Category Archives: MMA

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING KICKS OFF “WHO’S THE TOUGHEST?” WITH FOUR MILITARY VETERANS DOING BATTLE IN LOVELAND, COLORADO ON SATURDAY, NOV. 12

 

Plus: Kevin Sears replaces injured Josh Copeland against Smealinho Rama in heavyweight action

Tickets for WSOF34 on sale now

 

LAS VEGAS (October 10, 2016) – World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) announced that it has tabbed four military veterans for action in three different bouts, including one that will air on its live NBCSN telecast (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT), to kick off it’s “Who’s The Toughest?” program at WSOF34: Foster vs. Shields, at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colo. on Saturday, Nov. 12.

The league also announced that Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (13-4) has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled heavyweight matchup with former world champion Smealinho “The Prince” Rama (9-2) due to a knee injury.  Rama will now face Kevin Sears (4-2).

“We are extremely excited to launch the ‘Who’s The Toughest?’ program with a group of four professional fighters that have served our country valiantly, and who have since been looking for a potentially career-changing opportunity to compete on a major stage,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

World Series of Fighting announced in May that it would be launching “Who’s The Toughest?” in order to provide military veterans who are active or aspiring MMA fighters, with the opportunity to compete under its promotion.

Leading off the live NBCSN telecast of WSOF34, Shane Kruchten (11-4) and Jeremy Mahon (5-4) – both U.S. Marine Corps veterans – will do battle in a 150-pound catchweight contest.

In a light heavyweight (205 pounds) matchup that will headline the WSOF34 preliminary bout card, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Brandon Collins (3-2) will collide with Chris Morgan (0-0), who will make his professional debut.

The fourth veteran, former U.S. Army ranger Nicoli Navarro (3-1), will square off with unbeaten upstart Alan Gutierrez (2-0) at lightweight (155 pounds).

Shane Kruchten vs. Jeremy Mahon

The 6-foot-1, 32-year-old Kruchten of San Diego, Calif. saw action in the Iraq War in 2003 and 2004, and was subsequently awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and a Combat Action Ribbon for his efforts in battle before retiring from the military with the rank of Lance Corporal.

Since turning professional in 2007, Kruchten has donated a portion of each of his fight purses to the Mighty Oaks Warrior Foundation, a California-based retreat for veterans run by fellow U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former World Series of Fighting competitor Chad Robichaux.

Kruchten’s start will bring an end to a two-and-a-half-year hiatus that he took following a loss to Mike Corey by way of second round (2:59) submission (rear-naked choke) in what was Kruchten’s World Series of Fighting debut.  Prior to the defeat, Kruchten had reeled off 11 consecutive victories, 6 via submission and 3 via (T)KO.

The 5-foot-10, 37-year-old Mahon of Houston, Texas was deployed to Iraq during the initial invasion of the country in 2003, and later served as a security contractor in Fallujah, working to procure the safety of civilians there.

Before retiring as a Sergeant, Mahon earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as a Presidential Unit Citation.  He runs a non-profit organization, DAWG Foundation, which trains dogs and offers them to veterans in need of everyday assistance.

Mahon is looking to notch his third straight victory following a second round (4:22) TKO (punches) of Davis Sylvester at Bellator 149 on February 19.

Brandon Collins vs. Chris Morgan

The 6-foot-1, 32-year-old Collins of Houston, Texas was also a recipient of a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during his eight-year stint (2004-2012) with the Marine Corps that saw him tour Afghanistan where he was a special operations officer and his unit’s martial arts instructor.

Collins was a member of his North Carolina base’s boxing team and, after relocating to California, he quickly transitioned to MMA.

Morgan, a 6-foot-3, 28-year-old resident of Denver, Colo. will make his first professional start after a three-year amateur career that saw him compile an overall record of 5-2.  All 5 of his victories came inside the first round of action via (T)KO or submission.

Nicholi Navarro vs. Alan Gutierrez

The 6-foot, 30-year-old Navarro of Denver served in the Army’s 75th Ranger Regimen, a special operations unit, between 2004 and 2008, eventually reaching the rank of Corporal.

During his four-year tenure in the military, Navarro earned a Combat Infantry Badge, an Expert Infantry Badge and a Parachutist Badge.

