Tag Archives: California

559 Fights is back at The Tower Theatre in Fresno for 559 Fights #51!

559 Fights returns to Fresno’s Tower Theatre on Friday, Oct. 21. Doors open at 6 pm and first Fight is at 7.

Featuring a Bantamweight Title fight, pitting champion Bryce Gonzales vs. Daniel Campagna.

Tickets start at just $25 and can be purchased at the Tower Theatre Box Office, Pink Panthers Espress in Fresno, Pacific Metal Fab & Design, Inc. & Central Cal Machining, Inc. in Madera and Nutrishop Visalia.

VIP Table and other special pricing text or call 559-813-0307.

For more information check out the offical 559 Fights mobile app, which can be downloaded FREE on all devices. Also, visit www.559fights.com

Tickets are almost sold out!

~News From The Promoters Corner~

Coming off a huge event for 559 Fights in September, we prepare for an Oct. 21 return to Fresno’s Tower Theatre.

In the main event, we have Bantamweight Champion Bryce Gonzales returning from a minor injury to compete against Porterville’s Daniel Campagna.

This bout was scheduled as the main event of the #50 event, but injuries forced us to scrap the bout and move it to a later date.

We have several local showdowns booked for this event, including the return of Devon Chavez and two big flyweight bouts as Strawweight Champ Freddy Mendez moves up in weight to take on up-and-coming talent Paul Elizondo and Carlos Hernandez battles Jose Navarro.

We have three events left for this year.

In November we make our return to Hanford and debut at the Civic Auditorium and then close out the year in Fresno at Tower Theatre.

For more info download the 559 Fights App free on your mobile device.

– Jeremy Luchau

        Join us for post fight excitement at 10 PM at The Ivy Room  

In case you missed all the action, here are some videos from 559 Fights #50
559 Fights #50 Highlights
Watch the amazing highlight reel from 559 Fights #50
559 Fights #50 Esperanza Cadena VS Elizabeth Jackman
Watch main event action with Esperanza Cadena and Elizabeth Jackman at 559 Fights #50
559 Fights #50 Jacobo Longoria vs. Steven Robinson
Watch Jacobo Longoria in action against Steven Robinson at 559 Fights #50

1ST ANNUAL ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO FIGHT NIGHT AMATEUR BOXING EVENT

 
GALT, CA (September 15, 2016) – This Saturday, September 17, 2016, the first annual Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero Fight Night amateur boxing event will take place at the Guerrero’s Boxing Gym in Galt, Calif.  Thirty separate bouts with fighters from California and Nevada will compete.  A “Be The Match” bone marrow drive will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
“This will be a great event for amateur fighters of all ages,” said Robert Guerrero. “I remember when I was a kid competing in events like this, all I could think about was winning a trophy of some kind.  So I’m happy to announce that first and second place participants will receive an award.  In addition, I’m going to do my part to help save lives by registering people into the bone marrow registry. BeTheMatch.org will be there to support the cause.”
Tickets priced at $20 will be available at the door.  All proceeds will go to help fund the Guerrero’s Boxing Gym program.  Weigh-ins are from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  First fight starts 1:00 p.m.
WHAT:      Robert Guerrero to host amateur boxing event
 
WHEN:     Saturday, September 17, 2016
 
WHERE:  Guerrero’s Boxing Gym
                 545 Industrial Dr. #120
                 Galt, California 95632 – Map

559 Fights brings 50th event to Visalia

VISALIA, Calif. – When 559 Fights first opened it’s cage doors to amateur mixed martial artist in 2012 the vision was simple – grow and develop local talent.

On Friday, September2 at the Visalia Convention Center the locally-grown and operated MMA promotion will host it’s 50th event.

“When Joey (Perez), Mots (Jon Motsenbocker) and I sat down and started the idea of 559 Fights, we knew that this day would come,” said 559 Fights president Jeremy Luchau. “Our goal from the beginning was not to have the biggest, brightest, fanciest, but rather to be the most consistent and give more opportunities for young, local amateurs to compete.”

Since 2012 559 Fights has hosted the California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Organization State Championships, Northern California Regional Championships twice and had hundreds of competitors step foot in their cage.

“559 Fights has become the most consistent MMA platform in the country which is demonstrated by the vast number of rising professional stars that developed their talent in the 559 cage,” CAMO President JT Steele said.

