Tag Archives: Mixed Martial Arts

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

LACEY AND MANLEY HEADED FOR SHOWDOWN AT NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

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Milford, New Hampshire (June 29, 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 featherweight bout to the fight card.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (6-2) will meet “Super” Shane Manley (5-5) at a fight weight of 145 pounds.

Aaron Lacey will return to the NEF cage for the first time since September 2018 when he submitted Jon Lemke (7-9) in the main event of “NEF 35” in Bangor, Maine.  Lacey has been a longtime member of the NEF roster, debuting with the promotion as an amateur in the fall of 2013.  He went on to win the promotion’s amateur featherweight title before turning pro in 2016.  Lacey opened his professional career with four straight wins in the NEF cage.  He represents Young’s MMA in Bangor.

“It’s been far too long since I have felt the NEF canvas beneath my feet,” exclaimed Lacey.  “I’m going to show everyone why this is the fight to watch! I’m super grateful to Matt Peterson and New England Fights for making this happen, fighting during the pandemic at the local level has been next to impossible. One thing that definitely excites me is sharing this card with some awesome teammates! A fun scrap is about to happen!”

Shane Manley is making his return to the NEF cage after nearly a decade’s absence.  Manley competed on the NEF 1 and NEF 2 cards, downing Jesse Erickson (10-8) and Ray Wood (8-5) in respective amateur bouts back in early 2012.  Manley turned pro in 2013 and has faced some of the country’s toughest competitors, including current UFC fighter Cody Garbrandt (12-4).  In 2017, he fought for national promotion Bellator.  Manley’s most recent outing saw him hand Jeff Perez (5-2) the first loss of his career on a fight card in Massachusetts.  That bout took place in 2019, prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Manley currently represents Team Andrello of Liverpool, New York.

“I’ve been a part of NEF since the beginning, competing as an amateur on the NEF 1 and NEF 2 cards,” stated Manley when reached for comment.  “It feels like the right fit to have me back after such a long layoff since their last show. I’m beyond excited to be a part of NEF’s debut in New Hampshire! I’m ready to come back to the promotion right where I left off… with another win! 3-0.”

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.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

TWIN BILL ON TAP FOR NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (June 28, 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 two amateur bouts to the fight card.  Twin brothers Evan & Isaac Piette will make their respective amateur debuts in separate bouts.

The Piette twins are lifelong martial artists, having started their training in the northern portion of the Granite State at the Kaze Dojo when they were just six years old.  They have trained at Kaze now for over a decade.  The brothers are recent graduates of Littleton High School in Littleton, New Hampshire. 

“In the fickle world of martial arts gyms, few people hang around for 11 years and even fewer do it with their identical twin,” noted Kaze Dojo owner and head coach Greg Williams. Evan and Isaac have been in my gym since first grade. From day one they have displayed a work ethic and a passion for martial arts. They are two of the most respectable individuals I know. After prolific high school sports careers, both are as excited to be a part of NEF in New Hampshire as I am to coach them.”

Evan Piette will step into the cage at “NEF 44” opposite Lucas Donald who will also be making his amateur debut that night.  The fight will take place within the 155-pound lightweight division.

“I am excited for the opportunity to proudly represent northern New Hampshire,” said Evan Piette.  “I have been doing martial arts since I was six and it has become a part of who I am. My twin brother Isaac and Greg have been my partner and sensei since I first walked in. I’m ready to show what years of hard work can do on August 21st. Go Kaze!”

Like his twin brother, Isaac Piette will debut in the amateur lightweight division on August 21 in Milford. 

“Evan and I have been making memories together since birth,” said Isaac. “At the age of six, we made our first appearance at Kaze Dojo. After countless blood sweat and tears, Evan and I are grateful to represent not only our home dojo but also New Hampshire’s North Country on August 21st. The three of us are ready to make one final memory before we part ways in the fall.”

Looking to play the role of spoiler on August 21st is Isaac’s opponent, and fellow amateur debut, Kaleb Kenney.  Nicknamed “The Outlaw,” Kenney represents Team Nitemare based in Maine.

