mixed martial arts, MMA

SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis OFFICIAL RESULTS

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Aaron Jeffrey punches-out Bruno Assis in 3rd round 

MIAMI (August 15, 2020) – The long-awaited American debut of SFT MMA & Xtreme (Standout Fighting Tournament), delayed several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finally happened this past Thursday night with a “closed show” at Wynwood Studios in Miami, Florida. 

“SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis” was streamed live and exclusively worldwide on pay per view via the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv), as well as taped live to air at future dates on regional television throughout the U.S. on United Fight Alliance (UFA), as well as on Brazilian television. 

“Putting this event together was the most difficult thing I’ve done in SFT,” SFT president David Hudson said. “The fight card feels like it changed daily. At some point we had 12 fights with a very international main card, made up of highly ranked athletes. We probably signed around 20 matches and ended up with five. It was also our first time promoting in the U.S. and without everybody at full force made things very difficult, as well as the production side.  We ended up with a much inferior show, as far as production goes, compared to what SFT always puts out. However, the fights where really good, and at the end of the day, it’s all about the fight. I’m glad we did it.  It’s not the start I had hoped for, but now we are ready to return in full force. We are looking at end of November, early December, for the next USA show.  


We want to bring back Jeffrey and Jornel as soon as possible.  With flight restriction to and from Brazil, along with restrictions to promoting an open-door event, I’m not exactly sure about getting them on our cards but, hopefully, we can still get it done still this year in Brazil.”  

Canadian middleweight Aaron Jeffrey (8-2-0) took a step closer to reaching his dream of fighting in the UFC, registering a sensational knockout on punches of his Brazilian opponent, Bruno “Brunao” Assis (9-5-0) in the opening round.  The 27-year-old Jeffrey, of Niagara Falls, Ontario, unleashed a barrage of lethal punches to end the fight for his sixth victory in his last seven fights.  This was the SFT debut for both of these main event fighters.  Jeffrey vs. Assis was selected as Fight of the Night and each fighter was awarded a $1000 bonus. 

In the co-featured event, Luiz “Buscape” Firmino won a 3-round decision over fellow Brazilian Markus “Maluco” Perez in a grappling match contested at a 198-pound catchweight. 

Undefeated Floridian lightweights Jornel “Ai” Lugo (4-0-0), representing West Palm Beach, and Missouri’s Cortavious Romiuous (4-1-0) put on an entertaining show in their SFT debuts and Lugo emerged with a tough victory by way of a 3-round split decision. 

In a battle of Puerto Rican lightweights, James Hay (3-1-0) locked in a Rear Naked Choke to submit Orlando Santana (2-2-0) in the second round. 

Miami light heavyweight Joshua Da Silveira (2-0-0) remained unbeaten in spectacular fashion, knocking out pro-debuting Cody Rolling, fighting out of Banner Elk, North Carolina,  with a perfectly placed kicked to the head in the opening round.  Da Silveira received a $1000 bonus because his was selected as Knockout of the Night. 

The official weights are below:  

“SFT 23” OFFICIAL RESULTS 

MAIN EVENT – SFT MMA – MIDDLEWEIGHTS 

Aaron Jeffrey (8-2-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Canada  

WTKO3 (Punches – 1:26 

Bruno Assis (9-5-0, SFT: 0-1-0), Brazil  

CO-FEATURE — GRAPPLING – CATCHWEIGHT (198 lbs.) 

Markus Perez, Brazil 

WDEC3 

Luiz Firmino, Brazil 

SFT MMA — LIGHTWEIGHTS 

Jornel Lugo (4-0-0, SFT: 1-0-0), USA 

WDEC3 (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) 

Cortavious Romiuous (4-1-0, SFT: 0-1-0), USA 

SFT MMA — LIGHTWEIGHTS 

James Hay (3-1-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Puerto Rico  

WSUB2 (Rear Naked Chole -3:16) 

Orlando Santana (2-2-0, SFT: 0-1-0), USA by way of Puerto Rico 

SFT MMA – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS 

Joshua DaSilveira (2-0-0, SFT: 1-0-0), USA 

WKO1 (Kick to head) 

Cody Rolling (0-1-0, SFT: 0-1-0), USA 

INFORMATION: 

Website: www.sftmma.com 

Facebook: /SFT.MMA, /SFT.Xtreme, davidhudson.SFT 

Twitter: @SFTMMA 

Instagram: @SFTMMA, @SFTEXTREME, @DavidHudson.SFT 

You Tube: /SFTUSA, /SFTBrasil 

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, Paramount Network

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS VALERIE LOUREDA TO A MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT EXTENSION

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LOS ANGELES — Bellator MMA is proud to announce that undefeated Valerie Loureda (3-0) will continue to compete inside the Bellator cage after signing an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight extension to remain with the ViacomCBS-owned promotion. 
 
“I am pleased to have re-signed with Bellator,” Loureda said. “As I have always said, I am here to show the world the true martial artist that I am and chase the flyweight belt. I was born for this, I am a natural born fighter.”
 
