Tag Archives: Mixed Martial Arts

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Official Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos for BELLATOR MMA 260: Lima vs. Amosov

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COMPLETE FIGHT NIGHT PHOTOS HERE – (PLEASE CREDIT: BELLATOR MMA / LUCAS NOONAN)
 
POST-FIGHT VIDEO INTERVIEWS HERE   
 
#1-Yaroslav Amosov (26-0) defeated c-Douglas Lima (32-9) via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
 
Yaroslav Amosov after winning the title:
 
“I am happy because this is my life. It’s been a long time in training. It’s the result I wanted and I am happy. Now I must recover. But, it doesn’t matter, I have my undefeated record.”
 
#3-Jason Jackson (15-4) defeated #6-Paul Daley (43-18-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
 
Jason Jackson following his unanimous decision win:
 
“It’s not easy to come out here and do what me and Paul Daley just did. We came out here, we fought our ass off. 
 
“I needed to prove to myself that I could go in there and fight the champ. This guy went five rounds with Douglas Lima. So, I knew if I take this opportunity to fight him and go and fight the way I trained, then I could beat Douglas Lima and win the championship.”
 
#6-Aaron Pico (8-3) defeated Aiden Lee (9-5) via submission (anaconda choke) at 1:33 of round three
 
Aaron Pico speaks post victory: 
 
“He’s a warrior, first of all. My team and I put in a lot of work, but I feel like I could’ve done a little bit better. Thank God I have no injuries, I can fight next month if I needed to. And I just want to say thank you to all of the fans.”
 
“I’ll fight anybody in the top ten honestly. I’ll fight anybody. I feel like I’m ready. I’m sorry I didn’t get the knockout tonight but I’m happy with the submission.”
 
Mark Lemminger (12-3) defeated Demarques Jackson (11-6) via TKO (punches) at 3:30 of round two
 
Mark Lemminger on his win:
 
“He’s strong. He was slowing down [as the fight went on], but he still felt pretty strong. I was able to control my position. I didn’t make the same mistake I made last time I was here and I put him belly down and I got the stoppage.”
 
Preliminary Card: 
Kyle Crutchmer (7-1) defeated Levan Chokheli (9-1, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Justin Gonzales (12-0) defeated #9-Tywan Claxton (6-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Bobby King (10-3) defeated Nick Newell (16-4) via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Lucas Brennan (5-0) defeated Matthew Skibicki (4-4) via submission (anaconda choke) at 1:54 of round one
Marina Mokhnatkina (5-2) defeated #8-Amanda Bell (7-8) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Alex Polizzi (8-1) defeated Gustavo Trujillo (3-2) via submission (straight armbar) at 4:22 of round one
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE WILL BE ON THE LINE AT NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (June 9, 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 an amateur title fight to the card.  Nathanial Grimard (3-0) will take on Brandon “BAMF” Maillet-Fevens (3-1) for the vacant NEF Amateur Featherweight Championship.

Grimard and Maillet-Fevens were originally scheduled to meet at “NEF 43” last year until the event was indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Grimard has not let the global pandemic slow down his fight aspirations.  With New England states closed for MMA events, Grimard ventured south to Florida last February and again just last week, picking up back-to-back wins to open his amateur career at a perfect 3-0.  The Exeter, New Hampshire native represents Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC and Bellator veteran, and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity to fight for title,” said Grimard.  “I have been improving every fight, and I believe I have the skills and hard work to win the belt. I can’t wait to show my improvements in the NEF cage. I expect to see the best version of Brandon, and I think we will put on a great fight for August 21st.”

“Nate is exactly what you’d want in a fighter,” said Grimard teammate and Nostos co-proprietor Carol Linn Powell.  “He does BJJ, striking, wrestling, drills, strength and conditioning, spars smart, even puts the Gi on. He has been working so hard for this sport and never stopped when the world did. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of a title shot and I can’t wait to see him win that belt.”

Brandon Maillet-Fevens is one of the great comeback stories of NEF history.  After losing his amateur debut at “NEF 36” in November 2018, Maillet-Fevens went on a three-fight win-streak, finishing all three of his opponents in those fights.  In his most recent outing pre-pandemic, Maillet-Fevens defeated Tyler Knights (0-1) via second-round submission at “NEF 41” in November 2019.  Maillet-Fevens represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based in Lewiston, ME.

