Tag Archives: Mixed Martial Arts

BELLATOR AND USO TEAM UP TO SALUTE THE TROOPS WITH SPECIAL LIVE EVENT IN HAWAII ON DECEMBER 14

 

 cid:image002.png@01D4615B.6E820540

 

Brent Primus Defends Lightweight Title Against Michael Chandler in Long-Awaited Main Event Rematch to Kick Off Honolulu Doubleheader

 

LOS ANGELES – To honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, Bellator MMA has partnered with the USO to present a special live event free for the troops, along with their friends and families, on December 14.

 

 

“Having worked with the Army Combatives Program to evaluate and update their combat readiness, I have long respected the military and their courage,” said Royce Gracie, MMA Legend and Bellator Ambassador. “When I found out we were doing an event in Hawaii, knowing the large military population there, I knew we had to show our support and appreciation through MMA.”

 

 

 

Bellator President Scott Coker is proud of this new relationship with USO and is eager to show his support to the brave service men and women.

 

 

 

“The USO is a historic military support organization – not just in entertainment but in connecting them back to the things they love and fight for,” said Coker. “It made perfect sense for Bellator to establish a relationship with the USO and provide a unique opportunity to Hawaii’s military population. We appreciate their service to the nation, and we hope this is just the first of many opportunities for us to work together.”

 

 

 

Emanating from the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, this unique show will be headlined by a title fight featuring current lightweight champ Brett Primus (8-0) against two-time former titlist Michael Chandler (18-4), while heavyweight icon Frank Mir (18-12) meets Javy Ayala (10-7) in a heavyweight clash.

 

 

Bellator and USO Present: Salute the Troops will air on Paramount Network on Friday, December 14 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT and will be simulcast on CMT. The event will also stream LIVE on DAZN, while preliminary bouts will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in coming weeks.

 

 

 

Reigning champ Brent Primus puts both his title and undefeated streak on the line in a highly anticipated rematch for the Bellator lightweight title. After upsetting Chandler last year, the Eugene, Ore.-native has since battled injuries that have delayed his return to the cage. Now, he looks to silence the critics and prove that he is the rightful and deserving 155-pound champion. One of the most-decorated fighters in Bellator history, Michael Chandler has plans to reclaim the championship and become a three-time titleholder. “Iron” has defeated a who’s who among the division’s elite, including Benson

 

HendersonPatricky Pitbull (x2), Goiti Yamauchi and Eddie Alvarez. The former University of Missouri wrestler, who now calls Nashville home, has earned his way back to No. 1-contender status with his sights set on leaving Hawaii with the belt.

 

 

 

Former UFC heavyweight champ Frank Mir returns to the Bellator cage following his exciting back-and-forth battle with Fedor Emelianenko last spring. With career wins over Roy Nelson, Antonio “Big Nog” Nogueira (x2), Brock Lesnar and Mirko Cro Cop, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt looks for another impressive victory to add to his illustrious career. After shocking the world when he KO’d Sergei Kharitonov, Javy Ayala become an overnight sensation to MMA fans. Known to fans as “Eye Candy,” the heavyweight has also impressively defeated Eric Prindle and Raphael Butler. Fighting out of Porterville, Calif., Ayala returns hoping to yet again shock the world and defeat one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history.

 

 

 

This unforgettable night will be part of an historic weekend culminating with the previously announced Bellator Hawaii on Saturday, December 15, airing exclusively on DAZN. This highly-anticipated fight card includes Bellator women’s flyweight champ Ilima-Lei Macfarlane defending her title against Valérie LétourneauLyoto Machida making his Bellator debut against former champ Rafael CarvalhoNeiman Gracie taking on Ed Ruth in an opening round matchup in the Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix and much more.

 

 

Bellator and the USO will also partner for a week of special events in Hawaii leading up to the big weekend of exciting fights on December 14 and 15. More details to come soon.

 

 

 

Updated Bellator and USO Present: Salute the Troops Fight Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Brent Primus (8-0) vs. Michael Chandler (18-4)

Heavyweight Main Card Bout: Frank Mir (18-12) vs. Javy Ayala (10-7)

 

 

 

*Card subject to change

 

 

 

Please visit Bellator.com and USO.org for more information.