Undefeated to start her mixed martial arts career, a run that has been spent entirely with Bellator, the 22-year-old Loureda has immediately made a mark on the flyweight division by emphatically winning all three of her fights. A 4th dan taekwando black belt who was a former member of the U.S. Olympic team, “Master” Loureda is a proud Miami resident who spends a great deal of her time training at American Top Team. Most recently, Loureda made her 2020 debut inside Bellator’s “FightSphere” at Bellator 243, stopping Tara Graff in the second round, a finish that garnered worldwide media attention and that earned over 11 million views through Bellator’s social media platforms.
 
Re-live Valerie Loureda’s emphatic stoppage victory from Bellator 243 here.
 
Loureda competes in Bellator MMA’s flyweight division, a weight class currently championed by Ilima-Lei Macfarlane and includes other top athletes the likes of Liz Carmouche, Juliana Velasquez, Alejandra Lara, Denise Kielholtz, Malin Hermansson, amongst others.
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
 
boxing

Undefeated Super Middleweight Prospects Juan Barajas & Jose Resendiz Headlining RJJ Boxing Promotions card

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BOUTS WILL STREAM LIVE & EXCLUSIVELY ON UFC FIGHT PASS® 

AUG. 27 FROM MARINATERRA HOTEL & SPA IN SAN CARLOS, MEXICO 

LAS VEGAS (August 11, 2020) – Undefeated super middleweight prospects Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs) and Jose “Toro” Resendiz (11-0, 8 KOs) headline the August 27th RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® event, starting at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT, from Marinaterra Hotel & Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. 

RJJ Boxing’s first show since January 30th at Yakima Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington, will be held two nights prior to this event, Aug. 25th at the same venue, headlined by undefeated Mexican knockout specialist Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (21-0, 16 KOs) against Jose Rosario Cazarez (20-5-1, 10 KOs), also streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS. 

Barajas, fighting out of Victorville CA, is a relatively tall super middleweight, standing 6’ 4” with an advantageous 80” reach, whose should feel at home fighting for the 8th time in Mexico.   Barajas registered his statement victory, to date, back in May 2019, when he won a 10-round majority decision against 18-4-3 Lanell Bellows in Memphis.  In his UFC FIGHT PASS debut a year ago, Barajas followed up with an impressive 8-round unanimous decision win versus 20-7-1 Fidel Hernandez in Tucson, AZ. 

Upset-minded Resendiz, who hopes to take advantage of this great opportunity, is riding an 8-fight knockout streak into this battle of undefeated prospects. 

Another power puncher, Mexican lightweight Luis “Sparring” Gallegos (16-0, 15 KOs) steps up in terms of fighting a quality opponent in fellow Mexican Oscar “Terrible” Flores (12, 12 KOs) in the 8-round, co-featured event.  This fight doesn’t figure to go the distance, because the two Mexican fighters have 27 combined knockouts in 28 wins. 15 for 16 (Gallegos) and 12 12 (Flores).  Gallegos, 22, was a 14-time Mexican National champion who was unable to qualify for the Mexican Olympic Boxing Team due to an unfortunate injury.   

Rising-star Lester Martinez (4-0, 4 KOs) faces Abraham “Pan” Hernandez (8-2, 4 KOs), of Mexico, in a six round lightweight fight.  Last year, Martinez made his pro debut at home in Guatemala City under extremely rare conditions, taking on 3-time, 2-division Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga (32-11-1, 26 KOs), who hasn’t fought again since he was stopped in the second round by Martinez.  The 24-year-old Martinez, who was a standout amateur boxer, is on a mission to become World champion prior to his 10th pro fight. 

Undefeated Colorado welterweight Jose Arellano (8-0, 5 KOs), a Mexico native, meets Flavio Cesar Santos (6-1) in a 6-round match opening live UFC FIGHT PASS streaming.  

Also scheduled to fight on the card, off-UFC FIGHT PASS, is Phoenix’ pro-debuting lightweight Jose Miguel Valenzuela against his Mexican opponent, Guillermo “El Gratano” Borboa (1-2-1, 1 KO), in a 4-round bout.  Other undercard fights will soon be announced.  

Card subject to change. 

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com, or download the UFC app. 

INFORMATION: 

Websites:   www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com 

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre

Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre 

Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass 

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing.  RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years.  Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.    


Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: NABF super flyweight champion, WBC #16, WBA #14 and IBF #7 Jade Bornea (15, 10 KOs), two-time world title challenger WBO #11 bantamweight Aston Palicte (26-4-1, 22 KOs), former NABA welterweight champion Kendo Castaneda,  former Interim World middleweight title challenger John Vera (19-1 (1 KO), undefeated middleweight prospect Connor Coyle (12-0, 5 KOs), undefeated super middleweight prospect Juan Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs) and former WBC World Youth heavyweight Alexander Flores (18-2-1, 16 KOs).  

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com. 

iKon Fighting Federation, mixed martial arts, MMA

Newest MMA promotion Ikon fighting federation to launch september 24 in mississippi

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Streaming Live and Exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS® 

LAS VEGAS (August 10, 2020) – Veteran combat sports promoter Keith Veltre has announced the debut of MMA’s newest promotional company, iKON Fighting Federation (iKON), September 24 at Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. 

