Tag Archives: California

boxing

Ruben Villa remains undefeated with 5th round stoppage in Ontario, California

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORANGE, Calif. (May 22, 2017) – Top featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (6-0, 4 KOs) continues to impress early in his professional career. Villa, a southpaw fighting out of Salinas, Calif., picked apart Anthony de Jesus Ruiz (2-3, 2 KOs) to win by fifth round technical knockout.
Villa, who was naturally bigger than Ruiz, unloaded a serious of damaging shots in the fifth round. By that point, Ruiz had already absorbed a great deal of punishment and his corner wisely put an end to the onslaught at the 2:43 mark. 
“My jab was working well all night,” said Villa, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions. “I worked off backing him up with the jab and then that opened up a lot of angles for me to land power shots.”
“Ruben looked fantastic on Fridaynight,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “He looked really comfortable and was in firm control of the fight from start to finish. He managed to fight a patient, yet aggressive fight to secure another knockout win.”
“We have been very happy with Ruben’s development.  He is shaping to be the fighter we believe he will be,” said Banner Promotions vice-president, Matthew Rowland.  “He is going to have a big future.”
The fight can be viewed on Thompson Boxing Promotions Facebook page.
Connect with Ruben Villa on social media: Instagram: RubenV4 , Facebook: Ruben Villa IV , & Twitter: @Ruben_Villa4 .
Photo Credit:  Carlos Baeza/Thompson Boxing
boxing

Ruben Villa to Test Unbeaten Record on “New Blood” Undercard Friday Night

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORANGE, Calif. (May 17, 2017) – Blue chip featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (5-0, 3 KOs) headlines an action-packed “New Blood” undercard when he puts his undefeated record on the line against Anthony de Jesus Ruiz (2-2, 2 KOs) this Friday, May 19, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
Thompson Boxing’s 17 year anniversary show will be live streamed on its website and  Facebook Live beginning at 7:45 p.m. PDT this Friday.
Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.
Friday’s bout marks the fourth time Villa will fight in front of an expected sold out crowd at the Doubletree Ontario. It will be his first, however, fighting on a live streamed show.
“I’m definitely excited for it. It’s great exposure for us new guys trying to make a name for ourselves,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I know a lot of my friends and family will be watching. It also gives an opportunity for boxing fans all over the country to tune in and watch some quality fights.”
Villa, a southpaw, is coming off his East Coast debut in April where we notched his third career knockout win over the previously unbeaten Luis Diaz Torres. Villa stopped the stiff-chinned Torres in the sixth and final round. It was the first, sixth round fight of Villa’s career, one that tough him several impactful lessons.
“It’s important to stick to the plan and listen to my corner,” said the 20-year-old, who hails from Salinas, Calif.  “He was somewhat reckless so I needed to show a little more patience with him. I’m used to fighting guys who are a little more technical. Diaz was able to take a shot. He was willing to absorb two or three punches to set up one of his own. I learned not to give him those opportunities.”
For Friday’s six-round bout versus Ruiz, Villa spent most of his training camp sparring at the Robert Garcia Gym in Riverside, widely seen as one of Southern California’s most boxing rich environments. His chief sparring partner was Hector Tanajara, another highly regarded prospect with an undefeated record.
“Training camp went great,” said Villa, who as an amateur won back-to-back National Golden Gloves championships. “I had quality sparring sessions against Hector Tanajara. He fights one division higher than me so it’s always good to learn from guys that are naturally bigger than you.”
While Villa comes from a well-rounded amateur career that saw him bank two wins against fellow high ceiling prospect Shakur Stevenson, the Northern California native is always on the quest to better his skills.
“I’ve been working on using more angles to set up punches,” Villa said. “The goal is to develop better range with my jab so I can be more effective. With Ruiz, I plan to feel him out for the first round and then I’ll start going at his weaknesses. A lot of what I plan to do will come off the jab.”
The live stream, titled “TB Presents: New Blood,” will be anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Beto Duran with Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.
Connect with Ruben Villa on social media: Instagram: RubenV4 , Facebook: Ruben Villa IV , & Twitter: @Ruben_Villa4 .
boxing

