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Mixed Martial Arts Links (8-25-11)

Posted on | August 25, 2011 | No Comments

Boxing promoter DiBella firmly in White’s corner
ESPN (blog)
Shortly after UFC announced that it had inked a major network television deal, Arum made his opinion about the mixed martial arts promotion known to ESPN.com. And it wasn’t very favorable. The signing of a network deal wasn’t what got Arum’s juices 
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ESPN (blog)
One man’s journey to his first MMA fight
Yahoo! Sports
Now as the day grows closer, he’s reflecting on the journey to his first mixed martial arts fight. Inspired by the dedication and honor displayed by the main character, Tommy Lee, in the movie “Best of the Best,” Gould became fascinated with martial 
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New York Doesn’t Want MMA, But the UFC is Coming Anyway
5thRound.com
The state of New York may not be prepared to sanction the sport of mixed martial arts, but the UFC is coming anyway. On Wednesday afternoon, the world’s most prestigious MMA organization announced they intend to plaster their product on a digital sign 
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5thRound.com
Griffin-Rua rematch pits more mature fighters
Yahoo! Sports
It really means a lot to all of us to see that UFC comes here. It’s pretty much the pinnacle of all that.” Dave Meltzer covers mixed martial arts for Yahoo! Sports. Send Dave a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.
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Yahoo! Sports
Immediately after amputation, one-legged Shea Taylor began prep for pro MMA debut
MMAjunkie.com
He looked forward to continuing a promising start to his mixedmartialarts career, which included a 1-0 amateur record. His desperation for a recovery grew. “The leg was nowhere near as active as it had been before,” Taylor, a 28-year-old Atlanta 
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MMAjunkie.com                              
Book Review: A Closer Look At “The Men of Warrior”
Icon Vs. Icon
The film features two estranged brothers who, through a series of events, are thrust back together at SPARTA, the biggest winner-takes-all Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event, to confront their past and face off in battle. The book, “The Men of Warrior,” 
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Bellator 51 targeted for Ohio
USA Today
The main card for Bellator 51 includes featherweight champion Joe Warren trying his hand at 135 pounds against Alexis Vila, an Olympic bronze-medalist wrestler with a 9-0 record in professionalmixed martial arts. The bout will be part of the first 
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ROSS PEARSON UFC EXCLUSIVE: I’m ready for the biggest fight of my life!
Sunderland Echo
I started martial arts in Sunderland doing kickboxing when I was very young. I’ve always loved martial arts, but my dream at school was to grow up to be a boxer. I would box at the local gyms but some of my mates began to leave boxing for mixed martial 
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Sunderland Echo
BAMMA Looks to Expand into International Markets in 2012
Yahoo! Sports
BAMMA is gathering momentum and a very busy schedule appears to be in the works for the British based mixed martial arts promotion in 2012. They already have six domestic events lined up in England, but are now looking to expand horizons and add four 
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Yahoo! Sports

 

Blogs
Potato Nation Poll: What’s the Biggest MMA News Story of the Year 
By Jason Moles
When considering the magnitude of the top two MMA news stories this year, one must place a value on the potential impact they have on the sport, tally up the pros and cons, and determine the effect they have going forward. 
Cagepotato                                                                                                                                           
How’s Taste My Tweet Tweet? Mixed Martial Arts on Twitter for the 
By Anton Tabuena
Anton Tabuena of BloodyElbow.com compiles the week’s most interesting bits from the MMA and UFC twitter world.
Bloody Elbow

 

Web
The Lost Golden Age of Mixed Martial Arts – Part III: Sherlock 
Check out part 3 of the series, ‘The Lost Golden Age of Martial Arts‘, that talks about Sherlock Holmes, Les Apaches, and the Gentlemanly Art of Self 
www.bloodyelbow.com/…/the-lost-golden-age-of-mixed-marti…                                                                               
32-man TUF 14 cast revealed – MMA News
The Ultimate Fighter 14 which will be the final season to air on Spike before the move to FX, has announced the 16 bantamweight (135-pound) and 16 
www.mixedmartialarts.com/…/32-man-TUF-14-cast-revealed/

SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC: THE FINAL INTERNATIONAL PRESS TOUR WRAPS UP IN OAKLAND

Posted on | August 25, 2011 | No Comments


 

“He’s standing in my way and I’m standing in his way.