All iKON events, held in association with Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.   

Veltre, who also announced the hiring of Dean Toole as iKON’s matchmaker, is the CEO and co-founder of RJJ Boxing Promotions and Kinektic submission grappling, both streaming events exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS. 

“I have always lived by the motto, when businesses are downsizing during tough times, I either acquire or expand,” Veltre said.  “I take advantage of times like this to rollout new adventures and MMA has always been in my game plan.  I have always attached myself to a great team and bringing in Dean Toole as lead matchmaker was a no brainer, and I promise Ikon will deliver fireworks. I am thankful to have a great broadcast partner, UFC FIGHT PASS, and we’re excited to launch our first Ikon event with UFC FIGHT PASS on September 24th.” 

Toole added, “Being the founder and CEO of Island Fights, on UFC FIGHT PASS, it sometimes gets overlooked that I’m also the matchmaker for all of our professional events.  I couldn’t be happier for this opportunity to continue doing what I’m best at and matchmake fights for iKON Fighting Federation. 

“I had the privilege of being hired by Keith Veltre and UFC FIGHT PASS in December for the Quinet Ultra event and I think they liked working with me and my staff.  I hope we made a good impression.  I’m very excited to get started and do what we do best and that’s get these athletes to UFC.” 

Full details and matchups will soon be announced. 

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com or download the UFC app. 

INFORMATION:  

Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre  

Twitter: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre  

Instagram: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre  

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com. 

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

FOX SPORTS & PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCE BLOCKBUSTER SCHEDULE FOR REMAINDER OF 2020

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Unified Welterweight Champion Errol Spence, Jr. Battles Two-Division Champion Danny Garcia in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Showdown To Highlight Exciting Slate of Shows 

LOS ANGELES (August 8, 2020) – FOX Sports and Premier Boxing Champions announced today an exciting slate of boxing shows that will include action in some of the sports’ hottest divisions and is highlighted by the highly anticipated showdown between unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence, Jr. and two-division champion Danny “Swift” Garcia headlining the first in a series of FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-Views on Saturday, November 21.

The FOX PBC Fight Night return schedule kicked off tonight with Jamal “Shango” James taking on Thomas Dulorme for the WBA Interim Welterweight title from AEG’s Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The schedule includes six events that will be broadcast on FOX, one FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View and 11 shows on FS1, running from August 8 through the end of the year. Initially the live events will be held without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

“The PBC back on FOX Sports is what we’ve all been working towards,” said Bill Wanger, Executive Vice President, Head of Programming and Scheduling, FOX Sports. “We’re looking forward to showcasing some of the top boxers in the sport on FOX, FS1, FOX Deportes and PPV throughout the rest of the year.”

See below for the FOX, FOX Deportes and FOX PPV Schedule for the remainder of 2020.

SHOWS ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

Jamal James vs. Thomas Dulorme – Interim WBA Welterweight Title

David Morrell Jr. vs. Lennox Allen – Interim WBA Super Middleweight Title

Omar Juarez vs. Willie Shaw – Super Lightweight Special Attraction

Top welterweight contender Jamal “Shango” James (26-1, 12 KOs) meets Thomas Dulorme (25-3-1, 16 KOs) for the Interim WBA Welterweight Title headlining a broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. James of Minneapolis has battled his way through a string of tough opponents to get to the threshold of a welterweight championship and will have to defeat Dulorme of Puerto Rico to take that last big step. In just his third pro fight, David Morrell (2-0, 2 KOs), who had an outstanding amateur career in the Cuban system, will meet Lennox Allen (22-0-1, 14 KOs) of Brooklyn for the Interim WBA Super Middleweight championship in the co-feature. Exciting super lightweight prospect Omar Juarez (7-0, 4 KOs) clashes with Oakland’s Willie Shaw (12-1, 8 KOs).

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

Shawn Porter vs Sebastian Formella – WBC/IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator

Sebastian Fundora vs. Nathaniel Gallimore – Super Welterweight Co-Main Event

Joey Spencer in a Six-Round Super Welterweight Special Attraction

Two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter (30-3-1, 17 KOs) will take on Germany’s Sebastian Formella (22-0, 10 KOs) in a WBC/IBF eliminator headlining a broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Porter, who was born in Akron, Ohio and lives in Las Vegas, is coming off a 2019 Fight of the Year contender against Errol Spence, Jr., where he dropped a narrow split decision for the WBC and IBF titles. The undefeated Formella of Lauenburg, Germany will be making his U.S. debut. In the co-feature undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora (14-0-1, 9 KOs) takes on Nathaniel Gallimore (21-4-1, 17 KOs) in a major step up fight. Sensational super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer (10-0, 7 KOs) will also appear on the card in a six-round special attraction.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

