17 event is shaping up to be a tremendous showcase of welterweight talent, already featuring previously announced bouts between Bellator MMA Welterweight World Champion Douglas “The Phenom” Lima (26-5) and Russian knockout artist Andrey “Spartan” Koreshkov (17-1), as well as Chris Honeycutt (6-0), who takes on Paul Bradley (22-6).

 

The two 170-pounders meet on the main card of “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” which airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT.

 

Tickets for the event are on sale now, and are available at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office or Ticketmaster.com.

 

Page is undoubtedly one of the fastest-rising stars in all of mixed martial arts. Showcasing blazing speed and pinpoint accuracy, “Venom’s” unorthodox striking style has been built over a lifetime of study in a variety of standup disciplines. The 28-year-old already owns three Bellator MMA victories, including a decision win over Nah-Shon Burrell this past October, as well as knockout wins over Ricky Rainey and Ryan Sanders. Six of Page’s seven career wins have come via first-round finish.

 

A 36-year-old Missouri native, Bears began his combat sports training in high school. Fighting professionally since 2007, Bears has appeared seven times previously under the Bellator MMA banner and now returns to the promotion after racking up back-to-back victories on the regional stage. Bears has competed against MMA notables the likes of Zak Cummings, Paul Daley, Jason High, Ryan Jensen, Isaac Vallie-Flagg and Tyron Woodley, amongst others.

 

Additional contests for “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” will be announced shortly.

 

“Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” – Friday, July 17, Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.

 

Bellator Welterweight Title Fight: Champ Douglas Lima (26-5) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (17-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Michael Page (7-0) vs. Rudy Bears (16-13)

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

THE FLYWEIGHTS WILL COMPETE FOR GOLD IN REMATCH AT NEF XVIII

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Lewiston, Maine (April 24, 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 that the inaugural NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Champion will be determined that evening when Dustin Veinott (3-3) rematches “Sleepy” Norman Fox (4-1) at the flyweight limit of 125-pounds.  Veinott and Fox initially met in their double amateur debut at “NEF IX” in Biddeford, Maine nearly two years ago with Fox taking the win via first-round technical knockout (TKO).

 

Dustin Veinott, a striking coach at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Auburn, Maine, got off to a slow start in his MMA career, losing his first three bouts in the NEF cage.  Not one to give up due to a setback, Veinott came roaring back and is currently on a three-fight win streak.  In fact, he has defeated all three of his most recent opponents in the first round, two by submission and one by TKO. Veinott was considering retiring from the cage after his most recent victory over Dave Brown (1-3), but decided against it when the chance to fight for the flyweight title was presented.  Regardless of the outcome this time around, Veinott predicts an exciting contest against Fox.

 

“This is going to be a very entertaining fight,” said Veinott of the rematch.  “Don’t blink though because this fight will not go the distance – either Norman or myself will be finished during the fight. So expect a high-action fight between two guys that are at the top of their game right now.”

 

Norman Fox is undefeated in the NEF cage.  The only loss of his career to date came on a fight card in Plymouth, Massachusetts on which Fox was competing for a regional title.  He is currently a member of Ryan Cowette’s (2-2) MMA Athletix gym, as well as Cowette’s Victory Church ministry.  Fox realizes that he and Veinott are not the same fighters who stepped into the cage for the first time on that balmy night in the summer of 2013.

 

“Normally I don’t like rematches, but Dustin and I have grown as fighters so anything can happen,” said Fox when reached for comment.  “Once they lock the cage door, it’s all in God’s hands.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 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.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FATHER SEEKS TO AVENGE SON IN MMA CAGE

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Lewiston, Maine (April 23, 2015) – It sounds like the plotline of a two-star 1980s action flick.  This story, however, is not playing out on basic cable on a weekday afternoon. There are no explosions, no car chases, no semi-automatic weapons.  Brian Dennehey plays the role of neither the villain nor the heroic patriarch.  Instead, this story is playing out in the New England Fights (NEF) mixed-martial-arts (MMA) cage, and it stars not one but two middle-aged men possessing the drive, ability and athleticism that most men half their age can only dream of.

Coach Pat Kelly after defeating Steven Bang, Jr. at NEF XV
Coach Pat Kelly after defeating Steven Bang, Jr. at NEF XV

50-year-old Pat Kelly (2-0) is a true legend of Maine wrestling.  A teacher and coach at Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport, Maine, Kelly was inducted into the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 2007.  With numerous state and regional wrestling titles as a competitor and coach to his credit, he made his MMA debut as a member of Young’s MMA in 2014.