SANDERS AND BOHN WILL BATTLE FOR THE GOLD IN PORTLAND

 

 

Portland, Maine (October 11, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional lightweight championship bout to the card.  “The” Ryan Sanders (17-9) is scheduled to defend the NEF Professional Lightweight Title against Jacob “Jaguar” Bohn (7-5).

 

 

 

It is only fitting that the lightweight championship will be defended at the top of the card titled “Battle for the Gold.”  The NEF 155-pound strap is the most-coveted in all of New England.  It has been known as the jumping off point for many athletes from the regional scene onto the national level of the sport.  Current UFC competitor Devin Powell (9-3) held the title just prior to signing with the world’s biggest MMA promotion.  Desmond “The Predator” Green (21-8), also currently on the UFC roster, signed with Bellator just days after winning the NEF lightweight belt in 2013.  And Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (16-11), another of the NEF 155-pound titleholders, went on to compete nationally for the World Series of Fighting.

 

 

 

Despite holding such a prestigious regional championship, the fight opportunities at lightweight for Ryan Sanders have been few and far between.  To say it has been frustrating for him and his coaches at Young’s MMA would be a major understatement.  Sanders has called out virtually every top 155-pound competitor in the New England region, but none have been brave enough to step in the cage with him.  Even the casual observer cannot really blame them.  Sanders literally tore current Glory Kickboxing signee Vince McGuiness’ (5-8) arm out of its socket earlier this year at “NEF 34” and then followed-up that performance with a dominant submission win over Mando Montoya (10-7) at “NEF 35” last month. 

 

 

 

“I was sitting around, eating my feelings because I was convinced that there was no one that would fight me,” said Sanders. “But (NEF owners) Nick (DiSalvo) and Matt (Peterson) went out of New England where I assume there are less cowards and found a quality opponent in Jacob. I look forward to methodically breaking Jacob, showing my ever improving skill set and defending my lightweight belt. I have the mindset and work ethic to be the greatest fighter that has ever come out of Maine and on November 17, I will show why I am ready for the next level.”

 

 

 

Jacob Bohn, based out of Waterville, New York, is coming off two big wins in lightweight bouts earlier this year.  He defeated longtime veteran Kenny Foster (12-13) via split decision on a card in Long Island, New York.  Bohn went on to submit Lewis Corapi (8-4) in the first round of a bout in Rhode Island this past summer. 

 

 

 

“I’m excited to visit Maine and can’t wait to make my NEF debut against Ryan Sanders for the lightweight belt,” stated Bohn when reached for comment. “I only take fights that I think will take me to the next level, and Sanders looks like a game opponent. Get ready for a show New England, I’m coming for that strap!”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

 

 

 

About New England Fights

 

 

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Growing Russia vs. Brazil MMA rivalry continues

 
Artem Frolov – Bruno Blindado Silva
M-1 Challenge middleweight championship
 
Nov. 2 at M-1 Challenge 98 in Chelyabinsk, Russia
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (October 9, 2018) – The growing mixed-martial-arts rivalry between Russian and Brazilian fighters continues November 2, when undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov throws-down with leading challenger Bruno Blindado Silva, in the M-1 Challenge 98 main event at Chelyabinsk, Russia.

 

 

 

M-1 Challenge 98 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 97 will also be isavailable on www.FITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card).

 

 

 

The 27-year-old Frolov (11-0-0, M-1: 9-0-0), fighting out of Russia, signed a UFC contract and he was scheduled to fight last month at UFC Moscow. He withdrew due to injury and now will make his second M-1 Challenge middleweight title defense against Silva.

 

 

 

Silva (18-6-0, M-1: 1-0-0) became to top contender by knocking out Russian MMA star Alexander Shlemenko (56-11-1, M-1: 6-1-0) in the opening round of M-1 Challenge 93 this past June. The heavy-handed Brazilian fighter has stopped 15 of his 18 defeated opponents to date.

