Tag Archives: Mark Godbeer

Bare Knuckle Boxing

BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP SET TO DEBUT IN ALABAMA SATURDAY, APRIL 11 IN BIRMIGHAM!

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UFC Veteran Chris Leben & Former University of Alabama Linebacker Marcel Stamps Square Off in BKFC 12 Main Event from the Boutwell Auditorium

Co-Main Event Action to Feature BKFC Heavyweight Champion Joey Beltran Defending his Title Against Mark Godbeer

Tickets on Sale Today!

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. (March 6, 2020) – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) will bring sanctioned bare knuckle action to Alabama for the first time on Saturday, April 11 as UFC veteran Chris Leben and former University of Alabama linebacker Marcel Stamps go toe-to-toe in the main event of BKFC 12 from Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Ala.
 
The BKFC 12 co-main event will showcase a highly anticipated heavyweight title bout as BKFC Heavyweight Champion Joey Beltran defends his belt against rugged MMA veteran Mark Godbeer.
 
Tickets for the live event are on sale Friday, March 6 and can be purchased athttps://www.bareknuckle.tv/ and Etix.
 
“It will be a great fight,” said BKFC founder and president David Feldman. “Chris Leben is a legend, he always comes to fight and he’s ready to throw down. Marcel Stamps is one of the most athletic fighters in BKFC, and we expect him to do some big things with the organization. This fight is a statement of how we do things at BKFC. The best fight the best!”


“I’m excited to be part of the BKFC 12 main event in Alabama,” said Leben. “On April 11, I will make Stamps regret he ever got into this. I will knock him out in front of his hometown fans.”


“I have my hometown supporting me and I will not let them down,” said Stamps. “Leben has nothing left. He is old and is nothing more than a name. I will retire him for good!”


Leben returns for his third BKFC fight, having previously knocked out Justin Baesman at BKFC 5, before losing a decision to Dakota Cochrane at BKFC 6. Originally from Portland, Oregon and now training out of Chula Vista, California, Leben first emerged onto the scene in the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter before going on to become a WEC Middleweight Champion. A veteran of over 20 UFC events, his career includes a five-fight win streak that led to a challenge of Anderson Silva.
 
Born in Brantley, Alabama and now fighting out of Birmingham, Stamps will step in for his second BKFC bout after previously knocking out Kendall Grove at BKFC 3. The 34-year-old played linebacker for Nick Saban at the University of Alabama from 2004 through 2008 and played in the CFL before transitioning to combat sports. Stamps competed in Bellator prior to debuting with BKFC in 2018.
 
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About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visitwww.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bareknucklefc on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc/ on YouTube athttps://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCEeMsInLdrUbIkbEcNm7g-A and on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

‘BELLATOR 158: LONDON’ DELIVERS – OFFERING KNOCKOUTS, SUBMISSIONS & POKE BALLS

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Complete Event Photos Here

 

LONDON — (July 16, 2016) – Douglas Lima (27-6) and Paul Daley (38-14-2) had been bound to cross paths throughout their Bellator MMA tenures, and on Saturday night at The O2 in London, the welterweight battle finally came to a head.

The main event of “Bellator 158: London” pitted the former 170-pound titlist against “Semtex,” an Englishman who has been on a tear since coming back into the fray. Over the course of 15 minutes, the two warriors ripped into each other’s bodies, rocking their foe with shots and scoring takedowns. Much to the chagrin of Daley’s hometown faithful, Lima got the better of Daley, earning a unanimous decision of (30-27 x3). With the win, Lima, eyes a rematch with Andrey Koreshkov, the man who took his title nearly a year ago.

Matt Mitrione Moves to 2-0 Under the Bellator MMA Umbrella

Matt Mitrione (11-5) returned to the Bellator MMA cage fresh off his victory at “Bellator: Dynamite 2” and finished Oli Thompson (17-9), winning his second fight in three weeks. “Meathead” and the former Britain’s strongest man winner went toe-to-toe for the better part of two rounds, but at 4:21 in the second frame, Mitrione turned the lights out for Thompson. Now, Mitrione moves ever closer to a shot at the vacant heavyweight belt, something he hopes to claim before the end of 2016.

 

Michael Page’s Knee Catches Itself A ‘Cyborg’

It’s rare when antics following a fight upstage a flying knee knockout, but Michael Page (12-0) managed to do just that with his second round finish of Evangelista “Cyborg” (21-19) on Satuday night in London. The ending came at 4:31 of the second frame, when Cyborg shot for a takedown but was caught in the head with a knee that sent him sprawling to the mat.