Navarro is a student of retired, former Muay Thai world champion and UFC star Duane “Bang” Ludwig.  All three of Navarro’s professional victories to date have come by way of (T)KO or submission.

While not a veteran, the 5-foot-11, 23-year-old Gutierrez of Skagit Valley, Wash. was born into and raised by a family of Marines, with his father, mother and brother all having served.  Gutierrez dedicates each of his fights to his recently deceased brother.

Gutierrez made quick work of each of his first two professional opponents, to date, submitting Ryan Schecterson with a brabo choke in the first round (2:00) of action in Gutierrez’s professional debut on May 9, 2015, and scoring a first round (1:11) KO (punches) on Taylor Roberts on February 27.

Priced from $20, tickets for “WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields” are on sale at the Budweiser Events Center box office, BudweiserEventsCenter.com, and by phone at 1-877-544-TIXX.

In the main event of WSOF34, reigning world welterweight (170 pounds) champion Jon Fitch (28-7-1, 1 NC) will collide with number one contender and fellow decorated superstar Jake Shields (31-8-1).

In the welterweight co-main event, Paul Bradley (23-6), will make his promotional debut for World Series of Fighting and take on former top 10 world-ranked Yushin “Thunder” Okami (32-10).

Additional matchups for “WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields” will be announced soon.

Fight Network Presents ONE: State of Warriors, WSOF 33 & UFC 204 Weigh-ins Live this Friday, Oct. 7

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a stacked day of live mixed martial arts coverage this Friday, Oct. 7, beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET with ONE Championship: State of Warriors from Yangon, Myanmar. Shortly after the event concludes, Fight Network presents the live UFC 204: Bisping vs. Henderson 2 weigh-ins at 1 p.m. ET from Manchester, England. To cap off the day, World Series of Fighting invades Kansas City for WSOF 33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubgov, which begins at 11 p.m. ET.

In the main event of ONE Championship: State of Warriors, the best male strawweight fighter on the planet will be determined when ONE 115-pound kingpin Yoshitaka Naito (11-0) defends his crown against undefeated Filipino challenger Joshua Pacio (12-0). In other featured bouts, “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang (18-9) faces once-beaten Poland Top Team product Michal Pasternak (11-1), Filipino bantamweight sensation Kevin Belingon (13-5) collides with Tajikistan native Muin Gafurov (10-1), plus Australian bantamweight prospect Jordan Lucas (8-1) looks to return to the win column when he battles hardened Russian veteran Yusup Saadulaev (15-4-1, 1NC).

Meanwhile, the official weigh-ins for UFC 204: Bisping vs. Henderson 2 will feature all of Saturday’s competitors tipping the scales at 1 p.m. ET, including UFC middleweight champion and hometown favorite Michael Bisping, challenger Dan Henderson, co-main event stars Vitor Belfort and Gegard Mousasi, plus Jimi Manuwa, Ovince Saint Preux, Stefan Struve and Daniel Omielanczuk. The weigh-ins will include live analysis from Fight Network’s Toronto studios and will replay on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. ET leading into the live prelims on TSN2.

Also on Saturday, Oct. 8, Fight Netwok presents a three-hour special entitled Michael Bisping: Road to Redemption at 12 p.m. ET, which profiles Bisping’s key fights that have led to his eventual rematch with Dan Henderson for the UFC middleweight championship. The special will be followed by UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping 2 at 3 p.m. ET, which takes you back to Bisping’s thrilling championship upset.

The stacked, six-fight main card for the unprecedented three-hour broadcast of WSOF 33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubgov includes a lightweight championship main event between reigning, undefeated champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (16-0) and No. 1 contender Ozzy Dugulubgov (8-2), plus David Branch (16-3) defends his light heavyweight title against Vinny Magalhaes (15-7) in the co-main event. Other confirmed bouts include a lightweight tilt between WSOF 25 eight-man tournament winner Brian Foster (25-9) and Brazilian veteran Luiz “Buscape” Firmino (19-6), a featured lightweight contest pitting Jason “The Kansas City Bandit” High (19-5) against Joao “The Brazilian Samurai” Zeferino (20-8), a welterweight matchup between John “Doomsday” Howard (24-12) and Abubakar Nurmagomedov (12-1-1) and kicking off the main card will be a heavyweight showdown between two WSOF newcomers and knockout artists – Shawn “The Savage” Jordan (18-7) and Ashley “Gio” Gooch (10-4).

