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Category Archives: MMA
MORE THAN JUST GOLD IS AT STAKE IN TITLE REMATCH
Lewiston, Maine (May 27, 2016) – One of the past year’s most intense rivalries is about to be reignited. On June 18, 2016, when New England Fights (NEF) presents “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, former amateur mixed-martial-arts (MMA) flyweight champion Dustin Veinott (4-4) will have his chance to recapture the strap from Ryan Burgess (2-0). Burgess took the title from Veinott last fall at “NEF XX” in a very close split decision. The outcome on the judges’ scorecards has been a topic of heavy debate amongst NEF fans ever since.
“I have wanted this rematch since right after he took the title,” said Veinott. “I know I wasn’t at 100% when I fought him last time. Best believe I will have no distractions this time around. I also feel he disrespected the whole weight division. I will teach him to respect this division. I am here to prove that us 125ers might be small, but we are all tough guys that know how to fight!”
“Last time me and Dustin met in the cage, we went to war,” recalled Burgess. “Expect nothing less than that in our rematch. Many people considered it a close split decision fight, and although I wasn’t able to utilize my ground striking as I had hoped, I don’t see how you can call it a close match when I was able to impose my will on him throughout the entire three rounds. I believe that he does deserve this rematch, though, as he made the trip to Hyannis, Mass for the last event and was unfortunately not able to compete due to his opponent not making weight. Opponents in my weight class are hard to come by in this region and I believe of all the guys who are consistent with their weight cuts, Dustin deserves another shot.”
The Hyannis, Massachusetts bout that Burgess refers to was to take place earlier this month between Veinott and Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Kane (4-3). The match was cancelled at weigh-ins when Kane did not make the agreed-to catchweight.
“I was very frustrated about Razzle Dazzle not making weight,” stated Veinott. “Especially after I gave him the extra four pounds that he asked for. However, he disrespected me by not showing up on weight – that is why I didn’t take the fight.”
Burgess, a member of Berserkers MMA in Rumford, Maine, is clear that he plans to finish the rematch with Veinott and not leave any room for controversy with another decision. He is not out to simply retain his title, but to also prove a point – that he is the undisputed top amateur flyweight in Maine. And to do that, Burgess knows he has to put Veinott away definitively.
“All I have to say to Dustin is ‘congrats, you got your rematch that you’ve been asking for.’ I hope you don’t expect the same fighter you got last time – your fans may be disappointed at the end of the night. Come June 18th, I will solidify myself as the top flyweight for NEF, as well as make a statement of the improvements I have been making outside of the cage. There will be no ‘fan controversy’ after I finish this fight in the first or second round.”
Veinott contends that he will be more focused this time around. A member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Veinott is confident in his ability to submit Burgess should Burgess, a three-time state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School with 150 wins to his credit, take the fight to the mat.
“The difference that I will make going into this fight is to have no distractions,” said Veinott. “I will make sure I am the most mentally prepared I have ever been. I feel I already have all the tools to beat him. I caught him in several submissions our last fight, and I know for a fact he doesn’t want to stand with me. He will be going for another wrestling match and I am fully prepared for that.”
And while the coveted NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Title may be on the line on June 18, both Veinott and Burgess are looking to finish their rivalry once and for all.
“Find your seats early folks ’cause this one will be a quick thriller,” said Burgess in closing. “Our last bout I had a game plan to grind out a decision victory. A finish will go in the books after this fight.”
“The one thing Ryan should know is not to think this fight will be the same as the first one,” Veinott stated emphatically. “I will leave everything in the cage. You will see a different fighter, and I will come out victorious. It is time to release the beast!”
NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.
For more information on the events 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.
THREE EXPLOSIVE CONTESTS COMPLETE STACKED ‘BELLATOR 156’ EVENT ON JUNE 17 IN FRESNO
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 26, 2016) – Three contests have been added to “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” on June 17 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., with the news that Chris Honeycutt (7-1) will move up to middleweight to face Mikkel Parlo (13-2) in main card action, while Ben Reiter(16-1) versus A.J. Matthews (8-4) and Ricky Rainey (11-4) against Thiago Jambo (18-4) will take place during the preliminary stream.