So someone’s got to get out of the way.” – Andre Ward

 

“I am coming with dynamite on both hands and I’ll be

ready to explode on the night. I will not be denied.” – Carl Froch

 

International Three-Day Tour Concludes With Public and Media Press Conference in Oakland, Calif.

 

OAKLAND, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2011) – World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Middleweight Champion Andre Ward and World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Middleweight Champion Carl Froch concluded their three-city international press tour on Wednesday formally announcing The Final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic LIVE on SHOWTIME®, Saturday, Oct. 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from the historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.  

 

After stops in London on Monday and New York on Tuesday, the  Super Six World Boxing Classic International Press Tour finale took place at Oakland City Hall Plaza and attended by Oakland Mayor Jean Quan.

 

Ward and Froch, along with their respective promoters Dan Goossen and Eddie HearnKen Hershman, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports® and creator of the Super Six World Boxing Classic and Quan spoke about what is being called the most significant fight in the history of the Super Middleweight division. 

 

After a two-year, grueling journey, Ward, America’s last Olympic Gold Medalist, will face British superstar Froch in The Final to determine the world’s best 168-pound fighter. 

 

The winner of the high stakes matchup will claim both world championship belts, the vacant The Ring magazine championship and the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup.

 

Here’s what the fighters and executives had to say on Wednesday:

 

Andre Ward

“I just love the city of Oakland. Every time I see your faces it means a big deal to me and I don’t take it lightly.

 

“Carl talks a big game but some of the toughest talkers out there aren’t getting in there and lacing them up.

 

“He’s standing in my way and I’m standing in his way. So someone’s got to get out of the way.

 

“I’ve had my eye on the WBC belt for some time now. I’m up for the challenge. I’m fit for the task.”

 

Carl Froch

“It’s wonderful to see this support from the fans of Andre Ward. This is going to be a fantastic event.

 

“I’ve been a pro boxer for some 10 years now. I’ve won a world title, lost a world title and won it back again. I’ve tasted defeat and the bitterness that comes with that. And I never truly appreciated the sweetness of victory until I tasted the defeat. That knowledge has motivated me to double-up my efforts. I promise to come to Atlantic City in October 110 percent prepared both mentally and physically to perform.

 

“It’s been a long road. This press tour and the tournament itself have allowed the two best fighters in the division to rise to the top. And now we are set to face off for some serious hardware. This is the essence of sport. The best against the best. And the sweet prize for the victor makes this a win-win for the fans of boxing.

 

“I am coming with dynamite on both hands and I’ll be ready to explode on the night. I will not be denied.”

 

Ken Hershman of SHOWTIME Sports

“To have the support of the city of Oakland, the mayor and, of course, the fighters, promoters and media means a great deal to all of us at SHOWTIME. That support and interest in this tournament has allowed us to press on through all the difficult moments in staging this tournament. I am so proud to be here, on the last of a three-city press tour to kickoff The Final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic.

 

“We have two of the best fighters in boxing today ready to compete in what is the biggest fight of their careers. With high stakes and a terrific style match up, this event on Saturday, Oct.  29, is one that can’t be missed.

 

“This has been an incredible endeavor and an exasperating one for all of us working behind the scenes. But it has delivered thrilling fights. And that is what we set out to do.

 

“As the tournament progressed, we could see that Andre Ward and Carl Froch were on a collision course. Neither man has given an inch inside the ring. For this reason alone, we are in for a great fight.

 

Dan Goossen, Goossen Tutor Promotions

“Oakland’s best is going to win Oct. 29, I promise you that.

 

“Carl is everything that Eddie Hearn says of him. He’s a great fighter and when Andre beats him he will be beating a great fighter and he will deserve the respect of a world champion.”