559 Fights has produced events in 18 different venues over the past three years and in cities all across the Central Valley from Bakersfield to Fresno.

Tickets for the 50th event can be purchased at the Visalia Convention Center box office and start at just $25. For more information visit www.559fights.com

“Often times we’ve done things against the grain. We charge a much smaller ticket price than other shows throughout the country and we put together sometimes triple the events,” Luchau said. “We try our best to give these fighters and fans the best possible experience. We’ve fought in venues all over the Valley trying to promote mixed martial arts and our fighters to a variety of different communities.”

Long-time 559 Fights staple Visalia’s Jonathan DeLeon will headline the event in a Featherweight Title bout against Bakersfield’s David Mendoza. In the co-main event, Visalia’s Steven Robinson takes on Ridgecrest’s Jacobo Longoria for the Welterweight Championship.

“There’s so many great amateurs throughout the Valley that it’s been really easy to showcase these fighters, get them the exposure that they need and have them move on to the professional level,” Luchau said. “We’ve had a large number of fighters essentially graduate from amateur ranks at 559 Fights and into the pro ranks.”

559 Fights 50 will have over 10-action packed bouts.

 

Unbeaten Prospects Eddie Ramirez & Kevin Watts Battle in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, September 13 From Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California

 
Televised Coverage Begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
NICE, CALIF.  (August 23, 2016) – Undefeated super lightweight prospects are set to square off as Chicago’s Eddie Ramirez (13-0, 9 KOs) takes on Los Angeles-native Kevin Watts (11-0, 4 KOs) in the eight-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 andBOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, September 13 from Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino in Nice, California.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature exciting undercard bouts that will be announced shortly.
“It feels good to be fighting in my first main event,” said Ramirez. “I look at it as more motivation to keep working hard. I’m going to go in there and feel my opponent out and just push him every round. I go into every fight ready for a battle and I expect that on September 27.”
“I’m ready for another chance to show that I’m a world class fighter,” said Watts. “Eddie Ramirez is a solid prospect who hasn’t lost yet, but I’m going to be well prepared for victory on September 13.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call the players club at (707) 262-4000.
A Chicago Golden Gloves champion, Ramirez knocked out seven of his first nine professional opponents and picked up five victories in 2015 including a decision over former world champion Cristobal Cruz. The 23-year-old debuted in 2016 with a second round stoppage of Osumanu Akaba in April.
Born in Lancaster, California but fighting out of Los Angeles, Watts turned pro in 2013 and has been unblemished since. The 24-year-old defeated previously unbeaten Maximilliano Becerra in April 2015 and in his last two outings he took down once-beaten fighters Michal Chudecki and Manuel Damairias Lopez.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepagewww.foxdeportes.com andwww.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @TGBPromotions @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Results from CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing in Temecula, California 

‘Bravo’ Brant Stops Fitzpatrick in Three, Continues March to Middleweight Title Shot
 
Current WBO NABO and WBA NABA Middleweight Champion and WBA #4- and WBO #7-rated middleweight Rob “Bravo” Brant (21-0, 14 KOs) of Saint Paul, Minnesota, kept his momentum plowing forward and continued to impress tonight with a one-sided beatdown of Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick (15-5, 6 KOs) of Cleveland.
 
Fighting in the 10-round main event of CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing from the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California, Brant had too many weapons for the game Fitzpatrick.
 
The event, a televised quadrupleheader, was Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with the International Championship Boxing League (ICBL), Ringside Ticket Inc., and David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions.
 
Brant moved smoothly around the ring, landing at will. He dropped Fitzpatrick with an uppercut in round two (Fitzpatrick nearly fell out of the ring) and finished it with another knockdown at 1:18 of round three.
 
Typically candid, Brant said the game plan was to not let Fitzpatrick get a toe hold in the fight. “He’s the type of guy, if you let him hang in there, he’ll hang for a number of rounds,” said Brant, post-fight. “I wanted to make an example of him and make sure I put him down.”
 
The future looks bright for the red-hot Brant, who seems to tighten up his game with every performance. “Under the tutelage of Derrick James, I’ve learned to sit down on my punches and stay defensively sound at the same time,” he continued, “but now it’s time to step up the level of competition. As nice as it is to get these kinds of win, it’s a lot nicer to get them up a level.”
 