In addition to all the live events, Fight Network is the destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including The Ultimate Fighter, UFC Unleashed, UFC Now, UFC Ultimate Insider and classic UFC PPV, WEC and PRIDE events.

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

MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH BETWEEN RAFAEL CARVALHO AND MELVIN MANHOEF TO HEADLINE MMA PORTION OF ‘BELLATOR 168’

 

 

ITALIAN KICKBOXING ICON GIORGIO PETROSYAN TAKES ON JORDAN WATSON IN BELLATOR KICKBOXING LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 7, 2016) – Bellator MMA is returning to Italy with another action-packed combo event on Dec. 10 from the Mandela Forum in Florence, featuring both Bellator MMA and Bellator Kickboxing brands. The Scott Coker-led promotion today announced the MMA portion’s main event, which will feature Rafael Carvalho (13-1) and Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC) in a rematch for Carvalho’s 185-pound championship. Meanwhile, “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” has added a lightweight matchup between Italian superstar striker Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) and British kickboxing champion Jordan Watson (48-11-2).

 

The mixed martial arts event will also boast Italy’s most popular and beloved mixed martial artist, Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC), who takes on Mexican-American slugger Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC) in a light heavyweight matchup.

 

Exact broadcast details for “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” and “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” will be revealed shortly.

 

The Bellator Kickboxing card also features an anticipated female flyweight rematch between Dutch striking ace Denise Kielholtz (45-3) and the woman who defeated her this past June, Gloria Peritore (11-1-1) for the inaugural Bellator Kickboxing Flyweight World Championship. Additionally, other Bellator superstars Raymond Daniels, Kevin Ross and Joe Schilling are also likely to compete on the card against opponents to be named later.

 

If you ask both Carvalho and Manhoef, the two’s first meeting didn’t go as planned for either party. The main event of “Bellator 155” saw both men go toe-to-toe for 25 minutes before the three judges rendered a split decision in favor of the incumbent champion; a verdict that many deemed controversial. Now, nearly seven months after their first meeting, the pair of competitors will meet again.

 

Carvalho’s second-round body kick knockout of Brandon Halsey at “Bellator 144: Halsey vs. Carvalho” was the third biggest oddsmaker upset in 2015, and was the bout that earned the gold he wears around his waist today. The 30-year-old will be making his fifth appearance under the Bellator MMA banner and will look to extend his current winning streak to 14-bouts.

 

With a resume of knockouts as violent as Manhoef, it’s no surprise the Dutch competitor has earned the nickname of “No Mercy.” Known for his relentless striking style, the former K-1 and Strikeforce competitor finds himself once again in a position to lay claim to the Bellator 185-pound MMA title, and has even further incentive to leave the judges’ out of it.

 

Adoringly referred to by his fans as “The Doctor,” Petrosyan is one man you do not want an appointment with. The top-ranked Armenian-Italian striking ace will be making his debut with the budding Bellator Kickboxing Promotion when he squares off against Watson on 10 Dec. Training alongside his brother Armen, the 30-year-old southpaw put together an incredible 42-fight unbeaten streak, cultivating an extensive trophy case that includes multiple championship belts as well as “Kickboxer of the Year” accolades in both 2011 (BloodyElbow.com) and 2012 (LiverKick.com).

 

When you compete in the lightweight division in the world of kickboxing, aside from striving to earn the title, you’re also looking towards a fight with the No. 1 kickboxer in the world in Petrosyan. An ISKA World Champion and K-1 UK runner up, Watson will get that chance when he meets “The Doctor” at “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence.” It will be interesting to see what game plan the British striker implores when he meets his opponent — but if his nickname of ‘Quadzilla’ is any indication, the 28-year-old will utilize his kicks to keep the vicious striking of Petrosyan at bay. Training extensively around the world, Watson has also spent a good amount of time in the Muay Thai scene, accruing a knack for finishes (21) along the way. Victorious in his lone 2016 fight, Watson hopes to soar into 2017 with a win against arguably the greatest kick boxer in the world under his belt.

