Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FIFTH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT ADDED TO NEF XVIII FIGHT CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (May 4, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur bantamweight bout to the fight card.  It will be the fifth amateur title awarded on the June 13 card.  The bout will feature Johnny Crafts (3-0) going one-on-one with Jeff Watts (5-2) at the bantamweight limit of 135-pounds.

 

Voted the “Rookie of the Year” for 2014 by NEF fans, Johnny Crafts has dominated in all three of his prior bouts.  For those familiar with his background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), it comes as no surprise that the brown belt has submitted each of his opponents. Last February, Crafts handed the previously-undefeated Mike Crespo (2-2) his first loss in the NEF cage.  He is currently a member of Team New England United (NEU) – the largest BJJ team in the northeast.

 

“I’m very excited to be fighting for the first ever NEF ammy bantamweight title,” said Crafts.  “This is definitely my hardest fight to date and I am ready to show everyone my progression.  Jeff seems like a very well-rounded, experienced fighter and this  should be a battle for the NEF fans to enjoy.”

 

Jeff Watts is a product of western New York state where he developed a reputation at a young age as a tough street fighter. With a background in Karate and wrestling, Watts began training in MMA in 2009.  A familiar face to New England MMA fans having competed twice in Plymouth, Massachusetts, June 13 will be his debut in the NEF cage.  Watts is known internationally  as writer “Karmaatemycat” on major MMA website Cagepotato.com. Currently residing in Wausau, Wisconsin, he trains out of Rising Son MMA.

 

“I’m incredibly excited to be fighting the caliber of Jiu Jitsu that John brings to the cage,” said Watts.  “I’m even more excited to see how he handles being punched in the face. First ever Bantamweight title for NEF. What an honor! Win, lose, or draw–it’s going to be a crazy night. I’m  excited to show some skills I’ve never shown before. Let’s put a show on John. Bang with me.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

BELLATOR MMA INKS LIGHTWEIGHT KNOCKOUT ARTIST MELVIN GUILLARD TO A MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-FIGHT DEAL

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 4, 2015) – Bellator MMA officials are proud to announce that they have signed MMA fan-favorite Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (32-14-2) to a multi-year, multi-fight contract.

 

A debut date and opponent will be announced for Guillard in the near future.

 

At only 32 years of age, “The Young Assassin” has amassed 50 professional bouts in a career that dates back to 2002. With 21 victories coming by KO, Guillard has generated a large fan base with his exciting fighting style.

 

Born in New Orleans, the knockout artist has honed his skills at some of the top MMA gyms in the world including Jackson’s MMA, Blackzilians, Grudge Training Center and American Top Team, where he currently trains. During his 22-fight stint with Ultimate Fighting Championship, Guillard broke MMA great BJ Penn’s record for most KO’s in the lightweight division with eight, an accolade which he still holds to this day.

 

“We are excited to have Melvin coming onboard,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “Withcompetitors the likes of Lightweight Champion Will Brooks, Michael Chandler, Marcin Held, Derek Anderson, Saad Awad, Dave Jansen and Patricky Pitbull on the roster already, the matchup possibilities for an exciting fighter like him are endless.”

 

Guillard owns victories over notable names that include Marcus Davis, Dennis Siver, Gleison Tibau, Evan Dunham, and Jeremy Stephens.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing

FLOYD MAYWEATHER DEFEATS MANNY PACQUIAO BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN FRONT OF 16,507 FANS  AT MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

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Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE For Photos From Will Hart/HBO

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

 

“He’s [Manny Pacquiao] is a hell of a fighter. I take my hat off to him. Now I see why he’s one of the guys that are at the pinnacle of the sport of boxing.

 

“I knew he was going to push it and win some rounds. He had some moments in the fight, but I kept him on the outside, I was a smart fighter. I wasn’t getting hit with a lot of shots until I sat in the pocket, that’s when he would land a lot of shots.

 

“We did what we had to do tonight and I’m truly blessed.

 

“I’m a calculated fighter, he’s a tough competitor.

 

“I have to take it off to my dad, without him I wouldn’t be where I’m at.

 

“He’s a very awkward fighter, so I had to take my time and watch him close.

 

“All 47 fights before I got to this fight played a major key in my career.

 

“Manny Pacquiao is a true champion and we both did our best tonight.

 

“When the history books are written, this fight will have been worth the wait.

 

“I have one more fight. My last fight is in September and then it’s time for me to hang it up. I’m almost 40 years old now. I’ve been in the sport 19 years and have been a champion for 18 years, I’m truly truly blessed.”