In the co-main event, Fort Worth, Texas, slugger “No Surrender” Skender Halili made quick work of Silver Springs, Maryland, veteran Ben Odamattey.
Halili, with a record of 11-1, 11 KOs, caught Odamattey with his proven power early and it quickly became apparent he couldn’t handle it. Odamattey tried bravely to keep his feet under the hell fire. He rose from a knockdown but was quickly under siege again and with Odamattey’s legs betraying him, Referee Ray Corona waved it off at 1:17 of the first.
Odamattey slips to 16-15-3, 9 KOs. Halili, never in a bad fight, is becoming “must see TV” with his action-packed way of doing things.
 
Undefeated middleweight Cem “The Champ” Killic (6-0, 3 KOs) did what he was supposed to do in his tryout fight for GCP, by tearing through debuting Vegas fighter Jerhed Fenderson (0-1).
Fenderson looked to have some skills and fought evenly with Killic in the first round.
However, Killic, of Frankfurt, Germany, now residing in Sherman Oaks, California, took over in round two, clubbing a tiring Fenderson against the ropes with heavy shots until dropping him hard to get the stoppage.
The end came at 1:50 of round two.
To start the televised bouts, Baltimore, Maryland welterweight Malik “Ice Man” Hawkins had to work all four rounds to move his record to 9-0, 7 KOs against a surprisingly determined Sean “The Beast of War” Gee (3-4) of Portland, Oregon.
Hawkins had too much speed and skill for the brawling Gee, but Gee kept it interesting with his wild swings and willingness to exchange. Hawkins’ brilliance carried the night though as he was given a unanimous decision (40-36 x 3).
In the night’s opening bout, Detroit’s Jarico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (3-0, 2 KOs) survived a scare from nearby Oceanside California’s Jonathon Quiroz (6-3, 1 KO) in their bantamweight four-rounder.
O’Quinn came out firing in the first, as expected, but Quiroz figured out how to time him with looping shots in the second. He rocked O’Quinn to his boots with a right but wasn’t able to finish.
O’Quinn did a little more in the final two rounds, but credit the California judges for not playing home favorites. The scores, met with booing, were 39-37 across the board.
“It was a good step up for me, being 2-0, fighting someone with nine fights,” said O’Quinn. “I learned that not everybody is going to lay down and that’s exactly what I wanted. I didn’t want a cake-walk.
What was supposed to be a routine dual-pro-debut for two unknowns quickly turned into an epic war for ages, as “Slick” Will Davis finally managed to stop a wild-swinging Erick Fowler in four rounds.
A classic “skill vs. will” match-up, Davis would land his sharp, educated combinations only to be answered every time by the clubbing shots of the iron-chinned Fowler.
With momentum swinging back-and-forth every few seconds, Davis dropped Fowler in the second. Fowler returned the favor in the third.
By the fourth round even the crowd was exhausted, as Davis landed a barrage of unanswered shots that finished things at the :39 seconds mark of round four.
Local super flyweight product Danny Andujo (1-0, 1 KO) turned professional with a quick stoppage of San Jose’s Israel Hernandez, now 1-3-1, 1 KO.
Andujo swarmed, landing hard shots against the outgunned Hernandez, who took the 10 count at :55 of the first round.
And finally, undefeated Temecula featherweight Robert Meza (3-0-0, 1 KO) cruised to a dominant four-round decision over brave, but crude Jose Fabian Naranjo (3-3-1, 1 KO)
of Baja California, Mexico.
The scores were 40-36 x 3.

Undercard Announced for CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing Quadrupleheader, this Friday, August 5, at Pechanga

A host of local up-and-comers in exciting match-ups highlight the untelevised undercard forthis Friday’s (August 5, 2016) CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing quadrupleheader in the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California.
 
Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with the International Championship Boxing League (ICBL), Ringside Ticket Inc., and David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, the 10-round main event will feature WBA #4- and WBO #7-rated middleweight and current WBO NABO and WBA NABA Middleweight Champion, Rob “Bravo” Brant (20-0, 13 KOs) of Saint Paul, Minnesota, taking on Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick (15-4, 6 KOs) of Cleveland.
 
