Lossis Archives: Kansas

boxing

Olympian Nico Hernandez had boxing float In Wichita’s Riverfest Sundance Festival parade

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Airing live on CBS Sports Network from
Hartman Arena in Kansas

PARK CITY, Kansas (Rau hli ntuj 7, 2017) – Team Hernandez, featuring Wichita-native Nico Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO), ib 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, entered a boxing float in this past Hnub vas Xuvhmo ntuj 45th annual Riverfest Sundance Festival parade in Wichita.

An estimated 50,000 people turned out to enjoy the parade, as well as the opportunity to support hometown hero Hernandez, who will fight at home once again in less than two weeks.
The 21-year-old Hernandez returns to action Hnub vas xaum hmo ntuj, Rau hli ntuj 17, in the six-round main event against Mexican-born flyweight opponent Jose Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs), headlining “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire”, which will air (10 p.m. LI / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.
Unbeaten Canadian featherweight Marc “Gwapo” Pagcaliwangan (10-0-1, 8 KOs) faces angel “Terrible” Monrreal (10-8-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico, in the eight-round co-featured event. Wichita junior middleweight Noel Esquada (7-3-2, 5 KOs) meets 2012 Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce (12-3, 9 KOs) in a six-round match,
Nyob hauv lub televised opener, Garden City (KS) featherweight prospect Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) takes on pro-debuting Humberto “Tito” Tellez, fighting out of Winfield (KS).
The non-televised “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” undercard is loaded with local talent: pro-debuting Topeka (KS) junior welterweight Brian Clements vs. Bryan Montalvo (1-9, 1 KO), of Garden City (KS); Winfield light heavyweight Juan Hollingsworth (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Oklahoman Matt Dixon in his pro debut, and pro-debuting middleweights Eddie Chavez, of Wichita, and Garden City’s Fernando Jasso throw-down in the opening bout.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are on sale at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060052A193761C74. Prices are $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and a ticket to the official after-party with a meet-and-greet opportunity), $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt), $75.00, $35.00 thiab $20.00. Tickets will also be sold in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st Me nyuam. N, or call Team Nico (Jeremiah @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @ 316.806.0144).
This is an all-ages show. Qhov rooj qhib thaum 6:00 p.m. I with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. I.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram.
boxing

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Dedicated to building boxing in Wichita & across Kansas

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Airing live on CBS Sports Network from
Hartman Arena in Kansas
PARK CITY, Kansas (Rau hli ntuj 1, 2017) – Wichita-native Nico Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO), ib 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, is on a mission to establish his home as a real “fight town” like world champion Terence Crawford has done in Omaha, Nebraska.
The 21-year-old Hernandez returns to action Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 17, in the six-round main event against Mexican-born flyweight opponent Jose Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs), headlining “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire”, which will air (10 p.m. LI / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.
Hernandez drew nearly 3,200 fans for his professional debut, Lub peb hlis ntuj 25, in nearby Mulvane (KS), in which he knocked out Patrick Gutierrez in the fourth round of the main event, which was also televised live on CBS Sports Network.
Hernandez’ promoter, KO Night Boxing, LLC, is committed to showcasing Hernandez at home on national television, as well as provide a platform for young Kansas boxers for them to develop their skills and build intra-state rivalries as evident on this card.
“My plan is to do it like Terence Crawford has done in Omaha,” Hernandez explained. “I’m hoping it works out as well for me. It means so much for me to bring boxing to Wichita, to all of Kansas, for these fans and all the good, young boxers we have here.”
“This is a good opportunity for fighters from Wichita, across Kanas, to showcase their skills to the boxing world,” promoter John Andersen Hais. “Nico is giving all these other fighters a chance to do that by headlining our shows on CBS Sports Network. They need to fight to develop; otherwise, they’d have to travel far from home just to fight. They can build fanbases close to their hometowns.