 

 

 

“Bruno Silva is a worthy title challenger, who made a big statement earlier this year,” Frolov said. “Unfortunately, I could not debut in the UFC because of an aggravated old injury, but now everything is fine, and the injury is healed. I’ve been preparing routinely, paying attention to all aspects of the fight and concentrating on my cardio ahead of a five-round bout.

 

 

 

“I don’t consider this fight as revenge for Alexander Shlemenko, I just want to fight under the Russian flag and prove that Russia is a top-country in the MMA world. Victory in this fight can become a launching pad for the winner, but you don’t win fights with words. We are going to fight and on November 2nd we’ll see everything in The Rage at M-1 Challenge 98 in Chelyabinsk!”

 

 

 

“I am very happy that my third fight in Russia will be in Chelyabinsk again,” Silva countered. “This is a special city for me, twice I won there via knockout and on November 2nd I’m going to knock my opponent out again. It’s not easy to compete in Russia. Long flights, jet lag and cold climate make everything more difficult, but this is the part of the game. I love Russia because this country has changed my life.

 

 

 

“Artem Frolov is a strong fighter and great champion. I’m not used to watching my opponents’ previous fights much, but from the videos I have seen, I can say that he has good cardio and wrestling skills. I am ready to become the world champion, which was always a dream of mine and soon this dream can come true. I respect Frolov, but he has something what I need. I hope he is ready for a war because I’m going to take this belt from him. I am a fighter who is always looking for a knockout. Fifteen times I knocked my opponents out and at M-1 Challenge 98 I’m ready to brawl with Artem as much as it takes to become the champion.”

 

 

 

Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

 

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@M1Global

 

 

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

 

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

Nov. 2 – M-1 Challenge 98: Frolov vs. Silva in Chelyabinsk, Russia

COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES AMANDA SERRANO VS. ERENDIRA ORDOÑEZ AS NEW MAIN EVENT ON SATURDAY, OCT. 13

JOHN CASTANEDA WITHDRAWS FROM MATCHUP
WITH ERIK “EL GOYITO” PEREZ DUE TO STAPH INFECTION

COMPLETE, NINE-FIGHT CARD STREAMS LIVE ON DAZN,
AIRS LIVE ON UNIVISION AND UNIVISION DEPORTES NETWORK
FROM TUCSON, ARIZ., USA

ANTHONY BIRCHAK VS. ADAM MARTINEZ
ESCALATED TO CO-MAIN EVENT

FEATURED WELTERWEIGHT BOUT:
FERNANDO GONZALEZ TREVINO VS. DAVID MICHAUD

NEW YORK – October 9, 2018 – Combate Americas today announced that the scheduled flyweight (125 pounds) showdown between six-division world boxing champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (0-0-1), and former Mexican national kickboxing champion Erendira “Aketzaly” Ordoñez (2-1), has been elevated to main event status for the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) extravaganza at the AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Ariz., USA on Saturday, Oct. 13.

 

The previously announced bantamweight (135 pounds) main event between Erik “El Goyito” Perez of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and John “Sexi Mexi” Castaneda of Mankato, Minn., USA, has been postponed due to a staph infection suffered by Castaneda.

 

 

The stacked, nine-bout Combate Americas event streams live in its entirety in English in the U.S. and Canada on DAZN (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT), and the three-bout main card airs live on television in Spanish on both Univision (12 a.m. ET/PT) and Univision Deportes Network (UDN) (12 a.m. ET/9 p.m. PT).

 

 

A previously announced, featured bantamweight contest between seasoned star Anthony “El Toro” Birchak (12-6) of Tucson and rising star Adam “The American Bully” Martinez (5-1) of Colorado Springs, Colo., USA will serve as the new co-main event.

 

 

Also announced today was a featured welterweight (170 pounds) matchup between hard-hitting Fernando Gonzalez Trevino (3-1) of San Jose, Calif., USA via Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico and battle-tested David Michaud(13-4) of Phoenix, Ariz., USA via Sioux Falls, S.D., USA, as well as a lightweight (155 pounds) preliminary bout card matchup between professional debut opponents Levi Escobar (0-0) of Tucson and Andrew Valentin (0-0) of Tampa, Fla., USA.