“It’s been a long year and half, but we never stopped working, never stopped perfecting our skills, because we knew this day was coming,” declared Maillet-Fevens.  “I think this is a very exciting matchup. You’ve got two proven finishers that are hungry to take that next step in our careers. I know we’re both ready to go in there, put on a great show, and leave it all in the cage. I’m grateful and excited for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to a great fight!”

“Brandon is one of those guys who shows up every day, works hard, never complains, and even when he’s not fighting he’s in the gym getting better and helping his teammates,” noted CMBJJ coach Jesse Erickson.  “He’s a role model for my up-and-comers. I’m very much looking forward to this contest!”

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.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

LIZ CARMOUCHE MEETS UNDEFEATED KANA WATANABE IN THE CO-MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MMA 261 ON FRIDAY, JUNE 25 – LIVE ON SHOWTIME AT 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

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LOS ANGELES – Liz Carmouche (15-7), who is No. 5 in the BELLATOR women’s pound-for-pound rankings, will face the promotion’s No. 3 ranked flyweight Kana Watanabe (10-0-1) during the co-main event of BELLATOR MMA 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky on Friday, June 25.
 
The BELLATOR 261 main card airs live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. A limited number of tickets starting at $60 are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.
 
Newly announced preliminary matchups feature a bantamweight tilt pitting Jaylon Bates (2-0) against Cody Matthews (1-1) and middleweight matchup between Taylor Johnson (6-2) and Lance Wright (5-1).
 
The preliminary portion of BELLATOR 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky begins at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.
 
BELLATOR 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky is anchored by an interim heavyweight title bout between No. 1 ranked Timothy Johnson (15-6) and No. 3 ranked Valentin Moldavsky (10-1). A featherweight fight featuring former title challenger No. 5 ranked Daniel Weichel (40-12) against Hawaii’s undefeated Keoni Diggs (9-0) and a light heavyweight re-booking between No. 10 ranked Christian Edwards (4-0) and Ben Parrish (4-1) have also been confirmed for the main card.
 
Additional prelims include a lightweight bout featuring No. 6 ranked Myles Jury (19-5) versus No. 7 ranked Sidney Outlaw (15-4), a women’s strawweight fight pitting Lena Ovchynnikova (12-6, 1 NC) against Kyra Batara (8-4), a light heavyweight contest seeing Lee Chadwick (26-15-1) versus Simon Biyong (7-1), and a lightweight affair between Søren Bak (14-1) and Bobby Lee (12-5).
 
Carmouche is a highly skilled veteran of the sport who joined BELLATOR’s women’s flyweight division in 2019 following a six-year run in the UFC. Fighting out of San Diego, the 37-year-old Team Hurricane Awesome-product also formerly competed for Strikeforce, notching a pair of victories with the promotion. Since signing with BELLATOR, “Girl-Rilla” has rallied off two straight wins, defeating Vanessa Porto and DeAnna Bennett. Prior to Carmouche’s days as a professional athlete, the Lafayette, Louisiana-native spent five years serving as an aviation electrician in the United Stated Marine Corps, where she completed three tours of duty in the Middle East.
 
“I’m looking forward to getting back in the cage. I plan to end this fight with a dominant finish that stamps my name as the top contender for the belt,” Carmouche said.
 
Undefeated through 11 professional fights, Japan’s Watanabe steps into the BELLATOR MMA cage for the third time in as many years. With frying-pan-bending strength, the 32-year-old judoka boasts an impressive 60% finishing rate and has bested fellow BELLATOR flyweights Alejandra Lara and Ilara Joanne since joining the promotion’s ranks. The No. 3 ranked flyweight is looking to make a statement of her own and stake her claim to a shot at BELLATOR’s coveted 125-pound championship.
 
“I am very grateful to be given another opportunity to fight during these hard times. Liz Carmouche has tons of experience and has constantly been fighting the best which makes her without a doubt one of the best in the world,” Watanabe said. “I fully respect her in every aspect and am truly honored to face such an athlete. With that being said, I am excited to take on this challenge to prove to everybody and myself that I have what it takes to become the best in the world. I want to win this fight in a convincing way, to open up the doors for a title challenge shot.”
 