 

Dr. Steve Bang arrives for his fight at NEF XVI
Dr. Steve Bang arrives for his fight at NEF XVI

Kelly’s opponent on June 13 in Lewiston, Maine, 45-year-old Dr. Steve Bang (1-0), has a wrestling background himself, as do his sons Steven Bang, Jr. (3-3), Sheldon Bang (2-2), Shawn Bang (1-1) and Skylar Bang.  At “NEF XV” last November, Dr. Bang watched from cage-side as Pat Kelly finished his son Steven via technical knockout (TKO).  It will be that loss Dr. Bang will seek to avenge when he meets Kelly on June 13 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee at “NEF XVIII: Made in America.”

 

“My son Steven and Pat have previously met in the cage and Pat took that victory,” said Dr. Bang.  “I see myself as already being down 0-1.  NEF 18 is about redemption and showing the boys how it’s done.  As I always say, in the end, we will embrace with a bond of brotherhood and respect that is unique to combat but until then, it is war.

 

“I am excited and honored to once again enter the cage on June 13th.  This will be one for the record books.  Together, Pat and I bring over 95 years of life experience to the cage.  We bring the fights to a different level because of all that we have at stake.  This is for real and certainly not your mid-life cattle drive across the plains with Curly nor your week on a Harley with The Wild Hogs. I truly hope all will be entertained but when I enter the cage, I enter with nothing but bad intentions.  As a result of training with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (CMBJJ), every move, every combination, every strike is dealt with the intent to finish and that may be in the first round.  However, if this goes to the latter rounds, you will see the genius of Central Maine Conditioning Clinic and Prime Variable Athletics.  They have equipped me with the nonstop cardiovascular system used by world class Ironman triathletes.”

 

“This fight is between two gentlemen that still embrace the warrior mentality,” said Coach Kelly when reached for comment. “Personally, I will train for this fight with a driving force that cannot be put into words.  Also, with a sense of gratitude that Young’s MMA has taken the time to train me and appreciation of NEF for offering me this opportunity to enter their cage.”

 

An accomplished bariatric surgeon by day, Dr. Bang had the opportunity to fight alongside his sons Steven and Sheldon on the “NEF XVI” card this past February.  When he steps into the cage at “NEF XVIII” against Kelly, however, it will be Dr. Bang, and Dr. Bang alone, representing the family.

 

“I try to identify and truly appreciate those singular opportunities that come along in life,” stated Dr. Bang.  “‘NEF XVI’ was one of those rare opportunities when all the pieces fell into place. Fighting on the same card as two of my boys was epic.  Steven is now rehabilitating from a devastating training injury and Sheldon will be leaving the state in May for a two year service mission for the church.  Shawn has one year remaining on his mission and Connor (Murphy) is in the Coast Guard in California.  A similar opportunity may be a long time coming, so for ‘NEF XVIII,’ it is all about me.  I alone will represent the Bang Clan.

 

“Trash talking doesn’t suit me well.  I even tried it once just for effect.  Nope, still doesn’t suit me.  I like Pat.  I definitely respect him and I’m sure we will be great friends but right now, he’s just got something that doesn’t belong to him.  I am actually very thankful to Pat.  In response to those who have tried to reconcile the dichotomy of my life, I maintain that this has always been a part of my life at some level.  Making the leap into the MMA venue, however, was huge and the stakes are high.  It took a while before the time was right and even then, I didn’t recognize it until I watched Steven and Pat fight.  There is nothing like watching your son battle while you are only feet away and helpless.  As stressful as it is to prepare for and execute your own battle, it is ten times worse for me to watch them.   I would much rather fight the fights than watch my sons fight them.  It was during that fight that I knew it was time and what better way than a redemption match?  It has taken some time to make it happen but I’m gonna get what I asked for.  Thank you for that Pat.

 

“To win is to overcome others, victory is to overcome yourself,” said Dr. Bang in conclusion.  “On June 13th I will be looking to do both.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 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.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

“Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” gets another clash between welterweight standouts as Chris “The Cutt” Honeycutt meets Paul “The Gentleman” Bradley

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Easy Tweet: .@ChrisTheCutt and @PaulBradley184 set for welterweight war at #Bellator140 live & free on @spike”

 

 

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 22, 2015) – Undefeated welterweight prospect Chris “The Cutt” Honeycutt (6-0) gets the toughest test of his career, as he meets fellow former All-American wrestler and nine-year MMA veteran Paul “The Gentleman” Bradley (22-6).