 

Eddie Hearn, Group Managing Director, Matchroom Sport

“We have a lot of respect for Andre Ward and for the fans that have come here today. But I have some bad news for you: Carl Froch is not human. He’s a machine. Andre Ward says he’s been in the trenches, but he’s never been in trenches withEngland’s finest. It’s going to be a hell of a fight and I hope to see you all in Atlantic City.”

 

Jean Quan, Oakland Mayor

“We in Oakland are thankful for a national broadcast on SHOWTIME. We can’t wait to see our hometown hero Andre Ward compete at the highest level. I’ve done some research on both of these fighters and I’ve found that they are both men of integrity. Men who give back to their communities. Andre Ward is a man that, in difficult times like these, gives hope to the young people of our community. He’s a man that, no matter what happens on Oct. 29, will always be a champion for this city. These are true sportsman and they are great examples for the future generations in this community.”

 

Tickets for The Final at Boardwalk Hall go on sale THIS FRIDAY, Aug. 26 and are priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50. Tickets can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office, or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com.

 

Promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, Matchroom Sport and Antonio Leonard Promotions, in association with Caesars Atlantic City and sponsored by Corona.

 

ABOUT SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC

The inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic is a ground-breaking, six-fighter tournament from SHOWTIME Sports® featuring the class of the super middleweight (168-pound) division from around the world. All bouts in the Super Six tournament will be contested under the Unified Rules of Boxing. The Finalists, Andre Ward and Carl Froch each fought three bouts against different opponents in the field in the points-based Group Stage of competition.  Following the Group Stage, the top four fighters advanced to the single-elimination Semifinals.  Ward was ranked No. 1 in points with 6; Froch in second place with 4. Ward defeated Germany’s Arthur Abraham (No. 4) and Froch defeated Glen Johnson (No. 3) in the Super Six Semifinals in the spring to advance to The Final.

#          #          #

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™  XTRA.  SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, SHOWTIME 2 HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™ and FLIX ON DEMAND®.  SNI also manages Smithsonian Channel™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution.  All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Hot prospect Dhiego Lima ready for showdown against tough veteran at The Rundown

Posted on | August 24, 2011 | No Comments

by: MFC Staff

 

The Maximum Fighting Championship has set its final fight for the main card of MFC 31: The Rundown, and it is sure to be an explosive collision.

 

In a matchup featuring the MFC’s hottest prospect, Dhiego “Maluco” Lima will put his undefeated streak on the line against rugged veteran “Dangerous” Terry Martin.

 

It is an interesting turn in the development of Lima (6-0), who has torn through his opposition under the MFC banner. At MFC 29 back in April, his older brother Douglas Lima defended the MFC welterweight title with a stunning knockout of Martin (21-9), needing only 1:14 to retain the belt. Now Dhiego Lima is going up against the same man and with a lofty goal in mind.

 

“I’m going to knock out Terry Martin and I’m going to do it faster than my brother did,” said Dhiego.

 

The Martin-Lima matchup will be one of the highlighted bouts on the HDNet Fights live broadcast of MFC 31 emanating from the Mayfield Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, on Friday, October 7. HDNet’s broadcast launches at 10 p.m. ET/8 p.m. MT/7 p.m. PT with Michael Schiavello and Frank Trigg calling all the action (check local listings for channel designation).

 

Lima captured his third straight victory in the MFC looking sharper than ever in a first-round knockout of Jamie Toney at MFC 30 in June. The Atlanta, Georgia, product notched the second stoppage of his career by landing a barrage of punches on Toney before the referee stepped in just 2:47 into the bout.

 

The victory over Toney catapulted the 21-year-old Lima up the worldwide rankings and garnered him the reputation as one of the elite up-and-comers in the welterweight division. He possesses a rare combination of overall athleticism, developing skills both in stand-up and submission, and perhaps his most recognized quality, a ferocious, attack-minded nature.

