Tag Archives: MMA Pro League

Team Pennsylvania Defeats Team New Jersey in Inaugural MMA Pro League Fight Card at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

September 17, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Click HERE for Photos from Mike Dorsi/MMA Pro League

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (September 16, 2018) – The newest entity in MMA, MMA Pro League, launched Saturday as Team Pennsylvania led by head coach Daniel Gracie defeated Team New Jersey led by head coach Dan Miller by a score of 14 – 6 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and on FloCombat.com.

In the opening bout on FloCombat.com, Joseph Penafiel of Team Pennsylvania defeated Turpal Khamzayev of Team New Jersey by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), securing three points for Team Pennsylvania.

“Getting that first win for my team meant everything,” said Penafiel. “I wanted to set the tone for my team and let everyone know we’re here to bang. I knew (Khamzayev) was tough, but I’m way too much for him. Even when he tried to strike me I was able to stay comfortable. And in the grappling department I don’t think many people can mess with me.”

The second official team bout saw Cody Hier of Team Pennsylvania secure a TKO victory over Gabriel Ruiz of Team New Jersey 3:43 into round two and earning Team Pennsylvania five more points, expanding their lead 8 – 0.

“I finally feel like I’m hitting my rhythm in the cage,” said Hier. “I did everything that I could to help Team Pennsylvania get the win tonight. I could tell Ruiz was out and he was quitting. When I hit him with that first big ground and pound, I felt how well I tagged him. And then when he tried to go to his side that’s when I really got aggressive and finished him.”

In the third fight, Team New Jersey’s Claudio Ledesma won by unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-27) over Andre Bernardo of Team Pennsylvania, earning Team New Jersey their first three points and tightening the team contest 8 – 3.

“I was glad to do my part for my team,” said Ledesma. “I’m a little mad that I wasn’t able to stop him, though. I hit him with everything but the kitchen sink, but I just couldn’t finish him. After the second round, once I realized that I probably wasn’t going to finish (Bernardo), I knew my main goal was to just secure the win and that’s what I did.”

The fourth official contest of the night featured a unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27) victory by Zedekiah Montanez of Team Pennsylvania over Mike Pagano of Team New Jersey, capturing three more points for Team Pennsylvania and growing the lead 11 – 3.

“It felt great to get the win. I was just trying to listen to my coach and my teammates,” said Montanez. “I also had my son right there watching me tonight. He helps remind me what I do this for. But tonight, I was happy to get this experience under my belt and get the win for my team.”

In the evening’s fifth bout, Team Pennsylvania’s Rafael Celestino defeated Team New Jersey’s Emmanuel Walo by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). With Celestino’s win, Team Pennsylvania collected three more points, widening the score 14 – 3, and officially securing Team Pennsylvania victory.

“I’m very happy with my win and to be able to help my team earn the victory tonight,” said Celestino. “Walo is a very tough opponent and he came to fight tonight, but I did enough to get the win and am happy with my performance.”

The sixth and final official contest showcased an exhilarating finale as Kevin Sears of Team New Jersey scored a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27) over Ahmed Samir of Team Pennsylvania, making the final team score 14 – 6 in favor of Team Pennsylvania.

“I went in there and fought for my team, but I was also fighting for my daughter and my family,” said Sears. “I’m doing this to make my daughter’s life better. She helps push me and drives me to fight. Samir had me shook in the first round, and then again in the second, but I just dug deep and did what I needed to get this win.”

“The way we won showed me a lot about my team,” said coach Gracie. “We won decisively and showed the type of performance that I’ve come to expect from my guys.

“MMA needs innovation and something new to excite the fans and help bring the masses to our sport,” added Gracie. “I think MMA Pro League and this team concept is exactly what will help bring that added attention and take this sport to the next level.”

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To access live and on-demand coverage of all MMA Pro League action, visit FloCombat.com and become a monthly or annual PRO subscriber. Either subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Watch the games on all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku, or Apple TV 4.

For more information visit www.MMAProLeague.com, follow the conversation on Twitter @MMAPro_League, @DanMiller185, @DanielGracie, @Hani_Darwish1 and @MarkTaffetMedia, on Instagram at Instagram.com/mmaproleague,Instagram.com/DanMiller185, Instagram.com/DanielGracie,Instagram.com/Hani_Darwish1 and Instagram.com/MarkTaffetMedia, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/MMAProLeague.

mixed martial arts, MMA, MMA Pro League

MMA PRO LEAGUE MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

September 14, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Inaugural Event This Saturday, September 15 from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City & Streaming Live on FloCombat.com

Head Coach Dan Miller Leads Team New Jersey Against

Head Coach Daniel Gracie & Team Pennsylvania

Click HERE for Photos from MMA Pro League

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (September 13, 2018) – As fight night approaches for the inaugural MMA Pro League event, fighters from head coach Dan Miller’s Team New Jersey and head coach Daniel Gracie’s Team Pennsylvania participated in media workouts Thursday at Hard Rock Live in Atlantic City.