 

Featuring Bellator MMA World Champion Douglas “The Phenom” Lima (26-5) putting his title on the line against Russian knockout artist Andrey “Spartan” Koreshkov (17-1), “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” takes place Friday, July 17, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

 

The two decorated grapplers meet on the main card of “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” which airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT.

 

Tickets for the event go on sale this Friday, April 24th at 10 a.m. ET, and are available at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office or Ticketmaster.com. Bellator Nation presale is currently taking place. Join the Bellator Newsletter list or follow us on social media (Twitter / Facebook) to gain access to the presale code and details.

 

The 26-year-old Honeycutt is a two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler out of Edinboro University. Following his collegiate wrestling career, which ended with a runner-up finish in the 2012 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship, Honeycutt enlisted the help of fellow Edinboro wrestler Josh Koscheck and now trains at the longtime MMA veteran’s Dethrone Base Camp in Fresno, Calif.

 

Honeycutt made his Bellator MMA debut in September 2014, scoring a TKO victory over Aaron Wilkinson. He picked up his second win for the promotion in February, scoring a TKO win over Clayton MacFarlane.

 

The 31-year-old Bradley is an Iowa native who also earned a pair of NCAA Division I All-American honors while competing at the famed University of Iowa. Bradley turned to MMA in 2006 and earned 11 consecutive victories to open his career, picking up the Ring of Combat middleweight title along the way.

 

Bradley made his way to the Bellator MMA cage in 2013, and in three appearances to date, he has picked up decision victories over Josh Neer and Karl Amoussou. While Bradley’s base is firmly entrenched in wrestling, he’s developed into a complete martial artist during his time in the sport and now owns seven of his career wins by knockout with another seven coming by way of submission.

 

Additional contests for “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” will be announced shortly.

 

“Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” – Friday, July 17, Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.

 

Bellator Welterweight Title Fight: Champ Douglas Lima (26-5) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (17-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6)

Fight Network, mixed martial arts, UFC

Fight Network Presents ONE Championship 26, Enfusion 28 & UFC 186 Coverage LIVE this Weekend

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TORONTO | NEW YORK (April 22, 2015) — Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a blockbuster card from ONE Championship live this Friday, April 24 at 7:30 a.m. ET, as  emanates from SM MOA Arena in Manila, Philippines, headlined by polarizing welterweight champion Ben Askren facing one of his toughest tests to date against 71-fight veteranLuis “Sapo” Santos.

 

Airing live exclusively in Canada, ONE Championship: Valor of Champions will also feature a co-main event bantamweight clash between Filipino standout Mark Striegl and undefeated American Casey Suire, plus Filipino flyweight prospect Eugene Toquero meets Indonesia’s Brianata Rosadhi. Rounding out the card, Canadian heavyweight powerhouse Paul Cheng battles Ukrainian Igor Subora, Thai flyweight Anatpong Bunrad throws down with Filipino sensation Geje Eustaquio, plus Jimmy Yabo tangles with Edward Kelly in a clash of Filipino featherweight contenders.

 

The full fight card for ONE Championship: Valor of Champions includes:

 

-Ben Askren (14-0) vs. Luis Santos (61-9-1) – ONE welterweight title
-Mark Striegl (13-1) vs. Casey Suire (5-0)
-Eugene Toquero (5-1) vs. Brianata Rosadhi (1-1)
-Paul Cheng (5-1) vs. Igor Subora (5-2)
-Anatpong Bunrad (4-1) vs. Geje Eustaquio (6-3)
-Jimmy Yabo (4-0) vs. Edward Kelly (5-2)
-Shannon Wiratchai (3-1) vs. Amir Khan (2-1)
-Tsu Notto (2-0) vs. Ya Wei Wang (1-1)

 

The live action continues on Saturday, April 25 at 3 p.m. ET, as Enfusion Live 28 invades the Ice Hockey Stadium in Zilina, Slovakia, featuring Slovakia’s Tomas Senkyr against Morocco’s Ibrahim El Boustati for the -85kg world title, plus Slovakia’s Vladimir Moravcik meets Frenchman Yohan Lidon in a five-round Muay Thai affair. The card also features a one-night, single-elimination -70kg tournament showcasing Milan Pales vs. Brahim Benameur and Tigran Movsisyan vs.Mohammed Jaraya in opening round matchups.

 

Fight Network’s live Enfusion broadcast at 3 p.m. ET 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 in Turkey on D-Smart.