Erislandy Lara vs. Greg Vendetti – WBA Super Welterweight Title

Alfredo Angulo vs. Caleb Truax – IBF Super Middleweight Title Eliminator

Former super welterweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (26-3-3, 15 KOs) battles Greg Vendetti (22-3-1, 12 KOs) for the WBA Super Welterweight Title headlining a broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Lara, a former Cuban amateur standout, has fought all of the top 154-pound boxers in the sport, including Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Vendetti of Stoneham, Mass., will be looking to earn his first world championship. The co-feature will see battle-tested veteran Alfredo Angulo (26-7, 21 KOs) take on former super middleweight champion Caleb Truax (31-4-2, 19 KOs) in a 168-pound title eliminator. A special six-round attraction will also be announced for the broadcast.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Yordenis Ugas vs. Abel Ramos – WBA Welterweight Title

Rances Barthelemy vs. Alberto Puello – Interim WBA Super Lightweight Title

Jesus Ramos in an Eight-Round Super Lightweight Special Attraction

Top welterweight contender Yordenis Ugas (25-4, 12 KOs) takes on Abel Ramos (26-3-2, 20 KOs) for the WBA Welterweight Title headlining a broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Ugas, who was born in Cuba but now lives and trains in Las Vegas, has been one of the most active welterweights in the sport the last three years and will look to capture a welterweight title in his second attempt. The only man standing in his way is Ramos, who scored a stunning victory with a TKO stoppage that came with one second left in his fight against Bryant Perrella on FOX in February. In the co-feature, former two-division champion and super lightweight contender Rances Barthelemy (27-1, 14 KOs) clashes with unbeaten Alberto Puello (17-0, 9 KOs) for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim title. Hard-hitting, undefeated prospect Jesus Ramos (12-0, 11 KOs) will also appear in an eight-round super lightweight special attraction.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

FOX PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26

FOX PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SHOW ON FOX SPORTS PBC PPV

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 on FOX SPORTS PBC PPV  

Errol Spence, Jr. vs. Danny Garcia – WBC & IBF Welterweight World Titles

Undefeated unified welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence, Jr. (26-0, 21 KOs) returns to defend his titles against two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (36-2, 21 KOs) in one of the most anticipated boxing matches of the year headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Spence of Desoto, Texas will be entering the ring for the first time since being involved in a horrendous single-car accident where he was thrown from the vehicle before it crashed in Dallas last October. Philadelphia’s Garcia, a former unified super lightweight champion and a welterweight champion, aims to reclaim the WBC title he lost in a disputed decision to Shawn Porter and also pick up the IBF belt

SHOWS ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

The FS1 broadcast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT after the FOX PBC Fight Night broadcast and features welterweight Mykal Fox (22-1, 5 KOs) taking on Lucas Santamaría (10-1-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round fight, sensational 18-year-old prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. (5-0, 3 KOs) battling Chris Rollins (3-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight bout, and in an eight-round clash of unbeaten heavyweight prospects, Luis Peña (6-0, 6 KOs) faces Michael Coffie (9-0, 6 KOs) to kick off the action.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT following FOX PBC Fight Night.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT preceding FOX PBC Fight Night.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT preceding FOX PBC Fight Night.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4

FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT preceding FOX Sports PBC PPV.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26

The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT preceding FOX PBC Fight Night.

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

BELLATOR MMA DOUBLE CHAMP RYAN BADER DEFENDS LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST TEAM FEDOR’S VADIM NEMKOV ON FRIDAY, AUG. 21

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BELLATOR 244 AIRS LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK AND DAZN AT 10 P.M. ET FROM MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

PLUS, FORMER TITLEHOLDER JULIA BUDD RETURNS TO ACTION AGAINST JESSY MIELE IN THE CO-MAIN EVENT

LOS ANGELES – On Friday, August 21, Bellator’s “FightSphere” at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. will host a light heavyweight world title main event bout featuring two-division Bellator champ Ryan Bader (27-5, 1 NC) defending his 205-pound championship against Russia’s Vadim Nemkov (11-2).

The evening’s co-main event sees fomer world champion Julia Budd (13-3) take on Connecticut’s Jessy Miele (9-3) in a featherweight clash.

Bellator 244: Bader vs. Nemkov airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN Friday, August 21 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. Preliminary action will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming days.

A winner of seven out of eight contests at both heavyweight and light heavyweight, Bellator’s double champ Ryan Bader will make his first light heavyweight title defense since defeating “King Mo” Lawal, Matt Mitrione and Fedor Emelianenko en route to winning Bellator’s 2018 Heavyweight World Grand Prix and becoming world heavyweight champ. Fighting out of Chandler, Ariz., the former two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler out of Arizona State University began his professional career by winning season eight of The Ultimate Fighter. “Darth” continued his path of dominance by collecting victories over some of the 205-pound division’s top talent, including career wins over Phil Davis (x2), Linton Vassell, “Rampage” Jackson, Rashad Evans, Rafael “Feijão” Cavalcante and Ovince Saint Preux. Most recently, Bader fought heavyweight Cheick Kongo to a no contest following an accidental eye poke.