 

 

Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico and fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y. the 29-year-old Serrano will make her second-career MMA star on the heels of her latest feat in the boxing ring – capturing the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Welterweight Championship with a unanimous decision win over Yamila Esther Reynoso of Argentina on September 8.

 

 

In doing so, Serrano joined Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya as the only boxers in history to capture six world titles in six different weight classes.

 

 

The 22-year-old Ordoñez of Mexico City is a three-time San Shou-style kickboxing gold medalist, who holds a professional kickboxing record of 2-2, in addition to her MMA experience.

 

 

Priced from $15, tickets for “Combate Americas: Mexico vs. USA,” are on sale online at CombateAmericas.com/Tickets.

 

 

Doors at the AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol open at 6 p.m. PT on October 13, with the first preliminary bout will beginning at 7 p.m.

 

 

UPDATED “COMBATE AMERICAS: MEXICO VS. USA” FIGHT CARD

 

 

Flyweight Main Event:
Amanda Serrano vs. Erendira Ordoñez

 

Bantamweight Co-Main Event: 
Anthony Birchak vs. Adam Martinez

 

Featured Welterweight Bout:
Fernando Gonzalez Trevino vs. David Michaud

 

Preliminary Bout Card:
Bantamweight: Juan Pablo Gonzalez vs. Mario Bautista
Bantamweight: Arturo Guzman vs. Kasey Tanner
Featherweight:  Andy Perez vs. Paris Stanford
Lightweight: Levi Escobar vs. Joshua Valentin
Catchweight (130 pounds): Joe Madrid vs. Joao Camilo
Featherweight:  Ivan Tena vs. Alim Muhammed

MATT PROBIN TO MAKE LONG-AWAITED NEF DEBUT ON NOVEMBER 17 CARD

Portland, Maine (October 4, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the card.  Matt “The Pugilist” Probin (2-0) will take on Lionel “Boogz” Young (7-15) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

 

 

Despite several previous attempts that fell out due to injury, Blackpool, England-native and current Maine resident Matt Probin has yet to compete on an NEF card.  Probin has fought all over the world in numerous combat sports disciplines, including competing in Muay Thai in Thailand and boxing in Boston, Massachusetts.  In recent months, he has scored back-to-back first-round knockout wins in Vermont MMA bouts.  Probin currently trains with Recon Fitness in Westbrook, Maine.

 

 

 

“It’s about bloody time,” exclaimed Probin when reached for comment.  “It’s been a long journey with many hurdles to get me on an NEF card. But it’s here, it’s happening, and I’m pumped about it to finally be fighting in my own back yard. I’m glad family, friends, fans and sponsors will finally be able to watch me fight live, and this is going to be a great fight and match up. I’m fighting a crafty vet who has fought the top talent in New England. And this will be no different. I respect his game, but it’s my time. I feel unstoppable at the moment with Team Recon behind me. I’m coming prepared. Don’t miss it!”

 

 

 

Lionel Young is a longtime veteran of the New England cage wars.  He has just entered his tenth year as an MMA competitor.  And while Young’s record might look like that of a journeyman, he has faced some of the top talent the region has to offer, including the likes of current 11th-ranked UFC bantamweight Rob Font (15-4).  Like Probin, Young has spent his fair share of time as a professional in the boxing ring – a veteran of seven bouts.  Hailing from the fighting city of Brockton, Massachusetts – home of legendary boxing world champions Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler – Young currently trains with Redline Fight Sports in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

“I’m happy to get this chance to showcase my talent,” said Young.  “I have angels watching over me, so I have to give them an out-of-this-world show. I tribute this to my uncle and brother that recently passed. I go to war for them and my family and my fight family.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES STAR-STUDDED DEBUT EVENT IN GUADALAJARA, MEXICO ON FRIDAY, OCT. 26 LIVE ON UNIVISION DEPORTES NETWORK AND DAZN  

Lightweight main event: 
Mexican KO artist Marco “La Roca” Elpidio
vs.
Spanish MMA pioneer Enrique “Wasabi” Marin
Tickets for “Combate Americas: La Batalla de Guadalajara” on sale

 

NEW YORK – October 3, 2018 – Combate Americas today announced its debut in Guadalajara, Jasico, Mexico with a star-studded Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event headlined by a lightweight (155 pounds) showdown between knockout artist Marco “La Roca” Elipido (7-3-1) and Enrique “Wasabi” Marin (11-5), live in Spanish on Univision Deportes Network (UDN) (12 a.m. ET/9 p.m. PT) and in English on DAZN (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) on Friday, October 26.