 

At MFC 29, Lima registered the fourth submission win of his blossoming career as he outlasted Josh Taveirne on his way to a fight-finishing rear-naked choke with only 1:25 to go in the contest. Lima’s debut in the MFC was an impressive one as he put away Bill Fraser with a one-punch knockout at MFC 27.

 

Martin returns to the MFC attempting to rebuild on a three-fight winning streak that was stopped by Douglas Lima at MFC 29.

 

The 30-year-old Chicago, Illinois, native has racked up 12 knockout victories over the course of his eight-year career, and holds notable wins over Chael Sonnen, Jorge Rivera, and Ivan Salaverry. Martin boasts a 10-fight winning streak that launched his career, and he has stood across from a host of other big-name fighters including Vitor Belfort, Chris Leben, and Marvin Eastman.

 

The Martin-Lima fight rounds out main card for MFC 31: The Rundown. The entire lineup is:

 

Rameau Sokoudjou vs. Ryan Jimmo, MFC light-heavyweight title

 

Terry Martin vs. Dhiego Lima, catchweight

 

Richie Whitson vs. Kajan Johnson, lightweight

 

Adam Lynn vs. Curtis Demarce, lightweight

 

Sabah Fadai vs. Mukai Maromo, lightweight

 

Ryan Chiappe vs. Cody Krahn, welterweight

 

The undercard for MFC 31 will be announced shortly.

 

Tickets for MFC 31: The Rundown are going fast and available only through the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024.

 

For more information and media credentials for MFC 31, please contact:

 

Scott Zerr, Director of Media and Fighter Relations

 

Maximum Fighting Championship

Warren aims to become first in Bellator history to collect two belts as Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament heads to Canton, OH

Posted on | August 24, 2011 | No Comments


CHICAGO, Ill. (August 24, 2011) — The home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton, Ohio is known for having tough guys well inside its city limits – September 24th will be no different.

Bellator Featherweight Champion Joe Warren looks to become the first man in history to hold two Bellator belts at the same time as Bellator brings its single elimination tournament action to the Canton Memorial Civic Center to kick off the Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament at Bellator 51.  Locally, Bellator will be working with Ohio’s top Mixed Martial Arts promotion, The North American Allied Fight Series (NAAFS).

Ticket information for this nationally and internationally televised event will be announced shortly. The four-fight bracket can be seen live on MTV2, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT.

“Canton is a city that truly appreciates champions,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Growing up a football fan and playing my college football in the great state of Ohio, I can definitely appreciate a football city. It’s an honor to bring the fastest rising sport and world-class fighters to a great city such as Canton.”

In possibly Warren’s toughest test to date, the self proclaimed “Baddest Man on the Planet” is riding a five-fight win streak since joining Bellator and takes on world-class freestyle wrestler and Olympic Bronze medalist Alexis Vila, who is 9-0 in his professional mixed martial arts career.

A 2004 Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion, Wilson Reis steps in for what may be the toughest fight of his career and looks to stop the world’s No. 1 ranked Bantamweight prospect in Nova Uniao member Eduardo Dantas. The 22-year-old rising star trains with Season 4 Featherweight Tournament finalist Marlon Sandro and UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo and is looking to make plenty of noise in this season’s bantamweight bracket.

Coming off a memorable fight against Warren, Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Marcos Galvao takes on former WEC champion Chase Beebe in a match that could turn into a memorable display of ground fighting and submission attempts.

In the fourth quarterfinal, Ed West, the lone returning fighter from Bellator’s Season 3 Bantamweight Tournament looks to make it back to the tournament finals once again but he must first take on 11-1 Brazilian phenom Luis Nogueira before he realizes that dream.

