Tag Archives: Brandon Girtz

KERI MELENDEZ SET FOR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS DEBUT VS. SHEILA PADILLA AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE ON NOV. 19

 

 

UNDEFEATED LIGHTWEIGHTS JAKE ROBERTS-CARRINGTON BANKS READY FOR ACTION IN PRELIMINARY CONTEST

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 19, 2016) – The anticipated mixed martial arts debut of flyweight Keri Melendez will come against Sheila Padilla (2-0) during the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

 

In addition, a lightweight bout pitting Carrington Banks (5-0) against Jake Roberts (7-0) has been added to the Bellator.com-streamed preliminary card.

 

The bouts join action-packed fights highlighted by a lightweight world title main event featuring Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In addition, a welterweight clash between undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) will also be the card’s co-main event. Rounding out the televised action, a lightweight showdown pitting Adam Piccolotti (8-0) against Brandon Girtz (14-4) and a light heavyweight matchup pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) versus Francis Carmont (14-4) were added earlier this week.

 

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” will take place on November 19, airing LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m ET/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

 

The queen of the infamous Skrap Pack in Northern California, Melendez made her first appearance in a victory during the kickboxing portion of “Bellator: Dynamite 1,” and followed up with another win at “Dynamite 2.” Melendez tallied a 4-1 amateur mark before taking her talents to the professional circuit, where she currently holds a 4-1 kickboxing record. The 32-year-old flyweight will now make the transition to MMA, an iteration of combat sports that her husband, Gilbert Melendez has plenty of success in. Living up to her promise of making her debut in 2016, Melendez will compete on the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

Fighting out of Visalia, Calif., Padilla will enter the Bellator MMA fray following two successful wins on the regional scene, both coming in 2016. Training under Bellator MMA veteran Doug Marshall at Team Elite, this will be Padilla’s opportunity to truly make a name for herself against Melendez, when she competes LIVE on SPIKE.

 

Just like his opponent, Banks enters the cage undefeated and ready to make another splash in his second fight since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion. The Peoria, Illinois native has finished two of his five victims and dominated all three of his decision victories, earning each by unanimous variety. “Jetsetter” will look to use Roberts as his runway for success as the Blackzilian product hopes to couple his Bellator MMA debut triumph with yet another feat and continue his climb up the lightweight ranks. After competing professionally in Kansas, Texas, and Iowa, the trip to Connecticut will mark Banks’ first on the East Coast. Tune in to Bellator.com’s live-streaming preliminary action to find out if the long journey will have any effect on “Jetsetter” and his performance.

 

“The North County Nightmare” hasn’t the slightest idea what it’s like to lose, as the 25-year-old enters his eighth professional contest at an admirable 7-0. Having won all five amateur bouts and each of his first four professional fights by way of first round submission, it is Roberts’ ground game that keeps his opponents up at night. However, Roberts’ 2016 campaign has been all about power, after recording back-to-back knockout finishes, highlighted by an emphatic first round knockout in his Bellator MMA debut at “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull.” Roberts hopes to haunt Banks’ dreams when the two clash in the bright lights of SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

 

 

Complete “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Debut) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)

 

Complete Preliminary Card:

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Gabe Carrasco (7-0) vs. Rolando Velasco (10-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jose Perez (2-1) vs. J.T. Donaldson (2-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)

Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

 

UNDEFEATED ADAM PICCOLOTTI SET FOR LIGHTWEIGHT CLASH WITH BRANDON GIRTZ AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE ON NOV. 19 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS LINTON VASSELL AND FRANCIS CARMONT ALSO ADDED TO THE SPIKE-TELEVISED MAIN CARD

 

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 11, 2016) – A lightweight showdown pitting Adam Piccolotti (8-0) against Brandon Girtz (14-4) and a light heavyweight matchup pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) versus Francis Carmont (14-4) have been added to the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

 

The bouts join a pair of action-packed fights highlighted by a lightweight world title main event featuring Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In addition, a welterweight clash between undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) will also be the card’s co-main event. Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” will take place on November 19, airing LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m ET/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

 

After emerging victorious in his first four professional fights, Piccolotti has continued with more of the same under the Scott Coker-led promotion’s banner. Since making his Bellator MMA debut in 2015, the California native has recorded wins in each of his four bouts, including three consecutive finishes via submission. Piccolotti opened his 2016 campaign with a nifty first round finish of Ray Wood at “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo,” lifting his overall record to 8-0. The 27-year-old will look to protect his unblemished mark when he challenges Girtz on November 19 inside SAP Center.

