Lossis Archives: Mixed Martial Arts

FANS INVITED TO BELLATOR NATION RALLY AND BELLATOR NYC: SONNEN VS. SILVA WEIGH-INS INSIDE THE THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ON FRIDAY, JUNE 23

PLUS, A CHANCE TO WIN CAGESIDE TICKETS

Los Angeles – Ahead of Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva, fans are invited to the first ever Bellator Nation Rally on Hnub vas Xuv, Rau hli ntuj 23 tom 4:30 p.m. LI inside the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Members of the Bellator Nation will have the opportunity to meet with MMA legends Randy Couture and Dan Henderson, current Bellator heavyweight Cheick Kongo, as well as Bellator personalities, including Mike Goldberg and the Bellator Ring Girls. The event is FREE and OPEN to the public. Space is limited, so fans are encouraged to arrive early.

Additionally, prizes, including two cageside tickets to Bellator NYC, will be given away to fans in attendance.

At 6 p.m. LI, fans are also invited to be a part of the Bellator NYC thiab Bellator 180 weigh-ins inside The Theater at Madison Square Garden, as the fighters take the scale and square off for the final time prior to entering the cage Rau hnub Saturday hmo ntuj. The event is FREE and OPEN to the public.

One of the most recognizable MMA fighters of all time, Hall of Famer Randy Couture transitioned nicely into the entertainment world after his fighting career, starring in several television shows and movies, including The Expendables movie franchise and Dancing with the Stars. Inside the cage, Couture was a fearless underdog, often defeating men with great size advantages. “The Natural” was a multi-time heavyweight and multi-time light heavyweight champion in the UFC.

Dan Henderson, known simply as “Hendo,” is one of the most feared one-punch strikers in all of MMA and put away many opponents with his “H-Bomb” overhand right. A former PRIDE and STRIKEFORCE champion, Henderson owns notable wins over Michael Bisping, Fedor Emelianenko, “Shogun” Rua and Wanderlei Silva. Now retired, Henderson also represented the U.S. during the 1992 thiab 1996 Olympics as a member of the Greco-Roman wrestling teams.

Since joining the Bellator MMA fray in 2013, Cheick Kongo, a French-born kickboxer, has strung together an impressive run that has seen him emerge victorious in nine of 11 contests, including five consecutive victories. Nrog 39 career fights under his belt, “The Darknesshas tallied 27 wins as a professional, including 12 by way of knockout. Kongo most recently handed Augusto Sakai the first loss of his professional career at Bellator 179 in London.

Mike Goldberg, set to make his Bellator broadcast debut at Bellator NYC thiab Bellator 180, is best known for his 20 plus years of play-by-play work in professional MMA and trademark calls that made him popular with fans around the globe. In addition to his two decades in mixed martial arts, he has broadcast every major sport at the network level, most notably his 900 games in the NHL, both nationally and with the Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings. He has also hosted entertainment shows, including Shaq Vs. A graduate of Miami (Ohio) University, Goldberg now resides in Phoenix, Ariz.

Please visit Bellator.com thiab BellatorNYC.com for upcoming event information.

Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva Card (Pay-Per-View):

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Chael Sonnen (29-15-1) vs. Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC)

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1 NC) vs. Matt Mitrione (11-5)

Welterweight World Title Bout: Douglas Lima (28-6) vs. Lorenz Larkin (18-5, 1 NC)

Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (16-3) vs. Brent Primus (7-0)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Aaron Pico (Debut) vs. Zach Freeman (8-2)

 

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Card (SPIKE):

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) vs. Ryan Bader (22-5)

Featherweight Bout: James Gallagher (6-0) vs. Chinzo Machida (5-2)

Welterweight Bout: Neiman Gracie (5-0) vs. Dave Marfone (5-2)

Women’s Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Heather Hardy (Debut) vs. Alice Yauger (4-5)

 

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Preliminary Card (Bellator.com):

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ryan Couture (10-5) vs. Haim Gozali (7-3)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jerome Mickle (2-1) vs. Anthony Giacchina (1-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (168 1bs.): John Salgado (4-7-1) vs. Hugh McKenna (0-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (130 1bs.): Matt Rizzo (9-2, 1 NC) vs. Sergio da Silva (6-8)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nate Grebb (3-1) vs. Bradley Desir (9-5)

BELLATOR ANNOUNCES BROADCAST DUTIES FOR HISTORIC EVENT AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ON SATURDAY, JUNE 24

 

 

LOS ANGELES – With the recently announced additions of veteran commentators Mauro Ranallo and Mike Goldberg to the current Bellator broadcast team, fight night roles have been determined for the biggest evening in the promotion’s history when Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva thiab Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader air live on Saturday, Rau hli ntuj 24 from Madison Square Garden in New York.