 

 

 

MANNY PACQUIAO

 

“It was a good fight; I thought I won the fight.

 

“He didn’t do anything. He was always moving outside.

 

“I got him many times, I saw his punches.

 

“He was moving around too much, it wasn’t easy throwing punches at him. If he would’ve stayed in one place then I could’ve thrown punches.

 

“I was cutting him and countering. I wanted to fight.

 

“I was able to handle his power; he’s not strong like previous opponents like [Antonio] Margarito.

 

“I thought I was up in the fight, so that’s why I didn’t attack harder in the 11th and 12th rounds.

 

“He’s not bigger than me, it’s not about the size. The size doesn’t matter. I’ve fought guys bigger than him and had no problem.”

 

 

*          *          *

 

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and sponsored by Tecate con caracter, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions -Terminator Genisys, in theaters July 1st, Paramount Pictures & Skydance Productions present MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, in theaters & IMAX July 31st, The Weinstein Company and the new movie Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, in theaters everywhere July 24 and Mexico, Live it to Believe it. The three-fight pay-per-view telecast was co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

 

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts

M-1 Challenge 57 results & pictures – Puetz defeats Tybura, Barnaoui upsets Divnich

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 Presents

M-1 CHALLENGE 57: IN THE HEART OF THE CONTINENT 

MARCIN TYBURA, M-1 Challenge Heavyweight Champion

vs.

STEPHAN PUETZ, M-1 Light Heavyweight Champion

 

MAXIM DIVNICH vs. MANSOUR ‘Tarzan’ BARNAOUI

M-1 Challenge Lightweight Championship

May 2, 2015   ● Orenburg, Russia
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

M-1 Challenge 57: Battle in the Heart of the Continent

Puetz stops Tybura in Heavyweight Superfight

Barnaoui takes Divnich’s title belt

 OFFICIAL RESULTS

Stephan Puetz defeated Marcin Tybura in Heavyweight Super Fight

ORENBURG, Russia (May 2, 2015) – M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title holder Stephan “T-800” Puetz defeated previously undefeated M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Marcin “Tybur” Tubura in tonight’s heavyweight super fight that headlined M-1 Challenge 57: Battle in the Heart of the Continent in Orenburg, Russia.

 

In the co-feature, challenger Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui upset defending champion Max Divnich to capture the M-1 Challenge lightweight championship.

 

Puetz (13-1-0, 6 KO/TKO, 4 SUB) established himself as a genuine MMA star by defeating the larger Tybura (12-1-0, 3 KO/TKO, 4 SUB). The ultra-talented German won his fourth straight M-1 Challenge fight with a third-round technical knockout of the Polish heavyweight, who was unbeaten in six previous M-1 Challenge bouts, resulting from the doctor’s stoppage.

 

Barnaoui (12-2-0, 4 KO/TKO, 7 SUB), fighting out of France, stopped previously undefeated champion Divnich (11-1-0, 6 KO/TKO, 1 SUB), of Russia, in the second round via punches.

 

Also fighting on the main card, Russian welterweight Alexei Kunchenko (9-0-0, 6 KO/TKO, 2 SUB) knocked out British challenger Dez “The Arm Collector” Parker (4-2-0, 1 KO/TKO, 3 SUB) in the opening round, Russian featherweight Magomed Idrisov (5-0-0, 2 KO/TKO, 0 SUB) won a three-round decision over German invader Max Coga (11-4-0, 2 KO/TKO, SUB), and Russian featherweight Nikita “Piranha” Chistyakov (4-1-0, 0 KO/TKO, 1 SUB) took a hard fought three-round decision from Frenchman Moktar “Le Benkaci” Benkaci (11-6-0, 3 KO/TKO, 7 SUB).

 