“We’re an up-and-coming promotional company, much like Nico as a pro fighter, and together we want to build boxing across Kansas and build natural rivalries like we have on this card. Nico is the perfect fighter to do this because, in addition to being an Olympic medalist, he’s a great role model for young people in Wichita, and Kansas as a whole, to emulate. We’ve planted the boxing seed in Wichita, through Nico, and we feel that boxing is going to grow across the state where Nico is bigger than life.”

Unbeaten Canadian featherweight Marc “Gwapo” Pagcaliwangan (10-0-1, 8 KOs) meets angel “Terrible” Monrreal (10-8-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico, in the eight-round co-feature, while Wichita junior middleweight Noel Esquada (7-3-2, 5 KOs) takes on 2012 Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce (12-3, 9 KOs) in the six-round match,
A prime example of a budding intrastate Kansas rivalry will be displayed in the televised opener as Garden City (KS) featherweight prospect Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) takes on pro-debuting Humberto “Tito” Tellez, fighting out of Winfield (KS).
The non-televised “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” undercard is loaded with local talent: pro-debuting Topeka (KS) junior welterweight Brian Clements vs. Bryan Montalvo (1-9, 1 KO), of Garden City (KS); Winfield light heavyweight Juan Hollingsworth (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Oklahoman Matt Dixon in his pro debut, and pro-debuting middleweights Eddie Chavez, of Wichita, and Garden City’s Fernando Jasso throw-down in the opening bout.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are on sale at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060052A193761C74. Prices are $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and a ticket to the official after-party with a meet-and-greet opportunity), $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt), $75.00, $35.00 thiab $20.00. Tickets will also be sold in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st Me nyuam. N, or call Team Nico (Jeremiah @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @ 316.806.0144).
This is an all-ages show. Qhov rooj qhib thaum 6:00 p.m. I with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. I.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram.
boxing

Jose Rodriguez unfazed, determined to KO 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez In “Rapid Fire” main event June 17

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Airing live on CBS Sports Network from
Hartman Arena in Kansas
PARK CITY, Kansas (Tej zaum 11, 2017) – Unfazed Mexico-native Jose Rodriguez is determined to knockout 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez rau Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 17, in the “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” headline event.

Wichita-native Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO) will be fighting at home against Rodriquez (2-0, 2 KOs), a flyweight living in Wisconsin,in the six-round main event that will air (10 p.m. LI / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.
Hernandez drew nearly 3,200 fans for his professional debut, Lub peb hlis ntuj 25, in nearby Mulvane (KS), in which the 21-year-old future star stopped Patrick Gutierrez in the fourth round of the main event, which was also televised live on CBS Sports Network.
Rodriguez is chasing the American dream having moved 12 years ago to Wisconsin for a job opportunity and better life for his family. He had started boxing in Mexico but was unable to continue because he needed to work. A few years after he moved to Wisconsin, Rodriguez decided he wanted to box again, although he had a difficult time finding a trainer who wanted to work with a 24-year-old novice. Trainer Eddie Haynes gave Rodriguez an opportunity to join Team Certified, which includes former world title challenger Angel Manfredy, who also works Rodriguez’ corner.
After a brief yet undefeated amateur career, highlighted by Rodriguez’ gold-medal performance in the in the Milwaukee Golden Gloves Championships, Jose turned pro last July in Milwaukee against Nicholas Brand. Now, he has a pair of first-round knockouts, the last this past September against Richard Tallmadge, who was coached by Nate Jones, ironically, also an American Olympic bronze-medal winner in 1996.
Rodriguez, who drives 1 ½-hours to train at his gym, works the night shift in a factory. “I fight for my wife and three children,” the 29-year-old Rodriquez said. “This is a very important fight for me because, when I knock him out, it’ll open doors for me and my team. I train very hard every day because I want to make a living boxing, or at least enough to work less hours, so I can see my kids more than the hour a day I do now. I’ve already lost too much time
“This is going to be a good action-fight, from start to finish, as long as it lasts. I like to fight inside, putting a lot of pressure on my opponent. I don’t want to leave it in the hands of the judges. No decision, I’m knocking him out. If he thinks this is going to be an easy fight, he’ll know who I am after our fight. I’m going to finish him!”
Unbeaten Canadian featherweight Marc “Gwapo” Pagcaliwangan (10-0-1, 8 KOs) takes on Mexican invader angel “Terrible” Monrreal (9-8-1, 3 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature. Pagacaliwangan is a Taekwondo-trained fighter of Filipino heritage. He is a three-time Ontario Golden Gloves and two-time Provincial amateur champion in his native Canada.
Wichita junior middleweight Noel Esquada (7-3-2, 5 KOs) meets 2012 Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce (12-3, 9 KOs) in a scheduled six-round bout. Garden City (KS) featherweight prospect Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) faces pro-debuting Humberto “Tito” Tellez, fighting out of Winfield (KS).
Non-televised “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” undercard bouts featuring additional Kansas fighters will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are on sale at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060052A193761C74. Prices are $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and a ticket to the official after-party with a meet-and-greet opportunity), $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt), $75.00, $35.00 thiab $20.00. Tickets will also be sold in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st Me nyuam. N, or call Team Nico (Jeremiah @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @ 316.806.0144).
This is an all-ages show. Qhov rooj qhib thaum 6:00 p.m. I with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. I.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing, CBS Boxing