Bellator’s stacked pay-per-view event, Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva, will see play-by-play analyst Mauro Ranallo join longtime Bellator color commentator Jimmy Smith for the first time live at 10 p.m. LI/7p.m. PT, thaum lub Mike Goldberg will anchor the desk for the historic broadcast.

Earlier that evening, Goldbergis set to call the play-by-play action alongside Smith, with Ranallo set to hostBellator 180: Davis vs. Bader from the desk live on SPIKE at 8 p.m. LI/5 p.m. Goldberg and Smith will alsocall the additional preliminary match-ups on Bellator.com at 6 p.m. LI/3 p.m. PT.

Jenn Brown will host SPIKE’s live pre-show during preliminary action, where she will be joined by popular MMA personality Brendan Schaub and Bellator lightweight Josh Thomson, who will offer unique insight and analysis leading into the historic event. Schaub and Thomson will later join Ranallo at the desk duringBellator 180. The voice of Bellator, Michael C. Hmong/Williams, will take his familiar position inside the cage as the evening’s ring announcer.

Headlined by the long-awaited bout between two of the biggest names in mixed martial arts history, Chael Sonnen (29-15-1) thiab Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC), Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva airs live on pay-per-view beginning at 10 p.m. LI/7 p.m. PT. Emanating from Madison Square in New York City, the mecca of combat sports, this blockbuster event includes a heavyweight bout between MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko and hard-hitting Matt Mitrione, along with two championship bouts, including Douglas Lima (28-6) defending his 170-pound strap against Lorenz Larkin(18-5, 1 NC) and current lightweight champion Michael Chandler (16-3) putting his world title on the line against the undefeated Brent Primus (7-0).

Prior to the pay-per-view, SPIKE will air Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader LIVE and FREE on both coasts beginning at 8 p.m. LI/5 p.m. PT. The event is headlined by a light heavyweight title bout between current champ Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) and top contender Ryan Bader (22-5). Additionally, Bellator 180 prelims will air exclusively on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App at 6 p.m. LI/3 p.m. PT.

Please visit Bellator.com thiab BellatorNYC.com for upcoming event information.

 

Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva Card (Pay-Per-View):

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Chael Sonnen (29-15-1) vs. Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC)

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1 NC) vs. Matt Mitrione (11-5)

Welterweight World Title Bout: Douglas Lima (28-6) vs. Lorenz Larkin (18-5, 1 NC)

Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (16-3) vs. Brent Primus (7-0)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Aaron Pico (Debut) vs. Zach Freeman (8-2)

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Card (SPIKE):

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) vs. Ryan Bader (22-5)

Featherweight Bout: James Gallagher (6-0) vs. Chinzo Machida (5-2)

Welterweight Bout: Neiman Gracie (5-0) vs. Dave Marfone (5-2)

Women¹s Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Heather Hardy (Debut) vs. Alice Yauger (4-5)

 

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Preliminary Card (Bellator.com):

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ryan Couture (10-5) vs. Haim Gozali (7-3)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jerome Mickle (2-1) vs. Anthony Giacchina (1-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (168 1bs.): John Salgado (4-7-1) vs. Hugh McKenna (0-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (130 1bs.): Matt Rizzo (9-2, 1 NC) vs. Sergio da Silva (6-8)

VOW Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nate Grebb (3-1) vs. Bradley Desir (9-5)

BELLATOR NATION INVITED TO EXCLUSIVE FAN FEST DURING BELLATOR NYC FIGHT WEEK

 

MEET MMA LEGENDS TITO ORTIZ AND ROYCE GRACIE ON FRIDAY, JUNE 23 AT DAVE & BUSTER’S TIMES SQUARE

Los Angeles – Prior to the biggest event in Bellator history, Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva, fans have the opportunity to meet MMA legends Tito Ortiz thiab Royce Gracie during an exclusive Fan Fest on Hnub vas Xuv, Rau hli ntuj 23 pib thaum uas muaj 8 p.m. LI at the Dave & Buster’s Times Square location.