“Fighting in a cage has been a dream of mine for a long time,” stated Kenney.  “I’ve been training hard for this and can’t wait to showcase my skills. I’m super pumped that my debut will be on a NEF card close enough that people from home get a chance to come see all the hard work pay off.”

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. 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Gegard Mousasi Set to Defend BELLATOR MMA Middleweight World Championship Against John Salter on Friday, August 13

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LOS ANGELES – The BELLATOR MMA Middleweight World Championship will be up for grabs on Friday, August 13 at Mohegan Sun Arena when current 185-pound titlist Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) defends his belt against No. 1-ranked John Salter (18-4).
 
The main card of BELLATOR 263: Mousasi vs. Salter airs live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, while the preliminary portion of the event 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. Additional contests for the event will be announced shortly.
 
Tickets for the event go on sale next Thursday, July 1 at BELLATOR.com and Ticketmaster.com with a pre-sale taking place on Wednesday, June 30.
 
Fighting out of Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, Mousasi has cemented legendary status within the sport, having won titles with multiple promotions across a 56-fight career. Most recently, Mousasi defeated former BELLATOR Welterweight Champion Douglas Lima, clearing his path to a shot at a second middleweight title run. With victories in his storied career against Lyoto Machida, Rory MacDonald, Chris Weidman, Vitor Belfort, Jacare Souza, Dan Henderson and Mark Hunt, the Dutch MMA legend now faces a stiff challenge from John Salter.
 
North Carolina’s Salter enters his title shot on August 13 riding a three-fight winning streak with victories over Chidi Njokuani, Andrew Kapel and Mousasi’s teammate Costello van Steenis. The 36-year-old boasts a suffocating grappling and wrestling repertoire, ending six of his eight BELLATOR victories via submission. The bout will be Salter’s tenth with the promotion and his first opportunity to capture BELLATOR gold.
 
BELLATOR MMA 263: Mousasi vs. Salter Main Card:
Friday, August 13 – Live on SHOWTIME
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 
 
Middleweight World Title Main Event: C-Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) vs. #1-John Salter (18-4)
 
*Card subject to change.
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
 
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Fedor Emelianenko Returns Home to Moscow’s VTB Arena on Oct. 23 to Main Event BELLATOR: Moscow

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WATCH TODAY’S BELLATOR: MOSCOW ANNOUNCEMENT HERE

PHOTOS FROM TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT HERE – PHOTO CREDIT: WILL FOX
 
LOS ANGELES – It is with great pride that BELLATOR MMA announces that on Saturday, Oct. 23, the promotion will hold its first-ever event in Moscow, Russia, at the VTB Arena and that the historic card will be headlined by the greatest heavyweight mixed martial artist of all-time, Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC). 
 
Emelianenko’s opponent, along with additional matchups, and SHOWTIME telecast details will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Fedor for 12 years and nine of his fights during his time with BELLATOR and STRIKEFORCE,” said BELLATOR President Scott Coker. “It’s an honor to bring him home to compete in front of his fans who have followed his entire career. In addition to Fedor, we will showcase BELLATOR’s deep roster of Russian talent and put together a historic card for our first trip to Russia on Oct. 23.”
 
Tickets for Fedor’s highly anticipated return home are on sale now and can be purchased at Kassir.ru.
 
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 Valentin Moldavsky, who is fighting for the interim heavyweight title tonight. Already proving to be a formidable head coach, 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.
 
BELLATOR returns to action later this evening as Team Fedor’s Valentin Moldavsky (10-1) vies for the Interim Heavyweight Championship against No. 1 ranked Tim Johnson (15-6) at BELLATOR 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky. Tonight’s event will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in America and live on OKKO Sport in Russia.
 
