Tag Archives: Mixed Martial Arts

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

FULL FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED FOR BELLATOR 264: MOUSASI VS. SALTER THIS FRIDAY

August 13, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card for BELLATOR MMA 264: Mousasi vs Salter card at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The event contributes to an action-packed month of fights on SHOWTIME and is set to begin live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

In the main event of the evening, BELLATOR middleweight king Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) puts his world title on the line against jiu-jitsu ace No. 1 ranked middleweight John Salter (18-4). Complimenting this amazing main event is a clash between two of the hardest hitting welterweights on the planet, as former champion Andrey Koreshkov (23-4) takes on the No. 10 ranked welterweight Sabah Homasi (15-9) in the co-main event and No. 3 ranked bantamweight Magomed Magomedov (18-1) squares off with No. 4 ranked Raufeon Stots (16-1) in a bout holding major title implications.

Rounding out the main card is a battle between undefeated heavyweights No. 7 ranked Davion Franklin (3-0) and Everett Cummings (16-0), along with a middleweight bout between KO-machine Ty Gwerder (5-2) and the BELLATOR-debuting AKA-product Khadzhi Bestaev (10-4).

The preliminary card consists of seven fights and is stacked throughout, featuring the highly anticipated debut of former Invicta Featherweight Champion Pam Sorenson (8-3) taking on Roberta Samad (5-1) and a bantamweight battle between the brash American Top Team-fighter Danny Sabatello (11-1) taking on the Boston-born veteran Johnny Campbell (21-13, 1 NC).

All BELLATOR MMA 264: Mousasi vs. Salter prelims will stream live at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

As part of the launch of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME, the network is offering viewers who are new to the SHOWTIME streaming service a 30-day free trial, followed by a discounted monthly subscription fee of $4.99/month for the next six months. Viewers can sign up at SHO.com/BellatorMMA. Subscribers will be delivered two premier BELLATOR MMA events per month throughout 2021 and beyond, with all events scheduled to air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.

Full bout listings are below:

BELLATOR MMA 264: Mousasi vs. Salter Main Card:

Friday, August 13 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Middleweight Title Bout: c-Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) vs. #1-John Salter (18-4)

Welterweight Bout: Andrey Koreshkov (23-4) vs. #10-Sabah Homasi (15-9)

Bantamweight Bout: #3-Magomed Magomedov (18-1) vs. #4-Raufeon Stots (16-1)

Heavyweight Bout: #7-Davion Franklin (3-0) vs. Everett Cummings (16-0, 1 NC)

Middleweight Bout: Ty Gwerder (5-2) vs. Khadzhi Bestaev (10-4)

Preliminary Card:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV

6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT

Women’s Featherweight Bout: Pam Sorenson (8-3) vs. Roberta Samad (5-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Danny Sabatello (11-1) vs. Johnny Campbell (21-13, 1 NC)

Lightweight Bout: Justin Montalvo (2-0) vs. Kendly St Louis (3-4)

Featherweight Bout: Nekruz Mirkhojaev (5-3) vs. James Adcock (7-4)

142-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Jeffrey Glossner (2-2) vs. Sebastian Ruiz (2-3)

195-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Orlando Mendoza (pro debut) vs. Jon McNeil (pro debut)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME^®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND^®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND^®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME^®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple^®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku^®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation^®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA

Undefeated Jean Matsumoto first 2-division SFT MMA champion

August 12, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Main event posed.png — **SAO PAULO, Brazil (August 7, 2021)** – Mixed-martial-arts history was made this past Thursday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in the “SFT 28: CLASH OF CHAMPIONS – Mexicano vs. Matsumoto” main event, when reigning SFT MMA flyweight titlist **Jean Marsumoto** (pictured above) defeated defending SFT MMA Bantamweight Champion **Wanderlay “Mexicano” Junior** to become the first SFT MMA champion in two different divisions.

*SFT 28* was streamed exclusively on FITE in the United States and worldwide on pay per view via the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv).

Matsumoto (9-0-0), who captured the SFT MMA flyweight strap at *SFT 18* with a unanimous decision over **Andre Azevedo**, kept his professional MMA record intact by winning a 5-round unanimous decision against Junior (10-4-0) in the latter’s first title defense of the crown he captured at *SFT 20* (Jan. 25, 2020) by way of a unanimous decision over **Humberto Rangel, Jr**.

New 2-division SFT MMA champion Jean Matsumoto on top
In the co-featured event, **Ketlen “Esquentadinha” Souza (**11-3-0) had a memorable SFT debut, albeit as relatively late replacement, as she won a hard fought 5-round unanimous decision over **Gisele “GI” Moreira** (9-5-0) to become the first SFT MMA Female Bantamweight Champion.

Ketlem Souza kicked her way to the SFT MMA female bantamweight title

Former UFC heavyweight **Wagner Silva** (10-8-0) won a rematch by split decision against **Douglas Rakchal** (12-7-0), while **Aleandro “Muca” Caetano** (22-6-1) knocked out **Joao “Alicate” Elias** (14-3-1) with a knee kick in round one of their fight that was contested at a 130-pound catchweight.

