Tag Archives: MMA

mixed martial arts, MMA, Tshiab England Fights

NEF WILL CROWN ITS SECOND WOMEN’S CHAMPION ON APRIL 27 Hauv Portland

Lub peb hlis ntuj 10, 2019 FNU47 Cia ib saib

Portland, Maine (Lub peb hlis ntuj 8, 2019) – Tshiab England Fights (NEF) yuav nthuav qhia nws tom ntej sib xyaw-sib ntaus sib tua-txuj ci (MMA) kev tshwm sim, “NEF 38: Cua daj cua dub,” on Plaub Hlis Ntuj 27, 2019 ntawm Aura hauv Portland. Nyuam qhuav pib hnub no, Kev sib ntaus kev tshaj tawm cov kev sib ntxiv ntawm cov poj niam amateur lub suab rau daim npav. Taylor “T-Storm” Thompson (3-0) yuav siv sij hawm nyob rau hauv Andrea “Renegade” Howland (2-0) to crown the first-ever NEF Women’s Bantamweight Champion. It will be the first women’s title fight for the promotion since Hilarie Rose captured the vacant strawweight title at “NEF 31” nyob rau hauv Kaum ib hlis 2017.

“We hear it from fans constantly–they can’t get enough of the female fighters,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “April 27th we’ve stacked the card with top-tier talent to give the fans exactly what they’ve been asking for. Howland and Thompson are two undefeated competitors with their sights set squarely on turning pro and eventually breaking into the UFC. On April 27th, one of them will leave the cage with their perfect record broken and one will leave with the first ever NEF Women’s Bantamweight Championship. Special thanks to Tommy Vickers fromQueen MMA Media for his assistance in making this bout happen.”

Taylor Thompson made her NEF debut last November at “NF 36” in a winning effort against Catie Denning. Prior to that time, Thompson had won two fights in Massachusetts, both by finish. She represents BST MMA & Fitness based in Mendon, Massachusetts.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to fight for NEF’s first ever women’s amateur bantamweight title,” said Thompson, “especially when I will be sharing the cage with a very talented opponent, Andrea Howland. I know I am going to love this fight, and I think the fans will too.”

Andrea Howland will bring her undefeated record to the East Coast for the first time in her amateur career. She made her cage debut in the spring of 2018 and has won both of her previous bouts by decision. Howland is currently a member of Michigan Top Team based in Southfield, Michigan.

“I am beyond excited at the opportunity to pursue a bantamweight title in my third MMA appearance,” exclaimed Howland. “Myself and my team are being flown out to the beautiful state of Maine at an incredible time of the year to get ourselves into a dog fight for a championship strap! What more could you ask for? I am making memories with my team and pursuing my dream of being a competitive athlete. I respect my opponent, TAYLOR THOMPSON, for her aggressiveness and her dedication to her career. I expect us to have a brawl of epic proportions, and it’s an honor to share the cage with her as a fellow amateur bantamweight prospect. April 27th can’t come soon enough! Qhov no yog qhov kuv tau kos npe rau!”

NEF tus tom ntej mixed-martial-kev kawm cov kev tshwm sim, “NEF 38: Cua daj cua dub,” yuav muaj nyob rau hnub Saturday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine nrog lub sijhawm tswb ntawm 7 PM. Daim pib yog muag tam sim no ntawmwww.auramaine.com. ��T[�0�

mixed martial arts, MMA, Tshiab England Fights

HORNSTRA AND HERRERA SPOILIN’ FOR A FIGHT AT NEF 38

Lub peb hlis ntuj 2, 2019 FNU47 Cia ib saib

Portland, Maine (Lub ob hlis ntuj 27, 2019) – Tshiab England Fights (NEF) yuav nthuav qhia nws tom ntej sib xyaw-sib ntaus sib tua-txuj ci (MMA) kev tshwm sim, “NEF 38: Cua daj cua dub,” on Plaub Hlis Ntuj 27, 2019 ntawm Aura hauv Portland. Nyuam qhuav pib hnub no, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the card. Keegan “The Flu” Hornstra yuav siv sij hawm nyob rau hauv Zenon “K-Bar” Herrera ntawm ib tug sib ntaus luj ntawm 155-phaus.

Hornstra, who fought on the first three NEF cards in 2012, has not competed in the promotion’s cage in nearly seven years. A veteran of more than 20 MMA bouts over the course of his amateur and professional careers, Hornstra is 3-3 over the course of his last six with all three wins being finishes. He last competed on a card in Massachusetts in November 2016. Hornstra currently represents Evolution Athletix based in Saco, Maine.

“I’m excited to be back in the NEF cage,” said Hornstra, “it’s been about seven years since my last outing in Maine. I’m fighting one of the NEF regulars in Zenon, the guy is super tough and I don’t think he’s ever said no to anyone. He’s coming off a dominant win and has found areas of success against some of NEF’s bigger names. I’m going to get in and put him out quickly and move on to the next.”

After several attempts in the NEF cage, Zenon Herrera finally picked up his first win as a professional at “NEF 32” last year with a unanimous decision victory over Nate Charles. He returned to the cage later in the year in a losing effort to Ernesto Ornelas. Herrera will look to bounce back from that loss on April 27 against Hornstra. He is a member of Team Smog.

“Everything I’ve seen thus far leads me to believe that this is going to be a great and tough match,” said Herrera. “I’ve had that moment of the glory that comes with getting my hand raised in victory and will strive to get it back. As for Keegan, he’s one of those guys who brings his best every time he comes out, and I know this match will be no different. I guess all I can really say is don’t look away once it starts, I have a feeling this one’s gonna end with a bang.”

NEF tus tom ntej mixed-martial-kev kawm cov kev tshwm sim, “NEF 38: Cua daj cua dub,” yuav muaj nyob rau hnub Saturday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 27, 2019 ntawm Aura hauv Portland, Maine nrog lub sijhawm tswb ntawm 7 PM. Daim pib yog muag tam sim no ntawmwww.auramaine.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, Tshiab England Fights

RASQUATCH RETURNS TO THE CAGE TO AVENGE HOMETOWN LOSS

Lub ob hlis ntuj 27, 2019 FNU47 Cia ib saib

Portland, Maine (Lub ob hlis ntuj 26, 2019) – Tshiab England Fights (NEF) yuav nthuav qhia nws tom ntej sib xyaw-sib ntaus sib tua-txuj ci (MMA) kev tshwm sim, “NEF 38: Cua daj cua dub,” on Plaub Hlis Ntuj 27, 2019 ntawm Aura hauv Portland. Nyuam qhuav pib hnub no, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional heavyweight fight to the card.“The Jamaican Shamrock” Ras “Rasquatch” Lub hau hyLONyog teem rau lub ntsej muagCharles Penn.

At 6’6,” Ras Hylton is one of the largest competitors ever to step foot in the NEF cage. He started his amateur MMA career three years ago this month and went 3-0 prior to making his professional debut at “NEF 27” nyob rau hauv Lub ob hlis ntuj 2017. Hylton has put together a record of 3-2 raws li ib tug pro. He will be looking to bounce back from a loss to Yorgan De Castro (4-0) in an unsuccessful bid to capture the inaugural NEF Cruiserweight Championship at “NF 36” kawg Kaum ib hlis.

Hylton trains with First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine as well as Dragon Fire Martial Arts in Portland. He is a longtime practitioner of Taekwondo, a discipline in which he holds a black belt.

“I’m really grateful to be fighting in my home again,” hais hylton. “After my humbling return late last year, it’s been a time of reflection on what is necessary for my success. Lucky for me, I have family in every part of my life. From home, mus rau lub gym, to the dojo, to my job, I’m constantly getting my motivation to do things better. Thank you for keeping me going, and helping me find excellence. It’s going to be a great year!"

Hylton’s opponent at “Nef 38,” Charles Penn, will be making his professional debut. Penn put together an impressive 6-3 record as an amateur competing throughout the Midwest. He now represents Hayastan MMA based in North Carolina.

mixed martial arts, MMA, Tshiab England Fights

CHAMPION ‘KILLA’ KAM ARNOLD – ‘I WANT A BLOODBATH’

Lub ob hlis ntuj 26, 2019 FNU47 Cia ib saib

Tshiab England Fights (NEF) bantamweight champion “Killa” Kam Arnold has been perfect so far in his mixed martial arts (MMA) cov hauj lwm, carving out a flawless 4-0 record with four knockouts since he debuted in the promotion just over a year and a half ago

Nyob rau hnub tim 27^th, the 135-pound “King in the North” makes his highly anticipated return to the cage when he is scheduled to defend his title against longtime bantamweight mainstay, Henry Clark (5-4).

Arnold recently joined Jason Floyd onThe MMA Report podcast to discuss his origins in the sport, his reign at the top of the New England 135-pound division, and his goals for the future.

“I fell in love with combat sports at a very young age, mostly boxing,” Arnold explained to Floyd. “I was the youngest of all boys. I grew up in a pretty rough family, and I had to be tough growing up, and my love for combat sports came into the fold. I also played hockey as a kid, so I had a physical upbringing. And I also wrestled when I was in school and it transformed into this. I never thought I was going to be doing MMA as a kid, although I loved it.

“I hit rock bottom when I was a young teen,” Arnold continued. “I hit rock bottom, and my mother came from out-of-state and picked me up, and we moved to Lewiston [Maine]. And I always swore to myself as a kid I’d never move there because I thought it was the worst place in the world. But it was actually the best move I ever made in my entire life.”

When Arnold’s parents—whom he credits for “making me the man I am today”–brought him to his adopted hometown of Lewiston, Maine, he also found a gym family at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (CMBJJ) where he has started training under longtime NEF veterans Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (9-7) and former NEF flyweight champion Dustin Veinott (5-4).

“I’m trying to become a whole complete martial artist,” Arnold stated. “I’m not trying to be known as just this brawler that’s going to go out there and bang with anybody.”

“Bang,” Txawm li cas los, is exactly what Arnold did in April 2018 when he knocked out David Thompson at “NEF 33: Riptide” in a lighting fast 11-seconds.

“I mean yeah, it was a hell of a knockout highlight reel,” Arnold confessed. “But I’ve been doing that my whole life, man.”

“We were working that overhand right, we knew that was going to be there right from the beginning,” Arnold continued. “I spoke it into existence and that’s exactly what happened. I cracked him with a jab, I saw his head snap back, and then as he’s coming in, he’s coming in very aggressive, he dropped his hand, he’s coming in for an upper cut and he left his chin right on a shelf for me.”

Arnold solidified his position at the top of the New England bantamweight division in June 2018 Ntawm "nef 34: Home of the Brave” when he defeated Killian Murphy (1-2) via fourth-round knockout to become the NEF bantamweight champion. Despite a back and forth battle that brought the crowd to its feet that night, and the culminating moment he landed the knockout punch that iced the win for him, Arnold looks back and still sees room for improvement.

“I just haven’t been able to find that perfect fight, Kuv twv,” Arnold pondered. “A lot of people would point to Killian Murphy maybe being that fight for me, but in my eyes that was a very poor performance for myself. I kept my hands very low for a reason, and a lot of people said, ‘Oh, you looked tired.’ If I was so tired, I wouldn’t have knocked him out in the fourth round. I kept my hands low for a reason because of his wrestling ability. And people seem to forget that I used to wrestle too, and I outwrestled him that whole fight. But I was still upset that I shouldn’t have been able to take that many shots as I did with Killian. I should have put him out earlier in the fight.

“It’s hard to get the perfect fight,” Arnold continued. “I talk to other people about it and they’re like, “Dude, it’s so hard.” Even guys that have been fighting for 10, 15 years they’re like, “It’s so hard to find that perfect fight.” Because I was like, “Txiv neej, is there something wrong with me? I feel disappointed in myself after a win.”

So what does Arnold want out of one of his fights in order to walk away satisfied?

“I want to have a bloodbath,” he admitted. “I want to split somebody wide open, have a doctor stoppage, because I’m beating somebody so badly. I love seeing people’s eyes roll in the back of their heads, I like making people stiff as a board.”

Currently still competing as an amateur, Arnold is already being discussed as a future threat in the professional bantamweight division. Before he turns pro, Txawm li cas los, he has plans set to defend his title on April 27^th against a very experienced and crafty veteran in Henry Clark, who comes into the bout riding a two-fight win streak.

“Henry’s tough, ib,” Arnold warned. “He has a chin on him, he’s a gamer, he’s not going to back down and he’s solid all the way around.”

With his two-year anniversary since his debut still four months away, Kam isn’t anxious and is confident that he has a lot left to contribute to the sport.

“I still have some amateur goals that I want to accomplish and we’re only scratching the surface of my career, tiag tiag,” Arnold stated. “I don’t want to make too much of a premature jump into the next group of talent. But I’m not afraid either, I’ve got to make the decision here coming up shortly, I’d like to get at least a couple more fights in. Depending on how those fights go—I’m one fight at a time—but if I keep on remaining successful, then I can’t see why I wouldn’t go pro after a sixth or a seventh fight.

“I’m very excited for the next chapter,” Arnold concluded.

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 38: Cua daj cua dub,” will take place on Saturday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 27, 2019 ntawm Aura hauv Portland, Maine nrog lub sijhawm tswb ntawm 7 PM. Daim pib yog muag tam sim no ntawmwww.auramaine.com.

About New England Fights

New England Fights ("NEF") yog ib tug sib ntaus txheej xwm promotions lub tuam txhab. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, xov xwm kev sib raug zoo, marketing, kev cai lij choj thiab advertising. == z5�PZ

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR SIGNS ‘PITBULL’ BROTHERS TO MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT EXTENSIONS

Lub ob hlis ntuj 22, 2019 FNU47 Cia ib saib

**LOS ANGELES** – Bellator is proud to announce that both Patricio and Patricky Freire, better known to fans as the infamous “Pitbull Brothers,” will continue to compete inside the Bellator cage after signing exclusive multi-year, multi-fight extensions to remain with the promotion.

Fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, the brothers have become synonymous with Bellator throughout their prolific careers. Having held titles and established themselves among the elite, there are very few names that appear in the Bellator record books more often than current featherweight champ **Patricio Pitbull** (28-4) and his older brother **Patricky Pitbull** (21-8).

“When I think about the talent on the Bellator roster, the Pitbull brothers are two of the fighters that immediately come to mind,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “They started early on in their careers here, have climbed to the top of their respective divisions and have come to represent what this promotion is all about. I’m thrilled that we’ll continue to see them compete inside the Bellator cage for our fans around the world for many years to come!"

“There are a lot of people on the Bellator roster I want to put my hands on – the first on the list, I’m fighting on May 11th, so renewing made perfect sense for me,” said Patricio. “I’m happy with the agreement and the plans for the future. Of all the fighters currently active on the promotion, I’m with Bellator the longest and the most successful. I plan to set that bar even higher. Rau xyoo, I said ‘I’d become the number one in the world here.’ If anyone still has any doubt, keep an eye on the next chapters.”

Patricky added, “Bellator is growing and so am I. I’m in the best moment of my career and the same can be said of the promotion with the quality of shows, the new TV deals and names under the roster. I’ve set the goal of becoming world champion and setting records. I already am the fighter with most finishes and fights in the organization and I don’t plan to let anyone catch up with me. I have grudges to settle and names to add to my belt. If things line up well, I’m looking at making noise in three weight classes in the near future, so expect the best of me! I’m glad to have reached a new agreement with Bellator and very excited for the new things to come.”

A two-time featherweight champion, Patricio “Pitbull” has competed for the promotion 20 times – winning 16 of those outings – and has successfully defended his belt three times since reclaiming the championship at *Bellator 178* tiv thaiv **Daniel Straus**. Uas nyuam qhuav, Patricio defeated **Emmanuel Sanchez**, edging out his opponent via unanimous decision at *Bellator 209* in Tel Aviv, Neeg Ixayees. Having earned a finish in 20 ntawm nws 28 yeej raws li ib tug kws, the reigning champion always brings an exciting style and fans can certainly expect more fireworks as he continues his run in Bellator. Patricio will now move up in weight to challenge current champ **Michael Chandler** for his lightweight crown in a long-awaited grudge match at Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Chicago on May 11.

A perennial lightweight contender since joining Bellator in 2011 ntawm *Bellator 36,* the 33-year-old Patricky made an immediate impact by emphatically knocking out two true veterans of the sport and eventually competing in two tournament finals. Tsis tas li ntawd, he holds the Bellator record for most fights with 21 and knockout wins with 10, including highlight-reel finishes over **Ryan Couture** thiab **David Rickels.** Txawm li cas los, his most impressive run has come as of late, stringing together seven wins in eight bouts and winning his last five against **Josh Thomson**, **Benson Henderson**, **Derek Liaj teb**, **Roger Huerta** thiab tsis ntev los tiv thaiv **Ryan Scope** ntawm *Bellator Newcastle* rau FEB. 9.

Thov mus saib www.Bellator.com yog xav paub ntxiv.

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, paramount Network

TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEEK FOR BELLATOR’S RETURN TO ALLSTATE ARENA IN CHICAGO ON MAY 11

Lub ob hlis ntuj 21, 2019 FNU47 Cia ib saib

**BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMP MICHAEL CHANDLER DEFENDS HIS TITLE AGAINST FEATHERWEIGHT KINGPIN PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’ IN LONG-AWAITED GRUDGE MATCH LIVE ON DAZN**

**THE WELTERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX CONTINUES WITH DOUGLAS LIMA TAKING ON MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE IN SEMI-FINAL ACTION**

**NTXIV: UNDEFEATED PROSPECT A.J. MCKEE MEETS CHICAGO’S PAT CURRAN AND THE RETURN OF FORMER WWE STAR JAKE HAGER**

**LOS ANGELES** – Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Mob. nyob rau hnub Saturday, Tej zaum 11 is stacked with a must-see lineup of fights, headlined by current lightweight titleholder **Michael Chandler** (19-4) in his attempt to become the only man to defeat both Pitbull Brothers and put an end to their years-long rivalry, when he defends his belt against Bellator’s 145-pound champ **Patrick "Pitbull"** (28-4) nyob rau hauv lub ntsiab kev tshwm sim ntawm *Bellator 221 -* which will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

The co-headliner will see former two-time Bellator welterweight champion **Douglas Lima** (30-7) face undefeated **Michael "lom" Nplooj ntawv** (14-0), better known to fans as “MVP,” in the first semi-final matchup in Bellator’s Welterweight World Grand Prix. Each fighter has their eyes set on moving one step closer to becoming Bellator welterweight champ and taking home one million dollars.

Nyob rau hauv tas li ntawd, arguably one of the world’s top featherweight prospects **A.J. McKee** (13-0) will face the stiffest test of his young career when he fights two-time former Bellator featherweight champion **Pat Curran** (23-7) on Curran’s home turf. Thaum kawg, former WWE champion Jake Hager (1-0) returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since his first-round submission victory in January looking to continue his early dominance inside the cage.

An exclusive online presale for *Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull* takes place between Wednesday, Feb. 20 ntawm 10 a.m. CT and Thursday, Feb. 21 ntawm 10 p.m. I, with tickets going on-sale to the general public on Friday, Feb. 22 ntawm 12 p.m. I. Tickets for the event will be available at the Allstate Arena box office, raws li zoo raws li Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

*Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull* will be broadcast live on DAZN ntawm 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, thaum ua ntej kev txiav txim yuav kwj rau Bellator.com thiab thooj plawv nyob rau hauv Bellator Mobile App. Ntxiv bouts yuav muab tshaj tawm nyob rau hauv yuav los tom ntej lub lis piam.

One of the most-decorated fighters in Bellator history, Michael Chandler reclaimed the lightweight championship this past December to become a three-time titleholder. “Iron” has defeated a who’s who among the division’s elite, kuj muaj **Brent Primus**, **Benson Henderson**, **Patricky Pitbull** (x2), **Yamauchi li** and Eddie Alvarez. The former University of Missouri wrestler from High Ridge, Hli, who now calls Nashville home, has had a slow-building feud with his May 11 tus nrog sib ntaus, verbally sparring with his foe following wins over Patricio’s brother Patricky and on social media. Tam sim no, the time for talk is over and both will enter the Bellator cage to finally settle the score.

Hailing from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, two-time featherweight champ Patricio “Pitbull” will enter the Bellator cage for a promotional record 21th time. With impressive wins to his name over **Daniel Straus** (x 3), **Daniel Weichel** (x2) thiab **Pat Curran**, he most recently defeated **Emmanuel Sanchez** ntawm unanimous kev txiav txim siab ntawm *Bellator 209*. Moving up a weight class for the first time since *Bellator 160* when he met Benson Henderson, “Pitbull” is planning to leave his mark in a new division and go down as one of the all-time greats. Having earned a finish in 20 ntawm nws 28 yeej raws li ib tug kws, the reigning champion has become synonymous with excitement and fans can certainly expect more fireworks when looks to become a simultaneous two-division champion on May 11.

Fighting out of Atlanta, Ga., by way of Goiania, Brazil, Douglas “The Phenom” Lima has been a mainstay at the top of the 170-pound division for the better part of three years. With wins against the likes of **Lorenz Larkin**, **Andrey Koreshkov** (x2), **Paul Daley** and Ben Saunders, the 31-year-old advanced to the semifinals of the Welterweight World Grand Prix after a technical submission win against Koreshkov. A winner of nine out of his last 11 kev sib tw, the American Top Team product remains set on showing the world how dominant he truly is.

One of the most unorthodox strikers to ever compete, “MVP” has steadily worked his way up the welterweight ranks since signing with the organization in 2013. Known for his unique style and personality both inside the cage and out, every Michael Page fight is must-see entertainment. With an undefeated record of 14-0, thiab 11 of those victories coming by stoppage, the 31-year-old out of London Shootfighters advanced to the semifinals following a closely contested unanimous decision win against rival Paul Daley at *Bellator 216.*

Fighting out of Long Beach, California., A.J. McKee puts his undefeated record on the line against the former champ on May 11. Currently training alongside the likes of **Aaron Pico**,**“Baby Slice”** thiab **Joey Davis** at The Body Shop under the tutelage of his father, MMA veteran Antonio McKee, the second-generation fighter has been making quite the name for himself since joining the professional ranks. Ntawm cia li 23 xyoo ntawm hnub nyoog, “Mercenary” has set the Bellator record for consecutive wins at 13, muaj swb **Daniel Crawford**, **Brian moore**, **John “Macapa**, Justin Lawrence and **Dominic Mazzotta** raws txoj kev. Known for his highlight-reel finishes, McKee will look to remain unbeaten and keep his name etched in the record books when he meets Curran at *Bellator 221.* A former two-time Bellator world featherweight champion, **Pat Curran** returns to the cage near his hometown looking to earn another shot at gold. Fighting out of Crystal Lake, Mob., “Paddy Mike” is in the midst of a three-fight win streak that includes victories over **Emmanuel Sanchez**, **John “Macapa”**and Georgi Karakhanyan. The longtime Bellator veteran, who debuted at *Bellator 14* nyob rau hauv 2010, owns additional wins over **Patricio “Pitbull**,**” Joe Warren**, **Roger Huerta** thiab **Daniel Straus**. Tsis tas li ntawd, a two-time Bellator tournament winner, the 31-year-old’s return to the top of the 145-pound division begins with a tough test against McKee.

A native of Perry, Okla., Hager emphatically showed the world that he belongs in the sport of MMA with a submission win over J.W. Kizer ntawm *Bellator 214* nyob rau hauv Lub ib hlis ntuj. A collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he was an All-American and set the school record for most pins at the 285-pound weight class in a single season with 30. Following graduation and a conversation with legendary pro wrestling announcer and fellow Oklahoma Sooner, Jim Ross, Hager made the transition to professional wrestling and signed with World Wrestling Entertainment. While in WWE, Hager would go on to claim multiple coveted professional titles during his time with the organization, including the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Championship and WWE United States Championship. Tam sim no, the man also known to fans around the globe as “Jack Swagger” will return to action MMA action in Chicago against a soon-to-be-announced heavyweight opponent.

**Tshiab *Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull* Card:**

*Kev hnyav ntiaj teb cov ntaub qhwv:* **Michael Chandler** (19-4) vs. **Patrick "Pitbull"** (28-4)

*Welterweight World Grand Prix Semi-final:* **Douglas Lima** (30-7) vs. **Michael "lom" Nplooj ntawv** (14-0)

*Featherweight Main Card Bout:* **A.J. McKee** (13-0) vs. **Pat Curran** (23-7)

*Heavyweight Main Card Bout:* **Jake Hager** (1-0) vs. TBA

*Daim npav yuav hloov pauv

Thov mus saib Bellator.com yog xav paub ntxiv.

boxing, Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS SIGNS UNDEFEATED BOXER, FORMER “LUCHA UNDERGROUND” CHAMP DULCE MARIA GARCIA RIVAS TO EXCLUSIVE, MULTI-FIGHT MMA PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT

Lub ob hlis ntuj 21, 2019 FNU47 Cia ib saib

Prior to making her boxing debut in April 2017, Garcia had appeared in 57 episodes of El Rey Network’s Lucha Libre television series, Lucha Underground, and was crowned the first women’s champion in the show’s history on April 9, 2016.

Garcia is also a four-time champion of Mexico’s Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide professional wrestling organization, and the wife of former, three-time world boxing championJhonny Gonzalez.

mixed martial arts, MMA, Tshiab England Fights

JAKE BAGLEY AFTER DAZZLING MMA DEBUT: “I PLAN ON DOING BIG THINGS”

Lub ob hlis ntuj 17, 2019 FNU47 Cia ib saib

Portland, Maine (Lub ob hlis ntuj 16, 2019)—Jake “The Bull” Bagley has had a mythical reputation within the Maine wrestling community for well over a decade, but when he made his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut at “NEF 37: Sub Zero” on February 1^st in Bangor, a whole new legion of fans learned his name—fight fans. That’s because Bagley, a multiple-time state champion wrestler, brought the house down in his back-and-forth, fist-tastic battle with Canada’s Brady Macdonald. Bagley discussed his NEF MMA debut recently with Bryan Stackpole and Ryan Jarrell on the Between Rounds Radio lub sam thiaj.

Bagley, now 25-years-old, grew-up wrestling for perennial powerhouse Noble High School in North Berwick, Maine, where he won two state championships. During his time on the mat, Bagley earned a reputation as a relentless competitor that never hesitated to bump up in weight to face the toughest challengers he could find at both the state and national levels. Blessed with a relentless desire to constantly test his abilities, Bagley’s interests naturally progressed to MMA at a young age.

“When I was 15, I believe I was a sophomore, I heard there was cage fighting going on in Berwick, Maine,” Bagley told Stackpole and Jarrell. “I went down and checked it out and that’s the first day I met Bill Jones. I was 15-years-old and I walked into Hall Brother’s Roofing and they’re out there behind a storage unit place, in a garage bay training. Ever since that day, Bill’s been kicking my ass and pushing me to it. In the last couple of months, I finally got serious about it and decided to do it.”

Bagley’s NEF debut earlier this month came against a fighter that had proven himself to be a wrestler’s kryptonite. Canada’s Brady Macdonald needed only 15-seconds to force multiple-time New Hampshire state champion Greg Waterbury to tap when he debuted with the promotion in June 2018. Early into his bout with Bagley, it looked like history might repeat itself when Macdonald was able to secure Bagley’s back during the first round. Bagley, Txawm li cas los, would have none of it.

“He caught me with that first overhand right right at the beginning of the fight and then it clicked—I realized I was in a fight,” Bagley recounted. “My adrenaline went up. I couldn’t have been happier. It was everything that I was looking for.”

Bagley fought off the choke and then, the fight was on. A frenetic, high-paced free-for-all followed that had all 1200 fans in the building on their feet.

“As soon as I realized how hard he could hit, I had no fear—I was going forward,” Bagley stated.

“I didn’t realize how many times he actually hit me until I saw the video,” Bagley continued. “That’s a big thing—I need to keep my hands up.”

One of the most dangerous moments of the fight for Bagley came when he found himself caught in a deep heel hook.

“I look at the video now and I see my foot facing down and my knee facing up and it definitely hurt,” Bagley explained. “He had it in there tight and I’m glad I got through it.”

“I didn’t notice anybody but Brady that night. When I was in there I couldn’t hear coaches yelling, I couldn’t hear fans yelling. It was awesome. It was pure focus because I knew if I wasn’t focusing he was going to catch me like I was catching him.”

Tam sim no, a couple of weeks removed from his head-turning debut, the bumps and bruises have healed, but for Bagley—and the fans that were fortunate enough to witness it—the magic of the moment has not been forgotten.

“I’ve wrestled on a couple of national stages, but the emotion and the stuff after that fight… I still feel it today,” Bagley said.

"Nws pom tau tias amazing,” he continued. “I’ve always been a competitor and I’ve always trained my entire life. I didn’t do much the last five years—I had a couple of kids and started a family. When I just got back into the gym it was like riding a bike. Once I get going, there’s not going to be anybody to stop me.”

Once again fully committed to a competition lifestyle, Bagley is ready to start racking up the wins the same way he did on the wrestling mat.

“I feel that now that I’m in it, I have that drive and motivation that I don’t think many people are going to be able to compete with,"Nws hais tias. “I’ve got unnatural athletic ability and my determination is going to be hard to match—I don’t care who you are.”

“I will fight anybody that wants to accept a fight with me,” he continued. “That’s how I feel. If I want to be the best, I’m going to go against the best. I’ll take on anybody right now.”

“I plan on doing big things.”