The 28-year-old Russian powerhouse Vadim Nemkov, who is undefeated over his last six fights and a perfect 4-0 in Bellator since signing in 2017, will enter his first-ever title shot in MMA fresh off a submission win against former middleweight world champion Rafael Carvalho. With that victory, Nemkov has defeated some of the best athletes Bellator has to offer, including three former champions consecutively in Carvalho, Phil Davis and Liam McGeary. A three-time Russian national sambo champion, Nemkov trains alongside the legendary Fedor Emelianenko in Stary Oskol, Russia for the standout Team Fedor.

Former Bellator featherweight world champion Julia Budd has won 11 of her last 12 bouts, including seven victories since signing with Bellator in 2015. After defeating Dutch legend Marloes Coenen for the inaugural Bellator women’s featherweight world title at Bellator 174, the Gibson MMA-product and Port Moody, British Columbia native has gone on to collect victories over top contenders Olga Rubin, Arlene Blencowe and Talita Nogueira. With seven of her 13 career victories coming by way of knockout or submission, “The Jewel” will look to jump back into title contention with a statement win on August 21.

With an impressive career mark of 9-3, Jessy Miele will look to parlay her most recent win over former Bellator title contender Talita Nogueira when she competes at Bellator 244. Hailing from Waterbury, Conn. the 35-year-old is currently in the midst of a four-fight unbeaten streak and was slated to compete against Leslie Smith at Bellator 241 before it was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. Fighting professionally since 2014, and competing against the likes of Nogueira and Charmaine Tweet along the way, “The Widowmaker” will undoubtedly face the stiffest test of her nearly six year-career when she meets Budd on August. 21.

Updated Bellator 244: Bader vs. Nemkov Main Card:

Paramount Network and DAZN

10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Ryan Bader (27-5, 1 NC) vs. Vadim Nemkov (11-2)

Featherweight Co-Main Event: Julia Budd (13-3) vs. Jessy Miele (9-3)

Heavyweight Feature Bout: Roy Nelson (23-19) vs. Valentin Moldavsky (9-1)

Updated Preliminary Card:

Bellator MMA’s YouTube Channel

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: John Salter (17-4) vs. Andrew Kapel (15-6)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Adam Piccolotti (12-3) vs. Sidney Outlaw (14-4)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Erik Perez (19-7) vs. Joshua Hill (19-3)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Lucas Brennan (2-0) vs. Will Smith (3-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Vladimir Tokov (7-0) vs. Chris Gonzalez (4-0)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Lance Gibson Jr. (3-0) vs. Shane Kruchten (12-5)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

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FITETV, mixed martial arts, MMA

SFT MMA And Xtreme’s american debut august 13 in miami

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“SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis”  

Streaming live & exclusively on FITE.TV pay per view 

MIAMI (Aug. 6, 2020) — The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered plans in combat sports, particularly for Brazil-based SFT MMA & Xtreme (Standout Fighting Tournament), which planned to make its American debut last June at Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.  Its long-awaited American debut will finally take place on Thursday, August 13, with “SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis”, in a closed show at Wynwood Studios in Miami, Florida. 

“SFT 23 VR: Jeffrey vs. Assis” will be streamed live and exclusively worldwide on pay per view via the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv), starting at 7 p.m. EDT / 4 p.m. PDT, for $14.95.  It’ll also be taped live and air at future dates on regional television throughout the U.S. on United Fight Alliance (UFA), as well as on Brazilian television. 

Only fighters and one corner person each, a skeleton staff including television production crew, officials, and commission members will be allowed onsite. No fans, media, or ring-card girls.  SFT will provide masks and be responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and encouraging everyone to follow all COVID-19 recommendations. Everybody will be tested for COVID-19 the day prior to the weigh in, at the weight in, and during the day of the event. 

“Our plan was for SFT MMA & Xtreme to have a circuit, starting in Brazil, and then promoting shows in the United States and Mexico,” SFT president David Hudson said. “The Coronavirus changed everything.  Our show last Saturday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was canceled after we had the weigh in, but we wanted to do the right thing and paid everybody involved. 

“We can’t wait for U.S. fans to watch our product to understand what they’ve been missing.  SFT gives fans what they want: competitive, action-packed fights in a completely different form of entertainment.  We’re having our August 13th show in Miami because we want to increase awareness, particularly in the United States, of our unique product of combat sports entertainment.  Our shows are regularly broadcast on one of the five national television networks in Brazil.  We have five of the top seven pound-4-pound MMA fighters in Brazil and we want to bring some U.S. talent to fight in Brazil.  Two fighters from this show will be given a chance to fight in Brazil and then, hopefully, at the Seminole Hard Rock later this year.” 

The main event pits Canadian middleweight Aaron Jeffrey (7-2-0, (SFT: 0-0-0) against Brazilian  Bruno “Brunao” Assis (9-4-0, SFT: 0-0-0) in their SFT MMA debuts.  Styles make fights and Jeffrey, the No. 1 rated middleweight in the Province of Ontario, will be looking for his sixth knockout, while Assis, the No. 1-rated fighter in the State of Minas, has his sights set on his seventh submission finish. 