Updated “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” Card:

Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (13-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC)

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) vs. Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC)

 

Updated “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” Card:

Lightweight Feature Fight: Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) vs. Jordan Watson (48-11-2)

Flyweight World Title: Denise Kielholtz (45-3) vs. Gloria Peritore (11-1-1)

BLUE CHIP PROSPECTS ED RUTH & TYRELL FORTUNE SET FOR BELLATOR MMA DEBUTS AS TRIO OF PRELIMINARY BOUTS COMPLETE STACKED ‘BELLATOR 163’ CARD

 

UNDEFEATED NEIMAN GRACIE CHALLENGES 30-FIGHT VETERAN RUDY BEARS IN CATCHWEIGHT BOUT

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 6, 2016) –Two of Bellator’s highly touted wrestling prospects Ed Ruth and Tyrell Fortune will make their eagerly anticipated mixed martial arts debuts against Mark Mangiardi (Debut) and Cody Miskell (Debut) during the stacked card of Bellator 163: McGeary vs. Davis on November 4 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

 

In addition, Neiman Gracie (4-0) will look to remain undefeated to begin his professional career in a catchweight bout against Rudy Bears (16-14). All three of these contests will air on the Bellator.com-streamed preliminary card beginning at 7:50 p.m. ET/5:50 p.m. CT.

 

The newly announced tilts complete a card headlined by a light heavyweight world title fight that pits champion Liam McGeary (11-0) against Phil Davis (16-3). In the co-main event, a welterweight showdown pitting Saad Awad (19-8) against Brennan Ward (13-4) will go down, while a heavyweight bout between Sergei Kharitonov (23-5) and Javy “Eye Candy” Ayala (9-5) will also be featured on the main card. Lastly, Paul Daley (38-14-2) and the always-exciting Derek Anderson (14-2) faceoff in a welterweight clash, while female featherweights Marloes Coenen (23-7) and Talita Nogueira (6-0) round out the live and free action on SPIKE.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 163: McGeary vs. Davis” are on sale now at Bellator.com, as well as the Mohegan Sun Box Office and Ticketmaster. The event can be seen live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App.

 

When looking up the word “prospect” in the dictionary, there should be a photo of Ed Ruth placed next to the definition. The three-time national champion joined a plethora of blue-chip amateur wrestling prospects on the Bellator MMA roster last year and now will make his long-awaited debut at 185-pounds on Nov. 4. An attendee of the world-renown Blair Academy in Susquehanna Township, PA, where he was the top-ranked recruit in the nation for his weight class, Ruth elected to stay local and attend wrestling powerhouse Penn State University where he went on to add three National Championships and four All-American accolades to his trophy room while wrestling with the Nittany Lions. Now, Ruth’s chase for mixed martial arts gold begins –

 

Fighting out of Pennsylvania, Mark Mangiardi will have his hands full when he makes his professional debut against Ruth. With four amateur bouts already under his belt, the 28-year-old has tasted competition on the MMA scene unlike his Nov. 4 opponent. With his first sanctioned bout taking place in 2012, this will be the first bout outside of his home state of Pennsylvania.

 

Another one of Scott Coker’s high profile wrestling signings, Fortune attended high school at Lakeridge in Oregon, where he won state championships in nearly every national age-group in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. The accolades didn’t stop there, with Fortune accepting an offer to wrestle at Ohio State University, before ultimately settling in at the highly acclaimed Grand Canyon Universities program. Since graduating college, Fortune represented Team USA in Olympic style wrestling, where he also experienced success. Splitting time between wrestling training in Arizona alongside fellow “Bellator 163” competitor Ed Ruth and mixed martial arts training with the Blackzilians in Florida, Fortune has spent a great deal of time honing his striking talents and submission defense.

 

Miskell has competed in both heavyweight and super heavyweight contests during his seven-fight amateur stint, accruing a record of 5-2. Now, the Kentucky native – who’s finished each of victories – looks to parlay his success into a run under the bright lights of Bellator MMA’s heavyweight division. It’s safe to say that Miskell’s wrestling pedigree will be challenged early and often when he meets Fortune during the Bellator.com-streamed prelims.

 

The Gracie name is synonymous with the sport of mixed martial arts, and once again another Gracie will now take center stage for Bellator MMA. This time it is Royce Gracie’s cousin Neiman, who will compete for the third time under the promotion’s banner. After beginning his career with back-to-back submission victories, Gracie made his Bellator MMA debut at “Bellator 134,” where he defeated Bobby Flynn with a first round submission. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt followed up the win with a win over Roger Carroll, and now looks to remain undefeated when he enters the Mohegan Sun Arena for the second time of his budding MMA career.