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Returns to headline “Rapid Fire” in Kansas

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rau hli ntuj 17 on CBS Sports Network, live from Hartman Arena

PARK CITY, Kansas (Tej zaum 1, 2017) – 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez returns to the ring on Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 17, at home in Wichita for his second professional fight. “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” will air (10 p.m. LI / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
Wichita native Hernandez will face unbeaten Mexican flyweight Jose Rodriquez (2-0, 2 KOs)in the six-round main event.
In his professional debut on March 25th, Hernandez turned in an impressive performance, entertaining nearly 3,200 passionate Kansas fans as he defeated Patrick Gutierrez in the fourth round of the main event. The fight was also televised on CBS Sports Network.
NICO HERNANDEZ HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO FROM HIS PRO DEBUT
Feel free to view and/or post parts or all of this highlights video of Nick Hernandez’ pro debut. To use, credit “KO Night Boxing, LLC and TITLE Boxing:
Nico Hernandez
(Picture courtesy of TITLE Boxing)

The 21-year-old Hernandez displayed tremendous poise and a few tweaks to his amateur style, adding a devastating body attack, in addition to effectively switching from his orthodox stance to southpaw at times.

“I feel that there will be even more people there this fight than at my pro debut,” Hernandez said. “I live only a 10 to 15-minute drive from Hartman Arena, north of Wichita.
“I worked hard on body punching for my pro debut. I didn’t do that in the amateurs (no scoring points) and I’m getting use to switching to southpaw. Both were in our game plan and successful in my firsts fight. I’m excited to get right back in the ring, especially at home. Our plan is to fight every two to three months and have a total of four fights this year.”
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.
“Gutierrez was the perfect opponent for Nico’s pro debut,” commented John Andersen, who promotes Hernandez as well as the June 17th show. “He was tough but now it’s time to step it up a little against a 2-0 opponent with two knockouts. Nico is starting to climb the ladder to get him where we want him to go. We need to move him quicker than an average fighter, largely due to his amateur background, and he’ll probably have only one more six-round bout after this before moving him up to eight.
“I thought he looked a little nervous in his pro debut at the start, but that’s expected for a fighter making his pro debut at home in front of nearly 3,200 people, and after that he was great. We couldn’t have asked for anything more and he did get in some rounds that will be helpful.
“This fight will be close to where Nico lives. Nico really connects to kids in the community, often speaking at local schools, and this is the perfect opportunity for parents to bring their children to watch him fight on a weekend night.
“We’re calling this show, ‘Rapid Fire,’ primarily because of Nico’s exciting style, firing crisp combinations in rapid succession, in addition to his activity level as he comes right back to fight so quickly.”
Hernandez’ father and head trainer, Lewis Hernandez, believes fans will see a more improved, well-rounded fighter in this fight. “Nico showed his body punching and he switched around a little to fight lefthanded,” he explained, “which weren’t part of his boxing style in the amateurs. Fans will see the fighter Nico really is but this fight he’ll get back to boxing more. I told him that he needed to go to the body as a professional fighter but that each punch doesn’t have to be as hard. Sometimes I need to remind him of that because he’s a fighter at heart.
“I knew he’d be okay in his pro debut (nerves-wise) because he gets going as the fight goes on. When he hurts his opponent, he comes on even stronger. I just tell him to box and be himself. He’s always well-conditioned so he can go rounds without a problem. I want him to be fast and elusive to take away his opponents’ body and then, in later rounds, go back to boxing. He fought at 115-pounds but he’ll be back to 112 for this fight. Nico was strong at 115 and he’ll be very strong at flyweight.”
A 29-year-old native of Mexico who fights out of Markesan, Wisconsin, Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs) has two first-round knockouts in a pair of pro fights. Rodriguez is trained by four-time world title challenger Angel Manfredy, whose invaluable experience from fighting Floyd Mayweather, ❏ Jr ❏., Stevie Johnston thiab Diego Corrales certainly aids his fighter. Manfredy (43-8-1, 32 KOs) had statement victories over Arturo Gatti, Julio Diaz thiab Ivan Robinson, among the more notables.
Additional “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets go on special pre-sale Hnub peb, Tej zaum 3, and general sales Hnub vas Xuv, Tej zaum 5, at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060052A193761C74. Prices are $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and a ticket to the official after-party with a meet-and-greet opportunity), $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt), $75.00, $35.00 thiab $20.00. Tickets will also be sold in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st Me nyuam. N), or call Team Nico (Jeremiah @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @316.806.0144.
This is an all-ages show. Qhov rooj qhib thaum 6:00 p.m. I with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. I.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing

Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing, CBS Sports Network

U.S. Olympian Nico Hernandez Building Wichita into a fight town

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins”
Encore presentation hnub Saturday no night on CBSSN