 

Dave & Buster’s, a season-long partner of Bellator MMA, is offering Bellator Nation members the chance to meet two of the biggest names in the sport. Fan Fest is free for Bellator Nation Members with RSVP, who can sign up at www.Bellator.com/fan-fest.

 

Known as one of the toughest competitors in MMA, Tito Ortiz is a fan-favorite across the world. Utilizing his wrestling background, Ortiz was a punishing competitor who defended his title an impressive five times. Always with a flair for the dramatic, Ortiz engaged in several intense rivalries over his career with the likes of Ken Shamrock and Chuck Liddell. Under the direction of Bellator MMA, the 42-year-old Ortiz claimed a trio of victories that included a pair of first-round finishes over Alexander Shlemenko and Chael Sonnen.

 

The name Gracie is synonymous with MMA, and that is in large part to Royce Gracie, the man who is considered to have invented the sport as we know it today. The winner of the first several UFC events, Gracie dismantled multiple opponents in a single night, many of which were much larger than him. For many years, there was no answer for the Gracie jiu-jitsu technique that he brought to the cage. Today, it’s difficult to find an MMA fighter who has not trained in the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu that his father invented. In February of 2016, Gracie headlined Bellator 149, an event that shattered company viewership records.

 

Headlined by the long-awaited bout between two of the biggest names in mixed martial arts history, Chael Sonnen (29-15-1) thiabWanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC), Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva airs live on pay-per-view beginning at 10 p.m. LI/7 p.m. PT. Emanating from Madison Square in New York City, the mecca of combat sports, this blockbuster event includes a heavyweight bout between MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko and hard-hitting Matt Mitrione, along with two championship bouts, including Douglas Lima (28-6) defending his 170-pound strap against Lorenz Larkin(18-5, 1 NC) and current lightweight champion Michael Chandler (16-3) putting his world title on the line against the undefeated Brent Primus (7-0).

 

Prior to the pay-per-view, SPIKE will air Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader LIVE and FREE on both coasts beginning at 8 p.m. LI/5 p.m. PT. The event is headlined by a light heavyweight title bout between current champ Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) and top contender Ryan Bader (22-5). Additionally, Bellator 180 prelims will air exclusively on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App at 6 p.m. LI/3 p.m. PT.

 

Please visit Bellator.com thiab BellatorNYC.com for upcoming event information.

 

Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva Card (Pay-Per-View):

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Chael Sonnen (29-15-1) vs. Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC)

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1 NC) vs. Matt Mitrione (11-5)

Welterweight World Title Bout: Douglas Lima (28-6) vs. Lorenz Larkin (18-5, 1 NC)

Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (16-3) vs. Brent Primus (7-0)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Aaron Pico (Debut) vs. Zach Freeman (8-2)

 

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Card (SPIKE):

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) vs. Ryan Bader (22-5)

Featherweight Bout: James Gallagher (6-0) vs. Chinzo Machida (5-2)

Welterweight Bout: Neiman Gracie (5-0) vs. Dave Marfone (5-2)

Women’s Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Heather Hardy (Debut) vs. Alice Yauger (4-5)

 

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Preliminary Card (Bellator.com):

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ryan Couture (10-5) vs. Haim Gozali (7-3)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jerome Mickle (2-1) vs. Anthony Giacchina (1-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (168 1bs.): John Salgado (4-7-1) vs. Hugh McKenna (0-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (130 1bs.): Matt Rizzo (9-2, 1 NC) vs. Sergio da Silva (6-8)

VOW Fight – Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nate Grebb (3-1) vs. Bradley Desir (9-5)

Pavel Vitruk to defend M-1 Challenge bantamweight title vs. Interim titlist Movsar Evloev