 

On Saturday, April 25, Fight Network will present its UFC 186 Pre-Show Live at7 p.m. ET, featuring previews, predictions and analysis ahead of UFC 186: Johnson vs. Horiguchi on pay-per-view. Immediately following the main card, Fight Network presents the UFC 186 Post-Show Live, which will include the live post-fight press conference from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

 

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

 

Post-fight coverage continues on Monday’s edition of 5 Rounds on Fight Network, which debuts at 7 p.m. ET and features a comprehensive breakdown of Saturday’s event.

 

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.
Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

AMATEUR FEATHERWEIGHT MMA TITLE UP FOR GRABS ON JUNE 13 IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (April 22, 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 that the first-ever NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Champion will be crowned that evening when Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (5-1) takes on Alex Johnson (2-1).  The fight will take place at the featherweight limit of 145-pounds.

 

A member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine, Aaron Lacey had a phenomenal start to his amateur career, finishing his first three opponents before dropping a decision to Matt Tullos (7-0) on a card in New Hampshire.  Lacey fired back, winning his next two in a row over Dom Cofone (5-5) and Nick Spencer (5-4) respectively. Lacey is a perfect 4-0 in the NEF cage and he will look to continue that streak and take home the featherweight title on June 13.

 

“It’s an honor to be fighting for the first ever NEF amateur featherweight belt,” stated Lacey when reached for comment. “Alex is a game opponent who likes to be in your face. He presents a very interesting challenge he is aggressive and powerful. It just so happens I fight the same way. Be sure not to miss it this fight has fireworks written all over it.”

 

Alex Johnson will look to avenge his first, and only, loss to Lacey’s teammate Josh Harvey (3-1).  That fight was Johnson’s amateur debut back at “NEF XIV” last September.  Johnson has been on a tear since, winning his next two in a row including a memorable, hard-fought decision over Team Irish’s Rick Matthews (1-2). Johnson is a member of Josh Parker’s (4-8) Ruthless MMA & Boxing gym in Benton, Maine, one of the newest and most promising teams to appear on the New England scene in recent years.

 

“I’m grateful for this opportunity, but it’s just a small step on the path to my big goals,” said Johnson.  “It’s just another fight, and when they close the cage door in June it doesn’t matter who’s in front of me.  I’m ruthless in every aspect and that’s what I’ll be bringing in June.  I train with the best around and nothing will surprise me.  I’ll be ready for wherever the fight goes.  Ruthless all the way baby!”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 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.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

International knockout artists Cheick Kongo and Alexander Volkov clash on June 26 in headlining bout of “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov”

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B139_Kongo_Volkov

Easy Tweet: “.@kongo4real and @AlexDragoVolkov set to headline #Bellator139 at the @KansasStarArena on June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx”

 

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 21, 2015) – French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5) will stand toe-to-toe in the Bellator MMA cage on June 26.

 

The two sluggers clash in the five-round main event of “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which takes place at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Kan.

 

The heavyweight slugfest joins previously announced matchups of lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “The Natural” Alessio (35-17) and former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2) 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.

 

Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

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

 

Kongo, a 6-foot-4 Frenchman, is a striking ace who boasts black belts in both Karate and Kendo. A multiple-time world champion in kickboxing, Kongo now focuses solely on MMA and has built a 4-2 record under the Bellator MMA banner. One of the most imposing figures in all of MMA, Kongo boasts 12 career knockout victories, including the sport’s 2011 “Knockout of the Year.”

 

The 26-year-old Volkov is an eight-time Bellator MMA veteran who rose to the promotion’s highest rank in 2012 as the Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion. Though he would eventually cede the belt to current title holder Vitaly Minakov, Volkov bounced right back with three-consecutive stoppage wins. In his 24 career victories, Volkov has scored 17 by knockout.

 

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

 

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)

Easy Tweet: “.@kongo4real and @AlexDragoVolkov set to headline #Bellator139 at the @KansasStarArena on June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx”

 

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 21, 2015) – French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5) will stand toe-to-toe in the Bellator MMA cage on June 26.

 

The two sluggers clash in the five-round main event of “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which takes place at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Kan.

 

The heavyweight slugfest joins previously announced matchups of lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “The Natural” Alessio (35-17) and former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2) 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.

 

Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

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

 

Kongo, a 6-foot-4 Frenchman, is a striking ace who boasts black belts in both Karate and Kendo. A multiple-time world champion in kickboxing, Kongo now focuses solely on MMA and has built a 4-2 record under the Bellator MMA banner. One of the most imposing figures in all of MMA, Kongo boasts 12 career knockout victories, including the sport’s 2011 “Knockout of the Year.”

