“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” adds middleweight slugfest pitting Joe Schilling vs. Hisaki Kato, making it the fourth and final main-card matchup

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 18, 2015) – A card loaded with explosive contests has received one more potential slugfest, as middleweight sluggers Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (2-4) and Hisaki Kato (4-1) will clash in the fourth and final main-card matchup of next month’s “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” event which airs live on Spike.

Headlined by a heavyweight contest between French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5), “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” takes place June 26 at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Kan.

Additional matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “The Natural” Alessio (35-17) and former Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) taking on Goiti Yamauchi (18-2).

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets for “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which start at just $17 and include cage side seats for just $97, are currently available at Ticketmaster.com.

The 31-year-old Schilling has been fighting professionally since 2006, starting his combat sports career in muay Thai, where he earned both U.S. and world titles. Since he’s turned his focus to MMA, Schilling continues to compete in kickboxing events, as well, working his way to GLORY’s Last Man Standing tournament this past June, competing three times in a single evening. Schilling made his Bellator MMA debut in November, scoring a “Knockout of the Year” candidate stoppage of noted striker Melvin Manhoef.

A karate stylist who first made his name in Japan in the sport of Kudo – a hybrid version of MMA that involves fighting in a gi, gloves and a mask – the 32-year-old Kato will fight in the U.S. on June 26th for the first time. Kato’s transition in 2013 to traditional MMA rules has proven to be a rousing success, as he’s earned four knockout victories in his first five bouts. Three of those wins were earned in the first round, including an April 2014 victory that came in just 53 seconds.

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” – Friday, June 26, Kanas Star Event Center Arena, Mulvane, Kansas

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2)
Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

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 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.

About Spike:
Spike 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’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’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.

About Kansas Star Arena
The Kansas Star Arena, a Boyd Gaming facility, is located just off Exit 33 on the Kansas Turnpike and is adjacent to the Kansas Star Casino. The 42,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Kansas Star Arena is south-central Kansas’ home for big-name national acts such as Journey, Pat Benatar, Championship Rodeo, mixed martial arts events and more. The Arena accommodates up to 6,500 guests for headliner events. In 2014, Midwest Gaming and Travel awarded the Kansas Star more than 25 honors in its annual Reader’s Choice Awards, including “Best Concert Venue” in the state of Kansas. For more information, visit kansasstarcasino.com. Connect with Kansas Star Arena at facebook.com/kansasstararena and www.kansasstarcasino.com/entertain/arena. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming is a leading diversified owner and operator of 22 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Jersey. Boyd Gaming and Kansas Star Casino press releases are available at boydgaming.mediaroom.com.




WSOF Releases Jessica Aguilar

LAS VEGAS (May 18, 2015) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) has released women’s world strawweight (115 pounds) champion Jessica “JAG” Aguilar from her remaining contractual obligations that spanned one additional fight with the world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion, so that she can ideally pursue competition where it is strongest in her weight division.

“We wish Jessica all the best, and hope that she will achieve everything she wants to in her career that is blossoming,” said WSOF President Ray Sefo. “We sat down with Jessica and her manager and we all agreed that she needs to move on to a place where she can compete against the best 115 pound women in the world.

“We have an incredible and fast-growing roster of world-class athletes at WSOF,” continued Sefo, “but we do not have the best fighters in this particular women’s weight class, so it was time to shake hands and amicably part ways.”

WSOF action returns to NBCSN live on Friday, June 5 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

In the main event of a world championship doubleheader, reigning WSOF world bantamweight champion Lance Palmer (9-1) of Sacramento, Calif. will put his title on the line for the first time when he collides with Chris Horodecki (21-5-1) of London, Ontario, Canada.

In the world heavyweight championship co-main event, Smealinho “The Prince” Rama (9-1) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada will risk his title for the first time against Blagoi Ivanov (11-1) of Sofia, Bulgaria.

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.




WSOF 21: Palmer vs. Horodecki Adds Six Prelim Bouts

LAS VEGAS (May 18, 2015) – The lineup for World Series of Fighting’s (WSOF.com) world championship doubleheader on Friday, June 5 continues to come together, and six contests featuring some of Canada’s top up-and-coming fighters, not to mention a Brazilian veteran, traveling to hostile territory, have been booked for the evening’s preliminary card.

The new additions include lightweights Stephen “Big Bad” Beaumont (7-2) vs. Mukai “The Afrikan Assassin” Maromo (8-4), light heavyweights Victor “The Finnisher” Valimaki (18-9) vs. Thiago Goncalves (17-4), welterweights Mark “Sweet Dreams” Drummond (7-2) vs. Michael “The Messenger” Hill (7-3), lightweights Garret “Nasty” Nybakken (7-7) vs. Nick “The Savage” Hrabec (3-1), middleweights Marcus “The Loudmouth Assassin” Hicks (20-24) vs. Matt “The Riotmaker” Baker (12-7) and lightweights Mike “The Storm” Scarcello (7-3-1) vs. Dan “Daniel San” Lariviere (4-2).

Headlined by a world featherweight (145 pounds) championship showdown between reigning kingpin Lance Palmer (9-1) and Canadian challenger and battle-tested veteran Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki (21-5-1), WSOF 21: Palmer vs. Horodecki will also feature a much-anticipated contest between WSOF World Heavyweight Champion Smealinho “The Prince” Rama (9-1), who will put his coveted title on the line against Bulgarian standout Blagoi Ivanov (11-1).

The night’s main card airs live on NBCSN, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, while preliminary bouts stream live on WSOF.com.

Tickets for the event, which start at just $56, are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

Stephen Beaumont, a Hayabusa Training Centre fighter from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, makes his WSOF debut. Six on Beaumont’s nine professional fights have ended in the opening round. He now meets cross-town rival Maromo and fellow WSOF newcomer Mukai Maromo, who was born in Zimbabwe but now trains at Edmonton’s Complete Fitness and Martial Arts.

A true veteran of the sport with 14 years of experience, Victor Valimaki hails from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and trains at UFC Gym Sherwood Park. Valimaki has shown well-rounded skills in his career, earning six of his career wins by knockout and another seven by submission. He now faces 34-year-old veteran Thiago Goncalves of Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil. With 11 years of professional experience, Goncalves has built an impressive career mark fighting around the globe and is now part of the fast-rising Pitbull Brothers fight team.

Mark Drummond hails from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and trains at Complete Fitness and Martial Arts. After losing in his professional debut in 2010, Drummond has since gone 7-1 in his past eight appearances, including a February knockout over Spencer Jebb at WSOF 18. Meanwhile, Michael Hill fights under the WSOF banner for the third time after previously banking a decision win over Ryan Dickson and a TKO of Richard Arsenault.

Garret Nybakken of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, looks for his first WSOF victory after falling short in his promotional debut in February against Dan Lariviere. He faces fellow Edmonton-based fighter Nick Hrabec, who looks to make a positive impact in his promotional debut.

Marcus Hicks, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is undefeated under the WSOF banner, racking up first-round submission victories over Graham Park and Markhaile Wedderburn. Meanwhile, Matt Baker – a Team Nogueira fighter from Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada – has become a mainstay on the WSOF schedule, making his sixth appearance for the promotion.

Mike Scarcello, a Hayabusa Training Centre fighter out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, brings a four-fighting winning streak to the cage. He now meets Dan Lariviere of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, who is 3-1 in his past four fights, including a February win over Garret Nybakken at February’s WSOF 18 event.

MAIN CARD

World Featherweight Championship:
(Champion) Lance Palmer (9-1) vs. (Challenger) Chris Horodecki (21-5-1)

World Heavyweight Championship:
(Champion) Smealinho Rama (9-1) vs. (Challenger) Blagoi Ivanov (11-1)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Stephen Beaumont (7-2) vs. Mukai Maromo (8-4)
Victor Valimaki (18-9) vs. Thiago Goncalves (17-4)
Mark Drummond (7-2) vs. Michael Hill (7-3)
Garret Nybakken (7-7) vs. Nick Hrabec (3-1)
Marcus Hicks (20-24) vs. Matt Baker (12-7)
Mike Scarcello (7-3-1) vs. Dan Lariviere (4-2)

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

ABOUT NBCSN
NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2015, NASCAR. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk, The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.




ONE: WARRIOR’S QUEST BRINGS FANS ALL THE ACTION LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW MAY 22 FREE LIVESTREAM OF PRELIMINARY BOUTS ON FACEBOOK

18 May 2015 – Singapore: Asia’s largest mixed martial arts organization with a 90% market share, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has announced that for the first time ever, preliminary bouts will be streamed live on Facebook on 22 May for ONE: WARRIOR’S QUEST which takes place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. After the final preliminary bout, the main card resumes on pay-per-view, including the main event — a battle for the ONE Lightweight World Championship between defending champion Shinya
“Tobikan Judan” Aoki and Koji “The Commander” Ando.

Fans can watch the fights live on ONE Championship’s official Facebook page (http://facebook.com/onefcmma) at no cost. The Facebook livestream will begin at 7:00pm local time and will end after the final preliminary bout.

