Tag Archives: mma

“BELLATOR: BROOKS vs. JANSEN” OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS FIGHT ON SPIKE

“BELLATOR: BROOKS vs. JANSEN” OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS FIGHT ON SPIKE

 

Champ Will Brooks (155) vs. Dave Jansen (154.6)

Champ Will Brooks (155) vs. Dave Jansen (154.6)

 

“I’m going to go out there and cut Dave Jansen down. I’m going to smoke him. I’m going to embarrass him.” – Will Brooks

“My mental edge is going to be key and me beating Will on Friday night. I’ve always believed it’s mentality before physicality, and it’s my mentality that’s going to lead me to the world title. It’s also going to be because of my experience, determination and laser focus. All of these things are just culminating into the perfect storm.” – Dave Jansen

 

Additional photos available here / credit to Bellator MMA / Eric Coleman

 

IRVINE. Calif. – April 9, 2015 – 25 of the 26 fighters competing on Friday’s “Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” took to the scales and successfully hit their targeted weights Thursday afternoon at the Radisson Hotel in Newport Beach, Calif. The stacked MMA card emanates from the Bren Events Center in Irvine, Calif., tomorrow, airing LIVE and FREE on Spike at 9 p.m. ET.

 

“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” is headlined by a fight between Bellator Lightweight World Champion Will Brooks (15-1) and Dave Jansen (20-2). “Ill Will” has won six consecutive bouts, while “The Fugitive” has rallied off seven straight victories of his own.

 

The event also features the return of multi-combat sports star Joe Schilling (2-3), who faces Brazilian standout Rafael Carvalho (10-1) in a middleweight co-main event.

 

“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” – Friday, April 10, Bren Events Center, Irvine, Calif.

 

Joe Schilling (185.6) vs. Rafael Carvalho (185.8)

 

Joe Schilling (185.6) vs. Rafael Carvalho (185.8)

 

Marcin Held (155.8) vs. Alexander Tiger Sarnavskiy (155)

 

Marcin Held (155.8) vs. Alexander “Tiger” Sarnavskiy (155)

Alexander Volkov (243) vs. Tony Johnson (264)

 

Alexander Volkov (243) vs. Tony Johnson (264)

 

Fabricio Guerreiro (145.8) vs. John Teixeira (145.2)

Fabricio Guerreiro (145.8) vs. John Teixeira (145.2)

 

Joey Beltran (184) vs. Brian Rogers (186)

 

Joey Beltran (184) vs. Brian Rogers (186)

 

Saad Awad (155.4) vs. Rob Sinclair (155.2)

 

Saad Awad (155.4) vs. Rob Sinclair (155.2)

 

A.J. McKee (144) vs. Marcos Bonilla (147)

 

A.J. McKee (144) vs. Marcos Bonilla (146

 

Jonathan Santa Maria (125) vs. Steve Ramirez (126)

 

Jonathan Santa Maria (125) vs. Steve Ramirez (126)

 

Chris Herrera (186) vs. Luc Bondole (185.6)

 

Chris Herrera (186) vs. Luc Bondole (185.6)

 

Chad George (136) vs. Mark Vorgeas (135.6)

 

Cleber Luciano (150) vs. Aaron Miller (150)

 

Jay Bogan (147.4) vs. Justin Governale (146)

 

Jay Bogan (146.6) vs. Justin Governale (146)

 

Aaron Miller (150) vs. Cleber Luciano (150)

 

Chad George (136) vs. Mark Vorgeas (135.6)

 

 

“Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove” preliminary card takes shape with Jesse Juarez vs. Ricky Rainey, Joe Taimanglo vs. Antonio Duarte, and Jordan Parsons-Julio Cesar Neves Jr.

 

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 9, 2015) – A talent-laden preliminary card for May’s “Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove” event is starting to take shape with the addition of welterweights Jesse Juarez (22-9) vs. Ricky “The Sniper” Rainey (10-3), bantamweights Joe “The Juggernaut” Taimanglo (20-6-1) vs. Antonio “Tigre” Duarte (18-5) and featherweight Jordan “Pretty Boy” Parsons (10-1) vs. Julio Cesar “Morceguinho” Neves Jr. (30-0).

 

The new additions complement the four-bout main card for “Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove,” which includes undefeated Bellator MMA World Middleweight Champion Brandon “Bull” Halsey (8-0) against towering Hawaiian scrapper Kendall “Da Spyder” Grove (21-14), former Bellator MMA World Champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (16-4) vs. Mike “The Marine” Richman (18-5), light heavyweights Virgil “Rezdog” Zwicker (13-4-1) vs. “Razor” Razak Al-Hassan (12-4) and welterweights Fernando “The Menifee Maniac” Gonzalez (23-13) vs. “Curtious” Curtis Millander (7-1).

 

“Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” takes place on Friday, May 15, at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif. The night’s main card airs live on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT local time), while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com.

 

Tickets for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,” which start at just $50, are currently on sale at Pechanga.com and the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office.

 

Doors for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” open at 3:30 p.m. PT local time, and the first contest takes place 30 minutes later. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

Juarez, of Torrance, Calif., is a seven-time Bellator MMA veteran whose days with the company date back to the promotion’s second show. The 33-year-old has been fighting professionally since 2006 but is currently enjoying one of the best runs of his career at 5-1 in his past six appearances, a run that includes Bellator MMA wins over Ron Keslar, Joe Williams and Jordan Smith.

 

Rainey, of Gastonia, N.C., fights for the fourth time under the Bellator MMA banner. All three of Rainey’s Bellator MMA fights have ended in the first round, as he’s bracketed TKO wins over Johnny Cisneros and Andy Murad around a loss to top contender Michael “Venom” Page. Seven of Rainey’s 10 career wins have come by finish, including six by knockout.