****
 
BELLATOR MMA 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky Main Card:
SHOWTIME
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 
 
Interim Heavyweight Title Main Event: #1-Tim Johnson (15-6) vs. #3-Valentin Moldavsky (10-1)
Flyweight Co-Main Event: #2– Liz Carmouche (15-7) vs. #3-Kana Watanabe (10-0-1)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: #5- Daniel Weichel (40-12) vs. Keoni Diggs (9-0)
Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout: #10– Christian Edwards (4-0) vs. Ben Parrish (4-1)
 
Preliminary Card: 
BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV
5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT
 
Strawweight bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (12-6, 1 NC) vs. Kyra Batara (8-4)
Lightweight bout: #6-Myles Jury (19-5) vs. #7-Sidney Outlaw (15-4)
Lightweight bout: Søren Bak (14-1) vs. Bobby Lee (12-5)
Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (2-0) vs. Cody Matthews (1-1)
Middleweight Bout: Taylor Johnson (6-2) vs. Lance Wright (5-1)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Lee Chadwick (26-15-1) vs. Simon Biyong (7-1)
 
 
*Card subject to change.
 
For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, visit BELLATOR.com.
 
kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA

United Fight Alliance Returns to Turkey June 17th for World-Class MMA & Kickboxing

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TAMPA, Fla. (June 8, 2021) – United Fight Alliance (UFA) has announced it is heading back to Turkey to carry the June 17th MMA World Mix Fight world-class event, featuring professional mixed-martial-arts and kickboxing, at Illusion in Antalya, Turkey.

UFA CEO Jordan “Jay” Adams will be calling all the action from cageside, live on TV 8.5 in Turkey, and taped-live to tentatively air on the UFA network in July across the United States.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Turkey’s MMA World Mix Fight Organization,” Adams said. “They have been waiting a long time to produce this show. Their enthusiasm and anticipation is over the top. I can tell they can’t wait to present their athletes to the rest of the world. We now get to see their skill sets as only the region’s’ best will be on the card.  Afghanistan, Morocco, Georgia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Angola, Iraq and of course, Turkey, are all well represented in the cage on June 17th in Antalya Turkey. United Fight Alliance will be there to make sure you don’t miss one second of fights!”

Three MMA World Mix Fight title fights are on tap.  The main event is a battle between Turkey’s Bayram Yalcin (13-2-0) and Habib Karimo (10-1-0), of Afghanistan, for the MMA World Mix Fight Featherweight Championship.

Turkey’s Hamdi “Wolverine” Kuzgun (7-2-0) squares off with Elmahdi Zineddine (11-6-0), fighting out of Germany by way of Morocco, in the co-featured event for the vacant MMA World Mix Fight middleweight title.

The third title fight matches undefeated Turk, Koray Cengiz (8-0-0), against Vaja Matcharashvili (4-4-0), of Georgia, for the vacant MMA World Mix Fight Heavyweight crown.

There are two other scheduled MMA fights on the card: Turkey female strawweight Sedef Arsian (0-1-0 vs. Iranian Fatime Yavari (0-1-0), and Iraq featherweight Hamza Nahma (10-3-0) vs. RussianAkhmed Erzu Akrieve (7-1-0).

Three kickboxing fights are also on tap.  WAKO World kickboxing champion Bahram Rajabzadeh (30-3-1), of Azerbaijan, versus heavyweight Mohammed Amine (25-4-0), fighting out of Morocco by way of Netherland, showcases two of the best kickboxers in Europe.

Turkey’s World kickboxing and Muay Thai champion, Mehmet Koktas (10-3-0), throws down with South African middleweight Mateus Mengue (9-1-0), while Turkish heavyweight Mehmet “Mountain” Ozer (15-5-0) takes on Iranian Muhammad Abdollahpor (9-3-0).  

INFORMATION

Website:  www.UnitedFightAlliance.com

Facebook: /Brawlcall

Twitter: @brawlcall

Instagram: @brawlcall

boxing, iKon Fighting Federation, mixed martial arts, MMA

Future Combat Sports Queen Amanda Serrano headlines iKON 7 MMA event this Friday

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LAS VEGAS (June 7, 2021) – Pure and simple, Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano is a true fighter, whether it’s in a cage, ring or on a mat. Someday, she could very well be legitimately known as the “Queen of Combat Sports.”
 
The 10-time, 7 division world boxing champion headlines this Friday night’s iKON 7, presented by iKON Fighting Federation, the mixed-martial-arts division of Roy Jones Jr. Boxing, at Benito Juarez Auditorium in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.
 
iKON 7 will be streamed live and exclusively June 11th on UFC FIGHT PASS®, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com or download the UFC app.
 
Universally recognized as unquestionably one of the top three women boxers in the world today, joining Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields, the Puerto Rico-native Serrano, fighting out of Brooklyn, New York, is 1-0-1 in mixed-martial-arts competition. She will face pro-debuting Valentia Garcia, of Mexico, in the iKON 7 main event.  
 