After which, fans can then continue watching all the action of ONE: WARRIOR’S QUEST at http://oneppv.com.

ONE: WARRIOR’S QUEST features a showdown between ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki and challenger Koji “The Commander” Ando. It will be an epic battle of two Japanese warriors who aim for the top of a stacked division. Also, Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke will face Filipino Roy Doliguez for the right to be crowned the inaugural ONE Strawweight World Champion.

For more updates on ONE Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow Twitter and Instagram @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA

About ONE Championship™
With a 90%+ market share in Asia, ONE Championship is Asia’s largest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship™ has partnered with FOX and STAR Sports for an unprecedented 10-year cable television deal with a coverage that spans 70+ countries across the world.




UFC® ANNOUNCES FIRST EVER EVENT IN SOUTH KOREA WITH UFC FIGHT NIGHT SEOUL, NOVEMBER 28, 2015

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Singapore – UFC® today announced that it will bring its first ever live event to Seoul, South Korea, on November 28, 2015 at the city’s Olympic Park Gymnastics Arena. This marks the third UFC event in Asia in 2015 and continues to reaffirm the Asian market as a region with explosive growth potential.

With a number of successful fighters in the UFC, South Korea has drawn upon its martial arts legacy to nurture and develop some of the top stars in the sport. Athletes such as Dong Hyun Kim, Chan Sung Jung & Hyun Gyu Lim have proven the quality of mixed martial arts (MMA) in South Korea. Additionally, UFC fighter and celebrity Choo Sung-hoon, also known as Yoshihiro Akiyama, has a huge following in the region and has been a great global ambassador of Korean MMA for over a decade.

Executive Vice President and General Manager, UFC Asia, Kenneth Berger said: “The UFC in Asia is growing at an impressive pace and this event in Seoul will mark our second new market this year. South Korea has some of Asia’s best MMA athletes and this event is fully expected to illustrate just how powerful and technical these fighters have become. As usual we will bring a truly international fight card to the region, giving our loyal fans and those new to the sport a thrilling night to remember.”

The UFC is the fastest growing sports organization in the world and is viewed as the pinnacle of MMA by both athletes and fans. With close to 40 Asian fighters signed, the UFC in Asia is growing at an exponential rate. Previous events in the region have taken place in Macao, Manila, Singapore and Tokyo, attracting tens of thousands of fans and millions of TV viewers.

The UFC Fight Night Seoul event will be broadcast all over the world giving the UFC’s international fans a taste of the immense passion and support South Korean fans have for MMA.

Details of how to register and purchase tickets will be released soon.

For the latest UFC information, visit www.ufc.com.

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About the UFC®
UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 134 countries and territories to over 700 million TV households worldwide in 21 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.




Brandon Halsey Defeats Kendall Grove Via Technical Knockout

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)
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Eduardo Dantas (17-4) def. Mike Richman (18-6 )
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Fernando Gonzalez (24-14) def. Curtis Millender (7-2)
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Darrion Caldwell (7-0) def. Rafael Silva (22-5)
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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.

About Spike:

Spike 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’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’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.




FORMER UFC® CHAMPION LYOTO MACHIDA AND CUBAN OLYMPIAN YOEL ROMERO TO MEET IN SOUTH FLORIDA ON SATURDAY, JUNE 27

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Las Vegas – Former UFC® light heavyweight champion and current fifth-ranked middleweight contender Lyoto Machida makes a quick return to the Octagon® to meet No. 6 Yoel Romero in the main event of UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: MACHIDA vs. ROMERO on Saturday, June 27 at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

Machida (22-6, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif. by way of Belem, Brazil), a black belt in both karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, has nine knockouts and two submission victories to his credit, and has defeated former champions Dan Henderson, Randy Couture, Tito Ortiz, Shogun Rua and Rashad Evans. One of the most unorthodox and dangerous strikers the sport has ever seen, “The Dragon” will be a step up in competition for Olympic silver medalist Romero (9-1, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Pinar del Rio, Cuba). Coming off a third-round knockout victory over Tim Kennedy at UFC 178, Romero welcomes the former champ to his current hometown of Coconut Creek, with hopes that an impressive win will get him one step closer to a shot at the middleweight world title.

Also, in the co-main event, 11th-ranked welterweight Rick Story (18-8, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) will meet one of the division’s brightest prospects in Erick Silva (18-5, 1 NC, fighting out of Vila Velha, Espirito Santo, Brazil). The 30-year-old “Horror” Story looks to make it three consecutive wins as he continues to climb the 170-pound ladder. Silva, who has 11 first-round finishes to his name, also hopes to string together a three-fight win streak for the first time in his UFC career.

In addition, the finals of The Ultimate Fighter® Brazil will highlight the main card with new talent in both the bantamweight and lightweight divisions. The fourth installment of the Brazilian version of the show was coached by UFC legends Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: MACHIDA vs. ROMERO on sale Monday, May 18 at 10 a.m. ET and are priced at $229, $179, $129, $99 and $79. Tickets are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino box office. Ticket prices do not include applicable service charges.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Sunday, May 17 starting at 9 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: MACHIDA vs. ROMERO will air live on FOX Sports 1 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday, June 27, with the prelims kicking off the evening on FOX Sports 2 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

About UFC®
UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 134 countries and territories to over 700 million TV households worldwide in 21 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.




2015 Asian WMMAA Championships To be held May 22-25 in Tajikistan

NETHERLANDS (May 14, 2015) – The 2015 Asian World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) Championship will be held May 22-25 at Palace of Sports in Khujand, Tajikistan.

More than 100 athletes are expected to compete as part of teams consisting of eight members (seven athletes and one coach), representing a diverse group of participating countries including Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Afghanistan, India and South Korea.

Russian MMA Union president and WMMAA honorary president Fedor Emelianenko, arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all-time, will be present at the 2015 Asian WMMMA Championship.

“On behalf of World MMA Association,” Fedor said, “I invite ever MMA fan to Tajikistan where the 2015 Asian MMA Championships will be held. I’d like to thank Emomalii Rahmon, the president of Tajikistan, for his boundless support of MMA development in Tajikistan and wish infinite success in the development of our beloved sport across the whole Asian continent.”

Athletes and coaches will arrive Saturday, May 23 when physical exams will take place, as well as official weigh-ins and draws, plus a judges/referee seminar. Preliminary and semifinals bouts will be contested the following day (Sat., May 23) with championship matches on Sunday (May 24). Athletes and coaches will depart Monday, May 25.

One division has been expanded this year for a total of seven weight classes: bantamweight – 134 ½ lbs. (-61.2 kg), featherweight (145 lbs., -65.8 kg), lightweight (154 1/2 lbs., -70.3 kg), welterweight (169 ½ lbs., -77.2 kg), middleweight (185 lbs., -84 kg), light heavyweight (205 lbs., -93 kg) and heavyweight (206 lbs. or more, +93kg).

Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, dating back to 2500, as well as the second-largest city in Tajikistan. Khuhand has a population of more than 155,000, situated on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of Fergana Valley.

Information

www.WMMA.org

www.facebook.com/World.MMA.Association
www.youtube.com/user/TheWMMAA

ABOUT WMMAA: Its goal is to be the official world governing body for Mixed Martial Arts. A non-profit organization founded in 2012, WMMAA is on a mission to develop a standardized and regulated organization, including competition, training, officiating, testing and growth when necessary. More than 400 countries have been granted WMMAA membership.




CES XXIX ANNOUNCED

Before CES MMA Welterweight Champion Chuck “Cold Steel” O’Neil (15-6, 5 KO, 6 Submissions) attempts to defend his 170-pound crown against Dominique Steele (12-5) live on AXS TV on Friday, June 12th from Twin River Casino, CES has put together a stellar undercard for CES MMA XXIX. Tickets are on sale now at CESMMA.com and at the CES and Twin River Casino Box Office.

O’Neil is riding a four fight win streak, including an 11-second knockout victory over Emmanuel Walo in January on AXS TV, and a 2nd round submission over UFC veteran Ricardo Funch, while Steele enters the cage a winner of 6 of his last 7. He has finishes in 6 of his 12 victories.

In the co-main event, seven-time Bellator MMA veteran Matt “The Mangler” Bessette (14-6) of Hartford, Connecticut will fight dynamic featherweight contender Khama “The Deathstar” Worthy (7-3), who has finished three of his past four opponents via knockouts.

Former UFC submission specialist, and Team Link product, Jon Manley (9-2) makes his third trip to the CES MMA cage, this time against Canada’s Matt MacGrath (15-6), who’s riding high on a five-fight-win streak.

Providence fan-favorite and eight-time CES MMA veteran Greg “Ribz” Rebello (18-6) will clash with Attleboro-based former NFL player Tyler “The Marauder” King (9-2), who will be making his fourth trip to the CES MMA cage.

In a match-up of two of the East Coast’s hottest middleweight prospects, Olyneville’s Eric “The Dream Catcher” Spicely (6-0), who is unbeaten through his first six fights, will clash with top ranked Harley “Darkheart” Beekman (7-2) of Amsterdam, N.Y.

Eleven-time CES MMA veteran and East Providence product Dinis “Sweetbread” Paiva (6-5), who enters the cage riding a three fight first-round knockout streak, will clash with 16-fight veteran Chino Duran (8-8).

Providence’s Nate “The Snake” Andrews (6-1), who’s six wins have all come via stoppage, will fight the always-exciting Jay Bakanowski (3-1), a product of Northborough.

Pawtucket submission specialist Abe Pitrowski (6-2) is set to square off with undefeated Boston fighter Mike Rodriguez (2-0), Joe “Lights Out” Pingitore (4-1-1) of Johnston, RI. is set to fight South Boston’s James Grant Murrin (3-2), Pete Rogers Jr. (2-1), of Connecticut will clash with Worcester’s Evan Parker (4-3), Boston’s Jeff Hsu will make his professional debut against Rivera MMA product Toby Oden (1-1), and in a battle of dynamic jiu-jitsu players, Kody Nordby (3-3) and Jesse Gutierrez (1-0) will meet early in the event. All of the fighters’ wins have come by submission.

Tickets are $40.00, $55.00 $100.00 and $125.00 for front-row VIP, and are available online at CESMMA.com or TwinRiver.com, by phone at 401-724-2253 or at the Twin River Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

– CES –

Twin River Casino, located in Lincoln, R.I., is the state’s largest gaming and entertainment venue as well as its top tourist and cultural attraction. Formerly known as Lincoln Park, the renovated facility offers more than 300,000 square-feet of gaming space. The casino operates more than 4,500 video slot machines and virtual table games (including blackjack and roulette), as well as 80 live table games including blackjack, roulette, craps and more. A great alternative to Connecticut casinos, this unique gaming facility also hosts simulcasting of the best thoroughbred and greyhound racing from around the country, a 29,000+ square foot Twin River Event Center with headline entertainment, free concerts at the Lighthouse Bar, signature cocktails and premium cigars at Blackstone Cigar Bar, award-winning beer and unique food options, along with live music at The Shipyard Pub. Home to Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse, enjoy an award-winning steak and seafood dinner, or enjoy the exciting sports bar scene at Wicked Good Bar & Grill, as well as 16 other dining outlets. Twin River offers both smoking and non-smoking gaming rooms. Twin River Casino is situated just 10 minutes from Providence and less than an hour from Boston.




UFC® RETURNING TO JAPAN IN SEPTEMBER AND UNVEILING REALITY TV PROGRAMME,

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Singapore – UFC® announced today that it will be returning to the Saitama Super Arena on the 27th September 2015 with UFC Fight Night Japan. This will be the fourth UFC event in Japan and the second event in Asia this year. In addition to bringing fans a live event, UFC have also confirmed that they are producing a brand new reality TV show, ROAD TO UFC: JAPAN, which will follow eight Japanese mixed martial arts (MMA) hopefuls who will be competing against each other for the opportunity to win a UFC contract.

Executive Vice President and General Manager, UFC Asia, Ken Berger said: “We are very happy to be bringing our live event to the Saitama Super Arena once again this year. There is a rich and diverse MMA talent in Japan and we’re positive that through ROAD TO UFC: JAPAN, we will uncover more UFC prospects. We have recently witnessed the fast power of Kyoji Horiguchi in the Octagon® against flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson and it really is only a matter of time before we see a champion emerge from Japan.”

ROAD TO UFC: JAPAN will see eight MMA athletes train both in their hometowns and in Las Vegas at the TUF Gym under the supervision of coaches and UFC stars, Roy Nelson “Big Country” (21-11-0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., USA) and Josh Barnett “The Warmaster” (33-7-0 fighting out of Seattle, Wash., USA). Throughout the course of the series, match ups will be selected and fights will be scheduled to whittle the contestants down to two finalists, who will then participate in the live event at the Saitama Super Arena. Coaches Nelson and Barnett will also step into the Octagon® in a 5 round main event on September 27. The TV show will be broadcast in Japan beginning in July, airing weekly until September, and culminating at UFC FIGHT NIGHT: JAPAN.

UFC is the fastest growing sports organization in the world and is viewed as the pinnacle of MMA by both athletes and fans. With close to 40 Asian fighters signed to its roster, UFC in Asia is growing at an exponential rate. Previous events in the region have taken place in Macao, Manila, Singapore and Tokyo, attracting tens of thousands of fans and millions of TV viewers.

This coming week, UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson will visit no.7 Kyoji Horiguchi’s training gym in Japan. Johnson was enticed to visit Japan and learn more about the culture and tradition of martial arts following the two athletes’ championship clash a few weeks back. In addition to helping him grow as an athlete, the tour will also see Johnson and Horiguchi host an MMA training session for children at Krazy Bee gym.




UFC FIGHT PASS® TO STREAM SHOOTO BRAZIL EVENT EXCLUSIVELY LIVE THIS SUNDAY

Las Vegas – In another great addition to the UFC FIGHT PASS offering, the UFC’s digital streaming service is proud to announce it has reached an agreement with the Shooto Brazil organization, beginning with the exclusively live stream of this Sunday’s Shooto Brazil 54 MMA event.

The entire 12-fight card – headlined by the vacant Shooto featherweight title fight between Felipe Froes and Paulo Guerreiro – will stream live from Rio, Brazil, on Sunday, May 17 at 3pmPT/ 6pmET on UFCFIGHTPASS.com.

MMA pioneer and broadcaster Jason Chambers will handle the English language play-by-play with former WEC® and UFC® bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz serving as color commentator.

UFC’s Chief Content Officer Marshall Zelaznik said: “We’ve very excited to confirm that UFC FIGHT PASS will stream Sunday’s Shooto Brazil 54 event. Shooto Brazil is an organization which is renowned in Brazil and in hardcore MMA circles for putting on great fights and finding great talent. Our deal with Shooto covers live events and also the rights to the previous 53 shows, dating back to 2002 and featuring some great fights including early career performances by UFC stars like Jose Aldo, Renan Barao and Glover Teixeira.”

The full Shoot Brazil 54 card is as follows:

Shooto Featherweight Title Felipe Froes v Paulo Guerreiro
Catchweight: Ronys Torres v Benito Tavares
Light heavyweight: Luiz Banha Cane v Ricardo Silva
Featherweight: Pedrinho Falcão v Thiago Manchinha
Flyweight: Guilherme Jacaré v Edson de Souza
Featherweight: Felipe Colen v Alex Trem Bala
Lightweight: Oton Jasse v Marcio Breno
Lightweight: Ivan Paiva v Antonio Pedreira
Flyweight: Yago Bryan v Carlos Eduardo
Lightweight: Guilherme Doin v Denilson Oliveira
Bantamweight: Matheus Nacacche v Almir de Oliveira
Bantamweight: Elves Oliveira x Lucas Bigous

Shooto Brazil is the latest promotion to be added to the ever-expanding UFC FIGHT PASS fight library. Last week, the library of the legendary International Vale Tudo promotion – which ran 13 events Brazil in the late 1990s – was uploaded to UFC FIGHT PASS. And, in the coming weeks and months, FIGHT PASS members will see the first bouts and events uploaded from eight other major MMA organizations, as previously announced.

Zelaznik said: “The addition of the Shooto Brazil library means our members will soon have access to the libraries of 18 of the most important promotions from around the world and up and down the history of MMA. FIGHT PASS continues to develop into more than a “must-have” for fight fans, but an expansive archive of the entire sport, from the greatest modern UFC fights to the wars in PRIDE in Japan years ago, to the emergence of the lighter-weight fighters in the WEC to Vale Tudo fights in 1990s Brazil.

“When we are finally done ingesting all these new libraries, we expect to be offering our members access to over 20,000 fights from all over the world and across and the entire history of our sport.”

FIGHT PASS members can expect the Shooto Brazil back library to be uploaded to the service this summer.

UFC FIGHT PASS is available now at UFCFIGHTPASS.com on personal computers, Xbox One, Xbox 360 Apple TV, iPad, iPhone, Chromecast, Android, Samsung, LG Smart TV and Roku. Subscriptions are $9.99 month to month, $8.99 per month for six months or $7.99 per month for a one-year subscription.

About the UFC
UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 134 countries and territories to over 700 million TV households worldwide in 21 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS® a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.




M-1 Challenge 58: Fernandes vs. Abdulaev June 6 in Russia

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (May 13, 2015) – Brazilian invader Igor “Chatubinha” Fernandes will battle Russian foe Murad “Hunter” Abdulaev on June 6 for the vacant M-1 Challenge welterweight title, headlining M-1 Challenge 58: Battle in the Mountains 4, at Ingushetia, Russia.

Fernandes (18-6-0, 2 KO/TKO, 13 SUB), who has won his last six fights, will be making his M-1 debut against Abdulaev (14-3-1, 5 KO/TKO, 1 SUB), who is unbeaten in two M-1 Challenge fights.

