UNDEFEATED ANDERSON SILVA NEPHEW, GUILHERME BERTHOLDO, LEADS PACK OF UNDERCARD TALENT FOR LION FIGHT MUAY THAI VI: SCHILLING VS. MARCUS II
Filed under: Boxing News, MMA News, Press Release, Upcoming Events
UNDEFEATED ANDERSON SILVA NEPHEW,
GUILHERME BERTHOLDO,
LEADS PACK OF UNDERCARD TALENT FOR
LION FIGHT MUAY THAI VI: SCHILLING VS. MARCUS II AT HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO LAS VEGAS MAY 12
LIVE STREAM OF 12-BOUT EVENT ON LIONFIGHTPROMOTIONS.COM
LAS VEGAS (May 8, 2012) – Undefeated 19-year-old prospect Guilherme Bertholdo (6-0), the nephew of UFC Middleweight Champion and pound-for-pound great Anderson Silva, will look to extend his perfect run in Muay Thai’s amateur ranks and move one step closer to turning professional when he faces off with Chris Lazaro (7-2) of Las Vegas, Nev. in a welterweight (147 pounds) matchup on the undercard of the Lion Fight Muay Thai VI: Schilling vs. Marcus II full-rules Muay Thai event at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, May 12, live on LionFightPromotions.com.
“I am excited to finally test my skills against top level amateur opponents,” said Bertholdo, a member of Black House Team Nogueira, the famed training camp that is also home to Silva and is headed by MMA legends and twin brothers Antonio “Rodrigo” and Antonio “Rogerio” Nogueira in San Diego, Calif. where he trains under Kru (trainer) Alex Palma.
In Brazil, Bertholdo took up Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at an early age before relocating to San Diego with his family. While his father has schooled him Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and helped Bertholdo attain the rank of purple belt in the submission fighting discipline, Bertholdo has gravitated to the sport of Muay Thai due to his love for kicking and punching.
“Striking is my passion,” he said. “My Kru (trainer) has really taught me to use my hands and angles and, because of this, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of Muay Thai. MMA is a sport that I eventually will focus on in the future but, for now, I want to sharpen my striking and compete in an all-striking sport.”
Bertholdo said he is knocking on the door of gaining his United States citizenship and would like to eventually represent America as a member of the U.S. National Muay Thai Team.
“I am learning from my senior (training partners) how to conduct myself and perform like a true fighter, I am not attending college. Black House Team Nogueira is my college.”
Bertholdo’s opponent, Lazaro, is a 24-year-old member of Hard Knocks Muay Thai gym and student of Renzo Asparria, whom Lazaro has been training with for the last two years. The matchup with Bertholdo will be Lazaro’s first since he sustained a broken thumb during training last year.
“I love this sport and I’ve been eagerly waiting to get back in the ring. That time has come now that I’m healed up and I’m looking forward to putting on a great show,” said Lazaro, a technical fighter known for staying in the pocket with his opponent and throwing hard uppercuts.
Reserved ticket seats for Lion Fight Muay Thai VI: Schilling vs. Marcus II, priced from $45, are on sale at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino box office, all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and online at Ticketmaster.com.
Doors at The Joint open at 4 p.m. and the first preliminary bout will begin at 5 p.m.
The live stream of the 12-bout card, which will be facilitated by Go Fight Live, will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on LionFightPromotions.com and can be purchased for a one-time credit card charge of $14.99.
In the highly-anticipated main event, WBC Light Heavyweight (175 pounds) Champion Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (12-2, 10 KO’s) of Los Angeles, Calif. will face off with undefeated top contender and bitter rival Simon Marcus (23-0, 18 KO’s) of Toronto, Ontario Canada in a grudge rematch after their first meeting on Feb. 25 ended in a controversial first-round TKO in Marcus’ favor.
In the co-main event and a second highly-anticipated rematch, Filipino American Romie Adanza (16-3, 7 KO’s) of Irvine, Calif. will face off with Thanit “Boom” Watthanaya (45-12, 12 KO’s) of Vancouver, BC Canada via Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.for the vacant WBC international super flyweight (115 pounds) championship.
Thai superstar Mongkon “Malaipet” Wiwasuk (138-27-5, 26 KO’s), fighting out of Fresno, Calif. will put his WBC national welterweight (147 pounds) strap on the line against aggressive-minded counterpuncher Justin Greskiewicz (17-8, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, Pa.
Fresh off his rubber match victory over “Coke” Chunhawat, seasoned technician Matt Embree (20-3, 9 KO’s) of Toronto, Ontario Canada will return to Lion Fight action and face another tough, highly-experienced adversary in former world champion Nils Widlund (34-1, 12 KO’s) of Stockholm, Sweden.
Undefeated rising star Tiffany Van Soest (2-0) of San Diego, Calif. will take on fellow prospect Heidi Otterbein (3-1, 1 KO) of Las Vegas via Vancouver, BC Canada. in a 125 pound catchweight bout.
