Tag Archives: Mixed Martial Arts

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

THIAGO JAMBO CLIMBS INTO CO-MAIN BATTLE WITH CHIDI NJOKUANI AT ‘BELLATOR 156: GALVAO vs. DANTAS 2’

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LIVE AND FREE ON SPIKE – JUNE 17

 

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (June 10, 2016) – An undisclosed injury to “Bellator 158” competitor Josh Koscheck has paved the way for a new co-main feature bout at “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2,” pitting Chidi “Chidi Bang Bang” Njokuani (14-4) against Thiago Jambo (18-4) on June 17 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, CA. Jambo will be making his promotional debut in place of Douglas Lima.

 

The fight completes a card that features a Bellator MMA Bantamweight Title rematch pitting Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) against Eduardo Dantas (17-4), while Fresno native, Chris Honeycutt (7-1) returns home to take on Mikkel Parlo (13-2) in a middleweight slugfest. Rounding out the main card, John Salter (11-3) and Brandon Halsey (9-1) duke it out in a 185-pound feature bout.

 

 

“Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” airs LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com andThe Bellator Mobile App. Tickets for the event start at only $25 and are currently on sale at the Save Mart Center Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

 

 

Having not lost a fight in his last six appearances dating back to 2013, “Chidi Bang Bang” will try to keep the train rolling as he prepares for Jambo. The 27-year-old Las Vegas native finished his 2015 campaign on a high note, recording a unanimous decision victory over Ricky “The Sniper” Rainey in his promotional debut at “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef.” Njokuani will face one of the stiffest tests of his career when he meets Jambo in the co-headliner of “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2.”

 

The 35-year-old Goncalves has landed himself a golden opportunity when he steps into the cage with Njokuani in the co-feature on June 17. The 12-year professional most recently earned his 18th career win by defeating Matt Baker via technical knockout in the second round of their contest and now the Brazilian welterweight will be making his Bellator MMA debut after impressively recording six wins over his last seven fights dating back to 2010.

 

Complete “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” Card:

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Title Bout: Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) vs. Eduardo Dantas (17-4)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Co-Main Event: Chidi Njokuani (14-4) vs. Thiago Jambo Goncalves (18-4)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Feature Bout: Brandon Halsey (9-1) vs. John Salter (11-3)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Feature Bout: Chris Honeycutt (7-1) vs. Mikkel Parlo (13-2)

 

Preliminary Card:

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: A.J. Matthews (8-4) vs. Ben Reiter (16-1)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Jermaine McDermott (2-0) vs. Blake Watkins (5-0)

Bellator MMA 140lb. Preliminary Bout: Paul Ruiz (6-4) vs. Christian Navarro (5-0)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Javy Ayala (8-5) vs. Roy Boughton (14-7)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nick Bustamante (5-1) vs. Antoine Smith (3-5)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: C.J. Keith (8-3) vs. Carrington Banks (4-0)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Justin Smitley (10-7) vs. TBD

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: John Paul Elias (3-0) vs. Jose Cabesas (5-8)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Lewis (0-0) vs. Gil Medina (1-0)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Luis Jauregui (3-2) vs. Ryan Tobar (3-2)

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

TALENTED FEATHERWEIGHTS JUSTIN LAWRENCE AND ISAO KOBAYASHI SQUARE OFF IN FEATURED PRELIM OF ‘BELLATOR: DYNAMITE 2’ ON JUNE 24

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SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (June 3, 2016) – A featherweight bout pitting Justin Lawrence (8-3) against Isao Kobayashi (18-3) will anchor the preliminary portion of “Bellator: Dynamite 2” on June 24 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

 

The bout joins a main event that features a heavyweight bout between “Rampage” Jackson (36-11) and Satoshi Ishii (14-5-1) in “Rampage’s” first fight for the Scott Coker-led promotion since 2014. The evening’s co-main event will feature a lightweight world championship fight between former titlist Michael Chandler (14-3) and Patricky “Pitbull” (16-7). Also the main card, former NFL player Matt Mitrione (9-5) makes his debut for Bellator MMA against Carl “Badwater” Seumanutafa (10-6). Rounding out the main card action, undefeated Ilima Macfarlane (3-0) will face Rebecca Ruth (6-1) in a flyweight contest.