 

After that, “Venom” continued to do what he does best – entertain.

Click here to watch the post-fight celebration everyone is talking about.

Francis Carmont Submits Opponent in Opening Round

In light heavyweight action, Francis Carmont (25-11) defeated Lukasz Klinger (7-3) via submission to bounce back from his defeat at the hands of Phil Davis. The end came at 3:54 of the opening frame, when Georges St. Pierre’s training partner used the D’Arce choke to make his opponent tap out.

James Gallagher is 19-Years-Old & is a “Strabanimal”

 

In the opening contest of “Bellator 158: London” James Gallagher (4-0) kept his undefeated record intact, cruising to a unanimous decision victory against Mike Cutting (6-6). “The Strabanimal” did all he could to have an action-packed Bellator MMA debut, but Cutting – who missed weight on Friday – relentlessly circled the cage, avoiding as much toe-to-toe combat as possible. In the end, it didn’t matter, as the 19-year-old cruised to a unanimous 30-27 victory.

Preliminary Card Results: 

James Mulheron (9-1) defeated Neil Grove (12-8-1) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-26)

Michael Shipman (9-1) defeated Dom Clark (7-10) via submission (Anaconda Choke) R1

Pietro Menga (13-0) defeated Spencer Hewitt (12-11) via knockout (punch) at :41 of R1

Luiz Tosta (8-4-1) and Dean Garnett (7-0-1) fought to majority draw

Jason Radcliffe (9-2) defeated Jack Mason (29-16-1) via knockout (knee) at :14 of R1

Manuel Garcia (28-19) defeated Alex Reid (11-10-1) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Danny Mitchell (18-7) defeated C.J. Meeks (5-2) via submission (twister) 4:25 of R1

Nathanial Wood (9-3) defeated Chase Morton (6-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:59 of R3

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

INJURY TO LINTON VASSELL CAUSES MAIN CARD SHIFT, LUKASZ KLINGER NOW FACES FRANCIS CARMONT ON JULY 16

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NEIL GROVE STEPS UP ON SHORT NOTICE TO FIGHT JAMES MULHERON

 

LONDON — (July 5, 2016) – An injury to Linton Vassell (16-5, 1 NC) has derailed “The Swarm’s” summer plans of competing in front of his fellow Englishmen against Francis Carmont (24-11) during the main card of “Bellator 158: London,” which will take place onJuly 16 inside one of the world’s most popular venues, The O2 in London, England. Instead, Carmont will now fight Lukasz Klinger (7-2) at 205-pounds.

 

One of the card’s featured preliminary fights has also changed, with the news that the always-exciting James Mulheron (8-1) will now enter the cage to fight London native Neil Grove(12-7).

 

In addition to these newly announced bouts, fans will also have the pleasure of watching the always-entertaining British sensation Paul Daley (38-13-2), as he prepares to put on a show for his hometown fans against former welterweight world champion and knockout specialist,Douglas Lima (26-6). Michael “Venom” Page (10-0) aims to continue his raging pace and remain unbeaten when he challenges himself against MMA veteran “Cyborg” Santos (21-17). Rounding out the televised action, Matt Mitrione (10-5) will return after his emphatic win last month to face “Britain’s Strongest Man” Oli Thompson (17-8) in a heavyweight beater, andJames Gallagher (3-0) takes on Mike Cutting (6-5).

 

In the United Kingdom, “Bellator 158: London” will be broadcast on SPIKE UK from 9 – 10 p.m. BST and Channel 5 from 10 p.m. – midnight BST. Meanwhile in America, the card will air live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Tickets start at only £40.00 and are on sale now at TheO2.co.uk or The O2 Box Office.

 

Hailing from Paris, France, the 34-year-old Carmont will be making his first appearance of 2016 and fourth under the Bellator MMA umbrella. Carmont had strung together a couple wins before his most recent appearance at “Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1.” After winning his first bout of the evening, Carmont replaced an injured Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal on just a few minutes’ notice, to face a formidable Phil Davis in the tournament final, where he was defeated. Now, “Limitless” looks to upset Klinger during the main card of “Bellator 158: London.”

 

A native of Przemysl, Poland, Klinger has been competing professionally since 2013 and taken fights almost exclusively in the United Kingdom. The 32-year-old went nearly three years without suffering his first loss as a pro, amassing finishes in all seven of his victories. “Hitman” has laced up the gloves once already in 2016, and now looks to impress in his Bellator MMA debut when he faces Carmont on July 16 at The O2 in London.