In preliminary bouts, lightweight Murad Mirzabekov (2-1-0, 0 SUB) knocked out fellow Russian Fabrice Dato (6-2-0, 2 KO/TKO, 2 SUB) in the first round, Russian heavyweight Kurban Ibragimov (3-2-0, 2 KO/TKO, 0 SUB) punched his way to a second-round victory over Spaniard David Trallero (1-2-0, 1 KO/TKO), Russian light heavyweight Rashid Yusupov (5-1-0, 1 KO/TKO, 2 SUB) registered an impressive first-round KO of Russian Mitry Medvedev (7-5-0, 3 KO/TKO, 3 SUB), Adam “Beard” Yandiev (6-0-0, 3 KO/TKO, 3 SUB) remained undefeated with an opening-round submission (guillotine choke) win against Dmitriy Adeev (1-2-0, 1 KO/TKO) in a battle of Russian light heavyweights, Damir Ismagulov (2-1-0, 1 KO/TKO, 0 SUB) took a three-round unanimous decision from fellow Russian lightweight Sergey Andreev (5-4-0, 2 KO/TKO, 2 SUB), Kazakhstan welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov (2-0-0, 1 KO/TKO, 1 SUB) punched out Bartos “Hulk” Chyrek (4-2-0, 4 SUB) in the first round, and Russian featherweight Timur Nagibin (7-1-0, 2 KO/TKO, 0 SUB) knocked out Akhmandjon Mamurov (0-1-0), of Tajikistan, in round one.

 

Complete results and picture gallery below:

 

 

MAIN CARD

 

HEAVYWEIGHT SUPERFIGHT

Stephan Puetz (13-1-0), Germany                  WTKO3 (3:48)          Marcin Tubura (12-1-0), Poland

 

M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Mansour Barnaoui (13-2-0), France         (WKO1 (punches – 4:48)            Maxim Divnich (11-1-0), Russia

(Barnaoui won M-1 Challenge Lightweight Title)

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Alexei Kunchenko (9-0-0), Russia           WKO1 (punches – 2:55)                    Dez Parker (4-2-0), England

 

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Magomed Idrisov (5-0-0), Russia                        WDEC3                                   Max Coga (11-4-0), Germany

 

Nikita Chistyakov (4-1-0), Russia                        WDEC3                              Moktar Benkaci (11-6-0), France

 

PRELIMINARY CARD

 

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Kurban Ibragimov (3-2-0), Russia            WTKO2 (punches – 2:00)                 David Trallero (1-2-0), Spain

 

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Rashid Yusupov (5-1-0), Russia               WKO1 (punches – 1:32)               Mitry Medvedev (7-5-0), Russia

 

Adam Yandiev (6-0-0), Russia            WSUB1 (guillotine choke – 1:14)          Dmitry Adeev (1-2-0), Russia

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Shavat Rakhmonov (2-0-0), Kazakhstan     WKO1 (punches – 2:50)             Bartos Chyrek (4-2-0), Poland

 

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Damir Ismagulov (2-1-0), Russia                          WDEC3                             Sergey Andreev (5-4-0), Russia

 

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Murad Mirzabekov (2-1-0), Russia            WKO1 (punches – 2:50)                   Fabrice Dato (6-2-0), Russia

 

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Timur Nagibin (7-1-0), Russia             WKO1 (punches – 1:05)    Akhmandjon Mamurov (0-1-0), Tajikistan

 

 
The great Fedor Emelianenko addressed the crowd

 
MMA sperstar Stephan “T-800” Puetz

Mansour vs. Divnich fight is all over

New M-1 Challenge 57 lightweight champion Mansour Barnaoui

 
Murad Mirzabekov ends fight with Fabrice

Kurban Ibragimov and David Trallero exchange kickx

Shavkat Rakhmonov controls Bartos Chyrek

Adam Yandiev has hold on Dmitriy Adeev

Moktar Benkaci and Mikita Chistyakov mix it up

 
Rashid Yusupov put Mitry Medvedev to sleep

Damir Ismagulov and Sergey Andreev

 

 

Information

www.mixfight.ru 

www.wmmaa.org

www.M1Global.tv

 

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein

 

@M1Global

 

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/pages/M-1-Global/145250878842244

 
mixed martial arts, RFA

RFA RETURNS TO MILE HIGH CITY TO CROWN WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION

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RFA 26 IN COLORADO
FRIDAY JUNE 5TH LIVE ON AXS TV
MAIN EVENT:
Ben Smith vs Gilbert Smith
WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIOSNHIP
PLUS:
THE RETURN OF BOSTON SALMON, DANNY MAINUS, JARRED MERCADO, AND BRUNO FRAZATTO



LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) president Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will be returning to the state of Colorado next month. RFA 26 – Smith vs. Smith will feature a main event between two RFA fan favorites. RFA welterweight champion Benjamin Smith returns to face man similar in name and talent. His first title defense will be against #1 contender Gilbert Smith, who will be looking to keep the title from leaving his home state. The event takes place Friday, June 5th at the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