Tickets for CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing are priced at $85, $65 and $50 and are available at www.pechanga.com or by calling the Pechanga Box Office:(877) 711-2946.
 
In the six-round super welterweight co-featured bout, Fort Worth, Texas, slugger Skender Halili (10-1, 10 KOs) will look to keep his perfect knockout record intact against experienced Ghanian veteran (now living in Silver Springs, Maryland) Ben Odamattey (16-14-3, 9 KOs). In another televised four-rounder, undefeated former amateur world champion Cem Killic (5-0, 2 KOs) of Sherman Oaks, California, via Frankfurt, Germany, will take on pro-debuting middleweight Jerhed Fenderson of Las Vegas. And in the night’s opening televised bout, red-hot prospect Malik Hawkins (8-0, 7 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland, will look to keep his march to the top of the welterweight division alive against Portland, Oregon’s Sean Gee (3-4).
Topping the night’s undercard will be Temecula, California’s undefeated Robert Meza (2-0-0, 1 KO) in a four-round featherweight duel with Baja California, Mexico’s Jose Fabian Naranjo (3-2-1, 1 KO).
Also in action will be Detroit-based bantamweight Jarico O’Quinn (2-0, 2 KOs) taking on the more experienced Jonathon Quiroz (6-3, 1 KO) from Oceanside, California.
Making his anticipated professional debut will be Temecula, California’s Danny Andujo in a super flyweight four-rounder against San Jose’s Israel Hernandez (1-2-1, 1 KO).
A dual-pro-debut lightweight four-rounder will pit Las Vegas’ Erick Fowler against Sacramento’s Will Davis.
And opening up the action will be a super welterweight four-rounder between San Diego’s undefeated Kevin Ottley (2-0, 2 KOs) and Hawthorne’s Brian True (1-4, 1 KO).
The Pechanga Resort & Casino is located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway in Temecula, CA. For more information, call 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.pechanga.com. On fight night, doors open at 6 pm and the action starts at 7 pm. All bouts subject to change.

BRANT VS FITZPATRICK HEADLINES CBS SPORTS NETWORK CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING THIS FRIDAY AT PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO

 

This Friday, August 5, 2016, in the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, Greg Cohen Promotions and Ringside Ticket Inc., in association with David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, will proudly present a quadrupleheader of professional boxing, televised live on CBS Sports Network (11 pm ET/8 pm PT).
In the night’s televised main event, red-hot WBA #4- and WBO #7-rated middleweight and current WBO NABO and WBA NABA Middleweight Champion, Rob “Bravo” Brant (20-0, 13 KOs) of Saint Paul, Minnesota, will look to keep his momentum going in a 10-round battle against Cleveland’s Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick (15-4, 6 KOs).
In the six-round super welterweight co-featured bout, Fort Worth, Texas, slugger Skender Halili (10-1, 10 KOs) will look to keep his perfect knockout record intact against experienced Ghanian veteran (now living in Silver Springs, Maryland) Ben Odamattey (16-14-3, 9 KOs).
In another televised four-rounder, undefeated former amateur world champion Cem Killic (5-0, 2 KOs) of Sherman Oaks, California, via Frankfurt, Germany, will take on pro-debuting middleweight Jerhed Fenderson of Las Vegas.
And in the night’s opening televised bout, red-hot prospect Malik Hawkins (8-0, 7 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland, will look to keep his march to the top of the welterweight division alive against Portland, Oregon’s Sean Gee (3-4).
Tickets for CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing are priced at $85, $65 and $50 and are available at www.pechanga.com or by calling the Pechanga Box Office:(877) 711-2946.
 
25-year-old Brant has already won two fights this year. In April, he took care of Arkansas veteran Delray Raines in less than a round and in January, he scored a nationally televised “Knockout of the Year” candidate against formidable contender DeCarlo Perez. The victory put Brant on the radar of the boxing world.
29-year-old Fitzpatrick went undefeated in his first 15 fights and only suffered setbacks against some of the world’s top middleweights, including world champion Daniel Jacobs. “The Irish Ghost” is never in a bad fight and will test any would-be contender’s true mettle.
Promoter Greg Cohen says he’s excited to be bringing his popular televised boxing series to California.
“This is our first scheduled quadrupleheader and we’re excited to be bringing it to a classic boxing venue like the Pechanga,” said Cohen. “Rob Brant will be in against a guy who will take you out if you don’t have the goods. Skender Halili’s last fight was one of the best of the year, so I look forward to another slugfest. Cem Kilic won’t have it easy. Although his opponent is making his debut, he can really fight. And we all get another look at the amazing talent of Malik Hawkins to open the night. It’s truly a great night of boxing. Thanks to my partners and the wonderful staff at Pechanga for helping make it happen.”
The night’s jam-packed undercard will be announced later this week.
The Pechanga Resort & Casino is located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway in Temecula, CA. For more information, call 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.pechanga.com. On fight night,doors open at 6 pm and the action starts at 7 pm. All bouts subject to change.