“It’s an honor to headline iKON 7,” Serrano said. “It is a fast-rising MMA organization that I plan to plant my flag on. My co-manager, Pearl Gonzalez, turned me on to it and so far, I’m loving my dealings with them.
 
“My first two opponents in MMA were also Mexicans and they were tough. I don’t want it any other way if I’m going to have people take me seriously in this sport. From what I understand, my opponent has striking experience but in MMA, you should never expect a particular style. Most are well rounded and regardless of their primary style, I’m ready for it.”
 
Serrano has conquered boxing and legitimately rates as one of the greatest female boxers of all-time, as well as a future Hall of Famer, sporting a 40-1-1(30 KOs) pro record. She’s also 6-0 with in Jiu-Jitsu with five submissions.
 
“I was having a hard time getting good fights in boxing I wanted,” Serrano explained, “so, I asked my trainer/manager Jordan (Maldonado) started talking about MMA. A year before I debuted in MMA, I shot a movie, ‘Fight Valley’, in which both my sister, Cindy(Serrano), and I co-starred alongside Miesha Tate, Chris Cyborg and Holly Holm. During the filming we talked about helping each other train in our respective disciplines and yeah, it materialized but in way I became an MMA practitioner.
 
“Training is totally different. I took a year off from boxing just to learn the basics. Today, I train everyday regardless of upcoming fights or not. There are a ton of things I still need to learn. I’m pretty much a workaholic and a sore loser, so, if I’m messing with it, I want it all! I’d love to one day fight for World title (in MMA) and become a champion in both sports at the same time. I have what it takes to do it if anyone does. I do want to switch the narrative as a striker and be known in MMA for my ground game.”
 
Las Vegas fighter Johnny “The Paradox” Parsons (6-2-0, iKON: 2-0-0) takes on Ricardo “Woody” Chavez (5-1-0), of Mexico, at a 175-pound catchweight In the co-featured event.
 
Undefeated Tucson welterweight Pete “Dead Game” Rodriguez goes for his fourth consecutive win without a loss – all in iKON competition – against Mexican opponentRoberto “Pixley 2B” Pixley (5-1-0).
 
Also scheduled to fight on the undercard is Yakima, Washington featherweight Jorge “The Natural” Alcala (4-1-0) vs. Sergio “The Animal” Cortez (3-2-0), Hong Kong female featherweight Ramona Pasqual (4-2-0) vs. pro-debuting Guadalupe Guzman, Miami by way of Egypt welterweight Manmoud Sebie vs. Enrique Hernandez in a battle of pro-debuting fighters, pro-debuting female flyweights Rosselyn Chavira, of Tucson (AZ) and Sofia Salacar, Miami bantamweight Claudia Zamaora (2-1-0, iKON: 1-0-0), and Mexican featherweights Luis “Mano” Garcia (1-2, iKON: 1-1-0) vs. pro-debuting Angel Rivera off-UFC FIGHT PASS. 
 
Card subject to change.
 
INFORMATION:
 
Websites:  http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com
Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre
Twitter: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial
Instagram: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
 
ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.   


Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV,Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: NABF super flyweight champion, IBF #8 and WBC # 14 Jade “Hurricane” Bornea (15-0, 10 KOs); two-time world title challenger, bantamweight “Mighty” Aston Palicte (26-4-1, 22 KOs); NABF welterweight champion, WBC #15 and Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (24-0, 18 KOs); former NABA welterweight champion Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-3, 8 KOs), former Interim World middleweight title challenger John “The Phenom” Vera (20-1, 12 KO), unbeaten super middleweight prospect Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0-1, 7 KOs), and former WBC World Youth heavyweight titlist Alexander “The Great” Flores (18-3-1, 16 KOs). 
 
ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.
boxing, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEF TO DEBUT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE; WELTERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT ANNOUNCED

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (June 7, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) announced today that the fight promotion will return with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021.  The show will originate from the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire and will feature a mix of both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights. It will be NEF’s long-awaited debut in the Granite State, and it will also be the promotion’s first event since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the spring of 2020.

NEF’s previously-scheduled event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” which was postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic, is still awaiting a rescheduled date at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. NEF executives hope that date will be sometime later in the fall, but at press time they were still waiting on a decision from the Combat Sports Authority of Maine on re-opening the regulation of MMA and boxing events in the state without restrictions.