 

Tickets for “Bellator: Dynamite 2” start at just $30 and are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and the Ford Box Office at Scottrade Center. Doors for the event open at 5 p.m. CT local time, and the first bout is scheduled to take place one hour after.

 

“Bellator: Dynamite 2” airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.comand The Bellator Mobile App. Doors for the event open at 5:00 pm CT, with the first streamed fight taking place at 5:30 pm CT.

 

Exactly like the groundbreaking inaugural “Dynamite” event this past September in San Jose, both a mixed martial arts cage and kickboxing ring will cover the floor at Scottrade Center, giving fans in attendance the opportunity to see both iterations of combat sports on the same night. A portion of the preliminary action on June 24 will take place simultaneously, allowing those in attendance to witness MMA and kickboxing with a simple swivel of the head.

 

A native of Missouri, Justin “The American Kid” Lawrence will put his 8-3 career mark on the line when he challenges Isao Kobayashi in front of his hometown fans at “Bellator: Dynamite 2.” The 25-year-old budding star has won four of his last five bouts, including a first round knockout in his Bellator MMA debut against Sean Wilson at “Bellator 138: Unfinished Business.” Lawrence began his professional career under the Strikeforce umbrella, before a brief stint on “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show and now has his eyes set on truly making a splash in the always-competitive Bellator MMA featherweight division.

 

After going undefeated through his first eight fights as a professional, Kobayashi has put together an impressive resume with an overall record of 18-3, and eight wins coming by way of knockout. Following seven with the Pancrase promotion, the 27-year-old will enter the cage for the second time under the Bellator MMA banner and first time since October of last year. The Japanese featherweight has been known to extend fights and outlast opponents with his phenomenal endurance. Each of his last eight fights have made their way to the third round, with six of those eight going the distance. After recording a streak of 12 consecutive fights without a loss over a four-year period (2010-14), Kobayashi will look to kick off yet another long string of success when he takes on Justin Lawrence on June 24.

 

Updated “Bellator: Dynamite 2” Fight Card:

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Main Event: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (36-11) vs. Satoshi Ishii (14-5-1)

Bellator MMA Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (14-3) vs. Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (16-7)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Feature Bout: Matt Mitrione (9-5) vs. Carl Seumanutafa (10-6)

Bellator MMA Flyweight Feature Bout: Ilima-Lei Macfalane (3-0) vs. Rebecca Ruth (6-1)

 

Preliminary Card:

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Justin Lawrence (8-3) vs. Isao Kobayashi (18-3)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Guilherme “Bomba” Vasconcelos (7-3) vs. Jordan Dowdy (3-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Engel (5-0) vs. Chel Erwin-Davis (3-1)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jordan Howard (9-3) vs Justin Robbins (14-17-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joaquin Buckley (5-0) vs Chris Heatherly (9-3-1)

Bellator MMA 130-pound Preliminary Bout: Michelle Royer (1-0) vs Katy Collins (3-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Brad Jones (5-4) vs Tyler Claussen (2-0)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Jason Christeson (1-0) vs Jarrod Thomas (0-0)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Lee Burns (2-0) vs. Byron Stevens (0-0)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Steven Mann (11-4) vs. Mike Estus (7-4)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Rashard Lovelace (3-0) vs. Garret Mueller (2-1)

Bellator MMA Strawweight Preliminary Bout: Nikki Smith (1-0) vs. Ashley Cummins (3-3)

Bellator Kickboxing Preliminary Bout: Elmir Kulosman (3-0) vs. Darryl Cobb (2-1)

Bellator Kickboxing Preliminary Bout: Tara Walker (4-3-1) vs. Mimi Kutzin (3-2)

 

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

NEF WILL TAKE FIGHT FANS TO THE PROMISED LAND THIS FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND

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Lewiston, Maine (June 3, 2016) – It will be a celebration of all things Americana when New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée on Saturday, June 18, 2016.  The wildly popular fight promotion will once again give fans a full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing action.

 

In the main event of the boxing portion of the fight card, Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1-1) will defend the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title against challenger James “The Motor City Bad Boy” Lester (10-9-1).  The two fought to a draw on the judges’ scorecards this past April in Lewiston.  They agreed to rematch with Berry’s title on the line.  This time, however, there will be an odd number of rounds (seven to be exact) to make the chances of another draw very slim.