Michael Farenas to make comeback on Fight Club OC card June 1st

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COSTA MESA, CA (May 2, 2017) – They say it’s never is too late to start a comeback, and for  lightweight contender Michael Farenas (44-5-4, 33 Kos), the comeback starts Thursday, June 1
st when he enters the ring for the first time in nearly two years. The eight-round bout will take place on Roy Englebrecht’s “Fight Club OC” show in The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA.
Having fought some of the top Jr. lightweight out there over the past five years, which include Yuriorkis Gamboa, Jose Padraza, and Fernando Beltran to name a few, Farenas believes he still has some gas left in his tank.
“It’s been a long journey to get back in the ring, but now that time has come,” said Michael Farenas. “I’m in great shape and I feel my skill and experience will help me on my comeback.”
Will new managers Bill Halkias and Germaine Gillies crafting his career and new trainers Marvin Somodio and Jesse Arevalo in his corner, the new look Farenas will have another opportunity to march toward a world title.
“This bout will take place at one hundred and forty pounds, but my plan is to campaign at lightweight,” said Farenas, who fought Takashi Uchiyama for the WBA World super featherweight title. “I know with hard work, I can make another run toward another world title.”
Under new management and a new trainer, “Hammer Fist” as he is called, will look to bring that Filipino fighting spirit back to his career.
Tickets for the Thursday, June 1st Fight Club OC show in The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA are on sale at www.fightcluboc.com.
boxing

BARRIOS BACK IN BAY AREA TRAINING WITH VIRGIL HUNTER

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Photos by Team Barrios
BAY AREA, CA (April 3, 2017) – Unbeaten super-lightweight prospect, Mario Barrios (18-0, 10 KOs), is back in the Bay Area, CA, training with coach Virgil Hunter.  After scoring a TKO in his last bout on March 4th, Barrios returns to the gym, motivated to get back in the ring.
“It feels good to be back in the gym training with Virgil.” said Mario Barrios a native of San Antonio, TX. “Seeing all the guys in the gym, getting ready for their fights, has me fired up.  As soon as my team lets me know when I’ll be fighting next, I’ll be ready to get back in the ring and continue my march toward a world title.”
Look for Barrios to get back in the ring shortly.  No date is set, but an announcement will be coming soon.
“Although I don’t have a date set, my goal is to be ready at all times.” Barrios continued. “Coming out to California from Texas, to start training early, will only make me a better fighter.  I know all the hard work and sacrifice will pay off in the end.
559 Fights, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA

Celebrate five years of 559 Fights with us!

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559 fights Goes Down April 21st In Fresno’s Tower Theatre

Friday, April 21st at 7pm
559 Fights returns to Fresno’s Tower Theatre with “559 Fights 55” on April 21, featuring a full slate of many of California’s hungriest and most exciting amateur MMA fighters.
The main event will feature top flyweight contender Samuel Fierro (6-2, Selma) as he tries to halt unbeaten 6-0 Sacramento fighter Mark Wirth’s tear through the state’s 125-pound rankings.

Prior to the highly anticipated headline bout, Daniel Campagna (3-1, Porterville) will hunt for his fourth win at the expense of Sacramento’s Josiah McHale (3-2) in bantamweight action.

In the flyweight division, Fresno’s Austin Liu (2-1) and Merced’s Michael Alonzo (2-1) will meet, with both fighters hungry to earn their third win.

Selma’s Bernabe Herrera (3-3) will enter the cage for the seventh time against Ridgecrest’s Emilio Horta (2-1) in the 155-pound division.

Tickets start at just $25 and are available at the Tower Theatre box office or online at www.559fights.com. For more information, please call 559-813-0307.

559 Fights 55

April 21 at Tower Theatre in Fresno, Calif.

