Category Archives: mixed martial arts

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Joe Warren: 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Marcos Galvao:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swing Bout

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

About Bellator MMA

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

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts

M-1 Challenge 57: Clash of Champions Marcin Tybura vs. Stephan Puetz May 2 in Orenburg, Russia

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Presents

M-1 CHALLENGE 57: CLASH OF CHAMPIONS

MARCIN TYBURA, M-1 Challenge Heavyweight Champion

vs.

STEPHAN PUETZ, M-1 Challenge Light Heavyweight Champion

May 2, 2015 ● Orenburg, Russia

ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2015 promises to be another sensational year of world-class competition with a full calendar of Challenge events fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

 

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you byM-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!
Stephan Puetz vs Marcin Tybura, M-1 Challenge 57, 02/05/15 Official Promo
Stephan Puetz vs Marcin Tybura

M-1 Challenge 57, May 2, 2015

Official Promo

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (March 26, 2015) – M-1 Global has announced a special five-round, heavyweight Super Fight on May 2 as unbeaten M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Marcin “Tybur” Tybura takes on M-1 Challenge light heavyweight titlist Stephan “T-800” Puetz, headlining M-1 Challenge 57: Clash of Champions, in Orenburg, Russia.

 

The historic M-1 Challenge 57 will be streamed live in high definition onwww.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Andriod and Apple smart phones and tablets.

 

The 29-year-old Tybura (12-0-0, 3 KO/TKO, 4 SUB) captured the coveted M-1 Challenge heavyweight title last August 15 at M-1 Challenge 50: Battle on Neva, locking-in a choke hold on defending champion Damian Grabowski (19-1-0) in the first-round for the Submission of the Night.

 

The 6’3″, 248-pound native of Poland made his first title defense last November in Beijing, China, by way of another opening-round submission of previously undefeated Denis Smoldarev (9-0-0) via a choke hold. Tybura is unbeaten in six M-1 Global fights.

 

“I think this fight is the best option for me at the moment,” Tybura said. “I’m always looking for a challenge. I know Stephan weighs around 110 kilograms (242 lbs.), normally, and that he’s a great fighter. All of that gives me motivation. Fights are never easy; I always expect them to be hard and to go the full distance. We’re both champions, proving we know how to win title fights, and that makes it a great matchup.”

 
Tybura chokes ot Smoldarev

Puetz (12-1-0, 5 KO/TKO, 4 SUB), 27, is 3-0-0 in M-1 Global fights, all in M-1 Challenge light heavyweight championship matches. The 6′ 5″ German is stepping up to fight as a heavyweight this one time against Tybura.

A decorated fighter in Germany before signing with M-1 Global, Puetz won the crown March 14, 2014 at M-1 Challenge 46, taking a five-round split decision from veteranViktor Nemkov (19-4-0). Puetz has had successful title defenses against Luis Fernando Miranda (12-1-0) last August at M-1 Challenge 50 by second-round choke submission, and this past December at M-1 Challenge 54, in which he punched his way to a second round knockout of previously undefeated Valery Myasnikov (8-0-0).

 

“It was an easy decision for me to take this fight (at heavyweight) because I consider Tybura one of the best fighters out there and I love any sort of challenge,” Puetz explained his decision. “My motivation is to be the best and I have to beat the best in order to achieve that. I still consider this fight a “one-off” as my long term future is in the light heavyweight division. I usually walk around between 106-110 kilograms (233-242 lbs.), but I might even come into this fight a little lighter in order to work on my quickness. I will be in great shape for sure. This fight is the biggest fight M-1 can put out! It´s also a historical fight with the light heavyweight champion meeting the heavyweight champion. We are both known as fighters who constantly move forward and are willing to take a risk in order to finish our opponents. This fight won´t be any different. You better be prepared for a real WAR between MAN vs. Machine!”

 
Puetz (R) strikes Nemkov

 

All fights and fighters are subject to change. Additional fights to soon be announced.

 

Fight Network will air M-1 Challenge 57 live on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., as well as nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in more than 30 countries throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS: M-1 Challenge 56, April 10, 2015 in Moscow, Russia.