Also announced today for the “Combate Americas: La Batalla de Guadalajara” event, which will take place at Complejo Nissan de Gimnasia, was a featured, bantamweight (135 pounds) matchup between rising stars Victor Hugo “El Periquito” Madrigal (6-2) of Guadalajara and  Christian “El Taylon” Quinonez(12-2) of Zacatecas, Mexico, and a flyweight (125 pounds) scrap between unbeaten phenom Edgar Chairez (4-0) of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico and Axel Osuna (3-1) of Guadalajara.

Priced from 220.00$ MXN, tickets for “Combate Americas: La Batalla de Guadalajara,” are on sale at Superboletos.com.

 

“It’s war.  Like no other fight in history, this lightweight fight between La Roca and Wasabi comes down to who will rule Guadalajara,” said Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren.

 

Elpidio, a 5-foot-8, 25-year-old powerhouse from Mexico City, Mexico, enters La Jaula, the Combate Americas cage, for the fifth time in his career, and will look to return to the win column after suffering a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of recent “COPA COMBATE” tournament qualifier Andres “The Bullet” Quintana in a featherweight contest in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico on May 18.

 

 

 

The 32-year-old Marin of Seville, Andalusia, Spain was a runner-up on season two of The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America competition reality television series.  He will make his much-anticipated debut in La Jaula.

 

To date, Marin has earned 8 of his 11 professional career wins by way of (T)KO or submission, including a second round (5:00) TKO (Doctor Stoppage), in his last start, of Yuki Yamasaki in Las Palmas, Spain on March 17.

 

In other action at “Combate Americas: La Batalla de Guadalajara,” Alejandro “Pato” Martinez (15-2) of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico will take on Jordan Beltran (9-4) of Puebla, Puebla, Mexico in a 150-pound catchweight contest.

 

In women’s atomweight (105 pounds) action, resilient battler Brenda Enriquez(1-2) of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA via Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico will duke it out with Alitzel Mariscal (0-0) of Guadalajara.

 

A lightweight affair will pit Leo “Lion” Rodriguez (11-2-1) of Mexico City against Ramon “Monchi” Lopez (5-2) of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

 

Alejandro “Goliath” Solorzano (3-2) of Guadalajara will do battle with Mike “Tosko” Villareal (1-1) of Monterrey, Nuevo  Leon, Mexico in a heavyweight (max 265 pounds) throwdown.

 

Luis “El Dragon” Ceron (5-3) of Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico will lock horns with Jose Alberto “Hoodler” Martinez (4-2) of Guadalajara at featherweight (145 pounds).

 

Unbeaten Guillermo Torres (1-0) of Guadalajara will face Mario Tena (5-1) of Monterrey at bantamweight.

 

In a meeting between two pro debut competitors hailing from Guadalajara, Bryan Arreaga (0-0) will square off with Marco Messi Dominguez (0-0).

 

Doors at Complejo Nissan de Gimnasia will open at 6 p.m. local time on October 26, and the first preliminary bout will begin at 7 p.m.

M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov defends vs. Bruno Blindado Silva

 
Nov. 2 at M-1 Challenge 98 in Chelyabinsk, Russia
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (October 2, 2018) — Undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov will put his title belt on the line November 2, when he takes on challenger Bruno Blindado Silva, headlining M-1 Challenge 98 in Chelyabinsk, Russia.
M-1 Challenge 98 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 97 will also be is available on www.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card).
 