M 1 sib tw 81: Battle in the Mountains 6, Lub Xya hli ntuj 22 in Ingushetia
SAINT PETERSBURG, Zog ntawm Guj kuj (Rau hli ntuj 16, 2017 – M-1 Global has announced that M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion Pavel Vitruk will defend his title against interim titlist Movsar Evloev, Lub Xya hli ntuj 22 in the M-1 Challenge 81: Battle in the Mountains 6 main event, in the Republic of Ingushetia.
The international MMA event will coincide with the 25th anniversary celebration of the Republic of Ingushetia.
Vitruk (14-2-0), fighting out of Moscow, bounced back strong from a sub-par 2016 with impressive victories over Sergei Morozov and then Vitaly Branchukom to become the first M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion.
Vitruk, though, was unable to make his first title defense until now, due to an injury, opening the door for Evloev (7-0-0) to become the interim M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion and Vitruk’s mandatory challenger.
Fighting at home in Ingushetia, Evloev has improved in each fight, adding in physical strength and using technology. He knocked out Alexei Nevzorov in the second round at M 1 sib tw 76 to become interim champ.
Evloev looked very impressive in his last few fights and it appears his undefeated streak will be extremely difficult to snap. Vitruk, however, has much more experience than his challenger with twice as many professional fights, including several stiff tests he passed with flying colors.
Vitriuk vs. Evloev promises to be an uncompromising battle as both fighters are more than worthy of owning the coveted M-1 Challenge championship belt. The two warriors are true masters of the martial arts.
Additional fights will soon be announced
INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
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Sergei Kharitonov puts Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou To sleep in opening round

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ivan Buchinger retains
M-1 Challenge featherweight title
OFFICIAL M-1 CHALLENGE 80 RESULTS
HARBIN, China (Rau hli ntuj 16, 2017) – MMA heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov continued his dominance in M-1 Global competition, knocking out Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou midway through the opening round of last night’s M 1 sib tw 80 main event, held in Harbin, China.
Cameroon-native Sokoudjou (18-8-0, M-1: 0-1-0), fighting out of the United States, was nailed on the chin by a straight right thrown by Kharitonov (25-6-0, M-1: 4-0-0), who immediately jumped on top of his fallen foe, firing two more powerful hammer-punches to the head, until the referee halted the action.
But it really was a classic one-punch KO by Kharitonov, who remains undefeated in M-1 Global competition at 4-0-0.
or go here to view:
M-1 Challenge featherweight champion IvanBukiBuchinger (32-5-0, M-1: 7-1-0), of Slovakia, successfully defended his title, submitting Russian challenger Timur Nagibin (9-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0) in round three via a rear naked choke.
German featherweight Sascha Sharman (13-3-0, M-1: 1-1-0) did the same to his opponent, MusuIron KingNuertiebieke (7-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of China, except Sharman finished the show at the 1:03 mark of the opening round.
Australian welterweight CoreyMajorNelson (18-6-2, M-1: 0-0-1) thiab AlexanderIron CaptureButenko (43-12-1, M-1: 9-2-1) fought to a three-round majority-draw, while Russian featherweight Mikhail Korobov (11-3-1, M-1: 1-2-1) also used a rear naked choke to submit Asirkebai Jinensibieke (12-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in the first round.
On the preliminary card, Russian middleweight Artem Kazbanov (8-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Chinese welterweight Kuerbanjiang Tuluosibake (2-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0) and Russian lightweight Adam Tsurov (7-5-0, M-1: 6-2-0) all won three-round unanimous decisions, respectively, against NosherwanSavageKhanzada (3-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukrainian MakimMad Max: Melnik (3-4-0, M-1: 1-2-0) and previously undefeated Fu Kangkang (4-1-1, M-1: 0-1-0), of China.
Brazilian light heavyweight CarlosCachorraoEdueardo (16-4-0, M-1: 2-0-0) stopped previously undefeated German, Rene Hoppe (7-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0), in the first round on the advice of the doctor. Georgian bantamweight Ivbragim Navruzov (4-0-1, M-1: 1-0-1) took a three-round split decision from Huyixibai Huyixibai (14-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of China.
Once again, M-1 Global promoted a true international event as the 20 competing athletes represented 10 different countries: Zog ntawm Guj kuj, United States, Slovakia, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Ukraine, Pakistan, Georgia and China.
Complete results below:
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(all winners listed first)
MAIN CARD
MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Sergei Kharitonov (25-6-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
KO1 (Punches2:39)
Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (18-8-0, M-1: 0-1-0), USA
M-1 CHALLENGE FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSIP
Ivan Buchinger (32-5-0, M-1: 7-1-0), Slovakia
WSUB3 (Rear Naked Choke3:24)
Timur Nagibin (9-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
(Buchinger retains M-1 Challenge featherweight title)
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Sascha Sharma (13-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Germany
WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke1:03)
Muso Nuertiebieke (7-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China
WELTERWEIGHTS
Alexander Butenko (43-12-1, M-1: 9-2-1), Ukraine
D3
Corey Nelson (18-6-2, M-1: 0-0-1), Australia
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Mikhail Korobov (11-2-1, M-1: 1-2-1), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke1:18)
Asirkebai Jinensibieke (12-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China
PRELIMINARY CARD
SIB HEAVYWEIGHTS
Carlos Eduardo (16-4-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Brazil
WTKO1 (Doctor Stoppage1:06)
Rene Hoppe (7-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Germany
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Arten Kazbanov (8-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
WDEC3
Nosherwan Khanzada (3-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Pakistan
BANTAMWEIGHTS
Ibragim Navruzov (4-0-1, M-1: 1-0-1), Georgia
WDEC3
Huyixibai Huyixibai (14-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China
WELTERWEIGHTS
Kuerbanjiang Tuluosibake (2-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0, China
WDEC3
Makim Melnik (3-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Adam Tsurov (7-5-0, M-1: 6-2-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj
WDEC3
Fu Kangkang (4-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China
INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
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FNU qhia tias txhua qhov kev ua si: Mayweather vs. McGregor set for August 26th, Ward vs. Kovalev II Preview, UFC Fight Night Hunt Vs. Lewis Recap