 

Information

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

www.M1Global.tv

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1Global
@VFinkelchtein

 

@M1GlobalNews

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/pages/M-1-Global/145250878842244  
Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FIGHT ADDED TO NEF XVII CARD WILL FEATURE LONG-AWAITED RETURN

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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.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

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

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

More bouts will be announced shortly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Bellator MMA

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

About Spike TV:

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

About Scottrade Center:

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

kickboxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling

FIGHT NETWORK MMA & KICKBOXING PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (Mar. 23-29, 2015)

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
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.
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, Mar. 23

5:00 p.m. ET – Fighting Spirit MMA Season 4 – Compilation of international fights from SFL, Legend, FFC, M-1 and more.

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 Baku Grand Slam – Highlights from Judo Baku Grand Slam from May 9-11 in Azerbaijan.

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 #17: Slovakia – Featuring Andrew Tate, Jiri Zak, Miroslav Cingel and Rustam Guseinov from Apr. 26, 2014 in Slovakia.

Tuesday, Mar. 24

1:00 a.m. ET – Toe 2 Toe with Demain Maia – Sit-down interview with Brazilian UFC welterweight sensation and BJJ World Champion Demian Maia.

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.

4:00 p.m. ET – 5 Rounds Today – Video podcast with John Ramdeen and Robin Black breaking down a wide array of topics in the MMA world, including previews of upcoming events and all the latest rumors and headlines.

3:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and insid analysis of the fight game.

4:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.ET – Legend 2: Cro Cop vs. Oleinik – Featuring Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs. Alexey Oleinik on a hybrid MMA/kickboxing card from Nov. 8, 2013 in Moscow.

5:30 p.m. ET – Hip Show: Arena Combat – Tag-team MMA inside a 12m by 12m arena with three-level obstacle structures.

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. MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

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.

11:00 p.m. ET – Australia Fighting Championship 11 – Featuring Zein Saliba vs. Maui Tuigamala and Kitt Campbell vs. Chris Birch from Nov. 22, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia.

Wednesday, Mar. 25

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

4:00 a.m. ET – 5 Rounds Today – Video podcast with John Ramdeen and Robin Black breaking down a wide array of topics in the MMA world, including previews of upcoming events and all the latest rumors and headlines.

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.

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

8:00 p.m. ET – Cage Warriors Fighting Championship 69: Super Saturday, Part 1 – Featuring Curt Warburton, Norman Paraisy, Jack Marshman, Ben Alloway, Bruno Carvalho and others/ in Part 1 of an MMA doubleheader in London.

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, Mar. 26

1:30 a.m. ET – Ultimate Challenge MMA 38: Vermola vs. Campbell – Featuring Karlos Vemola vs. Marvin Campbell and Arvydas Juska vs. Catalin Zmarandescu from Feb. 1, 2014 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.

11:00 p.m. ET – DEEP: 70 Impact – Featuring Yoshiyuki Nakanishi vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura and Yuta Watanabe vs. Yuya Shirai from Dec. 21, 2014 in Toyko.

Friday, Mar. 27

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

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.

6 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 Michael 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 10 – Featuring Jan Blachowicz, Sion Staring and Krzysztof Kulak from Dec. 12, 2008 in Warsaw, Poland.

Saturday, Mar. 28

1:00 a.m. ET – SuperKombat: World Grand Prix Final Elimination 2013 – Pro kickboxing featuring Catalin Morosanu vs. Daniel Lentie, Raul Catinas vs. Ricardo van den Box, plus a one-night, single-elimination heavyweight tournament from Ploiesti, Romania.

6:00 a.m. ET – Best of TKO – Featuring David Loiseau vs. Steve Vigneault from UCC 2.

7:00 a.m. ET – Best of Gladiator Challenge – Featuring Rashad Evans from TKO 15.

10:00 a.m. ET – Best of SportFight – Top quality MMA from the Pacific Northwest. Hosted by UFC veterans Matt Lindland and Chael Sonnen.

3:00 p.m. ET – Ring of Combat 41 – Featuring Uriah Hall vs. Nodar Kuduxashvili and Eddie Gordon vs. Carlos Brooks from June 15, 2012 in Atlantic City, NJ.

7:00 p.m. ET – TakeDown Wrestling – Extensive coverage of amateur wrestling events, including the latest news, behind-the-scenes coverage from events and exclusive interviews.

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 – Battlegrounds MMA: O.N.E.: Featuring a one-night, single-elimination MMA tournament from Tulsa, OK, showcasing Roan Carneiro, Brock Larson, Cody McKenzie, Trey Houston, Jesse Taylor and more.

Sunday, Mar. 29

1:00 a.m. ET – Hard Knocks Fighting 42 – Featuring Ryan Dickson vs. Jason Fischer, Christ Franck vs. Joel Powell and Anton Tokarchuk vs. Todd Stoute from Mar. 20, 2015 in Calgary, Canada.