The newest entity in MMA kicks off this Saturday, September 15 at the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in bouts streaming live on FloCombat.com (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Tickets for the inaugural installment of “MMA Pro League At The Hard Rock” are available at Ticketmaster.com.

The full bout sheet is available HERE. Here is what the fighters in attendance and league executives had to say Thursday:

DAN MILLER, Head Coach of Team New Jersey

“It means a lot to be coach for Team New Jersey. It’s my home state and it’s a big event for it. I love the team concept and I’m proud to be in this position.

“We’re here representing the whole state. We’ve had the team training together and building camaraderie. It’s like a wrestling match style where each team is sending people out.

“Everybody looks good and healthy in training camp. I think we’re ready to go. All of these fights are going to be fantastic. These are matched very well and it should be a fun night. Team Pennsylvania better be ready, because our guys are.”

DANIEL GRACIE, Head Coach of Team Pennsylvania

“Everything in training has been perfect. I’ve been working with most of these guys for a long time already so we just kept up what we’ve been working on. With the team concept we have a lot more people to focus on instead of just one or two. We already had good chemistry though, so everything went smoothly.

“Our amateur guys turning pro are going to show that they belong in these fights. It’s time to grab the spotlight. Your first fight is the best opportunity to make an impression.

“I think that MMA needs something new that can draw people’s attention. This is a great chance to bring in the fans who don’t pay attention to MMA and give them a chance to get behind their local teams.”

HANI DARWISH, CEO of MMA Pro League

“Fans should expect something completely different than they’re used to. MMA has always been a team sport and I’m glad we’re going to be the ones to expose that to the world. These guys have always trained with a team, because you can’t train by yourself.

“We believe this is going to be the new era of MMA. We’re going to give cities and states all around the world the chance to really stand behind their own teams.

“There’s been a lot of hard work and strategic planning leading to this and it’s finally coming to fruition. It’s a vision that we implemented and once we got the right people we knew it was a theme we believed in so much that we decided to execute.”

MARK TAFFET, President of MMA Pro League

“We’re going to create a legacy in this sport that is going to last for generations to come. I had the privilege of launching HBO PPV 30 years ago and I saw a lot of history be made. Now I have the chance to do it again, along with my partner Hani Darwish.

“My first fight at HBO PPV was right here in Atlantic City for Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman. It’s very significant for me to be back here in Atlantic City at the brand new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to have a chance to create another chapter of great moments.

“One of the most important things to MMA Pro League is to have the right coaches leading the teams. Dan Miller and Daniel Gracie are both natural leaders, mentors, great former fighters and great teachers. They represent everything we want to represent with MMA Pro League.”

MARK KOLKER (NJ) vs. ZULKARNAIYN KAMCHYBEKOV (PA) – Middleweights

Kolker: “This is really exciting and I’m very thankful for the opportunity. We’re doing something different than anyone else is doing and I think it can be something special.

“I know that I have an opponent who can wrestle and who’s undefeated as an amateur. I feel like I have the tools to beat him. I can catch, slip and put him away with something early. Or if he wants to go the distance we can do that too. I predict I knock him out.”

Kamchybekov: “This is my first pro fight and I’m very happy to have the opportunity. I don’t know too much about my opponent but I will be prepared. I have worked very hard and I’m going to show my wrestling and striking to get this win.”

GABRIEL RUIZ (NJ) vs. CODY HIER (PA) – Featherweights

Ruiz: “It feels good to get back in the cage and feel the adrenaline. I’m hoping to give everyone a great fight.

“I know my opponent is a wrestler so he’s going to try to take me down. He’s not going to want to stand up with me, but I’m prepared for a lot of wrestling. I’m trying to knock him out and go eat a burger.”

Hier: “It’s amazing to be a part of this MMA Pro League venture. It’s such a great opportunity and I’m glad to be on the ground floor.

“My opponent has taken some time off but I know he’s going to be ready to fight. I’m not sleeping on him. This is going to be an action fight.”

CLAUDIO LEDESMA (NJ) vs. ANDRE BERNARDO (PA) – Bantamweights

Ledesma: “It’s awesome to be able to represent New Jersey. I’m so happy to have this opportunity. This has been a great experience so far.

“I don’t know too much about my opponent. I like to focus on what I do and make adjustments when I have to.”

Bernardo: “It’s been a hard road getting to where I am today and I’m grateful to be fighting for MMA Pro League.

“I’m facing a very experienced fighter. He has a black belt in jiu-jitsu and is a well-rounded fighter. He’s still going to have to get in
there and fight me. I know we’re going to go to the ground eventually and I plan to choke him out.”