PsychicTom Padgett earned his nickname last week in predicting Mark Hunt would be buoyed to a win over Derrick Lewis in front of his hometown New Zealand fans at the latest UFC Fight Night. We recap the fight card and preview this weekend’s UFC Fight Night card from Singapore. ntuag, Tony and Rich also chat about Mayweather vs. McGregor getting signed. We additionally recap last week’s biggest boxing results and the upcoming weekend’s best fights, including a rematch of Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev. Listen to the two part broadcast below.

 

 

M 1 sib tw 80 weights, pictures & video from China

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
M-1 CHALLENGE 80
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FROM HARBIN, CHINA
MAIN CARD
MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS — 3 X 5
(L) SergeiThe ParatrooperKharitonov (24-6-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj 266 ½ lbs.
vs.
(R)The African AssassinRameau Thierry Sokoudjou (11-5-0, M-1: 2-1-0), USA 230 lbs.

M-1 CHALLENGE FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSIP – 5 X 5
(L)IvanBukiBuchinger(31-5-0, M-1: 6-1-0), Champion, Slovakia 144 lbs.
vs.
(R) Timur Nagibin (9-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Challenger, Zog ntawm Guj kuj 144 lbs.
FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Sascha Sharma (12-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Germany 143 lbs.
vs.
MusoIron KingNuertiebieke (7-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), China 146 lbs.
WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
AlexanderIron CaptureButenko
(43-12-0, M-1: 9-2-0), Ukraine 165 lbs.
vs.
CoreyMajorNelson
(18-6-1, M-1: 0-0-0), Spain 168 lbs.
FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Mikhail Korobov (10-2-1, M-1: 0-2-1), Zog ntawm Guj kuj, 143 lbs.
vs.
Asirkebai Jinensibieke (12-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), China 146 lbs.
PRELIMINARY CARD
SIB HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Rene Hoppe (7-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Germany 204 lbs.
vs.
CarlosCachorraoEduardo (15-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil 204 lbs.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Arten Kazbanov (7-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj 185 lbs.
vs.
NosherwanSavageKhanzada (3-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Pakistan 184 ½ lbs.
BANTAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Huyixibai Huyixibai (14-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), China 135 lbs.
vs.
Ibragim Navruzov (3-0-1, M-1: 0-0-1), Georgia 132 lbs.
WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Kuerbanjiang Tuluosibake (1-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0, China 169 ½ lbs.
vs.
MakimMan MaxMelnik (3-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Ukraine 167 lbs.
LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Adam Tsurov (6-5-0, M-1: 5-2-0), Zog ntawm Guj kuj 154 ½ lbs.
vs.
Kangkang Fu (4-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), China 153 lbs.
Go here for more weigh-in pictures:


WHEN: Hnub plaub, Rau hli ntuj 15, 2017

WHERE: Harbin, China
PROMOTER: M-1 Global
LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (12.00 p.m. LI / 9:00 a.m. PT in USA)
INFORMATION:
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@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
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DIRIGO ALUM DALEY BALANCES WORK, FAMILY AND MMA CAGEFIGHTING

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (Rau hli ntuj 14, 2017) – Derek Daley believes that his mixed martial arts training gives him an edge in his career. He also recognizes that training with First Class MMA makes him a better mixed martial artist.