“Fighters and fans have waited long enough,” declared NEF promoter and co-owner Nick DiSalvo.  “With Maine not fully open for combat sports events yet, the Hampshire Dome and the New Hampshire Boxing Commission presented the perfect opportunity to get fighters back in the cage and active again before summer was over.”

NEF further announced today the first fight confirmed for the “NEF 44” card in Milford would be an amateur welterweight title contest.  Duncan “The Highlander” Smith (5-3), who has held the promotion’s 170-pound championship since June 2018, is scheduled to defend against number-one-contender Mike “All Class” Bezanson (5-0).

“Coming out of COVID we’re going to find out who really wants it and is serious about accelerating in the sport,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Who was working during quarantine, grinding away in their basements and garages and backyards and getting better while the world was shut down? Duncan and Bezanson both believe they are those guys and we’re going to find out on August 21st. These are two of the best in the Northeast welterweight division and I can’t wait to see which one proves that they are ready to punch through into the professional division before the end of 2021.”

Reigning champion Duncan Smith is a perfect 3-0 in the NEF cage.  His last defense of the title was at “NEF 38” in April 2019 when he defeated John Tefft (2-1) via unanimous decision.  Smith represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

“I’ve never felt more complete and confident in all aspects of living,” said Smith. “I am extremely excited to showcase my skills against a game opponent before I enter the pro ranks. A lot can change in two years.”

Undefeated Mike Bezanson is regarded by many as one of the most exciting competitors on the entire New England scene.  He is known for his flashy striking style and explosive finishes.  Bezanson represents Team Kaze of Lancaster, New Hampshire.

“I’ve been sitting like a caged lion this last year because of COVID,” stated Bezanson when reached for comment. “Waiting eagerly for everything to open up just like everyone else. I’m very excited to be able to get back in there to perform for everyone!  I can assure you this will be the same game plan as all my previous fights. I’m going in there for two reasons, to knock out whoever is in front of me and walk out with a belt over my shoulder.”

“With everything opening up and restrictions being lifted, there is a lot to get excited about,” said Bezanson’s coach and Kaze Dojo owner Greg Williams.  “That being said, nothing excites me more than seeing Mike Bezanson bringing his unique brand of violence back to the NEF cage! He is a rare talent and I believe he will eventually realize himself on the highest level. Another amateur belt is just icing on the cake. We all look forward to seeing New England’s best amateur 170 prospect and how he has evolved in the past year!”

Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/.  The hybrid 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.

boxing, mixed martial arts, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

JAKE PAUL VS. TYRON WOODLEY FACEOFF QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

MIAMI (June 4, 2021) – Social media superstar and undefeated pro boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul faced off with his next opponent, five-time UFC champion Tyron Woodley, at the historic 5th Street Gym in Miami on Thursday ahead of their highly anticipated summer showdown on SHOWTIME PPV.

Here is what Paul and Woodley had to say following their heated stare down in Miami:

JAKE PAUL

“I told him I’ll pay you double your purse if you beat me. But if you lose, you have to pay your purse to my charity. He lacks confidence. Why wouldn’t you take that bet as a fighter if you knew you were going to win? To make double the money? This is the biggest pay day of your life and you can make double? Put your money where your mouth is.

“He’s a good striker. He’s known for knocking people out. But I think when I beat Tyron, people have to put respect on my name. But that’s not what I’m here for to be honest. I already know how good I am. I know that this is going to be another easy fight. That’s why SHOWTIME is in business with me. You’re looking at the future of boxing.

“He’s not as good as me and he’s playing catch-up. We see holes in his whole entire game and he has try to learn how to box. He’s stiff. Muscles don’t fight and he’s going to be out of his element. This is boxing. This isn’t MMA. You can’t learn how to box in this amount of time. Now we’re going to show him the reins. The Disney kid is going to beat up the five-time UFC champion of the world. It’s going to be hilarious.

“I haven’t even shown my fighting abilities at all. I haven’t even made it past two rounds in my professional career. I haven’t been hit in the face. Nobody can even see if I have a chin or my inside fighting game. I haven’t even warmed up yet. And by the way, I’m the type of fighter that gets better the longer the fight goes on. I get better in sparring so I haven’t even been able to warm up and I’m excited to show my ability if he can make it out of the first round.

“I’ve predicted every single one of my fights. I said Ben Askren, first round. I said Nate Robinson, first round. He got to the second. I said in my first pro fight, first round. I don’t think Tyron will make it out of two rounds. You might not even get to see my boxing abilities in this fight to be honest.”