The fights complete a card that features a Bellator MMA Bantamweight Title matchup pitting Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) against Eduardo Dantas (17-4). In addition, welterweights Chidi Njokuani (14-4) and Douglas Lima (26-6) will duke it out in the evening’s co-main event and Brandon Halsey (9-1) meets John Salter (11-3) in an intriguing middleweight scrap.
“Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App at 5:00 pm PST. Tickets for the event start at only $25 and are currently on sale at the Save Mart Center Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.
A Fresno native, Honeycutt, will return home after a one-fight hiatus when he faces Parlo in a middleweight bout on June 17. “The Cutt” is coming off of an impressive unanimous decision victory over Matt Secor at “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson,” his third win since joining Bellator MMA and the seventh of his young career. The 27-year-old began his occupation undefeated with four knockouts and three first round finishes, earning the distinction of being one of the welterweight division’s rising stars. Now, in a new weight class, it will be interesting to see how Honeycutt performs.
Parlo will return to the Bellator fray for the first time in nearly two years, riding a two-fight winning streak and a stretch of four victories in his last five bouts. After beginning his career undefeated, the Danish middleweight posted a 4-2 record for the Viacom-owned promotion, which was highlighted by a ferocious knockout win in his promotional debut at “Bellator 78.” With fights against competitors the likes of Brennan Ward already under his belt, Honeycutt will continue the trend of Parlo facing stiff competition.
A native of New York, Reiter began his career on a spectacular hot streak, recording 16 wins in his first 17 professional fights. The 28-year-old middleweight made 15 appearances under the direction of regional promotions before signing with Bellator MMA in 2014, where he has since strung together a 2-1 record with impressive victories over Benji Radach and Shamir Garcia. Standing at 6’3’ Reiter will have a slight height advantage over the 5’11’ Matthews when the two step into the cage on June 17.
Matthews also delivered a successful start to his flourishing career, earning wins in each of his first four bouts before joining Bellator MMA. A six fight veteran of the Scott Coker-led promotion, “The Mercenary” has posted a 4-2 record under the promotion’s umbrella, including two first round knockouts and one highlight reel soccer kick knockout over Charlie Rader at “Bellator 70.” The 28-year-old Calif. native now returns following a stint in Japan with hopes of creating havoc at 185-pounds when he challenges Reiter at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.
Since making his professional debut in 2011, the 32-year-old Rainey has put together a stellar career, including multiple four-fight winning streaks and memorable victories over Jesse Juarez and Andy Murad. After collecting wins in eight of the first 10 fights of his career, the North Carolina native has made five appearances under the Bellator MMA banner, three of which ended in knockout victories for the man many refer to as “The Sniper.” The welterweight knockout artist will be searching for another explosive finish when he enters the cage next.
A native of Brazil, Jambo will look to continue his recent success when he makes his Bellator MMA debut on June 17 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. The 35-year-old Jambo has put together an impressive career, recording wins in six of his last seven fights dating back to 2010. With 11 of his 18 victories going to the judges’ table, we can expect Jambo to bring a similar game plan to the cage, as he will try to outlast the knockout specialist standing in front of him.
Complete “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” Card:
Bellator MMA Bantamweight Title Bout: Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) vs. Eduardo Dantas (17-4)
Bellator MMA Welterweight Co-Main Event: Chidi Njokuani (14-4) vs. Douglas Lima (26-6)
Bellator MMA Middleweight Feature Bout: Brandon Halsey (9-1) vs. John Salter (11-3)
Bellator MMA Middleweight Feature Bout: Chris Honeycutt (7-1) vs. Mikkel Parlo (13-2)
Preliminary Card:
Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: A.J. Matthews (8-4) vs. Ben Reiter (16-1)
Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ricky Rainey (11-4) vs. Thiago Jambo (18-4)
Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Jermaine McDermott (2-0) vs. Blake Watkins (5-0)
Bellator MMA 140lb. Preliminary Bout: Paul Ruiz (6-4) vs. Christian Navarro (5-0)
Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Javy Ayala (8-5) vs. TBD
Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nick Bustamante (5-1) vs. Antoine Smith (3-5)
Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: C.J. Keith (8-3) vs. Carrington Banks (4-0)
Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Justin Smitley (10-7) vs Chris Avila (4-2)
Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: John Paul Elias (3-0) vs. Jose Cabesas (5-8)
Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Lewis (0-0) vs. TBD
Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Luis Jauregui (3-2) vs. Ryan Tobar (3-2)
M-1 Challenge 66 Viktor Nemkov vs. Rashid Yusopov M-1 Challenge Light Heavyweight Championship May 27, 2016 * Orenburg City, Russia
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M-1 Challenge 66, Friday in Orenburg City, Russia
WATCH FREE ON M-1GLOBAL.TV
Friday, May 27 at 11 a.m. / 8 a.m. PT in U.S.A.