 

It’s a busy life for Daley, a law enforcement officer and father of a 6-year-old daughter, Ella. He will break away for a few frenzied moments on the night ofHnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 17, when he returns to the New England Fights hexagon for the first time in a year.

 

Daley, 27, is one of seven fighters who will represent his Brunswick gym at “NEF 29: Stars & Stripes.” The opening bell is set for 7 p.m. at Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston.

 

“I’ve improved in every area, and I’ve really improved my cardio,” Daley said. “My first fight I was worried about what might happen if I got to the third round.”

 

There was barely time to break a sweat. Daley, a two-time Maine high school wrestling champion at Dirigo High School in Dixfield who later played college football at Husson University, dispatched Johel Stephenson in only 55 seconds.

 

“We had a game plan to hit him with a straight jab to set him up for an overhead right, then get it down to the mat and finish it with ground-and-pound,” Daley said. “It actually went exactly as we planned it, which was great.”

 

This time, Daley (1-0) takes on the more seasoned Frank Johanson (2-2) of Lewiston’s Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a featherweight amateur scrap.

 

Daley joins Ras Hylton, Dominic Jones, Rafael Velado, Josh Jones, Jake Deppmeyer and Jon Tefft in the First Class contingent on the docket. He was lured to the training center and the MMA phenomenon by another local police officer with fighting in his blood, Nick Gulliver of Jay.

 

“I had been training jiu-jitsu at the Foundry in Farmington,” Daley said. “Nick said (MMA) would translate well to law enforcement, and he was right. Ntxiv, John and Jody (Raio) are just great people.”

 

Raio’s experience on the high school and college wrestling mat has made him a natural mentor for Daley, who hit the 100-win plateau early in his junior year at Dirigo.

Daley won the 119-pound state title as a sophomore and backed it up as a senior at 135 pounds, not far from where he fights today at 145.

 

“Derek is a tremendous athlete and one of our best wrestlers,” Raio said. “He has a solid attitude and gives 100 percent every class and sparring session.”

 

It’s admittedly difficult for Daley to balance his competitive passion with his blossoming police career.

 

He began as an officer in Wilton. After moving to Richmond, he applied for work in three surrounding cities. Augusta was first to make him an offer.

 

“I’ve been there since November and it’s a perfect fit for me,” Daley said. “I have a great sergeant and a great team.”

 

Police work is a family tradition. Daley’s father, Hart, is Chief Deputy of the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department.

 

It was not a case of a father wanting his son to fill his shoes.

 

“I majored in physical education,” Daley noted. “Dad said, ‘Be a teacher. Don’t go into law enforcement.But it’s one of those things that must be pretty stubborn in the family, because my brother and I both are police officers. The schedule is tough and unpredictable.”

 

First Class MMA helps Daley bring his commitments as cop and fighter under one roof. “It’s a great workout. I’m not really into traditional weight lifting. I mean, I did it when I played college football (Husson). This way I get a workout, but it doesn’t feel like I’m working,” he said. “It definitely makes me feel more comfortable if I ever have to get into a physical confrontation as an officer.”

 

Raio, now retired from the cage after a run as one of NEF’s most popular fighters in its infancy, understands the home vs. work vs. family balance. He is the father of two and was employed full time with the U.S. Postal Service when he got the itch to try combat sports once again.

 

Still, he is high on his pupil’s potential if Daley ever decides to focus fully on the cage.

 

“The sky is the limit for him in this sport. I can see him getting to the UFC or Bellator if that is the path he chooses,” Raio said. “He is an outstanding police officer and a great father as well. He puts his daughter first in everything he does.”

 

Daley returns the compliments, insisting that even if his foray into MMA winds up being a cup of coffee, he will continue to train at First Class for fitness purposes. He describes the atmosphere as a tight circle of friends and a brotherhood.

 

“It’s a great group of guys. There are no egos,” Daley said. “I was kind of worried about that when I first showed up. Was I going to be (a target) because I’m a police officer, or were there a bunch of guys all looking to be the alpha dog? But it’s quite the opposite. It’s like a big family. You’re punching a guy in the face, but you’re family.”

 

That goes double for his friendship with Gulliver, who is undefeated as an amateur heavyweight.

 

“I feel like a baby gorilla with its mom when I’m working out with Nick,” he quipped. “I think for him it’s enjoyment just to pound on me.”

 

It certainly reduces the stress when he gets the opportunity to pick on someone his own size at an NEF card, although Daley knows better than to take the veteran Johanson lightly.