MIKE PAGANO (NJ) vs. ZEDEKIAH MONTANEZ (PA) – Welterweights

Pagano: “I’m proud to be a part of this first MMA Pro League show. I’m excited to represent my state in the cage.

“My opponent seems very well composed. He likes to sit back and box before looking to throw. Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face, so I’m going to go out there and just fight.”

Montanez: “It feels really good to be in this position. Fighting professionally has been a dream of mine and now it’s here. I’ve worked so hard to get to this moment and I’m really excited.

“I know that I’m facing a wrestler who likes to put pressure on and come straight forward. We’re prepared for anything he throws at me and I will adapt to anything he throws at me. It’s going to be a war but I just have to go out there and be the best I can be.”

JUSTIN OSBORN (NJ) vs. ANDY JIMENEZ (PA) – Welterweights

Osborn: “I’m excited to go out there and do what I love to do. I can’t wait to get in that cage and stare across at a guy who’s ready to take my head off.

“I know I’m facing an undefeated amateur making his pro debut so I’m ready for anything. I’m ready for the whole nine yards. I’m predicting a finish.”

JOSEPH PINAFIEL (PA) vs. TURPAL KHAMZAYEV (NJ) – Bantamweights

Pinafiel: “It means everything to me to have this platform. This is an opportunity to build upon my career. I’ve had amazing treatment here. I’m going for it all on Saturday.

“I’m facing a tough guy in his own backyard. But I’m here to make a statement. I want to take him out and give everyone a good fight. I’m hoping he brings the best out of me. I am going to win. I’m ready to finish him any way possible.”

KEVIN SEARS (NJ) vs. AHMED SAMIR (PA) – Heavyweights

Sears: “This means a lot to me. I’ve fought in 10 leagues and this has been the best experience by far. MMA Pro League just cares about their fighters.

“Samir looks really tough and I know he has a lot of experience. Everyone is dangerous at this level and it only takes on punch to go to sleep. I’m going to go for the finish right from the start.”

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For more information visit www.MMAProLeague.com, follow the conversation on Twitter @MMAPro_League, @DanMiller185, @DanielGracie, @Hani_Darwish1 and @MarkTaffetMedia, on Instagram at Instagram.com/mmaproleague, Instagram.com/DanMiller185, Instagram.com/DanielGracie, Instagram.com/Hani_Darwish1 and Instagram.com/MarkTaffetMedia, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/MMAProLeague.

mixed martial arts, MMA, MMA Pro League

Full Lineup Set for MMA Pro League Inaugural Event This Saturday, September 15 from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City & Streaming Live on FloCombat.com

September 12, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Head Coach Dan Miller Leads Team New Jersey Against

Head Coach Daniel Gracie & Team Pennsylvania

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (September 11, 2018) – The newest entity in MMA, MMA Pro League, is just days away from their inaugural event with an exciting lineup of fights that pits fighters from Team New Jersey, which is led by head coach Dan Miller of the Miller Brothers, against Team Pennsylvania and their head coach, Daniel Gracie of the renowned Gracie family.

The fighters square-off this Saturday, September 15 at the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in bouts streaming live on FloCombat.com (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Tickets for the inaugural installment of “MMA Pro League At The Hard Rock” are available at Ticketmaster.com.

The MMA Pro League event will see Claudio Ledesma taking on Andre Bernardo in a bantamweight fight, Gabriel Ruiz in a featherweight clash against Cody Hier and a light heavyweight contest that pits Emmanuel Walo against Rafael Celestino.

Featherweight action will feature Mike Pagano in a bout against Zedekiah Montanez, plus Kevin Sears takes on Ahmed Samir in a heavyweight attraction and a bantamweight affair that sees Turpal Khamzayev battle Joseph Penafiel.

Rounding out the exciting inaugural night of MMA Pro League fights are Mark Kolker facing Zulkarnaiyn Kamchybekov in a middleweight fight, a lightweight showdown between Shan Cella and Francisco Muniz and a welterweight matchup between Justin Osborn and Andy Jimenez.

Ledesma is a native of West Orange, NJ and currently holds a 14-7 record as a professional fighter. Bernardo is originally from Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil and has a professional record of 8-4.

Ruiz fights out of Woodland Park, NJ with an 0-1 record as a professional fighter and an amateur record of 5-2-1 in the flyweight division. Hier is originally from Daison, MI. He later moved to Philadelphia to train at Gracie Gym. Hier has a record of 1-1 as a professional fighter in the bantamweight division.

Walo was born in Cleveland, OH and spent the first few years of his life there before moving to Liberia at a very young age. Walo eventually returned to the U.S. to join the United States National Guard and was stationed as a guard in an Iraqi prison. While in Iraq, Walo was exposed to mixed martial arts and quickly fell in love with the sport. When Walo returned home, he began training and made his professional debut in December 2010. He has accumulated a professional record of 12-2-1. Celestino is from Brasilia, Brazil and has a 5-2 record as a professional fighter in the Middleweight division.