 

“Bellator 158: London” Fight Card

 

Bellator MMA Welterweight Feature Bout: Douglas Lima (26-6) vs. Paul Daley (38-13-2)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Feature Bout: Matt Mitrione (10-5) vs. Oli Thompson (17-8)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Feature Bout: Michael Page (10-0) vs. Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos (21-17)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Francis Carmont (24-11) vs. Lukasz Klinger (7-2)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Feature Bout: James Gallagher (3-0) vs. Mike Cutting (6-5)

 

Preliminary Card:

 

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: James Mulheron (8-1) vs. Neil Grove (12-7)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Michael Shipman (8-1) vs. Lee Chadwick (21-12-1)

Bellator MMA Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Pietro Menga (12-0) vs. Spencer Hewitt (12-10)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Luiz Tosta (9-2) vs. Dean Garnett (7-0)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Jason Radcliffe (8-2) vs. Jack Mason (29-15)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Chase Morton (6-2) vs. Nathaniel Wood (8-3)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Alex Reid (11-9-1) vs. Manuel Garcia (27-19)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: C.J. Meeks (4-1) vs. Danny Mitchell (17-7-1)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

‘BELLATOR 158: LONDON’ NOW FEATURES TWO OF THE GAME’S TOP HEAVYWEIGHT SLUGGERS WITH THE ADDITION OF MATT MITRIONE-OLI THOMPSON

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B158_1920x1080_mitrione_thompson

 

 

LONDON — (July 1, 2016) – Fresh off his emphatic knockout victory over Carl Seumanutafa at “Bellator: Dynamite 2,” former NFL player Matt Mitrione (10-5) has cleared medical testing and will now face “Britain’s Strongest Man” winner Oli Thompson(17-8) during the main card of “Bellator 158: London,” which will take place on July 16 inside one of the world’s most popular venues, The O2 in London, England.

 

In addition, fans will also have the pleasure of watching the always-entertaining British sensation Paul Daley (38-13-2), as he prepares to put on a show for his hometown fans against Brazilian knockout specialist Douglas Lima (26-6). Michael “Venom” Page (10-0) aims to continue his raging pace and remain unbeaten when he challenges himself against MMA veteran “Cyborg” Santos (21-17), and Linton Vassell (16-5), who returns to action against Francis Carmont (24-11).

 

In the United Kingdom, “Bellator 158: London” will be broadcast on SPIKE UK from 9 – 10 p.m. BST and Channel 5 from 10 p.m. – midnight BST. Meanwhile in America, the card will air live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Tickets start at only £40.00 and are on sale now at TheO2.co.uk or The O2 Box Office.

 

The 37-year-old Mitrione will enter the Bellator cage for the second time under a month, after knocking out Seumanutafa (10-6) in his promotional debut on June 24, in a journey that was brilliantly documented by Chuck Mindenhall.  A native of Indianapolis, “Meathead” joined the Bellator MMA team as one of the highest profile free agent acquisitions ever, carrying with him a talented athletic background that includes stints in the NFL with the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings. Mitrione is a 14-time UFC veteran that is known for ending fights early and violently, with nine of his ten victories coming by way of knockout and six of them ending in the first round.

 

A resident of East Sussex, England, Thompson will be making his Bellator MMA debut after 25 career fights amongst the heavyweight division’s elite. “The Spartan,” who solidified himself as “Britain’s Strongest Man” in 2006, is looking to build off an impressive 2015 campaign, in which he emerged victorious in all five of his bouts, including two first round knockouts. Since making his professional debut in 2009, Thompson has fought under the direction of multiple regional promotions, and the UFC. At 36 years of age, he will undoubtedly make the most important appearance of his career when he takes center stage in front of thousands of hometown fans in the main event of “Bellator: London” on July 16.

 

“Bellator 158: London” Fight Card

 

Bellator MMA Welterweight Feature Bout: Douglas Lima (26-6) vs. Paul Daley (38-13-2)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Feature Bout: Matt Mitrione (9-5) vs. Oli Thompson (17-8)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Feature Bout: Michael Page (10-0) vs. Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos (21-17)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (24-11)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Feature Bout: James Gallagher (3-0) vs. Mike Cutting (6-5)

 

Preliminary Card:

 

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Michael Shipman (8-1) vs. Lee Chadwick (21-12-1)