 

Also on the boxing portion of the card, former USA New England Middleweight Champion Russell “The Haitian Sensation” Lamour (13-2) and Casey “The Buzzsaw” Kramlich (4-0-1) from the Portland Boxing Club in Portland, Maine will both make their respective NEF Boxing debuts.

 

The professional MMA portion of the card will see Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (6-5) return to the cage after his third unsuccessful attempt at capturing the lightweight title this past April.  Erickson will have his work cut out for him in the form of the always tough Amos Collins (4-5) at a catchweight of 161-pounds.

 

Erickson’s teammate, Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (3-2), will also see action on the professional MMA card when he meets Brandon Bushaw (1-2) in a featherweight bout.

 

The amateur MMA card will be headlined by a flyweight title rematch as Ryan Burgess (2-0) defends against the former champion, and the athlete he took the title from, Dustin Veinott (4-4).  Veinott’s loss to Burgess last fall via split decision put a stop to his four-fight win streak.

 

Also on the amateur card will be 46 year-old Dr. Steve Bang, Sr. (1-1), a bariatric surgeon from Auburn, Maine.  In an unplanned homage to Father’s Day, he will be joined on the fight card by his sons Steve Bang, Jr. (3-5),Shawn Bang (1-1), Skyler Bang (0-0) and foster son Conner Murphy (1-0).

 

The “NEF 24” fight card (subject to change):

 

PROFESSIONAL BOXING

 

140*TITLE Brandon Berry (11-1-1)(c) vs James Lester (10-9-1)

HWT Vinnie Carita (11-1-1) vs Francisco Mireles (17-10)

190 Steve Collins, Jr. (7-0-1) vs Jose Humberto Corral (19-21)

160 Russell Lamour (13-2) vs Roberto Valenzuela (69-71-2)

154 Casey Kramlich (4-0-1) vs Zenon Herrera (0-1)

PROFESSIONAL MMA

250 Michael Hansen (4-4) vs Robert Laroski (1-1)

 

170 CJ Ewer (1-0) vs Phil Rowe (1-2)

161 Jesse Erickson (6-5) vs Amos Collins (4-5)

 

145 Matt Denning (3-2) vs Brandon Bushaw (1-2)

 

 

AMATEUR MMA

 

125*TITLE Ryan Burgess (2-0)(c) vs Dustin Veinott (4-4)

170 Shawn Bang (1-1) vs Mike Bezanson (1-0)

155 Steve Bang Sr. (1-1) vs Stacy Lupo (0-0)

 

155 Derek Daley (0-0) vs Johel Stephenson (0-0)

 

155 Steve Bang, Jr. (3-5) vs Dominic Cofone (6-5)

 

145 Skyler Bang (0-0) Eddie DeRoche (0-0)

 

125 Conner Murphy (1-0) vs Justin Witham (1-4)

 

115 Alex Walker (0-1) vs Nicole Burgess (0-0)

 

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events 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.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

THE DOCTOR IS IN; BANG RETURNS TO NEF MMA CAGE

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Lewiston, Maine (June 2, 2016) – At most New England Fights (NEF) events, Steve Bang, Sr. (1-1) would be on the other side of the cage either watching one of his sons do battle or acting as the cageside physician.  On June 18, 2016, however, as he has done twice in the past, Bang will enter the mixed-martial-arts cage (MMA) in Lewiston as a competitor.  The 46 year-old bariatric surgeon from Auburn, Maine will take on 48 year-old Stacy Lupo (0-0) in an amateur MMA lightweight bout at “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”

 

“I love competition and how it drives us to improve and become a more perfect version of ourselves,” said Dr. Bang.  “It has been a year since I have battled in the cage.  This past year has been filled with the accomplishment of personal milestones and athletic goals with many more yet to be realized.  Amidst all of this chaos, the stars have once again aligned to give me the opportunity to reenter the battle arena where the stakes of competition, for me, are highest.”

 

A native of Riverton, Wyoming, Dr. Bang graduated from Brigham Young University in 1994 and then from the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1998.  Coming from the medical field, he is well aware of the risks he takes every time he enters the cage.

