Weekly Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing News – 06/01/2013
By PDG Staff
UFC 164 – The Warmaster and The Hulk Return
A fight that fans have dreamed about for years is finally happening as Josh “The Warmaster” Barnett will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir at UFC 164. Also, surging heavyweight Soa “The Hulk” Palelei lost his UFC 161 opponent to injury, but he’s been quickly earmarked for another summer event. Palelei will welcome undefeated Ukranian Nikita “The Al Capone” Krylov to the UFC on August 31. Palelei has gone 10-1 since his last stint in the Octagon, winning his last eight in a row by T/KO; Krylov’s 14-0 record is comprised entirely of first-round finishes. The two finishers will collide at the Harley-Davidson Hometown Throwdown.
UFC 164
August 31, 2013
Bradley Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Josh Barnett (32-6) vs. Frank Mir (16-7)
Clay Guida (30-13) vs. Chad Mendes (14-1)
Erik Koch (13-2) vs. Dustin Poirier (13-3)
Soa Palelei (18-3) vs. Nikita Krylov (14-0)
Ben Rothwell (32-9) vs. Brandon Vera (12-6)
GLORY 9 New York – Final Fight Card Announced
The final fight card for GLORY 9 New York has been announced, GLORY, the world’s premier kickboxing league that is home to the greatest martial arts stand-up fighters on the planet, will bring its championship fight series to the United States for the first time ever with a one-night, eight-man, light heavyweight (209 pounds/95 kilograms) tournament at Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center in New York City on Saturday, June 22.
GLORY 9 New York
June 22, 2013
Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center
New York, NY
Light Heavyweight Tournament Quarterfinals:
Danyo Ilunga vs. Mourad Bouzidi
Brian Collette vs. Dustin Jacoby
Filip Verlinden vs. Steve McKinnon
Tyrone Spong vs. Michael Duut
Superfights:
Rico Verhoeven vs Errol Zimmerman
Daniel Ghita vs Brice Guidon
Daniel Sam vs Anderson ‘Braddock’ Silva
Joseph Valtellini vs Francois Ambang
Wayne Barrett vs Mike Lemaire
Tournament Reserve Fights:
Artem Vakhitov vs Luis Tavares
Randy Blake vs Koichi Watanabe
Preliminary Card:
Brett Hlavacek vs Paul Marfort
Casey Greene vs Keith Berish
Andrea Deangelo vs Laura Byrnds
Abdrew Ball vs James Smith Jr
Chris Mauceri vs Niko Tsigaras
Nick Pace vs Levan Makashvili
Miesha Tate Replaces Injured Cat Zingano Opposite Ronda Rousey at TUF 18
As taping of The Ultimate Fighter 18 began on Tuesday, UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey got a big surprise in the form of her opposing coach: former opponent and long-time rival Miesha Tate. Rousey had been expected to coach the season against Cat Zingano, who earned the honor by defeating Tate at the TUF 17 Finale on April 13. But Zingano was injured during training, forcing TUF 18 to call up a new coach, which was revealed to cast members and Rousey alike earlier today.
“Everyone said an Ultimate Fighter between me and Miesha would be the best,” said Rousey to reporter Kevin Iole. “For some reason, I think me and Miesha are intertwined in fate like Ali and Frazier.”
Rousey will now face Tate at the end of the season instead of Zingano in a bantamweight title match. The two first fought in March of 2012, with Rousey nabbing Tate’s Strikeforce title via first-round submission. TUF 18 premieres on Wednesday, September 4 on FOX Sports 1.
Tyrone Spong Training with Pedro Diaz in the Sand
M-1 Challenge 40 – Fight Card Announced
The second annual international M-1 Challenge tournament will take place on June 8 in the mountains of Ingushetia. The tournament will include fighters from Russia, Holland, France, Poland, Finland, Ukraine, Spain, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria and the USA.
M-1 Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal:
Jeff Monson vs. Magomed Malikov
Ivan Fomin (Russia) vs. Ruslan Khusinov (Russia)
Renat Abiltarov (Ukraine) vs. Rustam Khasanov (Russia)
Benjamin Baudrier (France) vs.Yakub Tangiev (Russia)
Melvin van Sujidam (Holland) vs. Albert Duraev (Russia)
Magomed Magomedov (Russia) vs. Anton Vasilyev (Ukraine)
Juan Manuel Suarez (Spain) vs. Ramazan Esenbaev (Russia)
Georgi Stoyanov (Bulgaria) vs. Ali Bagov (Russia)
Ruslan Abiltarov (Ukraine) vs. Yunus Evloev (Russia)
Mariusz Radziszewski (Poland) vs. Gasanali Gasanaliev (Russia)
Niko Puhakka (Finland) vs. Mairbek Taisumov (Austria)
Florent Betorangal (France) vs. Muhammed Aushev (Russia)
Viktor Nemkov (Russia) vs. Reinaldo “Fuzil” da Silva (Brazil)
Invicta FC 6: Coenen vs. Cyborg – Fight Card Update
Invicta Fighting Championships women’s Mixed Martial Arts returns with a world championship doubleheader event at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City on Saturday, July 13. In the main event of the stacked 13-bout card, ferocious KO artist and pound-for-pound sensation Cris Cyborg (11-1, 1 NC) of Curitiba, Brazil will face off with fellow superstar and submission ace Marloes Coenen (21-5) of The Netherlands in the first-ever Invicta FC world featherweight championship bout. In the co-main event, reigning Invicta FC world strawweight champion Carla “Cookie Monster” Esparza (9-2) of Redondo Beach, Calif. will put her title on the line against undefeated JEWELS champion Ayaka Hamasaki (9-0) of Tokyo, Japan.