Pagano, a United States military veteran, is originally from Fayetteville, NC. He later moved to New Jersey to train with Dan Miller’s Miller Brothers MMA. Pagano is also a trainer at the gym and serves as the head instructor for the gym’s Little Spartans youth martial arts and anti-bullying program. He is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with an 0-1 record as a professional fighter. Montanez is a mixed martial arts fighter based in Pennsylvania. He has a 3-2 record in the featherweight division.

Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sears is an eleven-fight MMA veteran who owns seven wins after a strong amateur career. Representing his native Egypt, Samir won his only professional MMA fight by knockout and owns an 11-1 record as a professional boxer.

Bantamweight brawler Khamzayev was born in New Jersey and turned professional in May of this year when he lost his debut. He takes on Orlando’sPenafiel, who won a decision in his professional debut in April.

Kolker will represent New Jersey, but was born and raised in Alabama. He made his professional MMA debut in June 2017 with a decision victory. After amassing an amateur record of 4-0, Kamchybekov will make his his professional MMA debut on Saturday night.

A 23-year-old from New Jersey, Cella will return to action for his second professional MMA fight. Muniz is originally from Caguas, Puerto Rico. His preferred discipline is Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Muniz has fought five times in his native Puerto Rico, attaining a record of 4-1.

Osborn is originally from Tennessee before representing New Jersey. He emerged victorious in his professional debut in August. Fighting out of New York, Jimenez was 3-0 in amateur MMA bouts and will fight for the first time professionally on Saturday’s card.

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mixed martial arts, MMA, MMA Pro League, MMAPRO

GET TO KNOW MMA PRO LEAGUE’S TEAM NEW JERSEY

September 7, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Head Coach Dan Miller’s Team New Jersey Battles

Team Pennsylvania in MMA Pro League Inaugural Event

Saturday, September 15 From Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City & Streaming on FloCombat.com

Team New Jersey Talks Motivation, Fighting Style & More!

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (September 5, 2018) – As the inaugural fight night approaches for the newest entity in MMA, MMA Pro League, get to know the fighters for head coach Dan Miller’s Team New Jersey before they battle Team Pennsylvania Saturday, September 15 from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and streaming live on FloCombat.com.

Tickets for the inaugural installment of “MMA Pro League At The Hard Rock” on Saturday, September 15, featuring Team New Jersey vs. Team Pennsylvania, are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Here is what Dan Miller’s Team New Jersey fighters had to say as they prepare to take on head coach Daniel Gracie’s Team Pennsylvania:

CLAUDIO LEDESMA

Weight Class: Flyweight

Hometown: West Orange, NJ

Why do you fight?

“I fight because I love the sport and I feel I was gifted the ability to do it competitively. So I can’t let it go to waste.”

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“My favorite fighter is actually a blend of Frankie Edgar and Marlon Moraes. I look up to both of them as fighters and try to put a little piece of each of them in my game.”

What is your fighting background and style?

“I’m a jiu jitsu black belt. Jiu jitsu is what got my foot in the door but now I’m a complete fighter and don’t really favor any single style.”

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“I love New Jersey. I was born and bred here. MMA Pro League allows me to represent my state!”

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“It’s the diversity. Jersey is a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds. I believe this state breeds the toughest guys around.”

TURPAL KHAMZAYEV

Weight Class: 130-pound Catchweight

Hometown: Clifton, NJ

Why do you fight?

“I fight because it’s in my blood. I was born to fight and that’s what I do best.”

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“Growing up as a kid I used to watch boxing, and some of the boxers I really enjoyed watching were Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Prince Naseem Hamed. I also steal a little bit of everyone’s styles from different contact sports, because you can’t be a one-dimensional fighter in modern MMA.”

What is your fighting background and style?

“My fighting background is pretty much all aspects of contact sports. I’ve earned a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, I have multiple grappling titles, multiple kickboxing/Muay Thai titles and three amateur MMA titles in two different promotions and in two different weight classes.”

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“MMA Pro League is the right fit for me because they are doing something new. It’s something that has not been done before, having two states compete against each other to see who wins. It is also a little different from other promotions because in other promotions you just go and fight for yourself, but in MMA Pro League you have a whole state behind you, and all the pressure is on you because you don’t want to let your team down.”

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“My favorite thing about New Jersey is that we always bring the heat in any competition against anyone.”

KEVIN SEARS

Weight Class: Heavyweight

Hometown: Newark, NJ

Why do you fight?

There’s a lot of different reasons why I fight. The first reason was because I was a fan. I love the sport and entertainment, but the real reason why I fight is for my daughter and to show her you can chase your dreams and be great at something you’re passionate about.