 

The 26-year-old Volkov is an eight-time Bellator MMA veteran who rose to the promotion’s highest rank in 2012 as the Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion. Though he would eventually cede the belt to current title holder Vitaly Minakov, Volkov bounced right back with three-consecutive stoppage wins. In his 24 career victories, Volkov has scored 17 by knockout.

 

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

 

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)

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

UNFINISHED BUSINESS LEADS TO LONG-AWAITED REMATCH

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Bruce Boyington protests to referee Jimmy Bickford after his first fight with John Raio is stopped

Lewiston, Maine (April 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 that NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) will meet John “First Class” Raio (2-7) on the card in a non-title bout at a weight of 150-pounds.

 

Boyington and Raio first met in February 2014 at “NEF XII” in Lewiston.  Boyington dominated the early moments with his striking.  Coming towards the end of the first round, Raio would take Boyington’s back and apply a rear-naked choke on the mat. The future lightweight champion waved his hand in the air, a signal which referee Jimmy Bickford took to indicate Boyington’s submission.  Bickford stopped the bout and awarded the fight to Raio, drawing an immediate protest from Boyington who stated he was waving to his fans in the crowd as a sign that he was not in danger.

 

In the days that followed, a heated debate would rage on social media over the controversial finish to the fight.  Both fighters, boasting arguably the two largest fan bases in all of New England, were at the center of an epic war of words between their respective supporters.  It seemed as though everyone had an opinion, and the entire state of Maine was split.

 

“Things were crazy that week after the bout,” recalled NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “Our Facebook page was flooded with comments and private messages.  Everybody and their mother was weighing in.  It’s probably the most controversial moment in NEF history.  Fans have been asking us for over a year when the rematch would happen.  The time has finally come, June 13 in Lewiston!”

 

Boyington would go on to have a highly successful finish to 2014, winning not one but two regional MMA titles, including the NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Championship.  He would also win his professional boxing debut at NEF’s inaugural boxing event in October 2014.  Boyington has, in fact, won four of his last five since the Raio loss.

 

“This fight is solely about redemption and giving the fans what they have been wanting to see,” stated Boyington when reached for comment. “Sometimes you have to step outside of what is best for you in this sport and entertain and that’s what I’m doing.  I like a challenge—the biggest challenge—and that time will come, but for now, its about showing people what was about to happen last time and I can still show I’m three-levels above him by making the statement I’m about to embark on.  I’m done with mishaps in that cage.  I’m seizing every opportunity and will not let something slip again.  Mark my words, its about to get real in my fight.”

Raio is coming off two losses in a row to his archrival, Derek Shorey (2-1), including one defeat earlier this month at “NEF XVII.” In need of a win, the founder of First Class MMA may now be more determined than ever to return to the NEF cage.

 

“I know this is a fight that I want, Bruce wants, and a lot of MMA fans have asked for,” stated Raio when reached for comment. “I look forward to fighting Bruce. Hopefully when the fight is over, there will be no controversy.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 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, kickboxing, mixed martial arts

FIGHT NETWORK MMA & KICKBOXING PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (Apr. 20-26, 2015)

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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, Apr. 20

 

6:00 – p.m. ET – USA Wrestling Weekly – Host Scott Casber gives weekly news and analysis centering around USA Wrestling, the sport’s national governing body, including interviews, features and a look back at the past.

 

6:30 p.m. ET – Judo Tyumen Grand Slam 2014 – Highlights the Judo Tyumen Grand Slam from July 12-14 in Russia.

 

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. ET – Enfusion Live #27: Souwer vs. Risco – Featuring Andy Souwer vs. Jonay Risco and Mohamed Boubkari vs. Moises Baute for the -95kg world title from Apr., 18, 2015 in Tenerife, Spain.

 

10:00 p.m. ET – Fighting Spirit MMA Season 4 – Compilation of international fights from SFL, Legend, FFC, M-1 and more.

 

Tuesday, Apr. 21

 

1:00 a.m. ET – Toe 2 Toe with Luke Rockhold – Sit-down interview with current UFC star and former Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold.

 

1:30 a.m. ET – Hip 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.

 

7:00 & 7:30 p.m. ET – Xtreme 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.

 

9:00 p.m. ET – GFC 5: Saki vs. Clobanu – Pro kickboxing from Dubai, featuring Gokham Saki vs. Sebastian Ciobanu, plus Steve McKinnon vs. Zabit Samedov and Jafar Ahmadi vs. Dayno Ilunga from Apr. 17, 2015.

