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Tag Archives: Mixed Martial Arts
“THE SOUL ASSASSIN” READY TO BRING KILLER INSTINCT BACK TO ITALY IN LIGHTWEIGHT KICKBOXING CLASH WITH ALESSIO ARDUINI DEC. 10 INSIDE THE MANDELA FORUM
MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOWDOWN BETWEEN JOE SCHILLING-VICTORIO LERMANO AND WELTERWEIGHT MATCHUP PITTING LUCA NOVELLO AGAINST KARIM GHAJJI ALSO ADDED TO STACKED BELLATOR KICKBOXING CARD
SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 18, 2016) – Bellator Kickboxing has added a trio of fantastic fights highlighted by a lightweight matchup between Kevin Ross (31-9) and Alessio Arduini (26-14-2). A Middleweight bout pitting Joe Schilling (19-9) against Victorio Lermano (30-7) and a welterweight contest pairing Karim Ghajji (96-13-1) with Luca Novello (22-4-2) have also been added to the action-packed “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” card. The event marks the promotions second visit to Italy this year, as Bellator returns with another thrilling combo-event, featuring both Bellator MMA and Bellator Kickboxing brands on Dec. 10 from the Mandela Forum in Florence.
The MMA portion of the International event is headlined by a Middleweight World Title rematch between current champion Rafael Carvalho (13-1) and Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC). A light heavyweight fight pitting Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) against Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC) will also be featured on the “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” main card.
Exact broadcast details for “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” and“Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” will be revealed shortly.
The “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” card also features a previously announced female flyweight rematch between Denise Kielholtz (45-3) and rival Gloria Peritore (11-1-1) as well as a lightweight bout pitting Italian superstar Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) against Jordan Watson (48-11-2).
At 36 years old, “The Soul Assassin” has strung together one of the most accomplished kickboxing and muay Thai careers in the game, collecting belts in several promotions across multiple divisions. Ross has brought home six career championships, highlighted by the WBC Muay-Thai USA welterweight title, the WBC Muay-Thai International Super-lightweight title and the Lion Fight Super-lightweight title. During his 54-fight career, the Reading, Penn., native has collected notable wins over former champions Malaipet Sasiprapa, Kang En, and more. Ross hopes to add to his unblemished promotional mark, after recording back-to-back victories to begin his tenure with the Bellator Kickboxing brand. Fighting out of Dublin, Calif., Ross returns to Italy for the second time this year, having defeated Matteo Taccini at“Bellator Kickboxing: Torino” in April.
The 32-year-old Schilling has demonstrated his versatile skillset at the highest levels of competition by claiming multiple titles over his 10-year career, including two WBC Muay Thai World Championships, two WBC Muay Thai National Championships, and the MTAA Muay Thai Super-Middleweight National Championship. “Stitch ‘Em Up” continues to be one of the most aggressive fighters in the sport, collecting 11 of his 19 career wins via knockout. The multi-dimensional Schilling has also spent time competing in mixed martial arts, where he was awarded the 2014 Knockout of the Year for a ferocious second round blow that turned the lights out on Melvin Manhoef. Now, the 2013 Glory World Middleweight Tournament Champion Schilling returns to the ring in search of his first win under the newly-founded Bellator Kickboxing umbrella.
Fighting out of Meaux, France, the 10-time World Kickboxing Champion Ghajji will return to Italy after making his Bellator Kickboxing debut in Torino earlier this year. “Gadjetboy” became the first Bellator Kickboxing World Champion with a split decision victory over Mustapha Haida in the Inaugural Bellator Kickboxing Welterweight World Title fight at “Bellator 152.” Dating back to 2014, Ghajji has collected wins in nine of his previous 11 contests, including an eight-fight winning streak over a two-year stint. With 96 career wins under his belt, including 50 knockouts, the 110-fight kickboxing veteran will look to inch closer to the century mark as he prepares to challenge Italian hot shot Luca Novello.