12:00 a.m. ET – Final Fight Championship 3: Jurkovic vs. Catinas – Featuring Igor Jurkovic vs. Raul Catinas in a kickboxing bout and Ante Delija vs. Michail Lamprakis in MMA action from Apr. 19, 2013 in Split, Croatia.

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.

12:00 p.m. ET – SuperKombat: World Grand Prix Final Elimination 2013 – Featuring Catalin Morosanu vs. Daniel Lentie, Raul Catinas vs. Ricardo van den Bos, plus a one-night, single-elimination heavyweight tournament from Romania.

7:00 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.

7:30 p.m. ET – Judo Havana Grand Prix 2014 – Highlights of Judo Havana Grand Prix from June 6-8, 2014 in Cuba.

Monday, Mar. 30

12:00 a.m. ET – King of Kings: World Grand Prix 2014 Chisinau – Featuring Tutu Constantin vs. Vittorio Iermano and the one-night, single elimination featherweight tournament from Sept. 19, 2014 in Moldova.

 

Information:

 

www.FightNetwork.com

 

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

 

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork

 
Bellator, mixed martial arts, wrestling

Bellator MMA signs wrestling star Bobby Lashley to a long-term contract extension 

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Follow us on Twitter 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.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
Fight Network, mixed martial arts

Fight Network Presents Hard Knocks Fighting 42 LIVE Tonight at 11 p.m. ET 

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TORONTO | NEW YORK (Mar. 19, 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 42 from Calgary, Alberta, Canada’s Century Casino tonight at 11 p.m. ET.

 

Fight Network’s live 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.

 

The main event features a clash for the Hard Knocks lightweight title, as Ontario native Ryan Dickson(10-2) tangles with Michigan-born Bellator veteran Jason Fischer (7-3).

 

In other featured bouts, undefeated Saskatchewan native Miles Anstead (5-0) battles Alberta’s own Markhaile Wedderburn (11-13) in middleweight action, Calgary native Josh Griffin (3-3) takes on British Columbia native Micah Brakefield (4-5) in another middleweight contest, Alberta’s Chris Mattock (4-1) meets Washington’s Adam Smith (8-3) in a welterweight duel, Montreal-based Frenchman Christ Franck (5-5) throws down with Ontario’s Joel Powell (7-5) in a welterweight tilt, plus unbeaten Calgary native Anton Tokarchuk (3-0-1) looks to keep his unblemished record intact opposite highly touted Trinidad-born, Toronto-based prospect Todd Stoute (5-3) at 205 pounds.

 

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, 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, women's MMA

FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR APRIL 11 NEF MMA EVENT IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (March 18, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on April 11, 2015 with its seventeenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event.  Earlier today, the company announced the full fight card for the event.  The card is scheduled to feature a full slate of both professional and amateur bouts.  NEF executives report that fan reaction to the matchups already announced has been overwhelmingly positive.

 

“I can’t remember having this kind of response to a fight card before,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  “There has been so much excitement over every fight we’ve announced.  We sold out of all cage-side tickets four weeks prior to the event, and the general admission are very close to being gone.  We’ve never seen that happen so early before.  It really says something about the quality of the product we’re putting on here in Lewiston. There’s no doubt NEF is the hottest ticket in town.”

 

In the main event of the evening, Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington(10-7) defends the NEF MMA Lightweight Title against number-one contender Jamie Harrison (5-1).  The bout was made in the hours following “NEF XV” last November when Boyington successfully defended the title against Jesse Erickson (3-4) and Harrison manhandled Tollison Lewis (0-4) on his way to a quick submission victory.  The fight will be Boyington’s second defense of the title since winning it last September.

 

The co-main event of the evening will feature a highly-anticipated welterweight bout between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-1) and Bellator veteran Dennis “The Menace” Olson (12-7).  In recent weeks, Lawton and Olson have engaged in a war of words on social media which saw both athletes’ respective supporters jump in the fray.

 

“Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (1-1), fresh off signing a new multi-fight contract with NEF, will meet John “First Class” Raio (2-6) in a “rubber match.”  The rivalry has seen each fighter win one bout against the other.  The April 11 fight, scheduled to take place at a catchweight of 150-pounds, will determine a definitive victor in the rivalry.