Bellator MMA Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Pietro Menga (12-0) vs. Spencer Hewitt (12-10)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Luiz Tosta (9-2) vs. Dean Garnett (7-0)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Jason Radcliffe (8-2) vs. Jack Mason (29-15)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Chase Morton (6-2) vs. Nathaniel Wood (8-3)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Alex Reid (11-9-1) vs. Manuel Garcia (27-19)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: C.J. Meeks (4-1) vs. Danny Mitchell (17-7-1)

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

JAMES GALLAGHER-MIKE CUTTING SET TO FACE OFF IN FEATHERWEIGHT MAIN CARD BOUT AT ‘BELLATOR: LONDON’ ON JULY 16

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LONDON — (June 20, 2016) – A featherweight matchup pitting top Irish MMA prospect James Gallagher (3-0) against Mike Cutting (6-5) has been added to the main card of “Bellator 158: London,” which emanates from the world’s most popular entertainment venue, The O2 in London, England, on July 16.

 

The fight adds to a main card that features a welterweight fight between Douglas Lima (26-6) and British superstar Paul Daley (38-13-2). In addition, British Phenom Michael “Venom” Page (10-0) will look to remain unbeaten in a welterweight slugfest when he takes on MMA veteran “Cyborg” Santos (21-17) and a light heavyweight bout pitting Linton Vassell (16-5) against Francis Carmont(24-11) round up the main card of what amounts to a stacked Bellator MMA international event.

 

In the United Kingdom, “Bellator 158: London” will be broadcast on SPIKE UK from 9 – 10 p.m. BST and Channel 5 from 10 p.m. – midnight BST. Meanwhile in America, the card will air live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Tickets start at only £40.00 and are on sale now at TheO2.co.uk or The O2 Box Office. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

July 16 marks the Bellator MMA debut of Gallagher, a 19-year-old featherweight prospect, who recently joined the promotion in April. A native of Northern Ireland, the undefeated Gallagher is a teammate of Conor McGregor and has received consistent praise from many top athletes in his highly acclaimed gym of SBG Ireland. Gallagher has begun his professional career with three consecutive victories, all of which have concluded by way of submission in the opening frame. He will look to build on his budding young career when he challenges “Gip” next month at The O2 in London.

 

A native of Hampshire, England, Cutting will have a unique opportunity to put on a show in front of his fellow countrymen while also making his Bellator MMA debut on July 16. “Gip” began his career under the direction of a local promotion in 2010, emerging victorious with a first round rear-naked choke submission over Mike Taylor. A submission specialist, Cutting has since gone on to collect six professional wins, all of which have come by way of submission and three have ended in the opening frame. The British featherweight has his eyes set on putting an end to his opponent’s unblemished mark when the two square off at this highly anticipated event at The O2 this summer.

 

Updated “Bellator 158: London” Fight Card

 

Bellator MMA Welterweight Bout: Douglas Lima (26-6) vs. Paul Daley (38-13-2)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Bout: Michael Page (10-0) vs. Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos (21-17)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (24-11)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Bout: James Gallagher (3-0) vs. Mike Cutting (6-5)

 

Preliminary Card:

 

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Bout: Mark Godbeer (11-2) vs. James Mulheron (8-1)

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Michael Shipman (8-1) vs. Lee Chadwick (21-12-1)

Bellator MMA Prelim Flyweight Bout: Pietro Menga (12-0) vs. Spencer Hewitt (12-10)

Bellator MMA Prelim Bantamweight Bout: Luiz Tosta (9-2) vs. Dean Garnett (7-0)

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Jason Radcliffe (8-2) vs. Jack Mason (29-15)

Bellator MMA Prelim Featherweight Bout: Chase Morton (6-2) vs. Nathaniel Wood (8-3)

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Alex Reid (11-9-1) vs. Manuel Garcia (27-19)

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: C.J. Meeks (4-1) vs. Danny Mitchell (17-7-1)

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

Updates to ‘Bellator 158: London’ Event

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LONDON (June 9, 2016) – Arguably England’s two top welterweights, Paul “Semtex” Daley(38-13-2) and Michael “Venom” Page (10-0) have each been assigned new opponents for the upcoming “Bellator 158: London” event. Former welterweight world champion Douglas Lima (26-6) has agreed to fight Daley after an undisclosed injury forced Josh Koscheck to withdraw from the highly anticipated matchup. In addition, gritty Brazilian veteran Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos (21-17) will step in for Fernando Gonzalez to fight undefeated British superstar Page.

 

 

The main card also features a light heavyweight contest between local hotshot Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) and Francis “Limitless” Carmont (24-11) as well as a heavyweight slugfest pitting Mark Godbeer (11-2) against James Mulheron (8-1) in a British brawl that you do not want to miss.