In a matchup of two experienced, Las Vegas-based MMA competitors who have decided to test their combative skills in the Muay Thai ring for the first time in their respective careers, Javier Torres (0-0) will square off with Michael Madrid (0-0) in a 170 pound catchweight fight.
Fresh off his fifth professional victory at Lion Fight Promotions’ last event on Feb. 25, Scotty Leffler (5-2, 3 KO’s) of Las Vegas will return to action against promising upstart Artem Sharoshkin (3-1) of San Diego, Calif. in a welterweight (147 pounds) affair.
LION FIGHT MUAY THAI VI: SCHILLING VS. MARCUS II COMPLETE MAIN FIGHT CARD:
Joe Schilling (Los Angeles, CA) vs. Simon Marcus (Toronto, Ontario CANADA)
175 lbs / WBC Interim World Title
Romie Adanza (Irvine, CA) vs. Thanit Watthanaya “Boom” (Vancouver BC CANADA / THAILAND)
115 lbs / WBC International Title
Mongkon Wiwasuk “Malaipet” (Fresno, CA / THAILAND) vs. Justin Greskiewicz (Philadelphia, PA)
147 lbs / WBC National Title
Tiffany Van Soest (San Diego, CA) vs. Heidi Otterbein (Las Vegas, NV / CANADA)
125 lbs / no title
Nils Widlund (San Diego, CA / SWEDEN) vs. Matt Embree (Toronto, Ontario CANADA)
140 lbs / no title
Javier Torres (Las Vegas, NV / MEXICO) vs. Michael Madrid (Las Vegas, NV)
170 lbs / no title
Scotty Leffler (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Artem Sharoshkin (San Diego, CA / RUSSIA)
147 lbs / no title
COMPLETE UNDERCARD:
Jason Andrada (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Jessie Magusen (Fontana, CA) – 125 lbs
Josh Shepard (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Amir K Ansari (Shreveport, LA) – 160 lbs
Genesis Bravo (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Marie Choi (Irvine, CA) – 112 lbs
Chris Lazaro (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Guilherme Bertholdo (San Diego, CA) – 147 lbs
Brandon Ebert (Las Vegas, NV) vs. William Briones (Van Nuys, CA) – 135 lbs
About Lion Fight Promotions
Lion Fight Promotions is a Las Vegas, Nevada-based world championship Muay Thai kickboxing promotion dedicated to producing matchups between the best Muay Thai fighters in the world in their respective weight classes. Led by former Las Vegas casino executive, Scott Kent, the promotional company has been developed in consultation with Christine Toledo, one of the sport’s most popular champions and star of the Oxygen Network reality television show Fight Girls. Both Kent and Toledo share a common passion for Muay Thai and are working together to promote the sport.
About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is Las Vegas’ off-strip playground, just minutes and less than three miles from McCarran International Airport. The premier destination entertainment resort is 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, Foo Fighters, Carlos Santana and Motley Crue have all performed. Features of the property include an 11-story Casino 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, home to SIN on Sundays industry party; Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa; Reliquary Salon; 4.5 acres of tropical pool paradise which houses the trendsetting pool parties including the famous REHAB Sunday party and RELAX Monday party as well as the new Summer Camp Fridays and Nectar Music Festival Saturdays; The Joint concert venue; Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.; restaurants including traditional steakhouse with an edge 35 Steaks + Martinis, Mexican cantina Pink Taco, and ‘round the clock diner Mr. Lucky’s Café; 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.
Contact
Mike Afromowitz (917) 566-8754, mikea@yourwitzend.com
UNDEFEATED ANDERSON SILVA NEPHEW, GUILHERME BERTHOLDO, LEADS PACK OF UNDERCARD TALENT FOR LION FIGHT MUAY THAI VI: SCHILLING VS. MARCUS II AT HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO LAS VEGAS MAY 12
LAS VEGAS (May 8, 2012) – Undefeated 19-year-old prospect Guilherme Bertholdo (6-0), the nephew of UFC Middleweight Champion and pound-for-pound great Anderson Silva, will look to extend his perfect run in Muay Thai’s amateur ranks and move one step closer to turning professional when he faces off with Chris Lazaro (7-2) of Las Vegas, Nev. in a welterweight (147 pounds) matchup on the undercard of the Lion Fight Muay Thai VI: Schilling vs. Marcus II full-rules Muay Thai event at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday,
“I am excited to finally test my skills against top level amateur opponents,” said Bertholdo, a member of Black House Team Nogueira, the famed training camp that is also home to Silva and is headed by MMA legends and twin brothers Antonio “Rodrigo” and Antonio “Rogerio” Nogueira in San Diego, Calif. where he trains under Kru (trainer) Alex Palma.