American lightweight Frank “The Praying Mantis” Buenafuente (10-4-0, SFT: 0-0-0), fighting out of Garfield, New Jersey, takes on Mexico’s No. 4-rated Daniel “Danger” Vega (12-3-0, SFT: 1-0-0) in the co-featured event.  Buenafuente, who has a strong wrestling background, will be making his SFT MMA debut.  Vega defeated Fabio Gasolina at “SFT 12” held in Mexico.   

An SFT Xtreme (striking & kicking with 4-ounce gloves, no ground fighting) match will showcase Brazilian-native kickboxing legend Maycon Oller, who now fights out of Tustin, California, against World kickboxing champion Jadar Alves, of Brazil, in what promises to be a sensational showdown. 

A grappling match will be on tap as well, pitting two of Brazil’s leading middleweights, Markus “Maluco” Perez against Luis “Buscape” Firmino. 

The opening bout on the main card finds American lightweights Jornel “A1” Lugo (3-0-0, SFT: 0-0-0) and Contavious Romious (4-0-0, SFT: 0-0-0) in a well-matched battle of two undefeated prospects. 

The preliminary card offers strong support.  Brazilian Regivaldo “Handstone” Carvahlo (5-2-0, SFT: 0-0-0) faces American Raymond “Godson” Ramos (5-4-0, SFT: 0-0-0) fighting at a 140-pound catchweight in SFT debuts for both fighters, and two other SFT debut fighters, Brazilian  Lucas Alexandre (0-2-0, SFT: 0-0-0) and his American opponent, Shawn Brown (2-2-0, SFT: 0-0-0), square-off in a featherweight fight. 

Also fighting on the preliminary card are Puerto Rican lightweights Orlando Santana (2-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0) and James Hay (2-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0), American light heavyweights Joshua DaSiveira (1-0-0, SFT 0-0-0) and pro-debuting Cody Rolling, and American bantamweights Sal Guerriero (1-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0) versus John “The Baptist” Birdson (0-1-0, SFT: 0-0-0). 

The card is subject to change. 

SFT MMA & Xtreme is coming to America next week.  Catch the revolution! 

INFORMATION: 

Website: www.sftmma.com 

Facebook: /SFT.MMA, /SFT.Extreme, davidhudson.SFT 

Twitter: @SFTMMA 

Instagram: @SFTMMA, @SFTEXTREME, @DavidHudson.SFT 

You Tube: /SFTUSA, /SFTBrasil 

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David Benavídez Defends Title Against Former Title Challenger Alexis Angulo Headlining Premier Boxing Champions Event Saturday, August 15 Live on SHOWTIME

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Rising Contender Rolando Romero Takes on Fellow Unbeaten Jackson Maríñez for WBA Interim Lightweight Title

&

Heavyweights Go Toe-to-Toe as Otto Wallin Battles Travis Kauffman

On Telecast Beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

NEW YORK – August 5, 2020 – Undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez will defend his title against former world title challenger Alexis Angulo in a Premier Boxing Champions event Saturday, August 15 live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features rising lightweight Rolando “Rolly” Romero taking on fellow unbeaten Jackson Maríñez in a 12-round battle for the interim WBA Lightweight Title, while heavyweight contenders Otto Wallin and Travis Kauffman square off in a 10-round showdown. 

“David Benavídez will look to keep his perfect record intact, continue to display his superstar potential and further cement his positioning in the stacked 168-pound division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “As an undefeated world champ, Benavídez can expect a strong challenge from Alexis Angulo, which should create an action-packed main event on SHOWTIME. Combined with a battle of hungry unbeaten lightweights in ‘Rolly’ Romero and Jackson Maríñez, plus a heavyweight slugfest between Otto Wallin and Travis Kauffman, this shapes up to be another can’t miss night of high-stakes action.”

“It’s going to be great to be in the corner of David ‘El Bandera Roja’ Benavídez on fight night,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, who is recovering from a recent surgery. “I feel so good and so strong and I truly can’t wait to be there to support the youngest super middleweight champion in history.”

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. The Romero vs. Maríñez bout is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

The 23-year-old Benavídez (22-0, 19 KOs) defends his belt after defeating two-time super middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell in September, stopping him in nine rounds. Benavidez is trained by his father José Sr., alongside his brother and former title challenger, José Jr. In 2017, he became the youngest super middleweight champion in boxing history by defeating Ronald Gavril on SHOWTIME at just 20 years old. Representing his native Phoenix, Ariz. Benavídez went from a 15-year-old prodigy sparring with Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin, to world title contender with a 10-fight knockout streak from 2015 through 2017, including a highlight-reel knockout of Rogelio Medina with a seven-punch combination that earned him his first championship fight.

“It’s been almost a year since the last time I fought, so I’m very eager to get back in the ring and give the fans a great fight,” said Benavídez. “Training camp has been amazing. Fortunately, my dad opened his own gym just before the pandemic, so we’ve had private training and been able to safely bring in sparring partners to help me work. I’m facing a very tricky and rugged fighter, so I’m taking him very seriously. I feel like I can take advantage of some openings in his defense and look for the knockout like I do every fight.”