Complete “Bellator Kickboxing: Florence” Card:
Lightweight Feature Fight: Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) vs. Jordan Watson (48-11-2)
Flyweight World Title Fight: Denise Kielholtz (45-3) vs. Gloria Peritore (11-1-1)
Lightweight Feature Fight: Kevin Ross (31-9) vs. Alessio Arduini (26-14-2)
Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (19-9) vs. Victorio Lermano (30-7)
Welterweight Feature Fight: Karim Ghajji (96-13-1) vs. Luca Novello (22-4-2)
Updated “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” Card:
Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (13-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC)
Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) vs. Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC)
HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE IS UP FOR GRABS AT NEF 26
Lewiston, Maine (October 17, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY,” on Saturday, November 19 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of an amateur heavyweight title bout to the fight card. Nick Gulliver (3-0) is scheduled to face Yorgan DeCastro (2-2) to fill the vacant NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Championship.
Gulliver is a member of John Raio’s First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine, as well as the Foundry Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Farmington, Maine. Making his MMA debut in 2015, Gulliver scorched his first two opponents via first-round technical knockout prior to facing Dave Smith (2-1) last spring at “NEF 22.” It took Gulliver a mere 28-seconds to dispatch Smith. In all, Gulliver’s first three opponents have lasted barely over a combined two minutes in the cage with him. He will be looking to continue that dominance of the NEF amateur heavyweight division on November 19 and claim its top prize.
” I would like to thank NEF for the opportunity to fight again,” said Gulliver. “This is the biggest fight of my life. I’m excited to be fighting for the heavyweight title belt on November 19th in front of my family and friends. My goal in this sport was to get a title belt, but something bigger than that was to fight for the belt in front of my father. When I started back in June of last year my coach John Raio told me I would someday fight for the belt. This day has come and now it’s my time to finish what I set out to do.
“My father was not able to make my last fight because he was too sick. When I found out about this fight I called my parents and told them I would be fighting for the belt and my dad said he would do everything he could to make it. So, not only am I looking for a victory, but I’m looking to do it in front of my father.
“This fight is also big since my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach Brianne Genschel will be fighting alongside me. Brianne has been working so hard for this and she deserves this fight and for her hand to be raised. I’m also excited to have longtime friend and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Shawn Smith in my corner which is also an honor. I truly want to thank The Foundry and First Class MMA for all the support and dedication they have had with me and my training.
“I believe this will be a great fight and I’ll have to show people a side of me they have not been able to see yet and I look forward to that. I greatly respect my opponent for taking this fight and wish him the best of luck. To my fans be ready for the Guardian to come out like you have never seen him before. I appreciate this opportunity and I’ll do my best to put a smile on everyone’s face. I would also like to thank my wife Heather for all the help and support she has given me.”
A native of Portugal, Yorgan DeCastro came to the United States with a solid kickboxing background. He began competing in mixed-martial-arts in 2014, quickly rattling off a pair of victories on fight cards in Massachusetts. November 19 will be DeCastro’s debut on Maine soil, and he plans to return home to South Shore Sportfighting (SSSF) with the heavyweight title belt in tow.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to showcase my skills in front of a new crowd,” said DeCastro. “I don’t plan on letting the fight go the distance, but I’m ready for whatever he brings to the table. I’ve faced tougher opposition, so I know I’m prepared.”
The opening bell on Saturday, November 19 is set for 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.
For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefightsand join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
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 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.
FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER DANIEL WEICHEL TAKES ON PAUL REDMOND AT ‘BELLATOR 169: KING MO VS. ISHII’
**TICKETS ON SALE TODAY**
SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 14, 2016) – Bellator MMA has added a brand new fight to its debut event in Ireland, seeing former featherweight title-challengerDaniel Weichel (37-9) take on Dublin’s own Paul Redmond (11-6) at “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii,” which emanates from the state-of-the-art 3Arena on Dec. 16.
“Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii,” will be headlined by a heavyweight fight pitting “King Mo” (19-5, 1 NC) against Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1). Ireland will also have one of its brightest prospects on the card as well, as the pride of Strabane, James Gallagher (4-0) returns home against a yet-to-be-announced foe.
Tickets for “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” start at 35€ and go on sale TODAY atBellator.com, Ticketmaster.ie and the 3Arena Box Office. The event can be seen free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to a full card of Bellator action, ticketholders will also get to experience a complete fight card from Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, BAMMA. “BAMMA 27” will be headlined by a bantamweight title fight pitting Tom Duquesnoy(13-1, 1 NC) against Alan Philpott (16-8), as well as a featherweight title fight featuring former Bellator competitors Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) against Martin Stapleton(18-4).