 

A five-time Bellator MMA veteran, Taimanglo has quickly established himself as one of Guam’s top fighting exports. A scrappy 30-year-old, Taimanglo never fails to entertain. He fought most recently in September, scoring a decision win over Michael Parker.

 

Fighting professionally since 2006, Duarte hails from Tijuana, Mexico. He makes his Bellator MMA debut on the strength of back-to-back submission wins over Marco Beristain and Ed West. Fifteen of Duarte’s 18 career wins come by way of stoppage, including 11 by tapout.

 

The 24-year-old Parsons, of Fargo, N.D., is a member of California’s famed Alliance MMA. Fighting professionally, Parsons has established himself as one of the top prospects in the world after winning 10 of his first 11 professional fights, including three by knockout and two by submission. Parsons made his Bellator MMA debut in April 2014, scoring a knockout win over Tim Bazer just four seconds into the second round.

 

Brazil’s Neves Jr. has compiled an incredible career mark of 30-0 despite being just 20 years old. Competing professionally since 2011, when he was just 17 years old, Neves Jr. already owns a pair of Bellator MMA victories by TKO, as he downed Poppies Martinez in the first round of a September 2014 matchup and finished Josh Arocho in the second round of an April 2014 contest.

 

“Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove”Friday, May 15, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, Calif.

 

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

 

Bellator Middleweight Title Fight: Champ Brandon Halsey (8-0) vs. Kendall Grove (21-14)

Bellator Featured Bantamweight Fight: Eduardo Dantas (16-4) vs. Mike Richman (18-5)

Bellator Featured Light Heavyweight Fight: Virgil Zwicker (13-4-1) vs. Razak Al-Hassan (12-4)

Bellator Featured Welterweight Fight: Fernando Gonzalez (23-13) vs. Curtis Millender (7-1)

 

Preliminary Card (7 p.m. ET)

 

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Jesse Juarez (22-9) vs. Ricky Rainey (10-3)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Joe Taimanglo (20-6-1) vs. Antonio Duarte (18-5)

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Jordan Parsons (10-1) vs. Julio Cesar Neves Jr. (30-0)

821 SECONDS OF AWESOME; GET READY FOR FRIDAY’S “BELLATOR: BROOKS vs. JANSEN” WITH NEW “IN FOCUS” & “FOUNDATIONS” DIGITAL CONTENT

 IN-FOCUS

Bellator MMA: In Focus with Will Brooks
Bellator MMA: In Focus with Will Brooks
Bellator MMA: In Focus with Joe Schilling
Bellator MMA: In Focus with Joe Schilling
FOUNDATIONS
Bellator MMA: Foundations with Alexander Volkov
Bellator MMA: Foundations with Alexander Volkov
Bellator MMA: Foundations with Tiger Sarnavskiy
Bellator MMA: Foundations with Tiger Sarnavskiy
Bellator MMA: Foundations with Marcin Held
Bellator MMA: Foundations with Marcin Held

 

“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” takes place on Friday, April 10, at Bren Events Center in Irvine, Calif. The night’s televised main card, featuring Bellator MMA Lightweight World Champion Will Brooks vs. top contender Dave Jansen, airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts stream live on Spike.com 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT.

Tickets for “Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen,” which start at just $38, are on sale at Bellator.com and Bren.UCI.edu.

“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” – Friday, April 10, Bren Events Center, Irvine, Calif.

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

Bellator Lightweight Title Fight: Champ Will Brooks (15-1) vs. Dave Jansen (20-2)

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-3) vs. Rafael Carvalho (10-1)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Marcin Held (20-3) vs. Alexander “Tiger” Sarnavskiy (30-2)

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Alexander Volkov (24-4) vs. Tony Johnson (8-2)

Preliminary Card (7:30 p.m. ET)

Bellator Flyweight Prelim Fight: Fabricio Guerreiro (20-3) vs. John Teixeira (17-1-2)

Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Saad Awad (17-6) vs. Rob Sinclair (12-2)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Joey Beltran (15-11) vs. Brian Rogers (11-7)

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Jay Bogan (6-4) vs. Justin Governale (3-2)

 

Dark Bouts (Following Spike TV broadcast)

 

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Marcos Bonilla (1-1) vs. A.J. McKee (0-0)

Bellator Flyweight Prelim Fight: Jonathan Santa Maria (3-0) vs. Steve Ramirez (0-1)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Chris Herrera (4-2) vs. Luc Bondole (4-1-1)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Chad George (15-8) vs. Mark Vorgeas (5-2-1)

Bellator Catchweight (150 pounds) Prelim Fight: Cleber Luciano (10-5) vs. Aaron Miller (14-9)

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

Updated “Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” lineup complete with 13 fights; new contest pitting Jay Bogan against Justin Governale added

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 1, 2015) – The star-studded 13-bout lineup for “Bellator MMA: Brooks vs. Jansen” has been updated with the addition of a featherweight preliminary contest between Jay Bogan (6-4) vs. Justin Governale (3-2). In addition, Chris Herrera (4-2) replaces Ben Jones against Luc Bondole (4-1-1).

 

“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” takes place on Friday, April 10, at Bren Events Center in Irvine, Calif. The night’s televised main card, featuring Bellator MMA Lightweight World Champion Will Brooks vs. top contender Dave Jansen, airs live on Spike TV (9 p.m. ET), while preliminary bouts stream live on Spike.com (7 p.m. ET).

Tickets for “Bellator: Warren vs. Galvao,” which start at just $38, are already on sale at Bellator.com and Bren.UCI.edu.

Bogan, will be making his Bellator MMA debut against Governale. The Fullerton, Calif., native has earned five of his six professional wins by way of submission and as recently as March 15 won his fourth consecutive bout.

Governale, who fights out of Laguna Hills, Calif., has previously accrued three victories on the regional circuit and will now be making his first appearance under the Bellator MMA banner. The Subfighter MMA-product was last in action on Nov. 22.

Herrera will step in on short notice to fight Bondole. “The Crusher” just defeated Bondole at Bellator 132 and looks to make it two in a row on April 10. Bondole is originally from Portland, Maine, but now makes his home in Huntington Beach, Calif., where he trains with Kings MMA.

 

“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” – Friday, April 10, Bren Events Center, Irvine, Calif.

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

Bellator Lightweight Title Fight: Champ Will Brooks (15-1) vs. Dave Jansen (20-2)

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-3) vs. Rafael Carvalho (10-1)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Marcin Held (20-3) vs. Alexander “Tiger” Sarnavskiy (30-2)

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Alexander Volkov (24-4) vs. Tony Johnson (8-2)

Preliminary Card (7 p.m. ET)

Bellator Flyweight Prelim Fight: Fabricio Guerreiro (20-3) vs. John Teixeira (17-1-2)

Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Saad Awad (17-6) vs. Rob Sinclair (12-2)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Joey Beltran (15-11) vs. Brian Rogers (11-7)

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Jay Bogan (6-4) vs. Justin Governale (3-2)

 

Dark Bouts (Following Spike TV broadcast)

 

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Marcos Bonilla (1-1) vs. A.J. McKee (0-0)

Bellator Flyweight Prelim Fight: Jonathan Santa Maria (3-0) vs. Steve Ramirez (0-1)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Chris Herrera (4-2) vs. Luc Bondole (4-1-1)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Chad George (15-8) vs. Mark Vorgeas (5-2-1)

Bellator Catchweight (150 pounds) Prelim Fight: Cleber Luciano (10-5) vs. Aaron Miller (14-9)

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

“Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business” adds championship co-headliner with Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion Patricio Pitbull vs. Georgi Karakhanyan

Follow us on Twitter Easy Tweet: @BellatorMMA #UnfinishedBusiness gets @PatricioPitbull vs. @georgimma

 – rematch for the featherweight strap! #STL @KimboSlice @ShamrockKen

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 1, 2015) – Bellator MMA Featherweight World Champion Patricio Pitbull (23-2), the hard-hitting Brazilian who believes he’s the best 145-pounder on the planet, returns to action on Friday, June 19, when he puts his belt on the line against dynamic contender and five-time Bellator MMA veteran Georgi “Insane” Karakhanyan (24-4-1).

 

The championship bout serves as the co-main event of “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business.”

 

Featuring one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport with Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock, “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business” takes place Friday, June 19, at St. Louis’ Scottrade Center and airs live on Spike TV.

 

Tickets for “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business,” which start at just $30, are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com

 

Additional contests will be announced shortly.

 

Pitbull vs. Karakhanyan is a rematch more than four years in the making, as the current champion downed the challenger via third-round TKO in the Bellator cage in March 2011. However, Karakhanyan – who was born in Russia but now lives in Riverside, Calif. – has gone 10-1 in his 11 appearances since, picking up a pair of championship belts in smaller promotions while earning his way back to a Bellator MMA title fight.

 

“Insane” returned to the Bellator MMA cage in January, shocking top up-and-comer Bubba Jenkins with a dominating first-round submission win.

 

“June 19 brings an opportunity for me to avenge an old loss in this rematch with Pitbull,” said Karakhanyan. “People are going to see an all-out war, and when it is all said and done the belt is going to look great around my waist.”

 

The 27-year-old Pitbull, of Natal, Brazil, is a 13-time veteran of the promotion who captured the Bellator MMA Featherweight World Title with a September win over then-champion Pat Curran. Pitbull then defended his belt in January with a thrilling submission win over former champion Daniel Straus.

 

“Karakhanyan is a fighter among the top of the weightclass,” said Pitbull, “but I’m one dimension above. If you see a fight where I’m not hit from a single attack don’t be surprised. I’m preparing to not being hit and I guarantee to show absolute superiority in this new challenge!”

 

In 24 career appearances, Pitbull has only lost two fights, and both were the result of razor-thin, split-decision results.

“Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business” – Friday, May June 19, Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Mo.

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (4-2) vs. Ken Shamrock (28-15-2)

Bellator Featherweight Title Fight: Champ Patricio Pitbull (23-2) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-4-1)

Bellator Featured Lightweight Fight: Michael Chandler (12-3) vs. Derek Campos (15-4)

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

“Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove” main card complete with additions of Eduardo Dantas vs. Mike Richman, Virgil Zwicker vs. Razak Al-Hassan, Fernando Gonzalez vs. Curtis Millender

 Follow us on Twitter EASY TWEET: 

 adds three hard-hitting main card scraps, with 

@MikeUSMCRichman/@DuduDantasMMA, Zwicker/Al-Hassan & Millender/Gonzalez!

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 31, 2015) – The four-bout main card for May’s “Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove” is now complete with the additions of former Bellator MMA World Champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (16-4) vs. Mike “The Marine” Richman (18-5), light heavyweights Virgil “Rezdog” Zwicker (13-4-1) vs. “Razor” Razak Al-Hassan (12-4) and welterweights Fernando “The Menifee Maniac” Gonzalez (23-13) vs.“Curtious” Curtis Millender (7-1).

Featuring undefeated Bellator MMA World Middleweight Champion Brandon “Bull” Halsey (8-0) against towering Hawaiian scrapper Kendall “Da Spyder” Grove (21-14), “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,” takes place onFriday, May 15, at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif. The night’s main card airs live on Spike TV, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com.

Tickets for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,” which start at just $50, are currently on sale at Pechanga.com and the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office.

Doors for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” open at 3:30 p.m. PT local time, and the first contest takes place 30 minutes later. A full preliminary card will be announced shortly.

“I’m pumped that we were able to reschedule the Dantas-Richman fight so quickly,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “Last Friday, Bellator saw two amazing bantamweight contests that produced a new champion and a ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate.  Both Dantas and Richman are extremely exciting fighters who are undeniable standouts in a bantamweight division with a lot of depth.”

A key member of Brazil’s famed Nova Uniao team, Dantas has been competing professionally since 2007, fighting in both Japan and his native Brazil before making his way to Bellator MMA. The well-rounded fighter found immediate success, downing Wilson Reis, Ed West and Alexis Vila to claim a tournament victory that earned Dantas a shot at the Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Title. Dantas made good on the opportunity, choking out Zach Makovsky to claim the belt.

The 25-year-old Dantas successfully defended the belt twice with a knockout of current champ Marcos Galvao and a submission win over Anthony Leone before losing a hard-fought October decision to former champ Joe Warren in a “Fight of the Year” candidate.

Meanwhile, United States Marine Corps veteran Richman began his professional career in 2008, earning an impressive 11-1 record fighting exclusively in his home state of Minnesota. That run earned him a call from Bellator MMA, where he promptly earned knockout wins over Chris Horodecki and Jeremy Spoon in a combined time of just 106 seconds. Mixed results would follow, as he scored wins over Mitch Jackson, Alexandre Bezerra and Akop Stepanyan but fell short against the featherweight division’s very best fighters in Goiti Yamauchi, Desmond Green, Magomedrasul Khasbulaev and Shahbulat Shamhalaev.

The losses prompted Richman to make a move down to 135 pounds, and the choice has paid immediate dividends. The 29-year-old Richman has looked unbeatable at bantamweight, registering devastating first-round knockout wins over Nam Phan and Ed West.

The heavy-handed Zwicker fights in his hometown while making his fifth Bellator MMA appearance. The 32-year-old Team Quest fighter appeared most recently in January, earning a hard-fought split-decision victory over Houston Alexander. A striker by nature, nine of Zwicker’s 13 career wins have come by way of knockout.

Al-Hassan makes his Bellator MMA debut. Also 32 years old, the Roufusport fighter has been competing professionally since 2007 and has earned 11 of his 12 career wins by stoppage. However, in contrast to his opponent, Al-Hassan owns eight of those victories by submission. Al-Hassan returns from a two-year layoff from competition.

Gonzalez is hoping to earn his way to a shot at the Bellator MMA Welterweight World Title with another impressive victory. A native of Menifee, Calif., the 31-year-old has looked absolutely unstoppable in a three-fight Bellator MMA run, scoring consecutive victories over MMA notables Marius Zaromskis, Karo Parisyan and Karl Amoussou.

Millender hails from San Bernadino, Calif. The 27-year-old opened his professional career in 2013 with seven consecutive wins, earning him a spot on the Bellator MMA roster. However, in his promotional debut, he was forced to submit to a rear-naked choke against top contender Brennan “The Irish Bad Boy” Ward. Millender now looks to rebound from that loss and earn his first Bellator MMA victory.

“Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” – Friday, May 15, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, Calif.

Bellator Middleweight Title Fight: Champ Brandon Halsey (8-0) vs. Kendall Grove (21-14)

Bellator Featured Bantamweight Fight: Eduardo Dantas (16-4) vs. Mike Richman (18-5)

Bellator Featured Light Heavyweight Fight: Virgil Zwicker (13-4-1) vs. Razak Al-Hassan (12-4)

Bellator Featured Welterweight Fight: Fernando Gonzalez (23-13) vs. Curtis Millender (7-1)

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

NEF HIRES LONGTIME BELLATOR EXECUTIVE AS DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Lewiston, Maine (March 30, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, today announced the hiring of former Bellator executive Sam Caplan as the company’s new Director of National Business Development.  Caplan has signed a contract to work exclusively with the promotion in the New England states through his consulting company Combat Sports Media (CSM).  The new position within the organization was created specifically for Caplan.

 

“Adding a third executive to this mix was essential,” said NEF promoter Nick DiSalvo who co-owns the fight promotion with matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “As we’ve grown and the TV deals have been offered and we get more and more calls from big name fighters looking to fight for us, it’s become a lot for the two of us to handle along with the regular day-to-day operation of this business.  Sam has been at the national level for a long time.  He’s probably one of the top-five most experienced people in this country working at the highest stage of MMA event promotion.  He is a major asset to our company.  We are extremely fortunate to have him with us.”

 

Caplan was the Vice President of Talent Relations for Bellator from 2009 until 2014.  Prior to that time, he had worked for Fedor Amelianenko’s M-1 Global promotion, Titan Fighting Championships, and also worked in television for CBS and Showtime developing the first broadcasts of EliteXC and Strikeforce.  In 2013, he was named one of the “Top 20 Most Influential People in MMA” by USA Today and one of the “Power 20 in MMA” by Fight Magazine.   He currently hosts The MMA Insiders Podcast along with Jason Floyd.

 

“Combat Sports Media is excited about adding New England Fights to its client roster,” said Caplan.  “I have seen NEF’s operations from the inside out and am thoroughly impressed.  Creating a regional fight promotion that can sustain itself is no small fete in today’s MMA landscape.  In a short time, Matt and Nick have done an amazing job growing NEF to a point where it consistently puts 3,000-plus fans in the seats for its events.  I also believe that NEF hasn’t even yet scratched the surface with regard to its growth and CSM looks forward to playing a role in the promotion’s evolution.”

 

This will not be the first time Caplan has worked with NEF.  Caplan worked on a co-promotion NEF undertook with Bellator in March 2013.

 

“Working with Sam is always a pleasure,” stated Peterson.  “I’ve known Sam for several years now, since he created 5OuncesofPain.com.   There is no one more respected at the national level in MMA.  Sam’s presence is going to be a game changer for both the promotion and the athletes that compete for NEF.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVII,” is scheduled to take place onApril 11, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-7) will defend the NEF MMA Lightweight Title against number-one contender Jamie Harrison (5-1).  In addition, Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-1) meets Dennis Olson (12-7) in a welterweight contest.  Tickets for “NEF XVII” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 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.

 

About Combat Sports Media

 

Owned and operated by former Bellator MMA V.P. of Talent Relations and current Matrix Fights Promoter, Sam Caplan, CSM is an outsource business-to-business solution for companies in the combat sports industry.  Founded in 2008, CSM provides an array of services on a contract basis such as business development, negotiations, venue procurement, television contracts, public relations, television research production, website design and management, Internet video streaming, and matchmaking consulting.  Its past and present client list includes M-1 Global, CBS,SHOWTIME, the Titan Fighting Championship, Matrix Fights, Locked in the Cage, the World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts, ChokeOutPoker.net, NameDrop.com, and FightMetric.com.

FIGHT NETWORK MMA & KICKBOXING PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (Mar. 23-29, 2015)

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
ABOUT FIGHT NETWORK:  Fight Network is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to 24/7 coverage, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available in the U.S. on Cablevision in parts of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, Texas-based Grande Communications, Armstrong Cable in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, as well as on Shentel Cable in Virginia, West Virginia and portions of western Maryland. Fight Network is also on Roku set top boxes in the U.S. and Canada, streamed live on website KlowdTV.com, and available on all major carriers in Canada and more than 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, boxing, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

 

Below find highlights of this week’s programming:

Monday, Mar. 23

5:00 p.m. ETFighting Spirit MMA Season 4 – Compilation of international fights from SFL, Legend, FFC, M-1 and more.

6:00 – p.m. ET – USA Wrestling Weekly – Host Scott Casber gives weekly news and analysis centering around USA Wrestling, the sport’s national governing body, including interviews, features and a look back at the past.

6:30 p.m. ETJudo Baku Grand Slam – Highlights from Judo Baku Grand Slam from May 9-11 in Azerbaijan.

7:00 p.m. ET 5 Rounds – Hosts John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to break down the weekend of MMA action.

7:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

8:00 p.m. ETEnfusion Live #17: Slovakia – Featuring Andrew Tate, Jiri Zak, Miroslav Cingel and Rustam Guseinov from Apr. 26, 2014 in Slovakia.

Tuesday, Mar. 24

1:00 a.m. ET – Toe 2 Toe with Demain Maia – Sit-down interview with Brazilian UFC welterweight sensation and BJJ World Champion Demian Maia.

1:30 a.m. ETHip Show: Arena Combat – Tag-team MMA inside a 12m by 12m arena with three-level obstacle structures.

2:30 am. ET – XPTV – Coverage of regional U.S pro and amateur MMA.

4:00 p.m. ET5 Rounds Today – Video podcast with John Ramdeen and Robin Black breaking down a wide array of topics in the MMA world, including previews of upcoming events and all the latest rumors and headlines.

3:30 p.m. ETFight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and insid analysis of the fight game.

4:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.ETLegend 2: Cro Cop vs. Oleinik Featuring Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs. Alexey Oleinik on a hybrid MMA/kickboxing card from Nov. 8, 2013 in Moscow.

5:30 p.m. ETHip Show: Arena Combat – Tag-team MMA inside a 12m by 12m arena with three-level obstacle structures.

6:00 p.m. ETBest of Cage Rage – Featuring classic fights from the UK-based Cage Rage organization with Anderson Silva, Antonio Silva, Victor Belfort, Paul Daley and others.

7:00 p.m. ET Fight News Now. MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

7:00 & 7:30 p.m. ETXtreme Fighting Championship – Florida-based professional MMA featuring top American prospects, international stars and UFC veterans.

8:00 p.m. ET 5 Rounds – Hosts John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to break down the weekend of MMA action.

8:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

11:00 p.m. ETAustralia Fighting Championship 11 Featuring Zein Saliba vs. Maui Tuigamala and Kitt Campbell vs. Chris Birch from Nov. 22, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia.

Wednesday, Mar. 25

3:00 a.m. ETTexas Fight Night – MMA action from Texas featuring the Lone Star’s top prospects in the cage.

4:00 a.m. ET5 Rounds Today – Video podcast with John Ramdeen and Robin Black breaking down a wide array of topics in the MMA world, including previews of upcoming events and all the latest rumors and headlines.

6:00 p.m. ETBest of Cage Rage – Featuring classic fights from the UK-based Cage Rage organization with Anderson Silva, Antonio Silva, Victor Belfort, Paul Daley and others.

7:30 p.m. ETFight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

8:00 p.m. ETCage Warriors Fighting Championship 69: Super Saturday, Part 1 – Featuring Curt Warburton, Norman Paraisy, Jack Marshman, Ben Alloway, Bruno Carvalho and others/ in Part 1 of an MMA doubleheader in London.

11:00 p.m. ETMMA Meltdown with Gabriel Morency – Gabriel Morency breaks down all the happenings in MMA, discussing odds, predictions, plus special weekly guests and exclusive interviews.

11:30 p.m. ETTakeDown Wrestling – Extensive coverage of amateur wrestling events, including the latest news, behind-the-scenes coverage from events and exclusive interviews.

Thursday, Mar. 26

1:30 a.m. ETUltimate Challenge MMA 38: Vermola vs. Campbell – Featuring Karlos Vemola vs. Marvin Campbell and Arvydas Juska vs. Catalin Zmarandescu from Feb. 1, 2014 in London.

6:00 p.m. ETChampionship Fightling Alliance – Pro MMA from Florida featuring the likes of Josh Sampo, Mike Kyle, John Howard, Sean McCorkie, Luis Palomino and others.

7:00 p.m. ETFighting Rookies – Aspiring kickboxers climb the ladder of success in the sport as rookies compete for a chance to become professionals and get experience needed to succeed at a higher level.

8:00 p.m. ETFight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

8:30 p.m. ET Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

11:00 p.m. ETDEEP: 70 Impact – Featuring Yoshiyuki Nakanishi vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura and Yuta Watanabe vs. Yuya Shirai from Dec. 21, 2014 in Toyko.

Friday, Mar. 27

12:00 a.m. ETIt’s Showtime Special – The world’s premier kickboxing organization featuring Badr Hari, Melvin Manhoef and Giorgio Petrosyan.

2:00 a.m. ETPancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Nate Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.

4:00 a.m. ETBest of DEEP – Featuring class fights from the historic Japanese DEEP promotion including Shinya Aoki, Hayato Sakurai and Gegard Mousasi.

5:00 a.m. ETBest of Jewels – Classic fights from the all-female Japanese MMA league, Jewels.

6 p.m. ETM-1 Challenge – Professional MMA from Europe featuring top rising prospects and international stars.

7:00 p.m. ETFight News Now. MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

7:30 p.m. ET Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

8:00 p.m. ETToe 2 Toe with Michael Bisping – Sit-down interview with UFC middleweight star Michael Bisping.

8:30 p.m. ETHip Show: Arena Combat – Tag-team MMA inside a 12m by 12m arena with three-level obstacle structures.

9:00 p.m. ET — KSW 10 – Featuring Jan Blachowicz, Sion Staring and Krzysztof Kulak from Dec. 12, 2008 in Warsaw, Poland.

Saturday, Mar. 28

1:00 a.m. ETSuperKombat: World Grand Prix Final Elimination 2013 – Pro kickboxing featuring Catalin Morosanu vs. Daniel Lentie, Raul Catinas vs. Ricardo van den Box, plus a one-night, single-elimination heavyweight tournament from Ploiesti, Romania.

6:00 a.m. ETBest of TKO – Featuring David Loiseau vs. Steve Vigneault from UCC 2.

7:00 a.m. ETBest of Gladiator Challenge – Featuring Rashad Evans from TKO 15.

10:00 a.m. ETBest of SportFight – Top quality MMA from the Pacific Northwest. Hosted by UFC veterans Matt Lindland and Chael Sonnen.

3:00 p.m. ETRing of Combat 41 – Featuring Uriah Hall vs. Nodar Kuduxashvili and Eddie Gordon vs. Carlos Brooks from June 15, 2012 in Atlantic City, NJ.

7:00 p.m. ETTakeDown Wrestling – Extensive coverage of amateur wrestling events, including the latest news, behind-the-scenes coverage from events and exclusive interviews.

8:00 p.m. ET Fight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

8:30 p.m. ET Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

9:00 p.m. ETBattlegrounds MMA: O.N.E.: Featuring a one-night, single-elimination MMA tournament from Tulsa, OK, showcasing Roan Carneiro, Brock Larson, Cody McKenzie, Trey Houston, Jesse Taylor and more.

Sunday, Mar. 29

1:00 a.m. ETHard Knocks Fighting 42 – Featuring Ryan Dickson vs. Jason Fischer, Christ Franck vs. Joel Powell and Anton Tokarchuk vs. Todd Stoute from Mar. 20, 2015 in Calgary, Canada.

12:00 a.m. ETFinal Fight Championship 3: Jurkovic vs. Catinas – Featuring Igor Jurkovic vs. Raul Catinas in a kickboxing bout and Ante Delija vs. Michail Lamprakis in MMA action from Apr. 19, 2013 in Split, Croatia.

6:00 a.m. ETPancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Name Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.

10:00 a.m. ETBest of ADCC – Featuring compilations of the greatest grappling matches ever held, featuring Tito Ortiz, Matt Hughes, Eddie Bravo, Fabricio Werdum, Marcelo Garcia, Ronaldo Souza and Royler Gracie.

11:00 a.m. ETElite Muay Thai: Thailand vs. Challenger – The biggest Muay Thai series in the world featuring premium international stand-up fighters taking on the renowned Thai National team.

12:00 p.m. ETSuperKombat: World Grand Prix Final Elimination 2013 – Featuring Catalin Morosanu vs. Daniel Lentie, Raul Catinas vs. Ricardo van den Bos, plus a one-night, single-elimination heavyweight tournament from Romania.

7:00 p.m. ETUSA Wrestling WeeklyHost Scott Casber gives weekly news and analysis centering around USA Wrestling, the sport’s national governing body, including interviews, features and a look back at the past.

7:30 p.m. ETJudo Havana Grand Prix 2014 – Highlights of Judo Havana Grand Prix from June 6-8, 2014 in Cuba.

Monday, Mar. 30

12:00 a.m. ETKing of Kings: World Grand Prix 2014 Chisinau – Featuring Tutu Constantin vs. Vittorio Iermano and the one-night, single elimination featherweight tournament from Sept. 19, 2014 in Moldova.

 

Information:

 

www.FightNetwork.com

 

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

 

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork

 

Bellator MMA signs wrestling star Bobby Lashley to a long-term contract extension 

Follow us on Twitter Easy tweet: @BellatorMMA signs a long-term contract extension with wrestling superstar@FightBobby#BellatorMMA

 Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Eric Coleman


SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 20, 2015) – Bellator MMA announced today that superstar heavyweight Bobby Lashley (12-2) has signed a long-term contract extension with the promotion.  Lashley is a perfect 2-0 under the Bellator banner, and 10 of his 12 victories have come by way of stoppage.

 

The 6’3 wrestling standout started training in the sport at age 12, and would go on to win several titles including three National Championships at Missouri Valley College, an NAIA National Championship, a CISM World Championship Silver Medal and a two-time Armed Forces Wrestling Championship when he served in the United States Army.
With his amazing wrestling pedigree, “The Dominator” signed a developmental contract with the WWE in 2004 and made his professional debut for the organization in 2005.  Lashley would go on to fight for ECW and TNA as well, but wanted to prove himself in the world of MMA.
In 2008, Lashley began training in MMA full time with the American Top Team (ATT) gym in Coconut Creek Florida.  He would later open his own ATT gym in Denver, CO, and trains between the two facilities with several respected athletes including Josh Barnett, Antonio “Big Foot Silva”, and Todd Duffee.
“I’ve had two fights with Bellator, and I’m happy to be calling the promotion my home,” said Lashley.  “Scott Coker and the company have really reignited my desire to fight and I’m looking forward to a huge year with some dominant wins.”
NEXT WEEK:  Watch “The Baddest Man on the Planet” Joe Warren defend his bantamweight title against Marcos Galvao next Friday, March 27 at 9/8c Live and Free, only on Spike. For more information visit www.bellator.com.

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

Fight Network weekly MMA & kickboxing programming (Mar. 16-22)

Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, boxing, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

 

Below find highlights of this week’s programming:

Monday, Mar. 16

 

2:00 p.m. ETRing of Combat 39 – Featuring Tom DeBlass, Pete Sell, Uriah Hall and Eddie Gordon from Feb. 10, 2012 in Atlantic City, NJ.

 

5:00 p.m. ETFighting Spirit MMA Season 4 – Compilation of international fights from SFL, Legend, FFC, M-1 and more.

 

6:00 p.m. ETUSA Wrestling WeeklyHost Scott Casber gives weekly news and analysis centering around USA Wrestling, the sport’s national governing body, including interviews, features and a look back at the past.

 

6:30 p.m. ETJudo Samsun Grand Prix 2014 – Highlights from the Judo Samsun Grand Prix from Mar. 28-30, 2014 in Turkey.

 

7:00 p.m. ET 5 Rounds – Hosts John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to break down the weekend of MMA action.

 

7:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

8:00 p.m. ETEnfusion Live Vol. 12: Eindhoven – Featuring Robbie Hageman vs. David Calvo for the Enfusion 70kg world title from Jan. 25, 2014 in Eindhoven, Holland.

Tuesday, Mar. 17

 

1:00 a.m. ET – Toe 2 Toe with Elias Theodorou – Sit-down interview with “The Ultimate Fighter Nations” winner Elias Theodorou.

 

1:30 a.m. ETHip Show: Arena Combat – Tag-team MMA inside a 12m by 12m arena with three-level obstacle structures.

 

2:30 am. ET – XPTV – Coverage of regional U.S pro and amateur MMA.

 

7:00 & 7:30 p.m. ETXtreme Fighting Championship – Florida-based professional MMA featuring top American prospects, international stars and UFC veterans.

 

8:00 p.m. ET 5 Rounds – Hosts John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to break down the weekend of MMA action.

 

8:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

9:00 p.m. ETLegend 1: Lightweight Tournament – Featuring a one-night, single-elimination tournament showcasing Dhabar Askerov, Enriko Gogokhiya, Artur Kyshemko and Yury Bessmertny from May, 2013 in Moscow.

 

11:00 p.m. ETAustralia Fighting Championship 10 Featuring Bernardo Magalhaes vs. Kierran Joblin and Talgat Ilyasnov vs. Amin Yaqubu from Aug. 16, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia.


Wednesday, Mar. 18

 

1:30 a.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

3:00 a.m. ETTexas Fight Night – MMA action from Texas featuring the Lone Star’s top prospects in the cage.

 

4:00 a.m. ETRocktagon MMA – Pro and amateur MMA from Ohio featuring the next generation of stars.

 

6:00 p.m. ETBest of Cage Rage – Featuring classic fights from the UK-based Cage Rage organization with Anderson Silva, Antonio Silva, Victor Belfort, Paul Daley and others.

 

7:00 p.m. ETFight News Now. MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

 

7:30 p.m. ETFight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

8:00 p.m. ETFighting Spirit MMA – Compilations of international MMA fights from ONE FC, UCMMA, KSW, WFC, FFC, BAMMA, EFC Africa, and more.

 

9:00 p.m. ETCage Warriors Fighting Championship 68 – Featuring Danny Roberts vs. Jimmy Wallheas and Mauro Chimento vs. Matt Inman in MMA action from May 3, 2014 in Liverpool, UK..

 

11:00 p.m. ETMMA Meltdown with Gabriel Morency – Gabriel Morency breaks down all the happenings in MMA, discussing odds, predictions, plus special weekly guests and exclusive interviews.

 

11:30 p.m. ETTakeDown Wrestling – Extensive coverage of amateur wrestling events, including the latest news, behind-the-scenes coverage from events and exclusive interviews.

Thursday, Mar. 19

 

1:30 a.m. ETUltimate Challenge MMA 37: Smith vs. Harman – Featuring Ben Smith vs. Chris Harman from Nov. 30, 2013 in London.

 

6:00 p.m. ETChampionship Fightling Alliance – Pro MMA from Florida featuring the likes of Josh Sampo, Mike Kyle, John Howard, Sean McCorkie, Luis Palomino and others.

 

7:00 p.m. ETFighting Rookies – Aspiring kickboxers climb the ladder of success in the sport as rookies compete for a chance to become professionals and get experience needed to succeed at a higher level.

 

8:00 p.m. ETFight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

 

8:30 p.m. ET Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

11:00 p.m. ETDEEP: 69 Impact – Featuring Yoshiyuki Nakanishi vs. Ryuta Sakurai and Mizuto Hirota vs. Masakazu Imanari from Oct 26, 2014 in Tokyo..

Friday, Mar. 20

 

12:00 a.m. ETIt’s Showtime Special – The world’s premier kickboxing organization featuring Badr Hari, Melvin Manhoef and Giorgio Petrosyan.

 

2:00 a.m. ETPancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Nate Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.

 

4:00 a.m. ETBest of DEEP – Featuring class fights from the historic Japanese DEEP promotion including Shinya Aoki, Hayato Sakurai and Gegard Mousasi.

 

5:00 a.m. ETBest of Jewels – Classic fights from the all-female Japanese MMA league, Jewels.

 

6 p.m. ETM-1 Challenge – Professional MMA from Europe featuring top rising prospects and international stars.

 

7:00 p.m. ETFight News Now. MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

 

7:30 p.m. ET Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

8:00 p.m. ETKSW 8 – Featuring Alexey Oleinik, Karol Bedorf, Mamed Khalidov and Moise Rimbon from Nov. 10, 2007 Warsaw, Poland.

 

11:00 p.m. ETHard Knocks Fighting 42: LIVE MMA featuring Ryan Dickson vs. Jason Fischer, Todd Stoute vs. Anton Tokarchuk and Christ Franck vs. Joel Powell from Calgary, Canada.

Saturday, Mar. 21

 

1:00 a.m. ETSuperKombat: New Heroes Italy 2013 – Pro kickboxing featuring the world’s top prospects and established stars.

 

4:00 a.m. ETToe 2 Toe with Demian Maia – Sit-down interview with Brazilian UFC welterweight sensation and BJJ World Champion Demian Maia.

 

6:00 a.m. ETBest of TKO – Featuring David Loiseau vs. Steve Vigneault from UCC 2.

 

7:00 a.m. ETBest of Gladiator Challenge – Featuring Rashad Evans from TKO 15.

 

10:00 a.m. ETBest of SportFight – Top quality MMA from the Pacific Northwest. Hosted by UFC veterans Matt Lindland and Chael Sonnen.

 

4:00 p.m. ETRing of Combat 40 – Featuring Eddie Gordon vs. Ryan Contaldi and Marvin Eastman vs. Dmitry Zabolotny from Apr. 237, 2013 in Atlantic City, NJ.

 

6:00 p.m. ET Fight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

 

6:30 p.m. ET Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

7:00 p.m. ETUFC Fight Night: Maia vs. LaFlare Pre-Show – LIVE pre-fight coverage for UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. LaFlare in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

8:00 p.m. ET Fight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

 

8:30 p.m. ET Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

9:00 p.m. ETHard Knocks Fighting 42 – Featuring Ryan Dickson vs. Jason Fischer, Christ Franck vs. Joel Powell and Anton Tokarchuk vs. Todd Stoute from Mar. 20, 2015 in Calgary, Canada.

 

11:00 p.m. ET Fighting Spirit MMA – Compilations of international MMA fights from ONE FC, UCMMA, KSW, WFC, FFC, BAMMA, EFC Africa, and more.

Sunday, Mar. 22

 

12:00 a.m. ETFinal Fight Championship 3: Jurkovic vs. Catinas – Featuring Igor Jurkovic vs. Raul Catinas in a kickboxing bout and Ante Delija vs. Michail Lamprakis in MMA action from Apr. 19, 2013 in Split, Croatia.

 

6:00 a.m. ETPancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Name Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.

 

10:00 a.m. ETBest of ADCC – Featuring compilations of the greatest grappling matches ever held, featuring Tito Ortiz, Matt Hughes, Eddie Bravo, Fabricio Werdum, Marcelo Garcia, Ronaldo Souza and Royler Gracie.

 

11:00 a.m. ETElite Muay Thai: Thailand vs. Challenger – The biggest Muay Thai series in the world featuring premium international stand-up fighters takingon the renowned Thai National team.

 

7:00 p.m. ETUSA Wrestling WeeklyHost Scott Casber gives weekly news and analysis centering around USA Wrestling, the sport’s national governing body, including interviews, features and a look back at the past.

 

7:30 p.m. ETJudo Baku Grand Slam 2014 – Highlights of Judo Baku Grand Slam from May 9-11 in Azerbaijan.

 

11:00 p.m. ETKing of Kings: World Grand Prix 2014 Gdansk – Featuring Pavel Zhuravlev vs. Kryspin Kalski and a one-night, single-elimination 70-kg tournament from Nov. 28, 2014 in Gdansk, Poland.

 

Information:

 

www.FightNetwork.com

 

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

 

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork

 

ABOUT FIGHT NETWORK:  Fight Network is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to 24/7 coverage, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available in the U.S. on Cablevision in parts of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, Texas-based Grande Communications, Armstrong Cable in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, as well as on Shentel Cable in Virginia, West Virginia and portions of western Maryland. Fight Network is also on Roku set top boxes in the U.S. and Canada, streamed live on website KlowdTV.com, and available on all major carriers in Canada and more than 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.