Updated BELLATOR: Moscow Card:
 
Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) vs. TBA
 
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*Card subject to change.
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Complete Weigh-In Results & Photos for Tomorrow’s BELLATOR 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky Event – Live on SHOWTIME

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COMPLETE WEIGH-IN PHOTOS
 
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – BELLATOR 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky will be broadcast tomorrow, Friday, June 25 on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, while preliminary bouts will stream on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
 
BELLATOR MMA 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky Main Card:
Friday, June 25 – Live on SHOWTIME
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 
 
Interim Heavyweight World Title Main Event: #1-Timothy Johnson (260) vs. #3-Valentin Moldavsky (234)
Flyweight Co-Main Event: #2-Liz Carmouche (125.5) vs. #3-Kana Watanabe (125.25)
Featherweight Bout: #6-Daniel Weichel (145.5) vs. Keoni Diggs (146)
Lightweight Bout: #4-Myles Jury (156) vs. #6-Sidney Outlaw (156)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Christian Edwards (206) vs. Simon Biyong (204.5)
 
Preliminary Card:
BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV
6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT
 
Lightweight Bout: Soren Bak (156) vs. Bobby Lee (155.25)
Lightweight Bout: Isaiah Hokit (155.75) vs. Corey Samuels (156)
Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (136) vs. Cody Matthews (135)
Middleweight Bout: Taylor Johnson (185.25) vs. Lance Wright (184.75)
Featherweight Bout: John Macapa (144.75) vs. John de Jesus (145.5)
 
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 service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. 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. 
 
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

BELLATOR MMA 261 MEDIA DAY VIDEOS AND QUOTES

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LOS ANGELES – No. 1 ranked heavyweight Timothy Johnson and No. 3 ranked heavyweight Valentin Moldavsky previewed their monumental inaugural interim heavyweight title fight at BELLATOR 261 on SHOWTIME during a virtual media day Wednesday. Johnson vs. Moldavsky caps off an amazing main card this Friday, June 25 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
The BELLATOR 261 main card also features a top-five women’s flyweight bout in the co-main event slot as the No. 2 ranked Liz Carmouche takes on the undefeated No. 3 ranked Kana Watanabe. Also, lightweights square off as No. 4 ranked Myles Juryclashes with the No. 6 ranked Sidney Outlaw in a contest holding major title implications and former title challenger No. 6 ranked featherweight Daniel Weichel battles the undefeated Keoni Diggs in a 145-pound bout. Top prospect Christian Edwards opens the action on SHOWTIME in a light heavyweight banger against Simon Biyong.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
 
Tim Johnson BELLATOR Heavyweight
 
 *Click HERE to view Johnson’s full media session
 
“I’m counting this as a title, I’ll let everyone else put interim in front of it. Moldavsky is a championship level fighter and so am I, so in my eyes this fight is to become the best heavyweight in the division.”
 
“It was easy to focus on his gameplan because it is the exact same thing I do. We both are strong wrestlers and have heavy ground and pound. I guess we are going to have see who does it better on Friday.”
 
“My resurgence in my career comes from me not doubting myself. I lost a few in a row and it was an easy excuse to quit and doubt myself, but I didn’t, and I was able to rip off three in a row and put myself in a position to win a title.”
 
Valentin Moldavsky BELLATOR Heavyweight
 
*Click HERE to view Moldavsky’s full media session
 
“Yes, there are some similarities between me and Tim. My style is a little different, though, I like to take people down and finish them there.”
 
“Now that this is a title fight, I understand that there is more on the line, but this is just another fight for me. I plan to do what I always do and that is fight my fight and come out with a victory.”
 
“It is an honor to train with Fedor and represent his team.”
 
“His wrestling is not better than mine, and my sambo is going to be more impactful than his wrestling.’
 
Liz Carmouche BELLATOR Women’s Flyweight
 
*Click HERE to view Carmouche’s full media session
 
“I plan to get a dominant finish and earn a title shot. I don’t think either of us want this to go to a decision. Weather it be me knocking her out, cutting her open or ground and pound, I plan to finish this fight in a dominating fashion.”
 
“It is really exciting to fight in front of the fans and feel that energy again. Walking in and walking out is where you feel it, but when I step foot in the cage it is just me and my opponent.”
 
“This has nothing to do with Kana and her record. I have to put on a dominant performance and show why I deserve to be the champion in this division. When I got to Bellator, I wanted to climb all the way up the rankings, and that is what I have done and plan on continuing to do.”
 