 

“Just days after turning 47, I will face a warrior intent upon bodily harm and yet I find myself incredibly blessed and thankful for the health and privilege to do so,” Dr. Bang continued.  “I bring the health of mind, body and spirit beyond what is required to just be a participant.  I have checked all of the boxes that give me the tools required to be a victorious warrior at any age.”

 

Dr. Bang currently trains alongside his sons at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ).  Steve Bang, Jr. (1-1), Skyler Bang (0-0), Shawn Bang (1-1) and foster son Conner Murphy (1-0) will join their father in cage competition at “NEF 24.”

 

“I am passionate about my training, and take advantage of every metric available to quantify and qualify that training.  By every metric, I am at my peak performance levels.  I am in the best shape of my life,  better than I have ever been. One day that trend will indeed head south, but today is not that day.  I do not take this health and privilege for granted.  Every moment of life and every opportunity we are given is a gift and I plan to take full advantage of it as if it were my last.”

 

Dr. Bang’s opponent, at “NEF 24,” Stacy Lupo, while making his debut in the MMA cage, is a longtime veteran of combat sports.  Lupo currently trains out of the Shatterproof Combat Club in Dexter, Maine, but he has been a martial artist for an amazing 32 years.  He holds black belts in both Taekwondo and Shotokan karate.  He was an accomplished wrestler in high school, placing in states his senior year.  For more than a decade, Lupo ran his own martial arts academy before closing shop to concentrate on raising his family.  In the 1980s and 1990s, Lupo competed in amateur boxing and kickboxing.  His last kickboxing bout saw him win a unanimous decision over Don Labbe in the main event of a 1995 card in Lewiston.

 

“I don’t know Steve personally, but like me, he is an old man in a young man’s sport, so I give him his due and my respect,” said Lupo.  “As the saying goes, ‘be wary of old men in a world where men die young.’  I want to thank him for giving me the chance to compete in a sport I’ve always loved – so, thank you Steven Bang, I look forward to our meeting.”

 

“I do not know my opponent personally, but I respect anyone willing to do what it takes to get to the cage door,” said Bang in closing.  “That next single step across the threshold commands another whole level of respect.  As with the warriors of old, we will battle with the same intensity to maim, kill or disable until compelled to mercy by the referee.  Then we will have a bond that cannot be understood, nor shared, by anyone who has never been there.”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events 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.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

DARRION CALDWELL LOOKS TO SOLIDIFY HIMSELF AS NO. 1 CONTENDER AGAINST JOE TAIMANGLO DURING MAIN EVENT OF ‘BELLATOR 159: CALDWELL VS. TAIMANGLO’ – FRIDAY, JULY 22 – LIVE AND FREE ON SPIKE

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HOMETOWN HERO DAVE RICKELS SET FOR ACTION AGAINST MELVIN GUILLARD IN CO-HEADLINER

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (June 1, 2016) – Bellator MMA returns to Kansas with a pivotal matchup between undefeated phenom, Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (9-0) and Joe Taimanglo (22-6-1) to determine the No. 1 contender for the Bantamweight Title in the main event of “Bellator 159: Caldwell vs. Taimanglo” on July 22 inside Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas.

In the co-main event of the evening, local hometown hero Dave “Caveman” Rickels (17-4) will meet Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (32-16-2) in a lightweight matchup that will surely provide fireworks. Additional contests will be announced shortly.

“Bellator 159: Caldwell vs. Taimanglo” airs live 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 beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

Tickets for the event start at just $27 and go on sale Saturday, June 4, and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, KansasStarEventCenter.com. Doors for the event open at 5:30 p.m. CT local time and the first preliminary bout will commence one hour later.

At 28 years old, “The Wolf” may very well be the brightest young star in Bellator MMA’s deep bantamweight division. The New Jersey native has begun his career with nine consecutive victories, including five blistering first round finishes. Caldwell will be tasked with the headlining role for the second consecutive time after an impressive first outing at “Bellator 151: Warren vs. Caldwell” in which he had his way with former two-division Bellator champion Joe Warren, winning via rear-naked choke submission. The former NC State standout wrestled to a National Championship and two All-American accolades before joining the Bellator MMA fray in 2014. The undefeated Caldwell is reinvigorated after recently re-signing a seven-fight contract with the Scott Coker-led promotion. For a closer look at Caldwell’s most recent technical submission victory over Joe Warren in the main event of“Bellator 151,” click here.