 

The CMBJJ fighter enters on a two-fight winning streak, and he defeated First ClassDeppmeyer in February.

 

“Frank is a tough opponent. I saw his fight against Jake,” Daley said. “He has a tough chin. He takes shots and just keeps coming forward.”

 

Even though he fought in front of thousands at the state wrestling showcase four times as a high school student, Daley is humble enough to acknowledge that an NEF show is a different animal.

 

“I was a complete nervous wreck, like almost to the point where I was ready to puke behind the curtain,” he said of his debut. “Then once I stepped in the cage, it went away and I just did what I had to do. I was able to shake off the rust a little bit.

 

“But it’s still different from wrestling. Back then I wasn’t getting punched in the face.”

 

Tus Rau hli ntuj 17 card features four professional MMA fights, four pro boxing matches, and seven amateur skirmishes in the cage. Tickets to “NEF 29: Stars & Stripes” start at $25 and are available by calling (207) 783-2009 txuas. 525 or at www.thecolisee.com. For more information on the fight card, please visitwww.newenglandfights.com.

BELLATOR SIGNS VETERAN MMA COMMENTATORS MIKE GOLDBERG AND MAURO RANALLO

 

BOTH SET TO CALL THE ACTION FOR BELLATOR NYC ONSATURDAY, JUNE 24 AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

LOS ANGELESBellator has signed longstanding MMA commentators Mike Goldberg thiab Mauro Ranallo to multi-event broadcast agreements beginning with Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva thiab Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader rau Hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 24. The move sees Goldberg return to SPIKE for the first time since 2011, while Ranallo reunites with Bellator President Scott Coker, having worked together through 2013. The pair will join a broadcast team that currently includes Jimmy Smith, Jenn Brown and Chael Sonnen.

“Mike Goldberg and Mauro Ranallo are two of the best in our business and I couldn’t be happier about them joining the Bellator family,” said Scott Coker. “In addition to Rau hli ntuj 24, we look forward to working together to make future Spike broadcasts even more exciting for our fans as we add further depth to an already-exceptional broadcast team.

“The addition of highly-regarded announcers Mauro and Mike to our fantastic lineup of broadcasters, and our first-rate production led by Scott Fishman, further demonstrates our commitment MMA fans and expanding the global Bellator brand,” added Spike SVP, Sports and Specials Jon Slugger.

Mike Goldberg is best known for his 20 plus years of play-by-play work in professional MMA and trademark calls that made him popular with fans around the globe. In addition to his two decades in mixed martial arts, he has broadcast every major sport at the network level, most notably his 900 games in the NHL, both nationally and with the Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings. He has also hosted entertainment shows, including Shaq Vs. A graduate of Miami (Ohio) University, Goldberg now resides in Phoenix, Ariz.

Mauro Ranallo gained notoriety with MMA fans during his tenure with PRIDE, and later STRIKEFORCE, where his voice became synonymous with the now-legendary events. Throughout his career, Ranallo has spent time working with various sports outside of MMA, including boxing, professional wrestling, kickboxing and ice hockey, and will continue his work with Showtime Boxing. Ranallo, a native of British Columbia, Canada, now resides in Los Angeles, Calif.

Please visit Bellator.com thiab BellatorNYC.com for upcoming event information.

THE FIGHTING PRIDE OF BUCKSPORT RETURNS FOR ONE MORE BATTLE

Lewiston, Maine (Rau hli ntuj 13, 2017) – Ray “All Business” Wood has received his mail in Florida, Maine, South Carolina and Texas, to name just a few corners of the United States. He’s comfortable with a nomadic existence, especially when his highest goals are at stake.

 

The Pine Tree State is where Wood’s mixed martial arts dream evolved, however. And in any endeavor at any chapter of life, sometimes home is where you can go to recapture the magic.

 

That’s at least some of the inspiration for one of the most popular combatants in New England Fights history as he sets foot in that regional cage for the first time nyob rau hauv 28 months.

Wood (8-3) will lock up with Alexandre “Popo” Bezerra (19-5) in a featherweight bout that promises nothing but fireworks at “NEF 29: Stars & Stripes” onHnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 17. The opening bell at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee is scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

“I’m coming off two losses, so it’s good to get back where it all started,” Wood said. “It’s a good time to rekindle the fire.”