“Without giving too much away I see a lot of possibilities here. I see a lot of disabilities in her game that I can capitalize on that will enhance my game. This will allow me to put on a great performance and finish her.”
 
Kana Watanabe BELLATOR Women’s Flyweight
 
*Click HERE to view Watanabe’s full media session
 
“I am very flattered by the comparison to Rhonda, but my judo and my ground and pound is very advanced and much different than Rhonda’s.”
 
“If I have a positive showing Friday, then I believe I deserve a shot at the title.”
 
“Liz is one of the biggest names I have ever fought, but this does not change my mindset or make me feel pressure. I am honored to fight Liz and can’t wait to step foot in the cage with her.”
 
“I am honored to be the co-main event on Friday. That all means nothing, though, if I don’t put on a show and an impressive performance. I plan to do that.’
 
Myles Jury BELLATOR Lightweight
 
*Click HERE to view Jury’s full media session
 
“I try to focus on the things I can control, but a win Friday along with how I have been fighting should put me in the conversation for a title shot.”
 
“I credit my toughness for this two-fight win streak. I continue to show up and work hard. When I was on that three-fight losing streak, I did not allow for myself to get down. After Friday I will be on a three-fight win streak and in a great spot for a shot at the title, and I credit my toughness and resilience for that.”
 
Sidney Outlaw BELLATOR Lightweight
 
“I have improved in every way possible. Jury is just another guy who breathes air, so I have nothing to worry about.”
 
“Fighting guys like Michael Chandler have helped me, but at the end of the day it is me vs. me. I am confident, and that has translated to every other aspect of my life. I am prepared for this fight and am going to put on a show.”
 
Daniel Weichel BELLATOR Featherweight
 
*Click HERE to view Weichel’s full media session
 
“I think Keoni is a tough fighter, but I am looking forward to giving him his first loss. I am extremely excited for this fight and giving him his first loss is going to be a challenge for me, and I look forward to It.”
 
“Honestly, I don’t want to look ahead of this fight. It was easy to do that in the Grand Prix, and I did not like it. Keoni is a tough opponent, and my focus has been on him. I had a great camp and look forward to showing that Friday night.”
 
Keoni Diggs BELLATOR Featherweight
 
*Click HERE to view Diggs full media session
 
“I’m stoked for the challenge. This is my toughest fight to date, and it’s against the toughest opponent. I am looking forward to making a statement and solidifying myself in this division.”
 
“My game plan never changes. I am going to take what he gives me and beat him. I believe I am better than him everywhere, I am not really looking forward to wins and losses, but I just want to put on a great performance and show what I am capable of.”
 
“Just because he has more fights doesn’t mean he has mystical powers. I train with some very tough people, and I am a veteran myself. I have a lot of confidence in myself and don’t see him doing anything that will shock me when we step in the cage.”
 
Christian Edwards BELLATOR Light Heavyweight
 
*Click HERE to view Edward’s full media session
 
“Simon is very tough, and it is definitely the toughest opponent of my career. I know my skill set, though, and I know what I can do, and I expect to show that Friday.”
 
“I know Simon is very powerful and athletic. It is his first fight in the United States, so I expect him to come out flying. I plan to weather the storm and then take him into deep waters where I can finish the fight.”
 
Simon Biyong BELLATOR Light Heavyweight
 
*Click HERE to view Biyong full media session
 
“It is a dream to fight in the United States and making my debut here is a huge opportunity. I was originally on the prelims and now I am on the main card, what more could I ask for?”
 
“I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for Edwards, but it doesn’t matter because at the end of the day it is a fight. It is short notice for me, and it is short notices for him. I will be ready and can’t wait to show my skills.”
 
“I am here to put myself in a position to get a ranked opponent, and Christian Edwards is in my way. I think he looked good in his last fight, but I am not his last opponent. I hope he is ready because I am.”
  
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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.
 
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, UFC, women's MMA

Paradigm Sports Signs UFC Strawweight Mackenzie Dern

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#6 UFC Strawweight Mackenzie Dern signs with Paradigm Sports

Irvine, CA (June 22, 2021) – Paradigm Sports is proud to announce its full-service representation of mixed martial arts (MMA) star Mackenzie Dern.