 

Kaline “The Dark Angel” Medeiros (3-4) and undefeated Calie “The Honey Badger” Cutler (3-0) will make history when they contest the first professional women’s MMA fight on a regional card in Maine.  It will not be the first time Medeiros has been a part of history.  She competed in the first women’s fight in Rhode Island two years ago.

 

Also in action on the professional side of the card will be popular NEF MMA regulars Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (3-4), “The Junkyard Dog” Ryan Cowette (2-2), Elias “Danger Mouse” Leland (2-0) and Mike “the Mustache” Hansen (2-1), among others.

 

The amateur portion of the card will be headlined by “Sleepy” Norman Fox (3-1) and “Downtown” Dave Brown (1-2) in a flyweight contest.  Fox is undefeated on Maine soil and is currently the number-three ranked amateur flyweight in the Northeast. Brown wrestled for Plymouth State University where he was a four-time All-New England winner.

 

The amateur card will also feature a lightweight bout betweenRicky Dexter (2-0) from Marcus Davis’ Team Irish and Steven Bang (3-3) from Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) – Team New England United (NEU).  Dexter’s teammate Jeremy Tyler (4-3) squares off with Alex Johnson (1-1) of Ruthless MMA & Boxing in a featherweight bout.  And Bruce Boyington’s wife, Randi Beth Knowles (0-0), will meet Alex Walker (0-0) in a double-debut strawweight fight.

 

The full fight card for “NEF XVII” (subject to change and approval of the Combat Sports Authority of Maine):

 

PROFESSIONAL

 

155*TITLE Bruce Boyington 10-7 (Young’s MMA) vs Jamie Harrison 5-1 (First Coast Full Contact)

170 Jarod Lawton 4-1 (Team NEU) vs Dennis Olson 12-7 (Boston BJJ/Team Triumph)

265 Brent Dillingham 1-1 (MMA Athletix) vs Mike Hansen 2-1 (BerzerkersMMA)

185 Ryan Cowette 2-2 (MMA Athletix) vs John Daniels 2-3 (Rock City MMA)

155 Jesse Erickson 3-4 (Team NEU – CMBJJ) vs Mark Deford 0-3 (F2 Arena)

150 John Raio 2-6 (First Class MMA) vs Derek Shorey 1-1 (Shatterproof Combat Club)

135 Elias Leland 2-0 (The Academy) vs Jay Perrin 1-0 (Boston BJJ/Team Triumph)

115 Kaline Medeiros 3-4 (Gracie Fitness) vs Calie Cutler 3-0 (Jacked N Tan Fight Team)

 

AMATEUR

 

125 Norman Fox 3-1 (MMA Athletix) vs Dave Brown 1-2 (Plymouth Fight Club)

265 Ryan Glover 1-0 (BerzerkersMMA) vs Jason Field 0-0 (Independent)

265 Dave Smith 0-0 (BerzerkersMMA) vs Dan Marley 0-0 (Independent)

185 Ruben Redman 0-1 (Independent) vs Chris Rideout 0-0 (Independent)

185 Chris Smith 0-0 (BerzerkersMMA) vs Nash Roy 2-1 (Young’s MMA)

185 Heath Hanson 0-2 (3Ronin Athletics) vs Brandon Russell 0-1 (Team Nitemare)

155 Ricky Dexter 2-0 (Team Irish) vs Steve Bang Jr. 3-3 (Team NEU – CMBJJ)

155 Rick Matthews 1-1 (Team Irish) vs Matthew Hanning 0-1 (Independent)

155 Jason Lachance 1-1 (MMA Athletix) vs Jesse Herrick 1-0 (The Academy)

145 Clifford Redman 0-1 (Independent) vs Caleb Serra 0-1 (Team Kaze)

145 Jeremy Tyler 4-3 (Team Irish) vs Alex Johnson 1-1 (Ruthless MMA & Boxing)

135 Mike Crespo 2-1 (MMA Athletix) vs Sheldon Bang 1-2 (Team NEU – CMBJJ)

115 Randibeth Knowles 0-0 (Boyington’s TKD/Young’s MMA) vs Alex Walker 0-0 (Team Kaze)

 

 

Tickets for “NEF XVII” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée 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, M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts

Ramazan Emeev talks about Apr. 10 rematch with M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Vyacheslav Vasilevsky at M-1 Challenge 56 in Moscow

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Ramazan Emeev (L) in action last year against Vyacheslav Vasilevsky

 

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (Mar. 17, 2015) – Former M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev is training for his rematch with reigning titlist Vyacheslav Vasilevsky, April 10 headlining M-1 Challenge 56 in Moscow, Russia.