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OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
 MAIN EVENT – M-1 GLOBAL LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5
VIKTOR NEMKOV (23-5-0, M-1: 14-4-0) Champion, Russia by way of Kazakhstan 205 lbs. (93 kg)
vs.
RASHID YUSOPOV (6-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Challenger, Russia 204 lbs. (92.7 kg)
 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
STEPHAN “T-800” PUETZ (13-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Germany 204 ½ lbs. (92.9 kg)
vs.
ANDREY SELEDTSOV (5-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 205 lbs. 93 kg)
 LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
RAUL TUTARAULI (6-2-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Georgia 154 ½ lbs. (70.3 kg)
vs.
DAMIR ISMAGULOV (6-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Russia by way of Kazakhstan 154 ½ lbs. (70.3 kg)
 BANTWAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5JOSH RETTINGHOUSE (12-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), United States 139 lbs. (63.3 kg)
vs.
VADIM ZHLOBICH (4-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Belarus 138 lbs. (62.7 kg)
 FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5MIKHAIL KOROBKOV (9-0-1, M-1: 0-0-1), Russia 145 lbs. (65.8 kg)
vs.
TIMUR NAGIBIN (7-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia 144 ½ lbs. (65.7 kg)
 FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
ALEXANDER KRUPEMKIN (pro debut), Ukraine 131 LBS. (59.6 kg)
vs.
MOVSAR EVLOEV (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0) 136 lbs. (61.75 kg)
WHEN: Friday, May 27, 2016
WHERE: Orenburg City, Russia
PROMOTER: M-1 Global
Information
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MAIN EVENT: THIAGO MOISE vs. EMMERS LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
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RFA 38 – Moises vs Emmers
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CO-MAIN EVENT:
JOE MURPHY vs. VINICIUS ZANI
BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT
FEATURE FIGHT:
CHRISTOS GIAGOS vs. KAREN DARABEDYAN
WELTERWEIGHT WAR
THIAGO MOISÉS FACES NEW TITLE CHALLENGER
IN MAIN EVENT OF RFA 38
AS E.J. CHAVEZ WITHDRAWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 3rd, 2016 LIVE ON AXS TV LIVE at THE HANGAR at the OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER
in COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA
Tickets on Sale Now at CageTix.com
LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) president Ed Soares announced today that there has been a change at the top of next week’s RFA 38 event set to take place in southern California. E.J. Chavez was forced to withdraw from his lightweight title fight in the main event of RFA 38 due to illness. RFA lightweight champion Thiago Moisés (7-1) will now defend his title against collegiate wrestler turned MMA prospect Jamall “Pretty Boy” Emmers (9-2) in the evening’s main event. RFA 38 – Moisés vs. Emmers takes place Friday, June 3rd at The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California.
“Thiago Moisés vs. Jamall Emmers is the new lightweight title fight in the main event of RFA 38 on June 3rd,” stated Soares. “Moisés took full advantage of a similar situation in February due to a last-minute injury to a fighter in the main event of RFA 35. He got elevated to the main event and won the RFA lightweight title. Jamall Emmers is now looking to do the same thing. This will be a great title fight between two young, hungry, and talented prospects.”
Tickets for RFA 38 – Moisés vs. Emmers are available for purchase NOW. You can support your favorite fighter by purchasing your tickets through CageTix.com
RFA 38 – Moisés vs. Emmers takes place this Friday, June 3rd at The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. This will be the RFA’s seventh event to take place in “The Golden State” of California and it will be the fifth RFA event of 2016. The entire main card of RFA 38 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Friday, June 3rd.
Please visit RFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. RFA is also on Facebook at Facebook.com/RFAfighting, Instagram at @RFAfighting, and Twitter at @RFAfighting.