Established in 2005, The NAAFS has produced nearly 100 live events in the region, and has featured a number of Bellator fighters, including Chris Lozano, Brian Rogers, Daniel Straus and Jessica Eye.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

 

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago.  Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes.  Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

 

About MTV2

 

MTV2 is a man’s best friend, available in nearly 80 million homes and with the highest concentration of males 12-24 and 12-34 on TV today. A vibrant mix of music, lifestyle and action sports programming, MTV2 has reflected the habits and behavior of young people since its launch in 1996. MTV2 is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

“RURAL RUMBLE” 2011, FALLON FIGHTS CARD TAKES SHAPE 8/27

Posted on | August 24, 2011 | No Comments

August 24th, 2011, Fallon, NV — The “Rural Rumble 2011” fight card is shaping up to be one of the best yet. This will be the fourth installment of the annual series presented by the City of Fallon and Let’s Get It On Promotions. “Rural Rumble” 2011 is this Saturday at the Churchill County Fairgrounds in Fallon, NV. From top to bottom, the show is filled with evenly matched battles which promises exciting boxing action back to Fallon.

The card will be anchored by the highly anticipated return of Northern Nevada favorite Derek Hinkey (8-2, 7 KOs) as he does battle with tough veteran Anthony Bartinelli (20-14, 13 KOs) in a six round middleweight bout.

After a sensational knockout win at “Rural Rumble ‘10”, fast rising super-featherweight star, “Lightning” Lonnie Smith (14-2-2, 10 KOs) will be returning to Fallon. Smith will be fighting the talented Arron “The Energizer” Robinson (6-2-2, 4 KOs)

Roger Romo (3-0-2), younger brother of former world champion Fernando Vargas and stablemate of middleweight king, Sergio Martinez, has been added to Saturday’s card. Romo will be fighting Thomas Haines (5-7, 3 KOs) of Valejio, CA in a four round super-middleweight bout.

Carlos Gaytan (2-0-1, 2 KOs) of Reno will be facing Gregorio Viramontes of Stockton, CA (0-0-1) in a four round light-heavyweight bout.

Popular local amateur Oscar Vasquez will be making his professional debut against Vincente Medellin in a four round super-flyweight bout. Medellin is also making his debut.

Carey “Bubba” Dupree (0-1 Reno, NV) will be looking to get his first win against Albert Avina (debut) of Stockton, CA in a four round cruiserweight bout.

Donyil Livingston of Palmdale, CA (5-0, 3 KOs) was added to the card when his bout scheduled for the same night in San Jose was cancelled. The popular middleweight will be fighting Roberto Yong (4-3, 3 KOs) from Phoenix, AZ.

Fights begin at 7 pm. Churchill County Fairgrounds – 325 Sheckler Rd Fallon, NV. Tickets are available by calling 775 423 4556. Advance tickets are $10 children (ages 6-17) $12 adults; at gate $12 children $15 adults; $50 ringside, $500 for VIP tables. All bouts subject to change.

2nd-Generation Hawaiian Fighter Raquel Pa’aluhi Keeping it in the Family

Posted on | August 24, 2011 | No Comments

Raquel Pa’aluhi (above) will face Sarah McMann this Saturday

As mixed martial arts gets closer and closer to its twentieth year of existence as an official sport, fans are starting to see second-generation competitors pop up on local and national fight cards. Hawaii is no different in that regard. The Pa’aluhi name is well-known and well-respected throughout the Islands, as the patriarch of the family was part of the beginnings of MMA in Hawaii. Now, Raquel Pa’aluhi will carry on the family name as she is slated to compete at Pro Elite: “Arlovski vs. Lopez” this Saturday night. Suffice to say that it’s a pressure-packed situation. But she is up for the challenge.

Raquel Pa’aluhi (3-1) is one of the best female fighters from Hawaii…there’s no question about that. A pro since 2009, she has developed a reputation for stealing the show on the fight cards she appears on. And her athletic abilities have been passed down to her. Pa’aluhi’s father was an outstanding football player and state champion wrestler in high school, and eventually competed on the early Superbrawl events, which were promoted by Pro Elite head T.Jay Thompson. In addition, Raquel’s big brother is well-known for his time playing football for Oregon State. To put it lightly, sports runs through her veins. “Sports are a big part of my family’s being. It’s always been something that brought everyone together. We even have a dog club in our family. Every time you accomplish something big, sports-wise, you get promoted to a better dog. It sounds silly but it keeps us going!”