 

Another much anticipated title fight rematch between M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger (26-2-0, 10 KO/TKO, 7 SUB) and challengerTural Ragimov (11-3-0, 2 KO/TKO)will be theM-1 Challenge 56 co-feature.

 

In their original title fight last September 7, Vasilevsky (26-2-0, 10 KO/TKO, 7 SUB), took the coveted title belt from Emeev (11-3-0, 2 KO/TKO, 5 SUB) by way of a fourth-round stoppage from punches at M-1 Challenge 51: Fightspirit in St. Petersburg.

  

Vasilevsky vs. Emeev 2, M-1 Challenge 56 Official Promo
Vasilevsky vs. Emeev 2, M-1 Challenge 56 Official Promo

 

Below read an interesting Q & A with Emeev:

 

How do you spend your spare time and what is your daily routine?

 

RE: “Well, if I know that I have an upcoming fight, there’s nothing else I can think about. I adhere to a strict schedule: running in the morning, training, then I have my lunch and sleep a little. In the evening, I have my training again, eat and go to sleep at certain times. I visit different gyms, each for a different type of training.

 

“If I don’t have a fight in the immediate future, then, I live my casual life. I go for walks, meet with friends and parents, and spend time with my wife going to the cinema and cafes.”

 

How did you feel when you lost the title belt to Vasilevsky?

 

RE: “To tell you the truth, I still don’t have any relief from that feeling. When you lose the fight, that’s okay, but it’s another story when you lose the belt. I had a terrible bruise after the fight, so I had to go to my wedding with it on my face (see his wedding picture below). I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. I felt extremely bad for myself. Everyone came to me and said something, offering pieces of advice. Everyone told me how wrong I performed and what I should have done instead. So, I was pissed off by all of this. I wanted to tell them, ‘Go and fight yourself if you’re so smart!’ It was clear they wanted to help and support me but, actually, that didn’t work then. It was an awful time.”

 

What were the reasons for that loss?

 

RE: “I made a mistake when preparing for the fight. I didn’t have a proper mind frame. Our fight was postponed a couple of times. I trained hard and then and the fight was postponed, again and again. I was like a zombie, already thinking that it wouldn’t happen again. Another thing, it was after Uraza (the month-long Muslim fasting), in which you need to adhere to a diet. You lose power. Maybe I didn’t have enough time for my mind to be in the proper mood? I just didn’t have it. I thought that the fight would be postponed again, but suddenly I found myself in Kolpino (site of his first fight with Vasilevsky in Russia).”

 

What did you do right after the fight?

 

RE: “The next day I left for home with my body full of bruises. I started healing myself and that was tough. I had to get through medical examinations, checking my head. I was okay, excluding a small concussion. Still, I took too many hits to my head. I wanted to be okay at my wedding. We started the recovery process and after seven days I was alright. Only my red eyes could help you guess that I had been in a fight.”

 

 

What have you change in your training process?

 

RE: “I understand that I need solid conditioning and endurance to fight Vasilevsky. I had to be ready, not only for five rounds, but for seven. Other than that everything was the same. I don’t have a game plan, yet, but we’ll discuss it when it’s closer to the fight. Now, I do only routine training.”

 

What happened with “Gorets” gym after the tragedy with Musail Alaudinov? Did they find the murderers?     

 

RE: “This person, he was like an elder brother for all of us. He led the way for his fighters. I could have been offered a fight with only one-week notice and I knew that he’d have me 100-percent prepared. His glance alone was enough for you to start action. Musail Alaudinov was more than a solid support for all of us.

 

“They still haven’t found the murderer. There was one guy under investigation but he was cleared. I’m glad, by the way, because I wouldn’t want him to become a real murderer. I don’t even know why police took him. This story is full of dark secrets.”

 

Is your gym, “Gorets,” all right for now? Do you have any problems?

 

RE: “We are okay, no problems. Everything is becoming better and better. We have our small cozy gym, nobody gives us any troubles. Nobody tries to get rid of us. This is our place, where any of us can train, anytime. Our head coach, Shamil Alibatyrov, and others do everything. They work a lot. Day after day it becomes as it has to be. I’m happy with that.”

 

Who is helping you prepare for Vasilevsky rematch?