I visited the UFC Expo at the first one they had in Las Vegas. It was a totally life-changing experience. I was just a fan of UFC and MMA, but when I went down there I knew that I was destined to be a fighter, gladiator and a badass.”

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“My favorite fighter more recently was Kimbo Slice, may he rest in peace. I did have a favorite fighter growing up, and yes, it was the one and only Georges St-Pierre. If it wasn’t ‘GSP’ then it was Tito Ortiz, just some all-around badass dudes.

Nowadays I really don’t follow fighting, but if I had to say my favorite active fighter fighting now, it’s definitely Jose Aldo. I’m an old school UFC guy from back in the day. Now I just see competition.”

What is your fighting background and style?

“My fighting style is just brawl and cause damage in there. I really don’t have a style. I go in there and try to get the job done even if it’s sloppy. You could say I’m emulating Kimbo combined with a wrestler.”

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“MMA Pro League is for me because it’s my next challenge and I can’t wait.”

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

My favorite thing about New Jersey is my Aunt Denise, my grandma and my cousin Jazz. They lived in Newark most of their lives. Those are my people.”

MARK KOLKER

Weight Class: Welterweight

Hometown: Mobile, AL

Why do you fight?

“I like to fight because fighting is one of the few things in life I’m truly passionate about and gives me purpose. Also fighting provides the opportunity for a better life.”

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“I don’t really emulate any one fighter. I try to pick up as much as I can from different fighters and coaches and mix them into my game.”

What is your fighting background and style?

“I am a mixed martial artist and have been fighting as an amateur and professional for four years now.”

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“I am excited to fight for MMA Pro League because it is a well-run organization, and the opportunity to fight on their first show in Atlantic City seems like a great opportunity.”

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“I am not from New Jersey although I train there. I am representing Mobile, Alabama. My favorite thing about Mobile is that on the coast we are a family, and we are eager to show the talent we have on the Gulf Coast.”

SHAN CELIA

Weight Class: Featherweight

Hometown: Wayne, NJ

Why do you fight?

“I fight for many reasons. I have a lot of passion for this sport and am looking to become the best.”

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“My favorite fighter other than myself would have to be Muhammad Ali because of the impact he had around the world. I wish to do the same one day, in my own way. I watch many fighters and am always studying combat, taking techniques from all the greats in all combat sports.”

What is your fighting background and style?

“I started in full on MMA, not one specific background.”

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“MMA Pro League is the right fit for me because they are professionals and take it seriously just like me.”

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“My favorite thing about New Jersey is most people from here are blue collar, hard-working people, and it pushes me to chase my dreams.”

FRANCISCO MUNIZ

Weight Class: 140-pound Catchweight

Hometown: Caguas, Puerto Rico

Why do you fight?

“Because I have a huge chip on my shoulder.”

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“I don’t have a favorite fighter, I just try to be me.”

What is your fighting background and style?

“Brazilian jiu jitsu is my style.”

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“Because they’re giving me a shot that I’m worthy of.”

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“It’s close to so many great things, like New York.”

GABRIEL RUIZ

Weight Class: Bantamweight

Hometown: Woodland Park, NJ

Why do you fight?

“I fight because I love to compete and the rush of going out there to the cage and being the best man of the night.”

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“My favorite fighter is Rich Franklin. I kind of got my style from him. I just go out and fight and put my heart out there.”

What is your fighting background and style?

“I have an all-around background, but I love to stand up. I feel comfortable anywhere though.”

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“MMA Pro League is the right fit for me because we are taken care of and it has a lot of benefits that people are going to see both immediately and over time.”

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“My favorite thing in New Jersey is the people. We’re Jersey strong. Also, the food is great here.”

MIKE PAGANO

Weight Class: Featherweight

Hometown: Stanhope, NJ

Why do you fight?

“I fight because when I was growing up I was picked on and bullied a lot. I had to learn how to stand up for myself. Also, later on in my youth I had to take care of my father who was very sick with brain cancer, which took his life in 2008.

Seeing my father go through his daily battles and frustrations made me realize I could overcome anything in life. My father was and will always be my hero. He was one of the toughest, stubbornest, hardest workers I had the pleasure of knowing and had the pleasure of calling my dad. Each time I step into that cage I know he`s with me.”

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“My favorite fighter, or fighters if I could merge them together, would have to be Georges St-Pierre, Dominick Cruz, Mike Tyson and Buakaw Banchamek. As far as emulating their styles, each has something I like within their fighting styles or fighter I.Q., but for me I like to be my own fighter. I never want to be a paper cut out version of someone else. That`s the beautiful thing about MMA, all these different styles can mesh into one and you can create your style how you want.”

What is your fighting background and style?