The 27-year-old Frolov (11-0-0, M-1: 9-0-0), fighting out of Russia, is one of the strongest Russian middleweights, as well as arguably the most well-rounded fighter in that weight class. He has an outstanding takedowns and ground game, but his striking game shouldn’t be overlooked. Nine of his 11 opponents to date haven’t reached the finish, five stopped by knockout and four by submission. In short, Frolov is an extremely dangerous fighter, evident by his perfect professional record.
  Frolov (on top) has a super ground attack
Silva (18-6-0, M-1: 1-0-0) earned his title shot in sensational fashion, knocking out MMA star Alexander Shlemenko (57-10-0) in the opening round of M-1 Challenge 93 this past June. The power-punching Brazilian embraced his underdog role, shockingly blasting Shlemenko (pictured below) at will. Silva’s lethal punching has resulted in 15 of his 18 victims being stopped.
Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@M1Global
Facebook:
Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:
Nov. 2 – M-1 Challenge 98: Frolov vs. Silva in Chelyabinsk, Russia

 MMA Title Bout Headlines FFC 31 Night of Champions at Fight Dome

Clay Collard battles Dave Courchaine for the FFC MMA Lightweight Championship on Oct. 12

LAS VEGAS, NV, (Oct. 1, 2018) – The main event is set for “FFC 31 Night of Champions” and it will consist of two rising stars in Mixed Martial Arts as Clay “Cassius” Collard (16-7-1) of Price, UT, battles Dave “Insane” Courchaine (20-7-0) of Cheney, WA, for the FFC MMA Lightweight Championship at the all-new Fight Dome Las Vegas at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

 

 

 

After suffering two straight losses under the UFC banner in 2015, Collard returned to MMA in 2018 and responded with two straight victories, a TKO win over Troy Dennison, and a submission win (by triangle choke) against Carson Gregory.

 

 

 

As for Courchaine, he was on a five-fight win streak dating back to 2014 before losing to Arthur Estrazulas by 1st round KO in January of 2017. Both fighters are hungry and both fighters have something to prove when they step into the ring on Oct. 12.

 

 

 

There will be one other MMA title bout on the “Night of Champions” as Ben Egli (10-2-0) of Tigard, OR, takes on Brazilian, Roberto Neves (10-3-0) for the FFC Welterweight Title. The remainder of the multi-discipline fight card will consist of championship bouts involving boxing and kickboxing.

 

 

 

The WBU cruiserweight title will be up for grabs in boxing as Dennis Morris (14-2-1) of Milwaukee, WI, goes up against Shawn Miller (18-4-1) of Troy, NY.

 

 

 

In Kickboxing, Glory veteran, François Ambang (18-7-1) of Mechanicsville, VA (via Cameroon), will fight battle-tested Albanian, Shkodran Veseli (83-18-1) for the FFC Welterweight Title, and Brazilian, Jhonata Diniz (16-5-0) faces off against, Croatian sensation, Mladen Brestovac (54-14-1).

 

 

 

“FFC 31 Night of Champions” will broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, Friday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. (PST) and 10 p.m. (EST).

 

 

 

General ticket prices begin at $69. Tickets are available at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office, by calling 702-777-2782 or 855-234-7469 or online at Ticketmaster.com. For groups of 10 or more call 866-574-3851 or email EntertainmentGroupSales@Caesars.com.

 

 

 

For more information about Final Fight Championship, please visit finalfightchampionship.com, Facebook at Facebook.com/FFCFighting, and Follow on Instagram/Twitter @FFCFighting

BELLATOR 206: MOUSASI vs. MACDONALD RESULTS & PHOTOS

 

 

Complete Fight Night Photos

  

Bellator 206: Mousasi vs. MacDonald Main Card Results:

Gegard Mousasi (44-6-2) defeated Rory MacDonald (20-5) via TKO (punches) at 3:23 of round two

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (38-13) defeated Wanderlei Silva (35-14) via TKO (punches) at 4:32 of round two

Douglas Lima (30-7) defeated Andrey Koreshkov (21-3) via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:04 of round five

Aaron Pico (4-1) defeated Leandro Higo (18-5) via KO (punches) at 3:19 of round one