TYRON WOODLEY

“I’ve always wanted to box my whole life but never did it. This is my opportunity. This is a kid that’s a power-puncher. He’s got a lot of strength behind him. This is going to be a big platform to showcase what I can do in a boxing ring. And he’s a fighter. He can fight. At the end of the day, you can watch him and the timing, the rhythm and the footwork is there.

“He hasn’t fought very long. But the little action that I have seen was clean. Good defense. Nate was rushing him, he protected himself and he came out of his shell and cracked him.

“He’s trying to downplay his ability. He’s a fighter. Don’t let him play you by saying, ‘I’m just a YouTuber.’ Last week, he was a fighter. When he was saying nobody wanted to fight him, he was a fighter. You’re not a YouTuber anymore. You’re not on Disney. It’s been a long time since he was on Disney. That’s like me saying I’m just a collegiate wrestler and I don’t punch people.

“I just want to have fun. I want to train hard. I want to get better. I want to go out there and do things on my terms and be the one to call the shots. I want to go out there and make history. I always make history. I may not always get the credit for it but I’m always the first. Fighters always hit me up asking what they should do, what they’re doing wrong. Now it’s time for me to go do it myself.”

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

BELLATOR MMA Confirms Full Fight Card for BELLATOR 260 on SHOWTIME Next Friday, June 11 at 9 p.m. ET

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DOUGLAS LIMA DEFENDS WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST NO. 1 RANKED YAROSLAV AMOSOV IN MAIN EVENT

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LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card for BELLATOR MMA 260: Lima vs. Amosov on Friday, June 11 at Mohegan Sun Arena. The event is the promotion’s first show in America with fans in attendance since the start of the pandemic and airs LIVE on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

BELLATOR’s 170-pound kingpin Douglas Lima (32-8) returns to the welterweight division to put his title on the line against undefeated and No. 1 ranked Yaroslav Amosov (25-0) in a must-watch main event clash.

In addition to the headliner, the entirety of the BELLATOR 260 main card on SHOWTIME is stacked, including a 175-pound contract weight co-main event pitting legendary No. 6 ranked welterweight Paul Daley (43-17-2) against the streaking No. 3 ranked welterweight Jason Jackson (14-4). Also, a featherweight feature fight between the hard-hitting No. 6 ranked Aaron Pico (7-3) versus Birmingham’s Aiden Lee (9-4) and a welterweight showdown between Demarques Jackson (11-5) and Mark Lemminger (9-0, 1 NC). The newly announced fifth and final main card bout features a showdown between No. 10 ranked Vanessa Porto (5-3) and Pitbull Brothers-product Ilara Joanne (9-5) in a 128-pound contract weight bout.

The preliminary card is locked in with six action-packed fights, highlighted by a featherweight battle between No. 9 ranked Tywan Claxton (6-2) and the undefeated Justin Gonzales (11-0), who is making his BELLATOR debut. Meanwhile, hometown hero and fan-favorite Nick Newell (16-3) is set to square off against Bobby King (9-3) in a lightweight bout and 20-year-old phenom Lucas Brennan (4-0) prepares for a 150-pound contract weight clash with Matthew Skibicki (4-3). Also, two-time NCAA All-American wrestling standout Kyle Crutchmer (6-1) will take on undefeated welterweight Levan Chokheli (9-0, 1 NC) to cap off this stacked preliminary card.

All BELLATOR 260 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.

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 260: Lima vs. Amosov Main Card:

Friday, June 11 – Live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Welterweight World Title Main Event: c-Douglas Lima (32-8) vs. #1-Yaroslav Amosov (25-0)

175-pound Contract Weight Co-Main Event: #6-Paul Daley (43-17-2) vs. #3-Jason Jackson (14-4)

Featherweight Bout: #6-Aaron Pico (7-3) vs. Aiden Lee (9-4)

128-pound Contract Weight Bout: #10-Vanessa Porto (22-9) vs. Ilara Joanne (9-5)

Welterweight Bout: Demarques Jackson (11-5) vs. Mark Lemminger (11-3)

Preliminary Card:

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

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

Welterweight Bout: Kyle Crutchmer (6-1) vs. Levan Chokheli (9-0, 1 NC)

Featherweight Bout: #9-Tywan Claxton (6-2) vs. Justin Gonzales (11-0)

Lightweight Bout: Nick Newell (16-3) vs. Bobby King (9-3)