Pro-debuting welterweight **Matheus Rocha** (1-0-0), who was 3-0-0 as a promising amateur, stopped **Julio Spadaccini** (4-2-0) on punches in the second round. Welterweight **Eduardo “Blade” Rufino** (10-4-0) and female strawweight **Denise Gomes** (3-1-0) won unanimous decisions, respectively, versus **Moacir Rocha** (10-5-1) and **Andressa Gauchinbha** (3-0-1).

One Championship welterweight **Carlos “Carlao” Prates** (83-10, 43 KOs in Muai Thai) took a unanimous decision from South American kickboxing champion **Vinicius Dionzio** (40-8 kickboxing) In one of three Xtreme matches on the card.

Lightweight **Carlinhos Morais** defeated **Fernando Williams** and female strawweight **Nagilla “Goku” Bruno** punched out **Simone Batista** in the opening round on punches in the two other Xtreme fights.

SFT Xtreme matches allow striking, kicking and knees, fighters wear 4-ounce gloves, and clinching and fighting on the mat is prohibited.

Welterweight **Everton Ungido** won an SFT Jiu-Jitsu match against **Wellington “Prado” Prado** on points, 14-0, and **Adson Araujo** registered a second-round knockout of **Gabriel Azevedo** on punches in a SFT Karate match.

***Complete results below:***

**_____________________________________________________________________**

**SFT 28**

MAIN EVENT – SFT MMA BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jean Matsumoto (9-0-0, SFT: 4-0-0), Brazil
WDEC5
Wanderlay Junior (10-4-0, SFT: 3-2-0), Brazil
*(Matsumuto SFT MMA bantamweight title)*

CO-FEATURE – VACANT SFT MMA FEMALE BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Ketlen Souza (10-3-0, SFT: 0-0-0), Brazil
WDEC5
Gisele Moreira (9-4-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Brazil
*(Souza won SFT Female bantamweight title)*

**SFT MMA**

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Wagner Silva (10-8-0, SFT: 2-1-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Douglas Rakchal (12-7-0, SFT: 0-2-0), 205

WELTERWEIGHTS
Eduardo Rufino (10-4-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Moacir Rocha (10-5-1, SFT: 2-2-0), Brazil

Matheus Rocha (1-0-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Brazil
WTKO2 (Punches – 3:24)
Julio Spadaccini (4-2-0, SFT: 0-2-0), Brazil

130-POUNDS CATCHWEIGHT
Aleandro Caetano (22-6-1, SFT: 1-0-0), Brazil
WKO1 (knee – 4:35)
Joao Elias (14-3-1, SFT: 1-1-0), Brazil

FEMALE STRAWWEIGHTS
Denise Gomes (2-2-0, SFT: 0-1-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Andressa Gauchinbha (3-1-1, SFT: 0-1-0), Brazil

**SFT XTREME**

WELTERWEIGHTS
Carlos Prates, Brazil
WDEC3
Vinicius Dionzio, Brazil

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Carlinhos Morais, Brazil
W
Fernando William, Brazil

FEMALE STRAWWEIGHTS
Nagilla Bruno, Brazil
WKO1 (punches – 1:24)
Simone Batista, Brazil

**SFT JIU-JITSU**

WELTERWEIGHTS
Everton Ungido, Brazil
WPTS (14-0)
Wellington Prado, Brazil

**SFT KARATE**
Adson Araujo, Brazil
WTKO2 (.punches)
Gabriel Azevedo, Brazil
_____________________________________________________________________

**INFORMATION**

Website: www.sftcombat.com
Facebook:: /SFT.combat, /davidhudson.SFT
Twitter: @SFTCombat, @SFTUSA
Instagram: @SFTCombat, @DavidHudson.SFT
You Tube: /SFTCombat, /SFTUSA, /SFTBrasil

**UPCOMING SFT EVENTS:**
September 2 – SFT 29: Noguriera vs. Santos

main event action.jpg — **SAO PAULO, Brazil (August 7, 2021)** – Mixed-martial-arts history was made this past Thursday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in the “SFT 28: CLASH OF CHAMPIONS – Mexicano vs. Matsumoto” main event, when reigning SFT MMA flyweight titlist **Jean Marsumoto** (pictured above) defeated defending SFT MMA Bantamweight Champion **Wanderlay “Mexicano” Junior** to become the first SFT MMA champion in two different divisions.

*SFT 28* was streamed exclusively on FITE in the United States and worldwide on pay per view via the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv).

Matsumoto (9-0-0), who captured the SFT MMA flyweight strap at *SFT 18* with a unanimous decision over **Andre Azevedo**, kept his professional MMA record intact by winning a 5-round unanimous decision against Junior (10-4-0) in the latter’s first title defense of the crown he captured at *SFT 20* (Jan. 25, 2020) by way of a unanimous decision over **Humberto Rangel, Jr**.

New 2-division SFT MMA champion Jean Matsumoto on top
In the co-featured event, **Ketlen “Esquentadinha” Souza (**11-3-0) had a memorable SFT debut, albeit as relatively late replacement, as she won a hard fought 5-round unanimous decision over **Gisele “GI” Moreira** (9-5-0) to become the first SFT MMA Female Bantamweight Champion.

Ketlem Souza kicked her way to the SFT MMA female bantamweight title

Former UFC heavyweight **Wagner Silva** (10-8-0) won a rematch by split decision against **Douglas Rakchal** (12-7-0), while **Aleandro “Muca” Caetano** (22-6-1) knocked out **Joao “Alicate” Elias** (14-3-1) with a knee kick in round one of their fight that was contested at a 130-pound catchweight.