 

One year removed from an impressive first round finish that left opponent Derek Campos on the Bellator MMA canvas just 37 seconds into the bout, Girtz returns to the cage in an attempt to build off of his current three-fight winning streak. The Mankato, Minn., native holds an impressive 6-2 promotional mark since joining Bellator MMA, including four finishes and a pair of first round knockouts. Since making his professional debut in 2008, the 31-year-old Girtz has recorded 10 finishes, eight of which have come by way of submission. Having won five of his last six bouts, the powerful grappler will look to pick up right where he left off and further his case for a 155-pound title shot.

 

A seven-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Vassell has recorded five wins since making his promotional debut in 2013. The 33-year-old British striker is known for ending fights early with his elite striking and a near-flawless ground game. In total, “The Swarm” has finished 13 of his 16 opponents, including 10 first round finishes and six knockout blows. Vassell hopes to build off of a strong performance at the record shattering “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, where he defeated Emauel Newton. Vassell now turns his attention to Francis Carmont, an opponent that he was originally slated to face earlier in the year at “Bellator 158: Daley vs. Lima,” before an injury forced Vassell to withdraw.

 

Similar to his opponent, former UFC competitor Francis Carmont also has a knack for finishing opponents early and often in his bouts. The 34-year-old Carmont has stopped his opponent in 17 of his 25 career wins, including 11 submission victories and six knockouts. Hailing from Paris, France, “Limitless” credits much of his success to the top-notch trainers at Tristar Gym in Montreal, Canada. The well-known training camp is loaded with accomplished instructors, who have helped develop a number of talented fighters, including recent Bellator MMA free agent signee Rory MacDonald. With more than half of his submission finishes coming in the opening round of action, we can expect the dynamic Carmont to attack his opponent right off the bat in hopes of adding to that remarkable total.

 

Updated “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

 

Preliminary Card:

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jose Perez (2-1) vs. J.T. Donaldson (2-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)

Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

 

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST PITTING HOUSTON ALEXANDER AGAINST GUILHERME VIANA COMPLETES ‘BELLATOR 146: KATO VS. MANHOEF’ MAIN CARD

 

FINAL FIVE PRELIMINARY CONTESTS ALSO CONFIRMED FOR NOV. 20

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (October 28, 2015) – A light heavyweight contest featuring Houston Alexander (16-12) versus Guilherme Viana (6-2) completes the main card of “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, OK., on November 20.

 

The televised card of “Bellator 146: ‘Kato vs. Manhoef,” airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 6 p.m. CT. Tickets for “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” are on sale now at the WinStar World Casino and Resort Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster. Ticket prices range from: $75, $55, $45 and doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, with the first contest taking place one hour later.

Previously announced pairings for the event include featherweight action featuring Bubba Jenkins (9-2), who takes on Jordan Parsons (11-1) and Hisaki Kato (5-1) who meets Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1) in a middleweight headlining attraction. In addition, a welterweight scrap pitting Ricky Rainey (11-3) against Chidi Njokuani (13-4) and a lightweight feature fight pitting Brandon Girtz (13-4) against Derek Campos (15-5) will also take place.

The card’s preliminary slate is also now complete, with the addition of five new contests. A middlweight fight between Ben Reiter (16-0) and Francisco France (12-3), two women’s bouts, one featuring Arlene Blencowe (6-5) against Gabrielle Holloway (5-3) and Julia Budd (7-2) versus Roberta Rovel(4-0), also a welterweight scrap pitting Andre Santos (37-10) against Josh Neer (36-14), and a couple 145-pounders going to war when Israel Giron (18-4) meets Mark Dickman (10-2).

At 43-years-old, Houston Alexander has been competing professionally since 2001, lacing up the gloves from promotions the likes of Ultimate Fighting Championship, Shark Fights, Resurrection Fighting Alliance, KSW and Bellator MMA. “The Assassin” is known for his one-punch knockout power, a skill the Grudge Training Center standout has showcased in 11 of his 16 wins as a professional. Now, a loser of his last two bouts, Alexander looks to end 2015 on a high note at the expense of his Nov. 20 opponent.