During the past few years, Fernandes has been too dangerous for many fighters to take on, leaving him inactive for the past 26 months. The gifted welterweight immediately deserved and received a title shot upon signing with M-1 Global.

M-1 Challenge 58
M-1 Challenge 58

Abdulaev has won 11 of his last 12 fights. A dangerous striker with a solid ground game, Abdulaev is coming off an impressive knockout win over Daniel Tabera last October at M-1 Challenge 52.

The M-1 Challenge welterweight championship was vacated by Rashid Magomedov who left the promotion.

A pair of potentially explosive featherweight fights have also been announced for M-1 Challenge 58 as American Lee “American Bulldog” Morrison faces Pavel Vitruk, and Antun Racic meets Tural Ragimov.

Morrison (13-5-0, 4 KO/TKO, 4 SUB, fighting out of Okanogon Washington, is out to snap his two-fight losing streak to Ragimov (SUB1 – arm-lock) at M-1 Challenge 49 last June and a five-round decision to defending champion Marat Gufurov for the M-1 Challenge title at M-1 Challenge 47. The physically strong, experienced American fighter is planning a rebound June 6.

Last February at M-1 Challenge 55, Vitruk (12-1-0, 3 KO/TKO, 2 SUB) lost at M-1 Challenge 55 in a battle of unbeaten fighters to Max Coga by way of a third-round submission (choke). The Ukraine native who lives in St. Petersburg, Russia is a Muay Thai specialist.

Racic (17-5-0, 13 SUB) is a young, Croatian prospect who has won his last four fights in a row. He prefers to use his vast arsenal of submission moves. In his last fight, Racic defeated Lemmi Krusic (16-4-0), of Slovenia, this past October.

Ragimov (9-2-0, 4 KO/TKO, 4 SUB) earned a title shot after he defeated Morrison, in which he lost to M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger last October at M-1 Challenge 52. In the Fight of the Night, Ragimov was stopped by punches in the fourth round, after suffering a fractured and displaced finger on his left hand, as well as torn ligaments in his right hand.

M-1 Challenge 58 will be streamed live in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Andriod and Apple smart phones and tablets.

All fights and fighters are subject to change. Additional fights to soon be announced.

Fight Network will air M-1 Challenge 57 live on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., as well as nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in more than 30 countries throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Information

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@VFinkelchtein

@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/pages/M-1-Global/145250878842244

ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2015 promises to be another sensational year of world-class competition with a full calendar of Challenge events fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!




BELLATOR MMA SIGNS ONE OF THE MOST DOMINANT COLLEGE WRESTLERS OF ALL-TIME, OLYMPIC CONTENDER ED RUTH

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 11, 2015) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of one of mixed martial art’s most sought-after prospects, Ed Ruth. A dominant and decorated collegiate wrestler, Ruth joins Bellator MMA with an exclusive, multi-fight deal.

The 25-year-old’s focus is currently set on the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, where the general consensus is that he will be a shoo-in to compete in the 86kg. division.

“I’ve known for a long time now that after I get Olympic gold around my neck, I was going to go get some MMA gold for my waist,” said the phenom Ruth. “I’ve been talking with all the major organizations, and at the end of the day, I really believe in what Scott Coker is doing with Bellator. They’re signing the top talent, they’re putting on exciting fights, and they’re letting me secure my own sponsors. It will be a little while until I step into the cage for the first time — but when I do, everyone they put in front of me is in for a world of hurt.”

Ruth attended High School at Blair Academy in Susquehanna Township, PA, where he was the top-ranked recruit in Nation for his weight class. Ruth would elect to stay local and attend wrestling powerhouse Penn State University. The masterful grappler added three National Championships and four All-American accolades to his trophy room while wrestling with the Penn State University’s Nittany Lions.

The three-time national champion joins blue-chip amateur wrestling prospect Aaron Pico on the roster. Both competitors will turn their focus to MMA following the Olympic Games next year. When the time comes, Ruth will be competing in Bellator’s middleweight division alongside current title-holder Brandon Halsey, Kendall Grove, Rafael Carvalho, Joe Schilling, Alexander Shlemenko, Melvin Manhoef, amongst others.

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:
Spike 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’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’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” lineup complete with 14 fights, including the addition of hard-hitting veterans Justin Lawrence, Adam Cella

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 11, 2015) – June’s blockbuster “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business” event now has a complete lineup of 14 action-packed contests with the addition of Spike.com-streamed matchups of featherweights Justin “The American Kid” Lawrence (7-2) vs. Sean “P-Town” Wilson (34-25), lightweights Eric Irvin (9-3) vs. Hugh Pulley (4-2) and bantamweights A.J. “Let’s Go” Siscoe (0-1) vs. Garrett Mueller (1-0), as well as a pair of dark preliminary contests with welterweights Adam “El Natural” Cella (6-3) vs. Kyle Kurtz (3-0) and lightweights Garrett Gross (6-3) vs. Chris “Stump” Heatherly (8-3),

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.

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

The night’s first contest takes place at 6 p.m. CT local time, while the Spike-televised main card starts two hours later.

Lawrence, of Pacific, Mo., is a former national boxing and kickboxing champion and RFA featherweight champion who now makes his Bellator MMA debut on the strength of a three-fight winning streak. He faces Wilson, of Omaha, who has incredibly fought to a judges’ decision just once in 59 career contests.

Irvin, of Pilot Knob, Mo., boasts a four-fight winning streak and is 6-1 in his past seven appearances. He now fights for Bellator MMA for the first time and meets fellow Missouri native Pulley, who hopes to snap a two-fight losing streak.

Cella is a five-time Shamrock FC veteran and “TUF” former cast member who now faces the undefeated Kurtz – a Missouri fighter who already boasts three career victories despite just turning pro in January.

In a battle of Illinois-based fighters, Gross has won four of his past five outings and has gone to a judges’ decision just once in nine professional appearances. His opponent, Heatherly, is a big show veteran who hopes to snap a disappointing two-fight losing streak, the first consecutive losses of his career.

Siscoe and Mueller each make their Bellator MMA debuts.

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

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (4-2) vs. Ken Shamrock (28-15-2)
Bellator Featherweight Title Fight: Champ Patricio Pitbull (23-2) vs. Daniel Weichel (35-8)
Bellator Featured Heavyweight Fight: Bobby Lashley (12-2) vs. James Thompson (20-14)
Bellator Featured Featherweight Fight: Daniel Straus (22-6) vs. Henry Corrales (12-0)
Bellator Featured Lightweight Fight: Michael Chandler (12-3) vs. Derek Campos (15-4)

Preliminary Card (7 p.m. ET)

Bellator Strawweight Prelim Fight: Dan O’Connor (5-4) vs. Miles McDonald (0-1)
Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Justin Lawrence (7-2) vs. Sean Wilson (34-25)
Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Eric Irvin (9-3) vs. Hugh Pulley (4-2)
Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Malcolm Smith (4-4) vs. Luke Nelson (2-1)
Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Kain Royer (1-1) vs. Enrique Watson (1-0)
Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: A.J. Siscoe (0-1) vs. Garrett Mueller (1-0)
Bellator Welterweight Dark Prelim: Adam Cella (6-3) vs. Kyle Kurtz (3-0)
Bellator Welterweight Dark Prelim: Steve Mann (10-1) vs. Justin Guthrie (17-8)
Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: Garrett Gross (6-3) vs. Chris Heatherly (8-3)

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, 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:
Spike 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’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’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.

About Scottrade Center:
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this season, Scottrade Center is a contemporary, 12-story glass and concrete structure located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The home of the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, Scottrade Center also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events. Scottrade Center is consistently ranked by Pollstar Magazine as one of the top grossing arenas in the country.




INTERNATIONAL VALE TUDO NOW STREAMING UFC FIGHT PASS LEGENDARY BRAZILIAN PROMOTION ADDED TO THE UFC FIGHT PASS LIBRARY

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The largest MMA fight library just got even bigger – with the addition today of the International Vale Tudo league.

The IVC was a Vale Tudo promotion which ran 13 events from 1997 to 1999 in Brazil. While MMA in North America at the time was running towards ever greater regulation, the IVC reveled in its renegade reputation, pitting bare-knuckle fighters against each other in single round, 30minute no-holds barred brawls inside a boxing ring. Nevertheless, MMA luminaries like Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva and Dan Severn competed in IVC. Now, almost two decades on, UFC FIGHT PASS gives subscribers the chance to witness 1990s Brazilian Vale Tudo fighting for themselves.

All 13 of the classic IVC shows from Brazil are now live on UFC FIGHT PASS here:
http://www.ufc.tv/category/international-vale-tudo-event-replays

IVC is the latest fight library to be added to the massive FIGHT PASS archive, joining the full libraries of UFC, WEC, PRIDE FC, Strikeforce, WFA, Affliction, EliteXC and IMMAF.

The rights to the libraries of Cage Rage, Pancrase, King of the Cage, Extreme Challenge, Hook N Shoot, UCMMA, XFO and TKO have already been acquired by UFC FIGHT PASS and will appear on the digital streaming service in the coming weeks and months.