Pro-debuting welterweight **Matheus Rocha** (1-0-0), who was 3-0-0 as a promising amateur, stopped **Julio Spadaccini** (4-2-0) on punches in the second round. Welterweight **Eduardo “Blade” Rufino** (10-4-0) and female strawweight **Denise Gomes** (3-1-0) won unanimous decisions, respectively, versus **Moacir Rocha** (10-5-1) and **Andressa Gauchinbha** (3-0-1).

One Championship welterweight **Carlos “Carlao” Prates** (83-10, 43 KOs in Muai Thai) took a unanimous decision from South American kickboxing champion **Vinicius Dionzio** (40-8 kickboxing) In one of three Xtreme matches on the card.

Lightweight **Carlinhos Morais** defeated **Fernando Williams** and female strawweight **Nagilla “Goku” Bruno** punched out **Simone Batista** in the opening round on punches in the two other Xtreme fights.

SFT Xtreme matches allow striking, kicking and knees, fighters wear 4-ounce gloves, and clinching and fighting on the mat is prohibited.

Welterweight **Everton Ungido** won an SFT Jiu-Jitsu match against **Wellington “Prado” Prado** on points, 14-0, and **Adson Araujo** registered a second-round knockout of **Gabriel Azevedo** on punches in a SFT Karate match.

***Complete results below:***

**_____________________________________________________________________**

**SFT 28**

MAIN EVENT – SFT MMA BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jean Matsumoto (9-0-0, SFT: 4-0-0), Brazil
WDEC5
Wanderlay Junior (10-4-0, SFT: 3-2-0), Brazil
*(Matsumuto SFT MMA bantamweight title)*

CO-FEATURE – VACANT SFT MMA FEMALE BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Ketlen Souza (10-3-0, SFT: 0-0-0), Brazil
WDEC5
Gisele Moreira (9-4-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Brazil
*(Souza won SFT Female bantamweight title)*

**SFT MMA**

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Wagner Silva (10-8-0, SFT: 2-1-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Douglas Rakchal (12-7-0, SFT: 0-2-0), 205

WELTERWEIGHTS
Eduardo Rufino (10-4-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Moacir Rocha (10-5-1, SFT: 2-2-0), Brazil

Matheus Rocha (1-0-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Brazil
WTKO2 (Punches – 3:24)
Julio Spadaccini (4-2-0, SFT: 0-2-0), Brazil

130-POUNDS CATCHWEIGHT
Aleandro Caetano (22-6-1, SFT: 1-0-0), Brazil
WKO1 (knee – 4:35)
Joao Elias (14-3-1, SFT: 1-1-0), Brazil

FEMALE STRAWWEIGHTS
Denise Gomes (2-2-0, SFT: 0-1-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Andressa Gauchinbha (3-1-1, SFT: 0-1-0), Brazil

**SFT XTREME**

WELTERWEIGHTS
Carlos Prates, Brazil
WDEC3
Vinicius Dionzio, Brazil

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Carlinhos Morais, Brazil
W
Fernando William, Brazil

FEMALE STRAWWEIGHTS
Nagilla Bruno, Brazil
WKO1 (punches – 1:24)
Simone Batista, Brazil

**SFT JIU-JITSU**

WELTERWEIGHTS
Everton Ungido, Brazil
WPTS (14-0)
Wellington Prado, Brazil

**SFT KARATE**
Adson Araujo, Brazil
WTKO2 (.punches)
Gabriel Azevedo, Brazil
_____________________________________________________________________

**INFORMATION**

Website: www.sftcombat.com
Facebook:: /SFT.combat, /davidhudson.SFT
Twitter: @SFTCombat, @SFTUSA
Instagram: @SFTCombat, @DavidHudson.SFT
You Tube: /SFTCombat, /SFTUSA, /SFTBrasil

**UPCOMING SFT EVENTS:**
September 2 – SFT 29: Noguriera vs. Santos

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia, Showtime

FEDOR EMELIANENKO SET TO MEET TIM JOHNSON AT MOSCOW’S VTB ARENA ON OCT. 23 IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MOSCOW: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON

August 6, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

A person with a beard

Description automatically generated with medium confidence — **LOS ANGELES** – BELLATOR MMA announced this morning that the greatest heavyweight mixed martial artist of all-time, **Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko** (39-6, 1 NC) will take on number two ranked heavyweight **Tim Johnson (**15-7) in the main event of *BELLATOR Moscow: Fedor vs. Johnson* on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the VTB Arena.

Tickets for the highly anticipated event are on sale now and can be purchased at Kassir.ru. Additional matchups and SHOWTIME telecast details will be revealed soon.

Widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in mixed martial arts history, **Fedor Emelianenko** returns to the BELLATOR cage for the first time since his dominant first-round TKO victory over **Quinton “Rampage” Jackson** in 2019. With an illustrious career that has seen him earn 30 stoppages in his 39 victories over legendary opposition, the former PRIDE FC Heavyweight World Champion will be fighting in his home country of Russia for the first time in five years. A four-time combat sambo world champion, “The Last Emperor” put together an insane eight-year unbeaten streak on his way to becoming an international MMA icon. Emelianenko has established Team Fedor, which features several top Russian fighters including BELLATOR’s Light Heavyweight World Champion Vadim Nemkov and BELLATOR’s Interim Heavyweight Champion Valentin Moldavsky. With his last three victories coming by way of first-round finish, Fedor is looking to add another exciting chapter to his storied fighting career on October 23.