150-pound Contract Weight Bout: Lucas Brennan (4-0) vs. Matthew Skibicki (4-3)

Featherweight Bout: #8-Amanda Bell (7-7) vs. Marina Mokhnatkina (4-2)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Alex Polizzi (7-1) vs. Gustavo Trujillo (3-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Featherweight Sensation Aaron Pico Meets Birmingham’s Aiden Lee During Main Card of BELLATOR 260 on Friday, June 11 – Live on SHOWTIME

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR BELLATOR’S FIRST FAN-ATTENDED EVENT STATESIDE IN OVER A YEAR

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LOS ANGELES — Today, BELLATOR MMA confirmed that No. 6 ranked featherweight Aaron Pico (7-3) has been added to the BELLATOR MMA 260: Lima vs. Amosov main card on Friday, June 11, where he will oppose grappling ace Aiden Lee (9-4), in a 145-pound bout. The fight will take place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. and will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

BELLATOR 260 will be headlined by welterweight world champion Douglas Lima (32-8), who will defend his 170-pound title against the undefeated and top-ranked Yaroslav Amosov (25-0).

The event marks BELLATOR’s first fan-attended event in the United States since BELLATOR 239 took place on February 21, 2020. A limited number of tickets starting at $60 are available now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at Bellator.com.

Since his professional MMA debut in 2017, Aaron Pico has widely been considered one of the brightest prospects in the sport. The Jackson Wink fighter has showcased a wrestling acumen that stacks up with the best in the world, coupled with vicious punching power that has earned him stunning KO victories with both his left and right hand. The 24-year-old has shown steady growth each time out in the BELLATOR cage and is currently riding a three-fight winning streak.

Fighting for the first time on American soil, the 26-year-old Lee looks to secure his third straight victory inside the BELLATOR cage. An underrated submission specialist, the Englishman earned his fourth career victory via rear-naked choke against Damian Frankiewicz and a stunning head-kick knockout against Jeremy Petley in the first round of their matchup last September.

Additionally, a welterweight fight between BELLATOR veteran Kyle Crutchmer (6-1) and promotional debutant Levan Chokheli (9-0, 1 NC) has been added as a preliminary bout. Crutchmer, who trains out of AKA in San Jose, wrestled at Oklahoma State University, where he became a two-time All-American and two-time Big 12 champion. Meanwhile, Chokheli looks to keep his record flawless while making a sound first impression in his BELLATOR debut. The 24-year-old Georgian boasts an impressive 100% finishing rate, having never seen the final bell in all nine of his fights.

Also added to the preliminary card, “The Boogeyman,” Lance Wright (5-1) will be making his BELLATOR debut after an impressive showing on the American regional scene. He will be tasked with fighting Taylor “Tombstone” Johnson (6-2), a two-fight veteran of the BELLATOR cage.

All prelims will stream live at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. Full bout listings are below.

BELLATOR MMA 260: Lima vs. Amosov Main Card:

Friday, June 11 – Live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Welterweight World Title Main Event: c-Douglas Lima (32-8) vs. #1-Yaroslav Amosov (25-0)

175-pound Contract Weight Co-Main Event: #6–Paul Daley (43-17-2) vs. #3-Jason Jackson (14-4)

Featherweight Bout: #6-Aaron Pico (7-3) vs. Aiden Lee (9-4)

Welterweight Bout: Demarques Jackson (11-5) vs. Mark Lemminger (11-3)

Preliminary Card:

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

5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT

Welterweight Bout: Kyle Crutchmer (6-1) vs. Levan Chokheli (9-0, 1 NC)

Featherweight Bout: #9-Tywan Claxton (6-2) vs. Justin Gonzales (11-0)

Lightweight Bout: Nick Newell (16-3) vs. Bobby King (9-3)

Featherweight Bout: Lucas Brennan (4-0) vs. Matthew Skibicki (4-3)

Featherweight Bout: Amanda Bell (7-7) vs. Marina Mokhnatkina (4-2)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Alex Polizzi (7-1) vs. Gustavo Trujillo (3-1)

Middleweight Bout: Taylor Johnson (6-2) vs. Lance Wright (5-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR BELLATOR MMA 259: CYBORG VS. SMITH 2

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COMPLETE FIGHT NIGHT PHOTOS HERE – (PLEASE CREDIT: BELLATOR MMA / LUCAS NOONAN)
 
POST-FIGHT VIDEO INTERVIEWS HERE
 
c-Cris Cyborg (24-2, 1 NC) defeated #4-Leslie Smith (12-9-1) via TKO (strikes) at 4:51 of round five
 
Cris Cyborg after retaining the title:
 
“I knew she was tough and I’ve fought her before. I know her and respect her and she’s a real fighter. I knew with her it would be a great match, because she’s capable and she’s tough.”
 