At this weekend’s event, Pa’aluhi will face Sarah McMann in a highly-anticipated encounter. McMann (3-0) is an undefeated competitor with a strong ground game who is coming off a victory over well-known female fighter Tonya Evinger. “I know she’s a great wrestler. She’s very strong and she’s a bully in the cage,” explains Pa’aluhi. But the Hawaiian scrapper isn’t selling herself short, either. “I feel like I evolve every fight and I still have so much room to grow. And I am not specifically good at one thing. When people ask me what kind of fighter I am, I usually say I’m a freestyle fighter because I’m constantly trying to get better at everything. I am able to go wherever the fight takes me.” Those skills will serve Pa’aluhi well at this weekend’s tilt.
In MMA, everyone knows that nothing is guaranteed. The sport experiences upsets on a seemingly regular basis. So while the Hawaiian crowd will surely be in her corner for the fight, Pa’aluhi knows that she has to take the bout very, very seriously. But if she does get in trouble in the cage, she will be prepared to deal with it by using her greatest strength. “It’s my heart. It’s always been the best thing about me. And when the fight gets tough it always pulls me through. I’m very mentally tough as well. And I can thank my Dad for that.”

No matter what the end of her fight brings on Saturday, the Hawaiian competitor has fireworks in store for the Pro Elite fans this weekend. “I plan to show the world that this is what I was made to do, and that Raquel Pa’aluhi is here to stay.”

If Raquel is any indication, the future of MMA both in Hawaii and abroad is incredibly bright.

Gleason’s Gym: Next Amateur Shows are September 8 and 10, 2011

Posted on | August 24, 2011 | No Comments

Please support Our Next Amateur Show on September 8, 2011.

 

Buy a ticket today. They are only $25.

 

The show on Thursday, September 8, 2011 will be at St. Ann’s Warehouse and will feature a NYPD boxing team against a Gleason’s team.

 

 

We are looking for boxers to be on this show!

 

The show will feature Juniors, Seniors and Master Boxers.

If you want to participate call Gleason’s Gym at 719 797 2872 or email us at gleasons75@aol.com. You can also text Angela Querol at 646 283 9939.

 

The weigh in will begin at 5:30PM and the first bout will begin at 8:00PM.

 

The show is sanctioned by USABoxingMetro. All boxers must have their boxing book with them in order to participate.

 

Enjoy a fun evening at the fights!

 

The ticket price is $25 per person.  

MMAX ANNOUNCES THE ADDITION OF THE AMATEUR TEAM LEAGUE TO THEIR SCHEDULE AT THE JOINT INSIDE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO

Posted on | August 24, 2011 | No Comments

 Description: cid:image006.jpg@01CC626A.39BE9AF0First exciting event will be official team qualifier on September 16, 2011

 

Las Vegas – It was announced today that MMA Xplosion (MMAX), proudly presented by Millennium Events, will host a Team Qualifierevent at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011. This action-packed event boasts several unique elements as MMAX Team Qualifier will feature an all-amateur card, with teams coached by UFC® veterans Tony “The Freak” Fryklund and Marvin “The Beastman” Eastman, respectively. In addition, the fighters will be competing for an opportunity to become part of two newly established Las Vegas home teams, named the Las Vegas Spiders and the Las Vegas Scorpions, who will compete against each other at the next scheduled team event in October.

 

In short, MMAX is developing a league of amateur teams coached by high-profile MMA coaches and fighters that will be sponsored by trainers/team owners. Regional squads will be added in the near future as the amateur league develops into a country-wide recognized and established brand, and MMAX continues to stage exciting professional fight events featuring top names and athletes. The amateur league is designed to become a platform for young fighters to gain experience on their way to becoming professional athletes in mixed martial arts.