(photo by Charles Yellowfeather)
WICHITA, Kansas (Lub peb hlis ntuj 31, 2017) – Last Saturday night at Kansas Star Arena in nearby Mulvane, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez planted a seed in hopes of growing Wichita into a fight town, as world champions Terence Crawford thiab Deontay Wilder have already accomplished in the respective hometowns, Omaha (NE) and Birmingham (AL).
More than 3,100 fans purchased tickets Hernandez’ successfully professional debut, stopping Pat Gutierrez in the fourth round. To put that attendance figure in its proper perspective, Wichita has a population of less than 400,000 and in this hoop-crazed state, the appropriately named “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” went head-to-head with the popular Kansas Jayhawks quintet playing on national television in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball championship, as well as The Wichita Force playing at home in indoor football.
The 21-year-old Hernandez is practically a sports franchise in Wichita, second only to the Wichita State University (WSU) men’s basketball team. The city turned out in force at a parade honoring Hernandez upon his return home from the Olympics and WSU awarded him an open-ended four-year college scholarship.
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins” Encore Presentation hnub Saturday no hmo ntuj
The encore presentation of last Saturday’s “KO Night Boxing: History Begins,” featuring the pro debut of 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Nico Hernandez, will air hnub Saturday no (Tim 1), starting at 8:30 p.m. LI, on CBS Sports Network.
“The show was a huge success and Nico, as a pro fighter, produced a more complete body of work than we had expected,” Hernandez’ promoter John Andersen (KO Night Boxing) Hais. “I was very impressed. His amateur background converted to an even better pro style. It really showed his potential and that’s one of the primary reasons we signed him. We really believed in Nico. He is the only fighter we have signed, right now; Nico is our stable! We see things from a different angle than big-time promoters. We understood that he’s a hometown hero, so we had him headline at home his pro debut on national television (CBS Sports Network). We produce our shows on television and we enjoy telling stories like Nico’s. We’d like to come right back to Wichita with Nico fighting in June.”
Lifelong Kansas Sean Wheelock, a non-paid member of the Kansas Athletic Commission that oversees boxing, in addition to calling last Saturday’s fights as a member of the KO Night Boxing announcing team on CBS Sports Network, has a unique perspective on the significance of last Saturday evening’s in terms of local boxing history.
“It was huge for Kansas boxing,” Wheelock explained, “the biggest show in this state since the Tommy Morrison Era (early-to-mid 1990’s). Morrison was an adopted son, though. Nico was born here and he has a deep investment in the Wichita community. Drawing 3000-plus for his pro debut, in a non-boxing market, was phenomenal and he has the potential to do what Crawford has done in Omaha and Wilder in Birmingham. Boxing has strong roots in Kansas and across the Midwest, but MMA has taken over and lately, most boxing in Kansas has been on hybrid shows with MMA and kickboxing.
“Fans were loudly chanting, ‘Nico’ and ‘316’ (Wichita’s area code) before, during and after his fight. I’ve never heard fans chanting for a city like they did, ‘Wichita’, for an individual athlete. And they were also chanting ‘USA’. As a native Kansas, I’m proud that this state has become more ethnically and culturally diverse with more Hispanics living in Wichita. Nico is engaged in the Hispanic community and he is a fantastic kid, too. Because of his personality and fighting style, he can draw locally from Wichita, throughout all of Kansas, and nationally among Hispanics and Americans across the country because of his accomplishment in the Olympics.”