A native of Yona, Guam, Taimanglo has emerged as one of the most prolific bantamweight fighters in MMA. Having gone 13-2 over his last 15 bouts dating back to 2009, it’s difficult to find a fighter more consistent than “The Juggernaut.” Since signing with Bellator in 2013, Taimanglo has accumulated a 5-2 record including a current string of three consecutive victories. Standing at 5’4,” Taimanglo will once again be squaring off against a much taller opponent in the 5’10’’ Caldwell. Click here to see exclusive footage of Taimanglo’s unanimous decision win over Sirwan Kakai at “Bellator 151.”

As is usually the case when Bellator rolls through Kansas, Rickels will be the center of attention when he fights Guillard on July 22. “The Caveman” delivered the proverbial “Fight of the Night” back in February with a first-round knockout of Bobby Cooper during the co-main event of “Bellator 150: Kongo vs. Spartan.” A native of Derby, Kansas, Rickels will be making his 17th appearance under the Bellator MMA banner, a promotion with which he has accrued 11 victories over the course of a six-year period. The 27-year-old recently re-signed with the Scott Coker-led promotion, ensuring his exciting fighting style will be seen exclusively in the Bellator cage for years to come.

With 52 career fights under his belt, 33-year-old Melvin Guillard will have a lot to prove when he takes on “The Caveman.” Guillard seems to have made a full recovery from his brutally broken hand that occurred during his Bellator MMA debut last year. Throughout his MMA tenure, “The Young Assassin” has displayed a knack for ending fights early, with 23 of his 32 professional victories coming before reaching the judges’ scorecards. On July 22 the New Orleans native will have an opportunity to take down another experienced lightweight in Rickels and reassert himself as a top 155-pounder.

Updated “Bellator 159: Caldwell vs. Taimanglo” Card:

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Main Event: Darrion Caldwell (9-0) vs. Joe Taimanglo (22-6-1)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Co-Main Event: Dave Rickels (17-4, 1 NC) vs. Melvin Guillard (32-16-2, 2 NC)

Preliminary Card:

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Manny Meraz (8-2) vs. Trey Ogden (4-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Harris (6-0) vs. Matt Foster (6-8)

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

HE BUZZSAW ARRIVES IN NEF TO CUT THE COMPETITION DOWN

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Lewiston, Maine (June 1, 2016) – Just one day removed from the announcement that Russell Lamour, Jr. (13-2, 6 KOs) would make his debut on a New England Fights (NEF) card, the fight promotion announced that Lamour’s teammate Casey “The Buzzsaw” Kramlich (4-0-1, 2 KOs) would also be featured on the “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” professional boxing event.  On June 18, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée, Kramlich will face Zenon “K-Bar” Herrera (0-1) in a four-round super welterweight contest.

 

Along with Lamour, Kramlich trains at the Portland Boxing Club in Portland, Maine.  Kramlich, to date, has yet to taste defeat in the boxing ring as a professional.  Earlier this spring, Kramlich handed Boston’s Jason Kelly (5-1) the first loss of his professional career on a fight card in Salem, New Hampshire.  He dominated the first two rounds of the fight before the previously-undefeated Kelly was unable to answer the bell to open round three.

 

Last fall, Kramlich fought to a draw against Antonio Chaves Fernandez (6-23-2) on a card in Portland, Maine.  It is the only mark outside of the win column on Kramlich’s record.  On June 18, Kramlich plans to add another notch to that win column at the expense of Zenon Herrera.

 

“I’m very excited to be fighting on an NEF card,” said Kramlich.  “Looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans.  I’ve been training hard, I’m hungry and I’m looking to come out on top victorious and stay undefeated.”

 

Zenon Herrera is one of only a small handful of athletes to have competed in both the NEF MMA cage and the boxing ring.  Herrera made his boxing debut last fall in a losing effort to Tollison Lewis (2-1).  On June 18, Herrera will be looking for his first win in NEF.  He is a veteran of both the United States Army and Marine Corps, having served a combined nine years between the two military branches.

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events 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.