125: Selma’s Samuel Fierro (6-2) vs. Sacramento’s Mark Wirth (6-0)
135: Porterville’s Daniel Campagna (3-1) vs. Sacramento’s Josiah McHale (3-2)
125: Fresno’s Austin Liu (2-1) vs. Merced’s Michael Alonzo (2-1)
155: Selma’s Bernabe Herrera (3-3) vs. Ridgecrest’s Emilio Horta (2-1)
265: Fresno’s Ryan Yates (1-0) vs. Oakland’s Dwight Maters (2-1)
185: Fresno’s James Porter (1-1) vs. Castro Valley’s Alan Benson (0-1)
205: Fresno’s Jesse Vazquez (0-0) vs. Ridgecrest’s Joseph Gaceta (1-1)
145: Visalia’s Chris Luna (0-0) vs. Santa Barbara’s Emmanuel Gonzalez (0-1)
170: Goleta’s Bryan Rodriguez (0-1) vs. Sacramento’s Tony Magalahaes (0-0)
145: Porterville’s Christian Marron (0-2) vs. Dos Palos’ Conan Orozco (0-1)
185: Los Angeles’ Bako Agambonisye (0-0) vs. Auburn.’s Zach Linco (0-0)
265: Reedley’s Ruben Castaneda Jr. (0-0) vs. Fresno’s Aniken Robinson (0-0)
boxing

Palm Springs Boxing Gala Rescheduled for May 20th;  Fighter Injuries Delaying Scheduled Matchups

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thousand Palms, CA (March 29, 2017) — The much anticipated showdown between rising Liveco boxer Max “The General” Becerra and Washington’s Ricardo Maldonado will have to wait a little longer.
Santa Ana’s Becerra (11-2-2 7KOs) has been diagnosed with a minor hand injury that has interrupted his training for the scheduled April 22 bout that was the featured fight of the Palm Springs Boxing Gala at the Renaissance Hotel. The event will now take place on Saturday, May 20 with the same fight card.
The postponement also gives Liveco stablemate Pomona’s David “Left Hook” Lopez (4-0 3KOs) more time to heal while nursing a hand injury also sustained in training.

Liveco Boxing founder Ron Sanderson said, “In light of these injuries, we thought it would be best for our boxers and our fans to postpone the Gala rather than scramble together fights at the last minute or drop a fighter from the card. Injuries are a part of boxing. These boxers are significant players in the Liveco family and we want them to be healthy and uncompromised for their fights.”

Sanderson said Lopez and Becerra’s hand issues are not considered major injuries, but after further medical evaluation, their trainers decided it would be better for them to fully heal and train appropriately rather than put their fighters at risk.

The May 20 event is the second of a series of Boxing Galas planned by Liveco Boxing featuring its fighters in Palm Springs. Also scheduled to fight on the undercard that evening are the Bay Area’s Eric “El Gallo de Oro” (9-0 6KOs) and Daniel “El Pantera” Andujo (3-1-0 1KO) from Murrieta along with other California talent.

Becerra and Lopez dispatched their opponents at the first Palm Springs Boxing Gala with tremendous showings in front of a packed house. Both are looking to continue their streak in the Coachella Valley as is Andujo who also collected a win at the Gala in February before signing with Liveco.

Becerra said he was anxious and ready for his first fight as a headliner, especially in his home state. “This is going to be a huge night for me and my team. But I know I need to be patient and get my hand back in shape before I can continue chasing my dream.”
Tickets starting at $60 are available at www.livecoboxing.com. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/livecoboxing; and follow on Twitter and Instagram at @livecoboxing.
About Liveco Boxing:
Liveco Boxing is a boxing promoter and event producer founded by Ron Sanderson in 2016 who was looking to bring back a high standard of ethics to the industry. Liveco’s “Fighter First” philosophy makes them the company of choice for professional fighters looking for a hands-on, personal approach to promotion. For more information, visit, www.livecoboxing.com.
boxing

Maximiliano Becerra takes on Ricardo Maldonado in main event on Saturday April 22nd at Renaissance Hotel in Palm Springs, California