Keri Taylor-Melendez (3-0) defeated Dakota Zimmerman (0-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Gaston Bolanos (4-1) defeated Ysidro Gutierrez (4-3) via knockout (punches) at 1:37 of round two

 

Preliminary Card Results:

Adam Piccolotti (11-2) defeated James Terry (20-10) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Jeremiah Labiano (12-6) defeated Justin Smitley (10-8-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:28 of round one

Arlene Blencowe (11-7) defeated Amber Leibrock (3-2) via TKO (slam, punches) at 1:23 of round three

Josh San Diego (8-4) defeated Joe Neal (6-4) via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)

Chuck Campbell (1-0) defeated Joseph Ramirez (1-2) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Anthony Figueroa Jr. (1-0) defeated Samuel Romero (0-2) via unanimous decision (29-27, 28-26, 29-26)

Cass Bell (2-0) defeated Ty Costa (3-4) via verbal submission (armbar) 3:06 of round two

Isaiah Gonzalez (2-0) vs. Khai Wu (2-1)

Jacob Ycaro (1-0) vs. Ignacio Ortiz (1-0)

Laird Anderson (0-0) vs. Ahmed Abdelaziz (0-0)

 

Undefeated Roman Bogatov captures M-1 Challenge lightweight title

 
M-1 CHALLENGE 97 / TATFIGHT 7
OFFICIAL RESULTS
New M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Roman Bogatov

KAZAN, Russia (September 29, 2018) – Undefeated Russian wrestling sensation Roman Bogatov captured the vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title last night, taking a unanimous decision over Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira, in the M Challenge 97 / Tatfight 7 main event, held in Kazan, Russia.

 

 

 

The judges were very busy as all five main event fights, plus three of five undercard matches, went the full distance on a card of evenly matched fights.

 

 

 

Competing fighters represented nine different countries: Russia, Brazil, Spain, France, Canada, China, Finland, Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland.

 

 

 

Fighting out of Orenburg, Russia, Bogatov improved his pro MMA record to 7-0, 6-0 in M-1 Global competition, displaying improved striking ability to complement his outstanding wrestling skills.

 

 

 

Pereira’s (20-6-0) superior BJJ techniques from bottom were nullified Bogatov when the fight went down to the mat. Pereira was adversely affected by Bogatov’s takedown attack, which opened-up strong punches to Pereira’s head, resulting in a flash knockdown in the third round. Pereira got back in the fight midway through round four, connecting with punches and knees to the body, but the Brazilian needed a strong fifth and final round to win a decision. Bogatov, however, remained aggressive, firing strikes and making take-downs, on his way to a unanimous five-found decision and the coveted M-1 Challenge lightweight title belt.

 

 

 

In the co-featured event, veteran Spanish middleweight Enoc Solves Torres (23-10-1) registered a unanimous decision victory against previously undefeated Ruslan Shamilov (4-1-0), of Russia. Torres decked Shamilov early in the opening round, controlled the match, never relenting for a hard-earned win.

 

 

 

Past M-1 Challenge title challenger Maxim Grabovich (9-4-0), of Russia, overcame a rocky moment in the second round against his Brazilian opponent, Tiago Varejao Lacerda (27-6-1), to control most of the action to take a split decision.

 

 

 

French lightweight Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (18-9-2) and always tough Russian Alexey “Ataman” Makhno battled tooth and nail in a bloody war (see pictures below). Lebout hit Makhno in the face with everything but the proverbial kitchen sink, but the Russian refused to go down and even landed a few solid shots on Lebout, who also has good “whiskers”. Lebout won an entertaining fight by way of a unanimous three-round decision.

 

 

 

In the main card opener, dangerous striker Pavel Gordeev (12-1-0) edged grappling specialist Alik Albogachiev (5-1-0) by way of a split decision in a showdown between Russian lightweights. The fighters were upright in the first two rounds, much to Gordeev’s advantage, and the previously Albogachiev was unable to close the gap in the final frame.

 

 

 

On the undercard, Canadian welterweight Spencer “Judge” Jebb (13-6-0) overcame a first-round knockdown, pounding his way to a unanimous decision versus Russian Vladimir “The Woodcutter” Tyurin (4-4-0) and another Canadian, bantamweight Chris “The Greek Assassin” Kelades (13-4-0) outworked the much younger Sergey Klyuev (6-2-0), of Russia, to win a three-round unanimous decision.