Hernandez is also fighting in one of the hottest divisions in boxing — 115-pound junior bantamweight/super flyweight — showcasing name fighters such as Naoya Inoue, Roman Gonzalez, Carlos Cuadras, Juan Francisco Estrada and recent addition Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. Conspicuously absent, however, are top 20 ranked American fighters in this weight class, excluding 36-year-old Brian Viloria, the four-time, two-division (junior flyweight and flyweight) world champion. The opportunity is right there for Hernandez to quickly establish himself as the preeminent American boxer in this weight class.
“There’s no reason for Nico to fight outside of Wichita for a couple of years as he develops,” Andersen noted. “I feel that he can win a regional title next year. Our goal is to have him in a world title fight position within three years. Our goal is to get him 13 mus 15 fights and then promote a super fight in Wichita. He started out in a six-round fight. I think he’ll only have a couple more and then move up to eight-round bouts.
“Nico doesn’t waste a lot of punches, so the number of scheduled rounds won’t be a problem for him. Another fighter would have punched himself out in two rounds, fighting at home in front of a crowed like he had supporting him, but Nico showed tremendous poise, settling down and putting his punches together very well. He didn’t chase Gutierrez, he effectively cut off the ring, and his powerful body attack was something he didn’t do as an amateur. We wanted to see how he reacted to resistance and he passed that test with flying colors.”
Andersen noted that his company has promoted several successful shows, noting the big difference is last weekend’s show featured a world-class fighter in Hernandez. “Making the Olympics was a big deal for Nico,” Andersen added, “whether he medaled or not. Nico is to us what Manny Pacquiao is to Top Rank, ‘Canelo’ Alvarez to Golden Boy. We’re lucky to start out with a fighter like Nico. Fighting in Wichita was risk for everybody but it’s already paying dividends.
“We know who and what we are as a promotional company. Nico is our top priority, our only fighter right now, and now we have a great opportunity to build off last weekend’s success. We give Nico all the attention he deserves and he’s going to take advantage of this situation. And we also discovered that there’s some other talented boxers in this market. Whit Hayden did a wonderful job making very competitive fights. That’s his history, he never has blowouts. Whit is one of the most knowledgeable people I know in boxing. He’s the perfect matchmaker to guide Nico’s career, along with Nico’s father (head trainer) Lewis Hernandez, who we work closely with in many ways, in and out of the ring.”
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @Neonstarmedia, @KONightBoxing
Follow on Twitter & Instagram: @Nicomhernandez
About Neon Star Sports & Entertainment (NSSE)
NSSE is a content company whose focus is creating original and joint venter media properties – unscripted, scripted, events and digital programming – for cross-platform distribution. In this highly competitive digital age, NSSE specializes in the development and production of corporate branding designed with your target audience and accelerated consumer growth in mind. Visit us on Twitter @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.Facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media. REV Sports Entertainment Inc. (MAVTV Canada) and Neon Star Media LLC are subsidiary companies of Neon Star Sports & Entertainment Inc.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, Ntsia hlau loj TV