 

We will have to wait a little longer for the highly anticipated faceoff between Daley and Koscheck. The 33-year-old now directs his attention to “The Phenom” as he looks to add to his five fight winning streak. A native of Nottingham, England, “Semtex” has recorded wins in nine of his last ten fights, with eight of those victories ending in a knockout. A four fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Daley has put his stamp on the welterweight division, posting a 4-0 record with three knockouts, including his most recent first round finish of top contender Andy Uhrich in the main event of “Bellator 148: Daley vs. Uhrich.”

 

After originally being slated for the co-main event of “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” onJune 17, Lima has been given the opportunity to take his talents overseas and challenge Daley in a welterweight thriller. In his first 10 appearances under the Bellator MMA fray, the 28-year-old Brazilian has collected eight wins, seven of which have come by way of knockout. A former champion of Bellator’s stacked 170-pound division; Lima has continuously proven his worth with highlight reel victories over former Bellator MMA veterans the likes of Rick Hawn, Ben Saunders (twice) and Bryan Baker. With past winning streaks of nine, six, and five, Lima’s most recent string of victories consisted of five consecutive knockouts over the span of three years. “The Phenom” will look to begin another streak of success when he challenges “Semtex” Daley on his home turf on July 16.

 

Having made his professional debut in 1997, “Cyborg” Santos is undoubtedly one of the most experienced MMA athletes in the game today. The 38-year-old Brazilian veteran has amounted 21 victories over his illustrious career, highlighted by his 12 knockouts, 10 of which came in the first round. In his Bellator MMA debut, “Cyborg” stunned an electric Connecticut crowd when he delivered a first round win over Brennan Ward via heel hook submission at“Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson.” Before signing a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA this year, Santos also made four appearances under the Strikeforce banner from 2009 to 2011. “Cyborg” will have to prepare for one of the most feared fighters in the sport of MMA, when he meets the undefeated “MVP” in his home country on July 16.

 

With an unblemished record of 10-0, “MVP” remains one of the brightest young stars in the world of MMA. Page received a new opponent, with the news that “Cyborg” Santos would replace Fernando Gonzalez in one of the evening’s welterweight feature fights. The 29-year-old London native has a knack for finishing his challengers in the early stages of the bout, collecting nine first round victories with only one fight reaching the judges’ scorecards. “Venom” thoroughly impressed in his 2016 debut, when he forced budding star Jeremie Holloway into an Achilles lock submission just 2:15 into the first round in their clash at“Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson.” It will be more of the same for the knockout specialist Page, as he will enter the cage on July 16 with the full intention of adding to his impressive tally of first round finishes.

 

“Bellator 158: London” will be broadcast free on SPIKE UK and Channel 5 in the United Kingdom, while in America the card will air FREE on SPIKE. Exact broadcast details for the event will be revealed in the near future. Tickets are on sale now and start at only £40.00. They are available at TheO2.co.uk or The O2 Box Office.

 

Updated “Bellator 158: London” Fight Card

 

Bellator MMA Welterweight Bout: Douglas Lima (26-6) vs. Paul Daley (38-13-2)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Bout: Michael Page (10-0) vs. Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos (21-17)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (24-11)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Bout: Mark Godbeer (11-2) vs. James Mulheron (8-1)

 

Preliminary Card:

 

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Michael Shipman (8-1) vs. Lee Chadwick (21-12-1)

Bellator MMA Prelim Flyweight Bout: Pietro Menga (12-0) vs. Spencer Hewitt (12-10)

Bellator MMA Prelim Bantamweight Bout: Luiz Tosta (9-2) vs. Dean Garnett (7-0)

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Jason Radcliffe (8-2) vs. Jack Mason (29-15)

Bellator MMA Prelim Featherweight Bout: Chase Morton (6-2) vs. Nathaniel Wood (8-3)

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Alex Reid (11-9-1) vs. TBD

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: C.J. Meeks (4-1) vs. Danny Mitchell (17-7-1)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

CIVIL WAR IN THE UK AS NORTH VERSUS SOUTH IN A HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH BETWEEN MARK GODBEER & JAMES MULHERON AT ‘BELLATOR: LONDON’ AT THE O2 ARENA ON JULY 16!