 

Wednesday, Apr. 22

 

12:00 a.m. ET – BAMMA USA: Badbeat 11 – Featuring Mehdi Baghdad vs. Dionisio Ramierez and Jack May vs. Paul Karsky from Oct. 25, 2013 in Commerce, Calif.

 

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

 

6:00 p.m. ET – Best 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. ET – Fight News Now Extra: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

 

7:30 p.m. ET – Fighting Spirit MMA – Compilations of international MMA fights from ONE FC, UCMMA, KSW, WFC, FFC, BAMMA, EFC Africa and others.

 

8:30 p.m. ET – Cage Warriors Fighting Championship 72 – Featuring Nicholas Dalby vs. Gael Grimaud for the Cage Warriors welterweight title from Sept. 23, 2014 in Newport, Wales.

 

11:00 p.m. ET – MMA 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. ET – TakeDown Wrestling – Extensive coverage of amateur wrestling events, including the latest news, behind-the-scenes coverage from events and exclusive interviews.

 

Thursday, Apr. 23

 

12:30 a.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

1:30 a.m. ET – Ultimate Challenge MMA 4: Relentless – Featuring Jimi Manuwa vs. Ryan Robinson from May 9, 2009 in London.

 

6:00 p.m. ET – Championship 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. ET – Fighting 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. ET – Fight 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. ET – Super Fight League 1 – Featuring James Thompson vs. Bob Saap from Mar. 11, 2012 in Mumbai, India.

 

Friday, Apr. 24

 

12:00 a.m. ET – It’s Showtime Special – The world’s premier kickboxing organization featuring Badr Hari, Melvin Manhoef and Giorgio Petrosyan.

 

1:30 a.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

4:00 p.m. ET – UFC 186 Weigh-In LIVE – Live coverage of the official weigh-ins for UFC 186: Johnson vs. Horiguchi from Montreal, Canada.

 

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

 

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

 

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. ET – Toe 2 Toe with Mike Bisping – Sit-down interview with UFC middleweight star Michael Bisping.

 

8:30 p.m. ET – Hip Show: Arena Combat – Tag-team MMA inside a 12m by 12m arena with three-level obstacle structures.

 

9:00 p.m. ET — KSW 14 – Featuring Mariusz Pudzianowski vs. Eric “Butterbean” Esch and Jan Blachowicz vs. Daniel Tabera from Sept. 18, 2010 in Warsaw, Poland.

 

Saturday, Apr. 25

 

1:00 a.m. ET – SuperKombat: New Heroes Romania 2014 – Featuring Cedric Manhoef vs. Amansio Paraschiv and Jorge Loren vs. Bogdan Stoica from Mar. 30, 2014 in Ploiesti, Romania..

 

6:00 a.m. ET – Best of TKO – Featuring Sean Sherk vs. Claudinor Fontinele from UCC 6.

 

7:00 a.m. ET – Best of Gladiator Challenge – Featuring Tyson Griffin vs. Chuck Kim from  Gladiator Challenge 49.

 

10:00 a.m. ET – Best of SportFight – Top quality MMA from the Pacific Northwest, hosted by UFC veterans Matt LIndland and Chael Sonnen. This episode features Dave Jenson and Cam Ward.

 

3:00 p.m. ET – Enfusion LIVE #28: Cingel vs. El Boustati – Live pro kickboxing from Zilina, Slovakia, featuring Mirko Cingel vs. Ibrahim El Boustati for the -85kg world title.

 

7:00 p.m. ET – UFC 186 Pre-Show LIVE – Live pre-fight coverage for UFC 186: Johnson vs. Horiguchi in Montreal, Canada.

 

8:00 p.m. ET — Fight 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.

 

Sunday, Apr. 26

 

1:00 a.m. ET – UFC 186 Post-Show LIVE – Live post-fight coverage for UFC 186: Johnson vs. Horiguchi from Montreal, Canada, including highlights, reaction and the live post-fight press conference.

 

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

 

10:00 a.m. ET – Best 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.

 

7:30 p.m. ET – Judo World Championship 2014 – Highlights from the 2014 Judo World Championships from Aug. 25-31 ion Chelyabinsk, Russia.

 

11:00 p.m. ET – King of Kings: Heros’s Bushido Vilnius 2014 – Featuring Pavel Voronin vs. Sergei Maslobojev and Jordann Pikeur vs. Tadas Jonkus from Nov. 15, 2014 in Vilnius, Lithuania.