A winner in nine of his last 10 bouts, dating back to 2012, Weichel seems to be hitting his stride under the direction of Bellator MMA. “The Weasel” will enter the cage for the 47th time as a professional, a 14-year career that has seen him emerge victorious 37 times, including an M-1 Global Lightweight Championship. Weichel has finished 26 of his 37 victims over his career, including 21 by way of submission, making him one of the most feared featherweights on the ground. Since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion in 2014, the German submission specialist has collected wins in six of his seven bouts, including consecutive victories over the likes of Georgi Karakhanyan and most recently Emmanuel Sanchez. The durable 31-year-old hopes to build off of his key win over the aforementioned Sanchez at “Bellator 159: Caldwell vs. Taimanglo,”as he prepares to take on Ireland’s own Paul Redmond inside 3Arena on Dec. 16.
After beginning his professional career as a lightweight, Redmond made the transition to the featherweight division in 2015 and will immediately face a stiff test against one of Bellator MMA’s best in Weichel. The 29-year-old Dublin, Ireland native will be making his Bellator MMA debut after spending his 2015 campaign competing for the UFC. Redmond has recorded 11 career victories, including nine finishes including five knockouts. “Redser” will look to build off of his most recent victory at “BAMMA 26,”a unanimous decision win over Chris Stringer. With each of Redmond’s nine finishes coming in the second round, we can be sure to see the hometown favorite attempt to wear down Weichel and add to his impressive total.
Updated “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” Main Card:
Heavyweight Main Event: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (19-5, 1 NC) vs. Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: James Gallagher (4-0) vs. TBA
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Daniel Weichel (37-9) vs. Paul Redmond (11-6)
Updated “BAMMA 27” Main Card:
Bantamweight World Title Bout: Tom Duquesnoy (13-1, 1 NC) vs. Alan Philpott (16-8)
Featherweight World Title Bouut: Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) vs. Martin Stapleton (18-4)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Dylan Tuke (3-0) vs. Sean Tobin (4-2)
M-1 Challenge Middleweight Champion Ramazan Emeev vs. Anatoly Tokov to Headline M-1 Challenge 73: Battle of Narts
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December 9 in Ingushetia
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 (L-R) – Anatoly Tokov and Ramazan Emeev
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (October 13, 2016) – M-1 Global has announced a super showdown between M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev and knockout artist Anatoly Tokov to headline the December 9th M-1 Challenge 73: Battle of Narts in Ingushetia, Russia.
M-1 Challenge 73 will be streamed live from Ingushetia in high definition onwww.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
“The fight between Ramazan Emeev and Anatoly Tokov is the most anticipated fight in Russian MMA, “M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein said. “Both Tokov and Emeev are fighters of the elite level, not only in Russia, but in the world. This fight is being held to achieve our main goal: to make the most spectacular match-ups between the strongest MMA fighters of our time.”
Emeev (14-3-0, M-1: 8-1-0), who was the M-1 Global 2015 Fighter of the Year, returns to action after suffering a torn ligament in his elbow, which forced the Azerbaijan native to withdraw from his scheduled M-1 Grand Prix Middleweight Championship fight withAlexander Shlemenko.
The 29-year-old Emeev, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia, first captured the vacant M-1 Challenge middleweight title in 2012, taking a 5-round unanimous decision from Mario Miranda at M-1 Challenge 35, and he successfully won the rematch five months later atM-1 Challenge 38, stopping Miranda via strikes in the third round.
 In 2014, Emeev lost his title belt to Vyacheslav Vasilevsky by way of a fourth-round knockout (punches) at M-1 Challenge 51 in 2014. The resilient Emeev, however, bounced back to regain his throne as M-1 Challenge middleweight champion, using a choke hold to submit Vasilevsky in the opening round at
M-1 Challenge 56.
Emeev has successfully defended his title against Luigi Fioravanti, who was unable to continue after four rounds at M-1 Challenge 63, and this past April Emeev defeated Brazilian Maiquel Falcao (see picture above) at M-1 Challenge 65 in the first round by submission (choke).