 

 

 

Russian featherweight Timur Dorinin (4-1-0) locked in a rear naked choke to defeat Kangkang “The Knife” Fu (3-3-0), of China, by submission in round two.

 

 

 

Finnish lightweight Jani Salmi (9-6-0) scored his second M-1 victory, using a rear naked choke for an opening round win by submission over Ruslan Khisamutdinov (10-5-0), of Russia. In a spirited match between Russian bantamweights, settled by a unanimous decision, Ivan Eremenko (8-2-0) was too much to handle for Nidzhat Imanov (4-4-1).

 

 

 

On the pre-undercard, Russian heavyweight Nikolay Rachek (8-6-0) punched out Midaugas Gerve (3-2-0), fighting out of Northern, Ireland, via an unanswered barrage in the opening round. Russian middleweight Denis Titulialin (3-3-0) connected with a devastating knee, knocking out pro-debuting, fellow countryman Nikita Shamov in round one. Azerbaijan welterweight Gadzhibaba Gadzhibabaev turned in an impressive pro debut, knocking out Russian Zakhar Popel (1-1-0) via punches midway through the first round.

 

 

 

Full results and more pictures below:

 

 

 

 

MAIN CARD

 

MAIN EVENT – VACANT M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Roman Bogatov (7-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0), Russia

WDEC5

Rubenilton Pereira (20-6-0, M-1: 4-3-0), Brazil

(Bogatov won vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title)

 

 

 

 

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Enoc Solves Torres (23-10-1, M-1: 7-7-1), Spain

WDEC3

Ruslan Shamilov (4-1-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Maxim Grabovich (8-4-0, M-1: 6-4-0), Russia

WDEC3

Tiago Varejao Lacerda (27-6-1, 1 NC, M-1: 1-1-0), Brazil

 

 

 

 

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Mickael Lebout (18-9-2, M-1: 2-1-0), France

WDEC3

Alexey Makhno (18-7-0, M-1: 5-4-0), Russia

 

Pavel Gordeev (12-1-0, M-1: 6-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Alik Albogachiev (5-1-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Russia

 

 

 

UNDERCARD

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Spencer Jebb (13-6-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Canada

WDEC3

Vladimir Tyurin (4-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

 

 

 

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Jani Salmi (9-6-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Finland

WSUB1 (rear naked choke – 3:52)

Ruslan Khisamutdinov (10-5-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Russia

 

 

 

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Timur Doronin (4-1-0, M-1:1-0-0), Russia

WSUB2 (rear naked choke – 3:06)

Kangkang Fu (3-3-0, M-1: 0-2-0), China

 

 

 

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Chris Kelades (13-4-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Canada

WDEC3

Sergey Klyuev (6-2-0, M-1: 4-2-0), Russia

 

Ivan Eremenko (8-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Nidzhat Imanov (4-4-1, M-1: 1-1-1), Russia

 

 

 

PRE-UNDERCARD

 

 

 

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Nikolay Rachek (8-6-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

WKO1 (punches – 4:28)

Midaugas Gerve (3-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Northern Ireland

 

 

 

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Denis Tiuliulin (3-3-0, 1 NC, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

WKO1 (knee – 2:56)

Nikita Shamov (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Gadzhibaba Gadzhibabaev (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Azerbaijan

WTKO1 (punches – 3:20)

Zakhar Popel (1-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

 

 

 

 

Roman Bogatov (L) remained undefeated with a decision win vs. Rubenilton Pereira

 

 

 

AND THE NEW M-1 CHALLENGE 97 CHAMPION IS…..ROMAN BOGATOV

 

 

 

Enoc Solves Torres & Ruslan Shamilov (front) had a close fight

 

 

 

Alexey Makhno (L) and Michael Lebout had a bloody war (pictured above & below)

 

Pavel Gordeev (L) & Alik Albogachiev battled from start to finish

 

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

 

 

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@M1Global

 

 

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews