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Tag Archives: Virgil Zwicker
“The Crippler” (R) stopped “The New York Bad Ass” – Chris Leben stops Phil Baroni
Fight of the Night: Julian Lane (L) and Joey Angelo each won a new Ford Mustang (see picture below)
Christina Marks (L) bloodied Jasmine Clark en route to an impressive win
Lane floored Angelo before he broke his hand in third round
(L) Robbie Peralta and Jay Cucciniello put on a show
Jeff Chiffens (R) landed a picture-perfect punch on Fred Pierce
Joey Munoz (back on ropes) pulled off the upset of the night
World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation “Rise of the Titans” OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PICTURES
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WBKFF FEMALE BANTAMWEIGHTSWorld Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation “Rise of the Titans” PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PICTURES
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Chris Leben (speaking at podium) and Phil Baroni exchanged pleasantries at today’s “Rise of the Titans” press conference in Casper, Wyoming. (more pictures below, all courtesy of Christopher Cook)
CASPER, Wyoming (November 7, 2018) — The final press conference for Friday night’s “Rise of the Titans,” pay-per-view event, presented by the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF), was held today at Hilton Gardens Inn in Casper, Wyoming.
The entertaining main card is headlined by a WBKFF middleweight title fight between former UFC welterweight champion Johny “Big Rigg” Hendricks and MMA veteran Dakota Cochrane, who has replaced original title challenger “Irish” Brennan Ward.
The spotlight will also be on the co-featured event, when Chris “The Crippler” Leben and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni battle for the WBKFF light heavyweight crown, in what is expected to be a highly entertaining fight.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute the “Rise of the Titans” main card throughout North America, commencing at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV and DISH in the United States, as well as Rogers, Shaw, Bell TV and SaskTel in Canada, and live-streamed worldwide on the FITE.TV app and website, for a suggested retail price of $29.95.
The PPV main card will also feature Las Vegas middleweight Joey Angelo against Albuquerque’s Julian “Nitrane” Lane, Ultimate Fighter runner-up Christina Marks against professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson for the WBKFF Women’s Bantamweight Championship,Brazilian Marcelo “Mello” Alfaya takes on Joey Munoz at a 177-pound catchweight, andformer UFC and Bellator fighter, middleweight Josh “The Dentist” Neer, faces Albuquerque boxer “Mad” Mike Aldrete.
A blind draw will be held at today’s weigh in (7 p.m. MT at Hilton Garden Inn) to determine the match-ups for the WBKFF’s launching of its $100,000 Lightweight Tournament, kicking-off with three fights: MMA veterans Nick “The Ghost” Gonzalez, Ireland-native Jay “The Mellow Fellow” Cucciniello, Estevan “El Terrible” Payan, Robbie “Problems” Peralta, Mike “The Greek Assassin” Bronzoulis, and South African Leon “The Iron Lion” Mynhardt
The “Rise of the Titans” preliminary card will precede the PPV event, which will be available to watch on a free Preview, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT, live on FITE.TV, as well as via DIRECTV and DISH pay-per-view channels leading up to the main card on PPV.
The preliminary card’s fights are former UFC fighter Issac Vallie-Flagg vs. Cory Simpson at a 175-pound catchweight, California super heavyweight C.J. “Big Cake” Leveque vs. New Mexico’s Juan Torres, and Fred Pierce vs. Jeff Chiffens fighting at a 160-pound catchweight.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Hall of Fame ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. joins WBKFF all-star announcing team comprised of Bas Rutten, Kenny Rice and Jessica Penne, who will all work the PPV and preliminary cards.
Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.
Limited tickets are on sale available to purchase by going online here: https://www.caspereventscenter.com/events/detail/world-bare-knuckle-fighting-federation-championship
Ticket prices range between $200.00 – $500.00 for Ringside, $50.00, $30.00, $20.00, $10.00 in the 100 Level Grandstands.
Press conference quotes and additional pictures are below
BAS RUTTEN, WBKFF president: “Two and one-half months ago I was asked to be the color commentator for this show. I was told that they do anything for me to work it I did some research and felt bare knuckles has a good future, so I met with the WBKFF officials in Chicago, and now I’m president.”
TOM STANKIEWICZ, WBKFF CEO & founder: “This is going to be a a great show. We have a great ring announcer, Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and great announcing team with Bas, Kenny Rice and Jessica Penne. I want to thank the people of Wyoming for supporting us. All the fighters are ready, and this is going to be a great show.”
PHIL BARONI: “I’m always the main attraction. It’s going to be a good fight. Good luck to you (Leben).”
CHRIS LEBEN: “It’s been a long road. I saw the bout sheet and thought it was rad. I was called to fight Phil Baroni. He comes out wining, I come out swinging. I’m sorry you’r (Baroni) going to be the guy in the ring Friday night.”
JOSH NEER: “I haven’t fought for almost three years, but I’ve been training every day. I was approached to fight on this card. When I saw Leben and Baroni were fighting, I knew this was going to be a sick card.”
MIKE ALDERETE: “I’m happy to be here. I’m fighting a name opponent. WBKFF is giving us this opportunity. I’m a boxer and I want to show everybody what I can do.”
ISSAC VALLIE-FLAGG: “I’m excited to be here and fight without gloves, stand-up with no takedowns. Cory is a tough guy. I’m sure we’re going to beat the hell out of each other.”
CORY SIMPSON: “I’m excited to show what I can do. I’m going to scrap.”
L-R: (front) Christina Marks and Jasmine Clarkson; (rear) WBKFF president Bas Rutten and
WBKFF CEO Tom Stankiewicz
WBKFF $100,000 Lightweight Tournament Kickoff participants
L-R – (front) Nick Gonzalez, Leon Mynhardt, Estevan Payan, Jay Cucciniello and Robbie Peralta; (rear) WBKFF president Bas Rutten. WBKFF CEO Tom Stankiewicz and Mike Bronzoulis
Website: www.WBKFF.com
Facebook: /WBKFF
Twitter: @WBKFF
Instagram: @WORLDBKFF
ABOUT WORLD BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING FEDERATION (WBKFF): Based in Chicago, WBKFF’s mission is to become the worldwide leader in combat sports. The WBKFF stable of fighters already exceeds 100. Bare knuckle fighting is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Only the strong will survive when the gloves are off and all that stands between opponents is their will and determination.
World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation “Rise of the Titans” Stacked final card from top to bottom
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CHICAGO (November 5, 2018) — The World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation’s (WBKFF) inaugural event, “Rise of the Titans,” is set for this Friday night (Nov. 9) at Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming.
A stacked main card, headlined by a WBKFF middleweight title fight between Johny “Big Rigg” Hendricks and “Irish” Brennan Ward, as well as Chris “The Crippler” Leben and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni for the WBKFF light heavyweight crown, will be available to watch LIVE on pay-per-view.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute the “Rise of the Titans” main card throughout North America, commencing at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV and DISH in the United States, as well as Rogers, Shaw, Bell TV and SaskTel in Canada, and live-streamed worldwide on the FITE.TV app and website, for a suggested retail price of $29.95.
The PPV main card will also feature Ultimate Fighter runner-up Christina Marks against professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson for the WBKFF Women’s Bantamweight Championship, Las Vegas middleweight Joey Angelo takes on Albuquerque’s Julian “Nitrane” Lane, former UFC and Bellator fighter Josh “The Dentist” Neer faces light heavyweight Albuquerque boxer “Mad” Mike Alderete, and California heavyweight C.J. “The Night” Leveque vs. New Mexico’s Juan Torres is the PPV swing bout.
Retired All-Pro linebacker Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman has withdrawn from fighting on Friday evening’s show.
WBKFF will also launch its $100,000 Lightweight Tournament, showcasing eight fighters on the PPV main card in four separate quarterfinals bouts, on the PPV main card. The loaded tournament field includes MMA veterans Nick “The Ghost” Gonzalez, Ireland-native Jay “The Mellow Fellow” Cucciniello, Estevan “El Terrible” Payan, Robbie “Problems” Peralta, Mike “The Greek Assassin” Bronzoulis, South African Leon “The Iron Lion” Mynhardt and Zach “The Juice” Juusola, in addition to Kazakh boxer Radmir Akhmediyev.
A blind draw to determine the quarterfinals matchups will be held this Wednesday (Nov. 7) at the “Rise of the Titans” final press conference in Casper.
A solid three-fight “Rise of the Titans” preliminary card will precede the PPV event, available to watch on a free Preview, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT, live on FITE.TV, as well as via DIRECTV and DISH pay-per-view channels leading up to the main card on PPV.
The preliminary card’s entertaining match-ups are Issac Vallie-Flagg vs. Cory Simpson, contested at a 175-pound catchweight, Brazilian middleweight Marcel “Mello” Alfaya vs. Dakota Cochrane, and super lightweight Fred Pierce vs. Jeff Chiffens.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Hall of Fame ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. and the WBKFF all-star announcing team –Bas Rutten, Kenny Rice and Jessica Penne — will work the PPV and preliminary cards.
All fights and fighters subject to change.
Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.
Limited tickets are on sale available to purchase by going online here: https://www.caspereventscenter.com/events/detail/world-bare-knuckle-fighting-federation-championship
Ticket prices range between $200.00 – $500.00 for Ringside, $50.00, $30.00, $20.00, $10.00 in the 100 Level Grandstands.
Website: www.WBKFF.com
Facebook: /WBKFF
Twitter: @WBKFF
Instagram: @WORLDBKFF
ABOUT WORLD BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING FEDERATION (WBKFF): Based in Chicago, WBKFF’s mission is to become the worldwide leader in combat sports. The WBKFF stable of fighters already exceeds 100. Bare knuckle fighting is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Only the strong will survive when the gloves are off and all that stands between opponents is their will and determination.
World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation Announces Inaugural PPV card
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CHICAGO (October 11, 2018) – World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF) has officially announced the Pay-Per-View fight card for its inaugural event, “Rise of the Titans”, to be headlined by a WBKFF middleweight title fight between Johny “Big Rigg” Hendricks and
“Irish” Brennan Ward, as well as Chris “The Crippler” Leben and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni, Friday, November 9, at Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute “Rise of The Titans”, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, in North America on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV and DISH in the United States, as well as Rogers, Shaw, Bell TV and SaskTel in Canada, and live-streamed worldwide on the FITE.TV app and website, for a suggested retail price of $29.95.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday) and will be available to purchase by going online here:
Ticket prices are between $200.00 – $500.00 for Ringside, $50.00, $30.00, $20.00, $10.00 in the 100 Level Grandstands.
BAS RUTTEN NAMED WBKFF PRESIDENT
(L-R) – WBKFF President Bas Rutten & WBKFF CEO Tom Stankiewicz
“I am super excited about our first show on November 9th,” newly named WBKFF President Bas Rutten said. “Every single person I’ve talked to me who has heard about this event let me know what a crazy good card we have. I must admit, they are correct! I would love to talk about each fight on the card, but will do that in interviews coming up, so I will just mention a few right now. Brennan Ward versus Johny Hendricks as main event; two KO artists going at it, can’t get any better than that. Chris Leben versus Phil Baroni, both known for their KO’s in MMA, but now, bareknuckle? Sign me up! Shawne Merriman versus Mike Bourke; Merriman is a former NFL Linebacker with a crazy vertical leap of 41.5” (he’s a heavyweight!) facing off against Mike Bourke, a guy who everybody knows can hit. And let’s talk about our lady’s fight. Pro boxer Jasmine Clarkson versus Christina Marks, who has 10 MMA wins with 8 finishes. So, expect great competitive fights, and I hope to see you in Casper Wyoming on November 9th. If you can’t make it, please watch on PPV! Godspeed and bare-knuckle on!”
Hendricks, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas, is a former UFC middleweight champion. A past NCAA wrestler out of Oklahoma State University, Hendricks is a powerful striker who was the original WEC middleweight champion. The Oklahoma native captured the coveted UFC title belt in 2014, taking a unanimous decision from Robbie Lawler at UFC 171 in Dallas.
Ward, who comes from Waterford, Connecticut, is a powerful striker, as well, who was a top contender in Bellator for several years. A collegiate wrestler, as well, he was the Bellator Season 9 middleweight champion
The previously announced Nov. 9 co-featured event is a much-anticipated, entertaining showdown between a pair of legendary MMA fighters, Chris “The Crippler” Leben, of Portland, and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni, for the WBKFF light heavyweight title.
MMA veteran Mike “The Rhino” Bourke will be the opponent for retired All-Pro linebacker Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman, who recently signed with WBKFF to make his combat sports pro debut on “Rise of The Titans”, in a Special Heavyweight Attraction.
The 34-year-old Merriman played eight seasons in the NFL between 2005 and 2012 for the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills. He was drafted out of the University of Maryland in the first round, 12th overall pick, by the Chargers in the 2005 NFL draft. The six-foot, 275-pound Bourke, hailing from La Habra, California, knocked out living legend Ken Shamrock in the opening round of his most notable career fight.
WBKFF will also launch its $100,000 Lightweight Tournament, showcasing eight fighters in four separate bouts to determine the semifinalists for WBKFF’s second event, culminating with the championship final in its third event. A draw to determine the quarterfinal matches will soon be conducted.
Tournament contestants include UFC veterans Issac Vallie Flagg, along with veteran MMA fighters Nick “The Ghost” Gonzalez, Ireland-native Jay “The Mellow Fellow” Cucciniello, Estevan “El Terrible” Payan, Robbie “Problems” Peralta, Mike “The Greek Assassin” Bronzoulis, and South African Leon “The Iron Lion” Mynhardt.
Las Vegas middleweight Joey Angelo squares off with Albuquerque’s Julian “Nitrane” Lane, while last year’s Ultimate Fighter runner-up Christina Marks, of San Diego, takes on professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson for the WBKFF Women’s Flyweight Championship.
The PPV opener will feature Internet MMA sensation Chris “Mighty Mouse” Yarboroughmeets fellow Virginian, Brandon Dunivan, in a middleweight clash for home state bragging rights,
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Additional undercard fights will be live-streamed prior to the PPV broadcast with full details to be announced.
Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.
INFORMATION:
Website: www.WBKFF.com
Facebook: /WBKFF
Twitter: @WBKFF
Instagram: @WORLDBKFF
World Bare Knuckle FF: Rise of the Titans (WATCH ON FITE):
Legendary 3x All-Pro NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman signs to fight in World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation Inaugural event this fall
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Airing on worldwide PPV live from Casper, Wyoming
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CHICAGO (August 1, 20-18) – Retired National Football League 3x All-Pro linebacker and 3x Pro Bowl fan-favorite Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman has signed to fight on World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation’s (WBKFF) inaugural event, “Rise of the Titans,” airing on worldwide pay-per-view (full details to come) this fall, live from Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming.
The 34-year-old Merriman, fighting out of Los Angeles, played 8 seasons in the NFL between 2005 and 2012 between 2005 and 2012 for the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills. He was drafted out of the University of Maryland in the first round, 12th overall pick, by the Chargers in the 2005 NFL draft.
Known as an extremely physical football player, the 6′ 4″ Merriman will take his powerful presence into the ring as a bare-knuckle fighter, against his heavyweight opponent to be announced.
“This is really exciting for me,” Merriman said. “It’s a real privilege and honor for me to come out and fight. Thank you to everyone at the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation for your support. It’s time for Lights Out!”
“We are thrilled to have Shawne as part of our team,” WBKFF CEO Tom Stankiewicz commented. “It’s a very exciting time for everyone. Shawne was a proven warrior on the field and we look forward to seeing him in the ring. We feel that Shawne’s signing with WBKFF opens the doors to champions from all sports and shows that he has the guts and courage to step into this gladiator sport. Bare knuckle fighting is the combat sport for the 21st century. We welcome Shawne as part of our family!”
WBKFF will host a star-studded meet-and greet for fans during fight week, “Fandamonium”, featuring an appearance by women’s MMA superstar, Cris Cyborg, along with former UFC champions and other celebrities.
The announced co-featured event is a showdown between a pair of legendary MMA fighters, Chris “The Crippler” Leben and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni, for the WBKFF light heavyweight title.
Ultimate Fighter contestant and UFC veteran Christina Marks and professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson will square off for the WBKFF Women’s Flyweight Championship.
WBKFF will also launch its $100,000 Grand Prize 8-Man Lightweight Tournament, showcasing eight fighters in four separate bouts to determine the semifinalists for WBKFF’s second event, culminating with the championship final in its third event.
Tournament contestants include UFC veterans Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard, Tom “Da Tank” Gallicchio, Josh Neer and Issac Vallie Flagg, as well as undefeated professional Joey Bryant (16-0, 12 KOs).
Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.
Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Website: www.WBKFF.com
Facebook: @WBKFF
Twitter: @WBFFF
Instagram: @WORLDBKFF
World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation Inaugural event set for October 20
Airing on worldwide PPV live from Casper, Wyoming
CHICAGO (July 26, 2018) – World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF) announced today that its inaugural event, “Rise of the Titans”, will be held Saturday night, October 20, to air on worldwide pay-per-view live from Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming.
Full PPV details will soon be announced.
WBKFF also announced it will host a star-studded meet-and greet for fans during fight week, “Fandamonium”, featuring an appearance by the Queen of MMA, Cris Cyborg, along with former UFC champions and other celebrities.
The co-featured event is a dream match-up between two of the most polarizing MMA fighters of all time, Chris “The Crippler” Leben and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni for the WBKFF light heavyweight title.
The 37-year-old Leben, who lives in Portland, Oregon, is coming out of a five-year retirement
A veteran UFC title contender, Leben’s victims include Wanderlei Silva, Yoshihiro Akiyama,Alessio Sakara, Patrick Cote, Terry Martin and Mike Swick
Baroni, 42, came out of a four-year retirement earlier this year. Fighting out of Long Island, New York, he is a former pro kickboxer (7-0) and wrestler, who has successfully fought in the UFC, Bellator, PRIDE, Strikeforce, Dream and other MMA organizations.
Another sighed fight will match Ultimate Fighter contestant and UFC veteran Christina Marks and professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson for the WBKFF Women’s Flyweight Championship.
WBKFF will also launch its $100,000 Grand Prize 8-Man Lightweight Tournament, showcasing eight fighters in four separate bouts to determine the semifinalists for WBKFF’s second event, culminating with the championship final in its third event.
Tournament contestants include UFC veterans Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard, Tom “Da Tank” Gallicchio, Josh Neer and Issac Vallie Flagg, as well as professional boxers Nick Casal (23-4, 18 KOs) and undefeated Joey Bryant (16-0, 12 KOs).
Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.
Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Website: www.WBKFF.com
Facebook: /WBKFF
Twitter & Instagram: @WBKFF
World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation Officially Up & Running
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CHICAGO (July 16, 2018) — Combat sports’ newest organization, World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF), officially announced today that it is fully operational and targeting this October to promote its inaugural professional event, to air worldwide on independent pay per view.
WBKFF principals include CEO Tom Stankiewicz, COO & Director of Operations JC and matchmaker Paul Tyler.
The exact date of this historical event, venue, complete PPV details, and bouts will be announced during this summer.
“WBKFF will soon become the biggest, most popular in combat sports,” JC predicted. “This all started from our passion for hand-to-hand combat and to give fans what they deserve. WBKFF and fan-friendly will be synonymous. We’re going to give combat sports fans what they want and deserve: integrity, passion and fairness.”
Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men’s and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.
WBKFF has actively scouted and recruited battle-tested veterans and promising prospects alike from boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, Muay Thai, wrestling and other combat sports disciplines.
Members of the WBKFF stable of fighters range from legendary MMA veteran and undefeated kickboxer Phil “New York Bad Ass” Baroni to Street Beats Internet and YouTube MMA sensation Chris “Mighty Mouse” Yarborough, pro-debuting Team USA national boxing champion Tika “Ice Cold” Hemingway and former University of South Alabama football star Desmond LaVelle, former UFC fighters Seth “Polish Pistola” Baczynski, Tom “Da Tank” Gallicchio and Christina Marks, former Bellator fighters Virgil “Rezdog” Zwicker and Dakota Cochrane, and former world boxing title challenger Jasmine Clarkson, among the more notables to date.
Additional signings, including some with major names in MMA and boxing, are in negotiation stages.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Website: www.WBKFF.com
Facebook: /WBKFF
Twitter & Instagram: @WBKFF
JOSH THOMSON STOPS PABLO VILLASECA IN ‘BELLATOR 147’ HEADLINER
COMPLETE MAIN CARD PHOTO SELECTION HERE
SAN JOSE, CA. (December 4, 2015) – Josh Thomson’s (22-8, 1 NC) a mixed martial arts legend in San Jose and his “Bellator 147” effort against a young and promising prospect by the name of Pablo Villaseca (10-2) will only add to his career’s story.
A packed Event Center on the San Jose State University’s campus witnessed the “The Punk” utilize a plethora of skills en route to a finish of the Chilean fighter. Referee Jason Herzog officially called a stop to the action at 3:59 of the second frame, sending those in attendance into an uproar and pushing Thomson’s mark under the Bellator MMA banner to 2-0.
After the fight, Thomson made it clear that while a matchup against incumbent Bellator lightweight kingpin Will Brooks is enticing, he’s about the fans and the vast majority of fans he’s heard from want him to fight “Iron” Michael Chandler.
“Will Brooks is a great fighter man, and he has the belt,” Thomson said. “But, regardless of the gold around his waist, the fans want me to fight Michael Chandler and I fight for the fans.”
Bellator President Scott Coker has said he foresees Thomson returning to action in early 2016, and without fights scheduled for Chandler or Brooks as of print, another marquee lightweight contest could come to fruition sooner, rather than later. Watch the finish here.
Weichel Tops Karakhanyan, Hoping to Face Daniel Straus For the Title
In the featherweight co-feature bout of the evening, Georgi Karakhanyan (24-5-1) and Daniel Weichel (36-9) unleashed hard jabs and numerous round houses throughout a three-round thriller. The difference was Weichel’s ability to use his pinpoint accuracy to pepper away at his jab, putting an end to Karakhanyan’s night. In the end, “The Weasel” escaped with a split decision victory with scores of (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), and likely moved closer to another shot at the 145-pound champion. Watch the official decision here.
Anderson Outduels Freire Once Again, Inside the Bellator MMA Cage
A lightweight rematch between Patricky Freire (14-7) and Derek Anderson (13-2, 1 NC) came to a head tonight, with both men trading body blows and kicks for the 15 minute duration of their violent bout. In the end, “Barbaric” took home a split decision victory with judges’ scores of (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). The upset marks his second career win over Freire, after previously making his Bellator debut in a unanimous decision victory over Freire at “Bellator 98.”Take a look at some highlights here.
Piccolotti Wins Bloody Battle at the Expense of Soto
In a tightly contested battle between grappling experts Adam Piccolotti (7-0) and Mario Soto, (6-2) “The Bomb” remained undefeated after a second round rear-naked choke submission. Piccolotti sliced up Soto, opening up a significant cut over the right eye of the 29-year-old birthday boy. With blood squirting everywhere, “Dr. Mario” was forced to tap out at 3:25 of round two. Both Northern California fighters brought in a large contingent of hometown fans, but it was the Bay-area guy, Piccolotti, emerging victorious in the end, a product of landing 86% of his strikes thrown. Peep the gash on Soto’s head here.
Rogers Powers Past Zwicker in ‘Bellator 147’ Opener
During the opening contest on SPIKE, Brian Rogers (12-8) put an end to a two-fight skid in his debut at light heavyweight, opening fire with vicious ground-and-pound technique, mixed in with relentless hammer fists, which led to Virgil Zwicker (14-5-1) tapping out by arm-triangle submission at 4:38 of round two. “Rezdog” fought valiantly during his time inside the Bellator MMA cage, even withstanding a low blow earlier in the contest; but in the end, it was “B-Rog The Predator’s” night. Watch the video highlights here.
Preliminary Card Results & Photos:
A.J. McKee (3-0) defeated JT Donaldson (1-1) via knockout (knee) at 4:14 of round two WATCH FINISH HERE
Brandon Hester (3-0) defeated Idris Wasi (1-3) via unanimous decision (30-24, 30-25, 30-27)
Gabriel Carrasco (7-0) defeated Khomkrit Niimi (6-8) via technical knockout (elbows) at 3:19 of round one
Nick Barnes (10-1) defeated James Terry (16-8) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:48 of round one
Erick Sanchez (6-2) defeated Thomas Diagne (5-5-1) via technical knockout (punches) at 1:22 of round three
Jeremiah Labiano (9-3) defeated Alvin Cacdac (16-12) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bronson Mohika (1-1) defeated Jose Perez (1-1) defeated via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Adin Duenas (3-1) defeated Anthony Taylor (0-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:43 of round one
Anthony Do (2-0) defeated Dustin Moore (0-1) via technical knockout at 2:05 of round one
Brandon Halsey Defeats Kendall Grove Via Technical Knockout Vacates Bellator Middleweight Title Due To Missing Weight
All photos by: Bellator MMA/Eric Coleman
TEMECULA, Calif. (May 15, 2015) – While Brandon “Bull” Halsey (9-0) can no longer say he’s Bellator MMA’s Middleweight World Champion, he’s still managed to show his talent with a one-sided destruction of proven veteran Kendall “Da Spyder” Grove (21-15).
The contest served as the feature main event of Friday’s “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” card at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif.
Halsey nearly finished the fight in the early going, moving to an arm-triangle choke that would have finished a lesser opponent, but Grove somehow battled through the effort. Still, it was a one-sided round for the former champ.
Grove was able to avoid such a precarious position in the second, but he was still forced to be on the defensive throughout most of the frame. With a high-paced wrestling attack, Halsey simply pushed his way to the floor and enjoyed top position for almost the entirety of the round.
The pattern continued as the fight wore on, with Halsey simply overpowering his opponent and constantly earning himself the dominant position. Grove briefly threatened with an armbar in the fourth frame, but Halsey simply yanked his limb free and pounded away with punches shortly after until he earned the TKO win at the 2:25 mark of the frame.
The undefeated Halsey, who was stripped of the Bellator MMA Middleweight World Title for failing to make weight, will look to again earn the belt in his next appearance.
“I was my own worst enemy. It was how I performed. He didn’t throw anything at me that I wasn’t ready for. I was just trying to tough through the injury. I had to tough it out and come out with the victory,” Halsey said.
“Obviously, you want to be as dominant as possible. I just felt like I couldn’t explode through my combinations or explode through the fight and finish how I wanted to. But like I said, you’ve got to deal with adversity, and I did it the best I could,” Halsey continued.
“I learned my lesson. I thank Bellator. I apologize to the commission. It’s unprofessional not to make weight. No excuses, but anybody knows that it’s hard to cut weight with an injury. The belt’s just a decoration, so I’m still the champ in my eyes. No one has taken the belt from me.”
In the night’s co-main event, former Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (17-4), of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, took a step toward another shot at the title with a hard-fought decision victory over the hard-hitting Mike “The Marine” Richman, of Rose Mount, Minn.
While Richman showed excellent takedown defense throughout the 15-minute affair, Dantas’ work rate helped him earn the favor of the judges. Constantly pressing and looking to bring the fight to the floor, Dantas was able to just edge out Richman on the cards, 29-28 according to all three officials.
“I went out there and fought the way I trained to fight,” Dantas said after the win. “I knew Mike Richman was going to come with everything, but I wanted to win this fight and get back to the title. The only fight that makes sense next is for the title.
In a welterweight contest, Fernando “The Menifee Maniac” Gonzalez (24-13), of Menifee, Calif., scored a thrilling, come-from-behind victory over “Curtious” Curtis Millender (7-2), of San Bernardino, Calif.
With Millender enjoying a six-inch height advantage, the smaller Gonzalez struggled to score points in the first two rounds. But when the fight hit the floor in the third, Gonzalez latched onto a guillotine choke and earned a tap from his opponent at the 1:14 of the final round.
“I’m 4-0 right now,” Gonzalez said after the win. “That’s one step closer to the title, and I’m excited to get in there and mix it up with whoever is next.”
With the result, Gonzalez now boasts four-straight Bellator MMA victories and put himself in line for a potential shot at the promotion’s Welterweight Title.
In the night’s first main-card matchup, undefeated prospect Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (7-0), of Rahway, N.J., used a superior wrestling game to outwork more experienced opponent Rafael “Morcego” Silva (22-5), of Lajes, Brazil, en route a unanimous-decision victory.
With Caldwell scoring takedowns throughout the matchup, Silva looked for submissions when available, but he simply couldn’t find the necessary hold to work past his opponent’s defense. Instead, Caldwell kept his pressure high, and judges awarded him the fight, 29-28 on all three cards.
After the victory, Caldwell made it clear he’s clearing his way to a shot at the Bellator MMA World Title.
“I don’t think there are any fighters out there as explosive as me at 135 pounds, or as fast,” Caldwell said. “Eventually, I’ll be able to prove that.”
In the night’s final preliminary bout, Guam’s Joe Taimanglo (21-6-1) scored a third-round knockout of Mexico’s Antonio Duarte (18-6).
Additionally, featherweight prospect Jordan Parsons (11-1), of San Diego, Calif., earned a third-round decision win over the previously undefeated Brazilian Julio Cesar Neves Jr. (30-1).
In a light heavyweight contest, Virgil Zwicker (14-4-1), of Temecula, Calif., earned a first-round knockout win over Razak Al-Hassan (12-5), of Milwaukee, Wisc.
And in the night’s first fight, Ricky “The Sniper” Rainey (11-3), of Gastonia, N.C., earned a second-round knockout win over Jessie Juarez (22-10), of Torrance, Calif.
Brandon Halsey (9-0) def. Kendall Grove (21-15)
Eduardo Dantas (17-4) def. Mike Richman (18-6 )
Fernando Gonzalez (24-14) def. Curtis Millender (7-2)
Darrion Caldwell (7-0) def. Rafael Silva (22-5)
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, 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.
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