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MULTIPLE UNDERCARD BOUTS ANNOUNCED & SET TO SHOW OFF SOME OF UK’S TOP UP-AND-COMERS

 

TICKTES ON SALE NOW AT THEO2.CO.UK

LONDON (May 17, 2016) – A heavyweight match-up between Mark ‘The hand of’ Godbeer (11-2) and James Mulheron (8-1) will kick off the televised portion of the highly anticipated “Bellator: London” card when the promotion arrives at the O2 Arena in London on July 16.  The collision course that the two big men are on will divide the British fans in attendance as the three-round attraction sees Northern UK go head to head with Southern UK, with both men looking for the big KO.

 

The newly-announced scrap joins a star-studded event that features Kimbo Slice (6-2) taking on James Thompson (20-16) and Josh Koscheck (17-10) against Paul “Semtex” Daley (38-13-2). Additional matchups include a light heavyweight pairing between Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) and Francis “Limitless” Carmont (24-11) and British welterweight highlight reel Michael “Venom” Page (9-0) versus Fernando Gonzalez (25-13).

 

Several preliminary matchups have been revealed, including former Big Brother winner Alex Reid (10-9-1-1), who has been scheduled to fight against an opponent to be announced later.

 

After scoring a TKO victory this past Saturday, Godbeer comes into this fight hot on a three-fight winning streak. The exciting heavyweight is known to leave it all on the line, as evidenced by the fact that he has never let a fight go to the judge’s scorecards. For Godbeer it is a welcome second chance with the Bellator promotion. “I personally think Bellator is one of the leading organisations there is today; it’s a great honour to fight for them once again. Last time I fought off of the back of an 18 month lay-off due to a big injury and feel I wasn’t myself, so I’m glad to get another chance to show them the real me.”

 

Both Godbeer and Mulheron are hard-hitting heavyweights with great cardio and athleticism and share a common fight strategy: knock the other guy out. Mulheron won a regional title with the M4TC promotion, and will be competing in Bellator for the first time. “I don’t really go into fights with a game plan,” said Mulheron. “I go in with an open mind. I think every fighter needs to be able to adapt in fights but everyone who watches me knows I come to fight and this fight will be no different.”

 

In the United Kingdom, the event will be broadcast free on SPIKE UK and Channel 5, while in America the card will air FREE on SPIKE. Exact broadcast details for “Bellator 158: London” will be revealed in the near future. Tickets for the event are on sale now and start at only £40.00. They are available at TheO2.co.uk or The O2 Box Office.

 

Updated “Bellator 158: London” Fight Card

 

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (6-2) vs. James Thompson (20-16)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Co-Main Event: Josh Koscheck (17-10) vs. Paul Daley (38-13-2)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Bout: Michael Page (9-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (24-11)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Bout: Mark Godbeer (11-2) vs. James Mulheron (8-1)

 

Preliminary Card:

 

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Michael Shipman (8-1) vs. Chris Widmer (5-1)

Bellator MMA Prelim Flyweight Bout: Pietro Menga (12-0) vs. Spencer Hewitt (12-10)

Bellator MMA Prelim Bantamweight Bout: Luiz Tosta (9-2) vs. Dean Garnett (7-0)

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Jason Radcliffe (8-2) vs. Jack Mason (29-15)

Bellator MMA Prelim Featherweight Bout: Chase Morton (6-2) vs. Nathaniel Wood (8-3)

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Alex Reid (11-9-1) vs. TBD

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: Bola Omoyele (8-4) vs. Lee Chadwick (21-12-1)

Bellator MMA Prelim Middleweight Bout: C.J. Meeks (4-1) vs. Danny Mitchell (17-7-1)

mixed martial arts, MMA, Rizin FF

RIZIN FF:   SHOOT BOXING RULES TO PRESIDE OVER AKEBONO VS. SAPP II ON NEW YEAR’S EVE; “KING MO” TO FACE BRETT MCDERMOTT IN EIGHT-MAN GRAND PRIX TOURNAMENT

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Two K-1 rules bouts announced for highly-anticipated,
three-day launch of RIZIN FF in Tokyo, Japan

TOKYO, JAPAN – December 9, 2015 – RIZIN FF officials announced today that the highly anticipated rematch between Akebono and Bob Sapp will be contested under Shoot Boxing rules on Thursday, Dec. 31, and that BAMMA fighter Brett McDermott has been named the new opponent for “King Mo” Lawal in the eight-man heavyweight Grand Prix elimination tournament, following the withdrawal of BAMMA champion Mark Godbeer last week due to injury.