About RFA: RFA is a professional mixed martial arts promotion that gives rising stars and top contenders the opportunity to prove their talent to fans and leaders in the industry. The RFA presents live events on a monthly basis around the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Milwaukee. RFA can be seen live in over 43 million homes nationally through its television deal with AXS TV. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, RFA is one of the most active and respected MMA organizations in the fastest growing sport in the world. (The Octagon, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, UFC®, and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC. All rights reserved).
About AXS TV Fights: AXS TV Fights is renowned for its universally recognized Friday Night Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing events. As Your Home For MMA, AXS TV utilizes an expansive network of promotions from the United States, Canada, and Europe. And Asia to broadcast more LIVE fights than any other television network. “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and five-time MMA world-champion Pat Miletich provide viewers expert play-by-play, in-depth fighter coverage, and extensive analysis to each fight card. AXS TV broadcasts world-class LIVE fight events from RFA, Lion Fight, Legacy FC, and MFC every Friday night at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET.
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NO MORE DRAWS; THERE MUST BE A WINNER IN NORTHEAST TITLE FIGHT
Lewiston, Maine (May 25, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine onJune 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” The fight promotion will put on another full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) cagefights and pro boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF executives announced the headline fight for the boxing portion of the fight card. West Forks, Maine’s own Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1-1) will put the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title on the line in a rematch against Detroit, Michigan’s James “The Motor City Bad Boy” Lester (10-9-1).
Berry and Lester met earlier this spring at “NEF 22” in Lewiston. The six-round bout was ruled a majority draw on the judges’ scorecards. This time around, however, NEF executives had a trick up their sleeves – add a seventh round to all but guarantee a winner.
Berry won the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title in October 2014 in Lewiston against West Virginia Toughman Champion Eric Palmer (4-3-3). He has been the kingpin of the 140-pound division in the Northeast ever since. The draw against Lester halted a three-fight win streak Berry had been on since returning from a shoulder injury last year.
“I think the main difference in a rematch between me and James will be more action,” Berry predicted. “We both know what we bring to the table, we both enjoy pleasing the crowd, and we both want to win. I think those are some key ingredients to a great matchup. I have a lot of respect for James , his boxing ability, and what he brings to the table. I was impressed with his speed, his all around toughness, and his ring generalship. I’m excited to headline another card in Lewiston, and can’t wait for the crowd to enjoy my fight, along with a few other boxing matches that include some talented Maine boxers. I hope that we can draw a big crowd and have a quality night of fights. See you all on the 18th!”
“I’m most definitely looking forward to fighting in Maine again,” said Lester, a former top-ranked national amateur boxer. “The fans there are awesome. I even gained a few fans from my last fight who’s been messaging me on a regular like a young guy by the name of Hunter Moore who messages me every week making sure I’m training hard for the rematch.”
Lester is a product of the world-famous Kronk Gym in Detroit where Thomas “Hitman” Hearns (61-5-1, 48 KOs), Oscar De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KOs), Lennox Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KOs) and Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs), among others, have prepared for world title bouts under legendary trainer, the late Emanuel Steward. “The only thing that will be different this time is I will be in better condition. That was my only downfall last time. This time I’ll be able to box and stay on my toes for the tough pressure that Brandon brings.”
NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.
For more information on the events 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.
LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT HAS ALL THE MAKINGS OF A WRESTLING CLASSIC
Lewiston, Maine (May 23, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” The fight promotion will put on another full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) cage fights and pro boxing bouts. Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of an amateur lightweight matchup to the MMA portion of the card. After a year’s absence, “Dangerous” Dom “Hands of Stone” Cofone (6-5) will return to the NEF MMA cage to face Steve Bang, Jr. (3-5) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.
Dom Cofone was a Class A state wrestling champion out of Westbrook High School in Westbrook, Maine. He entered the MMA ranks in February of 2013. Since that time, he has been featured on nine NEF cards. Cofone’s last appearance in the promotion was in June 2015 at “NEF 18.” That night, Cofone submitted Jason Lachance (2-3) in the second round. He is currently a member of the Academy of MMA in Portland, Maine, training under MMA pioneers Jay Jack and Amanda Buckner.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to step into the NEF cage once again,” said Cofone. “With my coaches and teammates from the Academy behind me, I know I’ll be able to have a great performance. June 18th is going to be an awesome night for the NEF fans and an even better night for the Westbrook wrestling alumni!”