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

HAITIAN SENSATION WILL MAKE NEF DEBUT ON JUNE 18

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Lewiston, Maine (May 31, 2016) – The Androscoggin Bank Colisée has a storied history of professional boxing inside the arena’s four walls.  On June 18, Russell “The Haitian Sensation” Lamour, Jr. (13-2, 6 KOs) will add the next chapter to that story when he enters the New England Fights (NEF) ring for the first time.  At “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND,” Lamour will make his NEF debut in a middleweight bout against Mexican veteran Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-71-2, 56 KOs).

 

“Definitely excited to be making my NEF debut,” said Lamour.  “NEF does a lot of shows here in Maine, and from what I hear it’s always a packed show.  So I’m looking forward being on this card.  I am excited about fighting at the Colisée ’cause I can then say that I fought in the same building that Muhammad Ali fought in and also that it’s right here at home in Maine.  Fighting here at home again is always a great feeling, especially when you’re fighting in front of the people that support you the most.  Can’t ask for anything better than that when fighting here in your backyard.”

 

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Lamour entered the Portland Boxing Club shortly after graduating from Deering High School in Portland, Maine.  He had a stellar amateur boxing career, finishing with a record of 79-16.  Among his numerous amateur accomplishments, Lamour was a five-time New England regional Golden Gloves champion.  He competed in the semi-pro World Series of Boxing (WSB) where he was the number-one ranked middleweight in the Americas.

 

Lamour’s success carried over to the professional ranks where he won his first 11 bouts.  Over the course of that impressive run, Lamour would capture the vacant USA New England Middleweight Title with a TKO victory over Laatekwei Hammond (21-6) in Lamour’s hometown of Portland, Maine.  Lamour has competed on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights before a national audience.  Last month, he scored a TKO win over Borngod Washington (3-17) in Salem, New Hampshire.  Lamour hopes to make it two in a row with a win over Valenzuela on June 18.

 

“He is a journeymen,” Lamour said of his upcoming opponent. “He’s been fighting for a while and has seen many different styles, but to me he’s just someone else that’s in my pathway that I have to beat to get to where I want to be, so I have to get him out of my way.”

 

Roberto Valenzuela is no stranger to Maine fight fans.  He travelled from his home in Sonora, Mexico to Lewiston, Maine last fall to battle Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1-1).   Valenzuela would lose the bout via unanimous decision, but he impressed all in attendance with his gritty performance, roughing up Berry and cutting him above the eye in the process.  Valenzuela has faced the likes of former world champions Andre Berto (31-4, 24 KOs) and Steve Forbes (35-14, 11 KOs) and current world champion Zahir Raheem (35-3, 21 KOs).  He held the Mexican Pacific Coast Super Featherweight Title from 2003 to 2007.

 

“I am very excited to come back to Maine and fight again,” said Valenzuela through a translator.  “I love New England, and I’ve fought in Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island during the course of my career.  I’ve also worked corners in Connecticut and been pulled over for speeding in New Hampshire, so that must count for something.  The last time I was in Maine, I busted open Brandon Berry’s eye and waged a bloody war.  I’m ready to do the same with Russell Lamour.  I hope he’s ready too.”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events 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.”

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

MILITARY VETERANS TO FEATURE PROMINENTLY ON NEF 24 PRO MMA CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (May 30, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston on June 18, 2016.   On that night, two military veterans will be featured in professional mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts.  Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (4-4) will compete in a heavyweight bout while CJ Ewer (1-0) will see action in the welterweight division.

 

Mike Hansen won two state wrestling championships competing for Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) in Rumford, Maine.  Shortly after graduation, Hansen began training in MMA and made his debut in the sport in 2005.  He would, however, put his MMA career on the backburner for the next decade to enlist and serve his country as a combat engineer in the United States Army.  After retiring from the Army, Hansen returned to Maine and opened Berserkers MMA in Rumford, where he trains other MVHS alum to compete in the NEF cage.  OnJune 18, Hansen will face Robert Laroski (1-1).

 

“I hope he’s been training, ’cause I’ve been active starting this year,” said Hansen.  “I’m looking for a win coming off my last fight.  I will find his weaknesses and exploit them.  I’m looking for the finish, and it won’t take long.  Just over 51 years ago, (Muhammad) Ali got the first round, first minute stoppage over (Sonny) Liston right at the Colisee.  My fight will end in similar fashion, under the same roof.”