Coming off a defeat in his Bellator MMA debut, the 29-year-old Viana looks to bounce back against an opponent who has more than two times his experience. Hailing from Brazil, Viana has made a living off ending fights early, stopping the man standing opposite of him inside the cage five times before reaching the judges’ scorecards.

Complete “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” Fight Card

Main Card:

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Hisaki Kato (5-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Bubba Jenkins (9-2) vs. Jordan Parsons (11-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Ricky Rainey (11-3) vs. Chidi Njokuani (13-4)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Brandon Girtz (13-4) vs. Derek Campos (15-5)

 

Preliminary Card:

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Ben Reiter (16-0) vs. Francisco France (12-3)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Israel Giron (18-4) vs. Mark Dickman (10-2)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Arlene Blencowe (6-5) vs. Gabrielle Holloway

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Andre Santos (37-10) vs. Josh Neer (36-14)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Julia Budd (7-2) vs. Roberta Rovel (4-0)

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Zach Rosol (1-0) vs. Alonzo Menifield (Debut)

Bellator Catchweight (140 lbs.) Feature Fight: Stephen Banaszak (4-5) vs. George Pacurariu (10-4)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Treston Thomison (8-3) vs. Chris Jones (9-3)

Bellator Bantamweight Feature Fight: Eli Tamez (9-0) vs. Roshaun Jones (2-3)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Justin Patterson (6-0) vs. Sean Holden (3-1)

Bellator Catchweight (195 lbs.) Feature Fight: Bubba McDaniel (25-10) vs. Kenyon Jackson (3-2)

LIGHTWEIGHT REMATCH BETWEEN BRANDON GIRTZ-DEREK CAMPOS ADDED TO MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 146: KATO VS. MANHOEF’

SIX PRELIMINARY CONTESTS ALSO CONFIRMED FOR NOV. 20

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (October 29, 2015) – A lightweight scrap pitting Brandon Girtz (13-4) against Derek Campos (15-5) has been added to“Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, OK., on November 20.

 

The 155-pound tilt will take place during the main card of “Bellator 146: ‘Kato vs. Manhoef,” which airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 6 p.m. CT.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” are on sale now at the WinStar World Casino and Resort Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster. Ticket prices range from: $75, $55, $45 and doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, with the first contest taking place one hour later.

Previously announced pairings for the event include featherweight action featuring Bubba Jenkins (9-2), who takes on Jordan Parsons (11-1) and Hisaki Kato (5-1) who meets Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1) in a middleweight headlining attraction. In addition, a welterweight scrap pitting Ricky Rainey (11-3) against Chidi Njokuani (13-4) will also take place.

The card’s preliminary slate is also taking shape with the addition of six contests. A heavyweight fight between Zach Rosol (1-0) and Alonzo Menifield, two catchweight bouts, one featuring Bubba McDaniel (25-10) against Kenyon Jackson (3-2) and Stephen Banaszak (4-5) versus George Pacurariu(10-4). Also, a featherweight scrap pitting Treston Thomison (8-3) against Chris Jones (9-3), a bantamweight feature with Eli Tamez (9-0) battling Roshaun Jones (2-3) and welterweights Justin Patterson (6-0) meets Sean Holden (3-1).

Coming off a fight that many mixed martial arts media members and fans consider to be an upset, Girtz will “Cold Roll” his way into “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” riding momentum from his split decision win against Melvin Guillard at “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz.” Now, with two wins in his last two Bellator MMA appearances, the 30-year-old Minnesota resident will look to redeem himself from a unanimous decision loss suffered against Campos more than two years prior.

On the opposite end of the spectrum will be Campos, who is coming off a defeat at the hands of Michael Chandler at this past June’s record-breaking“Bellator 138: Unfinished Business” event. “The Stallion” will hope to duplicate the success he experienced at the expense of Girtz during “Bellator 96”where he took home scores of 29-28 from all three judges sitting at cageside. Campos will be competing close to home, with Lubbock, Texas being a short drive away from Thackerville, OK.

Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef” Updated Fight Card

Main Card:

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Hisaki Kato (5-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (29-12-1)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Bubba Jenkins (9-2) vs. Jordan Parsons (11-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Ricky Rainey (11-3) vs. Chidi Njokuani (13-4)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Brandon Girtz (13-4) vs. Derek Campos (15-5)

 

Preliminary Card:

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Zach Rosol (1-0) vs. Alonzo Menifield (Debut)

Bellator Catchweight (140 lbs.) Feature Fight: Stephen Banaszak (4-5) vs. George Pacurariu (10-4)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Treston Thomison (8-3) vs. Chris Jones (9-3)

Bellator Bantamweight Feature Fight: Eli Tamez (9-0) vs. Roshaun Jones (2-3)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Justin Patterson (6-0) vs. Sean Holden (3-1)

Bellator Catchweight (195 lbs.) Feature Fight: Bubba McDaniel (25-10) vs. Kenyon Jackson (3-2)

BRANDON GIRTZ UPSETS MELVIN GUILLARD IN MAIN EVENT OF ‘BELLATOR 141: GUILLARD VS. GIRTZ’ ON SPIKE

 

 

PATRICKY ‘PITBULL’ FREIRE PUTS BEEF WITH SAAD AWAD TO REST, WINNING UNANIMOUS DECISION

 

Find additional photos and scorecards here / Video highlights below

 

TEMECULA, Calif. (August 28, 2015) – In what is undoubtedly the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career, Brandon “Cold Roll” Girtz (13-4) defeated Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (32-15-2) at “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz” via split decision (29-27, 28-29, 29-27).

 

The beautiful Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif., housed the Spike-televised event, that will surely be remembered for multiple back-and-forth battles that culminated in Girtz out-pointing and out-slamming Guillard, a veteran on over 50 documented professional bouts.

 

It was the wrestling pedigree of the Minnesota native that made the difference, as Guillard was unable to get off his back for a good portion of the first and second frames. After being told in his corner that he was clearly down two rounds, Guillard began to open up, but his effort proved to be too little, too late.

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“Pitbull” Ends Feud With Awad, Taking Unanimous Decision

 

Lightweight champion Will Brooks beware – there is a dangerous “Pitbull” that is barking for your belt.

 

Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (14-6) dominated Saad Awad (18-7) for a hard fought unanimous decision victory, with scores of (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

 

The bad blood generated by a Twitter war and viral video between the two co-main eventers set the stage for an action packed 155-pound battle. An evenly fought first round saw both competitors trading various leg kicks which culminated in an action packed second stanza that saw “Pitbull” take down Awad to score valuable points with the judges.

 

Despite a partisan crowd for the Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., native, “Pitbull” landed powerful body blows to dominate the third round and secure the shutout win. Following the bout, the Brazilian made it clear he wants a title shot at Brooks.

After 5-Year Hiatus, Wren Outpoints Burns

 

Justin Wren (11-2) returned to the sport of mixed martial arts following a five-year absence, defeating six-fight Bellator MMA veteran Josh “The Hammer” Burns (8-9) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26).

 

“The Big Pygmy” didn’t seem to miss a beat despite his time spent in the Congo, landing solid knees to the head of Burns that would have finished many heavyweights. Wren made it clear that he is here in Bellator MMA to stay and he has more to fight for than he ever has in his nine-year career.

 

For more on Wren’s humanitarian efforts, refer to CNN’s piece on the “The Big Pygmy here.

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Coenen Armbars Blencowe

 

After a last minute knee injury to Lorenzo Hood forced the cancellation of his bout against Raphael Butler, the women’s featherweight match between Marloes “Rumina” Coenen (23-6) andArlene “Angerfist” Blencowe (6-5) was promoted to the televised portion of the card.

 

A large portion of the opening round was spent on the mat, with both women jockeying for a dominant position. Following a minute intermission, Coenen did what she has now done 17 times in her career, finished her foe via submission. The ending came at 3:23 of round two, with Coenen ending the bout with a deep armbar.

 

Coenen has now won two-straight fights since dropping a contest to “Cyborg” Justino in 2013.

 

Preliminary Card:

In the final post-lim of August 28’s festivities, Johnny Cisneros (9-4) defeated Gabriel Miglioli (9-8) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

Luc Bondole (5-1-2) handed Ray Sloan (8-1) the first loss of his career, earning the unanimous decision with (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) scorecards from the California State Athletic Commission appointed judges.

Adrienna Jenkins (19-6) stopped Lissette Neri (6-3) with a technical knockout after Neri failed to intelligently defend herself at 2:38 of round one.