Dern is the current #6 ranked UFC Strawweight, and has been steadily climbing the rankings with a 4-fight win streak. Dern boasts an impressive professional record of 11-1, her most recent win being a first round submission over Nina Nunes in April.

On signing with Paradigm Sports, Dern said: “I’m excited for the next phase of my career and working with Paradigm. I really feel that, as a team, we will reach my full potential as a fighter inside and outside of the cage!”

Paradigm Sports Senior Vice President, Tim Simpson, stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Mackenzie into the Paradigm Sports family. She is a phenomenal athlete and one with championship potential. On behalf of our whole team, it is an honor to partner with her and her family, and we look forward to helping her build upon the successful career she has already begun.”

Paradigm Sports is a full-service management agency that has set itself apart as a multi-platform sports business and media company that handles the careers of a global roster of elite combat sports athletes, including Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, Michael Page and Cris Cyborg.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR MMA 263: PITBULL VS. MCKEE VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

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 FULL PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO HERE
 
LOS ANGELES – June 17, 2021 – BELLATOR MMA’s Featherweight and Lightweight World Champion Patricio Pitbull (32-4) and undefeated top-ranked challenger AJ McKee (17-0) previewed their must-watch Featherweight World Grand Prix Final and 145-pound title fight during a virtual press conference Wednesday. Both fighters’ head coaches, Eric Albarracin of Team Pitbull Brothers, and Antonio McKee of Team Bodyshop, also chimed in with a look at the final preparations both fight camps are taking as we approach the massive event.
 
BELLATOR 263: Pitbull vs. McKee will emanate from the Forum in Inglewood, Calif., and will air live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Tickets for the event go on sale tomorrow, Friday, June 18 at BELLATOR.com and Ticketmaster.com.
  
Here is what the fighters and their coaches had to say Wednesday:
 
Patricio Pitbull, BELLATOR Featherweight World Champion & BELLATOR Lightweight World Champion
 
“I’m a little bit older and faster than the rest of my division and I’m going to use this in my favor. (22:47)
 
“Of all the opponents I’ve faced, AJ is the most dangerous, and I know that. With that being said, I know that I’m going to win this fight and prove his father wrong. (26:18)
 
“At the beginning of his career, he faced very low-level guys. He has a few wins over tough opponents, but he’s never fought anyone like me. He claims that he is ready for me, but he isn’t, and he’ll learn that very quickly in front of his home crowd.” (38:48)
 
AJ McKee, No. 1 Ranked BELLATOR Featherweight & Featherweight World Grand Prix Finalist 
 
“It’s been a great journey and this is something I’ve dreamed of my entire career. Like I said, I’ve been calling Pitbull’s name since I first stepped into that cage and he’s ignored me, pretending like he doesn’t know who I am. At the end of the day, there is nowhere else for him to run and he has to look me in my eyes. I’m looking forward to it. Everyone says I haven’t been tested and I agree. But, when you do see me get tested, a whole different animal will come out. (23:22)
 
“After I beat Pitbull and become the face of BELLATOR, we can run it back for that second belt too. Becoming champ-champ is something that I said I was always going to do, and that I will do. I went through the trials and tribulations of not wanting to fight, to then having my passion for this come back and me seeing all my goals be within reach. It’s going to be fun, especially after the long break due to my knee surgery. I can’t wait to get in there again. The Mercenary does one thing: he signs the contract and then takes the person out. (24:22)
 
“I’ve been preparing for this fight for six years because Pitbull has been at the top for so long. Once again, I have a foot longer reach on him, so he has to come to me. He says he is training with gold medal wrestlers, but I will do the same thing to him that I did to Pat Curran and Darrion Caldwell. I’m comfortable off my back. Just because he’s Brazilian, that doesn’t mean anything in terms of Jiu jitsu. I have that evolved Jiu jitsu and that’s what I get people with when they don’t see it coming.” (31:45)
 