In K-1 rules action, it was announced that Hiroya Kawabe will face striking phenom Akiyo “Wicky” Nishiura on Tuesday, Dec. 29, and Takeru Segawa will square off with Chinese Muay Thai champion Yang Ming on December 31.
Shoot Boxing founder and CEO, Cezar Takeshi joined RIZIN FF Chairman Nobuyuki Sakakibara, General Manager Nobuhiko Takada, Sapp, Akebono, Segawa, and producer Kensaku Maeda at a press conference in Tokyo to make the announcements.

“I have been seeking advice about what rules the highly anticipated rematch should be held under, and Mr. Cezar introduced me to the idea where both fighters will be able to maximize their potential,” said Sakakibara.

“The new K-1,” continued Sakakibara, “has become popular in such a rapid rate, and I am happy that they are going to be sending their top, young talent to our ring. We would like to match both K-1 representatives up with tough opponents.”

Sakakibara also mentioned that Nam Jin Jo has injured his knee during training and was forced to withdraw, so Felipe Efrain from Shoot Boxe Academy will be facing Yuki Motoya.

Sakakibara closed his announcement by describing the details of the three-day, free-of-charge fight expo, which will begin on December 29, and include amateur MMA bouts and an open grappling tournament.

The rematch between Akebono and Sapp and the bout between Segawa and Ming join matchups between Yuichiro Nagashima and Andy Souwer, andAsen Yamamoto and Kron Gracie on December 31st.

Comments:

Bob Sapp:

“It has been a while since I last fought on NYE, and very excited. And to be facing my nemesis once again. Last time we fought, we made history, and that was a great honor. I would like to aim for making history again, and I assure you it will be an exciting fight.”

Akebono:

“I have been living with grief and defeat for the past 12 years. I have carried a thought of redemption deep inside and got the offer at the perfect timing. I never want to have to feel that way again, so I want everybody to come watch the new Akebono. I’m going in there for the win.”

Takeru Segawa:

“I was frustrated because I wanted to fight more this year, but I’m glad for this perfect opportunity. There are many MMA fights on the card, but I would like to show that K-1 fights are the most exciting. I want everybody to be talking about the lightest fighter’s being the most exciting out of all RIZIN fights.”

RIZIN FF General Manager Nobuhiko Takada:

“I am just too excited. One of the reasons is that the fight card is near complete, but more so because of the fact that we will be able to kick of our event on the day where people watch television the most. It needs to be a festivity. We put together various fights for a wide audience. We would like to continue to promote the greatness of this event.”

Takada continued in describing each fighter. “Hiroya has the looks and the skills who reigns as the top fighter in K-1. I can see why he has many female fans. But once the bell rings, he shows his aggressiveness and power. It is always irritating when you know very little about your opponent, but he is determined to show the greatness of K-1 regardless of his opponent.”

He continued on about the legendary fight, “The ratings for that fight was unreal. And that same fight will be coming back. There are many opinions about this fight, but that is what makes it so exciting. Many fighters will be motivated to gather all the attention which will lead to better performance. This fight has many meanings behind it.” Takada added,” If Akebono wins, maybe next year?” and teased everybody about a possible rubber match. Takada announced that Cezar Takeshi was assigned as the referee for this fight and asked him not to trip during the fight.

Follow RIZIN FF online:

Website – http://www.rizinff.com/en/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/rizinfightingfederation/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/rizin_PR
mixed martial arts

RIZIN FF Announces Tournament Brackets, Matchups for Eight-Man Heavyweight Tournament on December 29 and 31 

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Fighters comment on the highly-anticipated tournament that will award its winner a $300,000 grand prize

TOKYO, JAPAN (Nov. 30, 2015) –A drawing to determine the tournament brackets and first stage matchups for the RIZIN FIGHTING GRAND-PRIX 2015 eight-man, heavyweight tournament that will take place over the course of two days – December 29 and December 31 – and will award its winner a grand prize of $300,000, was held today in Tokyo.

BAMMA Heavyweight Champion Mark Godbeer, who had been scheduled to compete in the tournament, was forced to withdraw due to a neck injury sustained in training. BAMMA will announce a replacement fighter for the tournament soon.

Prior to the drawing, Chairman Nobuyuki Sakakibara stated, “This tournament will be the highlight of RIZIN. Fighters from around the world who are proud to represent their promotion and country, and are eager to use this platform to boost their career to make a name for themselves have gathered in the tournament. The majority of the media who gathered today may not know much about these athletes, but when K-1 first kicked off in 1993, nobody knew about Branko Cikatić or Mike Bernardo. The fighters who open up the new doors are those who exceed their expectations.”