 

A 37-year-old Missouri native, Bears began his combat sports training in high school. Fighting professionally since 2007, Bears has appeared eight times previously under the Bellator MMA banner and now returns to the promotion after his appearance against Michael Page at “Bellator 140: Koreshkov vs. Lima.”  Nicknamed “Bad News,” Bears has competed against MMA notables the likes of Zak Cummings, Paul Daley, Jason High, Ryan Jensen, Isaac Vallie-Flagg and Tyron Woodley, and the aforementioned “MVP.”

 

Complete “Bellator 163: McGeary vs. Davis” Main Card:

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Liam McGeary (11-0) vs. Phil Davis (16-3)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Saad Awad (19-8) vs. Brennan Ward (13-4)

Welterweight Feature Bout: Paul Daley (38-14-2) vs. Derek Anderson (14-2)

Heavyweight Feature Bout: Sergei Kharitonov (23-5) vs. Javy Ayala (9-5)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Marloes Coenen (23-7) vs. Talita Nogueira (6-0)

 

Complete Preliminary Card:

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Ed Ruth (Debut) vs. Mark Mangiardi (Debut)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Tyrell Forune (Debut) vs. Cody Miskell (Debut)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Neiman Gracie (4-0) vs. Rudy Bears (16-14)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Josh Diekmann (15-7, 1 NC) vs. Tyler King (11-4)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Blair Tugman (8-6) vs. Walter Smith-Cotito (4-4, 1 NC)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Michael Zichelle (8-4) vs. Tim Caron (5-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ilya Kotau (1-1) vs. Carlos Corriea (1-0)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah Payant (1-3) vs. Hannah Regina (Debut)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Keenan Raymond (3-3) vs. Kastroit Xhema (Debut)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Thomas English (6-6) vs. Christopher Foster (9-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Boran (6-0) vs. Vinicius De Jesus (4-1)

THE BLACK WIDOW AND THE BLACK BELT; FIRST WOMEN’S FIGHT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 26

Lewiston, Maine (October 6, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY,” on Saturday, November 19 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.  Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of an amateur bantamweight women’s bout to the fight card.  Jessica “The Black Widow” Borga (2-2) returns to Maine to take on Brianne Genschel (0-0) at a fight weight of 135-pounds.

 

Borga made her NEF cage debut last month against Rachael Joyce (2-0).  She traveled more than 1500 miles from Lakeland, Florida for the fight.  While Borga was on the losing end of a unanimous decision to Joyce, she realizes that the most important part of her amateur career is gaining experience through taking tough fights.

 

“I’m not slowing down anytime soon,” said Borga, “and love to take on any challenges and get better each fight. The more experience the better! So thankful for the girls that are stepping up to fight! I’m ready to put on an amazing show.”

 

Brianne Genschel, while making her in-cage debut at “NEF 26,” is a longtime practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in which she holds a black belt.  She is a BJJ instructor at The Foundry in Farmington, Maine.  Genschel also trains with, and will represent, First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine.  Like her opponent, she promises an exciting fight for the fans on November 19.

 

“I’m really looking forward to stepping into the cage for my first fight with NEF, and especially against such an established opponent,” said Genschel.  “I can’t wait to represent my teams- Foundry BJJ and First Class MMA.  I have been training hard for this opportunity, and promise to put on a good show and leave it all in the cage!”

 

The opening bell on Saturday, November 19 is set for 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 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.

LACEY TO FACE TOUGH CHALLENGE AT NEF 26

Lewiston, Maine (October 5, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY,” on Saturday, November 19 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (3-0) has signed on to face Taylor Trahan (6-6) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Lacey is riding high on a three-fight win streak to start his professional career.  He will be looking for his fourth win in a short seven-month period.  It would seem that the Young’s MMA featherweight is on the fast track to the next level of the sport.  Lacey knows that to get there he will have to continue to face, and defeat, tough veterans like Trahan.

 

“Taylor is a seasoned veteran who has competed against the best New England has to offer for a long time,” said Lacey. “He has a vast amount of experience that is going to be hard to surmount. I do, however, believe I have a strong set of skills that can cause him a lot of problems. This one is going to be a scrap! Who knows, maybe another fight of the night!”