“I`m a wrestler, boxer and black belt in jiu jitsu under Sean “Shorty Rock” Santella.”

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“I feel MMA Pro League is the right fit for me because they are starting their own chapter in MMA and I love being a part of it! I like the concept as far as team versus team and the way you can collect points for your team by either KO/TKO, Submission, or Decision. It definitely makes a fighter want to push harder for that big win!”

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“The Pizza!”

JUSTIN OSBORN

Weight Class: Lightweight

Hometown: Mobile, AL

Why do you fight?

“It’s what I love to do. This is what comes naturally to me. I was born to fight, plain and simple.”

Do you have a favorite fighter or someone you try to emulate?

“I’m trying to emulate the best Justin Osborn possible.”

What is your fighting background and style?

“Wrestling is my style.”

Why is MMA Pro League the right fit for you?

“They are giving me a cage to fight in and an opponent to fight. I’m here to fight my heart out and they are giving me a platform to do so.”

What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?

“I’ve never been on the East Coast before, so I’m looking forward to experiencing it.”

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mixed martial arts, MMA

MMA PRO LEAGUE ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONAL & APPAREL PARTNERS

August 17, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Six Promotional Partners On-Board

Supporting MMA Pro League

Jab Apparel Set to Provide Uniforms Ahead of

Inaugural Event Saturday, September 15 at

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (August 16, 2018) – The newest entity in MMA and professional team sports, MMA Pro League, has struck an apparel partnership with Jab Apparel, as well as six promotional partners, ahead of their inaugural fight card on Saturday, September 15

at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and streaming live on FloCombat.com.

In addition to Jab Apparel, the companies providing their promotional support for MMA Pro League are Everlast, the preeminent boxing brand since 1910, Select, a U.S.-based premium benefits card company, Everipedia, the world’s largest English encyclopedia by content, Captiv8, a full-service promotional product and marketing agency, the Village Pourhouse a New York City sports bar and cigar company Q Cigar. All promotional partners will also be distributing MMA Pro League video and photo content across their websites and social media platforms.

“We are very encouraged by the breadth of promotional support being provided by this great group of companies who believe in MMA Pro League and our team concept,” said MMA Pro League CEO Hani Darwish. “We are very excited that they are with us at the launch of a new era in MMA.”

“I’d like to thank all of our promotional partners, as well as FloSports and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, for their support of MMA Pro League,” said MMAPL president Mark Taffet. “Their efforts not only enhance our brand but also extend the reach of MMA Pro League to fans across many demographic groups.”

Amongst the many ways that these companies will be engaging fans heading intoSeptember 15 include various discounts and special offers for purchasing tickets through their vendors. Ticket buyers using their Select card will be given significant discounts, while purchasing tickets at a Q Cigar location will net fans free Robusto and Churchill cigars. Fans who buy tickets at Village Pourhouse will receive a free drink with their purchase and be rewarded with a discount meal after the fight.

The Everipedia database will house the biographies of each MMA Pro League fighter and be accessible from the league’s website. Everipedia will also present the “Tale of the Tape” for each fight and service other statistical information.

Jab Apparel, a UK-based company that launched in March, will provide training apparel and fight night uniforms for MMA Pro League teams and employees. Everlast will be the official glove provider of MMA Pro League, while Captiv8 will deliver MMA Pro League promotional items.

These partnerships are on top of the previously announced deals with the beautiful new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, which will host a series of MMA Pro League matches, and FloSports, who will exclusively stream all MMA Pro League team fight action live on their worldwide combat sports site, FloCombat.com.

Tickets for the inaugural installment of “MMA Pro League At The Hard Rock” onSaturday, September 15, featuring Team New Jersey vs. Team Pennsylvania, are available at Ticketmaster.com.

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mixed martial arts, MMA, MMAPRO

MMA PRO LEAGUE ANNOUNCES BROADCAST TEAM & RING ANNOUNCER

August 8, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich & Play-By-Play Veteran T.J. De Santis Team Up for Broadcast Streaming

Live on FloCombat.com

Jazz Securo Set for Ring Announcing Duties

Inaugural Event Saturday, September 15 from

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (August 7, 2018) – The newest entity in MMA, MMA Pro League, will feature a top-flight broadcast and in-arena experience led by UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich on color commentary along with play-by-play veteran T.J. De Santis, while ring announcer Jazz Securo will call the fighters into the ring for MMA Pro League’s inaugural event Saturday, September 15 streaming live on FloCombat.com from the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.

The show will pit fighters from Team New Jersey, which is led by head coach Dan Miller of the Miller Brothers, against Team Pennsylvania and their head coach, Daniel Gracie of the renowned Gracie family.