“Curtious” Curtis Millender (8-2) brought a two-fight losing streak to a halt with a (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) unanimous win over Steven Ciaccio (4-4).

 

The most explosive finish of “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz” on Friday came via A.J. Mckee,(2-0) who stopped James Barnes (4-1) via vicious knockout at 1:42 of the opening frame.

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (2-0) impressed in her Bellator MMA debut, edging out Maria Rios (2-3) via split decision (29-28) (28-29) (29-28). The Hawaiian showcased her ability to take the fight to her opponent on the feet, as well as fending off multiple submission attempts from Rios on the mat.

 

After 15 tightly contested minutes, Brent Primus (6-0) remained undefeated, squeaking out a split decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-28) win over Derek “The Barbaric” Anderson (12-2).

 

In the opening bout of “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz,” A.J. “The Mercenary” Matthews (8-3) defeated Emiliano Sordi (13-5) after the Argentinian failed to answer the bell following round one.

 

Bellator 141 Main Card Video Highlights:

Complete Highlights Package: https://www.hightail.com/download/bXBaR0lTd0lRR2R1a3NUQw

Guillard vs. Girtz

Guillard goes down early in Round 1

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f4m3x

 

Girtz gets the split decision

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f4the

Girtz says he was an “idiot” to turn around during Guillard comeback

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f4ulp

 

 

“Pitbull” vs. Awad

 

Slo-motion recap of the best moments

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f49yh

 

“Pitbull” gets the win

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f4ahw

 

Wren vs. Burns

 

Replay and review of Wren’s flurish — plus a point

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f3f2f

 

 

Wren gets the victory decision

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f3luh

 

 

Coenen vs. Blencowe 

 

Coenen finishes the fight with the submission move

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f2mb9

Slo-motion replay

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f2nyd

 

 

Coenen happy in post-fight interview

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f2qlx

 

 

About Bellator MMA

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

 

About Spike:

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

MELVIN ‘THE YOUNG ASSASSIN’ GUILLARD & THE ENTIRE ‘BELLATOR 141’ CARD HIT THEIR REQUIRED MARKS PRIOR TO TOMORROW NIGHT’S EVENT ON SPIKE

 

 

 

TEMECULA, Calif. (August 27, 2015) – All of the competitors involved in tomorrow night’s “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz” event took to the scales this afternoon from the Cabaret Theater inside the beautiful Pechanga Resort and Casino, and successfully hit their required marks.

 

The preliminary card for “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz” will stream on Spike.com at 7:45 p.m. ET, which is followed by the main card on Spike airing live and free at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

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In the evening’s main event, Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (32-14-2, 2 NC) will make his promotional debut against Brandon “Cold Roll” Girtz (11-4). The co-headliner will feature lightweight action that pits Saad Awad (18-6) against Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (13-6). After nearly five years away from action, Justin Wren (10-2) will face Josh Burns (8-8) in heavyweight action and opening the main card, Lorenzo Hood (9-2) will make his Bellator MMA debut against Raphael Butler (9-1-1).

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Lightweight Bout: Melvin Guillard (155.4) vs. Brandon Girtz (155.8)

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Lightweight Bout: Patricky Pitbull (156) vs. Saad Awad (155.8)

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Heavyweight Bout: Justin Wren (246) vs. Josh Burns (262.8)

 

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Heavyweight Bout: Raphael Butler (260.2) vs. Lorenzo Hood (256.2)

 

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Middleweight Bout: AJ Matthews (184.8) vs. Emiliano Sordi (185.6)

 

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Lightweight Bout: Brent Primus (155.4) vs. Derek Anderson (155.8)

 

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Featherweight Bout: Marloes Coenen (145.6) vs. Arlene Blencowe (145.8)

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Strawweight Bout: Ilima Macfarlane (125.2) vs. Maria Rios (125.4)

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Featherweight Bout: A.J. McKee (145.8) vs. James Barnes (145)

 

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Welterweight Bout: Curtis Millender (170.6) vs. Steven Ciaccio (170.4)

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Featherweight Bout: Adrienna Jenkins (144.4) vs. Lissette Neri (143.2)

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Light Heavyweight Bout: Ray Sloan (202) vs. Luc Bondole (203.4)

 

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Welterweight Bout: Johnny Cisneros (170.8) vs. Gabriel Miglioli (170.2)

 

About Bellator MMA:

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

 

About Spike:

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

PRELIMINARY PORTION OF ‘BELLATOR MMA: GUILLARD VS. GIRTZ’ FINALIZED WITH THE ADDITION OF FIVE PRELIMINARY BOUTS

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (August 3, 2015) – August 28th’s “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz” is now complete with the addition of four new bouts which will take place during the preliminary card at the beautiful Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif.