 

Trahan is the definition of veteran.  He has competed on the regional mixed-martial-arts scene since 2009.  Last month, Trahan made his debut in the NEF MMA cage, defeating Matt Denning (3-4) via first-round submission.  It put an end to a five-fight skid that Trahan had been on.  He will look to make it two in a row on November 19 against Lacey.

 

“I’m looking forward to returning to Lewiston to fight for NEF,” said Trahan. “I’m hoping to put on a good show for everyone and come out with the win.”

 

The opening bell on Saturday, November 19 is set for 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 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 @nefightsand join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

Stars out for M-1 Challenge 71

Sergey Romanov vs. Carlos Alexandre Pereira
Stephan Puetz vs. Marcus Vinicius Lopes
Alexander Butenko vs. Rubenilton Pereira
Added to loaded main card
October 21 in Saint Petersburg, Russia
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (October 3, 2016) – M-1 Global stars will be out Friday, October 21, for M-1 Challenge 71 as two new intriguing bouts have been added to an already loaded main card in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Russian welterweight Sergey Romanov will take on Brazilian fighter Carlos Alexandre “Indio” Pereira, former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan “T-800” Puetz, of Germany, faces Brazilian opponent Marcus Vinicius “Montanha” Lopes, and M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexander Butenko meets Brazilian Rubenilton “Rubinkho” Pereira in a non-title bout..

The inaugural M-1 Challenge bantamweight championship match between Pavel Vitruk(13-2-0, M-1: 7-2-0) and Vitali Branchuk (21-5-0, M-1: 1-1-0), as well as a light heavyweight showdown featuring 2-time former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight Viktor Nemkov (23-6-0, M-1: 16-5-0) and Attila “Pumukli” Vegh (29-7-2, M-1: 0-1-0), were previously announced by M-1 Global.

M-1 Challenge 71 will be streamed live from Russia 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 Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

Romanov (8-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0) is riding a seven-fight win streak, including a pair of victories at M-1 Challenge 68 over Andreas Birgels by way of an opening-round knockout (punches), which was exactly the same way Romanov finished off Sergio de Fatimaat M-1 Challenge 65.

Sergey Romanov has position vs. Sergio de Fatima

Pereira (37-11-1, M-1: 1-0-0) made an impressive M-1 debut a year ago at M-1 Challenge 61, defeating Ruslan Zhemukov in the first round with the Submission of the Night. The large majority of his fights have been held in Brazil against his fellow countrymen.

Carlos Alexandre Pereira forced Ruslan Zhemukov to submit

Puetz (14-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0) captured the covered M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title in 2014, when he defeated defending champion Nemkov by way of a five-round split decision. The gifted German successfully defended his title belt twice against Luis Fernando Miranda (SUB2 – choke) at M-1 Challenge 50 and Valery Myasnikov(KO/TKO2 – punches) at M-1 Challenge 54. Puetz followed up with a third-round stoppage of then-M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Marcin Tybura in a non-title fight at M-1 Challenge 57.

Puetz lost his M-1 Challenge title belt to Nemkov by way of a five-round majority decision at M-1 Challenge 63 in the Fight of the Night. In his last action this past May at M-1 Challenge 66, Puetz won a hard fought three-round unanimous decision over Andrey Seledtsov in another Fight of the Night.

Stephan Puetz (R) and Viktor Nemkov have had two bloody wars

Lopes (10-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0) also had an impressive M-1 debut at M-1 Challenge 69 this past July, in which he took a three-round unanimous decision from Kurban Ibragimov. It marked Lopes’ only pro fight outside of his native Brazil.

Marcus Vinicius Lopes unleashed a devastating kick here

Butenko (41-22-1, M-1: 8-1-0), fighting out of Ukraine, captured his M-1 Challenge welterweight crown in his last fight, taking a five-round unanimous decision from Artiom Damkovsky for the vacant title this past June at M-1 Challenge 67.

Butenko’s (R) title will not be on the line at M-1 Challenge 71 vs. Pereira

Pereira (16-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0) will be making his M-1 debut. He is a champion in Brazil, holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and will be fighting professionally for the first time outside of his native Brazil.