MMA Pro League CEO Hani Darwish said, “I can’t think of a better way to kick off MMA Pro League’s new era and team concept than with a team of broadcast professionals like Pat Miletich, T.J. De Santis and Jazz Securo. MMA Pro League viewers on FloCombat are in for a real treat.”

“I am thrilled with the depth and breadth of experience and the great passion which Pat Miletich, T.J. De Santis and Jazz Securo will bring to MMA Pro League’s inaugural telecast on September 15 from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City,” said MMA Pro League president Mark Taffet. “Our viewers will be informed, engaged and entertained at the highest level by this great group of broadcasters.”

Tickets for the inaugural installment of “MMA Pro League At The Hard Rock”are available at Ticketmaster.com.

An Iowa-native trained in disciplines ranging from Muay-Thai and boxing, to wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Miletich broke through on the big stage by becoming the first UFC welterweight champion back in 1999. After his storied MMA career that saw him inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2014, Miletich opened an MMA academy that would produce 11 MMA world champions. In 2009, he began his broadcasting career providing color commentary for Strikeforce throughout its run on SHOWTIME. He has also done commentary for fights on AXS TV and ESPN’s MMA Live.

“I am excited that MMA Pro League is celebrating team MMA,” said Miletich. “The team aspect is far more exciting, and the strategy of coaching a group of fighters to face another team will bring out the best in the athletes. I’m honored to be calling the inaugural MMA Pro League event at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on September 15.”

A broadcast veteran of over two decades, De Santis broke into the businessas a junior in high school when he earned a spot on the KXXR-FM station lineup in Minneapolis. He has provided play-by-play for numerous organizations, including Invicta Fighting Championships, The Eddie Bravo Invitational and Roy Jones Jr.’s Island Fights. De Santis currently works with the likes of Tyron Woodley and Bruce Buffer on a litany of MMA podcasts and has produced shows for ESPN.com, SI.com, Ring Magazine and FOX Sports throughout his career.

“I’m thrilled to bring my extensive MMA broadcasting experience to MMA Pro League and their team concept,” said De Santis. “It will be an honor to be joined cageside by Hall of Famer Pat Miletich to call the action live on September 15 from the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. I can’t wait for this new era in MMA to begin!”

After more than 20 years of announcing, Securo has introduced countless fighters, recording artists, athletes and teams at prominent venues around the world. He has announced events on PPV, cable and satellite TV on NBC, NBC Sports Network, AXS TV and FOX Sports, in addition to being featured in the Oscar Nominated film “Foxcatcher”. The New Orleans-native has been awarded “Best Ring Announcer” at the 2013 Florida MMA Awards and was nominated for “Ring Announcer of the Year” at the 2016 Bluegrass MMA Awards.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the inaugural MMA Pro League event in Atlantic City on September 15^th,” said Securo. “I’m honored to work with legendary combat sports executives Mark Taffet and Hani Darwish, and I look forward to contributing to their innovative vision of a new era of MMA. It’s about to go down!”

mixed martial arts, MMA

First Seven Matches Set for MMA Pro League Inaugural Event Saturday, September 15 from New Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City & Streaming Live on FloCombat.com

August 1, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Head Coach Dan Miller Leads Team New Jersey Against

Head Coach Daniel Gracie & Team Pennsylvania

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (July 31, 2018) – The newest entity in MMA, MMA Pro League, has set the first seven matches that will take place at their inaugural event Saturday, September 15 at the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and streaming live on FloCombat.com.

The September 15 event will pit fighters from Team New Jersey, which is led by head coach Dan Miller of the Miller Brothers, against Team Pennsylvania and their head coach, Daniel Gracie of the renowned Gracie family.

“We are very excited to announce these first seven matches for our inaugural MMA Pro League at The Hard Rock event on Saturday, September 15,” said MMA Pro League CEO Hani Darwish. “The fighters are proud to be representing Team New Jersey and Team Pennsylvania, and are committed to giving the fans a great show that night.” Darwish and MMA Pro League President Mark Taffet are leading the efforts for this newest addition to the professional team sports landscape.

MMA Pro League action will see Claudio Ledesma taking on Andre Bernardo in a flyweight fight, Gabriel Ruiz in a bantamweight clash against Cody Hier, the professional MMA debut of Francisco Muniz as he takes on Joe Schick at a 140-pound catchweight and a women’s bantamweight showdown between Erika Bobierand Kylie O’Hearn.

Rounding out the lineup of fights that are currently set are Sodik Ismoilov battling Andrew Salas in a featherweight attraction, Mike Pagano in a featherweight bout against Zedekiah Montanez and a middleweight contest that pits Emmanuel Walo against Rafael Celestino.

Additional fighters and matchups will be announced for the September 15 event in the weeks leading up to fight night as coach Miller and coach Gracie prepare their teams for the groundbreaking night of action.