“Smith vs. Smith will be a fantastic welterweight title fight at RFA 26,” stated Soares. “Benjamin Smith was completely dominant in winning the title, while Gilbert Smith was valiant in his last title fight by going 5 rounds with a guy who missed weight by 5 pounds. Smith and Smith will give Colorado a title fight they deserve.”
Tickets for RFA 26 – Smith vs. Smith are available for purchase NOW through AltitudeTickets.com. Tickets start at $25.00. A limited number of catered 8-seat cageside VIP tables are available by calling 303-521-0966.
Benjamin Smith (14-2) returns to the RFA octagon after winning the vacant RFA welterweight strap with a dominant TKO victory over Tat Romero in March. That win came after he bested Josh Cavan in the co-main event of RFA 20 to close out last year. Smith has been perfect in MMA for the past two years and is currently riding a 6-fight winning streak. The surging Minnesota based fighter now looks to solidify his control of the RFA welterweight division with his first title defense.
“It feels great to be defending my title in Colorado, since I had a great experience fighting there in November,” said Smith. “I won the title back in March and this is a great opportunity. It gives me holding status. Gilbert Smith has a great last name. He’s also a really physically strong competitor. I look forward to finishing him and keeping the belt at RFA 26 on June 5th.”
Gilbert Smith (10-4) enters the title fight looking for redemption and some vindication after his first shot at the title in January was hindered when his opponent egregiously missed weight by 5-pounds. The always-game Smith agreed to take the fight anyway, but the brazen weight advantage that his opponent possessed, played a pivotal and unfair role in the outcome of their 5-round affair. Smith is now eager to get his shot at the title on a level playing field.
“First and foremost, I am really excited to be getting this opportunity,” Smith explained. “It will be nice to get redemption. I do wish my opponent made weight in the last fight, but I ended up learning a lot from that fight. I was back in the gym on the Wednesday after the fight and I have filled in the holes that I needed to fix. Benjamin Smith is a deserving champion. He’s a good grappler that has been working on his boxing, but he has a similar style to me. That will play to my advantage. I don’t know how, but I will finish him, and get that belt strapped around my waist in front of my friends and family in Colorado.”
RFA 26 will also see the return of former RFA bantamweight title challenger Jarred “Shutout” Mercado (12-2). He faces fellow two-time RFA vet Bruno Frazatto (6-2). Mercado has NCAA Division I wrestling credentials, while Frazatto is a highly-decorated jiu-jitsu black belt. The main card will feature another pair of RFA bantamweights that are both known for their exciting and action-packed fights. Hawaiian striking sensation Boston Salmon (3-0) will look to keep his flawless record intact with a fourth straight TKO win. He will face collegiate wrestler and three-time RFA vet Danny Mainus (3-3) in a bout that has “Fight of the Night” written all over it.
The co-main event, feature fight, and additional bouts at RFA 26 will be announced soon. RFA 26 will be the promotion’s sixth event to take place in the state of Colorado. It will be the second time the RFA has visited “The Centennial State” in 2015. The entire main card of RFA 26 – Smith vs. Smith will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Friday, June 5th.
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.
boxing

Ritehook Promotions brings boxing back to Gulf with Family Fight Night

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May 2 Fight Poster.jpg

Biloxi, MS (April 30, 2015) – On Saturday evening when most of the boxing world is glued to the TV watching the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao superfight, those in the Mississippi Gulf will have the chance to not only witness the historic bout but also enjoy top notch talent before their own eyes.

Live at the Hard Rock Hotel in Biloxi, Ritehook Promotions will proudly present “Sweet Science 3”. The event is open to children of all ages but all minors must be accompanied by an adult over 30. With a number of promoters coming and going in the Gulf Coast, Ritehook Promotions CEO William Hunter is committed to boxing’s comeback in the Magnolia State.

Headlining this family friend event will be a showdown between highly touted Radivoje “Hod Rod” Kalajdzic and local spoiler William Johnson. Kalajdzic’s been perfect thus far as a pro, compiling a record of 17-0 but will be tested by a 50-plus fight veteran who has faced many top opponents.

In the semi-main event, Ritehook Promotions prospect Manny “Shake Em’ Up” Woods will try to take another step towards contention when he squares off against granite chinned Aaron Anderson. The fearless Woods has a solid 12-3-1 professional ledger and is eager to fight the best.

Tony Johnson Jr. meets grizzled veteran Marvin Hunt over four rounds in a heavyweight special attraction bout. The Nashville, TN based Johnson is 1-0 as a boxer but is best known as a top MMA fighter in the Bellator organization.

Fans will also get to enjoy separate bouts featuring Mike Bissett, Joey Bryant, Cameron Springer and Tom Howard.

“Boxing’s popularity is on the rise overall and with Mayweather-Pacquiao taking place the same night as our card, the interest on Saturday, May 2 will be at an all-time high,” said Hunter. “Ritehook Promotions is based out of this area and we have a great relationship not only with the community and venue, but the fighters we’re promoting. Those who come out to the Hard Rock Saturday evening will get to see talented fighters in Radivoje Kalajdzic, Manny Woods and Mike Bissett plus the man that I consider the biggest sleeper prospect in boxing Tony Johnson Jr.”

 

“Tony is a top rated MMA fighter and is 1-0 as a boxer. I truly believe he’s the Bo Jackson of Boxing. The goal is to get him a title fight by the time he’s 10-0 and make him the first dual sport champion. If you haven’t already done so, get your tickets now because we’re almost sold out!”

Tickets start at just $35 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com, at the Hard Rock Box Office or by calling228-217-5555. All ticketholders are invited to stay at the Hard Rock following the live fights and watch Mayweather-Pacquiao on a 35-foot screen.

For more information, go to Ritehookpromotions.com.

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts

Official weights and pictures for M-1 Challenge 57 in Russia

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 Presents

M-1 CHALLENGE 57: IN THE HEART OF THE CONTINENT 

MARCIN TYBURA, M-1 Challenge Heavyweight Champion

vs.

STEPHAN PUETZ, M-1 Light Heavyweight Champion

 

MAXIM DIVNICH vs. MANSOUR ‘Tarzan’ BARNAOUI

M-1 Challenge Lightweight Championship

May 2, 2015   ● Orenburg, Russia

WATCH LIVE ON M-1GLOBAL.TV
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
M-1 CHALLENGE 57
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PICTURES

Marcin Tybura vs. Stephan Puetz headlines May 2 in Orenburg, Russia

Stephan “T-800” Puetz

 

MAIN CARD

 

 
(L-R) M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Marcin Tybura &
M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan Puetz

 

M-1 CHALLENGE HEAVYWEIGHT SUPERFIGHT – 5 X 5

MARCIN “Tybur” TYBURA (12-0-0), M-1 Challenge Heavyweight Champion, Poland 251 ½ lbs. (114.2 kg)

STEPHAN “T-800” PUETZ (12-1-0), m-1 Challenge Light Heavyweight Champion, 229 lbs. (104 kg)

 

 
(L-R) – Mansour Barnaoui & Maxim Divnich

 

M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5

MAXIM DIVNICH (11-0-0), Champion, Russia 154 lbs. (70 kg)

MANSOUR “Tarzan” BARNAOUI (11-2-0), Challenger, France 154 lbs. (70 kg)

 
(L-R) – Dez Parker & Alexei Kunchenko

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

ALEXEI KUNCHENKO (8-0-0), Russia 169 lbs. (76.8 kg)

DEZ “The Arm Collector” PARKER (4-1-0), England 169 ½ lbs. (77 kg)

 

 
(L-R) – Max Coga & Magomed Idrisov

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

MAGOMED IDRISOV (4-0-0), Russia 144 ½ lbs. (65.6 kg)                                    

MAX COGA (11-3-0), Germany 144 ½ lbs. (65.7 kg)

 

 
Moktar Benkaci & Nikita Chistyakov

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

MOKTAR “Le Benkaci” BENKACI (11-5-0), France 145 lbs. (65.8 kg)

NIKITA “Piranha” CHISTYAKOV (3-1-0), Russia 145 lbs. (65.8 kg)

 

PRELIMINARY CARD

 
Frabrice Dato & Murad Mirzabekov

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

MURAD MIRZABEKOV (1-1-0), Russia 153 ½ lbs. (69.8 kg)
FABRICE DATO (6-1-0), Russia 154 ½ lbs. (70.3 kg)

 
David Trallero & Kurban Ibragimov

HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

KURBAN IBRAGIMOV (2-2-0), Russia 213 ½ lbs. (97.0 kg)

DAVID TRALLERO (1-1-0), Spain 235 lbs. (106.8 kg)

 

 
Rashid Yusupov & Mitry Medvedev

 

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

RASHID YUSUPOV (4-1-0), Russia 202 ½ lbs. (92.0 kg)

MITRY MEDVEDEV (7-4-0), Russia 205 lbs. (93.0 kg)

 