The seven contestants slated for tournament action appeared at the press conference.  Each drew an envelope  numbered one through seven, and those who drew numbers one through four received the opportunity to choose their respective places in the tournament draw.

The first stage tournament matchups will be as follows:

Bout # 1: Lawal vs BAMMA fighter
Bout # 2: Aukstuolis vs Cappelozza,
Bout # 3  Ishii vs Prochazka,
Bout # 4: Reljic vs Nemkov.

A tournament reserve bout between Valentine Moldovsky and Yuta Uchida was also announced during the press conference.

Fighter Quotes:

– 1st Pick = “King Mo” Lawal – selected Slot A

“I am honored to fight for RIZIN. I am excited to showcase my skills in front of the Japanese fans and get the job done. I’m happy to be able to pick number one. I’m always number one. I’m in a position where others will pick me, my job is to crush whoever stands next to me.”

““I currently don’t have an opponent, but I’m sure that BAMMA will send a good fighter for me. But unfortunately whoever comes will get smashed so he better be prepared. I think Ishii made a smart choice by avoiding me and my bracket. Good for him.”

“That’s a lot of money! I’d buy a bunch of ice cream, some nice clothes, and go to Disney World and see a bunch of movies. I’d go to Vegas and party, and buy tons of gold accessories.”
– 2nd Pick = Teodoras Aukstuolis (BUSHIDO Europe Champion) – selected Slot C

“I am grateful to be given such an opportunity. At this level of competition, you have to be ready to fight anybody so I don’t care who my opponent will be. I believe in myself and am ready to fight anybody.”

“For me, becoming the champion in more important than the money. Money will follow as a result of being a true champion. My mind is set to win the tournament.”

“The reason why I am here is because I believe in myself. I will fight to represent my small country. My opponent has wild striking but there is no reason why I would lose. I will put on a show and come out victorious.”

– 3rd Pick =  Goran Reljic (Former KSW Light Heavyweight Champion) – selected Slot G

“I don’t care who fights me. My dream since I was a kid was to fight in Japan, and I am living the dream right now, my goal is to show my best performance on New Years Eve.”

“I like the matchup. I’ve been training with Sambo world champion Blagoi Ivanov and am familiar with the Sambo fight style. I know he comes from a great team, but I will be ready to take anything he has to offer so it will be a good fight.”

“I am living a childhood dream. I am more focused on continuing my journey on my dream to become a champion in Japan. I will think of what to do with the money once I achieve my goal.”

–  4th Pick = Satoshi Ishii (Beijing Olympics Judo Gold medalist) – selected Slot E

“Preparation is good. I will not feel that a fight is a fight, the battle on NYE has just begun.”

“My plan is to invest half of the prize money in gambling and will donate the rest.”

“This was a good offer that I could not turn down. An MMA tournament, Good opponents, good prize money. I don’t want to focus too much on winning the tournament because that will affect my mental game, so I will focus on one fight at a time.”

– 5th Pick = Bruno Cappelozza (Jungle Fight 100kg Champion) – selected Slot D

“I really don’t know any of the fighters here today, so I will choose my opponent and hope I’m lucky.”

“That type of big money will change my life and my family’s life. And also becoming a champion. Those two aspects will be huge accomplishments for me.”

“It has been my dream to fight in Japan. I do not know too much about my opponent, but I’m sure we will both be prepared for an exciting fight. I think this will be an excellent fight.”

– 6th Pick = Vadim Nemkov (MMA Union Heavyweight Champion) – selected Slot H

“I will be representing Sambo. I would like to show the beauty of Sambo and the art of Sambo.”

– 7th Pick = Jiri Prochazka (GCF Czech Light Heavyweight Champion) – selected Slot F“I am very excited to be able to show my skills in a country where the Samurai was born. I will not disappoint you.”

“Everybody here is tough. Since I will be fighting the hometown favorite, my fight will be gathering attention. I would like to use this opportunity and this challenge to become the next big thing.”

“It is so much money I do not know where to start. I believe that the money will come later. So as of now, my focus is to give it all I have to make RIZIN proud that they chose me for a participant.”

General Manager Nobuhiko Takada took the microphone after the drawing, “I am feeling a familiar, comfortable yet tense atmosphere right now. I am just excited to witness the birth of future stars. I hope Ishii can perform in a way where he will make us Japanese fans proud. Ishii’s first accomplishment was winning the gold medal, but we have not seen any outstanding results from him in MMA. I really hope he can use this opportunity to achieve the biggest accomplishment of his career.”