“I’m very excited about my Team New Jersey fighters,” said Miller. “We will be in great shape on September 15 and give our fans a big victory over Daniel Gracie and Team Pennsylvania. This is a new era in MMA and we’re going to start it off with a bang!”

“I can’t wait to test myself as an MMA coach against Team New Jersey,” said Gracie. “I’m coming to this league to win. This team concept is the future of MMA and it’s going to make these fights even more exciting. As a Gracie, I expect hard work from my team, but victory is the only thing on my mind. I’m not playing around. Coach Miller better have his team ready!”

Tickets for the inaugural installment of “MMA Pro League At The Hard Rock”will be available at Ticketmaster.com starting August 1.

Ruiz fights out of Woodland Park, NJ with an 0-1 record as a professional fighter and an amateur record of 5-2-1 in the flyweight division. Hier is originally from Davidson, MI. He later moved to Philadelphia to train at Gracie Gym. Hier has a record of 1-1 as a professional fighter in the bantamweight division.

Muniz is originally from Caguas, Puerto Rico. His preferred discipline is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Muniz has fought five times in his native Puerto Rico, attaining a record of 4-1. Schick, from Hamilton, NJ, was a Division 1 wrestler. He began fighting as an amateur in 2015. Within one year, Schick accumulated an amateur record of 5-0. He then turned professional and holds a 1-2 record in the pro ranks. Schick is also a middle school teacher in Fairlawn, NJ where he teaches science, match and social studies.

Bobier has an amateur record of 0-1 fighting out of Michigan. She’ll be making her professional debut on September 15. O’Hearn recorded a 3-1 amateur record fighting out of Massachusetts. She will also be making her professional debut.

Ismoilov, fighting out of Moscow, Russia, has a record of 1-2 as a professional fighter in the bantamweight division. Salas is affiliated with Wilkie’s Warriors, based in Bridgewater, NJ. He currently has a 5-1 record as a professional fighter.

Walo was born in Cleveland, OH and spent the first few years of his life there before moving to Liberia at a very young age. Walo eventually returned to the U.S. to join the United States National Guard and was stationed as a guard in an Iraqi prison. While in Iraq, Walo was exposed to mixed martial arts and quick fell in love with the sport. When Walo returned home, he began training and made his professional debut int December 2010. He has accumulated a professional record of 12-2-1. Celestino is from Brasilia, Brazil and has a 5-2 record as a professional fighter in the middleweight division.

For additional information and official statistics on MMA Pro League fighters, please visit https://everipedia.org/wiki/mma-pro-league/.

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mixed martial arts, MMA

MMA PRO LEAGUE ANNOUNCES MULTI-EVENT STREAMING DEAL WITH FLOSPORTS

July 17, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Inaugural Event Moved from July 20 to

Saturday, September 15 At New

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City

Full Night of Action Headlined by Team New Jersey vs.

Team Pennsylvania Will Stream Live on FloCombat.com

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (July 17, 2018) – The newest entity in MMA, MMA Pro League, has secured a multi-fight deal with FloSports to exclusively stream all MMA Pro League action live on their worldwide combat sports site, FloCombat.com.

This deal will begin with MMA Pro League’s inaugural event that will now take place Saturday, Sept. 15, at the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and feature Team New Jersey and head coach Dan Miller of the Miller Brothers taking on Team Pennsylvania, who are led by head coach Daniel Gracie of the renowned Gracie family.

“We’re thrilled that a worldwide audience will have the opportunity to experience our exciting inaugural event on FloCombat.com,” said President of MMA Pro League, Mark Taffet. “To accommodate this new deal, the first installment of ‘MMA Pro League At The Hard Rock’ will take place Saturday, Sept. 15, to provide optimal time to put the broadcast team, production plan and telecast elements in place and ensure the best possible experience for our audience. We can’t wait for the first bell to ring.”

Fights streaming on FloCombat.com will include main card team action and preliminary matches, with the prelim bouts also available on FloCombat’s Facebook page. In the weeks leading up to live MMA Pro League events, both MMA Pro League and FloCombat will utilize their social and digital media platforms to provide content to fans such as regular updates from training camps, coverage of fight week activities including weigh-in and team workouts, plus original behind-the-scenes video.

MMA Pro League will produce the live events and announce the broadcast team for future broadcasts in the coming weeks in addition to announcements of the Team New Jersey and Team Pennsylvania rosters.

Tickets for the Sept. 15 inaugural installment of “MMA Pro League At The Hard Rock” will be available at Ticketmaster.com starting Aug. 1.

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Tag Archives: MMA Pro League

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First Seven Matches Set for MMA Pro League Inaugural Event Saturday, September 15 from New Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City & Streaming Live on FloCombat.com

MMA PRO LEAGUE ANNOUNCES MULTI-EVENT STREAMING DEAL WITH FLOSPORTS

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