Tokov (24-2-0, M-1: 9-1-0), 26, is a former ABC champion who fights out of Stary Oskol, Russia. He is riding a 17-fight win streak, including knockouts of Enoc Solves Torres atM-1 Challenge 54 and Albert Duraev at M-1 Challenge 46.
A feared striker with tremendous power, Tokov has stopped 14 of his 24 victims to date, resulting in him developing into one of MMA’s most spectacular fighters and a true rising MMA star throughout Russia and Europe.
 Tokov can give and take
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BELLATOR MMA’S INTERNATIONAL ROADSHOW CONTINUES AT 3ARENA IN DUBLIN, IRELAND FRIDAY, DEC. 16
KING MO RETURNS TO MONEYWEIGHT TO MEET SATOSHI ISHII IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MMA’S DEBUT IN ‘THE EMERALD ISLE’
NORTHERN IRELAND’S OWN JAMES ‘THE STRABANIMAL’ GALLAGHER ALSO SET TO RETURN TO ACTION
SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 12, 2016) – Check Ireland off the list of countries Bellator MMA has yet to hold an event in, with the announcement that the Scott Coker-led promotion is set for action at the heart of Dublin’s docklands on Dec. 16.
“Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” emanates from the state-of-the-art 3Arena, and will be headlined by a heavyweight fight pitting “King Mo” (19-5, 1 NC) against Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1). Ireland will also have one of its brightest prospects on the card as well, as the pride of Strabane, James Gallagher (4-0) returns home against a yet-to-be-announced foe.
Tickets for “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” start at 35€ and go on sale at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster.ie and the 3Arena Box Office on Friday, October 14, with a special presale on the 12 & 13. The event can be seen free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition, Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion BAMMA will be holding “BAMMA 27,” alongside “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” in an effort to showcase some of the world’s leading MMA athletes from both organizations. “BAMMA 27” will be headlined by a bantamweight title fight pitting Tom Duquesnoy (13-1, 1 NC) against Alan Philpott (16-8), as well as a featherweight title fight featuring Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) against former Bellator MMA competitor Martin Stapleton (18-4).
“When thinking of a country that respects, understands and yearns for quality mixed martial arts action, Ireland immediately comes to mind,” Bellator MMA President Scott Coker said. “I’m very excited for this event, with ‘King Mo’ versus Ishii in the main event, and I cannot wait to be inside the 3Arena when ‘The Strabanimal,’ James Gallagher takes center stage, it’s going to be a madhouse. With that being said, I’m pleased to be bringing this action to Dublin alongside a promotion like BAMMA and David Green, who has been a good friend for years.”
BAMMA CEO David Green added: “It’s going to be the biggest and boldest MMA show in Ireland this year, as fans get the chance to get up close and personal with MMA superstars from both promotions.
“King Mo” returns to the cage for the second time in 2016, and first time at heavyweight since his Rizin Grand Prix heavyweight tournament victory. A winner in seven out of his last eight fights, Mo yearns for an opportunity to meet the winner of Liam McGeary versus Phil Davis at “Bellator 163,” onNov. 4, but instead of remaining inactive, the 35-year-old now looks to test himself against Ishii. A former Strikeforce champion, Mo has his sights set on adding Bellator gold to his mantel.
Ishii is a 29-year-old powerhouse Judoka who earned Gold at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing after defeating the best the world had to offer in the +100 kg division. Now fully focused on mixed martial arts, the Japanese star has competed in his home country almost exclusively throughout his 21-fight professional career and will be fighting three days ahead of his Dec. 19 birthday when he meets Lawal on Dec. 16 in Ireland. With half of his victories coming before judges’ scorecards, it’s worth noting that four of Ishii’s defeats have come at the hands of some of greatest the sport has to offer such as Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Mirko Cro Cop and Fedor Emelianenko.
Perfect through his first four professional fights, the 19-year-old Gallagher is one of the brightest stars in all of “The Emerald Island.” Hailing from nearby Straban in Northern Ireland, “The Strabanimal” moved away from home at age 15 to join coach John Kavanagh at Straight Blast Gym (SBG), where he now trains alongside the best fighters in the country including Connor McGregor. Having made his Bellator debut in London this past July when he beat Mike Cutting in London, Gallagher will look to make it five straight to start his career in front of a raucous home crowd. Please note: Gallagher was scheduled to appear at Bellator 164 in Tel Aviv Israel on Nov. 10, and will no longer be competing on that card. A replacement for him will be named shortly.