Fight Network Presents Live UFC Fight Night: Miocic vs. Hunt Main Card, Pre & Post-Fight Coverage

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, today announced extensive live programming for UFC Fight Night™: Miocic vs. Hunt this Saturday, May 9 from Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Adelaide, Australia.

Fight Network will televise the live main card exclusively in Canada from 11 p.m. ET to 1 a.m. ET.

In the main event, top five heavyweights will collide when the No. 4-ranked Stipe Miocic (12-2) battles No. 5-ranked Mark Hunt (10-9-1). Rounding out the main card, highly touted Hawaiian middleweight Brad Tavares (13-4) takes on red-hot Australian Robert Whittaker (14-4), gritty Australian veteran Anthony Perosh (15-8) looks to make it two in a row opposite heavy-handed American light heavyweight Sean O’Connell (16-6) and The Ultimate Fighter Nations cast member Jake Matthews (9-0) throws down with The Ultimate Fighter Live standout James Vick (7-0) in a clash of undefeated lightweights.

Live pre-fight coverage will lead into the prelims on Saturday night with Fight Network’s UFC Pre-Show Live at 10 p.m. ET, featuring previews, predictions and analysis.

In addition to all the live pre and post-fight coverage, Fight Network is the destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including UFC Unleashed, UFC Now and UFC Ultimate Insider. All airings are listed at tv.fightnetwork.com.

Post-fight coverage airs on Monday’s edition of 5 Rounds on Fight Network, which debuts at 7 p.m. ET and features a comprehensive breakdown of Saturday’s event.

The full card for UFC Fight Night™: Miocic vs. Hunt includes:

Main Card (Live on Fight Network, 11 p.m. ET):
-Stipe Miocic (12-2) vs. Mark Hunt (10-9-1)
-Brad Tavares (13-4) vs. Robert Whittaker (14-4)
-Anthony Perosh (15-8) vs. Sean O’Connell (16-6)
-Jake Matthews (9-0) vs. James Vick (7-0)

Preliminary Card (Live on UFC Fight Pass, 7:45 p.m. ET):
-Hatsu Hioki (27-8-2) vs. Daniel Hooker (12-5)
-Kyle Noke (20-7-1) vs. Jonavin Webb (8-0)
-Daniel Kelly (9-0) vs. Sam Alvey (25-6, 1NC)
-Bec Rawlings (5-4) vs. Lisa Ellis (15-9)
-Dylan Andrews (18-7, 1NC) vs. Brad Scott (10-3)
-Alex Chambers (4-2) vs. Kailin Curran (3-1)
-Vik Grujic (7-5) vs. Brendan O’Reilly (5-1, 1NC)
-Alptekin Ozkilic (9-3) vs. Ben Nguyen (13-5)

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.




Veteran knockout artist Benji “The Razor” Radach returns to the cage to face Ben Reiter at “Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove”

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 7, 2015) – One of MMA’s hardest-hitting pioneers will return to action for the first time since 2010, as Benji “The Razor” Radach (21-6) has agreed to replace an injured A.J. Matthews (7-3) in a middleweight preliminary fight against Ben “The Hunter” Reiter (15-0-1).

The new addition again finalizes a full nine-bout preliminary card scheduled in support of four main-card contests at “Bellator MMA: Halsey vs. Grove.”

The night’s featured matchups include 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), welterweights Fernando “The Menifee Maniac” Gonzalez (23-13) vs. “Curtious” Curtis Millander (7-1) and bantamweights Darrion “The Wolf” Caldwell (6-0) vs. Rafael “Morcego” Silva (22-4).

“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 4 p.m. PT local time, and the first contest takes place 45 minutes later.

Fighting professionally since 2001, Radach fought for many of MMA’s biggest promotions, including Strikeforce, EliteXC, the International Fight League and the UFC. Seventeen of Radach’s 21 career wins have come by knockout, and he makes no secret of his intentions when he enters the cage. Boasting past clashed with MMA notables such as Brian Foster, Gerald Harris, Matt Horwich, Chris Leben, Gustavo Machado, Murilo “Ninja” Rua and Scott Smith, among others, Radach put his fighting career on hold in 2010, as he addressed a variety of nagging injuries. Now fully recovered, Radach looks to make a successful return to action.

Radach now meets a top undefeated prospect and former UPenn wrestling star Reiter, who fights for the second time under the Bellator MMA banner after spending much of his early career in Peru.

“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 Welterweight Fight: Fernando Gonzalez (23-13) vs. Curtis Millender (7-1)
Bellator Featured Bantamweight Fight: Darrion Caldwell (6-0) vs. Rafael Silva (22-4)

Preliminary Card (7:45 p.m. ET)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Benji Radach (21-6) vs. Ben Reiter (14-0)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Virgil Zwicker (13-4-1) vs. Razak Al-Hassan (12-4)
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)
Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Jesse Juarez (22-9) vs. Ricky Rainey (10-3)

Dark Bouts (approx. 11 p.m. ET)

Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: John Yoo (0-0) vs. Albert Morales (1-0)
Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: Shawn Bunch (3-1) vs. Rolando Perez (7-4)
Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: Steve Kozola (5-0) vs. Ian Butler (1-1)
Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: A.J. Jenkins (17-5) vs. Arlene Blencowe (5-4)

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 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:
Spike 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’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’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 Presents RFA vs. LEGACY SUPERFIGHT this Friday, May 8

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents the historic RFA VS. LEGACY SUPERFIGHT event this Friday, May 8 at 11 p.m. ET, presented via one-hour tape delay from Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino in Robinsonville, Miss, immediately following a live edition of IMPACT WRESTLING at 9 p.m. ET.

Fight Network’s broadcast of RFA VS. LEGACY SUPERFIGHT will air nationwide in Canada, and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

For the first time ever, Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) and Legacy Fighting Championship (Legacy) have agreed to put their top fighters to the test.

The blockbuster card is headlined by a flyweight superfight between RFA champion Alexandre Pantoja (15-2) and Legacy champion Damacio Page (19-9).

In two co-main events, undefeated RFA bantamweight champion Luke Sanders (9-0) puts his belt on the line against RFA contender Terrion Ware (13-3), while top Legacy contenders Dave Burrow (13-5) and Mike Bronzoulis (17-8) face off for the vacant Legacy lightweight title.

The full fight card for RFA VS. LEGACY SUPERFIGHT includes:

Flyweight Superfight Championship
RFA’s Alexandre Pantoja (15-2) versus Legacy’s Damacio Page (19-9)

RFA Bantamweight Title Fight
RFA Champion Luke Sanders (9-0) versus RFA Contender Terrion Ware (13-3)

Legacy Lightweight Title Fight
Legacy Contender Dave Burrow (13-5) versus Legacy Contender Mike Bronzoulis (17-8-1)

RFA vs. Legacy Lightweight Fight
RFA’s Adam Townsend (12-3) versus Legacy’s Yuri Villefort (6-4)

RFA vs. Legacy Flyweight Fight
RFA’s Kevin Gray (5-1) versus Legacy’s Brian Hall (8-2)

RFA vs. Legacy Welterweight Fight
RFA’s Bojan Velickovic (9-3) versus Legacy’s Charles Byrd (7-3)

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.




M-1 Challenge Champions & Upcoming Events

EAVYWEIGHT: Marcin “Tybur” Tybura (12-1-0, 4 KO/TKO, 6 SUB)
M-1: 6-1-0, Uniejow, Poland (United Gym)

LIGHT HEAVYEWEIGHT: Stephan “T-800” Puetz (13-1-0, 6 KO/TKO, 4 SUB),
M-1: 4-0-0, Munich, Germany (Team MMA Spirit)

MIDDLEWEIGHT: Ramasan Emeev (12-3-0, 2 KO/TKO, 6 SUB),
M-1: 5-1-0, Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia (Gorets)

WELTERWEIGHT: Vacant

LIGHTWEIGHT: Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui (12-2-0, 4 KO/TKO, 7 SUB),
M-1: 2-1-0, Paris, France (Team Duca)

FEATHERWEIGHT: Ivan “Buki” Buchinger (29-4-0, 8 KO/TKO, 16 SUB),
M-1: 4-0-0, Gabcikovo, Slovakia (Team MMA Spirit)

Upcoming Events

June 6, 2015 – M-1 Challenge 58: Battle in the Mountains 4 in Ingushetia, Russia

Vacant M-1 Challenge Welterweight Championship:
Igor “Chatubinha” Fernandes (18-6-0, 2 KO/TKO, 13 SUB), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
vs.
Murad “Hunter” Abdulaev (14-3-1, 6 KO/TKO, 2 SUB), Anapa, Krasnodar, Russia

July 3, 2015 – M-1 Challenge 59: Kharitonov vs. Garner 2 in Astana, Kazakhstan

Heavyweight Superfight
Sergei “The Paratrooper” Kharitonov (22-5-0, 12 KO/TKO, 9 SUB), Moscow, Russia
vs.
Kenny “Deuce” Garner (16-8-0, 9 KO/TKO, 4 SUB), Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA

Information

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/pages/M-1-Global/145250878842244
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2015 promises to be another sensational year of world-class competition with a full calendar of Challenge events fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!