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SHATTERPROOF AND RUTHLESS IN MAINE TURF WAR AT NEF 26

Lewiston, Maine (October 4, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY,” on Saturday, November 19 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card.  Josh Parker (4-8) will take on“Shatterproof 2.0” Derek Shorey (4-7) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Parker is the head of Ruthless MMA & Boxing based in Benton, Maine.  A regular in the NEF MMA cage during the early days of the promotion, Parker has spent the last several years competing in the boxing ring.  He battled Elias Leland to a draw last November in a boxing bout at “NEF XX.”  Parker predicts a finish in his long-awaited return to cage competition.

 

“I want to thank NEF for the opportunity and Derek for taking the fight,” said Parker. “I’m excited to get back in the cage.  I feel like I have a lot to prove.  I will show up this time and I will finish this fight – don’t miss it!”

 

Derek Shorey, founder of the Shatterproof Combat Club at the Outlet in Dexter, Maine, is coming off a huge win in Rhode Island just over a week ago.  It was the spark Shorey had been looking for after dropping his last four in a row in the NEF cage.  Admittedly, Shorey is filled with both fear and excitement coming into the fight with Parker.

 

“This is a fight that has scared the crap out of me in the past,” declared Shorey. “He’s a big, strong 145er that has good movement and boxing. Standing and trading could end horribly for either of us. His strength may be enough to keep my slams in check and I’m not a jits expert, so he can probably power out of whatever I throw at him. It’s a puzzle I’m both excited and terrified to tackle.”

 

The opening bell on Saturday, November 19 is set for 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 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 @nefightsand join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

PAUL DALEY RETURNS TO STATESIDE ACTION AGAINST DEREK ANDERSON AT ‘BELLATOR 163’ ON NOVEMBER 4

 

SERGEI KHARITONOV SET FOR BELLATOR MMA HEAVYWEIGHT DEBUT AGAINST JAVY AYALA, LIVE & FREE ON SPIKE

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 3, 2016) – A welterweight showdown pitting Paul “Semtex” Daley (38-14-2) against Derek “The Barbaric” Anderson (14-2) as well as a heavyweight bout featuring Sergei Kharitonov (23-5) against Javy “Eye Candy” Ayala (9-5) complete the SPIKE-televised main card of Bellator 163: McGeary vs. Davis on November 4 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The addition of the two bouts round out a main card chalk full of action, highlighted by a light heavyweight world title main event pitting current champion Liam McGeary (11-0) against Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (16-3). In addition, Saad Awad (19-8) and hometown favorite Brennan Ward (13-4) square-off in a welterweight bash live and free on SPIKE, along with female featherweights Marloes Coenen (23-7) and Talita Nogueira (6-0). Tickets for“Bellator 163: McGeary vs. Davis” are on sale now at Bellator.com, as well as the Mohegan Sun Box Office and Ticketmaster. The event can be seen live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App.

With 54 career fights under his belt, the 33-year-old Daley has seen it all. “Semtex,” a former member of the British Army, made his professional debut in 2003, before competing under the direction of both Strikeforce and UFC. Now the Nottingham, England native seems to have found a home, as he will make his fifth appearance under the Bellator MMA banner, following three wins and a pair of knockout finishes in his first stint with the promotion. Daley has emerged victorious in nine of his last 11 contests, with eight of the nine wins coming by way of knockout. It should come as no surprise that the former Cage Rage Welterweight Champion has strung together a recent flurry of finishes, as 30 of his 38 career wins have come by way of finish. Daley hopes to continue along his path of dominance and further cement his name among the division’s elite when he and Anderson square off on November 4.

Fresh off of an entertaining unanimous decision victory over Saad Awad at “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull,” Anderson hops back into the cage in search of his sixth win since joining the Viacom-owned promotion back in 2013. Prior to signing with Bellator MMA, “Barbaric” strung together an unblemished mark of 9-0, finishing all nine of his victims, including six in the first round. Now, the 26-year-old San Diego native will be jumping up in weight class to challenge Daley in the welterweight division for the first time in his professional career. The tall and lengthy Anderson will look to add to his current two-fight winning streak as he faces the British striking sensation in a marquee matchup at Bellator MMA’s latest tentpole offering.