Updated “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” Main Card:
Heavyweight Main Event: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (19-5, 1 NC) vs. Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: James Gallagher (4-0) vs. TBA
Updated “BAMMA 27” Main Card:
Bantamweight World Title Bout: Tom Duquesnoy (13-1, 1 NC) vs. Alan Philpott (16-8)
Featherweight World Title Bouut: Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) vs. Martin Stapleton (18-4)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Dylan Tuke (3-0) vs. Sean Tobin (4-2)
WORLD WRESTLING CHAMPION AND ICON ALBERTO “EL PATRỐN” JOINS COMBATE AMERICAS AS PRESIDENT
Former WWE heavyweight champion takes on new moniker
“El Presidente” as well as executive role with the
leading Hispanic MMA sports franchise
NEW YORK, October 11 – Combate Americas, the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, today announced that it has named multiple-time professional world wrestling champion and former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star Alberto “El Presidente” Rodriguez, formerly known as Alberto Del Rio and Alberto El Patrόn, as its president.
A former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Rodriguez, the son of Lucha Libre legend Dos Caras, Sr., also competed in 14 professional MMA bouts – 2 of them under the promotion of former Japanese juggernaut PRIDE Fighting Championships – between 2001 and 2010, as Alberto “Dos Caras, Jr.” Rodriguez. He compiled an overall record of 9-5 in the sport, with 7 of his victories coming by way of submission.
In his new executive role with Combate Americas, “El Presidente” will be actively involved in all aspects of athlete relations and development, from recruitment to enhancing their showmanship skills.
“A storied fighter, with a following throughout Mexico and the U.S., Alberto brings a tremendous amount of knowledge of what it means to be in competition, coupled with an ability to communicate his passion for the sport, to his new role,” said Campbell McLaren, Combate Americas founder and CEO. “From working with Alberto in the past, we have gotten to know him very well, and are thrilled to have him on our team in an executive capacity.”
“I am excited to enter a new chapter in my career in combat sports, and to have the opportunity to spearhead the Combate Americas mission of delivering to fight fans everywhere, an authentic and first-rate Hispanic MMA product,” said Rodriguez.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Rodriguez made his professional wrestling debut in 2000, eventually signing with the WWE where he took on the “Del Rio” name and became the league’s only competitor in history to win both the “Royal Rumble” and the “Money in the Bank” ladder match in the same calendar year – 2011.
Over the course of two tenures with the WWE, Rodriguez faced and defeated a collection of top rival champions and other superstars in the sport, including fellow Mexican hero Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Dolph Ziggler and Randy Orton.
As a member of the Mexican National Greco-Roman wrestling team in the late ‘90s, Rodriguez won the Central American and Caribbean Games in his weight division three times.
Rodriguez will make his public debut as “El Presidente” this week, during the first-ever Combate Americas live event in New York on Friday, Oct. 14 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona.
The seven-bout, “Combate Americas: Empire Rising” card will be headlined by the league’s first world championship showdown in history – a bantamweight (135 pounds) title fight between ferocious rising stars John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda (11-2) of Mankato, Minn. and Gustavo Lopez (6-1) of Las Vegas, Nev. via Yakima, Wash.
UNDEFEATED ADAM PICCOLOTTI SET FOR LIGHTWEIGHT CLASH WITH BRANDON GIRTZ AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE ON NOV. 19 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS LINTON VASSELL AND FRANCIS CARMONT ALSO ADDED TO THE SPIKE-TELEVISED MAIN CARD
SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 11, 2016) – A lightweight showdown pitting Adam Piccolotti (8-0) against Brandon Girtz (14-4) and a light heavyweight matchup pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) versus Francis Carmont (14-4) have been added to the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.
The bouts join a pair of action-packed fights highlighted by a lightweight world title main event featuring Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In addition, a welterweight clash between undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) will also be the card’s co-main event. Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” will take place on November 19, airing LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m ET/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.