2020 was a huge year for Johnson, as the UFC vet notched three wins in as many fights with impressive first-round finishes over **Matt Mitrione** and **Tyrell Fortune** and a decision victory over **Cheick Kongo** during the historic, first-ever major MMA event in France. The Xtreme Couture-product showed that he’s got the skill and stamina for championship rounds as he went the full five with Team Fedor’s **Valentin Modlavsky** (11-1) this past June. Proudly hailing from North Dakota, Johnson is a current member of the United States National Guard who won two national championships while wrestling at Minnesota State University.

**Updated *BELLATOR Moscow: Fedor vs. Johnson* Card:**

*Heavyweight Main Event:* **Fedor Emelianenko** (39-6, 1 NC) vs. #2-**Tim Johnson** (15-7)

****

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

BELLATOR ANNOUNCES BLOCKBUSTER EVENT FOR THEIR RETURN TO LONDON FRIDAY, OCT. 1

August 6, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

A collage of a person

Description automatically generated with medium confidence — THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED REMATCH BETWEEN DOUGLAS ‘THE PHENOM’ LIMA AND MICHAEL “VENOM” PAGE TO HEADLINE *BELLATOR LONDON: LIMA VS. MVP 2*

TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY

LONDON, UK – Today, BELLATOR MMA announced it will be returning to The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on Friday, October 1, with BELLATOR London, a card headlined by a must-see rematch between No. 1 ranked Douglas “The Phenom” Lima (32-9) and No. 2 ranked Michael “Venom” Page (19-1).

Fans in attendance at The SSE Arena, Wembley and those tuning in from around the world can expect an explosive night of elite MMA action in the capital, with two of the world’s best welterweights going toe-to-toe in a high-stakes match-up. Lima and Page will be putting everything on the line in pursuit of a win, with the fighter who emerges victorious booking themselves a fast-track ticket to a title shot against newly crowned welterweight champion, Yaroslav Amosov.

For the first time since February 2020, BELLATOR MMA fans in Europe will be able to fill the arena for the event that features a showcase of top international and homegrown athletes.

Tickets for BELLATOR London: Lima vs. MVP 2 go on sale on Friday, July 30, with a special pre-sale Thursday, July 29 and can be purchased online from axs.com/uk and BELLATOR.com.

The BELLATOR London main card action will kick off at 9 p.m. BST/4 p.m. ET, while the preliminary card begins at 5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET. BELLATOR fans can watch the event live on SHOWTIME (US), BBC iPlayer (UK), as well as both Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Sport (Ireland).

Lima and Page first met inside the BELLATOR Cage in May 2019 at BELLATOR 221 in the semifinals of BELLATOR’s Welterweight World Grand Prix. After an even first round, Lima sent Page to the canvas with a sweeping leg kick, which he then followed up with a spectacular punch and ground and pound strikes to finish the fight.

Lima will be looking to cause an upset for the hometown faithful and stop Page for a second time, denying the Londoner his chance for gold, and earning himself an immediate shot at recapturing the welterweight title which he lost to Yaroslav Amosov via unanimous decision in June of this year.

“MVP has put together an impressive string of wins together, but when he gets back in the cage with me, the end result is going to be the same as the first time,” said Lima. “Right now, I’m on a mission to put the BELLATOR belt back around my waist. Anyone standing in my way will be dismantled.”

Widely regarded as the poster boy of MMA in the UK, Londoner Michael “Venom” Page, or ‘MVP’ as he is known to his fans, will step into the BELLATOR cage fresh off the back of his spectacular first round TKO victory over Derek “The Barbaric” Anderson this past May. Currently riding a five-fight win streak full of highlight real knockouts, the only defeat on Page’s MMA record to date came at the hands of Lima, a loss that he is hungry to avenge.

“The comeback is always bigger than the setback. It was always gonna happen, it’s written in the stars,” said Page. “The one and only MVP is back, and I will have my redemption in front of my hometown the only way I know how – in venomous style.”

The current fight card is available below with additional bouts to be announced in the coming weeks.

BELLATOR London: Lima vs. MVP 2 MainCard:

SHOWTIME (US) / BBC iPlayer (UK) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Friday, October 1 – 9 p.m. BST/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Welterweight Main Event: #1-Douglas Lima (32-9) vs. #2-Michael Page (19-1)

Featherweight Bout: Robert Whiteford (16-4))vs. Andrew Fisher (18-8-1

Lightweight Bout: Yves Landu (16-8) vs. Tim Wilde (13-4)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Luke Trainer (4-0) vs. Yannick Bahati (9-5)

Preliminary Card:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US)

BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT

Welterweight Bout: Lewis Long (18-6) vs. Uros Jurisic (11-1)

Lightweight Bout: Kane Mousah (13-3) vs. Davy Gallon (18-7-2)

Flyweight Bout: Lucie Bertaud (3-2) vs. Elina Kallionidou (7-4)

Lightweight Bout: Charlie Leary (17-11-1) vs. Gavin Hughes (10-2)