In a critical lightweight matchup, Brent Primus (5-0) will put his undefeated record on the line against the dangerous Derek “The Barbaric” Anderson (12-1, 1 NC). Also on the card, middleweights AJ “The Mercenary” Matthews (7-3) versus Emiliano “He-Man” Sordi (13-4), as well as light heavyweights Ray Sloan (8-0), who goes to battle with Luc Bondole (4-1), and the young featherweight A.J. McKee (1-0) returns to face James Barnes (4-0). Finally, a third women’s bout has also been added, with the inclusion of Ilima Macfalane (1-0) against Maria Rios (2-2) in flyweight action.

The newly announced contests will stream on Spike.com at 7:45 p.m. ET during the preliminary portion of “Bellator MMA: Guillard vs. Girtz,” which is followed by the main card, which airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

 

Limited tickets for the event, which start at just $50, remain on sale now at Pechanga.com and the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office. Doors for the event open at 4 p.m. PT local time.

 

In the evening’s main event, Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (32-14-2, 2 NC) will face Brandon “Cold Roll” Girtz (11-4). The co-headliner will feature lightweight action that pits Saad Awad (18-6) against Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (13-6). Opening the main card, Lorenzo Hood (9-2) will make his Bellator MMA debut against Raphael Butler (9-1-1).

 

San Diego’s Anderson will look to parlay his impressive technical knockout of Danny Navarro at Bellator 132 when he steps into the Bellator MMA cage for the second time in 2015. A product of Team Xplode MMA, the man fans describe as “The Barbaric” will be seeking his 12th finish in 14 tries.

 

Since joining the Bellator MMA fray in 2013, Primus has been on a tear, ripping through all three opponents with first-round finishes. Now, the 30-year-old Portland, Ore., native will face the stiffest test of his young career when he goes up against Anderson. Will he manage to keep his undefeated, first-round finish streak alive?

 

Known by most mixed martial arts fans as one of top up-and-coming 185-pound fighters on the Bellator MMA roster, Matthews emphatically solidified his contender role in the division with his show-stopping knockout of Kyle Bolt at Bellator 131 this past November. Known as “The Mercenary,” the Blackline MMA product and Strikeforce veteran will look to continue his rise to the top of the middleweight heap when he returns to action on Aug. 28.

 

Standing opposite of Matthews will be Sordi, who burst on the Bellator MMA scene with a 58-second submission of former UFC fighter Bubba McDaniel. The 24-year-old Argentinian has not tasted defeat since 2012 and has earned all 13 of his professional victories before reaching the judges’ scorecards.

 

Undefeated in eight fights, Sloan has entered Bellator MMA impressively, winning his first two tilts. The Oceanside, Calif., native trains out of Excel Jiu-Jitsu and has utilized the discipline to defeat seven out of eight opponents via submission.

 

Bondole is a highly regarded prospect, fighting out of Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, Calif., whos last outing resulted in a draw against Chris Hererra. Now, he will look to secure a win over Sloan on his own terms, and not let the judges have a say.

 

The son of respected MMA fighter Antonio McKee, “The Mercenary” will look to continue to pave his own way through the sport.  A.J. shined in his first outing, securing a first round rear-naked choke over Marcos Bonilla. He now faces a fellow Angelino in Barnes, who has been tearing up the Gladiator Challenge circuit, going 4-0 with two KO’s and two submissions, all taking place in the first round.

 

Best known for her viral performance in her professional MMA debut, Macfarlane will now make her first appearance for Bellator MMA when she faces Maria Rios.

“Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz” – Friday, August 28, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Melvin Guillard (32-14-2, 2 NC) vs. Brandon Girtz (11-4)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Patricky Pitbull (13-6) vs. Saad Awad (18-6)

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Justin Wren (10-2) vs. Josh Burns (8-8)

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Raphael Butler (9-1-1) vs. Lorenzo Hood (9-2)

Bellator Women’s Flyweight Prelim: Ilima Macfarlane (1-0) vs. Maria Rios (2-2)

Bellator Featherweight Prelim: A.J. McKee (1-0) vs. James Barnes (4-0)

Bellator Womens Featherweight Prelim: Adrienna Jenkins (18-6) vs. Lissette Neri (6-2)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Prelim: Ray Sloan (8-0) vs. Luc Bondole (4-1)

Bellator Welterweight Prelim: Johnny Cisneros (8-4) vs. Gabriel Miglioli (9-7)

Bellator Welterweight Prelim: Curtis Millender (7-2) vs. Steven Ciaccio (4-3)

Bellator Womens Featherweight Prelim: Marloes Coenen (22-6) vs. Arlene Blencowe (6-4)

Bellator Lightweight Prelim: Brent Primus (5-0) vs. Derek Anderson (12-1, 1 NC)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim: AJ Matthews (7-3) vs. Emiliano Sordi (13-4)

 

FOUR PRELIMINARY BOUTS ADDED TO ‘BELLATOR 141: GUILLARD VS. GIRTZ’

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 22, 2015) – The preliminary portion of the “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz” card is beginning to take shape with the addition of four fresh bouts which will stream live on Spike.com from the beautiful Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif.

At the forefront of the newly signed fights is a pair of women’s featherweight scraps with Marloes “Rumina” Coenen (22-6) vs. Arlene “Angerfist” Blencowe(6-4) and Adrienna “AJ” Jenkins (18-6) vs. Lissette Neri (6-2), as well as welterweight action with Curtis Millender (7-2) facing Steven “Stryker” Ciacco(4-3) and Johnny “The Tattooed Terror” Cisneros (8-4) battling Gabriel “Biel” Miglioli (9-7).

The contests will stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET during the preliminary card of “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz,” which is followed by the main card, airing live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

Tickets for the event, which start at just $50, are on sale now at Bellator.com, Pechanga.com and the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office. Doors for the event open at 4 p.m. PT local time, and the first contest takes place one hour later.

 

In the evening’s main event, Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (32-14-2, 2 NC) will face Brandon “Cold Roll” Girtz (11-4). The co-headliner will feature lightweight action when Saad Awad (18-6) takes on Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (13-6). Opening the main card, Lorenzo Hood (9-2) will make his Bellator MMA debut against Raphael Butler (9-1-1).

 

Coenen will be returning to the Bellator MMA cage on the heels of third round rear-naked choke finish of Annalisa Bucci at Bellator 130. “Rumina” has been competing professionally since the year 2000 in promotions the likes of Strikeforce, Smackgirl, and Invicta Fighting Championships, winning a title under Bellator President Scott Coker in the process. The Dutch competitor wants nothing more than to eventually add a Bellator belt to her mantel in the near future.

 

Standing in the way will be former World Boxing Federation titlist Arlene Blencowe, who is also riding high after an impressive stoppage of “AJ” Jenkins at Bellator 137. Popularly known as “Angerfist,” the 32-year-old Australian has not suffered defeat since 2013 and has avoided the judges’ scorecards in four of her six professional victories. This tilt has 145-pound title implications written all over it.

 

In the second women’s featherweight matchup on the card, the aforementioned “A.J.” Jenkins will attempt to get back in the win column when she faces a surging Lissette Neri, who has started off her 2015 with an undefeated record.

 

After prominent roles on the main card of both Bellator 134 and Bellator 137, Millender will look to get back to his winning ways when he faces Jackson on August 28. “Curtious” hails from San Bernardino, Calif., and has an unquestionable amount of talent and size at his disposal and will play the role of spoiler when his “Bellator MMA: Guillard vs. Girtz” opponent makes his debut.

 

With the nickname “Stryker,” it goes without saying that Steven Ciaccio has an affinity for helping his opponents find the canvas. The Irvine, Calif., native has slept his foe in three out of four wins and will be taking a significant step up in competition when he makes his Bellator MMA debut on Aug. 28.

 

The fourth preliminary bout will take place in the welterweight division, when Johnny Cisneros meets Gabriel Miglioli. “The Tattooed Terror” will be competing for the third time under the Bellator MMA umbrella and will likely have plenty of hometown support from his fellow citizens in Laguna Nigel, Calif. Hailing from Brazil, Miglioli has competed against the likes of Al Iaquinta and Rafael dos Anjos. “Biel” will be fighting for the second time in 2015.