After emerging victorious in his first four professional fights, Piccolotti has continued with more of the same under the Scott Coker-led promotion’s banner. Since making his Bellator MMA debut in 2015, the California native has recorded wins in each of his four bouts, including three consecutive finishes via submission. Piccolotti opened his 2016 campaign with a nifty first round finish of Ray Wood at “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo,” lifting his overall record to 8-0. The 27-year-old will look to protect his unblemished mark when he challenges Girtz on November 19 inside SAP Center.
One year removed from an impressive first round finish that left opponent Derek Campos on the Bellator MMA canvas just 37 seconds into the bout, Girtz returns to the cage in an attempt to build off of his current three-fight winning streak. The Mankato, Minn., native holds an impressive 6-2 promotional mark since joining Bellator MMA, including four finishes and a pair of first round knockouts. Since making his professional debut in 2008, the 31-year-old Girtz has recorded 10 finishes, eight of which have come by way of submission. Having won five of his last six bouts, the powerful grappler will look to pick up right where he left off and further his case for a 155-pound title shot.
A seven-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Vassell has recorded five wins since making his promotional debut in 2013. The 33-year-old British striker is known for ending fights early with his elite striking and a near-flawless ground game. In total, “The Swarm” has finished 13 of his 16 opponents, including 10 first round finishes and six knockout blows. Vassell hopes to build off of a strong performance at the record shattering “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, where he defeated Emauel Newton. Vassell now turns his attention to Francis Carmont, an opponent that he was originally slated to face earlier in the year at “Bellator 158: Daley vs. Lima,” before an injury forced Vassell to withdraw.
Similar to his opponent, former UFC competitor Francis Carmont also has a knack for finishing opponents early and often in his bouts. The 34-year-old Carmont has stopped his opponent in 17 of his 25 career wins, including 11 submission victories and six knockouts. Hailing from Paris, France, “Limitless” credits much of his success to the top-notch trainers at Tristar Gym in Montreal, Canada. The well-known training camp is loaded with accomplished instructors, who have helped develop a number of talented fighters, including recent Bellator MMA free agent signee Rory MacDonald. With more than half of his submission finishes coming in the opening round of action, we can expect the dynamic Carmont to attack his opponent right off the bat in hopes of adding to that remarkable total.
Updated “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:
Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)
Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)
Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)
Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)
Preliminary Card:
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jose Perez (2-1) vs. J.T. Donaldson (2-1)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)
Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)
BELLATOR MMA PRESENTS A SPECIAL DOUBLEHEADER ON DECEMBER 2 & 3 FROM THE WINSTAR WORLD CASINO & RESORT IN OK.
NIGHT ONE WILL SEE A BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE REMATCH PITTING CHAMPION EDUARDO DANTAS AGAINST JOE WARREN
NIGHT TWO HEADLINED BY FEATHERWEIGHT MAIN EVENT BETWEEN FORMER CHAMPION PAT CURRAN AND JOHN TEIXEIRA
SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (October 10, 2016) – Bellator MMA is thrilled to announce the promotion’s first ever Friday/Saturday doubleheader event. The first night of entertainment will feature a bantamweight world title rematch pitting current division champion Eduardo Dantas (18-4) against a dangerous former two-division champion Joe Warren (14-5), which joins a previously announced featherweight showdown between A.J. McKee (5-0) and Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3).
Meanwhile, the second night of action will be headlined by a featherweight fight pitting former champion Pat Curran (22-7) against John Teixeira (19-1-2).
The unique doubleheader event will take place on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 inside WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, OK. Tickets start at just $45 and can be purchased at the WinStar World Casino & Resort Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.
“Bellator 166: Dantas vs. Warren 2” airs live and free on Friday on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App.
“Bellator 167: Curran vs. Teixeira” airs live and free on Saturday on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.
Fresh off a win over Marcos Galvao that crowned him bantamweight champion, the 27-year-old Dantas will look to defend his belt for the first time this year. The elusive Brazilian enters the contest having won 11 of his past 13 bouts, including seven finishes, giving him a total of 10 stoppages over his 18 career victories. Since making his promotional debut in 2011, “Dudu” has cemented himself among the Bellator MMA elite, collecting wins in eight of his nine appearances, with the lone loss coming at the hands of his upcoming opponent, Joe Warren. After successfully defending his title twice, Dantas lost the belt to Warren via unanimous decision at “Bellator 128.” Now that he has the gold around his waist again, Dantas will need to put forth his best effort to ensure history does not repeat itself against “The Baddest Man on the Planet.”