Born in El Bordo, Colombia and now fighting out of Miami, Fla., Angulo (26-1, 22 KOs) enters his second world title opportunity on a three-fight winning streak, including two triumphs over previously unbeaten fighters. Angulo stopped Reinaldo Gonzalez in 2018 in his first fight since losing a decision to then-super middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez earlier that year. He scored a decision victory this January over Anthony Sims Jr. to put himself in position to again challenge the best in the division. 

“I’m ready for anything that happens in the ring on August 15,” said Angulo. “This is going to be a great fight for the fans because of the style I bring to the ring. Benavidez is a strong champion, but my style will be too much for him and I will have my hand raised on fight night.”

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., Romero (11-0, 10 KOs) added three knockout victories to his tally in 2019 before his 2020 debut saw him stop previously unbeaten Arturs Ahmetovs in February. A fast-rising prospect in the Mayweather Promotions stable, the 24-year-old is ranked No. 10 by the WBA and will look to extend his six-fight knockout streak on August 15.

“It feels great to return to the ring and to be fighting for such a great opportunity,” said Romero. “This has been the best camp of my career, and I’ll just say this, if a pandemic is holding you back from training, then you don’t want it bad enough. I already believe I should be here with the top guys, but the world will actually get to see that I am who I say I am. I’m confident in my abilities as a fighter and I have the best in the business, Floyd Mayweather, behind me. I think this fight will end fairly quickly, but you will get to see the growth in me as a fighter. This is another fight that will further prove I’m here to stay. Sign up for KO’s!”

“This is a big step up for Rolando, and he’s been waiting for the opportunity to showcase his talent,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “He has a big test ahead to prove himself. This is going to be another one that you don’t want to miss, so tune-in to SHOWTIME on Saturday, August 15.”

The 29-year-old Maríñez (19-0, 7 KOs) holds the WBA’s No. 6 ranking, which he earned with victories over Rolando Giono and Kenin Betancourt while picking up eight wins between 2018 and 2019. Representing his native Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Maríñez was successful in his U.S. debut in December of last year, stopping Yardley Armenta Cruz in two rounds.

“I’ve had a great training camp for this fight,” said Maríñez. “I’ve been sparring with Vergil Ortiz and Jose Ramirez, plus other fighters in Robert Garcia’s gym, and it’s gotten me ready to step into the ring. I know that Romero is a tough and durable fighter, so it won’t be easy, but I’m going to do anything I can to bring the title back home.”

Wallin (20-1, 13 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time since he nearly defeated Tyson Fury in September 2019, when he opened up a gruesome cut over Fury’s right eye with a legal punch that nearly halted the fight. While the 29-year-old lost a decision, he proved his mettle as a potential future heavyweight champion. Representing his native Sundsvall, Sweden, Wallin trains in New York with former champion Joey Gamache.

“I’m very happy to finally be back in the ring,” said Wallin. “It’s been a long and crazy year in many ways and it feels great to be getting ready to step back into the ring. I’ve been training steady since the Fury fight and I feel like I’ve developed my game in a lot of ways. Kauffman is a tough veteran that can both come forward or box if he wants to. He’s a fan friendly fighter and I have to be ready at all times. We have a great game plan as always and I’m in excellent shape. I know I have all the tools to beat Kauffman.”

A veteran of the heavyweight landscape, Kauffman (32-3, 23 KOs) owns a ledger that includes challenges of top heavyweights including Luis Ortiz, Chris Arreola and Amir Mansour, amongst others. The Reading, Pennsylvania native lost his most recent bout to Ortiz, following a 2018 triumph over Scott Alexander.

“This is my first training camp in seven years without Brother Naazim Richardson, but I know that he wouldn’t want me to leave camp and he’d want me to stay focused,” said Kauffman. “Having him pass away while I was in camp was one of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with, but there’s adversity in every camp I’ve had. I wouldn’t feel right if there wasn’t adversity to overcome. My father, Marshall, stepped back in as my head trainer. We know we’re facing a young, hungry fighter, but I have more experience than him and I don’t think he can last 10 rounds with me when I’m at 100% like I’ll be on August 15.”

Additional non-televised action will include super middleweight contender Alantez Fox (26-2-1, 12 KOs) battling Ghana’s Habib Ahmed (27-1-1, 18 KOs) in an eight-round attraction.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

boxing

Undefeated super middleweight prospect “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman Latest to join Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker

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BOSTON (August 4, 2020) – Another promising prospect has been added to Ryan Roach’s growing Fighter Locker stable, “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (4-0, 2 KOs), a super middleweight out of Aurora, Colorado.  

“I had a great conversation with Ryan when (his co-head coach and former world champion) Vernon Phillips introduced us,” McCalman spoke about signing a managerial contract with Fighter Locker.  “We met and he was someone who genuinely cares about his fighters.  He made a point that his fighters are like family to him.  I’ve seen in the short time I’ve known him that he puts his fighters in position to succeed.  Honestly, I think that’s rare in boxing, and I really appreciate that about Ryan.” 

