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Category Archives: mixed martial arts
FIGHT NETWORK MMA & KICKBOXING PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (Mar. 30-Apr. 5, 2015)
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NEF HIRES LONGTIME BELLATOR EXECUTIVE AS DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Lewiston, Maine (March 30, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, today announced the hiring of former Bellator executive Sam Caplan as the company’s new Director of National Business Development. Caplan has signed a contract to work exclusively with the promotion in the New England states through his consulting company Combat Sports Media (CSM). The new position within the organization was created specifically for Caplan.
“Adding a third executive to this mix was essential,” said NEF promoter Nick DiSalvo who co-owns the fight promotion with matchmaker Matt Peterson. “As we’ve grown and the TV deals have been offered and we get more and more calls from big name fighters looking to fight for us, it’s become a lot for the two of us to handle along with the regular day-to-day operation of this business. Sam has been at the national level for a long time. He’s probably one of the top-five most experienced people in this country working at the highest stage of MMA event promotion. He is a major asset to our company. We are extremely fortunate to have him with us.”
Caplan was the Vice President of Talent Relations for Bellator from 2009 until 2014. Prior to that time, he had worked for Fedor Amelianenko’s M-1 Global promotion, Titan Fighting Championships, and also worked in television for CBS and Showtime developing the first broadcasts of EliteXC and Strikeforce. In 2013, he was named one of the “Top 20 Most Influential People in MMA” by USA Today and one of the “Power 20 in MMA” by Fight Magazine. He currently hosts The MMA Insiders Podcast along with Jason Floyd.
“Combat Sports Media is excited about adding New England Fights to its client roster,” said Caplan. “I have seen NEF’s operations from the inside out and am thoroughly impressed. Creating a regional fight promotion that can sustain itself is no small fete in today’s MMA landscape. In a short time, Matt and Nick have done an amazing job growing NEF to a point where it consistently puts 3,000-plus fans in the seats for its events. I also believe that NEF hasn’t even yet scratched the surface with regard to its growth and CSM looks forward to playing a role in the promotion’s evolution.”
This will not be the first time Caplan has worked with NEF. Caplan worked on a co-promotion NEF undertook with Bellator in March 2013.
“Working with Sam is always a pleasure,” stated Peterson. “I’ve known Sam for several years now, since he created 5OuncesofPain.com. There is no one more respected at the national level in MMA. Sam’s presence is going to be a game changer for both the promotion and the athletes that compete for NEF.”
NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVII,” is scheduled to take place onApril 11, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-7) will defend the NEF MMA Lightweight Title against number-one contender Jamie Harrison (5-1). In addition, Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-1) meets Dennis Olson (12-7) in a welterweight contest. Tickets for “NEF XVII” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.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.
About Combat Sports Media
Owned and operated by former Bellator MMA V.P. of Talent Relations and current Matrix Fights Promoter, Sam Caplan, CSM is an outsource business-to-business solution for companies in the combat sports industry. Founded in 2008, CSM provides an array of services on a contract basis such as business development, negotiations, venue procurement, television contracts, public relations, television research production, website design and management, Internet video streaming, and matchmaking consulting. Its past and present client list includes M-1 Global, CBS,SHOWTIME, the Titan Fighting Championship, Matrix Fights, Locked in the Cage, the World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts, ChokeOutPoker.net, NameDrop.com, and FightMetric.com.
MARCOS GALVAO CLAIMS BELLATOR BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SECOND-ROUND SUBMISSION VICTORY OVER FORMER CHAMPION JOE WARREN
 
CREDIT: Bellator / Eric Coleman – Additional photos below
THACKERVILLE. Okla. – March 27, 2015 – Joe Warren (12-4) may very well be “The Baddest Man on the Planet,” but Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) is the new Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Champion.
In a rematch of a controversial 2011 affair, Galvao earned a verbal submission win after a kneebar forced Warren to scream out in pain. The two met in the headlining contest of Friday’s “Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” event at Winstar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla.
The action was fast-paced from the opening bell with both fighters finding success. It was Warren’s takedowns that served as the primary offense, but Galvao always seemed to find an answer. He would make Warren pay in the second.