Featherweight Bout: Fabacary Diatta (7-0)vs. Nathan Rose (7-3)

Bantamweight Bout: Khurshed Kakhorov (7-0) vs. Mike Ekundayo (8-1)

*Card subject to change

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Official Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos for BELLATOR MMA 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz

July 21, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

A group of people in a wrestling ring

Description automatically generated with low confidence — **COMPLETE FIGHT NIGHT PHOTOS HERE – (PLEASE CREDIT: BELLATOR MMA / LUCAS NOONAN)**

**POST-FIGHT VIDEO INTERVIEWS HERE**

C-**Juliana Velasquez** (12-0) defeated #3-**Denise Kielholtz** (6-3) via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)

***Juliana Velasquez:***
“I think I would be clinching a bit more, her striking didn’t surprise me, but I felt that I did enough to retain the title.”

“I beat her with my jab, if you look at her face, it’s messed up, if you look at mine, my face is fine. I think people in the audience favor her because she has a kickboxing style and I counter, but I think it was my boxing that was the difference tonight.”

“When I come in here, I don’t think of myself as a champion, I think of myself as someone who needs to earn the belt and tonight I felt that I did that.”

#5–**Tyrell Fortune** (11-1, 1 NC) defeated #7-**Matt Mitrione** (13-9, 1 NC) via submission (strikes) at 1:45 of round one

***Tyrell Fortune:***
“I feel great coming out of the fight. He stepped forward so I went for the shot instead of throwing the punch and I guess I made contact with my head. Besides that I was running through him for the takedown. As you saw, I finished on top, and the fight went from there.

“I didn’t feel it (the clash of heads), I can only go off of what he was saying at the time. Like I said, I was just looking to get on top and continue to fight so I didn’t really know what else to do. I thought if there was a contact that the ref would have saw and we would have stopped that’s why I paused for a second on top of him. I didn’t go right to punching. Once the ref said to continue, I was continuing to fight.

“I want Tim Johnson. I don’t want a title shot. I’d rather have Tim Johnson first. That’s really the only fight I’ve been training for since that loss. To me, with him taking that loss (against Valentin Moldavsky) and me getting this win, it should line us right up… I’m gonna’ try to knock his a– out just like he did me.”

**Matheus Mattos** (13-2-1) defeated **Cee Jay Hamilton** (15-9) via TKO (strikes) at 1:33 of round two

***Matheus Mattos:***
“He’s a wrestler. So, he could have done the boring game and taken me down. But he chose to go for the striking. Fortunately, he did it because it was a beautiful knockout. If Bellator could send more strikers to me, then they would be welcomed.”

“I feel great, perfectly strong. But I felt my knee go ‘thwack.’ And I stopped moving a lot. I didn’t do much footwork. I knew this was going to be on my hands, because my leg was painful. Hopefully, everything went well.

“My two losses were to two of the best in the world. So, I’ve been fighting at a high level a long time and I’m prepared for everyone. They can see that this fight welcomed me to Bellator, and now they know me. They know Matheus Mattos is a striker and he’s coming for us.

“I’m in my prime now so I’m prepared for everyone.”

#2–**Arlene Blencowe** (14-8) defeated **Dayana Silva** (9-6) via TKO (punches) at 1:00 of round three

***Arlene Blencowe:***
“I feel great. I want to give a shout out to my kids at home. I’ve been away from home for nine weeks and it’s the longest I’ve ever been without my kids. So, this win is for you.”

“I was just trying to gauge my distance. It was starting to be a little bit of a slow fight, so sorry about that fans. I could hear you yelling. But I was determined to keep my pace and not rush into anything. We knew that she swung with power and that the overhand right and the left hook came pretty quick. We’ve been working a lot on kicks, and I’m going to have a lot of bruises tomorrow. And hopefully her calves will be sore too.”

#5-**Johnny Eblen** (9-0) defeated **Travis Davis** (10-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

***Johnny Eblen:***
“My coaches when I came back to the corner told me not to brawl. So, I took their advice and I thought I wrestled smart.”

“He was talking s— saying, ‘Hey, let’s brawl in the corner.’ I’m like, ‘Bro, that’s stupid.’ That’s why you’re not where I’m at. Because you don’t fight smart. You’re trying to come out here and brawl. You can do that all you want, but you’re not going to be a world champion like me.”

**Preliminary Card:**
**Said Sowma** (7-2) defeated **Ronny Markes** (19-9) via KO (punches) at 1:09 of round one
**Cody Law** (4-0) defeated **Theodore Macuka** (1-1) via TKO (punches) at 1:54 of round one
**Diana Avsaragova** (4-0) defeated **Gabriella Gulfin** (2-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
**Adil Benjilany** (6-3, 1 NC) defeated **Johnny Soto** (4-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
**Charlie Campbell** (4-1) defeated **Nicholas Giulietti** (2-2) via TKO (punches) at 1:30 of round two

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

**About BELLATOR**
BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR 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 Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

WOMEN’S FIGHT WILL MARK THE RETURN OF GLORY WATSON TO THE NEF CAGE

July 21, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (July 16, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire. The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional women’s strawweight bout to the fight card. Glory Watson (0-1) is scheduled to meet Rebecca Brygmann (0-1) at a fight weight of 115 pounds.