 
Adam Yaniev & Dmitriy Adeev

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

ADAM “Beard” YANEIEV (5-0-0), Russia 202 ½ lbs. (92 kg)

DMITRIY ADEEV (1-1-0), Russia 202 ½ lbs. (92 kg)

 
Sergey Andreev & Damir Ismagulov

 

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

DAMIR ISMAGULOV (1-1-0), Russia 154 lbs. (70.1 kg)

SERGEY ANDREEV (5-3-0), Russia 153 ½ lbs. (69.8 kg)

 
Bartos Chyrek & Shavkat Rakhmonov

 

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

SHAVAT RAKHMONOV (1-0-0), Kazakhstan 169 lbs. (76.8 kg)

BARTOS “Hulk” CHYREK (4-1-0), Poland 169 lbs. (76.9 kg)

 
Timur Nagibin & Akhmandjon Mamurov

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

TIMUR NAGIBIN (6-1-0), Russia 144 ½ lbs. (65.7 kg)

AKHMANDJON MAMUROV (0-0-0), Tajikistan 144 lbs. (65.5 kg)

 

WHAT:            M-1 Challenge 57: Battle in the Heart of the Continent

 

WHEN:            Saturday, May 2, 2015

                       9:15 a.m. (New York City), 5:15 p.m. (Moscow)

 

WHERE:          Orenburg, Russia 1:30

 

PROMOTER:    M-1 Global

 

LIVE STREAM: WWW.M1GLOBAL.TV

 

M-1 Challenge 57 will be streamed live from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the fights by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV.Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may also watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Andriod and Apple smart phones and tablets. The entire card will also be broadcast live, starting at 2:00 p.m. ET, on Fight Network via Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, and on Roku devices across North America, and globally in more than 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

INFORMATION

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

www.M1Global.tv

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1Global

@VFinkelchtein

@M1GlobalNews

 

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

 

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!
Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

THE TWO COR(E)YS… OF THE NEF MMA CAGE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 1, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the fight card.  The bout will feature Corey Hinkley (2-3) against Cory Trial (0-1) at the lightweight limit of 155-pounds.

 

Cory Trial made his NEF MMA debut this past February at “NEF XVI.”  While Trial came out on the losing end of the fight, he showed powerful striking skills in a wild slugfest with Ricky Dexter (3-0).  It is a fighting style that Trial and his teammates at Ruthless MMA & Boxing of Benton, Maine have become known for.  It is a style that has also produced some of the most memorable fights on the last several NEF events.  Ruthless head coach Josh Parker (4-8) is confident in Trial’s ability to finish the bout coming up on June 13.

 

“When Cory walked into my gym, I knew I had something special,” said Parker.  “The guy is an animal, and in June he will be looking to show everyone that in his last fight the lights killed him.  This fight won’t be going out of the first round.”

 

“I’m excited for this fight,” exclaimed Trial.  “Excited to get another chance to show people who I am as a fighter.  Last time, I was overwhelmed with the lights and the crowd.  This time, the real Cory will be in the cage, and I’ll be looking for the finish.”

 

When they meet at “NEF XVIII,” it will have been nine months since the last time Trial’s opponent, Corey Hinkley, stepped in the cage to compete.  After starting his amateur career at 2-1, Hinkley has dropped his last two in a row.  He and his coach at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ), Jesse Erickson (3-3), say that Hinkley has been training harder than ever for his return and has put personal issues behind him since his last appearance for NEF.

 

“I’ve had a lot of personal things going on in my life in the past, but I’m now able to train the way I’ve been needing to and I’m coming back stronger than ever,” said Hinkley.

 

“I have never seen Corey so focused,” stated Erickson.  “He’s training harder than he has for any of his previous fights, and I can’t wait to watch him do his thing in June!”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing, Top Rank

MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD FIGHTERS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM DAVID COPPERFIELD THEATER AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

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Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank

 

Click HERE For Photos From Will Hart/HBO

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (April 30, 2015) – Undefeated WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz, WBO Featherweight World Champion Vasyl Lomachenko, their opponents and non-televised fighters participated Thursday in the undercard final press conference before their respective fights taking place this Saturday, May 2, live on pay-per-view at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

 

In pay-per-view fights before Floyd “Money” Mayweather meets Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in their epic welterweight championship unificiation showdown, the Mexican star Santa Cruz (29-0-1, 17 KOs) will take on fellow Mexican countryman  Jose Cayetano (17-3, 8 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight contest and Ukraine’s Lomachenko(3-1, 1 KO) will defend against Puerto Rico’s Gamalier Rodriguez (25-2-3, 17 KOs).

 

The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

Also appearing at the press conference were boxers fighting on the non-televised portion of the card: Promising unbeaten Chris “Young King” Pearson (11-0, 9 KOs), who meets Said El Harrak (12-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout; hard-hitting Jesse Hart (16-0, 13 KOs), who’ll face fellow unbeaten Mike Jimenez (17-0, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the NABO, USBA and NABF Super Middleweight titles, power-punching Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (9-0, 9 KOs), who will be opposed by Anthony Caputo Smith (15-4, 10 KOs) in a cruiserweight eight-rounder and undefeated super middleweight Brad Solomon (24-0, 9 KOs), who meets Adrian Rene Granados (13-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round scrap.

 

Here is what the fighters and executives said Thursday at the Copperfield Theater at the MGM Grand:

 

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“I’m more than excited to be on this undercard. This is the biggest card I could have been on. I want to show the whole world who I am.

 

“I prepared very hard for this fight, like I always do. It’s going to be a historic night and I’m happy to be a part of that history.

 

“I know that everybody is here for Mayweather and Pacquiao but there will still be millions seeing me fight and I want to show them who Leo Santa Cruz is so that I can get a lot more fans.

 

“”I’m still young and there are many more fights to come. The fights the fans want, we’re going to give it to them. I know those fights are going to happen.

 

“I want to look spectacular and I want to get Cayetano out of there really fast. Sometimes these kind of fighters are the ones who give you the hardest fights because they come hungrier and have nothing to lose.

 

“Seeing my family here and having them in the arena on fight night is a huge motivation for me. I feel happier and more relaxed and I’m ready.

 

“I never underestimate a fighter. Any fighter in the ring is dangerous. I hope that Cayetano is ready so that we can give the fans a great show.”

 

JOSE CAYETANO
“I know that Leo Santa Cruz is a strong, difficult fighter but he also has weaknesses and that is what we prepared for, to give him a surprise.

“I’m a man that takes challenges and I’ve been preparing very hard, I’m always prepared for these types of fights. I’m very prepared and I feel very strongly that I will win.

“I came here for the opportunity to beat Leo Santa Cruz and for the opportunity to participate in such a grand event that is Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.

“I’m very happy and very grateful and very excited to get into the ring. It’s a huge commitment, the entire world will be watching me but that is why I accepted the fight, I know that if I beat him, bigger and better opportunities will come my way.

“I’m not nervous because it’s not the first time that I’ve faced a tough opponent. I’ve never faced a world champion but I’ve faced opponents that throw hard punches, so I’m not nervous, I’m excited.”

 

VASYL LOMACHENKO

“This is an opportunity to show everyone what I’m capable of doing and for millions of viewers to see that I can do it.

 

“The best fighters get the best opportunities in the ring, there are a lot of great fighters getting those opportunities including myself.

 

“It’s always a good feeling when people are saying good things about you.

 

“I’m very excited to be involved in a bout such as this one, May 2 will be a big show shown around the world. I’m very happy to be in the opening bout for this huge fight.”

 

GAMALIER RODRIGUEZ
“I’m looking forward to this big fight on Saturday. It’s a blessing to participate in this type of press conference and come Saturday, I will win! I’m sure of it. I will be champion.

“All of the attention toward Vasyl Lomachenko gives me motivation. I’ve been a fighter and a boxer since I was young and it’s added motivation to come out on top this weekend.

 

“I know that Lomachenko is a good and technical fighter but it doesn’t compare to my hunger and drive to be world champion.

“I wanted to take the opportunity during my speech at the press conference to let everyone know that I can here to fight. It’s going to be a hard fought battle and I’m very confident that I’ll win and become the champion this Saturday.”

 

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“I am so excited to be here today to discuss the great undercard which will be the lead-in to our long awaited, history making event taking place this Saturday night.

 

“The lead-in fight for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao will be a very exciting fight featuring Leo Santa Cruz and Jose Cayetano.

 

“Leo Santa Cruz is one of the classiest gentleman in the sport. He’s a very fan-friendly fighter and a Mexican warrior. He represents Mexico very well.”

 

BOB ARUM, Hall of Fame Promoter, Top Rank

“I know that every fighter deems it a tremendous honor to be part of this great event.  We hope and believe that we will be presenting to the public through Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank, the best of boxing and the best fighters.