As the fight hit the floor again early in the second frame, Galvao transitioned to a kneebar, and as he applied the hold, Warren screamed out in pain, earning an intervention from referee John McCarthy 45 seconds into the second round. The contest was waved off via verbal submission, and Galvao was awarded the win and the Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Title. |
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The night’s co-main event saw L.C. Davis (23-6) and Hideo Tokoro (32-28-2) combine for an instant classic and a candidate for “Fight of the Year”, with Davis eventually earning a hard-fought split-decision victory scored 29-28 Tokoro, 29-28 twice Davis. The action was fast-paced from start to finish, with both men finding success in brutal striking exchanges, as well as slick grappling sequences. It was the type of fight which truly produces no loser, but Davis did just enough to get the official victory.
“The guy has fought the best,” Davis said of Tokoro. “I knew he was going to be tough. I thought I was going to put him away but I wasn’t able to; hats off to him.
Rashad Coulter (5-1) wrapped up the preliminary card with an impressive first-round TKO of Jeremiah O’Neal (13-25). The Bellator MMA newcomer overwhelmed his opponent with heavy punches and brutal knees to the body, scoring the finish by strikes just 1:44 into the opening round.
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About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike TV: Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.
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“BELLATOR: WARREN vs. GALVAO” OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS FIGHT ON SPIKE TV
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“I’m not worried about anything that Marcos Galvao does, he’s just a body in front of me to punish. I have a focus and game plan. If I keep moving forward, no one can stop me.” – Joe Warren
“I am well prepared for wherever the fight goes. I am better than him in all aspects of MMA, including wrestling.” – Marcos Galvao
THACKERVILLE. Okla. – March 26, 2015 – Fighters took to the scales and successfully hit their targeted weights Thursday afternoon at the WinStar World Casino & Resort, the site of tomorrow’s highly anticipated “Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” event, which airs LIVE and FREE on Spike at 9 p.m. ET.
“Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” is headlined by a rematch of a controversial fight between Bellator Bantamweight World Champion Joe Warren (12-3) and Marcos Galvao (16-6-1). Many people felt that the Brazillian Galvao was robbed in their first match up, and now Warren looks to win in convincing fashion tomorrow night.
The event also features a bantamweight co-main event between L.C. Davis (22-6) and Japanese mainstay Hideo Tokoro (32-27-2). |
George “Geo” Pacurariu (135.8 lbs.) vs. J.P. Cole (134.4 lbs.)
Klayton Mai (126 lbs.) vs. Xavier Siller (126 lbs.)
Brad Mitchell (145.4 lbs.) vs. Stephen Banaszak (146.8 lbs.)
Emmanuel Sanchez (145.4 lbs.) vs. Alejandro Villalobos (145.2 lbs.)
Logan Nail (184.8 lbs.) vs. Neil Ewing (184.6 lbs.)
Sean Holden (169.6 lbs.) vs. Tim Roman (170.8 lbs.)
Rashad Coulter (229.8 lbs.) vs. Jeremiah O’Neal (242.4 lbs.)
Additional fighter photos / Credit Bellator/Eric Coleman
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PRE-FIGHT QUOTES:
Joe Warren: “It’s an honor to be fighting again at WinStar Casino. I’ve been here three or four times and my fans show up and we sell out the venue. It’s really exciting to have the opportunity to beat up another Brazilian tomorrow.
“I always perform better in the bigger events in front of my fans. I rise to that level, it’s from my Olympic background.
“I’m not worried about anything that Marcos Galvao does, he’s just a body in front of me to punish. I have a focus and game plan. If I keep moving forward, no one can stop me.
“I am 100 percent looking for the knockout. I am trying to be the champion everybody wants me to.
“If it’s a five round fight, I am ready for that. This is a championship fight and MMA is the most unpredictable sport. Of course I would like to finish every single opponent in the first minute of the first round, but if that doesn’t happen and I am ready for good long fight.
“I am ready for whoever they put in front of me. Whoever is in that cage with me, I am going to punish. I want to keep this belt for as long as I can.”
Marcos Galvao: “I have never felt better going into a fight. I had the best training camp I have ever had, I am ready for tomorrow.
“I am well prepared for wherever the fight goes. I am better than him in all aspects of MMA, including wrestling.