“Shawn and I had a great conversation and we clicked right away,” Roach commented. “ It made sense for the two of us. It’s always exciting for me getting a new fighter and Shawn really has it all.  He’s fast and strong and has been in camps with world-class boxers. This is a great opportunity.  I’m looking forward to Shawn showcasing his skills and climbing the ranks.” 

Colorado-native McCalman, who had a 65-7 amateur record, was a 3-time Colorado State Golden Gloves champion, as well as a 3-time regional winner.  The 26-year-old McCalman made his pro debut September 22, 2018, when he knocked out Jake Featherman in the opening round.  He has since defeated, in order, Isaiah William Reyez (WTKO2), Damarian Kelly (WDEC4) and 5-2 Lorawnt Nelson (WDEC6) in his most recent fight this past January.    

Former World champion Tony Harrison has used McCalman has his chief sparring partner, including his World Boxing Council (WBC) World super welterweight-winning performance in 2018 of defending champion previously undefeated (31-0) Jermell Charlo.  

“The Roach name is well respected in the boxing sphere and the opportunity presented itself to bind our legacy was too good to pass up,” McCalman noted.  “I’m a young, hungry, talented diamond in the rough.  Ryan taking a chance means a lot and I think the two of use together will accomplish great things.  Once this train gets going there’s no stopping it.  So, jump aboard now…..next stop world championship level!”  

McCalman joins Fighter Locker’s growing stable that includes a talented Ukrainian trio of North American Boxing Association (NABA) super welterweight title holderStanyslav Skofokhod (19-2, 16 KOs), word-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian (16-1, 7 KOs) and super lightweight Zoravor Petrosyan (7-0, 3 KOs).  Other Fighter Locker stablemates include Dominican welterweight Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu (23-5-1, 21 KOs), the former IBF Youth World super lightweight champion; Lynn, MA super welterweight Khiry Todd (10-1, 8 KOs),Dorchester, MA welterweight Gabriel Duluc (15-3, 4 KOs), Troy, NY super lightweight RayJay Bermudez, Toronto, Canada welterweight Jeff “The Trouble 1” Tabrizi (8-3, 7 KOs), New Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (16-3-2, 5 KOs), super featherweight Jesus Vasquez, Jr., plus Irish National  champion Paul Ryan, who will fight as a welterweight in the pro ranks, and U.S. Army super bantamweight Daniel Bailey, Jr.  The latter two will make their pro debuts when boxing returns in full. 

INFORMATION:  

WEBSITE:  fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com 

FACEBOOK:  /fighterlocker 

TWITTER:  @RoachRyan 

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82  

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR MMA LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE CHANNEL ON PLUTO TV AUGUST 4 THE LEADING FREE STREAMING TELEVISION SERVICE IN THE US TO FEATURE AROUND-THE-CLOCK BELLATOR ACTION

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LOS ANGELES – Bellator MMA and Pluto TV, ViacomCBS companies, today announced that they have partnered to launch an exclusive channel on Pluto TV with iconic, action-packed past matches showcasing legendary talent and champions all from Bellator’s extensive library of content. The Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV officially launched today with nonstop, adrenaline-rich entertainment and can be found in the “Sports” category on the leading, free streaming television service in the US.
 
The Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV will debut with more than 500 fights from Bellator’s vast collection of past events. Fans will see historic bouts featuring current world champions Ryan Bader,Douglas Lima, Patricio “Pitbull” and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, as well as other iconic names and top talent in the sport, including Fedor Emelianenko, Michael Chandler, Gegard Mousasi,Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, A.J. McKee, Benson Henderson, Jake Hager, Michael “Venom” Page and Chael Sonnen.
 
The Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV can be accessed directly by clicking here: https://pluto.tv/live-tv/bellator-mma
 
“I am excited for the launch of the Bellator MMA channel on Pluto TV that will feature unlimited access to our extensive content library,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “This is a great way to increase the promotion’s visibility across additional ViacomCBS platforms, while giving our fans the opportunity to relive these incredible moments from inside the Bellator cage.”
 
“We are excited to welcome a renowned and respected mixed martial arts organization like Bellator MMA to Pluto TV.  Being a part of the ViacomCBS organization affords us unique access to a coveted portfolio of premium brands and properties with built-in fanbases, like Bellator, that further differentiates the types of programming we can stream on Pluto TV,” states Amy Kuessner, SVP of Content Strategy & Global Partnerships at Pluto TV. “The launch of Bellator MMA as an exclusive channel on Pluto TV brings free and easy access to millions of new and existing fans, with premium content that is guaranteed to really pack a punch.”
 
Pluto TV offers hundreds of channels and thousands of movies and television series on-demand to a domestic audience of over 24 million users. With over 100,000 hours of premium content available on the platform, Pluto TV is available across all major mobile, connected TV and web-based devices and has a global footprint spanning three continents across 22 countries.
 
Please visit Pluto.tv and Bellator.com for additional information.
 
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