 

“Vasyl Lomachenko is considered to be the greatest amateur fighter of all time. Now, he looks for the same type of success he had as an amateur in the professional ranks. But this will be a very competitive fight, because Gamalier Rodriguez is a Puerto Rican who comes to fight and believes that he can upset Vasyl.

 

“A lot of the young men up here believe they are the next big thing in boxing, and many will be. But I know that Vasyl Lomachenko will be a big superstar in the sport of boxing.”

 

*          *          *

 

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate con caracter, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions -Terminator Genisys, in theaters July 1st, Paramount Pictures & Skydance Productions present MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, in theaters & IMAX July 31st, The Weinstein Company and the new movie Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, in theaters everywhere July 24 and Mexico, Live it to Believe it.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

boxing, UK Boxing

Khan-Soloninkini Battle For Title Supremacy In London This Saturday

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Bradford’s exciting Bantamweight prospect TASIF KHAN is set to challenge for his first title this Saturday, when he takes on Georgian #1 ranked MIKHEIL SOLONINKINI, for the vacant International Masters Silver Bantamweight Championship, on the Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott promoted LORDS OF THE RING event at the iconic York Hall, in Bethnal Green, London on May 2nd.

 

Khan earned the title shot with a pair of sensational first round stoppage wins earlier this year, following his return from a two year sabbatical from the sport.

 

In January this year, Khan dispatched Hungarian #2 ranked Richard Voros in just one minute and five seconds of the first round at the York Hall, then two months later followed up with an almost identical stoppage victory, this time in one minute and fifteen seconds of the first round, over the Czech Republic’s Ladislav Miko at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool.

 

Originally Khan was to face Patrik Bartos, however the Czech lad was TKO’d by Andrew Cain, on the undercard of Derry Mathews WBA title fight, at the Echo Arena, a couple of weeks ago.

 

Bartos’ replacement, Mikheil Soloninkini, has been quite a regular figure on the UK scene, having fought here four times in the past year, including an unsuccessful challenge for the International Masters Bronze title, which he lost out on points to Jamie Williams back in March.

 

Speaking from his home earlier, Khan appeared unperturbed with the late change of opponent.

 

“It’s a shame, I had been preparing for Patrik Bartos, but what can I say he got stopped and has a twenty eight day suspension, these things happen.

 

I would have preferred if we’d known earlier who was going to replace Patrik, but three potential opponents backed out last week and then a fourth that had been proposed got knocked back by the MBC as not suitable.

 

Luckily though this new lad agreed terms on Tuesday and now the fight is set and ready to go, I can’t wait.

 

I’m not expecting it to be a quick finish like the past two fights, they were four and six rounders, this time I’ll have to pace myself just in case I have to go the full ten rounds, but if the chance comes, I’ll take him out early.

 

Trainings been great, always is, I’m ready and raring to go, can’t wait.

 

My fans are great so far this year they’ve come out in force to support me in London and Liverpool and Saturday they’ll be back in London again, I can’t thank them enough, they’re a great bunch that really get behind me, making plenty of noise, letting me know that they’re there, they’re really are brilliant and I’ll thank them the best way I know, winning the title.

 

I’d like to say a big thank you to my sponsors, Kingsland Business Recovery in Bradford, Broadway Solicitors in Oldham, Kesser Jewelers in Bradford and Vyomax Supplements from Manchester, they’ve been brilliant getting behind me so I can concentrate on my boxing.

 

Finally I have just been told that Mark and Billy (Promoters Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott) have arranged a function room so that everyone can watch the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight live after my fight, so if you haven’t got tickets yet, you know what to do, either call me or get down to York Hall on Saturday as there are still some tickets available. “

 

Tasif Khan versus Mikheil Soloninkini, for the vacant International Masters Bantamweight Championship, co-headlines the Mark Lyons & Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys Promotions LORDS OF THE RING event, that takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 2nd May 2015.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets priced £35 (Standard seating) and £65 (Ringside) are available direct from Tasif on 07756 311857, or at the venue on the night or pre-book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or call the TKO ticket line on 07960 850645

 

Tickets for the after event private viewing of the Mayweather-Pacquiao super fight live via satellite, that cost just £10, will be available for purchase at York Hall on the Saturday night.

 

 

 

-END-

 

 

PHOTOS

 

6698 – Tasif Khan in action against Richard Voros at York Hall in January.

 

PHOTO CREDIT

Please feel free to use all photos supplied – photo credit is not required but should you do so, please credit – Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

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