“It is a dream come true to be fighting on SPIKE. Everybody back home in Brazil is very excited to watch me fight. They all have their big screens up in their house and are ready to cheer me on.” “Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao” – Friday, March 27, WinStar World Casino, Thackerville, Okla. Bellator Bantamweight Title Fight: Champ Joe Warren (12-3) vs. Marcos Galvao (16-6-1) Bellator Bantamweight Feature Fight: L.C. Davis (22-6) vs. Hideo Tokoro (32-27) Bellator Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Francis Carmont (22-10) vs. Guilherme Viana (6-1) Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Ryan Couture (9-3) vs. Dakota Cochrane (18-7) Preliminary Card (6:30 p.m. ET) Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Sean Holden (2-1) vs. Tim Roman (2-1) Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Neal Ewing (5-0) vs. Logan Nail (1-0) Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Emmanuel Sanchez (9-1) vs. Alejandro Villalobos (17-3) Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Stephen Banaszak (3-4) vs. Brad Mitchell (4-1) Bellator Flyweight Prelim Fight: Klayton Mai (6-1) vs. Xavier Siller (5-3) Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: J.P. Cole (2-2) vs. Geo Pacurariu (8-4) Swing Bout Bellator Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Rashad Coulter (4-1) vs. Jeremiah O’Neal (13-24) About Bellator MMA Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike TV: Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.
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M-1 Challenge 57: Clash of Champions Marcin Tybura vs. Stephan Puetz May 2 in Orenburg, Russia
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FIGHT ADDED TO NEF XVII CARD WILL FEATURE LONG-AWAITED RETURN
Lewiston, Maine (March 24, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on April 11, 2015 with its seventeenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event. NEF released the full fight card for the event last week. Earlier today, the company announced the addition of an amateur catchweight bout to the fight card. CJ Ewer (3-1) will face Connor “Bare Knuckle” Barry (4-1) at a fight weight of 165-pounds.
Ewer, a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine, took the NEF MMA amateur ranks by storm in the summer of 2013. In the matter of just ten weeks, Ewer chalked up three victories, the last of which was over veteran Crowsneck Boutin (6-7). His streak was brought to a halt by the tough Wayne Ahlquist (1-1) later that fall. Ewer would take more than a year off to serve his country in the United States Air Force security forces. Now back home and training with his teammates at Young’s, Ewer looks forward to testing himself once again in the NEF MMA cage.
“I’m very anxious to get back to competing within NEF after being away for almost a year and a half,” said Ewer. “And I’m thankful Young’s welcomed me back and took the time to train me. Connor looks like a very tough opponent, and it’ll be a great test for me.”
Connor Barry is an independent fighter currently based out of Lowell, Massachusetts. Barry has become known as a “finisher” in the region, having defeated three of his opponents via technical knockout (TKO) and one via submission. His only loss to date came by judge’s decision. Already having put in two fight camps for a planned pro-debut that never happened, Barry is confident that he is in the best shape of his career and will have a successful NEF debut at Ewer’s expense.
“I took this fight because I have had my pro debut fall through twice,” said Barry. “I have been training for a pro fight for five months now, so in terms of conditioning, he’s gonna be in for a surprise. In terms of fighting, I think I outclass him in every single aspect. From watching his fights, he looks scared to bang, and if he’s scared to bang against me, he’ll get knocked out quick.”
NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVII,” is scheduled to take place onApril 11, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-7) will defend the NEF MMA Lightweight Title against number-one contender Jamie Harrison (5-1). In addition, Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-1) meets Dennis Olson (12-7) in a welterweight contest. Tickets for “NEF XVII” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.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.
Two of MMA’s biggest superstars clash on Friday, June 19 at “Bellator: Unfinished Business” – Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock
Also: Former Lightweight Champ and Mizzou wrestling star Michael Chandler takes on Derek Campos
Event date changed to June 19 – Tickets on-sale March 27
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 24, 2015) – Their names transcend the sport of MMA. Kimbo. Shamrock.
Two of the most recognizable fighters in combat sports – Kimbo Slice and “The World’s Most Dangerous Man,” Ken Shamrock – will now battle in the Bellator cage on Friday, June 19. “Bellator: Unfinished Business” will air Live and Free on Spike TV from inside St. Louis’ Scottrade Center.
On October 4, 2008, a freak accident robbed the MMA world of one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport. On Friday, June 19, Bellator MMA will right that wrong. Street fighting legend and YouTube sensation Kimbo Slice and “The World’s Most Dangerous Man,” Ken Shamrock, have agreed to renew their rivalry and will now meet in the main event of “Bellator: Unfinished Business,”
“I remember how excited I was when this fight was originally announced, and how disappointed I was when it didn’t come to fruition at that time,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “I’m very happy we were able to put this one together because I know these guys still have a lot of unfinished business to take care of, and when they do, it will be something special.”