Glory Watson last appeared in the NEF cage in November 2019, suffering her first and only amateur loss in a strawweight title fight to a very tough Cara Greenwell (10-5). Prior to that time, Watson had rattled off six wins in a row to start her amateur career, capturing the NEF Women’s Amateur Bantamweight Championship in the process. She made her professional debut during the pandemic on a fight card in Florida, losing via first round submission to Ariana Melendez (1-1). Watson looks to get her first win as a professional on August 21. She currently represents Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

“I am looking forward to returning to the cage for an amazing promotion and to do so against an experienced opponent,” said Watson. “This will be my second professional fight, and I am beyond excited for the cage doors to lock behind me! Wishing my opponent a healthy fight camp and best of skill on August 21st!”

Like her opponent, Rebecca Bryggman will also be looking for the first win of her professional career at NEF 44. Bryggman made her pro debut for national promotion Bellator in a losing effort to Elise Reed (4-0) in October 2019. She was 2-1 as an amateur, undefeated in MMA with her sole loss coming in a kickboxing bout. Bryggman fights out of New York.

“It’s all about divine timing and I’ve been hungry, patiently waiting to get back in the cage,” noted Bryggman. “Now is the time. A starved animal is a dangerous animal, and I’m that animal.”

Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/. The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm.

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.

FITETV, mixed martial arts, MMA

SFT 27 this Thursday screening on FITE from Brazil

July 14, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

The wait is over!

Two title fights featured on SF7 27

This Thursday on FITE from Brazil

SAO PAULO, Brazil (July 12, 2021) – The first SFT event of 2021, SFT 27, will be held this Thursday night (July 15) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, featuring a pair of SFT title fights, in SFT’s first show since last December.

SFT 27 will be streamed exclusively on FITE in the United States and worldwide on pay per view via the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv), starting at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT, for only $14.99.

“The wait is over,” SFT president David Hudson proclaimed. “Our main event between rising star ‘Maumito’ and always dangerous Bispo will determine who the King of Brazilian lightweights is today. We also have another SFT title fight as Cantuaria and Borges battle for the vacant SFT female flyweight crown. The rest of this card is loaded as well with some of Brazil’s up-and-coming fighters

The main event pits SFT’s 2020 Fighter of the Year, Manuel “Maumito” Sousa (6-0-0, SFT: 6-0-0), against veteran Brendo “The Monster” Bispo (17-4-0, SFT: 1-0-0) for the vacant SFT Lightweight Championship.

The 23-year-old Sousa is a tremendous striker whose overall combat sports record includes 23 straight victories in kickboxing, 18 by knockout, and all six of his pro MMA fights have been victories in SFT competition, none going into the third round.

“I’m training well, a lot on the ground, because I know he has a Jiu-Jitsu black belt,” Sousa reported. “But since I’m training hard, I’m not worried about that. MMA brings together all areas, so you need to be ready. In training, we put ourselves in danger, as if we were in the fight, and that increases my confidence, and it keeps the gas in check. At 27 years old, Brendo Bispo has more experience in professional MMA than me with 17 wins and four losses. ‘Maranhão’ sees the point as positive, however, he knows that it is not a guarantee of victory. Therefore, he benefits from his work carried out at Chute Boxe Diego Lima, one of the main teams in the country.”

Currently on a 6-fight win streak, Bispo accepted the challenge of fighting hot prospect Sousa after a few other fighters passed on the opportunity. Acclaimed as one of the top lightweights in Brazil, Bispo now has the chance to prove he’s No. 1 versus Sousa. Bispo trains at the famed Chute Boxeo, under the direction of the famed Charles Oliveira. A solid all-around fighter, the more experienced Bispo has seven victories by knockout, along with five more by submission.

“As often as I’ve fought,” Bispo said, “I always think like it’s the first time. So, I don’t generate as many expectations and my mind goes blank, something that helps me a lot in my daily life and in the fight. On the other hand, I’ve learned a lot by climbing in the cage to fight 22 times, so that helps. The main one, however, is the training at Chute Boxe Diego Lima. Now, in the final stretch of the fight, we are going more slowly, working on our strategy, rest, and weight loss. Diego Lima is my teacher, friend, and manager (laughs), so he’s been with me. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to be in my corner, but he spent the necessary time.You can expect a renewed Brendo; more technical, faster, and stronger.

In the co-featured event, Mayra Cantuaria (8-3-1, SFT: 2-0-0) faces Paty Borges (4-4-0, SFT: 2-2-0) for the vacant SFT Female Flyweight Championship. Cantuaria, who has fought the in the traditional Japanese event, Pacrase, while Borges has won her last two fights heading into her showdown with Cantuaria.

Another sensational match-up is Bruno “Beirutel” Tavares (13-5-1, SFT: 1-0-0) against featherweight Thiago “Manchinha” Silva (19-9-0 (SFT: 0-1-0). Other exciting MMA fights include welterweight Luis “Hulk” Fernando (18-6-0) vs. Alex “Canguru” Sandro (10-3-0), featherweight Marcos “Maraja” Rodriguez (16-5-0, SFT: 1-0-0) vs. Estabill Amato (10-4-0, SFT: 1-2-0), bantamweight Deja Moura (5-2-0, SFT: 1-0-0) vs. Manoel Lima “Aranja” Silva (5-4-0, SFT: 1-1-0), flyweight Marciano Ferreira (5-1-0, SFT: 1-0-0) vs. Antonio “Piaui” Rodrigues (9-2-0, SFT: 0-1-0), undefeated bantamweight Fernando “Fernandinho” Henrique (3-0-0, SFT: 1-0-0) vs. Apollo “Deus Da Guerra” Gomes (5-0-0) and pro debuting Luana Santos vs. bantamweight Majorie “Brutal” Barragan (1-0-0).