LORENZO HOOD SET FOR PROMOTIONAL DEBUT AGAINST RAPHAEL BUTLER DURING MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR: GUILLARD VS. GIRTZ’ ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 AT PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO

Easy Tweet: Heavyweights with KOs for days! @RealThaSilencer takes on @hood_zo at #Bellator141

August 28, at @PechangaCasino and only on @spike

 B141_IG_butler_v_hood

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 22, 2015) – The highly anticipated promotional debut of Lorenzo “The Samoan Silverback” Hood (9-2) will come on the main card of “Bellator MMA: Guillard vs. Girtz” against Raphael “The Silencer” Butler (9-1-1) on Friday, Aug. 28 at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif.

 

The contest will serve as the opening main card bout of “Bellator MMA: Guillard vs. Girtz,” which airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, with preliminary bouts streaming on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

Tickets for the event, which start at just $50, are on sale now at Pechanga.com and the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office. Doors for the event open at 4 p.m. PT local time, and the first contest takes place one hour later.

 

In the evening’s main event, Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (32-14-2, 2 NC) will face Brandon “Cold Roll” Girtz (11-4). The co-headliner will feature lightweight action when Saad Awad (18-6) takes Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (13-6).

 

One of the most sought-after heavyweight prospects in MMA, the 6-foot-3 Hood has been competing professionally since 2009 and has never allowed a fight to go past the first round. Of his nine career victories, each and every one has come by knockout. Hood has fought throughout the U.S. while competing on the regional circuit, earning himself the distinction of being one of the top heavyweight prospects in the sport.

 

“The Silencer” started his combat sports career as a professional boxer, where he racked up 28 knockouts in his 35 total victories, and still trains with high caliber strikers including Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder. Butler now makes his seventh appearance under the Bellator MMA banner, his first since finishing Josh Diekmann at “Bellator MMA: British Invasion” this past February. Much like Hood, the Minnesota native has never allowed a match-up to reach the judges’ scorecards, accruing six knockouts and three submissions along the way.

With all the hype surrounding the debut of Hood, Butler will look to play the role of spoiler when he enters the Bellator MMA cage for second time in 2015.

LIGHTWEIGHT TILT PITTING SAAD AWAD AGAINST PATRICKY ‘PITBULL’ FREIRE TO SERVE AS CO-MAIN EVENT OF ‘BELLATOR: GUILLARD VS. GIRTZ’ FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 AT PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 16, 2015) – Additional lightweight action will anchor the top of “Bellator: Guillard vs. Girtz” on Friday, Aug. 28 at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif., with the addition of Saad Awad (18-6) vs. Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (13-6).

 

The contest serves as the co-headlining bout of “Bellator: Guillard vs. Girtz,” which airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the event, which start at just $50, go on sale this Friday at Pechanga.com and the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office. Doors for the event open at 4 p.m. PT local time, and the first contest takes place one hour later. Additional bouts will be announced shortly

 

In the evening’s main event, Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (32-14-2, 2 NC) will make his highly anticipated Bellator MMA debut against Brandon “Cold Roll” Girtz (11-4). Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

The lone man to defeat Bellator Lightweight Champion Will Brooks, Awad has amassed a 6-3 record since first lacing up the gloves for the promotion in 2009. With 14 of his 18 professional victories coming by way of finish, “Assassin” has generated a large Southern California fan base with his exciting fighting style.

Fighting out of Millenia MMA in Rancho Cucamonga, CA., Awad continues to work his way back towards a trilogy bout against “Ill Will” Brooks. The 32-year-old impressively defeated Rob Sinclair at Bellator 136 before suffering a leg injury that has since kept him out of action.

Awad now faces the elder brother of Bellator Featherweight Champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Patricky, who has competed for Bellator MMA since 2011, amassing six victories along the way. It’s rare that “Pitbull’s” scraps reach the judges’ scorecards, with 10 of his 13 wins coming by way of finish.

Much like his Bellator 141 opponent, Freire has also been inactive as of late due to injury. As his social media exploits indicate, “Pitbull” has also set his sights on the lightweight belt and his matchup with Awad is the first step towards achieving his goal.