Scott Coker, BELLATOR President
 
“We’re excited to be back in California and we are excited to be back in the Forum, a place where we have had so many great fights. It’s going to be an amazing event. My staff is excited and the fighters are excited. When you think about live sports, it needs fans. We got a taste of it last week at the Mohegan Sun, which has been an amazing partner for us, but it’s time to travel and get back to what BELLATOR does best. That is putting on great fights touring from city-to-city, starting with this amazing fight on July 31. (4:10)
 
“This is the fight that everyone wanted to see. We have so many amazing athletes in this division that we went through the lottery system for matchups, which provided us with amazing fights. But at the beginning, I was wishing that the final would be McKee versus Pitbull. When we signed McKee, he had zero fights to his name. Now, look at where he is today. Back then, Pitbull was our champion and obviously still is today, so this fight is the “OG” vs. the new guard and we’ll have to see what happens.” (5:13)
 
Eric Albarracin, Team Pitbull Brothers Head Coach
 
“Patricio’s had a bullseye on his back since he became the champ in 2014, when he beat Pat Curran and this run has gone exactly as we planned. We were the matchmakers, we sent Darrion Caldwell to the other side of the bracket to take out some of the young bucks and he did. Then, AJ took him out and here we are. I think this is the perfect matchup for the finals. We have a young, up-and-coming, undefeated fighter and the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet, Patricio Pitbull. This is going to be the greatest fight in BELLATOR history. (7:20)
 
“Even at 17-0, AJ is still very young in the game. He’s very unpredictable. But, at the end of the day it’s Pitbull who is the pound-for-pound best on the planet, it’s Pitbull who is the double champ, it’s Pitbull who has the best coaches in the game and they don’t know how to prepare for that.” (8:18)
 
Antonio McKee, Team Bodyshop Head Coach
 
“I lived a different life, one where it wasn’t all good. I was dealing with a lot of stuff that a lot of African American men deal with. No mother and no father, growing up in the streets of Los Angeles. It was what it was, but I made the right decisions and never got caught for anything that I did that could have put me away for the rest of my life and found my drive and motivation through my son. The things that AJ would say as a kid, like ‘Daddy if you die, can I die with you?’ I didn’t care about living and I didn’t have a problem with killing either. And then one day AJ says ‘Dad, whatever you do and wherever you go, I want to come with you.’ I was ready to clock out, but then I realized that I needed to be here for him. He had nothing but me, so that gave me the drive and the strength to find a better way out.
 
“I made it this far, did my thing as a wrestler and was the best in the world. I did what I was doing, but I didn’t have the right mindset, so I had to check my mental and learn how to be a respectable human being. Once I did that, things started to shift for me and now here we are. I did things to keep AJ in private school, not to buy cars, music, and jewelry. I did it all to pay for his school tuition.” (14:36)
559 Fights, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA

559 Fights MMA this Saturday in Visalia

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559 Fights is back
 
VISALIA – Live mixed martial arts action is back this Saturday at Valley Strong Ballpark home of the Visalia Rawhide.
 
559 Fights is the first amateur MMA promotion in the State to do a live event with a crowd since the pandemic started.
 
Doors open for the 17-bout event at 6pm and fights start at 7. In the main event, Oceano strawweight Gabby Lopez (5-0) fights Rocklin’s Valerie Thurs (3-4) for the 559 Fights title.
 
In the co-main event, Visalia 145-pounder Mark Hernandez (2-2-1) battles Bakersfield’s Sal Bruno (2-2-2) for the interim Featherweight crown.
 
“We are definitely glad to be back. And back with such an amazing fight card,” 559 Fights President Jeremy Luchau said. “It’s been a long time and we are excited to see some of the veterans back and a great mix of new local talent.”
 
For ticket information visit www.559fights.com
 
The fight card also features a grappling tournament featuring many of the Valley’s top talent, both on the mat and in the cage, including Bellator veteran Nick Bustamante, Tachi Palace Fights vet Christian Avalos, and Visalia black belt Marc De La Cruz.
 