After being forced to withdraw from his originally scheduled Bellator MMA debut earlier this year, the 36-year-old Kharitonov will once again prepare to take center stage for first time under the bright lights of Bellator MMA. A winner in 10 of his last 12 fights, including his last five outings, “The Paratrooper” enters the cage as a surefire contender for the vacant heavyweight belt. A veteran of PRIDE Fighting Championships, Strikeforce, and DREAM, the Moscow native prefers to take matters into his own hands rather than the judges, tallying 22 finishes over his 23 career wins, including stoppages in each of his last 10 victories. The multi-dimensional Kharitonov holds notable wins over former UFC Champions Fabricio Werdum and Andrei Arlovski, all while remaining on active duty with the Russian Airborne Troops.

Ayala, another heavyweight competitor capable of ending a fight in the blink of an eye, has finished his opponent in eight of his nine career wins. “Eye Candy” also has a knack for putting his challengers out of their misery early in the bout, recording seven of his eight finishes in the first round of action. A 6-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, the 28-year-old has recorded victories in four of his six contests since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion back in 2013. Ayala’s success in mixed martial arts runs in the family, as his cousin, Joe Soto, is a former Bellator MMA Champion. Be sure to tune in on November 4 as two of the top finishers in the highly competitive heavyweight division clash at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Complete “Bellator 163: McGeary vs. Davis” Main Card:

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Liam McGeary (11-0) vs. Phil Davis (16-3)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Saad Awad (19-8) vs. Brennan Ward (13-4)

Welterweight Feature Bout: Paul Daley (38-14-2) vs. Derek Anderson (14-2)

Heavyweight Feature Bout: Sergei Kharitonov (23-5) vs. Javy Ayala (9-5)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Marloes Coenen (23-7) vs. Talita Nogueira (6-0)

Preliminary Card:

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Josh Diekmann (15-7, 1 NC) vs. Tyler King (11-4)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Blair Tugman (8-6) vs. Walter Smith-Cotito (4-4, 1 NC)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Michael Zichelle (8-4) vs. Tim Caron (5-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ilya Kotau (1-1) vs. Carlos Corriea (1-0)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah Payant (1-3) vs. Hannah Regina (Debut)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Keenan Raymond (3-3) vs. Kastroit Xhema (Debut)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Thomas English (6-6) vs. Christopher Foster (9-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Boran (6-0) vs. Vinicius De Jesus (4-1)

EX-TEAMMATES TO FIGHT IN MAIN EVENT OF NEF 26

 

Lewiston, Maine (October 3, 2016) – Earlier today, New England Fights (NEF) executives announced the main event of “NEF 26: SUPREMACY.”  “The” Ryan Sanders (11-8) will face Jon Lemke (5-6) in a lightweight bout at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston on Saturday, November 19.

 

At one time, Sanders and Lemke were teammates at Marcus Davis’s Team Irish gym in Brewer, Maine.  That all changed when Sanders left and joined cross-town rival Young’s MMA in Bangor.

 

“I’m very happy to be fighting back in Lewiston,” said Sanders. “I’m thankful that Jon took this fight seeing how several top-ten lightweights turned it down. But that’s why I like Jon, he’s a fighter’s fighter and he never backs down from a tough fight. With that being said, I look forward to developing a game plan that’ll shut down his strengths and have my hand raised at the end of the night.”

 

The bout will be Sanders’ second since returning to the NEF fold.  Sanders defeated Derrick Kennington (11-8) last August at “NEF Presents Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight.”  He recently inked a multi-fight developmental deal with NEF.

 

“Ryan Sanders and NEF go way back,” stated Sanders’ coach Chris Young when asked about Sanders’ recent signing of an NEF developmental deal. “Ryan fought on several NEF shows, including headlining ‘NEF I.’ So, it’s only fitting that Ryan has finally found his way home. A hard working athlete deserves a hard working promotion and I believe NEF is the perfect vehicle to give Ryan that last push into the next level.”

 

Lemke will be coming into the fight hungry for a win.  His last victory in the NEF cage will have been almost a year to the day when he defeated Matt Denning (3-4) in Lewiston at “NEF XX.”  Lemke is coming off a loss to NEF MMA Pro Lightweight Champion Devin Powell (8-1) this past August in Bangor.

 

“What a great opportunity I have been presented by New England Fights to fight Ryan Sanders,” said Lemke. “Ryan has been in, and done well, with the very best of New England. He is a well-rounded fighter and will challenge me in all areas. I very much look forward to this challenge and know that there will be fireworks for sure in this fight.”

 

The opening bell on Saturday, November 19 is set for 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 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 @nefightsand join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”