DAVID “EL BANDERA ROJA” BENAVIDEZ STRIVING FOR GREATNESS GETS RIGHT BACK IN THE GYM

Photos By Valentin Romero – Team Benavidez
 
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (July 7, 2016) – Just two days after dominating previously undefeated Francy Ntetu (16-1, 3 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions’ June 25th CBS card at New York’s Barclay’s Center, “El Bandera Roja,” David Benavidez, was back at his home gym in Long Beach, preparing for his next bout.  The rising star had no intention of taking time off, and jumped right into an intense training regimen that included sparring with Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (34-0, 24KO), who was set to make his pay-per-view debut later in the month, but was sidelined this week with an injury.
“My last fight was hard, but I learned a lot,” stated Benavidez regarding his bout with previously unbeaten Canadian Ntetu.  “It was great experience, getting rounds in.”
With only one exception, a six round fight that went the distance in 2014, Benavidez hadn’t fought beyond the second round, knocking out opponent after opponent.
“I feel better and more experienced,” Benavidez continued.  “I have confidence knowing I can go into deep waters and finish a fight if I have to.  I’m learning how to pace myself when I need to during a round, and I know that those later rounds made me a better fighter.”
As Benavidez prepares for his next fight, he’s focused completely on improving himself.
“I didn’t mind getting right back to the gym,” said Benavidez.  “This is my lifestyle now. I just want to train.   I want to look at what I did wrong in my last fight and fix it.  I don’t want to get rusty in between fights. When I’m not physically training, I’m thinking about mistakes I made in fights, techniques that can be improved.  I want to get better each fight, and I’m consumed by that.”
“It’s this commitment to success and improvement that sets David apart from other young men his age, and other fighters,” said Jose Benavidez, Sr., David’s father and head trainer.  “This is what makes him different, and this is why he’s going to be the best.”

BELLATOR MMA EXTENDS CONTRACT OF STANDOUT BANTAMWEIGHT SUPERSTAR DARRION ‘THE WOLF’ CALDWELL

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 16, 2016) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the contract extension of undefeated bantamweight superstar Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (9-0) to an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract.

 

“Darrion is a fighter who I really think has that x-factor,” said President Scott Coker. “After his last fight, I looked at our matchmaker and I just said, ‘Wow, this is kid is exploding with talent.’ I’m very happy we were able to get this deal done and I look forward to seeing this star rise for years to come.”

 

Growing up in New Jersey, Caldwell was a talented, multi-sport athlete who shined the brightest on the wrestling mats. After becoming a three-time high school state champion in New Jersey, “The Wolf” naturally joined “The Wolfpack,” earning a spot on the North Carolina State University wrestling squad. With the Wolfpack, he continued dominate his opponents, winning the NCAA national wrestling championship in 2009.

 

Making his professional MMA debut in 2012, the 28-year-old has looked seemingly unstoppable at times throughout his first nine fights. In his last outing, the six-fight Bellator MMA veteran Caldwell convincingly defeated former two-division Bellator champion, and Greco-Roman world champion wrestler Joe Warren. You can watch the video by clicking on the photo’s below.

 

“Bellator has been nothing but good to me,” Caldwell shared with the MMA Hour this morning. “They saw my talent early on in my career and they came after me… I’m here to let everyone know I’m going to continue my talents at Bellator MMA… With Bellator Jumping on board, it’s time to get married. I’m in it for the long run.”

 

Caldwell is nothing if not confident in himself, continuing with host Ariel Helwani:  “I’ve always been a star, but it’s just been about getting on that platform and Bellator is giving me that opportunity… I don’t think any 135-pounder can see me, ya feel me? Whether its UFC, Bellator, anywhere in the world there isn’t a 135-pounder that can beat me.”