DEJDAMRONG SOR AMNUAYSIRICHOKE TO FACE ROY DOLIGUEZ FOR INAUGURAL ONE STRAWWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

06 May 2015 – Singapore: ONE Championship™ (ONE) announced that Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke will face Roy Doliguez for the right to be crowned the inaugural ONE Strawweight World Champion at ONE: WARRIOR’S QUEST which takes place 22 May at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. A bout between flyweights Stephen Langdown and A La Teng Hei Li has also been added to the card. Ariel Sexton replaces Rafael Nunes and will face Eddie Ng in a lightweight contest. Amir Khan and Shannon Wiratchai will push through with much awaited matchup.

Tickets for ONE: WARRIOR’S QUEST are on sale now at http://www.sportshub.com.sg/. Ticket categories begin with the full cageside experience at S$1,488. Tickets priced at $158, $58 and $38 are also available. Prices exclude ticketing fee.

CEO of ONE Championship™, Victor Cui, stated, “Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke has been unstoppable inside the ONE Championship cage, but he now faces his toughest test to date when he takes on the Philippines’ Roy Doliguez. Singapore’s flyweight prospect, Stephen Langdown will also be back in action as he meets A La Teng Hei Li from China. Of course, our main event is not to be missed, as ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki puts his title on the line against the number one contender, Koji Ando. Get ready for a night of jaw-dropping, world-class mixed martial arts action as ONE Championship goes live around the world.”

Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke is a Muay Thai world champion who is currently undefeated in mixed martial arts. Amnuaysirichoke has received the highest accolades in Muay Thai, being a 3x Lumpinee champion, Thailand’s National Champion and the Omnoi Stadium Champion and holds an overall Muay Thai record of 282-65. Muay Thai, an ancient form of martial art originating from Thailand is coincidentally one of the most effective methods of hand-to-hand combat. The discipline is also one of the most widely used skill bases in modern mixed martial arts.

Known as a technical fighter with quick hands and lightning quick feet, Amnuaysirichoke has some of the most unique and creative striking combinations in the sport of Muay Thai. His transition to ONE Championship gave him an opportunity to potentially achieve as much success in mixed martial arts. He burst onto the scene last year and finished all four of his opponents convincingly. Amnuaysirichoke now drops a division to strawweight with the opportunity to be crowned the champion in the division.

Roy Doliguez is a Filipino mixed martial artist currently riding a 6-1 record. Considered one of the best strawweights in Asia, Doliguez solidified that standing by avenging the only loss of his career. Doliguez is also a professional boxer with more than 40 professional boxing bouts. This bout will feature two contrasting striking styles and it will be interesting to see who triumphs and walks away with the ONE Strawweight World Championship.

Stephen Langdown is a professional mixed martial artist from Singapore. One of the brightest prospects in the country, Langdown has proven his success inside the ONE Championship cage. On 22 May, he gets to showcase his skills once again in front of 12,000 fans in his hometown.

A La Teng Hei Li is a Chinese mixed martial artist. He hails from inner Mongolia and grew up wrestling. A veteran of the mixed martial arts scene in China, Hei Li now gets the opportunity to pit his skills against some of the best in the world in ONE Championship.

Eddie Ng is a Hong Kong lightweight who has dazzled in his multiple appearances in the ONE Championship cage. Ng has won four of his five bouts in ONE and returns to action after a one-year layoff determined to continue his ascent. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, Ng has never gone to a decision in his professional mixed martial arts career thanks to his exciting style.

Ariel ‘Tarzan’ Sexton is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt with an impressive record of eight wins and three losses. He was born in Canada but now lives in Costa Rica. After discovering Jiu-Jitsu in 2001, he quit his day job and dedicated his life to mastering the art, before transitioning to mixed martial arts. His grappling acumen was on full display in his victories which he finished with a variety of submission moves.

Amir Khan is a Singaporean mixed martial artist with an undefeated amateur record who has competed in the United States. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt under Relson Gracie, and also has competitive wrestling and Muay Thai experience. With more than seven years of combat sports experience under his belt, Khan now takes on Shannon Wiratchai after being victorious all of his ONE Championship bouts so far.

Shannon Wiratchai is the top featherweight to emerge from Thailand. He has showcased an aggressive, brawling style every time he steps into the ONE Championship cage, making him a favourite among fans. Wiratchai is a practitioner of the Chinese martial art Baguazhang, and will once again look to exhibit the martial art in mixed martial arts action.

For more updates on ONE Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow Twitter and Instagram @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA

About ONE Championship
With a 90%+ market share in Asia, ONE Championship™ is Asia’s largest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship™ has partnered with FOX and STAR Sports for an unprecedented 10-year cable television deal with a coverage that spans 70+ countries across the world.




UFC® HALL OF FAME TO INDUCT CLASS OF 2015 AT UFC FAN EXPO, JULY 11

ufc_title-belt_206
Las Vegas – For the first time in the 12-year history of the UFC® Hall of Fame, an entire class of legendary fighters and contributors will be inducted into distinct Hall of Fame categories at a special induction event, scheduled for July 11 at UFC Fan Expo 2015.

UFC® today announced that after 12 years and with 12 inductees already enshrined, the UFC Hall of Fame is evolving into a unique four-category system, enabling UFC, media and fans to celebrate and commemorate the greatest achievements in the organization’s history in a well-defined historical context.

The four new UFC Hall of Fame categories are:

Modern era wing: commemorating fighters who made their pro MMA debut in the modern era
Pioneers era wing: commemorating fighters who made their pro MMA debut in the pioneers era
Contributors wing: commemorating significant contributions outside of active competition
Fight wing: commemorating the greatest and most important bouts in the sport’s history

The UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2015 will feature a new member in each of these new categories. The Class of 2015 will be announced in the coming weeks. The existing Hall of Famers – already inducted over the last 12 years – will be retrospectively inaugurated into the most fitting of these four categories.

For further details on the new UFC Hall of Fame format visit: http://www.ufc.com/news/UFC-HALL-OF-FAME-2015-MEDIA-FAQs

UFC President Dana White said: “The UFC Hall of Fame has an important job – it not only celebrates greatness but it helps pass stories of the greatest athletes and fights in UFC history on to the next generation of fight fans. We’re looking forward to announcing the class of 2015 and what is going to be a great induction event on July 11.”

The UFC Hall of Fame 2015 induction ceremony will take place on July 11 as part of the UFC Fan Expo in Las Vegas. Fans with tickets to the UFC Fan Expo will be able to attend the UFC Hall of Fame 2015 event for no additional cost. Tickets to the UFC Fan Expo are available at www.ufcfanexpo.com with two-day passes beginning at $60 online and $65 onsite. One-day passes begin at $35 online and $45 onsite.

There are also preliminary plans for a physical UFC Hall of Fame to be constructed in the UFC’s home city of Las Vegas.

To visit the UFC Hall of Fame fight library – which includes the induction speeches for the first 12 UFC Hall of Famers – go to www.ufc.tv/category/ufc-hall-of-fame-library.

For additional information please visit UFC.com, and follow UFC on Twitter @ufc.

###

About UFC®
UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 134 countries and territories to nearly 700 million TV households worldwide in 21 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS® a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.




Former Bellator MMA World Featherweight Champion Daniel Straus looks to work his way back to the belt at “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business” against undefeated challenger Henry Corrales

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 5, 2015) – Former Bellator MMA World Featherweight Champion Daniel Straus (23-6) begins his trek back to a world title when he meets undefeated promotional newcomer and former King of the Cage titlist Henry Corrales (12-0) at June’s blockbuster “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business” event.

The contest serves as the fifth and final Spike TV-broadcast main card matchup of the star-studded fight card.

Featuring one of the most anticipated heavyweight 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.

With the night’s featured bouts now complete, additional preliminary contests will be announced shortly.

A consensus pick as one the best 145-pounders on the planet, Straus is anxious to rebound from a disappointing January loss to current Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire. A member of American Top Team, Straus was ahead early in the fight and appeared to be on his way to reclaiming the belt he lost in 2014 before suffering a knee injury that limited his capabilities and eventually led to his late submission with 11 seconds left in the fourth round.

Now fully recovered, Straus plans on working his way back to a title bout as quickly as possible, and a victory on a high-profile card like “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business” would certainly help him stake his claim as the division’s No. 1 contender.

Fighting professionally since 2011, Corrales began his career primarily as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu stylist, as witnessed by his five consecutive submission wins to begin his career. However, he’s since worked diligently to improve his striking game, and of his past six victories, four have come by way of knockout. Corrales boasts an unblemished professional mark through the first 12 contests of his MMA tenure, including recent wins over big-show veterans Jerod Spoon and Seth Dikun.