 

RE: “We have many guys from the same weight class as Vasilvesky – 89-92 kilograms (196 to 202 1’2 pounds). I have good sparring-partners. I work with Gadzhimurad Antigulov, Magomed Ankalaev, Rashid Yusupov, Rashid Magomedov, and Mutsalkhan Umakhanov. The last one, by the way, is a really gifted athlete. I hope he’ll become a top MMA fighter in near future. I cross-fit and have many sparring sessions. I also train in freestyle-wrestling and grappling. I run on the seashore in the morning and sometimes I run in the mountains.”

 

Can you say that your fight with Vasilevsky is more than just a sport? Has it become personal business between you two?

 

RE: “No. There’s nothing personal between us. This is sport and our job. We see each other at different competitions and always talk to each other. We congratulated each other when we both got married. Our relationship is good. Of course, not like close friends, but I can say that we are comrades. Fighting is just a job and it’s left in the ring. I don’t have any bad feelings for Vyacheslav. I hope this is a mutual feeling.”

 

So what do you think about Vasilevsky as a fighter and person?

 

RE: “He is kind and an open person. As a fighter, he is very strong. He has good endurance, both in his body and mind. He already has everything he needs for success. He is my most difficult opponent, for now. To tell you the truth, I’m a little bit tired of fighting this guy (laughs).”

 

Name three things that will help you defeat him this time?

 

RE: “I have a powerful motivation – to take back my belt and retrieve what was taken from me. I have plenty of time for preparation and that is really good. And the last thing is my knowledge. Now, I know him very well, all of his pros and cons.”

 

Who would you like to fight next?

 

RE: “I don’t think about anyone in particular. Now, I’m thinking about my upcoming fight and that’s all. Then, we will see. I’ll take any fight; this is my job. I need to fight at least two or three times a year. There’re a lot of gifted guys. I think someone will be glad to fight me.”

 

Do you think Alexander Shlemenko will take his Bellator title back?

RE: “I hope so. I’d like to see more Russian fighters at the top of MMA. It’s sad that he lost two fights in a row. A loss is always a hard thing to live with but then he got on a two-win streak. I wish that he takes the belt back.”

 

Could you beat Shlemenko if you fought?

 

RE: “I never thought about that. Well, anything can happen. Shlemenko is a decent striker with very good takedown defense. I can work in stand-up and I’m also a good wrestler. He has effective strikes that can help him win a fight. Still, I’ve never thought about fighting in Bellator.

 

“Plus, I’ve thought about going to another division. My weight is a just bit more than 84 kilograms (185 pounds) after lunch and middleweights are used to cutting 15 kilograms (33 pounds) before their fight. I performed as a welterweight a couple of times and I felt okay. Though, it’s just what I think, we will see.”

 

What do you think about the fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Donald Cerrone on May 23? Who will win?

 

RE: “I know Khabib and his father was very good. We have a good, friendly relationship. I hope he’ll defeat Cerrone and then take the UFC lightweight title. Russia needs that belt. We need to prove that we have powerful fighters who can successfully compete at the same level with Western opponents. Cerrone is a tough opponent, but I think Khabib’s excellent wrestling will help him win this fight.”

 

Do you like soccer? What team do you root for?

RE: “No, I don’t like soccer and I can’t even play it. Well, maybe on PlayStation, a little. Still I root for ‘Anji’ (laughs). I used to wear their T-shirts. I hope ‘Anji’ wins.”

 

What do fans expect from your fight with Vasilevsky on April 10?

 

RE: “I think we’ll have a five-round war. Of course, fans should expect an amazing fight, as we showed last time. I need that belt. I need to take it and Vasilevsky needs to retain it. So, I think it’ll be a tough fight for both of us. I’m preparing myself very well, working on mistakes. Come see our fight on April 10 and you’ll never be sorry about it.”

 

 

M-1 Challenge 56 will be streamed live in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Andriod and Apple smart phones and tablets.

 

All fights and fighters are subject to change. Additional fights to soon be announced

 

Fight Network will air M-1 Challenge 56 live on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., as well as nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in more than 30 countries throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS: M-1 Challenge 57, May 2, 2015 in Orenburg, Russia.

 

Information

www.mixfight.ruwww.wmmaa.org

www.M1Global.tv

 

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1Global@VFinkelchtein

@M1GlobalNews

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/pages/M-1-Global/145250878842244
Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

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

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

 Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Eric Coleman


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

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

Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Eric Coleman

Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Lucas Noonan

   Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Lucas Noonan

About Bellator MMA

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

 

About Spike TV:

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