 

CJ Ewer is a proud member of the United States Air Force security forces.  When he is not overseas serving his country, Ewer can be found back home in the Bangor, Maine area training at Young’s MMA.  After a successful amateur career, he submitted Zenon Herrera in his pro debut earlier this year.  On June 18, Ewer will take on “The Fresh Prince” Phil Rowe (1-2) from Florida.

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events 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.

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA

M-1 Challenge 66 Viktor Nemkov vs. Rashid Yusopov M-1 Challenge Light Heavyweight Championship May 27, 2016 * Orenburg City, Russia

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Presents
 
Yusopov upsets Nemkov to become new
M-1 Challenge Light Heavyweight Champion
 
Puetz decisions Seledtsov
M-1 CHALLENGE 66 OFFICIAL RESULTS
New M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Rashid Yusopov
ORENBURG CITY, Russia (May 28, 2016) – Last night’s M-1 Challenge 66 event had its share of upsets, leading with a main event split decision victory by Rashid Yusopov over defending M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Viktor Nemkov, in Orenburg City, Russia.
Former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan “T-800” Puetz took a unanimous 3-round decision from Andrey Seledtsov in the co-feature.
Russian challenger Yusopov (7-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0) won a hard fought 5-round split decision over defending champion Nemkov (23-6-0, M-1: 14-5-0), fighting out of Russia by way of Kazakhstan, who was making his initial title defense.
Nemkov had captured the coveted M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title this past December, taking a 5-round decision from defending champion Puetz, who had won a 5-round split decision April, 2014 against Nemkov for the title.  Nemkov is a two-time M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion having defeated Vasily Babich (WSUB3 – arm-lock) for the vacant title that he then lost in his first title defense to Puetz.
 
The 23-year-old Yusupov was riding a 4-fight win streak going into his fight with Nemkov.  A former Russian, European and World Amateur MMA champion, Yusupov is known as a dangerous striker whose signature moves are powerful kicks.
Puetz vs. Seledtsov was billed as “Terminator” vs. “Spetsnev” and it lived up to its name as Puetz won a unanimous 3-round decision.   Puetz, of Germany, had successfully defended his M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title twice, after beating Nemkov in their original championship match, against Luis Fernando Miranda (SUB2 – choke) August 15, 2014 atM-1 Challenge 50, and Valery Myasnikov (KO/TKO2 – punches) December 17, 2014 atM-1 Challenge 54. In a non-title fight this past May, Puetz stopped then-M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Marcin Tybura in the third round due to a severely damaged broken nose.
Seledtsov, 28, is a former Spetsnev solider known for his powerful boxing, combat samba and MMA background.  A local White-Rex promotion champion, the Russian was making his M-1 Global debut.
 
In other M-1 Challenge 66 fights, Damir Ismagulov (7-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0) stopped Georgian lightweight Raul Tutarauli (6-3-0, M-1: 3-1-1) near the end of the third round on punches, American bantamweight Josh “The Finisher” Rettinghouse (13-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0) made an impressive M-1 Global debut when the doctor stopped his fight against BelarussianVadim Zhlobich (4-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in the opening round, Timur Nagibin (8-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0) won a 3-round decision over fellow Russian countryman Mikhail Korobkov (9-1-1, M-1: 0-1-1), and Russian featherweight Movsar Evloev (3-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0) punched outAlexander Krupemkin (1-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), fighting out of Ukraine.
Complete results & photo gallery below:
 
MAIN CARD
M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
RASHID YUSOPOV (7-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia
WDEC5
VIKTOR NEMKOV (23-6-0, M-1: 14-5-0), Russia by way of Kazakhstan
(Yusopov M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
STEPHAN PUETZ (14-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Germany
WDEC3
ANDREY SELEDTSOV (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia
LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
DAMIR ISMAGULOV (7-2-0, M-1: 3-2-0), Russia by way of Kazakhstan
WKO/TKO3 (Punches – 3:49)
RAUL TUTARAULI (6-3-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Georgia
BANTWAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
JOSH RETTINGHOUSE (13-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0), United States
WKO/TKO1 (Doctor Stoppage – 3:10)
VADIM ZHLOBICH (4-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Belarus
FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
TIMUR NAGIBIN (8-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
MIKHAIL KOROBKOV (9-1-1, M-1: 0-1-1), Russia
MOVSAR EVLOEV (3-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0)
WKO/TKO1 (Punches – 4:09)
ALEXANDER KRUPEMKIN (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine
 