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

Main Card

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (4-2) vs. Ken Shamrock (28-15-2)
Bellator Featherweight Title Fight: Champ Patricio Pitbull (23-2) vs. Daniel Weichel (35-8)
Bellator Featured Heavyweight Fight: Bobby Lashley (12-2) vs. James Thompson (20-14)
Bellator Featured Featherweight Fight: Daniel Straus (23-6) vs. Henry Corrales (12-0)
Bellator Featured Lightweight Fight: Michael Chandler (12-3) vs. Derek Campos (15-4)

Preliminary Card

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Justin Guthrie (17-8) vs. Steven Mann (10-1)
Bellator Strawweight Prelim Fight: Miles McDonald (0-1) vs. Dan O’Connor (5-4)
Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Malcolm Smith (4-4) vs. Luke Nelson (2-1)
Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Kain Royer (1-1) vs. Enrique Watson (1-0)

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, 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:
Spike 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’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’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.

About Scottrade Center:
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this season, Scottrade Center is a contemporary, 12-story glass and concrete structure located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The home of the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, Scottrade Center also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events. Scottrade Center is consistently ranked by Pollstar Magazine as one of the top grossing arenas in the country.




Bellator MMA adds heavyweight sluggers Ewerton Teixeira and Lorenzo Hood

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 4, 2015) – Bellator MMA’s heavyweight division will now play host to a pair of the hardest-hitting heavyweights in the game, as promotion officials are proud to announce the addition of Brazilian K-1 champion Ewerton Teixeira (3-0), as well as Blackzilians slugger Lorenzo “The Samoan Silverback” Hood (9-2).

Debut dates and opponents will be announced for both fighters in the near future.

A third dan black belt in Kyokushin karate, the 33-year-old Teixeira has been racking up titles in striking competitions for more than a decade. Teixeira reached the pinnacle of standup fighting in 2008, when he earned that year’s K-1 World Grand Prix in Fukuoka title and then fought his way to the K-1 World Grand Prix Final’s championship bout, where he would come up just short against Errol Zimmerman (though Teixeira would avenge that result in 2010).

Teixeira then turned his attention to MMA in 2012, and he has remained undefeated through his first three professional contests in the sport and is now ready to try his hand at MMA’s highest level.

Meanwhile, the 6-foot-3 Hood has been competing professionally since 2009 and has never had a fight go past the first round. Of his nine career victories, all nine have come by knockout. Hood has fought throughout the U.S. while competing on the regional circuit, earning himself recognition as one of the top heavyweight prospects in the sport.

Competing under the tutelage of former world champion Rashad Evans, the 26-year-old Hood’s work at Florida’s Blackzilians camp has prepared him for an opportunity to compete against the world’s best fighters, and Bellator MMA will now offer him a platform to prove his talent.

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:
Spike 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’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’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 INKS LIGHTWEIGHT KNOCKOUT ARTIST MELVIN GUILLARD TO A MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-FIGHT DEAL

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 4, 2015) – Bellator MMA officials are proud to announce that they have signed MMA fan-favorite Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (32-14-2) to a multi-year, multi-fight contract.

A debut date and opponent will be announced for Guillard in the near future.

At only 32 years of age, “The Young Assassin” has amassed 50 professional bouts in a career that dates back to 2002. With 21 victories coming by KO, Guillard has generated a large fan base with his exciting fighting style.

Born in New Orleans, the knockout artist has honed his skills at some of the top MMA gyms in the world including Jackson’s MMA, Blackzilians, Grudge Training Center and American Top Team, where he currently trains. During his 22-fight stint with Ultimate Fighting Championship, Guillard broke MMA great BJ Penn’s record for most KO’s in the lightweight division with eight, an accolade which he still holds to this day.

“We are excited to have Melvin coming onboard,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “With competitors the likes of Lightweight Champion Will Brooks, Michael Chandler, Marcin Held, Derek Anderson, Saad Awad, Dave Jansen and Patricky Pitbull on the roster already, the matchup possibilities for an exciting fighter like him are endless.”

Guillard owns victories over notable names that include Marcus Davis, Dennis Siver, Gleison Tibau, Evan Dunham, and Jeremy Stephens.

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, 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:
Spike 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’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’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.




M-1 Challenge 57: Battle in the Heart of the Continent Puetz stops Tybura in Heavyweight Superfight Barnaoui takes Divnich’s title belt

ORENBURG, Russia (May 2, 2015) – M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title holder Stephan “T-800” Puetz defeated previously undefeated M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Marcin “Tybur” Tubura in tonight’s heavyweight super fight that headlined M-1 Challenge 57: Battle in the Heart of the Continent in Orenburg, Russia.

In the co-feature, challenger Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui upset defending champion Max Divnich to capture the M-1 Challenge lightweight championship.

Puetz (13-1-0, 6 KO/TKO, 4 SUB) established himself as a genuine MMA star by defeating the larger Tybura (12-1-0, 3 KO/TKO, 4 SUB). The ultra-talented German won his fourth straight M-1 Challenge fight with a third-round technical knockout of the Polish heavyweight, who was unbeaten in six previous M-1 Challenge bouts, resulting from the doctor’s stoppage.

Barnaoui (12-2-0, 4 KO/TKO, 7 SUB), fighting out of France, stopped previously undefeated champion Divnich (11-1-0, 6 KO/TKO, 1 SUB), of Russia, in the second round via punches.

Also fighting on the main card, Russian welterweight Alexei Kunchenko (9-0-0, 6 KO/TKO, 2 SUB) knocked out British challenger Dez “The Arm Collector” Parker (4-2-0, 1 KO/TKO, 3 SUB) in the opening round, Russian featherweight Magomed Idrisov (5-0-0, 2 KO/TKO, 0 SUB) won a three-round decision over German invader Max Coga (11-4-0, 2 KO/TKO, SUB), and Russian featherweight Nikita “Piranha” Chistyakov (4-1-0, 0 KO/TKO, 1 SUB) took a hard fought three-round decision from Frenchman Moktar “Le Benkaci” Benkaci (11-6-0, 3 KO/TKO, 7 SUB).

In preliminary bouts, lightweight Murad Mirzabekov (2-1-0, 0 SUB) knocked out fellow Russian Fabrice Dato (6-2-0, 2 KO/TKO, 2 SUB) in the first round, Russian heavyweight Kurban Ibragimov (3-2-0, 2 KO/TKO, 0 SUB) punched his way to a second-round victory over Spaniard David Trallero (1-2-0, 1 KO/TKO), Russian light heavyweight Rashid Yusupov (5-1-0, 1 KO/TKO, 2 SUB) registered an impressive first-round KO of Russian Mitry Medvedev (7-5-0, 3 KO/TKO, 3 SUB), Adam “Beard” Yandiev (6-0-0, 3 KO/TKO, 3 SUB) remained undefeated with an opening-round submission (guillotine choke) win against Dmitriy Adeev (1-2-0, 1 KO/TKO) in a battle of Russian light heavyweights, Damir Ismagulov (2-1-0, 1 KO/TKO, 0 SUB) took a three-round unanimous decision from fellow Russian lightweight Sergey Andreev (5-4-0, 2 KO/TKO, 2 SUB), Kazakhstan welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov (2-0-0, 1 KO/TKO, 1 SUB) punched out Bartos “Hulk” Chyrek (4-2-0, 4 SUB) in the first round, and Russian featherweight Timur Nagibin (7-1-0, 2 KO/TKO, 0 SUB) knocked out Akhmandjon Mamurov (0-1-0), of Tajikistan, in round one.

Complete results and picture gallery below:

MAIN CARD

HEAVYWEIGHT SUPERFIGHT
Stephan Puetz (13-1-0), Germany WTKO3 (3:48) Marcin Tubura (12-1-0), Poland

M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Mansour Barnaoui (13-2-0), France (WKO1 (punches – 4:48) Maxim Divnich (11-1-0), Russia
(Barnaoui won M-1 Challenge Lightweight Title)

WELTERWEIGHTS
Alexei Kunchenko (9-0-0), Russia WKO1 (punches – 2:55) Dez Parker (4-2-0), England

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Magomed Idrisov (5-0-0), Russia WDEC3 Max Coga (11-4-0), Germany

Nikita Chistyakov (4-1-0), Russia WDEC3 Moktar Benkaci (11-6-0), France

PRELIMINARY CARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Kurban Ibragimov (3-2-0), Russia WTKO2 (punches – 2:00) David Trallero (1-2-0), Spain

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Rashid Yusupov (5-1-0), Russia WKO1 (punches – 1:32) Mitry Medvedev (7-5-0), Russia

Adam Yandiev (6-0-0), Russia WSUB1 (guillotine choke – 1:14) Dmitry Adeev (1-2-0), Russia

WELTERWEIGHTS
Shavat Rakhmonov (2-0-0), Kazakhstan WKO1 (punches – 2:50) Bartos Chyrek (4-2-0), Poland

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Damir Ismagulov (2-1-0), Russia WDEC3 Sergey Andreev (5-4-0), Russia

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Murad Mirzabekov (2-1-0), Russia WKO1 (punches – 2:50) Fabrice Dato (6-2-0), Russia

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Timur Nagibin (7-1-0), Russia WKO1 (punches – 1:05) Akhmandjon Mamurov (0-1-0), Tajikistan

The great Fedor Emelianenko addressed the crowd

MMA sperstar Stephan “T-800” Puetz

Mansour vs. Divnich fight is all over

New M-1 Challenge 57 lightweight champion Mansour Barnaoui

Murad Mirzabekov ends fight with Fabrice

Kurban Ibragimov and David Trallero exchange kickx

Shavkat Rakhmonov controls Bartos Chyrek

Adam Yandiev has hold on Dmitriy Adeev

Moktar Benkaci and Mikita Chistyakov mix it up

Rashid Yusupov put Mitry Medvedev to sleep

Damir Ismagulov and Sergey Andreev

Information

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org
www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

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@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/pages/M-1-Global/145250878842244

ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2015 promises to be another sensational year of world-class competition with a full calendar of Challenge events fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!