 

No shortage of major factors have contributed to the hiccup in Wood’s winning ways. For starters, Wood, who turns 28 on June 6, has been juggling his career with life’s ultimate responsibility since last summer, when his wife, Tiana, gave birth to their first child, Liem.

 

It’s also worth noting that his two losses have come against undefeated fighters in the elite Bellator Fighting Championships. Wood tapped to a first-round choke at the hands of Adam Piccolotti (9-0) on May 14, 2016. After a brief stint to embrace the newfound challenges of fatherhood, Wood returned to the fray in December and dropped a unanimous decision to second-generation MMA prospect A.J. McKee, ❏ Jr ❏. (8-0).

 

Wood is quick to point out that a busier life is no excuse for a change in performance. Rather, it empowers him with new purpose as he plies his non-traditional trade.

 

“It’s definitely been a lot of big changes. Now I have a kid. That changes everything,” he said. “That gives me a lot more to fight for. If I go out and perform, that provides more opportunities and gives me more to offer my family.”

 

The only other loss on Wood’s docket coincided with his most recent experience in Maine. Crafty veteran Anthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison (20-11) took the NEF featherweight belt via fifth-round submission.

 

Wood left Maine shortly thereafter for Gaffney, South Carolina. He now resides with his family in Amarillo, Texas.

 

“I wasn’t originally from Maine,” said Wood, who grew up in Fort Myers, Florida, before moving to Bucksport in seventh grade. “I kind of knew I wanted to leave and see what was out there.”

 

He took many pieces of Maine with him, though. Wood, a high school wrestler, found himself sorely missing that competition after graduation, so he took up jiu-jitsu.

 

Shortly thereafter, he heard that a gentleman named Chris Young was training MMA fighters at a home-based sweatshop in Bangor.

 

“He was holding workouts in his basement. This was before his gym (Young’s MMA) even started. It was a weird thing,” Wood recalled. “Looking back on it, who just shows up at somebody’s house, knocks on the door and says, ‘Hey, I hear you guys train MMA?” You just hope you have the right house.

 

“I love to compete, and I loved wrestling,” he added. “I knew when my wrestling days were over that I needed to find something to fill that void.”

 

Mixed martial arts provided that platform. Wood picked up three wins before stopping Ahsan Abdullah (7-8) on strikes at the inaugural NEF card in February 2012.

 

Wood emerged as a mainstay with the growing organization, culminating with his July 2013 victory in Bangor over Lenny Wheeler (9-6, 1 NC) for the vacant title.

 

“When I first started, I had no illusions of fighting professionally or anything like that. My passion found me,” Wood said. “NEF does a great job preparing guys. They’ve sent a bunch of guys on to fight at the next level. They keep fighters busy. I was able to win a title, and it certainly didn’t hurt my career. I’m glad I was able to fight for them early on.”

 

While he’s back under the familiar black banner, the competition remains at a world-class level. Bezerra, 29, is a nine-time Bellator veteran.

 

The Brazilian, now based out of Philadelphia, lost a decision to unbeaten Andre Harrison (16-0) in his last fight. Prior to that, he split two wars with UFC vet Levan Makashvili (14-2-1), and then won two quick stoppages.

 

“He’s got a lot of experience. He’s been in with the best of the best. He has a combination of toughness and skill,” Wood said. “He’s like me in that he likes to take the fight to you. We’re not going to be in there playing patty-cake.”

 

Ups and downs are the nature of even the most successful MMA careers. Wood has learned not to let the recent losses leave him awestruck by the caliber of opponents at the next level.

 

“You have to stay true to your training, You have to remember why you fell in love with the sport in the first place,” he said. “A fight is a fight, no matter where it takes place or who is watching. You just have to pay attention to what you know.”

 

The time between his past two birthdays has been a period of learning in both Wood’s personal and professional lives.

 

As the new father discussed his upcoming return to New England via phone, his infant son was audible in the background.

 

“He’s 10 months old. It’s crazy how quickly that time goes,” Wood said. “He’s a little bit feisty. I can kind of tell he’s going to be an athlete.”

 

Wood’s return headlines a card that tentatively features four professional MMA fights, four pro boxing matches, and seven amateur skirmishes in the cage.

 

Tickets to “NEF 29: Stars & Stripes” start at $25 and are available by calling (207) 783-2009 txuas. 525 or at www.thecolisee.com.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. tsis tas li ntawd, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New hais Fights.

 

About New England Fights

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