Warren will be looking to duplicate his success against the feisty Dantas, after defeating him in a five round, 25-minute bloodbath that took place in the same venue nearly two years ago. The win capped off a five-fight winning streak and allowed Warren to unify the 135-pound title. A native of Denver, Colorado, “The Baddest Man on the Planet” has now emerged victorious in seven of his last nine bouts, including his most recent finish over former UFC competitor Sirwan Kakai at “Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson.” At 39 years old, the former two-division Bellator MMA champion will now attempt to become the oldest fighter to win a championship in Bellator history.
Bellator MMA veteran Pat Curran will enter the cage for the 17th time under the direction of the Scott Coker-led promotion, which will tie him with David Rickels for the most in the promotion’s history. On top of that, “Paddy Mike” will have the opportunity to join Patricio “Pitbull” for the most wins in Bellator MMA history, with 13, if he can emerge victorious. Since joining the promotion in 2010, Curran has accrued 12 wins, including notable victories over current featherweight champion Daniel Straus, former featherweight titleholder Patricio “Pitbull,” and former bantamweight/featherweight king Joe Warren. The 29-year-old Crystal Lake, Illinois native comes in on a hot streak, having won two consecutive bouts and nine of his last 12. With two World Title victories and a pair of successful title defenses under his belt, Curran has proven time and time again that his name belongs atop Bellator MMA’s always-competitive featherweight division.
The 29-year-old Teixeira continues to make a name for himself in Bellator MMA’s featherweight division, as he makes his fourth appearance under the promotion’s direction. Similar to his opponent, Teixeira also steps into the cage on a recent string of success, having won three straight and seven of his last eight bouts, including a trio of first-round knockouts. Prior to his days with Bellator MMA, Teixeira began his professional career fighting exclusively in Brazil, posting an undefeated record of 12-0 with one draw. The upcoming bout marks only the fourth time in Teixeira’s nine year career that he will fight outside of his native Brazil. With 14 of his 19 career wins coming by way of knockout or submission, you can be sure to see “Macapa” go for the finishing blow early and often in this mouthwatering matchup.
Updated “Bellator 166: Dantas vs. Warren 2” Main Card:
Bantamweight World Title Main Event: Eduardo Dantas (18-4) vs. Joe Warren (14-5)
Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (5-0) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3)
Updated “Bellator 167: Curran vs. Teixeira”Main Card:
Featherweight Main Event: Pat Curran (22-7) vs. John Teixeira (19-1-2)
SECOND WOMEN’S FIGHT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (October 10, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY,” on Saturday, November 19 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of an amateur featherweight women’s bout to the fight card. “Hollywood” Hannah Sparrell (1-1) is scheduled to meet “Ferocious” Fernanda Araujo (4-4-2) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.
Hannah Sparrell made her NEF cage debut in September 2015 with a unanimous decision victory over Kira Innocenti (0-1). She returned to the cage last spring at “NEF 22” in a losing effort against Angela Young (1-2). That bout, a back and forth battle, has been one of the most memorable this year in NEF and could be in the running for “Fight of the Year” honors as well. Sparrell is a member of First Class MMA based out of Brunswick, Maine.
“I’m super excited to be stepping into the NEF cage once again on November 19th,” said Sparrell. “For months, I have had friends, supporters and fans asking me when my next bout will be. I am happy to have a solid answer for them. Though I lost my fight to Angela during NEF 22, I left there with my head held high, a newly recognized confidence, and a hunger to get in the cage once again.
“Fernanda has a solid, and well rounded MMA career. Her experience and comfort level in the cage gives me a determination to train hard, give her a good fight, and feel the sense of empowerment of having my hand raised after the hard fought rounds!”
Fernanda Araujo is also a veteran of the NEF cage. In 2012, she debuted in Lewiston against Maria Rios (2-3) in what turned out to be a bloody brawl. While she lost the bout via technical knockout in the second round, Araujo impressed the Maine crowd with her gutsy performance.
The opening bell on Saturday, November 19 is set for 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.
For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
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 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.