 

The September 16th fight card is sure to become a fan favorite, as it is stacked with the best talent from some of the top gyms in Las Vegas –The Tapout Training Center, Throwdown MMA, Xtreme Couture, Wand Fight Team, Sunset Boxing & MMA, and others will all be represented on the card. In the main event, fan favorite Cesar Campos (8-1) will battle the tough and rugged Rudy Morales (7-1) in an excellent match-up between two rising local stars.

 

“This is a great fight card, and MMAX fight fans will be extremely pleased with the amount of action they will witness on the 16th,” stated MMA Xplosion Owner, Rani John. “I know that Campos and Morales will bring the heat, and we are honored to have pros like Fryklund and Eastman coaching at the event.  It has been a determined goal of ours to develop a team oriented MMA league to help us capture the support of fans across America.”

 

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from $25 and can be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Box Office, by calling (702) 693-5222 or visiting www.hardrockhotel.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The event is open to all ages. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the first match is scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

Tony “The Freak” Fryklund (14-9) made his pro MMA career way back in 1997 at UFC® 14. The Militech Fighting Systems product ran his record to 8-1 to start off his career. In addition to the UFC®, Fryklund competed in Strikeforce® and Cage Rage during his career. The six-foot welterweight, never one to shy away from a fight, battled many top names in MMA, including Jonathan Goulet, David Loiseau, Brian Ebersole, Eugene Jackson, Matt Lindland, Ivan Salaverry, Thomas “Wildman” Denny, Duane “Bang” Ludwig, Cung Le, and Anderson “The Spider” Silva. Fryklund retired in 2007 after a stellar career, and is now intent on giving back to the sport that gave him so much.

 

A native of California, Marvin “The Beastman” Eastman (17-13-1) is a consummate professional who has taken on all comers during his career. He has fought all over the world, in promotions from King of the Cage to the Maximum Fighting Championships to the UFC®. “The Beastman” holds wins over well-known competitors such as Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Floyd Sword, Vernon “Tiger” White, Jason MacDonald, Alan Belcher, Travis Wiuff, Jason Guida, Rob Kimmons, and Terry Martin. He’s also faced Rich Franklin, Vitor Belfort, Travis Lambert, Jason Lambert, Drew McFedries, Denis Kang, and Ricardo Arona. In short, Eastman has battled a virtual who’s who in MMA, and is determined to pass on his experiences to the next generation of fighters through Team Beastman.

 

MMA Xplosion Promoter Vlad Warton said, “Given the level of success from the four professional shows staged at the Hard Rock, we decided to add the amateur league concept to enable the top amateurs the transition to professional ranks. We are committed to developing our amateur/professional MMA brand name to the status of national and international following and recognition. Holding both amateur and professional events will help us achieve out goal and I’m very excited to finally see the Team Qualifier concept come to life.”

 

Here is the Team Qualifier fight card as it stands now:

 

MAIN EVENT

Cesar Campos (8-1)                                             vs.                                           Rudy Morales (7-1)

TapouT                                                                   145 lbs.                                  Torres MMA Sport

                                                                                             

David Jordan (8-1)                                               vs.                                           David Tompkins (4-1)

Team Beastman                                                    155 lbs.                                  TapouT

 

Joe Angelo (7-5)                                                  vs.                                           Daniel Cuison (2-0)

TapouT                                                                   170 lbs.                                  Throwdown

 

 

Mike Florio (5-1)                                                   vs.                                           Weston Duschen (6-6)

Excel Defense Center                                            205 lbs.                                  Xtreme Couture

 

Prentice Williams (5-1)                                        vs.                                           Khalil Roundtree (2-0)

                Xtreme Couture                                                     205 lbs.                                  Wand Fight Team

 

                Jimmy Like (1-2)                                                   vs.                                           Christian Cardona (2-2)

Team Beastman                                                    155 lbs.                                  TapouT

 

Kevin Smith (0-1)                                                  vs.                                           Jason Rivera (1-3)

Sunset Boxing & MMA                                        155 lbs.                                  Wand Fight Team

 

Shane Benbow (2-1)                                            vs.                                           Boostayre Nagarios (2-1)