Additionally, former Bellator MMA World Lightweight Champion and Mizzou wrestling standout Michael Chandler meets Derek “The Stallion” Campos in a featured contest.
More bouts will be announced shortly.
Tickets for “Bellator: Unfinished Business,” which range from $30 to $200, go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 27, at Bellator.com and Ticketmaster.com. Online presales begin on Wednesday, March 25.
The two superstar headliners each played featured roles in the two most-watched MMA contests in U.S. television history.
For Slice, a chance to revisit the matchup provides an opportunity to rewrite history.
“Ken Shedrack, I owe you this ass whooping,” Slice said. “No more running! No more hiding!”
Meanwhile, Shamrock is an MMA Hall of Famer and multiple-time world champion who is universally recognized as a true pioneer of the sport. Competing professionally since 1993, Shamrock has fought the absolute biggest names in the history of MMA, including Rich Franklin, Don Frye, Royce Gracie, Matt Hume, Ortiz, Bas Rutten, Kazushi Sakuraba and Dan Severn, among many others.
Shamrock believes his drive and determination have him in the best form of his career.
“I am back,” Shamrock said. “It’s good to be performing again for my fans. I feel great, and my health is great. Age should never be a factor if an athlete is healthy, in great shape, and has the drive to continue their sport. I will quit fighting when I want to.”
And for Shamrock, the frustration of that bizarre 2008 night has lingered for years. Now is a chance to prove he would have been the one with his hand raised.
“Kimbo Slice and I have some unfinished business,” Shamrock said. “I am a fighter – that’s who I am. Fighting has always invigorated me.”
Chandler is a former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at the University of Missouri who opened his professional MMA career with 12 consecutive victories, including Bellator MMA wins over Eddie Alvarez, Patricky Pitbull, Marcin Held and Rick Hawn, among others. Along the way, Chandler picked up the Bellator MMA lightweight belt, defending it twice before losing it in a hard-fought split-decision result to Will Brooks.
Campos is a 26-year-old Texas-based fighter who is 6-1 in his past seven overall contests. A professional fighter since 2009, Campos has fought five times under the Bellator MMA banner and now looks to announce himself as a true title contender with an impressive win over a former champion.
THIS WEEK: Catch Bellator Bantamweight World Champion Joe Warren defend his title in a rematch against a very dangerous Marcos Galvao. The event airs Live and Free on Spike this Friday, March 27 at 9/8c from the WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, OK.
About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.
About Scottrade Center:
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this season, Scottrade Center is a contemporary, 12-story glass and concrete structure located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The home of the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, Scottrade Center also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events. Scottrade Center is consistently ranked by Pollstar Magazine as one of the top grossing arenas in the country.
FIGHT NETWORK MMA & KICKBOXING PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (Mar. 23-29, 2015)
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Bellator MMA signs wrestling star Bobby Lashley to a long-term contract extension
Easy tweet: @BellatorMMA signs a long-term contract extension with wrestling superstar@FightBobby! #BellatorMMA
Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Eric Coleman
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 20, 2015) – Bellator MMA announced today that superstar heavyweight Bobby Lashley (12-2) has signed a long-term contract extension with the promotion. Lashley is a perfect 2-0 under the Bellator banner, and 10 of his 12 victories have come by way of stoppage.
The 6’3 wrestling standout started training in the sport at age 12, and would go on to win several titles including three National Championships at Missouri Valley College, an NAIA National Championship, a CISM World Championship Silver Medal and a two-time Armed Forces Wrestling Championship when he served in the United States Army.
With his amazing wrestling pedigree, “The Dominator” signed a developmental contract with the WWE in 2004 and made his professional debut for the organization in 2005. Lashley would go on to fight for ECW and TNA as well, but wanted to prove himself in the world of MMA.
In 2008, Lashley began training in MMA full time with the American Top Team (ATT) gym in Coconut Creek Florida. He would later open his own ATT gym in Denver, CO, and trains between the two facilities with several respected athletes including Josh Barnett, Antonio “Big Foot Silva”, and Todd Duffee.
“I’ve had two fights with Bellator, and I’m happy to be calling the promotion my home,” said Lashley. “Scott Coker and the company have really reignited my desire to fight and I’m looking forward to a huge year with some dominant wins.”
NEXT WEEK: Watch “The Baddest Man on the Planet” Joe Warren defend his bantamweight title against Marcos Galvao next Friday, March 27 at 9/8c Live and Free, only on Spike. For more information visit www.bellator.com.
About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.