Invicta FC 6: Coenen vs. Cyborg
Saturday, July 13th
Ameristar Casino Hotel
Kansas City, MO
Marloes Coenen (21-5) vs. Cris Cyborg (11-1) – Invicta FC world featherweight title bout
Carla Esparza (9-2) vs. Ayaka Hamasaki (9-0) – Invicta FC world strawweight title bout
Sarah D’Alelio (7-3) vs. Lauren Taylor (6-0)
Leslie Smith (5-3-1) vs. Jennifer Maia (7-2)
Jessica Penne (10-2) vs. Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc (8-6)
Joanne Calderwood (6-0) vs. Claudia Gadelha (9-0)
Ediane Gomes (10-2) vs. Julia Budd (5-2)
Bec Hyatt (5-2) vs. Mizuki Inoue (5-1)
Miriam Nakamoto (2-0) vs. Duda Yankovich (1-1)
Rose Namajunas (2-0) vs. Tecia Torres (2-0)
Ashley Cummins (3-1) vs. Emily Kagan (2-1)
Mollie Estes (1-2) vs. Veronica Rothenhausler (1-0)
Cassie Robb (0-1) vs. Livia Von Plettenberg (1-1)
UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 – Fight Card Update
Former interim UFC welterweight champion Carlos “The Natural Born Killer” Condit will look to avenge his 2009 spilt decision loss to Martin “The Hitman” Kampmann. The rematch between top welterweights will be the five-round main event at the second fight night airing on FOX Sports 1 on August 28.
UFC on Fox Sports 1
August 17, 2013
TD Garden
Boston, Massachusetts
Carlos Condit (28-7) vs. Martin Kampmann (20-6)
Alistair Overeem (36-12-1) vs. Travis Browne (14-1-1)
Matt Brown (17-11) vs. Thiago Alves (19-9)
Joe Lauzon (22-8) vs. Michael Johnson (12-8)
Uriah Hall (7-3) vs. Nick Ring (13-2)
Conor McGregor (13-2) vs. Andy Ogle (9-2)
K-1 Announces the Launch of the K-1 World Tour
This week, K-1 Global announced the launch an exciting new series of events, adding to the K-1 name’s already rich history. K-1 Global plans to revolutionize the sport of Kickboxing yet again by introducing an exciting new concept into the world of K-1; the K-1 World Tour. The K-1 World Tour looks to bring the excitement and prestige associated with K-1 events to smaller venues across the world in hopes of discovering the next K-1 World Grand Prix or K-1 World MAX Champion.
The K-1 World Tour is an exciting new show format which is set to introduce the excitement of the K-1 events to as many countries as possible. The K-1 World Tour looks to bring the excitement and quality that K-1 shows are known to smaller, more intimate settings across the globe in markets that have yet to see larger K-1 events. K-1 has historically only crowned champions in two weight classes; 70kg MAX and Heavyweight. Starting this year, K-1 will be expanding to encompass more weight classes, crowning champions in every country across the following weight classes; -63kg, 70kg (MAX), 85kg, 95kg, 95kg+ (Heavyweight).
An important part of the K-1 World Tour is to bring K-1 action to new countries and regions, helping to develop and discover new talent in hopes of finding the next K-1 World Champion! K-1 Global is currently working with promoters and fighters from many countries around the world to bring K-1 action to their hometown. We are searching for partners in countries far and wide to help to bring the action and excitement associated with K-1 events to their country. Promoters looking to bring K-1 to their country can apply through K-1.tv today.
K-1 is also continuing with the K-1 World Qualifying Tour which is currently taking place throughout countries throughout the world. This year alone has seen events in Lithuania, Portugal and Moldova. The next two stops on the K-1 World Qualifying Tour are June 8th in Calgary, Canada and in Vilha Velha, Brazil on June 22nd. The K-1 World Qualifying Tour has showcased some of the best up-and-coming and talent in the regions, mixed in with popular veterans of the sport. With the launch of the K-1 World Tour, K-1 is looking to double down its efforts in finding the next generation of elite Kickboxing stars.
Holly Holm Signs MMA Deal with Legacy Fighting Championship
Fresquez Productions has negotiated an aggressive four-fight deal with Legacy Fighting Championship in order to further develop the mixed-martial-arts career of 14-time, three-division world boxing champion Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm. Holm is scheduled to make her Legacy debut on July 19, live on AXS TV, from Houston Arena Theater in Houston, Texas.
“After speaking with all MMA companies,” Holm’s promoter Lenny Fresquez announced, “we have selected Legacy because of its commitment to help prepare Holly for a Super Fight, as well as getting her the right television exposure.”
“We are extremely excited to have someone as talented and of such strong character as Holly,” Legacy Fighting Championship president Mike Maynard added. “We believe she embodies what Legacy is all about.”
Arguably the greatest woman boxer of all-time, Holm retired from the “Sweet Science” this past May 11 after her dominant 10-round win by unanimous decision over Mary McGee (20-2, 11 KOs). During her illustrious 12 ½ year professional boxing career, Holm registered an imposing 33-2-3 (9 KOs) record, including an incredible 15-1-1 in fights against other world champions, ranging from the light welterweight (140 lbs.) through light middleweight (154 lbs.) divisions. The 31-year-old Holm has already had three MMA fights, winning all three by technical knockout, and she is a member of the famed Team Jackson-Wink, which boasts UFC superstar Jon “Bones” Jones and Frank Mir, among its more notables.
“I’m excited for Holly and Legacy,” Holm’s longtime manager/head trainer Mike Winkeljohn commented. “Holly Holm will dominate the world of women’s MMA and strike its fans with a fistful of awe.”
KSW 23 – Official Trailer
UFC 163: Aldo vs. Pettis – Fight Card Update
Thales Leites, the former middleweight title challenger will return to the Octagon August 3 to face Tom Watson. Leites has gone 6-1 since his last UFC appearance, including wins over UFC vets Dean Lister, Tor Troeng and Jeremy Horn. The buzzy featherweight title fight between champion Jose Aldo and former WEC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis now has an official home. Another bout has been set for the event, with #10-ranked Josh Koscheck taking on #5-ranked Demian Maia in a battle between pedigreed ground specialists.
UFC 163: Aldo vs. Pettis
August 3, 2013
HSBC Arena
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Jose Aldo (22-1) vs. Anthony Pettis (16-2) – UFC featherweight title bout
Josh Koscheck (17-7) vs. Demian Maia (18-4)
Vinny Magalhaes (10-6-1) vs. Anothony Perosh (13-7)
Thales Leites (20-4) vs. Tom Watson (16-5)
Neil Magny (8-1) vs. Sergio Moraes (7-2)
Cezar Ferreira (5-2) vs. Clint Hester (8-3)
MMA Prospect Bubba Jenkins signs with Bellator MMA
At 3-0, former NCAA wrestling champion Bubba Jenkins is ready to begin the next chapter in his career as the #1 world ranked prospect has signed a long-term promotional agreement with Bellator. Jenkins is scheduled to make his Bellator debut this summer and will be given a number of fights before entering The Toughest Tournament in Sports.
“Bubba Jenkins is MMA’s top young prospect and we have the optimal developmental program to maximize that talent,” Bellator CEO & Chairman Bjorn Rebney said. “Our mission is to sign and develop the world’s best fighters. Bubba’s development will be strategic and disciplined, taking all appropriate preliminary steps prior to his facing the rigors of the toughest tournament in sports.”
Jenkins, 23, wrestled at Penn State for three years before transferring to Arizona State University, where he won the NCAA National Championship at 157 pounds in 2011. In 2007, Jenkins met Mizzou wrestling standout and current Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, claiming victory with a dominate 15-3 score. With those past experiences behind him, Jenkins is ready for what’s next.
“After sitting down with Bjorn, I really felt comfortable with the opportunity laid out for me, and this is where I want to be,” Jenkins said. “Bellator is doing a lot of great things right now and I want to be a part of it. I’m not here to step on any toes, I’m here to develop as an elite fighter, get my shot in the tournament and eventually compete for a world championship.”
Nick Diaz Promotions Presents WAR MMA 1 on June 22
Stockton native and UFC headliner Nick Diaz will launch his new promotion, WAR MMA, on Saturday, June 22nd at 5pm at the Stockton Arena. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 29th at 10am. The card will be headlined by UFC veteran Daniel Roberts (13-4), facing off against Justin Baesman (12-4), The fight will be co-headlined by UFC and WEC vet Antonio Banuelos against up and comer Benny Vinson. The fight card will also feature Caleb Mitchell (4-3) vs. Evan Esguerra, (7-5), Roy Boughton vs. Liron Wilson, Mike Persons vs. Clayton “Money Shot” McKinney, and Darin Cooley vs. Cody Gibson.
Nick Diaz, a former WEC and Strikeforce welterweight champion, has headlined three UFC PPV cards (UFC 137, UFC 143, and UFC 158) since his return to the organization in 2011. He has previously fought in Pride and Elite XC (including a fight at the Stockton Arena) amongst other MMA promotions. This experience with multiple organizations gave Nick an interest to start his own promotion.
Bouts in WAR will be fought under the Unified Rules of MMA, modified to use a ring instead of a cage and disallowing elbow strikes to a grounded opponent. These rules are in place to encourage grapplers to advance their position instead of stalling. Regular matches will be three, five minute rounds, and future championship matches will five, five minute rounds.
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Bonus Video: UFC 161: Evans vs. Henderson Teaser
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