International knockout artists Cheick Kongo and Alexander Volkov clash on June 26 in headlining bout of “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov”

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B139_Kongo_Volkov

Easy Tweet: “.@kongo4real thiab @AlexDragoVolkov set to headline #Bellator139 thaum lub @KansasStarArena on June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx”

 

MONICA RAUG, Calif. (Tim 21, 2015) – French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5) will stand toe-to-toe in the Bellator MMA cage on Rau hli ntuj 26.

 

The two sluggers clash in the five-round main event of “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which takes place at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Kan.

 

The heavyweight slugfest joins previously announced matchups of lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “The Natural” Alessio (35-17) and former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2) on the event’s featured portion.

 

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. LI/ 8 p.m. I, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com.

 

Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

Daim pib mus “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which start at just $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, are currently available at Ticketmaster.com.

 

Kongo, a 6-foot-4 Frenchman, is a striking ace who boasts black belts in both Karate and Kendo. A multiple-time world champion in kickboxing, Kongo now focuses solely on MMA and has built a 4-2 record under the Bellator MMA banner. One of the most imposing figures in all of MMA, Kongo boasts 12 career knockout victories, including the sport’s 2011 “Knockout of the Year.”

 

The 26-year-old Volkov is an eight-time Bellator MMA veteran who rose to the promotion’s highest rank in 2012 as the Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion. Though he would eventually cede the belt to current title holder Vitaly Minakov, Volkov bounced right back with three-consecutive stoppage wins. In his 24 career victories, Volkov has scored 17 by knockout.

 

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” – Hnub vas Xuv, Rau hli ntuj 26, Kanas Star Event Center Arena, Mulvane, Kansas

 

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2)

Easy Tweet: “.@kongo4real thiab @AlexDragoVolkov set to headline #Bellator139 thaum lub @KansasStarArena on June 26. http://bit.ly/1GfVzbx”

 

MONICA RAUG, Calif. (Tim 21, 2015) – French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5) will stand toe-to-toe in the Bellator MMA cage on Rau hli ntuj 26.

 

The two sluggers clash in the five-round main event of “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which takes place at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Kan.

 

The heavyweight slugfest joins previously announced matchups of lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “The Natural” Alessio (35-17) and former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2) on the event’s featured portion.

 

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. LI/ 8 p.m. I, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com.

 

Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

Daim pib mus “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which start at just $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, are currently available at Ticketmaster.com.

 

Kongo, a 6-foot-4 Frenchman, is a striking ace who boasts black belts in both Karate and Kendo. A multiple-time world champion in kickboxing, Kongo now focuses solely on MMA and has built a 4-2 record under the Bellator MMA banner. One of the most imposing figures in all of MMA, Kongo boasts 12 career knockout victories, including the sport’s 2011 “Knockout of the Year.”

 

The 26-year-old Volkov is an eight-time Bellator MMA veteran who rose to the promotion’s highest rank in 2012 as the Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion. Though he would eventually cede the belt to current title holder Vitaly Minakov, Volkov bounced right back with three-consecutive stoppage wins. In his 24 career victories, Volkov has scored 17 by knockout.

 

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” – Hnub vas Xuv, Rau hli ntuj 26, Kanas Star Event Center Arena, Mulvane, Kansas

 

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Ntsia hlau loj TV

BELLATOR MMA ANNOUNCES RETURN TO KANSAS STAR ARENA ON JUNE 26 WITH TWO FEATURED BOUTS IN DAVE RICKELS vs. JOHN ALESSIO & PAT CURRAN vs. GOITI YAMAUCHI

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TICKETS ON SALE THIS SATURDAY

 

EASY TWEET: “@TheCaveman316 takes on @JohnAllesio79 tom @kansasstararena for #Bellator139!