Two SFT Xtreme and two Jiu-Jitsu fights are also on tap.

The two SFT Xtreme fights will be held as welterweight Cicero Evangelista (SFT Xtreme: 1-0-0) meets Kavem “Mexicano” Felipe, and bantamweight Nicholas Pestilli takes on Ramon “Sayajin” Costa. The wildly popular, uniquely entertaining SFT Xtreme competition allows striking, kicking and knees, fighters wear 4-ounce gloves, and clinching and fighting on the mat is prohibited.

A pair of Jiu-Jitsu matches will showcase William Cilli vs. Elaias “Xuxu” Silverio, and Henrique “Rasputin” Gomes vs. Felipe “Felipinho” Cusciana.

All fights are subject to change.

INFORMATION:

Website: www.sftcombat.com

Facebook: /SFT.combat, davidhudson.SFT

Twitter: @SFTCombat, @SFTUSA

Instagram: @SFTCombat, @DavidHudson.SFT

You Tube: /SFTCombat, /SFTUSA, /SFTBrasil

UPCOMING SFT EVENTS:

July 15 – SFT 27: Bispo vs. Sousa in São Paulo, Brazil

August 5 –SFT 28: Mexicano vs. Matsumoto

September 2 – SFT 29: Noguriera vs. Santos

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Danny Brener Named Vice President of Communications & Public Relations for BELLATOR

July 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR President Scott Coker announced today that Danny Brener has been named Vice President of Communications and Public Relations. Brener, who has been a member of the promotion’s PR team since 2014, will oversee all communications and media relations for BELLATOR effective immediately.

“I first worked with Danny [Brener] in 2008 when he was a young and hungry publicist at BZA working as an account representative for the STRIKEFORCE brand,” BELLATOR President Scott Coker said. “Danny has consistently delivered results for us through the years with his hard work and dedication. This promotion is a testament to both of those things and makes sense as BELLATOR continues to grow and expand.”

During his time as Director of Communications for BELLATOR, Brener has helped promote some of the biggest spectacles in the sport of MMA, with massive events garnering press around the globe. In addition to his work on BELLATOR, Brener also maintained a leading role at BZA PR, where he worked on other key accounts including the NHL, NFL, and The Famous Group.

“I’ve been extremely fortunate to work in the combat sports industry for nearly 17 years, and I’m grateful to Scott Coker for entrusting me with the opportunity to continue my journey in this field,” said Brener. “BELLATOR is home to many of the world’s very best athletes and I’m honored to be able to help share their incredible stories around the world.”

Beginning his MMA PR career printing credentials for UFC in 2004, Brener would go on to work with additional boxing and MMA companies including Goossen Tutor Promotions, Elite XC, and ultimately alongside Coker at STRIKEFORCE.

A second-generation publicist, Brener learned the craft of communications from his father Steve, the longtime PR executive for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He resides in the suburbs of Los Angeles with his wife Lauren and their two dogs, Gronk and Jules.

Brener will work with Senior Public Relations Manager C.J. Tuttle, as well as BZA PR, as they continue in their roles with BELLATOR. Brener can be reached at his new email: Danny.Brener@bellator.com.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

BELLATOR MMA CONFIRMS FULL FIGHT CARD FOR BELLATOR 262 – LIVE ON SHOWTIME FRIDAY, JULY 16 AT 9 P.M. ET

July 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

**UNDEFEATED FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION JULIANA VELASQUEZ AND NO. 3 RANKED DENISE KIELHOLTZ SQUARE OFF FOR 125-POUND STRAP WHILE TOP-10 HEAVYWEIGHTS TYRELL FORTUNE AND MATT MITRIONE MEET IN THE CO-MAIN EVENT**.

**LOS ANGELES** – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card for *BELLATOR MMA 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz* on **Friday, July 16** at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The event airs LIVE on SHOWTIME at **9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT** and is headlined by undefeated flyweight world champion **Juliana Velasquez** (11-0) versus BELLATOR Kickboxing’s Flyweight World Champion and No. 3 ranked **Denise Kielholtz** (6-2) for the promotion’s 125-pound belt.

In addition to the must-see main event, four other exciting main card bouts are confirmed for *BELLATOR 262* on SHOWTIME, including No. 5 ranked **Tyrell Fortune** (10-1, 1 NC) taking on former New York Giants football star and No. 7 ranked **Matt Mitrione** (13-8, 1 NC) at heavyweight, a women’s featherweight matchup between No. 2 ranked former title challenger **Arlene Blencowe** (13-8) and Brazil’s **Dayana Silva** (9-6), a men’s heavyweight contest pitting No. 4 ranked **Linton Vassell** (20-8, 1 NC)versus BELLATOR newcomer **Marcelo Golm** (8-3), and undefeated No. 5 ranked **Johnny Eblen** (8-0) facing off against **Travis Davis** (10-4) in an explosive middleweight bout to open the main card.