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Also seeing action will be undefeated fighters Eric Altamirano & Daniel Andujo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Palm Springs, California (March 17, 2017) – Maximiliano Becerra will headline a big night of boxing when he takes on Ricardo Maldonado in the 8-round main event on Saturday, April 22nd at the Renaissance Hotel in Palm Springs, California.
The Palm Springs Boxing Gala, 2nd Edition is promoted by Liveco Boxing.
Becerra of Santa Ana, California has a record of 11-2-2 with 7 knockouts.
The 29 year-old is a 9-year professional, who was undefeated in his first eight bouts.  Becerra has won three straight, which includes his last outing when he won a 6-round unanimous decision over Hugo Padilla on February 11th in at The Renaissance Hotel.
I’ve proven my resilience,” Becerra said. “Now I plan to take command and end my opponent early.”
Maldonado of Arlington, Washington has a record of 7-6-1 with 1 knockout.
Maldonado is a 4-year professional, who has faced top competition.  Maldonado is no stranger to tough competition, as his 14 opponents have a combined record of 65-13-1, which includes 5 undefeated foes.
One of those unblemished opponents, Jamie Ocegueda was stopped in 6 rounds by Maldonado in his last bout, which took place on January 21st in Montebello, California.  That fight avenged a controversial split decision defeat by Maldonado.
In the 6-round co-feature, undefeated lightweight Eric Altamirano will take part in a bout scheduled for 6-rounds.
Altamirano, who hails from the Bay Area, has a record of 9-0 with 6 knockouts.  The 23 year-old Altamirano is a 3 year-professional and will be making his 2nd start of 2017.

Altamirano’s opponent will be named shortly.

Crowd pleasing super flyweight Daniel Andujo will be in action in a bout scheduled for four-rounds.
Andujo of San Diego, California has faced two consecutive undefeated opponents.  He fought a toe-to-toe battle with Saul Sanchez, only to come up just on the short end of a 6-round decision.  In his last bout, Andujo won a 4-round unanimous decision over Elwin Soto (2-0) on February 11th at the Renaissance Hotel.  Andujo’s opponent will be announced shortly.
A full card of exciting action will be announced soon.
Ron Sanderson, CEO of Liveco Boxing, which is promoting the fight, says he is looking forward to another stellar display of guts and talent. “We were thrilled with the tenacity and the skill our boxers showed us last month,” he says. “This next card at The Renaissance looks to be even more exciting than the first.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, which are priced at $70 & $60 for the April 22nd night of boxing in Palm Springs, visit www.livecoboxing.com. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/livecoboxing; and follow on Twitter and Instagram at @livecoboxing.
About Liveco Boxing:
Liveco Boxing is a boxing promoter and event producer founded by Ron Sanderson in 2016 who was looking to bring back a high standard of ethics to the industry. Liveco’s “Fighter First” philosophy makes them the company of choice for professional fighters looking for a hands-on, personal approach to promotion. For more information, visit, www.livecoboxing.com.
boxing, Mayweather Promotions

Floyd Mayweather Set to Celebrate 40th Birthday with Star-Studded Weekend Celebration in Southern California

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Events Take Place Thursday Through Sunday Including
An Extravagant Official Red Carpet Birthday Gala
LOS ANGELES (February 21, 2017) Twelve-time boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr.  had an illustrious undefeated career that spanned over three decades and five weight divisions. The legend will celebrate his 40th birthday in style with several special events taking place this upcoming weekend in Southern California.
Mayweather, who is known for his larger than life personality, will begin his festivities Thursday, February 23 with an intimate dinner in collaboration with Hollywood Unlocked and Louie the 13th. On Friday, Mayweather will turn the ‘Big 4-0,’ ringside at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula where his promotional company Mayweather Promotions is hosting a ShoBox: The New Generation fight card featuring young prospects from the sport which Mayweather left his indelible mark.
The weekend’s spotlight affair will be Mayweather’s official star-studded Oscars-inspired birthday gala Saturdayin downtown Los Angeles that is guaranteed to be opulent and over the top. The black-tie affair will host a “who’s who” list of Hollywood celebrities and athletes such as personal friends Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber and Future, and invited guests such as Marlon Wayans, Tyrese, Allen Iverson, Morris Chestnut, Fat Joe and Nicole Murphy to name a few.  Guests will enjoy surprise performances from some of Floyd’s favorite musical artists, premium open bar and catering and other elements of surprise.
The jam-packed weekend continues Sunday with a roller skating party that will wrap up the weekend honoring Mayweather.
“Being surrounded by my family and friends for my birthday weekend reminds me to never take anything for granted in life,” said Mayweather. “I am grateful for everything I’ve accomplished and received in my lifetime. I have a beautiful family, four great children and many friends that have been there since day one. Life is short and I try to make every minute count. This is exactly how I want to celebrate my 40th birthday. I use each year as an opportunity to grow and with this big milestone, I’m even more grateful for everyone who showed me the way and made me the man I am today.”
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

FANS INVITED TO JOIN ROYCE GRACIE, SAKURABA, WANDERLEI SILVA, MATT MITRIONE, ‘KING MO’ & ‘BIG’ JOHN MCCARTHY AT BELLATOR 170 FAN FEST AT DAVE & BUSTER’S IN LOS ANGELES

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WHAT:                      Bellator 170 Fan Fest

WHERE:                   Dave & Buster’s at The Promenade at Howard Hughes Center

                                    6081 Center Dr.

Los Angeles, CA 90045

 

WHEN:                      Thursday, January 19

8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

 

WHO:                         Royce Gracie

                                    Kazushi Sakuraba

Wanderlei Silva

                                    King Mo

                                    John McCarthy

                                    Matt Mitrione

 

Royce Gracie

The name Gracie is synonymous with MMA, and that is largely in part to Royce Gracie, a 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 whom 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 Brazilian jiu-jitsu that his father invented. In February of 2016, Gracie headlined “Bellator 149,” an event that shattered company viewership records that remain intact to this day.

 

Kazushi Sakuraba

With an incredible resume highlighted by wins over four members of the legendary Gracie family, including Royler, Renzo, Ryan, and Royce Gracie, Sakuraba has inherited the nickname “The Gracie Hunter.” The Japanese mixed martial artist is especially remembered for his first clash with Royce, a ninety-minute marathon that ended in a TKO (corner stoppage) victory for Sakuraba nearly 17 years ago. Gracie would later avenge his loss, earning a unanimous decision win over Sakuraba at “K-1 Dynamite USA!!” inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Now, almost a decade later, the two legends meet again and Bellator MMA is giving you the chance to be there when it happens!

 

Matt Mitrione

Matt Mitrione originally took his talents to the football gridiron, signing as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants in 2002. After brief stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings, Mitrione entered the MMA cage and hasn’t looked back since. The 14-time UFC veteran began his professional career with victories in his first five fights, four of which came by way of knockout. Known as one of the top finishers in the sport, the 37-year-old Indianapolis native recently finished his run with his former employer, making the decision to test free agency. Mitrione will now look to duplicate the success that he found throughout his career, when he meets Fedor Emelianenko in San Jose this February.

 

Wanderlei Silva

Former UFC superstar Wanderlei Silva will also be in attendance on January 20, as “The Axe Murderer” prepares for his Bellator MMA debut in the highly anticipated year of 2017. The man who has consistently called him out since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion, Chael Sonnen, will be competing in the main event of ‘Bellator 170’ just one day after the “Fan Fest.” A 48-fight veteran, Silva joined the Bellator MMA fray following an illustrious career with UFC, sifting through middleweight powerhouses Cung Le, Brian Stann, and current division champion Michael Bisping. With 25 of his 35 career victories coming by way of knockout, the 40-year-old Brazilian hotshot is eager to make his presence felt inside the Bellator MMA cage. Join us for ‘Bellator 170’ “Fan Fest” in Los Angeles and meet the legend himself before he makes his promotional debut.

 

King Mo

“King Mo” has been a mainstay with Bellator MMA since 2013, fighting everyone both the light heavyweight and heavyweight division has to offer. This will be Lawal’s second appearance at Bellator MMA’s “Fan Fest” event, giving fans another opportunity to meet the explosive striker outside of the cage. After his recent main event victory over Satoshi Ishii, “Mo” now sets his sights on other “Moneyweight” bouts to satiate his thirst.

 

John McCarthy

Known to many as “Big” John McCarthy, the longtime MMA referee will turn his attention to Bellator MMA’s “Fan Fest” and call the shots at a fun-filled day with some of the greatest fans the sport has to offer. McCarthy has officiated a number of memorable bouts promoted by Bellator MMA, the UFC and others, becoming one of the most notorious referees in the history of the sport.

 

FIGHT INFO:           Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen takes place on Saturday, January 21 from the Forum in Los Angeles and will air live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. The highly anticipated undercard streams live on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App beginning at 6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for the event start at $36 and are on sale now at Bellator.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com.

 

The epic main card is headlined by a legendary light heavyweight clash that pits superstars Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) against Chael Sonnen (28-14-1). In addition, a welterweight co-main event featuring Paul Daley (38-14-2) against Brennan Ward (14-4) and a middleweight bout between Ralek Gracie (3-0) and Hisaki Kato (7-2) will also be featured on the Spike-televised main card. Lastly, a featherweight contest pitting Georgi Karakhanyan (26-6-1) against Emmanuel Sanchez(13-3) and a recently-announced lightweight battle featuring Derek Campos (17-6) and Derek Anderson (14-2, 1 NC) wrap up Bellator MMA’s first main card of the new year.

 

On the Bellator.com-streamed preliminary card, female flyweights Rebecca Ruth (6-2) and Colleen Schneider (10-7) will join the promotional debuts of LA’s own Kevin Casey (9-5-1, 2 NC) and heavyweight knockout artist Jack May (8-3). Also featured on the undercard is the anticipated return of Chinzo Machida (4-2), Henry Corrales (12-3), Guilherme “Bomba” (8-3), and Cody Bollinger (19-6).

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

‘THE BAD BOY’ MEETS ‘THE BAD GUY’ ON JANUARY 21 AT THE FORUM IN LOS ANGELES

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TITO ORTIZ & CHAEL SONNEN TO MAIN EVENT ‘BELLATOR 170’ LIVE & FREE ON SPIKE

 

KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE TAKING PLACE NOV. 3 AT MOHEGAN SUN PRIOR TO BELLATOR 163

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 19, 2016) – It’s a fight that many mixed martial arts fans thought they’d never see, but on January 21, 2017, both Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) and Chael Sonnen (28-14-1) will return to action inside the beautifully renovated Forum in Inglewood, Calif., to headline “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen.” In college, the two met on the wrestling mat, in a matchup that Sonnen won by pinning Ortiz on his birthday. Now, Ortiz will have the opportunity to avenge that loss when the compete in the Bellator MMA cage on SPIKE.

 

Ticket information will be made available shortly. The event will be broadcast live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announcing in the coming weeks.

 

Since shocking the world with his surprise signing with Bellator MMA last month, Sonnen has made it clear he wants to fight anyone and everyone – regardless of weight class, or anything else that could stand in his way. Sitting atop that list, is a name that has sat atop the sport of MMA practically since its inception, Tito Ortiz.

 

Not one to shy away from any sort of challenge, “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” wasted zero time welcoming “The American Gangster” to the fray as only he can, by responding to Sonnen’s call-out with open arms on his social media account.

 

Sonnen spent a vast majority of his 43-fight career with the UFC, a run where he competed against names the likes of Jon Jones, Anderson Silva (2x), Rashad Evans, “Shogun” Rua, Demian Maia, Brian Stann, and current middleweight champion Michael Bisping. In addition to his exploits inside the cage, the West Linn, Ore., native has mastered the art of being in front of the camera, doing major broadcasting work for both ESPN and Fox Sports. Now, after a three-year hiatus from active MMA competition, Sonnen looks to add to his impressive resume by defeating Ortiz.

 

Known to the masses as “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” or “The People’s Champion” Tito Ortiz is a fan-favorite all over the world.  The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion has always been one of the toughest competitors in the cage, utilizing his wrestling background; Ortiz is a grinder who defended his title an impressive five times. Always with a flair for the dramatic, Ortiz had intense rivalries in the cage with guys like Ken Shamrock, Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva, and Randy Couture. Most recently, Ortiz challenged current Bellator MMA 205-pound champion Liam McGeary at “Bellator: Dynamite 1.”

 

Updated “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” Main Card:

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) vs. Chael Sonnen (28-14-1)