Video: UFC 187 Free Fight: Anthony Johnson vs. Alexander Gustafsson




Injury forces Georgi Karakhanyan out of featherweight title fight – Champion Patricio Pitbull now faces Daniel Weichel at “Bellator: Unfinished Business”

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 28, 2015) – Due to a knee injury sustained by title challenger Georgi Karakhanyan, Bellator MMA Featherweight World Champion Patricio Pitbull (23-2) will now face German submission ace Daniel “The Weasel” Weichel (35-8) in the co-main event of “Bellator: Unfinished Business,” which takes place Friday, June 19 at St. Louis’ Scottrade Center.

Featuring one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport with Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock, “Bellator: Unfinished Business” also features Bobby Lashley (12-2) vs. James Thompson (20-14) and Michael Chandler (12-3) vs. Derek Campos (15-4), with a fifth and final featured bout to be announced shortly.

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

“Pitbull” now meets Germany’s Weichel, who at just 30 years of age already boasts more than 35 professional wins. In his last fight, Weichel earned a hard-fought victory over former champion Pat Curran bringing his record to 12-1 in his past 13 outings. Weichel is a Bellator MMA tournament winner, racking up victories over Desmond Green, Matt Bessette and Scott Cleve in the process. Of those 35 wins, an incredible 21 of them have come by way of submission.

The 5-fight televised card airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT, with preliminary fights streaming on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT.

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

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

Main Card
Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (4-2) vs. Ken Shamrock (28-15-2)
Bellator Featherweight Title Fight: Champ Patricio Pitbull (23-2) vs. Daniel Weichel (35-8)
Bellator Featured Heavyweight Fight: Bobby Lashley (12-2) vs. James Thompson (20-14)
Bellator Featured Lightweight Fight: Michael Chandler (12-3) vs. Derek Campos (15-4)

Preliminary Card

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Justin Guthrie (17-8) vs. Steven Mann (10-1)
Bellator Strawweight Prelim Fight: Miles McDonald (0-1) vs. Dan O’Connor (5-4)
Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Malcolm Smith (4-4) vs. Luke Nelson (2-1)
Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Kain Royer (1-1) vs. Enrique Watson (1-0)

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, 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:
Spike 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’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’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.

About Scottrade Center:
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this season, Scottrade Center is a contemporary, 12-story glass and concrete structure located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The home of the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, Scottrade Center also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events. Scottrade Center is consistently ranked by Pollstar Magazine as one of the top grossing arenas in the country.




“Bellator: Unfinished Business” gets touch of local flavor with Malcolm Smith vs. Luke Nelson and Kain Royer vs. Enrique Watson

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 27, 2015) – June’s blockbuster “Bellator: Unfinished Business” event is getting a little local flavor, as two new preliminary contests feature fighters from “The Show Me State.”

The new all-Missouri contests include lightweights Malcolm Smith (4-4) vs. Luke Nelson (2-1) and middleweights Kain Royer (1-1) vs. Enrique Watson (1-0).

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

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

Additional contests will be announced shortly.

A five-time Shamrock FC veteran, Smith makes his Bellator MMA debut as he looks to rebound from a split-decision loss to Cory Hunter in March. Prior to the disappointing result, Smith was 4-1 in his previous five fights – a run that included two TKO victories and one submission.

Smith now meets three-time Shamrock FC fighter Nelson, who turned pro in December 2013 and also competes under the Bellator MMA banner for the first time. Nelson has earned both of his career wins to date via first-round stoppage, while his lone career loss went the distance, when he came up just short via split decision.

Royer and Watson have also spent the early stages of their professional careers competing exclusively under the Shamrock FC banner.

A submission specialist, Royer built an impressive amateur record fighting on Missouri’s regional scene before turning professional in 2013. An action-first fighter, both of his pro contests have ended in the first round. Royer now meets Watson, who made his professional debut this past June with a first-round TKO victory.

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

Main Card

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 Heavyweight Fight: Bobby Lashley (12-2) vs. James Thompson (20-14)
Bellator Featured Lightweight Fight: Michael Chandler (12-3) vs. Derek Campos (15-4)

Preliminary Card

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Justin Guthrie (17-8) vs. Steven Mann (10-1)
Bellator Strawweight Prelim Fight: Miles McDonald (0-1) vs. Dan O’Connor (5-4)
Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Malcolm Smith (4-4) vs. Luke Nelson (2-1)
Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Kain Royer (1-1) vs. Enrique Watson (1-0)

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, 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:
Spike 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’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’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.

About Scottrade Center:
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this season, Scottrade Center is a contemporary, 12-story glass and concrete structure located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The home of the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, Scottrade Center also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events. Scottrade Center is consistently ranked by Pollstar Magazine as one of the top grossing arenas in the country.




SFL 40 Quick Results

MAIN EVENT
Drew Brokenshire def. Jason Gray via 3rd RD TKO

It’s hard to believe the two men in tonight’s Super Fight League 40 main event were even in the same weight class. Drew Brokenshire looked unimpressed standing across the cage from the much larger Jason Gray. The action came fast and furious with Gray using his elite wrestling to control the fight for the first two rounds. But, as usual, the Eternal Fire lived up to his nickname, never tiring and coming alive in the third, landing brutal knees to the face of his opponent. With only two minutes to go, the punishment became just too much, with Gray going limp and the referee jumping in to make the save. The win marks Brokenshire’s return to the winner’s circle and ensuring that the Eternal Fire is here to stay.

SEMI MAIN EVENT
Gurdarshan Gary Mangat def. Hector Lopez via 1st RD Rear Naked Choke

UNDERCARD
Justin Mark def. Shane Sargent via 1st RD Rear Naked Choke (0:58)
Jake Jokela def. Mike Ross via 1st RD Rear Naked Choke (3:44)
Susy Watson def. Ciara Irvine via 1st RD Rear Naked Choke (3:29)
Corey Watson def. Artiom Cula via 3rd RD Kimura (2:53)
Tony Reyes def. Victor Barajas via 1st RD Rear Naked Choke (4:02)
John Heath def. Trent Tyler via 2nd RD TKO (3:19)




Welterweight clash pitting undefeated Michael “Venom” Page against Rudy “Bad News” Bears added to “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov”

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 24, 2015) – Michael “Venom” Page (7-0) will look to keep his unbeaten streak alive when he meets 29-fight veteran Rudy “Bad News” Bears (16-13) in a welterweight tilt at “Bellator: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” which takes place Friday, July 17, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The July 17 event is shaping up to be a tremendous showcase of welterweight talent, already featuring previously announced bouts between Bellator MMA Welterweight World Champion Douglas “The Phenom” Lima (26-5) and Russian knockout artist Andrey “Spartan” Koreshkov (17-1), as well as Chris Honeycutt (6-0), who takes on Paul Bradley (22-6).

The two 170-pounders meet on the main card of “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” which airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT.

Tickets for the event are on sale now, and are available at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office or Ticketmaster.com.

Page is undoubtedly one of the fastest-rising stars in all of mixed martial arts. Showcasing blazing speed and pinpoint accuracy, “Venom’s” unorthodox striking style has been built over a lifetime of study in a variety of standup disciplines. The 28-year-old already owns three Bellator MMA victories, including a decision win over Nah-Shon Burrell this past October, as well as knockout wins over Ricky Rainey and Ryan Sanders. Six of Page’s seven career wins have come via first-round finish.

A 36-year-old Missouri native, Bears began his combat sports training in high school. Fighting professionally since 2007, Bears has appeared seven times previously under the Bellator MMA banner and now returns to the promotion after racking up back-to-back victories on the regional stage. Bears has competed against MMA notables the likes of Zak Cummings, Paul Daley, Jason High, Ryan Jensen, Isaac Vallie-Flagg and Tyron Woodley, amongst others.

Additional contests for “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” will be announced shortly.

“Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” – Friday, July 17, Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.

Bellator Welterweight Title Fight: Champ Douglas Lima (26-5) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (17-1)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Michael Page (7-0) vs. Rudy Bears (16-13)

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.

About Spike:
Spike 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’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’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.