Three Fights Announced for WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields on November 12

LAS VEGAS (September 13, 2016) – World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) officially announced today the highly-anticipated welterweight (170 pounds) title fight between reigning world champion Jon Fitch (28-7-1, 1 NC) and number one contender and fellow decorated superstar Jake Shields (31-8-1) for Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colo., live on NBCSN at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Priced from $20, tickets for “WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields” go on sale on Friday, Sept. 16 at the Budweiser Events Center box office, BudweiserEventsCenter.com, or by phone at 1-877-544-TIXX.

“This is a fight between two of the sport’s most seasoned and accomplished competitors, and a matchup that has been building for quite some time, so we are excited to see it finally come to fruition in the decagon cage, and to crown the better man that night, our world welterweight champion,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

In addition to the main event, World Series of Fighting announced a featured heavyweight attraction pitting Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (13-4) against former champion Smealinho “The Prince” Rama (9-2), as well as the promotional debut of battle-tested Paul Bradley (23-6), who will take on former top 10 world-ranked Yushin “Thunder” Okami (32-10) in a welterweight affair.

Additional matchups for “WSOF34: Fitch vs. Shields” will be announced soon.

Jon Fitch vs. Jake Shields

The 6-foot, 38-year-old Fitch of Las Vegas, Nev. via Fort Wayne, Ind. will put his title on the line for the second time since seizing the vacant belt on October 17, 2015, when he earned a unanimous decision over Yushin Okami.

Fitch, who has faced and defeated some of the best rival welterweight fighters of his era to cement his legacy in the sport, risked his World Series of Fighting title for the first time on April 2, defeating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Joao Zeferino by way of unanimous decision.

Fighting out of San Francisco, Calif., the 6-foot, 37-year-old Shields will seek his fourth major world championship. The Cesar Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt held both the Shooto and EliteXC welterweight straps as well as the Strikeforce middleweight crown.

Like Fitch, Shields has provided fight fans with a host of memories, including his unforgettable, upset unanimous decision defeat of future Hall of Famer Dan Henderson on April 17, 2010. Shields also boasts a split decision win over reigning UFC champion Tyron Woodley as well as a split decision victory over UFC superstar Demian Maia.

Josh Copeland vs. Smealinho Rama

The 6-foot-1, 33-year-old Copeland is coming off what was perhaps the grittiest performance of his four-year professional career in his bid for the World Series of Fighting heavyweight title against reigning champion Blagoy Ivanov. Copeland stood toe-to-toe and held his own against the Sambo champion, but was left on the losing end of a unanimous decision after five competitive rounds of action.

Copeland, who has notched 7 of his 12 professional victories by way of (T)KO or submission, earned his place in the world title fight by taking a unanimous decision from Mike “300” Hayes at WSOF29 on March 12.

The 6-foot-1, 24-year-old Rama of Calgary, Alberta, Canada made history on October 11, 2014, becoming the first-ever World Series of Fighting heavyweight champion by scoring a devastating, 51-second TKO (punches) on Derrick “Caveman” Mehman at WSOF14.

Rama, who also holds a unanimous decision win over Steve Mocco in the World Series of Fighting decagon cage, surrendered the heavyweight title after being submitted (guillotine choke) by Ivanov in the third round (1:17) of their bout on June 5, 2015.

Paul Bradley vs. Yushin Okami

One of World Series of Fighting’s recent, high-profile acquisitions, the 5-foot-9, 33-year-old Bradley of San Diego, Calif. signed with the league after decimating previously unbeaten Chris Honeycutt by way of TKO (punches) in just 40 seconds in the Bellator MMA cage on January 29, 2016.

A former, two-time All-American wrestling star for NCAA Division I University of Iowa, Bradley placed as high as fourth in the national championships before turning to MMA in 2006 where he has since faced off with elite competition in the UFC and Strikeforce.

Similar to his opponent, the 6-foot-2, 35-year-old Okami of Kanagawa, Japan has scrapped with top-level, world ranked competition to earn his place in the decagon cage.

Since the loss to Fitch, Okami, a veteran of the UFC as well as PRIDE, has since reeled off two consecutive victories in his home country – a second round (4:23) TKO (corner stoppage) of Ryuta Sakurai in Tokyo on February 27, and a first round (2:06) submission (rear-naked choke) of Shingo Suzuki on July 24.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier, professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion partnered with NBC, NBCSN and international media distribution giant, IMG. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Las Vegas with satellite offices in New York City and Boston, the company is dedicated to delivering an incredible experience for sports fans by producing action-packed, live fights between elite athletes from around the world. With 32 events under its belt, the company will have produced 10 live events in 8 different U.S. markets in 2016, including 4 live dates between October 7 and December 31, when it heads to The Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City for the first time in history. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries. WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.

About The Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds and Events Complex
The Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds and Events Complex, located in Loveland, Colorado, opened in 2003 and is owned and operated by Larimer County. The Ranch consists of the Budweiser Events Center, the Ranch-Way Feeds Indoor Arena and Livestock Pavilions, the First National Bank Exhibition Halls, and the Thomas M. McKee 4-H Youth & Community Building. The Ranch hosts more than 2,000 events annually and is home to the Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo. For more information, visit www.TREventComplex.com.

Spectra by Comcast Spectacor is the expert in hosting and entertainment, partnering with over 300 clients at 400 global properties to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s expertise is embodied within three divisions: Venue Management (formerly Global Spectrum), Food Services & Hospitality (formerly Ovations Food Services) and Ticketing & Fan Engagement (formerly Paciolan). All three divisions are in place at the Budweiser Events Center at The Ranch, a 7,200 seat multi-purpose venue that is home to the Colorado Eagles of the ECHL and the Colorado Crush of the Indoor Football League. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com.




UFC 203 Early Results:

ufc_title-belt_206
Former world title challenger Bethe Correia took a split decision from Jessica Eye in a Bantamweight cintest

In round two, Correia began to bleed from her forehead, while Eye had a welt under her right eye.

Corriea, 135 lbs of Champina Gardens, BRA won two cards by 29-28 scores, while Eye took a card 29-28. The decision was roundly booed by the pro-Eye Crowd.

Correia is 10-2. Eye, 135 lbs of Cleveland is 11-6-1.

Brad Tavares won a split decision over Caio Magalhaes in a middleweight bout.

Tavares, 186 lbs of Las Vegas won two cards by 30-27 and 29-28 tallies. Magalhaes took a card 29-28.

Tavares is now 14-5. Magalhaes, 185.5 lbs of Fautaleza, BRA is 9-3.

Nik Lentz pounded out Michael McBride in the 2nd round of their lightweight bout.

Lentz, 156 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL stopped McBride at 4:17 and is now 29-7-2-1. McBride, 158 lbs of Webster City, IA is 8-2.

Drew Dober destroyed Jason Gonzalez in the 1st round of their lightweight bout.

Dober landed a crunching lright that backed Gonzalez up against the cage. He followed up with a straight left and then 5 more hard shots crumpled Gonzalez to the ground and the fight was stopped at 1:45.

Dober, 155 lbs of Denver, CO is 17-7-1. Gonzalez, 156 lbs of Rancho Cucumanga, CA is 10-3.




UFC 203 weights

ufc_title-belt_206
Stipe Miocic 246 – Alistar Overeem 249
(UFC Heavyweight title)
Fabrcio Werdum 239.5 – Travis Browne 241
CM Punk 170 – Mickey Gall 170.5
Urijah Faber 136 – Jimmie Rivera 135.5
Jessica Andrade 115.5 – Joanne Calderwood 116
Jessica Eye 135 – Bethe Correia 135
Brad Tavares 186 – Caio Maghalhaes 185.5
Nik Lentz 156- Michael McBride 158
CB Dollaway 205 – Francimar Barrso 205.5
Yancy Medeiros 171 – Sean Spencer 170
Drew Dober 155 – Jason Gonzalez 156




M-1 CHALLENGE 70: “BATTLE IN TAIGA” OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
ANDREY SELEDTSOV (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia 196 lbs. (89.0 kg)
vs.
RENE HOPPE (5-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Germany 194 ½ lbs. (88.3 kg)

Kunchenko weighs in

MAIN EVENT — WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
ALEXEY KUNCHENKO (13-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0), Russia 174 lbs. (79.0 kg)
vs.
EDUARDO “Camelo” RAMON (11-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil 174 lbs. (79.0 kg)

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
MAXIM DIVNICH (12-0-0, M-1: 6-1-0), Russia 154 ½ lbs. (70.1 KG)
vs.
ARTEM DAMKOVSKY (20-1-0, M-1: 10-7-0), Belarus 154 ½ lbs. (70.3 kg)

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
TIMUR NAGIBIN (7-1-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Russia 144 lbs. (65.6 kg)
vs.
ALEXEY NEVZOROV (9-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia 144 lbs. (65.6 kg)

BANTAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
MOKTAR “Le Kabyle” BENKACI (11-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0), France 135 lbs. (61.3 kg)
vs.
VADIM “Bad Santa” MAYGIN (6-1-1, M-1: 0-0-1), Russia 135 lbs. (61.3 kg)

PRELIMINARY CARD

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

ARTEM FROLOV (6-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia 185 lbs. (84.0 kg)
vs.
RAFAEL “Kratos” XAVIER (3-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil 184 ½ lbs. (83.8 kg)

ARTEM “Shockwave” SHOKALO (17-15-0, M-1: 0-2-0), Ukraine 184 ½ lbs. (83.9 kg)
vs.
ROMAN “War” YARYNKIN (7-1-0, M-1: 0-0-00), Russia 184 ½ lbs. (83.9 kg)

KHABIB ISAEV (2-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 184 ½ lbs. (83.9 kg)
vs.
ARTUR POTEKAYLOV (3-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 184 ½ lbs. (83.7 kg)

BANTAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
SERGEY VOLOSHIN (2-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 138 ½ lbs. (62.8 kg)
vs.
VITALY CHESNOKOV (Pro Debut), Russia 137 lbs. (62.2 kg)

FLYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
EMIN GUSEYNOV (2-1-1, M-1: 0-0-0), Azerbaijan
vs.
SON Buddah” LI BINH (4-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), South Korea

WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 2016

WHERE: Syktyvkar, Russia

PROMOTER: M-1 Global

LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (10.30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. PT in USA)

Information

www.M1Global.tv
www.mixfight.ru
www.wmmaa.org

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews
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. 2016 has been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring 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 203: Q&A w/ Cody Garbrandt




Solid M-1 Challenge 70 main card set Eduardo Ramon new opponent for Alexey Kunchenko in non-title fight headliner

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (September 8, 2016) – M-1 Global has put together a solid main card, headlined by M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko against late replacement Eduardo “Camelo” Ramon (11-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), for this Saturday’s (Sept. 10) M-1 Challenge 70 in Syktyvkar, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 70 will be streamed live from Russia 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 Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

Kunchenko (13-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0), fighting out of Tyumen, Russia, will put his undefeated professional record on the line against Ramon in their non-title fight. Kunchenko captured the coveted M-1 Challenge welterweight titl belt in his last fight, when defending M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Murad Abdulaev retired during the fourth round this past April at M-1 Challenge 65.

Ramon is a late replacement for an injured Maxin Grabovich. The talented Brazilian will be making his M-1 debut.

Russian Andrey Seledtsov (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0) takes on undefeated German Rene Hoppe (5-0-0), who will be making his M-1 debut, in a light heavyweight clash with future title fight implications at stake.

In another match-up that could very well lead to a title fight, former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich (12-1-0, M-1: 6-1-0), fighting out of Saint Petersburg, Russia by way of Ukraine, takes on former M-1 Challenge lightweight title challenger Artem Damkovsky (20-1-0, M-1: 10-7-0), of Belarus.

Round out the M1 Challenge 70 main card are two more potentially explosive fights as Russian featherweights Timur Naginbin (7-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0) and Alexey Nevzorov (9-2-0, 4-1-0) throw-down, while French bantamweight Moktar “Le Kabyle” Benkaci (11-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0) faces Vadim “Bad Santa” Maygin (6-1-1, M-1: 0-0-1), of Russia.

The preliminary bouts include undefeated Russian middleweight Artem Frolov (6-0-0) vs. Brazilian Rafael “Kratos” Xavier (3-1-0), Ukrainian middleweight Artem “Shockwave” Shokalo (17-14-1) vs. Russian Roman “War” Yarynkin (6-1-0), Russian middleweight Khabib Isaev (1-0-0) vs. countryman Artur Potekaylov (2-1-0) and Russian bantamweight Sergey Voloshin (2-0-0) vs. pro-debuting countryman Vitaly Chesnokov.

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv
www.mixfight.ru
www.wmmaa.org

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews
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. 2016 has been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring 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!




Fight Network Presents RFA 43 Live this Friday, Plus Pre & Post-Fight Coverage for UFC 203

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of RFA 43: Camozzi vs. Barnes this Friday, Sept. 9 from 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colo. The entire main card will be televised live in Canada and 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East beginning at 10 p.m. ET.

In addition, Fight Network will air extensive pre and post-fight coverage for UFC 203: Miocic vs. Overeem, including the live weigh-ins on Friday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. ET and the live post-fight press conference on Sunday, Sept. 11 at approximately 1:30 a.m. ET. Check listings for all airings of Fight Network’s original UFC 203 Pre-Show, an encore presentation of UFC 198: Werdum vs. Miocic, as well as the official UFC 203 Countdown Show and the four-part UFC docu-series THE EVOLUTION OF PUNK, chronicling former WWE superstar CM Punk’s journey from the wrestling ring to the UFC.

The main event of RFA 43 will feature a battle for the vacant RFA welterweight title as Brian “The Mantis” Camozzi (6-2) will look to keep the title in Colorado when he takes on Nick “The Phoenix” Barnes (11-1).

In other action, red-hot middleweight Adam Stroup (10-3) looks to put himself into title contention with a win over former two-title RFA title challenger Gabriel “Zangief” Checco (9-2), Boston “Boom Boom” Salmon (5-0) looks to keep his unblemished record in tact against Colorado’s own Zac “The Anointed Warrior” Riley (4-3) in a featured bantamweight bout, plus Cory Sandhagen (4-0) meets Clay Wimer (6-1) and Josh Wick (5-2) faces Jonathan Wyderko (2-0) in a pair of featherweight contests, while light heavyweight prospect Alonzo Menifield (1-0) pursues his second professional victory against Brock Combs (2-1)

Camozzi (6-2), the younger brother of UFC star Chris Camozzi, was quick to let the world know that there are two world-class fighters in the family when he made his RFA debut in January. “The Mantis” became the first man to finish Tyler Milner and he did so in 80 seconds at RFA 34. Camozzi then kicked off the main card of one of the most stacked cards of the year in April. Camozzi proceeded to showcase his dynamic striking prowess with UFC president Dana White sitting cageside at RFA 37. Camozzi knocked out Kenn Glenn with a flying knee that made White, former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra, and current UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler jump to their feet in excitement. Camozzi now returns home to Colorado looking for championship gold.

Barnes (11-1) will be the man looking to spoil Camozzi’s homecoming party. “The Phoenix” rose to the top of the RFA welterweight division last month with a dominant Unanimous Decision victory over dangerous submission specialist Jose Diaz at RFA 38. Barnes is a resident of southern California, but he will be returning home to the Rocky Mountain region as he is a native of Rock Springs, Wyoming. UFC President Dana White was also sitting cageside for Barnes’ last fight, which gives him firsthand knowledge on the skills that both men will be bringing to this title fight. It is safe to say that this bout will be monitored closely by influential people with added interest in September.

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




COMBATE AMERICAS HITS NEW YORK WITH FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT IN HISTORY, LIVE ON BEIN SPORTS EN ESPAÑOL AND UFC FIGHT PASS® ON FRIDAY, OCT. 14

NEW YORK – Sept. 8, 2016 – Combate Americas today announced that red-hot, streaking bantamweight (135 pounds) stars John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda (11-2) and Gustavo Lopez (6-1) will face off in the first world championship bout in league history at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. on Friday, October 14, live on beIN SPORTS En Español and UFC FIGHT PASS®.

The 24-year-old Castaneda of Mankato, Minn. and the 27-year-old Lopez of Las Vegas, Nev. via Yakima, Wash. will collide in the main event of the 10-bout “Combate Americas: Empire Rising” Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) extravaganza.

“We are thrilled to be producing our first world title fight in Combate Americas history at our debut event in the Empire State,” said Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren, who also produced the last live televised professional MMA event in New York State with UFC® 7 on September 8, 1995.

“John Castaneda and Gustavo Lopez put on some incredibly memorable and heroic performances during our ‘Road To The Championship’ fight series this year and last year,” continued McLaren, “so we are looking forward to have these two budding, young stars square off and to crowning our first champion.”

Each fighter earned his way to the title fight in “La Jaula,” or the Combate Americas cage, by going undefeated in three consecutive bouts during the “Road To The Championship” series that kicked off in September 2015 and concluded on May 9, 2016.

Pictured Above (Far): Bantamweight star Gustavo Lopez (6-1) of Las Vegas, Nev. via Yakima, Wash. will look to continue his unbeaten run in “La Jaula,” the Combate Americas cage, when he fights for his first world title.

Castaneda, who has finished 8 of his 11 professional career victories, is riding a six-fight win streak dating back to May 16, 2015 when he submitted Pedro Velasco with a rear-naked choke in the first round (2:42) of battle.

Castaneda’s run in the “Road To The Championship” series began with a unanimous decision win over Justin Governale on September 17, 2015, and continued with a spectacular, arm-triangle choke submission of Federico Lopez in the closing moments of the third round (4:49) of action.

The aggressive-minded Castaneda cemented his spot in the world title fight by edging out a split decision over Gabriel Solorio on April 25.

In his last start, Castaneda stepped up for Combate Americas on just two weeks’ notice, replacing an injured Erick Sanchez, at the higher, featherweight limit of 145 pounds, against Angel Cruz on August 11, and scored a second round (2:25) TKO (punches) on Cruz.

Fighting out of the famed Xtreme Couture camp in Las Vegas, Lopez, a protégé of former UFC® champion Miesha Tate and UFC bantamweight Bryan Caraway, will look for his sixth consecutive win in the cage, and his fourth under the Combate Americas promotional umbrella.

Similar to his opponent, Lopez is a determined finisher who has earned five of his six professional career wins by way of (T)KO or submission.

Lopez began his Combate Americas journey in the “Road To The Championship” series, defeating Mauricio Diaz by way of unanimous decision on September 17, 2015.

In his second Combate Americas appearance, Lopez submitted Joey Ruquet with an arm-triangle choke in the second round (4:06) of action, before sealing his fate in the title fight with Castaneda by scoring a devastating, second round (4:07) TKO on Saul Elizondo with a barrage of punches on the ground.

A nationally recognized venue for legendary, fight-of-the-year-level boxing events, Turning Stone Resort Casino will now become one of the very first venues in New York to host professional MMA fights. With a legacy of hosting some of the best events in the country, rivaling many venues in major cities such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City and New York City, Turning Stone has established Upstate New York as a premier destination for live sporting events. Turning Stone is an award-winning destination resort, offering world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000 seat arena, five pristine golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.

Tickets for “Combate Americas: Empire Rising” are on sale and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are priced at $75, for cageside, $65, $50 and $35, and may be subject to additional fees. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the event, and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m.

Additional bouts will be announced soon.

UFC FIGHT PASS is a digital subscription service which gives fans access to exclusive live UFC events and fights, exclusive live MMA and combat sports events from around the world, exclusive original and behind the scenes content and unprecedented 24-7 access to the world’s largest fight library.

UFC FIGHT PASS is available on: personal computers, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Sony TVs with Android TV and Roku devices.




ONE: STATE OF WARRIORS SET FOR 7 OCTOBER IN YANGON

06 September 2016 – Yangon, Myanmar: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), returns to Myanmar for another exciting evening of world-class mixed martial arts action. ONE: STATE OF WARRIORS is set for Friday, 7 October at the state-of-the-art Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon. Headlining the event will be “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang as he takes on top Polish middleweight Michal Pasternak. In the global main event, ONE Strawweight World Champion Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito of Chiba, Japan will defend his title against Joshua Pacio of Baguio City, Philippines.

Tickets for ONE: STATE OF WARRIORS are available at http://mm.myasiaticket.com/sport/sport-detail.php?sid=136&la=en&la=en.

CEO of ONE Championship, Victor Cui stated: “The way Aung La N Sang can carry a crowd is unparalleled. The fans effortlessly move to the beat of his drum and it’s an atmosphere ONE Championship just can’t get enough of. Aung La N Sang is ready to take on the biggest challengers the promotion has to offer, and he’ll get to work this October starting with Michal Pasternak.”

Managing Director of AGD, Htoo Htet Tay Za stated: “To be a part of ONE Championship and Aung La N Sang’s triumphant return to Myanmar was an immensely proud moment for us at AGD Bank, and we want to keep that momentum going. We cannot wait to see the Myanmar people come together once again to cheer for our heroes in the cage as they compete for national pride on the largest stage in Asian MMA.”

Deputy Managing Director of the First National Insurance (FNI), Mr. Aung Ko Ko Tin Win stated: “We are excited to be joining AGD Bank as a co-presenting partner for this pinnacle event in Myanmar. ONE Championship’s live events bring a unique atmosphere to the city and it’s something we are proud to help deliver to the fans.”

31-year old middleweight standout Aung La N Sang is arguably one of the world’s most renowned Burmese fighters whose constricting style of fighting has earned him the moniker of the “The Burmese Python”. Born in Myitkyina in the mountainous Kachin State, Aung belonged to an ethnic minority known as the Kachin. A veteran of 27 professional bouts with a record of 18-9-0, 1NC, Aung is on a three-fight win streak in ONE Championship, with all three victories coming by highlight-reel finish. He fights Michal Pasternak in front of his hometown crowd next.

Aung La N Sang stated: “The people of Myanmar are awesome MMA fans. Although MMA is a fairly new sport in Myanmar, it brings me fulfillment to see fans enjoy the sport back home. I am truly honored to represent the nation and I will do my best to beat my opponent Michal Pasternak and make my people proud.”

Middleweight contender Michal Pasternak of Pinczow, Poland is a tall, lanky fighter with a 11-1 professional mixed martial arts record. A well-rounded mixed martial artist, more than half of Pasternak’s victories have come either by knockout or by submission. In his last bout, Pasternak competed for the inaugural ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship across the cage from Brazilian jiu jitsu legend Roger Gracie. Now he takes on Myanmar’s favorite son, Aung La N Sang.

Michal Pasternak stated: “My last bout taught me a lot. I am young and talented, and I will show the world why I deserve to be called one of the top middleweight contenders in ONE Championship. I know Aung is the hometown hero, but I’m not here to stand in awe of others. I’m here to spoil the party and take over the division.”

Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito of Chiba, Japan is an unbeaten mixed martial artist with a perfect 11-0 record. He owns five victories by submission and one by knockout. The 32-year old, who made a name for himself at Japan’s world famous Korakuen Hall competing for Shooto, captured the ONE Strawweight World Championship in his last bout, submitting former champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke. Naito makes the first defense of his strawweight belt against Joshua Pacio.

Unbeaten strawweight Joshua Pacio of Baguio City, Philippines owns a stellar 8-0 professional mixed martial arts record and is one of the country’s most highly-regarded mixed martial arts prospects. A member of the famed Team Lakay MMA gym, Pacio is a wushu specialist with a solid grappling skill set. All eight of his victories have come by finish, including three wins by knockout and five wins by impressive submission. Pacio takes on the toughest test of his young career next against the champion, Yoshitaka Naito.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, Esporte Interativo and more.

About AGD Bank
AGD Bank aims to build the future for a progressive Myanmar. Myanmar is embarking on several decades of fundamental change. The future will look very different, and it will be full of opportunities that will touch every aspect of the lives of the people of Myanmar. At AGD Bank, our vision is to provide the vitally important banking infrastructure that will make a lasting and sustainable impact on this future, building the economic foundations for a progressive Myanmar. In order to achieve our vision, we will deliver banking excellence through inspired and outstanding customer service. We will strive in everything we do to set our own unique, industry-leading, standard for banking excellence. We will accomplish this by always focusing on future opportunities and translating these into a commitment to outstanding levels of service, delivered day after day to each and every customer, helping them fulfil their needs and achieve their aspirations.




EV TING OUTLASTS ROB LISITA TO WIN BY UNANIMOUS DECISION

2 September 2016 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), electrified the Stadium Negara once more with another spectacular showcase of world-class mixed martial arts action. ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS featured eight Malaysian MMA superstars defending their home turf in front of a packed crowd cheering them on. In the main event, Malaysian-Kiwi sensation Ev “E.T.” Ting emerged victorious over Australian stalwart “Ruthless” Rob Lisita to win by unanimous decision in an exhausting lightweight contest.

Visit the official ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS photo gallery by clicking: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h8ehqrhlhdad0aq/AADe8r0Ua-dWv4FmAHM8mAo4a?dl=0

In an action-packed main event bout at ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS, Ev “E.T.” Ting of Malaysia and “Ruthless” Rob Lisita of Australia completely depleted each other’s resources in an exhausting three-round lightweight bout. In a display of pure willpower, the two warriors repeatedly tagged each other with devastating blows that would have dropped and finished lesser men. Each minute of action kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. In the end, Ting simply had more in the tank, earning the unanimous decision by outlasting Lisita who was thoroughly defeated but remained unbowed.

After the bout, Ting took the chance to thank the fans in attendance and called for a title shot.

“I want a title shot guys, let’s go! Rally for me! I want that strap! Peace out, title shot, warrior spirit. What more do you want?” said Ting in the post-fight interview.

In a tremendous show of pure heart and determination, top lightweight contender Shannon “One Shin” Wiratchai of Bangkok, Thailand went shot for shot with Malaysia’s Peter Davis in a highly entertaining clash of elite strikers. The two fighters gave everything they had and blasted each other every minute of the bout for the duration that it lasted, much to the delight of the packed Stadium Negara crowd. Past the midway point in round two however, a Wiratchai uppercut dropped Davis and an ensuing volley of punches effectively ended the bout.

22-year old April Osenio of Baguio City, Philippines delivered her most impressive performance yet, submitting top Malaysian female fighter Ann “Athena” Osman in the first round of a scheduled three round women’s strawweight bout. Osenio and Osman wasted no time striking and immediately went into the clinch as soon as the bell sounded. The two scrambled continuously on the mat, trading positions on numerous occasions until Osenio caught Osman in a Guillotine Choke to force the tap.

In a clash of veteran middleweights, Gilberto Galvao of Brazil made a successful ONE Championship debut with a unanimous decision victory over crafty Japanese MMA fighter Tatsuya Mizuno after three grueling rounds. Galvao owned a slight edge in damage inflicted and striking superiority, often landing powerful combinations that Mizuno took very well. Mizuno on the other hand scored repeatedly with highly accurate knees to the body. Towards the end of the bout, Galvao was able to land a couple of takedowns which the judges deemed enough to award him the victory.

Malaysian flyweight sensation Gianni Subba by way of Bali MMA in Bali, Indonesia overcame a spirited performance from enigmatic counterpuncher Yago Bryan of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The 23 year-old Subba employed a tactical gameplan, working with his long reach to keep Bryan at the end of his kicks all fight long. The biggest weapon for Bryan was the straight right hand which he threw behind a counter left jab but Subba came well-prepared for the fight and knew he had to stay away from Bryan’s deceptive power. All three judges scored the bout in favor of Subba who took home the unanimous decision victory after three rounds.

In the best shape of his career, Malaysian welterweight prospect Agilan “Alligator” Thani extended his win streak to six and kept his unblemished record intact with a methodical victory over the Philippines’ Trestle Tan. Thani dominated the fight from start to end, successfully taking Tan to the ground where he worked to finish with brilliant transitions. After taking Tan’s back, Thani slid his arm underneath the Filipino’s neck and squeezed until his opponent tapped out.

Malaysia’s Keanu Subba via Bali, Indonesia returned to his winning ways with a spectacular victory over Pakistan’s Waqar Umar. The 22-year old showcased his well-known striking prowess, bringing the fight to Umar who looked to take matters to the ground. After Umar caught a missed kick by Subba, he used the momentum to get the Malaysian prospect on the mat. Subba however executed a sweep shortly after and delivered his trademark elbows and fists from top control to force the Pakistani fighter to tap out.

Chinese featherweight warrior Nuerdebieke Bahetihan shocked the crowd in attendance at Stadium Negara with a scintillating eight second one-punch knockout of Evolve MMA’s Bruno Pucci. Pucci came out of the gates looking to throw a combination but a single right hook counter felled the proud Brazilian. The victory earns Bahetihan his third straight win as a professional mixed martial artist.

Female atomweight competitor Jenny Huang of Chinese Taipei clinched her third straight victory inside the ONE Championship cage and fourth straight victory overall with a first round submission of Delhi, India’s Jeet Toshi. Despite Toshi’s usual willingness to engage, Huang put her grappling skills on full display, submitting Toshi by Arm Triangle Choke just past the midway point of the first round.

In a clash of Malaysian MMA prospects, former MIMMA featherweight champion Muhammad Aiman scored his first victory inside the ONE Championship cage by routing former professional boxer Hisyam Samsudin to win by unanimous decision. After three rounds, Aiman used his superior striking and grappling to convince the judges to score in his favor.

Rene Catalan of Manila, Philippines dominated Chinese fighter Zhang You Liang to win by unanimous decision in a three-round strawweight contest to kick off ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS. Catalan utilized his world-class wushu skills to keep Zhang honest throughout the bout. In the end, Catalan’s work rate and accurate striking earned the judges’ nod.

Official results for ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS
Lightweight bout: Ev Ting defeats Rob Lisita by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Lightweight bout: Shannon Wiratchai defeats Peter Davis by TKO (Strikes) at 3:32 minutes of round 2
Strawweight bout: April Osenio defeats Ann Osman by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 4:09 minutes of round 1
Middleweight bout: Gilberto Galvao defeats Tatsuya Mizuno by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Flyweight bout: Gianni Subba defeats Yago Bryan by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Middleweight bout: Agilan Thani defeats Trestle Tan by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:24 minutes of round 1
Featherweight bout: Keanu Subba defeats Waqar Umar by Submission (Strikes) at 4:31 minutes of round 1
Featherweight bout: Nuerdebieke Bahetihan defeats Bruno Pucci by Knockout at 0:08 minutes of round 1
Atomweight bout: Jenny Huang defeats Jeet Toshi by Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) at 3:21 minutes of round 1
Featherweight bout: Muhammad Aiman defeats Hisyam Samsudin by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Strawweight bout: Rene Catalan defeats Zhang You Liang by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

In case you missed the action log on to www.onefc.com/livestream for the full replay of the fights at only US $9.99.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, Esporte Interativo and more.




WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING ANNOUNCES SEVEN-BOUT PRELIMINARY CARD FOR WSOF33: GAETHJE VS. DUGULUBGOV MEGA-EVENT IN KANSAS CITY ON FRIDAY, OCT. 7

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 1, 2016) – World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) has announced a stellar and complete, seven-fight preliminary bout card, headlined by a much-anticipated rematch between rival bantamweight (135 pounds) stars Chris “El Guapo” Gutierrez (9-1-1) and Timur “Lucky” Valiev (10-2), for the star-studded, WSOF33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubgov world championship doubleheader extravaganza at Kansas City Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. on Friday, Oct. 7, live on NBCSN at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

The preliminary bout card will stream live, in its entirety, on an embeddable video player on WSOF.com, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, immediately before the unprecedented, three-hour telecast of the six-fight main card that will be headlined by a world lightweight (155 pounds) title fight between reigning, undefeated champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (16-0) of Safford, Ariz. and number one contender Ozzy Dugulubgov (8-2) of New York, N.Y.

Priced from $20, tickets for WSOF33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubgov go on sale tomorrow, Friday, Sept 2 at the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium box office as well as online at Ticketmaster.com and WSOF.com.

The rematch between the 5-foot-9, 25-year-old Gutierrez of Greenville, Texas and the 5-foot-6, 26-year-old Valiev of Albuquerque, N.M. via Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia will unfold less than eight months after the two went to war in a see-saw battle for three full rounds in Garden Grove, Calif. on February 20.

After the closing bell, Gutierrez, walked away with a controversial, split decision, leaving unfinished business between the two prolific athletes.

Leading off the undercard, undefeated submission ace Bryce “Thug Nasty” Mitchell (6-0) will face off with fellow rising star and knockout artist Brandon Phillips (6-1) in a featherweight (145 pounds) matchup.

One of MMA’s hottest prospects, the ferocious, 5-foot-9, 21-year-old Mitchell of Searcy, Ark. has notched all six of his professional wins to date via submission in the first round of action. He made his promotional debut at WSOF27 in Memphis, Tenn. on January 23, finishing Jorge Medina with a rear-naked choke at the 1:02 mark of the opening round.

Phillips of Oklahoma City, Okla. is a hard-hitting striker who has earned four of his six professional career wins, thus far, by way of (T)KO. The 5-foot-6, 26-year-old is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Chuka Willis at Bellator 159 on July 22.

Elsewhere on the WSOF33 preliminary card, world-ranked Jesse Brock (22-8) will make his World Series of Fighting debut opposite dangerous finisher Bekbulat Magomedov (16-1) in a bantamweight (135 pounds) scrap.

In his last start, the 5-foot-4, 34-year-old Brock of Boise, Idaho notched his sixth consecutive victory, forcing Olly Bradstreet to tap out from a rear-naked choke in the third round (3:57) of their bout at Bellator 155 on May 20.

The 5-foot-8, 25-year-old Magomedov of Makhachkala, Dagestan will look to rebound from his sole loss to date, a split decision to Josh Hill, at WSOF26 on December 18. Prior to the fight, Magomedov had gone unbeaten since his professional debut in 2011.

Abu “Gladiator” Azaitar (12-1-1, 1 NC) of Cologne, Germany will square off with “Mad” Mike Arrant (15-11) of Las Vegas in a welterweight (170 pounds) tilt.

In a second welterweight matchup, Magomed Magomedkerimov (17-5) of Makhachkala, Dagestan will lock horns with Bobby “Super Duper” Cooper (12-6) of Knob Noster, Mo.

Streaking finisher Islam Mamedov (13-1) of Jersey City, N.J. via Derbent, Dagestan will face battle-tested veteran Alonzo “Zo Diddy” Martinez (40-19) of Papillion, Neb. at lightweight.

In middleweight (185 pounds) action, three-time UFC veteran Bruno “Carioca” Santos (14-2) of Macae, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will make his World Series of Fighting debut against Xtreme Couture team member Clinton Williams (11-4) of Las Vegas.

WSOF33: GAETHJE VS. DUGULUBGOV

MAIN CARD (Live on NBCSN)

World Series of Fighting Lightweight Championship Main Event:
Justin Gaethje (Champion) vs. Ozzy Dugulubgov (Challenger)

World Series of Fighting Light Heavyweight Championship Co-Main Event:
David Branch (Champion) vs. Vinny Magalhaes (Challenger)

Lightweight: Jason High vs. Joao Zeferino
Lightweight: Brian Foster vs. Luiz Firmino
Welterweight: Abubakar Nurmagomedov vs. John Howard
Heavyweight: Shawn Jordan vs. Ashley Gooch

PRELIMINARY CARD (Live on WSOF.com)

Bantamweight: Chris Gutierrez vs. Timur Valiev
Bantamweight: Jesse Brock vs. Bekbulat Magomedov
Welterweight: Abu Azaitar vs. Mike Arrant
Lightweight: Islam Mamedov vs. Alonzo Martinez
Welterweight: Magomed Magomedkerimov vs. Bobby Cooper
Featherweight: Bryce Mitchell vs. Brandon Phillips
Middleweight: Bruno Santos vs. Clinton Williams

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier, professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion partnered with NBC, NBCSN and international media distribution giant, IMG. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Las Vegas with satellite offices in New York City and Boston, the company is dedicated to delivering an incredible experience for sports fans by producing action-packed, live fights between elite athletes from around the world. With 32 events under its belt, the company will have produced 10 live events in 8 different U.S. markets in 2016, including 4 live dates between October 7 and December 31, when it heads to The Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City for the first time in history. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries. WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.




American Top Team partners with World MMA Association

American Top Team (ATT) and World MMA Association (WMMAA), the largest MMA governing body organization in the world, have initiated a partnership including a USA National MMA team program, it was jointly announced this past Monday. The alliance will foster and redefine amateur platforms, both in the United States and around the world, with the best amateur national MMA teams.

“Our partnership with WMMAA forms a progressive bond with the most prominent MMA governing body,” said Shah Bobonis, of ATT. “The WMMAA Pan-American Division has developed a stable of great 100-percent amateur national fighters with eight male weight categories and two female categories on their international rosters and a strong team behind the scenes. With this partnership, the two organizations will build an MMA cultural bridge that the industry is sure to welcome.”

American Top Team will host a National Tryout to represent the inaugural USA National MMA Team in 2016.

“I’m really excited to join the partnership with American Top Team,” WMMAA Pan-American Division President Tomas Yu commented. “It is important for us to develop the missing links in the sport, by improving relationships with industry pioneers such as American Top Team. We would like to make this USA National Team program the first step to generate synergistic success for both organizations but, most importantly, for every aspiring MMA athlete.”

The WMMAA Pan-American Division will host its inaugural championship in Santiago, Chile this October 7-9, where the USA will make its first appearance in the history of the WMMAA. During the event there will be participation of 12 Pan-American countries and Grand Finale Pro Bouts hosted by Battle Brotherhood Championship. The event promises to be a great experience with the attendance of arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all-time, Fedor “Last Emperor” Emelianenko, and Chile President Michelle Bachelet. You can follow Team USA on FITE.TV.

WMMAA and Battle Brotherhood (BB) are partners in World Alliance, an international initiative to support and honor service members and their families. The initiative aims to educate, challenge, and spark action from all sectors of every society – citizens, communities, businesses, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and government – to ensure military families have the support they have earned.

World Alliance is spearheaded by WMMAA vice president Tomas Yu, who also is WMMAA Pan-American president, and BB president Iskander Galiev, who have been leaders in supporting international combat military families and advocating for their priorities. World Alliance will address the unique challenges and needs of combat military families. Building on this groundwork, the initiative will focus on key priority areas like employment, education and wellness, while engaging in a comprehensive effort to raise awareness about the service, sacrifice, and needs of combat military families.




WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING ANNOUNCES COMPLETE, SIX-FIGHT MAIN CARD FOR UNPRECEDENTED, THREE-HOUR LIVE NBCSN TELECAST OF WSOF33: GAETHJE VS. DUGULUBGOV

LAS VEGAS (August 30, 2016) – World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) today announced the completion of a stacked, six-fight main card for the unprecedented, three-hour, live NBCSN (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT) telecast of the WSOF33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubgov world championship doubleheader extravaganza at Kansas City Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. on Friday, Oct. 7.

Priced from $20, tickets for WSOF33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubgov go on sale on Friday, Sept 2 at the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium box office as well as online at Ticketmaster.com and WSOF.com.

Joining the previously announced lightweight (155 pounds) championship main event between reigning, undefeated kingpin Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (16-0) and number one contender Ozzy Dugulubgov (8-2); the light heavyweight (205 pounds) championship co-main event between defending champion David Branch (16-3) and challenger Vinny Magalhaes (14-7); and the lightweight tilt between WSOF25 eight-man tournament winner Brian Foster (25-9) and Luiz “Buscape” Firmino (19-6), are three other, star-studded bouts, led by a featured lightweight contest between Jason ‘The Kansas City Bandit” High (19-5) and Joao “The Brazilian Samurai” Zeferino (20-8).

“This is, without a doubt, the most stacked fight card from top to bottom that we have put together, thanks in large part to NBCSN, which has given us a three-hour window for the first time since we launched on the network four years ago, to showcase our best fighters in action,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

In other action on the six-bout telecast, John “Doomsday” Howard (24-12) will collide with Abubakar Nurmagomedov (12-1-1) in a welterweight (170 pounds) matchup.

Kicking off the main card will be a heavyweight showdown between two World Series of Fighting newcomers and knockout artists – Shawn “The Savage” Jordan (18-7) and Ashley “Gio” Gooch (10-4).

The WSOF33 preliminary bout card will be announced soon.

Jason High vs. Joao Zeferino

Entering the World Series of Fighting decagon cage for the third time, the 5-foot-9, 34-year-old High of Kansas City, Mo. has been nothing short of spectacular in his first two starts.

In his promotional debut at WSOF25 on November 20, 2015, the UFC and Strikeforce veteran and 2009 DREAM Grand Prix tournament runner-up scored a highlight reel KO on Estevan Payan with a head kick-punches combination in the second round (:47) of their matchup.

High followed up the victory with an inspiring comeback against fellow star Mike Ricci. After taking punishment for the majority of each of the first two rounds, High went on the offensive and scored a devastating TKO on Ricci with an onslaught of punches in the second round (4:08) of their WSOF31 meeting on June 17.

The 5-foot-11, 30-year-old Zeferino of Middletown, N.Y. via Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil has earned a remarkable 15 of 20 career wins by way of submission.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt finished as runner-up in the first-ever World Series of Fighting one-night, eight-man tournament on November 20, 2015, suffering a second round (4:51) KO (punches) loss in the event’s championship round at the hands of Brian Foster, whom Zeferino had handily defeated earlier that night in the first stage of the tournament, by way of first round (1:46) submission (heel hook).

Following the win over Foster, Zeferino notched another first round (1:24) heel hook submission, this time on Jorge “Macaco” Patino, in the semifinal stage of the tournament. The result marked Zeferino’s seventh consecutive victory.

John Howard vs. Abubakar Nurmagomedov

The 5-foot-7, 33-year-old Howard of Boston, Mass. is coming off a successful World Series of Fighting debut on June 17 when he earned a unanimous decision over Michael Arrant.

A 14-fight veteran of the UFC, Howard triumphed over the likes of Dennis “Superman” Hallman, Uriah Hall and Siyar Bahadurzada over the course of two different stints with the promotion, and earned “Knockout of the Night” honors for his first round (2:01) KO (punches) of Daniel Roberts at the ‘UFC Live’ event on March 21, 2010, as well as a “Fight of the Night” award following his split decision win over Chris Wilson at UFC 94 on January 31, 2009.

Nurmagomedov of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia is a 6-foot, 26-year-old protégé of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the father and trainer of UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov, and a 2014 Combat Sambo World Championships bronze medalist.

When he faces Howard, Nurmagomedov will look for his fourth consecutive win in the World Series of Fighting decagon cage, and his fifth straight win overall, following his crushing, second round (3:05) TKO (punches) of Matthew Frincu at WSOF30 on April 2.

To date, 10 of Nurmagomedov’s 12 career wins have come by way of either (T)KO or submission.

Shawn Jordan vs. Ashley Gooch

The stocky, 6-foot, 31-year-old Jordan of Baton Rouge, La. will make his much-anticipated debut for World Series of Fighting following a 10-fight stretch with the UFC, during which the heavy-handed fighter posted a strong, 6-4 overall record, with all of his wins coming by way of (T)KO.

A veteran of Strikeforce and Bellator action as well, Jordan is an accomplished athlete who earned a football scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU) where he was a member of both the 2003 and 2007 national championship teams.

Gooch of Glendale, Ariz. earned his shot with World Series of Fighting as a result of his recent surge that has seen the 6-foot-3, 41-year-old emerge victorious in each of his last eight bouts, with all eight of the wins having come by way of (T)KO or submission.

Gooch’s success of late has earned him the number one ranking in the heavyweight division in the New England region, as well as the number two ranking in the state of Arizona, according to Tapology.com.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier, professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion partnered with NBC, NBCSN and international media distribution giant, IMG. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Las Vegas with satellite offices in New York City and Boston, the company is dedicated to delivering an incredible experience for sports fans by producing action-packed, live fights between elite athletes from around the world. With 32 events under its belt, the company will have produced 10 live events in 8 different U.S. markets in 2016, including 4 live dates between October 7 and December 31, when it heads to The Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City for the first time in history. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries. WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.




Fight Network Presents UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: Arlovski vs. Barnett Main Card Live this Saturday, Sept. 3

ufc_title-belt_206
oronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, today announced extensive live coverage for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ARLOVSKI vs. BARNETT from Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg, Germany, including the live main card, extensive pre-show and a three-hour original production entitled Arlovski vs. Barnett – 15 Years in the Making, which chronicles the similar career journeys of former UFC heavyweight champions Andrei Arlovski and Josh Barnett leading up to their explosive heavyweight main event on Saturday afternoon.

Fight Network will air the live UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ARLOVSKI vs. BARNETT main card across Canada on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. ET. The main card will repeat in its entirety in primetime at 9 p.m. ET and again on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 11 p.m. ET.

In the main event, well-travelled top 10 heavyweights will finally cross paths as No. 6-ranked Belarusian sambo specialist Andrei Arlovski (25-12, 1NC) throws down with No. 9-ranked submission wrestling ace Josh Barnett (34-8). In the co-main event, No. 2-ranked Swedish sensation Alexander Gustafsson (16-4) looks to reassert his foothold in the light heavyweight division against Poland’s Jan Blachowicz (19-5). In another pivotal 205-pound showcase, Sweden’s Ilir Latifi (13-4, 1NC) faces a big step up in competition against perennial contender Ryan Bader (21-5). Meanwhile, Germany’s own Nick Hein (13-2) will kick off the main card in a lightweight contest against South Korea’s Tae Hyun Bang (18-9).

Check listings for additional fight week coverage, including Arlovski vs. Barnett – 15 Years in the Making. The three-hour special airs on:

Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET
Thursday, Sept. 1 at 3 p.m. ET
Friday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. ET
Saturday, Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. ET

On Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. ET, Fight Network premieres a 60-minute UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ARLOVSKI vs. BARNETT Pre-Show, featuring previews, predictions and analysis leading into the UFC’s first event in Hamburg.

Also this week, Fight Network presents the third episode of The Evolution of Punk, a four-part series documenting former pro wrestler CM Punk’s quest to become an MMA fighter. His wife reluctantly attends a sparring session to see his progress. The couple decides to move closer to Milwaukee to be closer to the gym, but just as everything is starting to come together for the fighter, he experiences a devastating setback. The 30-minute special airs on:

Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 9:30 p.m. ET
Thursday, Sept. 1 at 2:30 a.m. ET
Friday, Sept. 2 at 12:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. ET

In addition to all the live events, Fight Network is the destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including The Ultimate Fighter, UFC Unleashed, UFC Now, UFC Ultimate Insider and classic UFC PPV, WEC and PRIDE events.

New programming this weekend includes:

Best of PRIDE – Sat, Sept. 3 at Midnight ET / Sun, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. ET
WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis – Sun, Sept. 4 at 1 a.m. ET / Sun, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. ET
UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Barao – Sun, Sept. 4 at 9 p.m. ET

Fight Network’s extensive slate of UFC programming this week is bolstered by a pair of live events on Friday, Sept. 2, beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET as ONE Championship invades Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a live broadcast of ONE: Unbreakable Warriors. In featured bouts, featherweight hometown heroes Ev Ting (11-3) and Peter Davis (10-4) square off with Australian Robert Lisita (15-8) and Thailand’s Shannon Wiratchai (5-1, 1NC), respectively, plus Malaysia’s own Ann Osman (4-2) looks to extend her winning streak against Filipino prospect April Osenio (1-1), Brazilian Gilberto Galvao (29-5-1) battles Japan’s Tatsuya Mizuno (15-11-1) in a middleweight matchup and Yago Bryan (3-1) meets Gianni Subba (7-2) in a flyweight tilt.

Later that day, on Friday, Sept. 2 at 9 p.m. ET, North America’s largest Muay Thai organization finally debuts on Fight Network, as LION FIGHT 31 invades Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. with a pair of massive title fights topping the card. Reigning Lion Fight women’s welterweight champion Jorina Baars, who is best known for her stunning victory over the phenomenal Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino in March 2014, will put her title on the line against Angela “Riptide” Whitley. The vacant Lion Fight super lightweight crown is at stake when rising stars Gaston “The Dreamkiller” Bolanos takes on Tum “Hollywood” Sityodtong. Also at the top of the marquee is another burgeoning female fighter as European sensation Iman “Pretty Killer” Barlow makes her promotional debut.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ARLOVSKI vs. BARNETT and ONE: Unbreakable Warriors will be televised on Fight Network across Canada, while LION FIGHT 31 will be televised in Canada and over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

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

For More Information Contact:

Fight Network
Ariel Shnerer
Director, Programming & Communications
ashnerer@anthemse.com
www.fightnetwork.com

About Fight Network

Fight Network (www.fightnetwork.com) is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Suddenlink Communications, Grande Communications and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., all major carriers in Canada, Roku and Apple TV devices across North America, over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East and on TSN Radio in Canada via its program “Live Audio Wrestling.” Fight Network is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. (www.anthemse.com), which also launched FNTSY Sports Network across North America in March 2014 and holds a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel.




ONE: DEFENDING HONOR SET FOR SINGAPORE INDOOR STADIUM ON 11 NOVEMBER

30 August 2016 – Singapore: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced its return to Singapore on 11 November for another exciting evening of world-class mixed martial arts action. The Singapore Indoor Stadium will play host to ONE: DEFENDING HONOR which will showcase the absolute best in local and international MMA talent. Headlining the card will be ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki as he is set to defend his title against the Philippines’ Eduard “Landslide” Folayang.

Tickets for ONE: DEFENDING HONOR will go on sale next Monday, 5 September, 2016.

CEO of ONE Championship, Victor Cui stated: “Filipino fight fans have been waiting a long time for this one. Eduard Folayang has been with ONE Championship since the beginning and has performed at an extremely high level in his last couple of bouts. He is deserving of a title shot which he earned with victories over Tetsuya Yamada and Adrian Pang. The Singapore Indoor Stadium is going to erupt when fans finally get to see Folayang stand opposite Shinya Aoki inside the ONE Championship cage.”

Lightweight veteran Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki of Shizuoka, Japan, is one of the world’s most decorated mixed martial artists. He is the DREAM Lightweight Champion, former Shooto Welterweight Champion, and the reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion. The 33-year-old Aoki is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Yuki Nakai and has won multiple grappling tournaments across the globe. He also holds a black belt in judo. A veteran of over 40 professional bouts which includes an impressive 25 victories by submission, Aoki’s reputation as a grappling specialist is unrivaled. Aoki is currently riding a nine-fight win streak, and is set to step back inside the ONE Championship cage to defend his lightweight title against Eduard Folayang.

ONE Lightweight World Champion, Shinya Aoki stated: “I have been in the sport for many years and have fought the toughest challengers across the world, but this is the first time I will be fighting a strong Filipino warrior. I am excited to test my skills against a fighter representing the Philippines. Eduard Folayang is a great competitor with solid all-around skills. It should be an exciting match-up.”

Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of the famed Team Lakay in Baguio City is one of the Philippines’ most experienced mixed martial artists. After over eight years as a professional competing in various promotions, the wushu specialist has amassed a stellar 16-5 mixed martial arts record. Folayang figured in impressive victories in his last two bouts, overcoming both Tetsuya Yamada and Adrian Pang to win by decision, showcasing a highly-improved wrestling and grappling offensive arsenal. Currently at the peak of his abilities as a combat sports athlete, Folayang will get the opportunity of a lifetime when he steps inside the cage across ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki.

The challenger, Eduard Folayang stated: “I am at the peak of my abilities as a fighter. All the hard work I have put into training has finally started to pay off and I am challenging the great champion Aoki. It will be an honor to share the cage with him, but I feel I have the skills to pull off an upset. I will fight for the honor of my country and the people of the Philippines who will be in my corner on fight night.”

Additional bouts for ONE: DEFENDING HONOR will be announced at a later date.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, Esporte Interativo and more.




WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING CONTINUES FIGHTER SIGNING SPREE WITH ACQUISITION OF LIGHTWEIGHT STAR RAMSEY NIJEM

LAS VEGAS (August 29, 2016) – World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) announced today that it has bolstered its roster of world-class athletes yet again with the signing of lightweight (155 pounds) star and former The Ultimate Fighter competition reality television series runner-up Ramsey Nijem (9-6), to an exclusive, multi-fight promotional agreement with the world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) league.

Fighting out of Orem, Utah, the 5-foot-11, 28-year-old Nijem, a member of superstar Gilbert Melendez’s Skrap Pack fight team, will make his debut under the World Series of Fighting banner on a date to be announced soon.

“We have been aggressively pursuing some of the best available fight talent on the market and as a phenomenal and established competitor, Ramsey Nijem should make an exciting addition to our stacked, 155-pound division,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

Nijem defeated three straight adversaries – two by way of submission and one via TKO – to finish as runner-up on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos in 2011, while competing at welterweight (170 pounds) as a member of UFC superstar Junior Dos Santos’ seven-man fight team that opposed a squad captained by WWE icon and former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.

Nijem began his successful run on the reality television show with a second round (3:31) submission (rear-naked choke) of Charlie Rader, and followed up the victory with a quick, 56-second submission (rear-naked choke) of Clay Harvison and a second round (1:49) TKO (punches) of Chris Cope, respectively, to reach the show’s final round of competition where he was stopped with an onslaught of punches by Tony Ferguson in the first round (3:54) of battle.

During his 10-fight stint with the UFC, Nijem earned both a “Performance of the Night” honor for his first round (4:20) TKO (punches) conquest of Beneil Dariush on April 11, 2014, as well a “Fight of the Night” award for his gritty effort in a second round (1:53) TKO (punches) defeat at the hands of Carlos Diego Ferreira on August 30, 2014.

A lifelong athlete, Nijem was a three-sport (wrestling, cross country and soccer) competitor in high school before going on to wrestle for NCAA Division I Utah Valley University.

Live World Series of Fighting action returns to NBCSN on Saturday, Oct. 7, with an unprecedented, three-hour telecast and world championship doubleheader, beginning at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m., from Kansas City Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.

In the main event of WSOF33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubgov, reigning, undefeated world lightweight champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (16-0) of Safford, Ariz. will risk his title against number one contender Ozzy Dugulubgov (8-2) of Ridgewood, N.J.

In the light heavyweight (205 pounds) co-main event, reigning world champion David Branch (16-3) of New York, N.Y. will defend his title against fellow Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and battle-tested veteran Vinny Magalhaes (14-7) of Las Vegas, Nev. via Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier, professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion partnered with NBC, NBCSN and international media distribution giant, IMG. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Las Vegas with satellite offices in New York City and Boston, the company is dedicated to delivering an incredible experience for sports fans by producing action-packed, live fights between elite athletes from around the world. With 32 events under its belt, the company will have produced 10 live events in 8 different U.S. markets in 2016, including 4 live dates between October 7 and December 31, when it heads to The Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City for the first time in history. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries. WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.




Fight Network Presents ONE: Unbreakable Warriors, Lion Fight 31 & UFC FIGHT NIGHT HAMBURG® Live this Weekend

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a pair of live events this Friday, Sept. 2, beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET as ONE Championship invades Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for ONE: Unbreakable Warriors, which is followed later at 10 p.m. ET by Fight Network’s debut of North America’s largest Muay Thai organization when LION FIGHT 31 emanates from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.

Both events air just one day ahead of the live UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ARLOVSKI vs. BARNETT main card in Canada on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. ET. The main card will repeat in its entirety in primetime at 9 p.m. ET and again on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 11 p.m. ET.

Airing live exclusively across Canada at 8:30 a.m. ET, ONE: Unbreakable Warriors features featherweight hometown heroes Ev Ting (11-3) and Peter Davis (10-4) squaring off with Australian Robert Lisita (15-8) and Thailand’s Shannon Wiratchai (5-1, 1NC), respectively, plus Malaysia’s own Ann Osman (4-2) looks to extend her winning streak against Filipino prospect April Osenio (1-1), Brazilian Gilberto Galvao (29-5-1) battles Japan’s Tatsuya Mizuno (15-11-1) in a middleweight matchup and Yago Bryan (3-1) meets Gianni Subba (7-2) in a flyweight tilt.

Later that day, on Friday, Sept. 2 at 10 p.m. ET, LION FIGHT 31 airs live in Canada and over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, topped a by a pair of massive title fights. Reigning Lion Fight women’s welterweight champion Jorina Baars, who is best known for her stunning victory over the phenomenal Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino in March 2014, will put her title on the line against Angela “Riptide” Whitley. The vacant Lion Fight super lightweight crown is at stake when rising stars Gaston “The Dreamkiller” Bolanos takes on Tum “Hollywood” Sityodtong. Also at the top of the marquee is another burgeoning female fighter as European sensation Iman “Pretty Killer” Barlow makes her promotional debut.

In the UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ARLOVSKI vs. BARNETT main event, well-travelled top 10 heavyweights will finally cross paths as No. 6-ranked Belarusian sambo specialist Andrei Arlovski (25-12, 1NC) throws down with No. 9-ranked submission wrestling ace Josh Barnett (34-8). In the co-main event, No. 2-ranked Swedish sensation Alexander Gustafsson (16-4) looks to reassert his foothold in the light heavyweight division against Poland’s Jan Blachowicz (19-5). In another pivotal 205-pound showcase, Sweden’s Ilir Latifi (13-4, 1NC) faces a big step up in competition against perennial contender Ryan Bader (21-5). Meanwhile, Germany’s own Nick Hein (13-2) will kick off the main card in a lightweight contest against South Korea’s Tae Hyun Bang (18-9).

Check listings for additional fight week coverage, including a three-hour original production chronicling the similar career journeys of Andrei Arlovski and Josh Barnett leading up to their explosive heavyweight main event. The special entitled Arlovski vs. Barnett – 15 Years in the Making airs on:

Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET
Thursday, Sept. 1 at 3 p.m. ET
Friday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. ET
Saturday, Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. ET

On Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. ET, Fight Network premieres a 60-minute UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ARLOVSKI vs. BARNETT Pre-Show, featuring previews, predictions and analysis leading into the UFC’s first event in Hamburg.

Also this week, Fight Network presents the third episode of the four-part UFC docu-series THE EVOLUTON OF PUNK, documenting former pro wrestler CM Punk’s quest to become an MMA fighter. His wife reluctantly attends a sparring session to see his progress. The couple decides to move closer to Milwaukee to be closer to the gym, but just as everything is starting to come together for the fighter, he experiences a devastating setback. The 30-minute special airs on:

Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 9:30 p.m. ET
Thursday, Sept. 1 at 2:30 a.m. ET
Friday, Sept. 2 at 12:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. ET

In addition to all the live events, Fight Network is the destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including The Ultimate Fighter, UFC Unleashed, UFC Now, UFC Ultimate Insider and classic UFC PPV, WEC and PRIDE events.

New programming this weekend includes:

Best of PRIDE – Sat, Sept. 3 at Midnight ET / Sun, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. ET
WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis Replay – Sun, Sept. 4 at 1 a.m. ET / Sun, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. ET
UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Barao Replay – Sun, Sept. 4 at 9 p.m. ET

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ARLOVSKI vs. BARNETT and ONE: Unbreakable Warriors will be televised on Fight Network across Canada, while LION FIGHT 31 will be televised in Canada and over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

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




Maia chokes out Condit in 1

ufc_title-belt_206
Demian Maia choked out former world title challenger Carlos Condit in the 1st round of their welterweight bout in Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada.

Maia got Condit to tap from a rear naked choke at 1:52.

Maia, 171 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 24-6. Condit, 170.5 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 30-10.

Anthony Pettis submitted Charles Oliveria in the 3rd round of their lightweight bout.

Pettis made Oliveira tap with a front guillotine at 1:49 of round three.

Pettis, 146 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 19-5. Oliveira, 143 lbs of Houston, TX is 20-6-1.

Paige Van Zant stopped Bec Rawlings in the 2nd round of their strawweight bout.

Van Zant landed a flying left kick that crumpled Rawlings to the canvas and Van Zant jumped on her and the fight was stopped at 17 seconds of round two.

Van Zant, 115.5 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 7-2. Rawlings, 115.5 lbs of Brisbane, AUS is also 7-2.

Jim Miller gained his 2nd victory over Joe Lauzon with a split decision in a lightweight bout.

Miller won two cards 29-28, while Lauzon took a card 29-28.

Miller, 154.5 lbs of Sparta, NJ is 27-8-1. Lauzon, 156 lbs of Bridgewater, MA is 26-13.

Sam Alvey stopped Kevin Casey in the 2nd round of their middleweight bout.

Alvey got Casey on the ground with a hard 3 punch combination and then jumped on Casey and landed 5 punches and the bout was stopped at 4:56 of round two.

Alvey, 186 lbs of Temecula, CA is 28-8-1. Casey, 185 lbs of Hawthorne, CA is 9-5-1-2.

Kyle Bochniav won a split decision over Enrique Barzola in a featherweight bout.

Bochniav, 145.5 lbs of Boston, MA won by scores of 29-28 twice and is now 7-1. Barzola, 145.5 lbs of Lima, Peru took a card 30-27 but falls to 11-3-1.

Alessio Di Chirico won a unanimous decision over Garreth McClellan in a middleweight bout.

McClellan began to bleed from his ear in round two.

Di Chirico, 185 lbs of Rome, IT won two cards 29-28 and is now 10-1. while McLellan, 184 lbs of Johannesburg, SA took a card and is now 13-5.

Felipe Silva remained undefeated by stopping Shane Campbell in the 1st round of their lightweight bout.

Silva dropped Campbell with a left hook and then jumped on Campbell with shots on the ground and referee John McCarthy at 1:13.

Silva, 154.5 lbs of Juiz De Forga, BRA is 8-0. Campbell, 156 lbs of Kelowana, BC, CAN is 12-6.




LUIS SANTOS WINS UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER FORMER CHAMPION IGOR SVIRID

27 August 2016 – Jakarta, Indonesia: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), sent the packed Jakarta Convention Center crowd into a frenzy with heart-thumping world-class mixed martial arts action moving to the beat of a live musical performance by DJ duo, GLOWINTHEDARK. ONE: TITLES & TITANS electrified the crowd with exciting bouts, showcasing the beauty of Asian mixed martial arts. In the main event, Luis Santos of Brazil defeated Igor Svirid of Kazakhstan by unanimous decision.

Visit the official ONE: TITLES & TITANS photo gallery by clicking:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h8ehqrhlhdad0aq/AADe8r0Ua-dWv4FmAHM8mAo4a?dl=0

In the main event of the evening, Luis “Sapo” Santos of Brazil overcame a furious rally at the end of the fight by former ONE Middleweight World Champion Igor “Lionheart” Svirid of Kazakhstan to win by unanimous decision in a three round welterweight contest. Both fighters started off the bout cautiously in the first two rounds, carefully gauging each other’s range and occasionally unleashing well-placed strikes. Action picked up in the third round when Santos was able to take Svirid to the mat and work on ground-and-pound. Towards the end of the bout Svirid had his moments in top control, nearly finishing Santos with a series of powerful blows, but it proved insufficient to earn the judges’ nod.

In an exciting performance by the Philippines’ Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly, the Baguio City native outworked a strong and experienced opponent in Dutch-Indonesian mixed martial arts veteran Vincent “MagniVincent” Latoel. Kelly needed less than two rounds of a scheduled three to win by devastating knockout in the co-main event of ONE: TITLES & TITANS. At the center of the cage, Latoel and Kelly traded wild strikes with Kelly scoring from his world-class wushu stance while Latoel owned the edge in the clinch. Within a minute into round two, Latoel missed a combination against the fence and Kelly countered with vicious right hook that dropped him to the canvas.

In an RCTI exclusive bout, Indonesia’s Djatmiko Waluyo by way of Mexico City, Mexico defeated the hard-punching Islam Sayed of Egypt to win by submission just minutes into round two. After the two fighters exchanged combinations at the center of the cage in the first round, the action quickly turned to the ground with each combatant putting in solid work from top control. In round two, both men found themselves on the canvas once again, this time in simultaneous heel hooks but it was Waluyo who coerced Sayed to submit.

Polish buzzsaw Marcin Prachnio scored a highly-impressive victory over American Jake Butler in a clash of top middleweight contenders. Although Prachnio tried his best to avoid going to the ground, Butler, who moved down one weight division from light heavyweight, used his wrestling to score a takedown on Prachnio. Butler dominated the grappling exchange with his world-class wrestling but Prachnio never relinquished complete control and by the middle of the round, the Polish fighter delivered a knee that effectively ended the bout.

Unbeaten lightweight prospect Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev made quick work of opponent Haolan Jietebusibai of China, to win by scintillating submission moments into the very first round. Haolan avoided trading strikes with Saygid who is known as a powerful puncher, instead opting to rush into the clinch. In close distance however, Saygid grabbed a hold of Haolan’s head and squeezed tightly on a standing guillotine to force the tap.

In a display of high-level technical grappling, Dutch-Indonesian fighter Anthony “The Archangel” Engelen returned to the ONE Championship cage with a resounding victory over Egypt’s Sami Amin. The first round saw Engelen play immediately to his strengths, working in the clinch to take Amin down to the ground and operate in his element. In the second round, Engelen went straight back into the clinch, this time angling to take Amin’s back which he did successfully. Engelen then snaked his forearm around Amin’s neck to latch onto a rear naked choke, forcing Amin to tap shortly after.

In a bantamweight contest, Casey Suire of Lafayette, Louisiana won a close split decision against Chinese fighter Xie Bin to the roar of the crowd. Suire found a home for his left jab on Xie’s chin in the first round and kept Xie intelligently at the center of the cage, unable to land his combinations. In the second, Xie switched tactics and found success as he opted to play a counterpuncher role but Suire tagged him with a punch that dropped him towards the end of the round. In the third, a leg kick hurt Suire but the American was able to hang on to the end to clinch the victory.

Local Indonesian talents Sunoto and Yohan Mulia Legowo put in a tremendous performance to the cheer of their hometown fans in Jakarta. After a brief feeling out period, Sunoto and Legowo went to work on the ground. With Sunoto in top control, Legowo made the mistake of giving up his back and Sunoto capitalized on a rear naked choke opportunity. With the hold in deep, Legowo had no choice but to tap out.

Featherweight prospects Mario Satya Wirawan of Indonesia and Burn Soriano of the Philippines kicked off ONE: TITLES & TITANS with a quick battle of two highly-motivated fighters. The two wasted absolutely no no time as they immediately engaged by the cage fence. After Wirawan missed with a combination, Soriano spun around and landed a spinning back fist on Wirawan’s chin. With Wirawan out on the mat, Soriano landed a couple of hammer fists to seal the deal.

Official results for ONE: TITLES & TITANS
Welterweight bout: Luis Santos defeats Igor Svirid by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Featherweight bout: Edward Kelly defeats Vincent Latoel by Knockout at 0:57 minutes of round 2
Welterweight bout: Djatmiko Waluyo defeats Islam Sayed by Submission (Heel Hook) at 2:25 of round 2
Middleweight bout: Marcin Prachnio defeats Jake Butler by TKO (Strikes) at 2:30 minutes of round 1
Catchweight bout: Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev defeats Haolan Jietebusibai by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 0:26 minutes of round 1
Featherweight bout: Anthony Engelen defeats Sami Amin by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 0:52 minutes of round 2
Bantamweight bout: Casey Suire defeats Xie Bin by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds
Featherweight bout: Sunoto defeats Yohan Mulia Legowo by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:14 minutes of round 1
Bantamweight bout: Burn Soriano defeats Mario Satya Wirawan by Knockout at 0:15 minutes of round 1

In case you missed the action log on to www.onefc.com/livestream for the full replay of the fights at only US $9.99.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, Esporte Interativo and more.




FITE TV announces television carriage deal for the WMMAA Pan-American Division Championships October 8-9 in Chile

NEW YORK, NY (August 26, 2016) — FITE TV, in conjunction with the World MMA Association (WMMAA), announced today that it will be broadcasting the inaugural WMMAA Pan-American Division Championships live on FITE TV starting with the preliminary matches Saturday, October 8, and the final Sunday October 9, 2016.

FITE is a television network, via a downloadable app, that specializes in all things fighting, including boxing, wrestling, MMA and Martial Arts. FITE is a free app that is available for download at the Google Play or iTunes app stores.

On Oct. 8-9, the WMMAA is bringing the top amateur MMA competitors from around the world to Santiago, Chile for a two-day competition. More than 12 countries will be represented in eight different weight classes (6 men, 2 women classes). Michelle Bachelet, the President of Chile, is slated to participate in the opening ceremonies and preside over the closing of the event. In addition to the in-ring MMA competition, the weekend will feature a fitness expo and Ring Girl Latina 2016 pageant. As of today, 12 countries have committed to participating in the event, including the United States, Mexico, Cuba, Aruba, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer free viewing of one of the most anticipated MMA events in the Pan-American region each year on the innovative FITE TV app,” WMMAA Pan-American Division President Tomas Yu commented. “Now, if you are not able to be at the event to watch the action live, you can now see it anywhere in the world.”

“With the addition of such a prestigious event to FITE TV, we continue to increase the diversity of the combat fighting programming, now offered live and on a VOD basis on the app,” said Michael Weber, Senior Vice President of Marketing for FITE. “It is a honor to work with MMA professionals such as Tomas Yu and his team who continue to increase the visibility of their organization worldwide.”

The television programming schedule and additional participating countries will be announced in the immediate future.
About FITE TV: FITE TV is a product of Flipps Media and is a free mobile app that is a one-stop shop for viewing all sports within the fighting discipline globally including MMA, professional wrestling, boxing, and traditional martial arts. With only access to a smartphone and a connected TV, with the FITE app, viewers can watch live events, on-demand programming, interviews and fighting sports related movies and documentaries on the big TV screen. More information can be found at www.fite.tv.

About Flipps Media: Flipps delivers on-demand entertainment to any nearby connected TV from your mobile device without any additional hardware. The company has offices in San Mateo, New York and Sofia, Bulgaria and is backed by Tim Draper, Earlybird Venture Capital, Aslanoba Capital and LAUNCHub. Flipps’ patented technology immediately works with over 350+ million connected TVs and is compatible with over 7,000 manufacturer models requiring no set up, no pairing devices, no cables, no dongles and no set top box. The Flipps mobile application is free and available on iTunes and Google Play. More information can be found at www.flipps.com.

About WMMAA: The goal of the World MMA Association is to provide unbiased structure and guardrail the growth of MMA as 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 50 countries have been granted WMMAA membership.




WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING SIGNS HEAVYWEIGHT SENSATION JARED ROSHOLT TO EXCLUSIVE, MULTI-FIGHT AGREEMENT

LAS VEGAS (August 24, 2016) – World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) announced today that it has signed seasoned, heavyweight Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star and former NCAA Division I wrestling sensation Jared “The Big Show” Rosholt (14-3) to an exclusive, multi-fight promotional agreement.

The world championship MMA league also announced that it has inked streaking heavyweight standout Ashley “Gio” Gooch (10-4) to an exclusive, multi-fight deal. Each athlete’s promotional debut will be announced soon.

“We are excited to welcome one of the sport’s top, free-agent heavyweight stars in Jared Rosholt, as well as veteran Ashley Gooch, who has been on fire of late, to the World Series of Fighting roster and look forward to seeing how each is able to contend in the decagon cage where we have a growing number of exciting and fast-rising stars vying for our coveted championship that is held by Blagoy Ivanov,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

A 2010 NCAA Division I national wrestling championship runner-up and three-time All-American for Oklahoma State University, the 30-year-old, 6-foot-2, 245-pound Rosholt of Arlington, Texas arrives at World Series of Fighting following an eight-fight stint with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) where he posted a strong, overall record of 6-2.

During his stretch with the UFC, Rosholt, the younger brother of fellow MMA standout Jake Rosholt, notched a unanimous decision over the league’s tallest fighter, seven-foot giant Stefan Struve, on November 15, 2015.

The hard-hitting, 6-foot-3, 265-pound Gooch of Glendale, Ariz. will enter the decagon cage riding an eight-fight win streak that dates back to September 28, 2013 when the 41-year-old decimated Allan Sullivan with a one-punch KO in the first round (1:30) of battle.

To date, Gooch has earned 7 of his 10 career victories by way of (T)KO and 2 wins via submission. Five of his eight consecutive victories have come inside of one round.

Gooch is coming off a third round (1:10) TKO (punches) of Greg Rebello in Lincoln, R.I. on August 12.

Live World Series of Fighting action returns to NBCSN on Saturday, Oct. 7, with an unprecedented, three-hour telecast, beginning at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m., from Kansas City Memorial Auditorium in Kansas City, Kan.

In the main event of WSOF33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubgov, reigning, undefeated world lightweight (155 pounds) champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (16-0) of Safford, Ariz. will risk his title against number one contender Ozzy Dugulubgov (8-2) of Ridgewood, N.J.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier, professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion partnered with NBC, NBCSN and international media distribution giant, IMG. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Las Vegas with satellite offices in New York City and Boston, the company is dedicated to delivering an incredible experience for sports fans by producing action-packed, live fights between elite athletes from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries. WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.




WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING RELEASES FALL/WINTER 2016 “SUPER SCHEDULE” ON NBC AND NBCSN

LAS VEGAS (August 23, 2016) – Following its highest-viewed live event of the year on July 30, World Series of Fighting (www.WSOF.com) announced today that it has pegged new dates to its four remaining 2016 events, beginning with an unprecedented, three-hour, live NBCSN telecast (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT) of WSOF33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubov from Kansas City, Kan. on Friday, Oct. 7, and concluding with the recently announced WSOF36 mega-event at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 31, live on NBC.

WSOF34 and WSOF35, both of which will air live on NBCSN, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Budweiser Event Center from Loveland, Colo. outside of Denver, and on Saturday, Dec. 3 at XFINITY Arena in Everett, Wash. The main event and co-main event for each of these two fight cards will also be revealed soon.

“We are excited to head into the fall season of our busiest year to date, with a full schedule of live television events that will see us bring the World Series of Fighting brand of MMA action to new, major media markets; produce a three-hour, live show for the first time ever; and return to broadcast television on NBC from Madison Square Garden’s Theater venue on New Year’s Eve,” said World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva.

World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo stated, “We have in store for MMA fans, some phenomenal, world championship bouts as well as other star-studded matchups, and I think these last four events of 2016 will firmly put an exclamation point on what has been a banner year for the league.”

In addition, the world championship fight series will air a two-hour replay of WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill II on Saturday, Sept. 24. The WSOF32 world championship doubleheader event that took place at XFINITY Arena in Everett, Wash. garnered over 250,000 live viewers on NBCSN on July 30, and an immediate replay of the show drew an additional 107,000 viewers.

WSOF33 will take place at Kansas City Memorial Auditorium and will be headlined by a world lightweight (155 pounds) championship showdown between undefeated, reigning kingpin Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (16-0) of Safford, Ariz. and hard-hitting, number one contender Ozzy Dugulubgov (8-2) of Ridgewood, N.J.

In the co-main event of WSOF33, Blackzilians star Luiz “Buscape” Firmino (19-6) of Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil will put a six-fight win streak on the line against former world championship challenger and the first-ever World Series of Fighting eight-man tournament winner, Brian Foster (25-9) of Sallisaw, Okla.

Additional WSOF33 bouts will be announced soon.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier, professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion partnered with NBC, NBCSN and international media distribution giant, IMG. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Las Vegas with satellite offices in New York City and Boston, the company is dedicated to delivering an incredible experience for sports fans by producing action-packed, live fights between elite athletes from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries. WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.




Video: UFC 202 (Diaz – McGregor 2) Post Fight Press Conference LIVE at 1:30 AM ET




M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko to make first title defense vs. Maxim Grabovich at M-1 Challenge 70

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (August 19, 2016) – M-1 Challenge welterweight Alexey Kunchenko will put his title belt and undefeated record on the line September 10 versus upset-minded challenger Maxim Grabovich, headlining M-1 Challenge 70 in Syktyvkar, Russia, M-1 Global has announced.

M-1 Challenge 70 will be streamed live from Russia 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 Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

The 32-year-old Kunchenko (13-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0), fighting out of Tyumen, Russia, captured the title in his last fight, when defending M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Murad Abdulaev retired during the fourth round this past April at M-1 Challenge 65. Kunchenko (pictured below) is a Muay Thai specialist originally slated to defend his title in a rematch with Abdulaev, who was unable to accept the challenge at this point do to an injury.

Kunchenko is a feared, powerful striker

Grabovich (4-2-0, M-1: 3-0-0), a fellow Russian, earned his title shot by going undefeated in thre M-1 Challenge fights to date. Known for his Greco-Roman wrestling skills, Grabovich’s last action was in June at M-1 Challenge 68, in which he took a decision against Danill Prikaza in the Fight of the Night.

Talented wrestler Grabovich hopes to pull off a major upset

Other fighters expected to be in action Sept. 10 on the M-1 Challenge 70 card include former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich (12-1-0, M-1: 6-0-0) and former M-1 Challenge lightweight title challenger Artem Damkovsky (20-10-0, M-1: 10-7-0), along with Russian fighters such as light heavyweight Andrey Seledtsov (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), featherweight Timur Nagibin (7-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0) and middleweight Artem Frolov (6-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0).

Information

www.M1Global.tv
www.mixfight.ru
www.wmmaa.org

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews
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. 2016 has been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring 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: Top GFL Finishes! V3Fights, Art of War, Combat Sports League, Arena Battle and Cage Combat KO’s




UFC 202 weights From Las Vegas

ufc_title-belt_206
Conor McGregor 168 – Nate Diaz 170.5
Anthony Johnson 205.5 – Glover Teixeira 205.5
Donald Cerrone 170 vs. Rick Story 171
Hyun Gyu Lim 171 -Mike Perry 169
Sabah Homasi 170.5 – Tim Means 171
Cody Garbrandt 135 – Takeya Mizugaki 136
Raquel Pennington 135.5 – Elizabeth Phillips 134
Chris Avila 146) – Artem Lobov 144.5
Cortney Casey 116 – Randa Markos 116
Lorenz Larkin 170.75 – Neil Magny 171
Colby Covington 171 – Max Griffin 170.5
Alberto Uda 185.5 – Marvin Vettori 185.5




Video: UFC 202 (Diaz – McGregor 2) weigh in live at 7 PM ET




Video: UFC 204 Press Conference (Bisping – Henderson) Press Conference live at 5 PM ET




CHARLES “KRAZY HORSE” BENNETT RETURNS TO JAPAN, WILL FACE MINORU KIMURA IN MMA ACTION IN TOKYO ON SEPTEMBER 25

TOKYO – August 18, 2016 – RIZIN FF, the combat sports federation headed by former PRIDE Fighting Championships boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara, announced today the addition of a featherweight (145 pounds) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) matchup between former PRIDE FC and EliteXC star Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett (29-30-2) and K-1 kickboxing KO artist Minoru Kimura (MMA: 0-0, Kickboxing: 21-6-1, 15 KO’s) to the federation’s already stacked Grand Prix event in Tokyo on Sunday, Sept. 25.

A 17-year veteran of the sport with an aggressive, crowd-pleasing style of fighting, the 5-foot-8, 36-year-old Bennett of Ocala, Fla. put himself on the map 16 years ago with a first round (1:55) KO (punch) of Yoshiro Maeda at PRIDE Bushido 7 in Tokyo on May 22, 2005.

Bennett’s biggest mark in the sport to date was arguably his one-punch, first round (3:43), upset KO of former UFC and Strikeforce star K.J. Noons, who went into the matchup a heavy favorite over Bennett. The high-profile bout took place at EliteXC: Destiny, the first-ever, live SHOWTIME televised event in MMA history.

Bennett is coming off a spectacular, 43 second submission (heel hook) of Paul Rodriguez in Kissimmee, Fla. on May 14.

Above: Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett will make his return to Japan and debut for RIZIN FF on September 25

Ranked as high as number two in the world in kickboxing’s featherweight division as of the close of 2015, the 5-foot-8, 22-year-old Kimura, who permanently relocated to Japan at the age of three, after being born in Curitiba, Brazil to a fourth generation, Brazilian-Japanese mother and a Brazilian-Italian father, will make his debut under MMA rules.

The feisty Fighting Kairos Gym competitor who has captivated fight fans with his raucous behavior, has defeated a number of noteworthy adversaries in the kickboxing ring, including Kaew Fairtex as well as Japanese stars Hideaki Yamazaki and Masaaki Noiri, to reach elite status in the sport.

In his last start, Kimura picked up a unanimous decision victory over “Noman” in a K-1 World Grand Prix tournament reserve bout on June 24.

The RIZIN FF event will be headlined by the kick-off of the much-anticipated, 16-man open weight tournament.

MMA legends Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic (MMA: 31-11-1, 1 NC; Kickboxing: 23-8, 12 KO’s) and Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC) are amongst the nine competitors that have been announced as tournament participants. The tournament’s first stage matchups will be announced soon.

RIZIN FF World Grand Prix 2016: Opening Round

Updated Fight Card

Open Weight Tournament Bout: Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Kazuyuki Fujita vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Baruto Kaito vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Jiri Prochazka vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Teodorasu Aukstuolis vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Karl Albrektsson vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Valentine Moldavski vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Amir Aliakbari vs. TBA
Lightweight: Daron Cruickshank vs. Andy Souwer
Heavyweight: Gabi Garcia vs. Destanie Yarbrough
Strawweight: Kanako Murata vs. Kyra Batara
Weight TBD: Rena Kubota vs. Miyuu Yamamoto
Weight TBD: Asen Yamamoto vs. Kizaemon Saiga
Featherweight: Charles Bennett vs. Minoru Kimura

Follow RIZIN FF:

Website – http://www.rizinff.com/en/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/rizinfightingfederation/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/rizin_PR




History making WMMAA Pan-American Championship Oct. 7-9 in Santiago, Chile

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (August 18, 2016)- History will be made October 7-9 when Chile hosts the inaugural World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) Pan-American Championship – CHILE 2016 — in Santiago.

Initiative on MMA as a sport will build on the well-earned reputation of previous martial arts history in terms of addressing, sharing and discussing significant developments and social advancements that will impact the future of MMA.

CHILE 2006 attendees will have an opportunity to receive unique and powerful insights into the new era of MMA.

The WMMAA Pan-American Division is known for its broad, multi-disciplinary approach and stellar lineup “The primary goal of CHILE 2016 is to make a social impact, creating awareness around the powerful influence of martial arts among youths,,” said Tomas Yu, President of the WMMAA Pan-American Division, “as well as to provide a healthy platform for sport, tourism and economic development as a united front. Its collegiate environment promises to foster debate, discussion and collaboration.”

Chile 2016 will be a lifetime experience for all with special guests as Chile President Michelle Bachelete and WMMAA honorary president Fedor Emilianenko, arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all-time.

Local Organizing Committee Chairman Alberto Maturana and his committee members look forward to welcoming everyone to Santiago to experience history in the making for the sport of MMA. Together with the WMMAA Pan-American Executive Board, they are working tirelessly to bring this important event to Santiago for the continental athletes, promoters, coaches, businesses, and tourism. The honorary panel of individuals who are making the inaugural WMMAA Pan-American Championship – CHILE 2016 a reality include the following:

WMMAA Pan-American President – Tomas Yu

WMMAA Chile President – Alberto Maturana

Collaboration and Advocacy – Eric Castaños

National Press – Yenifer Marquez

International Press – Edgar Campos

EXPO MMA – Jose Antonio Urrutia

International Multi-Media – Carlos Fourzan

National Executive Production – Felipe Concha

Publicist – Bob Trieger

Organization Membership – Christian Parra

Officials Certification & Accreditation – Hector Molina

Medical – Dr. Justo Pavia

Health Training and Education – Curt Chavez

Special Interest Group – Susan Murphy

Ring Girl Latina – Pablo Cortes

Combat Sports Administration Masters Degree – Ivan Hinojosa

Diseño – Pedro Cabrera

INFORMATION:

www.WMMAA.org
https://www.facebook.com/WMMAA-665064310170463/
www.youtube.com/user/TheWMMAA
www.wmmaa-chile.com
Twitter: @theWMMAA
Instagram: @worldmmaa




VIDEO: UFC 202 (DIAZ – MCGREGOR 2) PRESS CONFERENCE LIVE AT 4 PM ET




MAIN EVENT FIGHTERS EV “E.T.” TING AND ROB “RUTHLESS” LISITA FACE-OFF AT ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS PRESS CONFERENCE

17 August 2016 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced its collaboration with Tune Talk and UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP (UMG) for the event ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS which is set to take place at the Stadium Negara on 2 September in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. UMG will be bringing artists Faizal Tahir and Ella to perform live at the event. The card will be headlined by a massive bout between Malaysia’s own Ev “E.T.” Ting and Australia’s “Ruthless” Rob Lisita.

Photos of the press conference can be downloaded here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9cw1hyyk3pwkghw/AADevcbpqbIPTOU3IHuNqMy0a?dl=0

CEO of ONE Championship, Victor Cui stated, “The fans in Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur are some of the most passionate people in the world. The atmosphere of live ONE Championship events in this city is hard to match anywhere in the world. Earlier this year, ONE had great success with matching together live MMA with elements of a rock concert in Bangkok. It was such an amazing show. Together with our partners UMG and Tune Talk, we are going to do the same for the people of Kuala Lumpur. Fans can expect an awesome evening of incredible fights, action, excitement and world-class musical performances.”

Mr Kenny Ong, Managing Director of UMG, Malaysia and Singapore, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with ONE Championship on an evening of live sporting action and music. We are excited with the concept of a live MMA sport event combined with the energy and adrenaline of a rock concert, and making this a historic occasion. Kuala Lumpur will witness an atmosphere like no other at ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS. We are ecstatic for everyone to be part of all the excitement of fight night.”

Jason Lo, Tune Talk CEO stated, “When Tune Talk started this partnership with ONE Championship five years ago, you just knew great things were in store. The dream was to build an MMA community here in Malaysia because we foresaw the potential that the sport has. We ended up uniting Malaysians for the love of MMA. Through hard work and dedication from both companies, the Malaysian MMA scene has grown healthily with locally bred MMA fighters through the Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts (MIMMA). Mohd Aiman, Keanu Subba and Agilan Thani, are among great talents discovered by MIMMA. These MIMMA Champions are now fighting for ONE Championship alongside the existing big names of MMA in Malaysia, proving that our country can produce top-notch talented fighters. ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS will be one for the record books due to the massive fights which will draw attention globally. Malaysia will again bear witness to the rise of Malaysian MMA and nothing shall halt our dreams of taking the sport into unprecedented levels.”

Malaysian MMA star Ev “E.T.” Ting returns to Kuala Lumpur to showcase his world-class mixed martial arts skills in front of his hometown crowd opposite fierce challenger “Ruthless” Rob Lisita of Campbelltown, Australia. The two featherweight standouts will do battle in a three-round main event showdown.

Ev “E.T.” Ting is a mixed martial artist of Malaysian descent. He lives and trains out of Auckland, New Zealand, and has amassed a stellar 11-3 record so far in his professional career. A winner of his last two bouts by impressive submission over top caliber opponents, Ting is one of the most talented fighters to come out of Malaysia.

33-year-old “Ruthless” Rob Lisita of Campbelltown, Australia, is known as a relentless offensive force, armed with powerful striking combinations intended to score highlight-reel finishes. He is 14-8 as a professional mixed martial artist, and has proven to be a fixture in big fights owing to his fan-friendly style. A veteran fighter who has faced the best in his division and beyond, Lisita looks to continue fulfilling his goal of competing against the promotion’s top contenders.

The card will also feature Malaysian MMA stars Peter Davis, Ann “Athena” Osman, Agilan “Alligator” Thani, as well as Gianni and Keanu Subba. Three preliminary bouts will also be available live via Facebook Livestream.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, Physique TV, MYTV, HTV, Esporte Interativo and more.

About Tune Talk
Tune Talk is the fastest-growing Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Asia, officially launching commercial services in Malaysia in 2009. Our target is to provide super low rates and exciting incentives to the market. Our prepaid service offers voice, SMS, data and BlackBerry packages that meet the demands for a simple, value-for-money product with easy accessibility and a wide distribution reach. As a member of the Tune Group of companies, we have the advantage of providing a completely unique lifestyle service with offers by Tune Money, Tune Hotels, Tune Insurance, BIG Loyalty Programme and AirAsia. For more information, please visit www.tunetalk.com.

About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Find out more at: http://www.universalmusic.com.




RIZIN FF Announces Three Women’s Matchups, Five Tourney Fighters For Sept.

TOKYO – August 16, 2016 – RIZIN FF, the combat sports federation headed by former PRIDE Fighting Championships boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara, today revealed at a press conference the matchups for the three women’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) bouts slated for the highly-anticipated Grand Prix event in Tokyo on Sunday, Sept. 25.

Facing off with previously announced, undefeated MMA rising star and ninth degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Gabi Garcia (2-0) will be fellow unbeaten prospect and professional football standout Destanie Yarbrough (1-0).

Three-time junior Olympic wrestling medalist and undefeated MMA upstart Kanako Murata (3-0) will square off with Combate Americas MMA star Kyra “Mogwai” Batara (5-3) in a strawweight (115 pounds) contest.

Renowned shoot boxing champion Rena Kubota (1-0) will make her second start under MMA rules against famed women’s freestyle wrestling pioneer Miyuu Yamamoto (0-0), who will make her long-awaited MMA debut on the same card as her son, Asen Yamamoto (0-1). The weight limit of the Kubota-Yamamoto matchup will be announced soon.

In addition, it was announced that five new fighters – heavyweights Jiri “Denisa” Prochazka (17-3-1) of the Czech Republic and Amir Aliakbari (2-0) of Iran, and light heavyweights Teodorasu Aukstuolis (9-3) of Lithuania, “King” Karl Albrektsson (5-0) of Sweden and Valentine Moldavski (3-0) of Russia – have all been added to the much-anticipated, 16-man open weight tournament that will kick off and headline the September 25 event.

The five fighters join previously announced MMA legend Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic (MMA: 31-11-1, 1 NC; Kickboxing: 23-8, 12 KO’s), fellow PRIDE FC veteran and combat sports fan favorite Kazuyuki Fujita (15-11) and former sumo wrestling champion Baruto Kaito (1-0) in the multi-event, single-elimination affair.

The tournament’s first stage matchups will be announced soon.

Gabi Garcia vs. Destanie Yarbrough

The 6-foot-2, 30-year-old Garcia of Porto Alege, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil will look for her third consecutive MMA victory following her second round (2:04) submission (armbar) of Anna Malyukova at the RIZIN FF extravaganza on April 17.

Yarbrough of Fresno, Calif. is a 5-foot-7, 28-year-old running back for the Women’s Football Alliance squad, the Central Cal War Angels, which finished its 2016 season with a perfect, 7-0 record. The stocky powerhouse led the league last season in both touchdowns and rushing yards.

A lifelong athlete, Yarbrough made an explosive, professional MMA debut on April 1, scoring a 33-second TKO (doctor stoppage) on Crystal Parson.

Caption: Combate Americas MMA star Kyra Batara (above) will make her RIZIN FF debut against Kanako Murata

Kanako Murata vs. Kyra Batara

The 5-foot-1, 23-year-old Murata of Ehime, Japan will make her debut at strawweight following three consecutive wins, the last two of which came by way of TKO (punches), in flyweight (125 pounds) contests.

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., the 4-foot-11, 21-year-old Batara, who typically fights in the atomweight (105 pounds) division, is riding a three-fight win streak under the promotion of U.S. Hispanic MMA franchise, Combate Americas.

In her last start, Batara finished Jenny “The Phoenix” Silverio in unprecedented fashion – a ground and pound version of Eddie Bravo’s patented “twister” – that earned Batara, a protégé of Bravo, a TKO in the second round (4:13) of battle.

Rena Kubota vs. Miyuu Yamamoto

The 5-foot-3, 25-year-old Kubota of Osaka, Japan is a three-time shoot boxing tournament champion who boasts a stellar, career kickboxing record of 25-5-1 (6 KO’s).

Kubota made her much-anticipated MMA rules debut at the inaugural RIZIN FF event on December 31, submitting Jleana Valentino with a brilliantly executed flying armbar in the second round (3:31) of action.

The daughter of Olympic wrestler Ikuei Yamamoto and elder sister of MMA superstar and 2005 K-1 HERO’s Middleweight Grand Prix Tournament Champion Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto, the 5-foot-1, 42-year-old Miyuu of Kanagawa, Japan will enter a new chapter in her career and family legacy when she steps in the RIZIN FF squared circle for the first time.

Miyuu earned her first national wrestling championship when she was 13 years old, and subsequently defended it four straight years. At age 17, she became the youngest world champion in history.

Miyuu’s son, Asen, will collide with Kizaemon Saiga (2-1) of Sakai, Japan at a weight to be determined.

RIZIN FF World Grand Prix 2016: Opening Round

Updated Fight Card

Open Weight Tournament Bout: Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Kazuyuki Fujita vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout: Baruto Kaito vs. TBA
Lightweight: Daron Cruickshank vs. Andy Souwer
Heavyweight: Gabi Garcia vs. Destanie Yarbrough
Strawweight: Kanako Murata vs. Kyra Batara
Weight TBD: Rena Kubota vs. Miyuu Yamamoto
Weight TBD: Asen Yamamoto vs. Kizaemon Saiga

Follow RIZIN FF:

Website – http://www.rizinff.com/en/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/rizinfightingfederation/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/rizin_PR




ADRIANO MORAES CROWNED INTERIM ONE FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION

13 August 2016 – Macao, China: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), treated fans in Macao to a thrilling evening of world-class mixed martial arts action. The Venetian Macao’s glitzy Cotai Arena played host to ONE: HEROES OF THE WORLD, which featured the absolute best in local and international MMA talent. In the main event, Adriano Moraes was crowned the interim ONE Flyweight World Champion with a submission victory over Tilek Batyrov.

Visit the official ONE: HEROES OF THE WORLD photo gallery by clicking:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h8ehqrhlhdad0aq/AADe8r0Ua-dWv4FmAHM8mAo4a?dl=0

In the main event of the evening, Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes of Brazil defeated Kyrgyzstan’s Tilek Batyrov by submission to capture the interim ONE Flyweight World Championship. Batyrov owned a slight advantage in the striking battle for the majority of the bout, but on the ground it was all Moraes as the Brazilian spun a web of crafty grappling to dominate Batyrov. In the second round, Moraes was finally able to lock in a deep rear naked choke to force the tap.

Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of Baguio City, Philippines braved through an extremely durable Adrian “The Hunter” Pang, putting together one of his best performances to date. Folayang attacked his opponent with a variety of spinning back fists, wushu side kicks and sharp elbows to stop Pang in his tracks on multiple occasions. As Pang continued to stalk forward, Folayang willingly poured on various combinations. In the end, all three judges saw the bout in favor of the Filipino MMA stalwart.

Filipino mixed martial arts veteran Honorio “The Rock” Banario gave the performance of a lifetime with a thorough decision victory over Evolve MMA lightweight standout Eddie “The Magician” Ng. For three rounds Banario fought intelligently, tagging Ng with lightning quick strikes from his world-class wushu stance. Banario also once again put his improved grappling on display in a tight ground war with Ng. Ng started the bout off fast in his usual aggressiveness, but Banario kept his composure and was able to come away with the comprehensive win.

Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen of Sydney, Australia shocked the Asian MMA world with an impeccable submission victory over 18-year old Christian “The Warrior” Lee. Nguyen owned the advantage in the striking department, landing a handful of well-time overhand punches. A left hand counter dropped Lee before Nguyen grabbed a hold of his neck in a guillotine choke. Nguyen dragged Lee to the canvas where he put his younger foe to sleep with Lee refusing to tap out.

Alexandre “Bebezao” Machado of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Alain “The Panther” Ngalani of Hong Kong brought the crowd up to their feet with an action-packed clash of colossal heavyweights. Machado was rocked by a Ngalani combination in round one, but was able to recover when the fight went to the ground. In the second round, an exhausted Ngalani struggled to find the strength to continue, tapping to a volley of strikes from top position by Machado.

In a tremendous battle of will, undefeated female atomweight Istela Nunes of Brazil impressed in a successful ONE Championship debut with a victory over former world title challenger Mei Yamaguchi. Nunes overcame Yamaguchi’s power and aggression by smothering the Japanese fighter in close range. The fight was close for three whole rounds as Nunes earned a razor-thin split decision.

Ma Jia Wen proved to be a complete offensive force, showcasing his wrestling and striking skills in a comprehensive technical knockout victory over the Philippines’ Jimmy Yabo. Yabo was a live challenger for the first two rounds but faded late in the bout, succumbing to Ma’s constant pressure. After taking Yabo down in the third, Ma finished off the Filipino with ground-and-pound.

Chinese bantamweight Ma Hao Bin overcame a spirited effort from Cambodia’s Chan Rothana, winning by three-round unanimous decision. Rothana owned a striking edge throughout the contest, but Ma was able to earn the judges’ nod in a very close fight by utilizing his world-class wrestling. All three judges saw the bout in favor of Ma Hao Bin.

Team Lakay’s strawweight prospect Joshua Pacio opened up ONE: HEROES OF THE WORLD with an impressive display of grappling skill by defeating Thai fighter Kritsada Kongsrichai in the first round by rear naked choke. Kongsrichai dominated the striking exchanges in the early going but as soon as Pacio got the takedown, he worked straight into a submission and forced the tap.

Official results for ONE: HEROES OF THE WORLD
Interim ONE Flyweight World Championship bout: Adriano Moraes defeats Tilek Batyrov by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:49 minutes of round 2
Lightweight bout: Eduard Folayang defeats Adrian Pang by Unanimous Decision (UD) after three rounds
Lightweight bout: Honorio Banario defeats Eddie Ng by Unanimous Decision (UD) after three rounds
Featherweight bout: Martin Nguyen defeats Christian Lee by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 4:30 minutes of round 1
Heavyweight bout: Alexandre Machado defeats Alain Ngalani by TKO (Tapout) at 0:21 minutes of round 2
Female Atomweight bout: Istela Nunes defeats Mei Yamaguchi by Split Decision (SD) after three rounds
Featherweight bout: Ma Jia Wen defeats Jimmy Yabo by TKO (Strikes) at 2:31 minutes of round 3
Bantamweight bout: Ma Hao Bin defeats Chan Rothana by Unanimous Decision (UD) after three rounds
Strawweight bout: Joshua Pacio defeats Kritsada Kongsrichai by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:37 minutes of round 1

In case you missed the action log on to www.onefc.com/livestream for the full replay of the fights at only US $9.99.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, Physique TV, MYTV, HTV, Esporte Interativo and more.

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Kazakhstan dominates World MMA Association 2016 Asian Championships

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (August 12, 2016)- Kazakhstan dominated the recent second annual World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) Asian Championships, capturing top honors in five of seven weight classes, at the Hwasoon Culture and Sports Center in the Republic of South Korea.

Individual Kazak winners were bantamweight Azama Markabayev, featherweight Ismail Geroyev, welterweight Goyti Dazaev, light heavyweight Eerkinbek Injel and heavyweight Mohmad Sulimanov. The other 2016 individual champions are Kyrgyzstan lightweight Ilias Chyngyzbek Uulu and Uzbekistan middleweight Nursulton Ruziboev.

Individual team competition was held in accordance with the “Official Rules of Mixed Martial Arts Competition, subject to WMMAA approval. Including revisions, additions and clarifications of certain clauses. Matches were held in accordance with the Olympic system including two third-places in each of the seven weight divisions.

Following Kazakhstan in the final team standings were, in order, South Korea and Kyrgyzstan. See below:

Final Team Standings

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th Total
Kazakhstan 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 66
South Korea 0 1 7 0 2 0 0 0 58
Kyrgyzstan 1 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 49
Uzbekistan 1 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 32
Tajikistan 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 21
China 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 19

Team scoring was awarded by the maximum amount of points scored by individual team members on the following basis: 1st – 10, 2nd – 8, 3rd – 6, 4th – 5, 5th – 4, 6th – 3, 7th – 2, 8th – 1

2016 WMMAA ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIAL RESULTS

Click here to view the action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAYR04B4Dvc

BANTAMWEIGHTS (134 ½ LBS. / -61.2 KG):
1. Azama Markabayev (Kazakhstan)
2. Alimarden Abdykaarov (Kyrgyzstan)
3. Lee Jongkwan (South Korea)
3. Rustam Magdiev (Uzbekistan)

FEATHERWEIGHTS (145 LBS. / -65.8 KG):
1. Ismail Geroyev (Kazakhstan)
2. Alisher Garibshoev (Tajikistan)
3. Kim Jongkwan (South Korea)
3. Yang Jihwan (South Korea)

LIGHTWEIGHTS (154 ½ LBS. / -70.3 KG):
1. Ilisas Chyngyzbek Uulu (Kyrgyzstan)
2. Neimat Asadov (Kazakhstan)
3. Alihon Khasanov (Uzbekistan)
3. Jang Ikhwan (South Korea)

WELTERWEIGHTS (169 ½ LBS. / -77.1 KG):
1. Goyti Dazaev (Kazakhstan)
2. Mavlonzhon Balataev (Kyrgyzstan)
3. Im Jin Yong (South Korea)
3. Jiang Tao (China)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (185 LBS. / -84.0 KG):
1. Nursulton Ruziboev (Uzbekistan)
2. Baurzhan Kuanyshbayev (Kazakhstan)
3. Tologon Rakhmanberdi Uulu (Kyrgyzstan)
3. Kim Yi Sak (South Korea)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (205 LBS. / -93.0 KG):
1. Erkinbek Injel (Kazakhstan)
2. Kwak Yun Sub (South Korea)
3. Dilovar Nasyrov (Tajikistan)
3. Daniiar Zarylbek Uulu (Kyrgyzstan)

HEAVYWEIGHTS (+205 LBS. / +93.0 KG):
1. Mohmad Sulimanov (Kazakhstan)
2. Maksat Musabaev (Kyrgyzstan)
3. Amin Ergashev (Uzbekistan)
4. Kim Changhee (South Korea)

All individual first-place winners were awarded special championship belts and medals, second and third-place finishers received a medal and certificate. Teams that finished among the top three in the final standings were awarded cups and certificates.

Schedule of Major 2016 MMA Events
http://wmmaa.org/events/

Sept. 14-16 – European MMA Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia
http://wmmaa.org/events/31/

Oct. 7-9 – Inaugural Pan-American Championships in Santiago, Chile
http://wmmaa.org/news/design-chosen-for-the-2016-pan-american-championship-950/

Oct. 20-21 – MMM Championships in Saint Petersburg, Russia

INFORMATION:

www.WMMAA.org
www.facebook.com/WMMAA-665064310170463/
www.youtube.com/user/TheWMMAA
Twitter: @theWMMAA
Instagram: @worldmmaa
ABOUT WMMAA: The goal of the World MMA Association is to provide unbiased structure and guardrail the growth of MMA as 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 50 countries have been granted WMMAA membership.