“I was really working in sparring to keep going and going because I knew it was going to be this way. I noticed I enjoyed it a little more. It’s going to be 16 years as a professional fighter this month so I started to enjoy it in there.”



“I’ve been working on grappling my whole life but I just feel like I’m getting better and better every day. I got a black belt, but it’s like a white belt because I’m always learning.”
 
“I’ve been doing this 16 years, I’ve got four titles. But before you can be a G.O.A.T. you have to fight the ‘Cat.’ So, I’d like to fight with Cat Zingano and I will ask Scott Coker. Because before you can be a G.O.A.T. you have to fight the ‘Cat.’”
 
#6-Leandro Higo (20-5) defeated Darrion Caldwell (15-5) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
 
“I’ve been waiting for this fight for three years now. It’s exactly how I wanted it to go. I used my wrestling and I used my jiu-jitsu. I’m a complete fighter and I’m ready for any fighter on the planet because I believe I’m the best. I knew I had lost the first round, but in the second when he was throwing all those elbows and cut me open, I’m from a poor family in Brazil and that was nothing I hadn’t seen before. I felt happy being in that cage with blood all over me.
 
“He ended up taking me down in the second and I went for a kimura, which is something I’m very accustomed to doing, but he reversed it but then he didn’t do anything and I hit him with a lot of strikes on bottom. A lot of elbows and strikes and I stayed very on bottom and he wasn’t doing anything. That’s why I won the second and third round.”
 
“I think that I deserve a title shot. I just beat three of the biggest names in the game and I just beat a former world champion. And nobody has beaten the top three guys of this world-class caliber like I have done in three consecutive wins. I’m going for that world title and that’s what’s next for me. So let’s make it fast.”
 
 #3-Austin Vanderford (11-0) defeated #4-Fabian Edwards (9-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) 
 
Austin Vanderford following his unanimous decision win:
 
“I like my fights bloody, whether it’s me or my opponent. I’ll get a scab. But hats off to Fabian who cut me up a little bit. But happy to get the win.”
 
“He was a big, strong guy. I started feeling him give me that head and arm choke. Unfortunately, I didn’t capitalize on it. But I knew what I was going to do. I was going to just grind it out. He’s a good striker so I had to be careful but I felt good. Wrestling … it’s my heart. I’m ready for the next step.”
 
Jaleel Willis (15-2) defeated Maycon Mendonca (11-5) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  
Hannah Guy (3-1) defeated #8-Valerie Loureda (3-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
 
Hannah Guy following her first win inside the BELLATOR cage…
 
“I felt like I had really good cardio, so that was awesome because I was really worried about that a little bit. I’m so thankful she took the fight and I’m so thankful BELLATOR gave me this opportunity. 
 
“I thought I was going to finish with the triangle (choke), honestly. She just slipped right out of there, so that was awesome of her. Her defense was really good. I was really impressed with that. I didn’t know what her ground game was but it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. 
 
“Grappling is just where I want to be if you’ve seen any of my other fights. My striking has really improved a lot though so I’m hoping to change that. But grappling has always been my strong suit. I didn’t want to just depend on my grappling, but I thought I landed some shots pretty well a few times. In this fight I thought I could see when the punches were coming. And I was able to defend a little bit better and how I’ve grown. So I’m just really proud of myself right now.”
 
Preliminary Card: 
Saad Awad (24-13, 1 NC) defeated Nate Andrews (16-4) via KO (strikes) at 3:16 of round one
 #7-Grant Neal (6-0) defeated #8-Tyree Fortune (5-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:20 of round one
Sumiko Inaba (2-0) defeated Kristina Katsikis (1-2) via TKO (strikes) at 3:35 of round three
Aviv Gozali (6-0) defeated Sean Felton (5-3-1) via submission (heel hook) at 1:17 of round one
#9-Davion Franklin (3-0) defeated Tyler King (12-10) via KO at 2:02 of round one
#7-Leah McCourt (5-1) defeated 6-Janay Harding (6-5) via submission (triangle choke) at 2:42 of round two
Danny Sabatello (11-1) defeated Brett Johns (17-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Alexander Shabliy (20-3) defeated #9-Alfie Davis (14-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.