 

 

STARS FROM ALL WALKS OF MMA SET TO MEET FANS DURING BELLATOR MMA ‘FAN FEST’ AT SAN JOSE’S DAVE & BUSTER’S ONFRIDAY, MAY 13

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Champ Liam McGeary Joins “Stitch” Duran as Well as MMA Legends Royce Gracie, Randy Couture, Cung Le, Mark Coleman at the Bellator MMA Fan Fest Prior to Saturday’s “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo” Event at SAP Center

 

Event is exclusively for Bellator Nation members – Join Bellator Nation now

 

 

WHAT:                   Bellator Fan Fest at Dave & Buster’s

Fans of all ages are invited to Dave and Buster’s in Milpitas, CA to meet and get autographs from some of the top names in all of mixed martial arts. Fans will also have the opportunity to win tickets and great prizes, as well as snap a photograph with the Bellator ring girls.

Fan Fest is exclusively for Bellator Nation Members only, becoming an official Bellator Nation Member is simple and FREE. Click here to register and RSVP to Fan Fest. If you are already a member of Bellator Nation you will receive an email invitation to RSVP.

 

WHERE:                 Dave & Buster’s

940 Great Mall Dr.

Milpitas, CA 95035

 

WHEN:                   Friday, May 13 at 8 p.m. PT

 

WHO:                     The first British World Champion in the history of MMA will always be Liam McGeary. At 6’6 the towering fighter has achieved notoriety around the world with his impressive skillset, which has seen him end fights with impressive knockout power as well as jiu-jitsu prowess. Currently undefeated at 11-0, the future is bright for the Bellator MMA Champion. Most recently, McGeary defeated Tito Ortiz in the main event of the groundbreaking “Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1.”

 

The name Gracie is synonymous with MMA, and that is largely in part to Royce Gracie, the man who is considered to have invented the sport as we know it today.  The winner of the first several UFC events, Gracie would dismantle multiple opponents in a single night, many of which were much larger than him.  For many years there was no answer for the Gracie Jiu Jitsu technique that he brought into a fight.  Today, it’s hard to find an MMA fighter who hasn’t trained in the art of jiu jitsu. Most recently, Gracie defeated Ken Shamrock in the main event of the record-breaking “Bellator 149.”

One of the most recognizable MMA fighters of all time, Hall of Famer Randy Couture transitioned nicely into the entertainment world after his fighting career, starring in several television shows and movies, most notably the Expendables franchise and Dancing with the Stars. Inside the cage, Couture was a fearless underdog, often defeating men with great size advantages.  “The Natural” was a multi-time heavyweight and multi-time light heavyweight champion in the UFC.

                             

                                When watching any combat sports event, it’s odd not to see Jacob “Stitch” Duran as the professional cutman on duty. Recently, Bellator MMA was pleased to exclusively secure his services as cutman for the foreseeable future, after “Stitch” signed a multi-year contract with the Scott Coker-led promotion. “Stitch” is seen everywhere combat sports events take place, and played a vital role in the recent smash blockbuster, “Creed.”

 

If there is one legend in attendance who knows a thing or two about kickboxing and MMA, it’s Cung Le. Born in Vietnam, Le fought 17 times around the globe and never lost before making the leap from kickboxing to MMA, where he won the Strikeforce middleweight championship. From there, the San Jose, Calif. – based fighter would continue to expand his recognition past the world of combat sports, starring in multiple feature films. Le remained competitive into his 40’s, finishing Rich Franklin in what was unanimously considered the 2012 knockout of the year.

 

A legend in the heavyweight division, Mark Coleman was the UFC 10 and UFC 11 tournament champion, the promotion’s first Heavyweight Champion, and the Pride Fighting Championships 2000 Open Weight Grand Prix champion. The accolades don’t stop there; Coleman represented the United States at the 1992 Summer Olympics and won gold medals at the Pan American Championships in freestyle wrestling in 1990, 91 and 92.

FIGHT INFO:          “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo” takes place on May 14, and airs LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and features a light heavyweight main event of Phil Davis versus King Mo.

Tickets start at just $30 and are on sale now at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster, and the SAP Center Box Office.