Steve Bang is a member of the famous Bang fighting family of Auburn, Maine. On June 18, he will join his father and brothers in the NEF MMA cage. Bang wrestled as an independent during his years at Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine. He is currently a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ). Bang will look to rebound from a second-round submission loss to Fabian Miranda (2-0) last week at “NEF 23” in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
“I’m super pumped to fight with all of my family,” said Bang. “It’s always a great experience. This past year has been a rough year for me in many different ways and I feel like I am just – as of a month or two ago – coming out of it. I feel great in all aspects; mentally, spiritually, and physically. I am fired up and ready to do battle with so much of my family doing what Bangs’ do just fires me up more. I’m excited to fight alongside Shawn again who I haven’t seen in two years and have only spoken to three times. I’m excited to fight Dom. I think it will be a great match up. I don’t get to fight many wrestlers. And I want to thank him for the opportunity to allow me to do what I love to do.”
NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.
For more information on the events 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.
RAFAEL CARVALHO STEALS SPLIT DECISION, RETAINING MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE IN ‘BELLATOR 155’ MAIN EVENT
BOISE, IDAHO (May 20, 2016) – Rafael Carvalho (13-1) defended his middleweight belt in controversial fashion at the CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho on Friday night, taking home a split decision win over at the expense of Melvin Manhoef (30-13).
The packed house was less than enthusiastic with the judges’ decision, which amounted to two 48-47 scores for Carvalho, while Manhoef took home one of the same tally.
With the victory, the 29-year old Brazilian is now 4-0 under the Bellator MMA umbrella and continues to ride his remarkable 13-fight winning streak.
BELLATOR KICKBOXING: ST. LOUIS ANNOUNCED
The first fight for “Bellator Kickboxing: St. Louis” has been announced in a rematch of sorts, pitting Joe Schilling against Hisaki Kato. When the two first met at “Bellator 139: Kongo vs. Volkov,” Kato stunned Schilling with a “Superman punch” knockout that many pundits considered to be the “2015 Knockout of the Year.” That was MMA, and this time the two will fight in a kickboxing match. A world champion kickboxer, “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling will look for revenge against Kato, a karate striker.
Additional fights, including a main event matchup will be announced shortly.
The second event for the brand new Bellator Kickboxing promotion will take place on June 24, immediately following “Bellator: Dynamite 2” at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, and will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE.
Featherweight Co-Main Event Ends in Unanimous Decision Victory for Pat Curran
It took all three rounds to determine a winner in the evening’s co-main event, but in the end, former two-time Bellator champion Pat Curran (22-7) emerged victorious with a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) win over Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1). “Paddy Mike” connected with a great left hook that dropped Karakhanyan to the mat. The Chicago native relied heavily on his ground game in this one, consistently forcing Karakhanyan into uncomfortable positions and ultimately leading to the featherweight’s 12th win under the Bellator MMA fray.
Heavyweight Slugfest Ends in Draw for Dan Charles and Augusto Sakai
The evening’s second heavyweight feature fight was heavily overshadowed by multiple low blows from the foot of Augusto Sakai (9-0-1), leaving Dan Charles (10-3-1) curled over the canvas and gasping for air. In a bout that took every bit of 15 minutes, the judges’ scorecard concluded a majority draw (30-26 Charles, 28-28, 28-28), making it just the ninth in Bellator MMA history. Although the Brazilian Sakai remains undefeated, his nine-fight winning streak came to an end with the bittersweet finish at CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho. For Charles, it was the third time in his five-year career that a fight went the distance and the first of his 14 bouts to end in a majority draw.
Alexis Dufresne Shocks MMA World With Submission Victory Over Marloes Coenen
In a highly-anticipated female catchweight bout, Alexis Dufresne (6-2) delivered one of the largest upsets of the year by finishing Dutch superstar Marloes Coenen (23-7) with an armbar submission 4:33 into the first round. Along with Miesha Tate, “Sneaky Zebra” becomes just the second fighter ever to force Coenen to tap out. Not far removed from the birth of her first child, the 25-year-old Dufresne was able to impress in her Bellator MMA debut, despite being a +500 underdog.
Gormley Outlasts Beltran in Heavyweight Opener
During the opening contest at “Bellator 155: Carvalho vs. Manhoef,” Joey Beltran (17-13) and Chase Gormley (13-5) traded blows in what was a heavyweight dogfight that took all three rounds to claim a victor. In the end, it was Gormley that came out on top with the split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) win over “The Mexicutioner.” Gormley, a 32-year-old native of Los Angeles is now 7-0 when his fights go to the judges table. The win is his first with the Bellator MMA promotion and sixth of his last seven bouts.