“Really excited to see some pretty good grappling,” Luchau said. “There are a ton of great grappling events in the state and beyond and the Valley always has some great athletes. We are blessed to be able to put some great matches together.”
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Featherweight World Champion Patricio Pitbull Meets AJ McKee in the BELLATOR Featherweight World Grand Prix Finals on Saturday, July 31 — Live on SHOWTIME

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BELLATOR 263 TAKES PLACE AT THE FORUM IN LOS ANGELES ON SATURDAY, JULY 31 – LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

TICKETS FOR THIS MASSIVE EVENT GO ON SALE TOMORROW AT BELLATOR.COM

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LOS ANGELES — And then there were two…

What began with 16 featherweight athletes vying for a one-million-dollar grand prize and the BELLATOR Featherweight World Championship has been narrowed to the greatest BELLATOR athlete in the history of the promotion Patricio Pitbull (32-4) and the company’s best-ever homegrown fighter in No. 1 ranked AJ McKee (17-0).

The culmination of the BELLATOR Featherweight World Grand Prix takes place Saturday, July 31 at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., and marks the company’s first domestic event hosted away from “The Fightsphere” since February 2020.

BELLATOR 263: Pitbull vs. McKee airs live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and tickets for the event go on sale this Friday, June 18 at BELLATOR.com and Ticketmaster.com with a pre-sale taking place on Thursday.

“This is without a doubt going to be the biggest BELLATOR fight of all time,” said BELLATOR President Scott Coker. “AJ McKee has been calling for a shot at Pitbull’s title since his very first professional victory inside our cage six years ago. Now he’s finally getting the opportunity to realize his dream of becoming a world champion against the winningest fighter in BELLATOR history. For Pitbull a win over McKee in this tournament final would be a statement piece to add to his long list of accolades and legacy as the best 145-pounder on the planet.” 

One half of the vaunted Pitbull Brothers duo, Patricio has long been considered the crown jewel of BELLATOR MMA, where he sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings. Holding a remarkable record of 32-4 with wins over elite competition including the likes of Pat Curran, Juan Archuleta, Daniel Weichel (x2) and most recently a second triumph over Emmanuel Sanchez, the 33-year-old stands alone as the featherweight king. Additionally, he was able to capture the Lightweight World Championship in a 2019 contest opposite Michael Chandler, becoming only the second BELLATOR athlete to hold two titles simultaneously. With 23 finishes in 36 professional fights, Pitbull has shown time and time again that he possesses the well-rounded skillset required to reign over multiple weight classes.

With a perfect record of 17-0, AJ McKee has exceeded the lofty expectations placed on him since his professional debut at the ripe age of 20-years-old. With an even six knockouts and six submissions, the now-26-year-old McKee has shown a knack for securing finishes—and fast—with nine coming in the first round. “Mercenary” has earned dominant victories over every man who has opposed him including former champions Pat Curran, Georgi Karakhanyan, and Darrion Caldwell, who McKee submitted most-recently with a rare, modified neck crank that was later dubbed the “McKee-otine.” Finally, the Long Beach native will face the man he has called for since signing with BELLATOR, as he takes on Patricio Pitbull in the much-anticipated Featherweight World Grand Prix Final.

The preliminary portion of the event streams live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, as well as Pluto TV and features former featherweight title challenger and No. 2 ranked Emmanuel Sanchez (20-5) versus Denmark’s No. 8 ranked Mads Burnell (15-3), a bantamweight tilt between No. 3 ranked Magomed “Tiger” Magomedov (18-1) and No. 4 Raufeon “Supa” Stots (16-1) and a lightweight affair pitting undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov (12-0) against Manny Muro (12-6).

BELLATOR 263: Pitbull vs. McKee Main Card:

Saturday, July 31 – Live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT 

Featherweight World Title Main Event: C-Patricio Pitbull (32-4) vs. #1-AJ McKee (17-0)

Preliminary Card:

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

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Featherweight Bout: #2-Emmanuel Sanchez (20-5) vs. #8-Mads Burnell (15-3)

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

Lightweight Bout: Usman Nurmagomedov (12-0) vs. Manny Muro (12-6)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.