The preliminary card is confirmed for six bouts and features a heavyweight slugfest between knockout artist **Ronny Markes** (19-8) and **Said Sowma** (6-2), as well as a featherweight contest pitting undefeated top prospect **Cody Law** (3-0) against **Theodore Macuka** (1-0). In addition, South Florida’s **Roman Faraldo** (5-0) welcomes **John Ramirez** (5-5) to the fray in a welterweight clash, while Team Pitbull Brothers-product **Matheus Mattos** (12-2-1) faces off against **Cee Jay Hamilton** (15-8) in a bantamweight battle. Lastly, **Johnny Soto** (4-1) and **Adil Benjilany** (5-3, 1 NC) square off in a 145-pound matchup and the undefeated Diana Avsaragova (3-0) takes on **Gabriella Gulfin** (2-2) in a flyweight showdown.

All prelims will stream live at **6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT** on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. Full bout listings are below:

SHOWTIME streaming service is offering a 30-day free trial, followed by a discounted monthly subscription fee of $4.99/month for the next six months. Viewers can sign up at SHO.com/BellatorMMA. Subscribers will be delivered two live premier BELLATOR MMA events per month throughout 2021 and beyond, anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.

# # #

***BELLATOR MMA 262:*** *Velasquez vs. Kielholtz* Main Card:
Friday, July 16 – Live on SHOWTIME
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

*Flyweight World Title Main Event:* C-**Juliana Velasquez** (11-0) vs. #3-**Denise Kielholtz** (6-2)
*Heavyweight Bout:* #5–**Tyrell Fortune** (10-1, 1 NC) vs. #7-**Matt Mitrione** (13-8, 1 NC)
*Heavyweight Bout:* #4-**Linton Vassell** (20-8, 1 NC) vs. **Marcelo Golm** (8-3)
*Featherweight Bout:* #2–**Arlene Blencowe** (13-8) vs. **Dayana Silva** (9-6)
*Middleweight Bout:* #5-**Johnny Eblen** (8-0) vs. **Travis Davis** (10-4)

**Preliminary Card:**
**BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV**
6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

*Bantamweight Bout:* **Matheus Mattos** (12-2-1) vs. **Cee Jay Hamilton** (15-8)
*Heavyweight Bout:* **Ronny Markes** (19-8) vs. **Said Sowma** (6-2)
*Featherweight Bout:* **Cody Law** (3-0) vs. **Theodore Macuka** (1-0)
*Welterweight Bout:* **Roman Faraldo** (5-0) vs. **John Ramirez** (5-5)
*Flyweight Bout:* **Diana Avsaragova** (3-0) vs. **Gabriella Gulfin** (2-2)
*Featherweight Bout:* **Johnny Soto** (4-1) vs. **Adil Benjilany** (5-3, 1 NC)

*Card subject to change.

For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, visit BELLATOR.com.

****

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CALEB HALL SET TO RETURN TO ACTION AT NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

July 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Milford, New Hampshire (June 30, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire. The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the fight card. Caleb Hall (3-0) is scheduled to face Shaun Ray (2-0) at a fight weight of 155 pounds.

Caleb Hall is riding a six-fight win streak in the NEF cage dating back to his amateur days. He has not lost a fight with the promotion since 2015. Hall is a former NEF Amateur Featherweight Champion. He turned pro in 2018 with a first round submission victory over tough veteran John Ortolani (11-14). In fact, all three of Hall’s wins as a professional have come via first round submission.

Hall is a product of Dirigo High School in Dixfield, Maine where he captured two state titles on the wrestling team. In recent years, Hall has taken up residence in Las Vegas, Nevada where he trains at Syndicate MMA.

“I’m excited to make my return to the cage under NEF once again,” said Hall. “I’m looking forward to getting out and testing my skill against my opponent.”

Hall’s opponent, Shaun Ray, is also undefeated as a professional fighter with two wins to his credit. He is a graduate of Easton High School in Easton, Maryland. Ray currently resides in Waterville, Maine.

“This has been a long time dream to be able to fight in the cage,” said Ray. “I’ve been training for this for years off and on. I get to test my skills against a worthy opponent. Thank you for making this possible and much respect to all involved!”

About New England Fights

Fight News Unlimited

Tag Archives: Mixed Martial Arts

FULL FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED FOR BELLATOR 264: MOUSASI VS. SALTER THIS FRIDAY

Undefeated Jean Matsumoto first 2-division SFT MMA champion

FEDOR EMELIANENKO SET TO MEET TIM JOHNSON AT MOSCOW’S VTB ARENA ON OCT. 23 IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MOSCOW: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON

BELLATOR ANNOUNCES BLOCKBUSTER EVENT FOR THEIR RETURN TO LONDON FRIDAY, OCT. 1

Official Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos for BELLATOR MMA 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz

WOMEN’S FIGHT WILL MARK THE RETURN OF GLORY WATSON TO THE NEF CAGE

SFT 27 this Thursday screening on FITE from Brazil

Danny Brener Named Vice President of Communications & Public Relations for BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA CONFIRMS FULL FIGHT CARD FOR BELLATOR 262 – LIVE ON SHOWTIME FRIDAY, JULY 16 AT 9 P.M. ET

CALEB HALL SET TO RETURN TO ACTION AT NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

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