Preliminary Card Results:
Vince Morales (4-1) defeated Hamilton Ash (3-2) via KO at 2:32 of round three
Joe Hamilton (4-0) defeated Tyler Freeland (3-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 0:22 of round one
Casey Johnson (5-0) defeated Brendon Raftery (4-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:16 of round two
Marcin Held (22-4) defeated Dave Jansen (20-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 2x)
Jesse Brock (22-8) defeated Olly Bradstreet (39-13) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:57 of round three
Will Noland (16-6) defeated Sean Powers (9-6) via KO (punches) at 3:29 of round one
Scott Thometz (10-5) defeated Josh Tyler (7-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-25, 30-25)
Veta Arteaga (2-0) defeated Jackie Vandenburgh (0-2) via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 29-28)
ILIMA MACFARLANE SET TO FACE REBECCA RUTH DURING MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR: DYNAMITE 2’
IN ADDITION, GUILHERME ‘BOMBA’ MAKES PROMOTIONAL DEBUT AGAINST JORDAN DOWDY DURING STACKED PRELIMINARY CARD
SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (May, 20) – A women’s flyweight showdown between Ilima Macfarlane (3-0) and Rebecca Ruth (6-1) has been added to the main card of “Bellator: Dynamite 2” on June 24, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
The bout joins a main event that features a heavyweight bout between “Rampage” Jackson (36-11) and Satoshi Ishii (14-5-1), in “Rampage’s” first fight for the Scott Coker-led promotion since 2014. The evening’s co-main event will feature a lightweight title fight between former titlist Michael Chandler (14-3) and Patricky “Pitbull” (16-7). Also the main card, former NFL playerMatt Mitrione (9-5) makes his debut for Bellator MMA agaisnt Carl “Badwater” Seumanutafa (10-6).
MMA coach to stars the likes of entertainer Demi Lovato and New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett, Guilherme “Bomba” (7-3) makes his promotional debut when he takes on Shamrock FC standout Jordan Dowdy (3-1) on the Bellator.com-streamed prelims.
Tickets for “Bellator: Dynamite 2” are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and the Ford Box Office at Scottrade Center. Doors for the event open at 5 p.m. CT local time, and the first contest takes place one hour after.
“Bellator: Dynamite 2” airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App.
Exactly like the groundbreaking inaugural “Dynamite” event this past September in San Jose, both a mixed martial arts cage and kickboxing ring will cover the floor at Scottrade Center, in St. Louis, giving fans in attendance the opportunity to see both iterations of combat sports on the same night.
Macfarlane enters this bout on a high note, earning victories in her first three professional fights. “The Ilimanator” has taken care of business since joining Bellator MMA, winning her first two fights with the promotion, including a first round armbar submission against Amber Tackett at “Bellator 148: Daley vs. Uhrich” in January. The 26-year-old San Diego native hopes to keep her winning streak alive against the more experienced Rebecca Ruth.
Hailing from Robertsville, Missouri, the elusive Rebecca Ruth went undefeated in 2015, winning all three of her matchups by technical knockout under the Shamrock Fighting Championships banner. Now, after emerging victorious in her 2016 and Bellator MMA debut, “Ruthless” enters the cage with a 6-1 career record and four-fight winning streak. Of her six career wins, five have come by way of knockout, with three of those knockouts delivered by Ruth in the first round. The 37-year-old flyweight will have her hands full when the much younger Ilima Macfarlane joins her in the cage on June 24.
Updated “Bellator: Dynamite 2” Fight Card:
Bellator MMA Heavyweight Main Event: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (36-11) vs. Satoshi Ishii (14-5-1)
Bellator MMA Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (14-3) vs. Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (16-7)
Bellator MMA Heavyweight Feature Bout: Matt Mitrione (9-5) vs. Carl Seumanutafa (10-6)
Bellator MMA Flyweight Feature Bout: Ilima-Lei Macfalane (3-0) vs. Rebecca Ruth (6-1)
Preliminary Card:
Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Guilherme “Bomba” Vasconcelos (7-3) vs. Jordan Dowdy (3-1)
Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Engel (5-0) vs. Chel Erwin-Davis (3-1)
Bellator MMA Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jordan Howard (9-3) vs Justin Robbins (14-17-1)
Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joaquin Buckley (5-0) vs Chris Heatherly (9-3-1)
Bellator MMA 130-pound Preliminary Bout: Michelle Royer (1-0) vs Katy Collins (3-1)
Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Brad Jones (5-4) vs Tyler Claussen (2-0)
Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Jason Christeson (1-0) vs Jarrod Thomas (0-0)
Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Lee Burns (2-0) vs. Byron Stevens (0-0)
Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Steven Mann (11-4) vs. Mike Estus (7-4)
Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Rashard Lovelace (3-0) vs. Garret Mueller (2-1)
Bellator MMA Strawweight Preliminary Bout: Nikki Smith (1-0) vs. Ashley Cummins (3-3)
Bellator Kickboxing Preliminary Bout: Elmir Kulosman (3-0) vs. Darryl Cobb (2-1)
Bellator Kickboxing Preliminary Bout: Tara Walker (4-3-1) vs. Mimi Kutzin (3-2)
UNDEFEATED SENSATION PHIL HAWES SIGNS WITH WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING
FORMER JUNIOR COLLEGE NATIONAL WRESTLING CHAMP
WILL DEBUT AGAINST JOSHUA KEY AT WSOF31
LIVE ON NBCSN AT 9 P.M. ET ON FRIDAY, JUNE 17
FROM MASHANTUCKET, CONN.
WILL DEBUT AGAINST JOSHUA KEY AT WSOF31
LIVE ON NBCSN AT 9 P.M. ET ON FRIDAY, JUNE 17
FROM MASHANTUCKET, CONN.
LAS VEGAS (May 20, 2016) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) has signed undefeated middleweight (185 pounds) prospect Phil Hawes (3-0) to an exclusive, multi-year promotional agreement.
A product of the famed Jackson-Winklejohn camp in Albuquerque, N.M., the 6-foot, 27-year-old Hawes who hails from Little Ferry, N.J., will make his promotional debut against Joshua “The Prince of MMA” Key (6-11, 2 NC) on the live, five-bout NBCSN telecast (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) of WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland, at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. onFriday, June 17.
“Phil is one of the most exciting, young prospects in the sport of MMA, so we are excited to welcome him to the World Series of Fighting family, and we look forward to seeing how his career develops under our promotion,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.
The matchup with Key will be Hawes’ first start since 2014, his professional debut year when he ran to three straight victories, the first two by way of TKO and the third – a first round victory over Brandon Collins on October 18 – by way of armbar submission.
A 2009 junior college national wrestling champion for Iowa Central Community College, the alma mater of UFC champion and Jackson-Winklejohn teammate Jon “Bones” Jones, Hawes has been described by Jones as having“limitless” potential.
Priced from $39.99, tickets for WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland are on sale at WSOF.com and Foxwoods.com.
Doors at The Grand Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino will open at 5 p.m. ET, and the first preliminary card bout will begin at 6 p.m.
In the main event of the live NBCSN telecast, reigning world heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov (13-1) will risk his title against Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (13-1).
In the lightweight (155 pounds) co-main event, superstars Jason “The Kansas City Bandit” High (19-5) and Mike “The Martian” Ricci (11-4) will square off with their division’s number one contender ranking at stake.
WSOF31: IVANOV VS. COPELAND
MAIN CARD (Live on NBCSN)
World Series of Fighting Heavyweight Championship Main Event:
Blagoy Ivanov (Champion) vs. Josh Copeland (Challenger)
Lightweight: Jason High vs. Mike Ricci
Welterweight: John Howard vs. Thiago Meller
Featherweight: Luis Palomino vs. Sheymon Moraes
Middleweight: Phil Hawes vs. Joshua Key
PRELIMINARY CARD (Live on WSOF.com)
Lightweight: Tom Marcellino vs. Devin Powell
Heavyweight: Juliano Coutinho vs. Justin Willis
Heavyweight: Tyler King vs. Lorenzo Hood
Welterweight: Robert Fonseca vs. Sean Lally
Lightweight: Bruce Boyington vs. Saul Almeida
Bantamweight: Rodrigo Almeida vs. Ben Pierre-Saint
Lightweight: Sam Watford vs. Christian Torres