Tseem: Featherweight Faceoff! @PatCurranMMA & @GoitiOfficial”

 

 

 

MONICA RAUG, Calif. (Tim 8, 2015) Bellator MMA has announced plans for a summer return to the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan., on June 26 for an event currently titled “Bellator 139.”

 

The first two fights confirmed to take place on the “Bellator 139” main card have been announced with Kansas’ own David “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) taking on Pride Fighting Championships veteran John Alessio (35-17) in lightweight action and former featherweight champ Pat Curran (20-7) faces Goiti Yamauchi (18-2).

 

Additional fights, including a main event, will be announced shortly.

 

The event will broadcast live at 9 p.m. EST/ 8 p.m. CST Live and Free on Spike. The preliminary card will be streamed on Spike.com beginning at 7:30 p.m. EST/ 6:30 p.m. CST Tickets starting at $20 go on sale hnub Saturday no, Tim 11 tom 10 a.m. I, and can be purchased online at KansasStarEventCenter.com los sis Ticketmaster.com.

 

A fan-favorite in the Kansas area, Rickels will be making his 14th appearance for the Scott Coker-led promotion since 2011. “The Caveman,” a 26-year-old who competed for the 155-pound title against Michael Chandler at Bellator 97, was most recently in action against Davi Ramos at Bellator 130, winning via unanimous decision.

 

Alessio, 35, has not been in action since May of 2014, when he earned a unanimous decision win against Eric Wisely at Bellator 119. The 53-fight veteran has competed professionally since 1998 against the likes of Pat Miletich, Diego Sanchez and Paul Daley.

 

A former Bellator MMA 145 pound champion, Curran will return to action for the first time since his split decision loss to Daniel Weichel at Bellator 133. “Paddy Mike” has been involved in some of the most entertaining scraps in promotional history and will look to continue that trend against Yamauchi.

 

At only 22-years-old, Yamauchi is already making waves in Bellator’s featherweight division. The Japanese competitor holds victories over Mike Richman and Martin Stapleton and has earned 15 of his 18 professional wins before reaching the judges’ scorecards. The upcoming bout with Curran will serve as his toughest test to date under the Bellator banner.

 

THIS WEEK: Bellator Lightweight World Champion Will Brooks looks to defend his title for the first time against former lightweight tournament winner Dave Jansen. Also on the card, World Champion kickboxer Joe Schilling returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since he produced a Knockout of the Year candidate over Melvin Manhoef last November. Schilling faces a tough Rafael Carvalho at “Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen,” which airs Live and Free on Spike this Hnub vas Xuv, Tim 10, at 9/8c from the Bren Events Center at UC Irvine.

 

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 TV:

Ntsia hlau loj TV 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 TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’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.

 

About Kansas Star Arena

The Kansas Star Arena, a Boyd Gaming facility, is located just off Exit 33 on the Kansas Turnpike and is adjacent to the Kansas Star Casino. The 42,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Kansas Star Arena is south-central Kansas’ home for big-name national acts such as Journey, Pat Benatar, Championship Rodeo, mixed martial arts events and more. The Arena accommodates up to 6,500 guests for headliner events. Nyob rau hauv 2014, Midwest Gaming and Travel awarded the Kansas Star more than 25 honors in its annual Reader’s Choice Awards, including “Best Concert Venue” in the state of Kansas. Xav paub ntau ntxiv, sib ntsib kansasstarcasino.com. Connect with Kansas Star Arena at facebook.com/kansasstararena thiab www.kansasstarcasino.com/entertain/arena.

Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming is a leading diversified owner and operator of 22 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Jersey. Boyd Gaming and Kansas Star Casino press releases are available at boydgaming.mediaroom.com.