Throwdown                                                           145 lbs.                                  Team Beastman

 

Richard Patini (0-0)                                              vs.                                           Cruz Ramos (0-0)

Sunset Boxing &MMA                                         125 lbs.                                  Team Torres

 

Ramsen Merza (1-2)                                            vs.                                           Hugo Gonzalez (0-0)

TapouT                                                                   140 lbs.                                  Team Torres

 

Aaron Fonseca (0-0)                                            vs.                                           Nate (0-0)

                Sunset Boxing & MMA                                        185 lbs.                                  Throwdown

 

Jamie Sanchez (0-1)                                             vs.                                           Jake Malili (2-0)

Team Torres                                                           155 lbs.                                  Throwdown

 

Joshua Lopas (0-0)                                              vs.                                           Sean Cantor (3-0)

Throwdown                                                           135 lbs.                                  Wand Fight Team

 

Junior (15 fights)                                                  vs.                                           Arthur Nicholas (2-0)

Throwdown                                                           125 lbs.                                  Independent

 

Rick Fell (0-0)                                                        vs.                                           Eddie Guerrero (0-2)

Throwdown                                                           135lbs.                                   Team Torres               

                                 

 

                                               

*Fight card is subject to change

 

 

For more information on MMAX, please visit our website at http://www.mmaxplosion.com/

 

About The Joint

The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a 4,000-person capacity venue that serves as a sophisticated, intimate and unparalleled destination.  The Joint features seven Luxury Suites, a VIP Studio Level, state-of-the-art sound system, superior video system and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort.  It has received numerous accolades including “Best Concert Venue” in Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “Best of Las Vegas” awards in 2010 and 2011, “No. 1 Hottest Club in America”  award by Billboard Magazine in 2011,  “Best New Major Concert Venue” at the 2010 Pollstar Awards, and “Best Live Music Venue” in AOL City’s Best 2010 awards.  The Joint delivers unforgettable live music experiences with an ongoing roster of legendary artists taking its stage including the first rock ‘n’ roll residency in Las Vegas with Carlos Santana’s Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits, Paul McCartney, The Killers, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Arcade Fire, Motley Crüe, Avenged Sevenfold, Alice in Chains, Paramore, Muse, Drake and No Doubt. The venue is also home to Tiësto In Concert, a groundbreaking live show created exclusively for The Joint featuring the world’s No. 1 electronic DJ and producer Tiësto.  For additional information, call 702.693.5583 or 702.693.5000HardRockHotel.com / TheJointLasVegas.com. Keep up with the latest updates on The Joint via Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a premier destination entertainment resort in Las Vegas, owned by Brookfield Real Estate Finance Fund II, a division of Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM) and managed by WG-Harmon, LLC, a subsidiary of Warner Gaming, LLC.  Built in 1995, the property completed a $750 million expansion in 2010. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers an energetic entertainment and gaming experience with the services and amenities associated with a boutique luxury resort hotel. The property is known for its innovative nightlife and music scene where acts such as The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Incubus, Linkin Park, Foo Fighters and The Killers have all performed.  Features of the property include an 11-story Hard Rock Hotel tower with 640 guest rooms, 17-story Paradise Tower with 490 rooms and suites and the all-suite HRH Tower with 359 suites, eight spa villas and seven penthouse suites; 72,000 square feet of casino space; 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention space; more than $3 million in rare music memorabilia throughout the hotel; the luxurious Vanity Nightclub; Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa; Reliquary Salon; 4.8 acres of tropical pool paradise; REHAB, the trendsetting Sunday afternoon pool party; The Joint concert venue; Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.; restaurants including the newest dining destination, 35 Steaks + Martinis, casual Italian eatery LTO, Pizzas & More, world-renowned Nobu, Johnny Smalls, Pink Taco and Mr. Lucky’s 24/7 diner; numerous cocktail lounges; several retail stores; and a state-of-the-art Fitness Center.  For room availability and additional information call 800.HRD.ROCK (800.473.7625) or visit www.hardrockhotel.com.

 


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