Yusopov strikes Nemkov
 

(L-R) – Yusopov & Nemkov
 

(L-R) — Yusopov & Nemkov
 

(L-R) — Puetz & Seledtsov
 

Vadim Zhlobich fight vs. Josh Rettinghouse was stopped by the doctor due to these cuts
 

Nagibin & Korobkov
 
Upcoming Events:
June 4, 2016 – M-1 Challenge 67: Buchinger vs. Idrisov @ Baku, Azerbaijan.
June 16, 2016 – M-1 Challenge 68: Shlemenko vs. Vasilevsky @ St. Petersburg, Russia
 
Information

www.M1Global.tv

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mixed martial arts, MMA, World Series of Fighting

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING FINALIZES MAIN CARD FOR WSOF32 WITH SHAMIL GAMZATOV VS. LOUIS TAYLOR

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LIVE ON NBCSN FROM EVERETT, WASH.
ON SATURDAY, JULY 30

Plus undefeated featherweight rivals
Hakeem Dawodu and Marat Magomedov collide
in preliminary card rematch

LAS VEGAS (May 27, 2016) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today the completion of the live NBCSN (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT) televised portion of its WSOF32 world championship doubleheader, with the addition of a middleweight (185 pounds) contest between undefeated sensation Shamil Gamzatov (10-0) and red-hot finisher Louis “Put The Guns Down” Taylor  (12-3).

In addition, the league announced the first WSOF32 preliminary bout, a much-anticipated rematch between a pair of unbeaten featherweight (145 pound) rivals in Hakeem “Mean” Dawodu (5-0-1) and Marat Magomedov (7-0-1).

WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill II takes place at Xfinity Arena at Everett on Saturday, July 30.  In the world bantamweight (135 pounds) championship main event, reigning kingpin Marlon Moraes (16-4) will risk his title for the second time against challenger Josh “Gentleman” Hill (14-1).

Since he made his professional debut with a second round (1:35) TKO (punches) on Murat Aibazov on January 30, 2012, the 6-foot-2, 25-year-old Gamzatov of Dagestan, Russia has been an unstoppable force, defeating all of his opponents by way of either (T)KO or submission in either the first or second round of action.

In his last start and debut inside the World Series of Fighting decagon on January 23, Gamzatov scored a thunderous, first round (2:32) TKO (punches) on Teddy Holder.

The 5-foot-11, 37-year-old Taylor of Chicago, Ill. is riding a five-fight win streak that he ignited on December 14, 2012 with a first round (4:12) KO (punch) on Joe Vedepo.

Taylor, who has earned 11 of his 12 career wins via (T)KO or submission, made an explosive promotional debut for World Series of Fighting in his last appearance at WSOF29 on March 12, finishing Cory Devela in just 29 seconds with a guillotine choke submission.

A protégé of famed Muay Thai trainer Mike Miles, the 5-foot-8, 24-year-old Dawodu of Calgary, Alberta, Canada launched his professional career inside the World Series of Fighting decagon on February 21, 2014 when he scored a first round (1:07) KO (punch) on Behrang Yousefi.

Following his successful debut, Dawodu claimed four consecutive victories – all by way of (T)KO – under the World Series of Fighting banner, before facing off with Magomedov last December 18.  Following three rounds of battle, the fight was declared a majority draw.

The 5-foot-8, 25-year-old Magomedov of Dagestan is a combat Sambo specialist who has claimed all but one of his wins by way of submission, beginning with his professional debut on July 1, 2011 when he forced Dzhambulat Magomedov to tap out from a triangle choke in the first round (3:40) of their matchup.

Additional preliminary card bouts for WSOF32 will be announced soon.

Priced from $29, tickets for WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill II are on sale at XFINITYArenaEverett.com and WSOF.com.

In the world featherweight championship co-main event, Alexandre “Capitao” Almeida (18-5) will defend his title for the first time against the fighter he took it from – Lance Palmer (10-2).

In other action on the live NBCSN telecast, costumed crime fighter Phoenix Jones (6-1-1) aka Ben Fodor of Seattle, Wash. will look to settle his rivalry with adopted brother Caros “The Future” Fodor (10-5) of Seattle in a 162-pound catchweight affair.