In Brazil, Bertholdo took up Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at an early age before relocating to San Diego with his family. While his father has schooled him Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and helped Bertholdo attain the rank of purple belt in the submission fighting discipline, Bertholdo has gravitated to the sport of Muay Thai due to his love for kicking and punching.
“Striking is my passion,” he said. “My Kru (trainer) has really taught me to use my hands and angles and, because of this, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of Muay Thai. MMA is a sport that I eventually will focus on in the future but, for now, I want to sharpen my striking and compete in an all-striking sport.”
Bertholdo said he is knocking on the door of gaining his United States citizenship and would like to eventually represent America as a member of the U.S. National Muay Thai Team.
“I am learning from my senior (training partners) how to conduct myself and perform like a true fighter, I am not attending college. Black House Team Nogueira is my college.”
Bertholdo’s opponent, Lazaro, is a 24-year-old member of Hard Knocks Muay Thai gym and student of Renzo Asparria, whom Lazaro has been training with for the last two years. The matchup with Bertholdo will be Lazaro’s first since he sustained a broken thumb during training last year.
“I love this sport and I’ve been eagerly waiting to get back in the ring. That time has come now that I’m healed up and I’m looking forward to putting on a great show,” said Lazaro, a technical fighter known for staying in the pocket with his opponent and throwing hard uppercuts.
Reserved ticket seats for Lion Fight Muay Thai VI: Schilling vs. Marcus II, priced from $45, are on sale at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino box office, all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and online at Ticketmaster.com.
Doors at The Joint open at 4 p.m. and the first preliminary bout will begin at 5 p.m.
The live stream of the 12-bout card, which will be facilitated by Go Fight Live, will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on LionFightPromotions.com and can be purchased for a one-time credit card charge of $14.99.
In the highly-anticipated main event, WBC Light Heavyweight (175 pounds) Champion Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (12-2, 10 KO’s) of Los Angeles, Calif. will face off with undefeated top contender and bitter rival Simon Marcus (23-0, 18 KO’s) of Toronto, Ontario Canada in a grudge rematch after their first meeting on Feb. 25 ended in a controversial first-round TKO in Marcus’ favor.
In the co-main event and a second highly-anticipated rematch, Filipino American Romie Adanza (16-3, 7 KO’s) of Irvine, Calif. will face off with Thanit “Boom” Watthanaya (45-12, 12 KO’s) of Vancouver, BC Canada via Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.for the vacant WBC international super flyweight (115 pounds) championship.
Thai superstar Mongkon “Malaipet” Wiwasuk (138-27-5, 26 KO’s), fighting out of Fresno, Calif. will put his WBC national welterweight (147 pounds) strap on the line against aggressive-minded counterpuncher Justin Greskiewicz (17-8, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, Pa.
Fresh off his rubber match victory over “Coke” Chunhawat, seasoned technician Matt Embree (20-3, 9 KO’s) of Toronto, Ontario Canada will return to Lion Fight action and face another tough, highly-experienced adversary in former world champion Nils Widlund (34-1, 12 KO’s) of Stockholm, Sweden.
Undefeated rising star Tiffany Van Soest (2-0) of San Diego, Calif. will take on fellow prospect Heidi Otterbein (3-1, 1 KO) of Las Vegas via Vancouver, BC Canada. in a 125 pound catchweight bout.
In a matchup of two experienced, Las Vegas-based MMA competitors who have decided to test their combative skills in the Muay Thai ring for the first time in their respective careers, Javier Torres (0-0) will square off with Michael Madrid (0-0) in a 170 pound catchweight fight.
Fresh off his fifth professional victory at Lion Fight Promotions’ last event on Feb. 25, Scotty Leffler (5-2, 3 KO’s) of Las Vegas will return to action against promising upstart Artem Sharoshkin (3-1) of San Diego, Calif. in a welterweight (147 pounds) affair.
LION FIGHT MUAY THAI VI: SCHILLING VS. MARCUS II
COMPLETE MAIN FIGHT CARD:
Joe Schilling (Los Angeles, CA) vs. Simon Marcus (Toronto, Ontario CANADA)
175 lbs / WBC Interim World Title
Romie Adanza (Irvine, CA) vs. Thanit Watthanaya “Boom” (Vancouver BC CANADA / THAILAND)
115 lbs / WBC International Title
Mongkon Wiwasuk “Malaipet” (Fresno, CA / THAILAND) vs. Justin Greskiewicz (Philadelphia, PA)
147 lbs / WBC National Title
Tiffany Van Soest (San Diego, CA) vs. Heidi Otterbein (Las Vegas, NV / CANADA)
125 lbs / no title
Nils Widlund (San Diego, CA / SWEDEN) vs. Matt Embree (Toronto, Ontario CANADA)
140 lbs / no title
Javier Torres (Las Vegas, NV / MEXICO) vs. Michael Madrid (Las Vegas, NV)
170 lbs / no title
Scotty Leffler (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Artem Sharoshkin (San Diego, CA / RUSSIA)
147 lbs / no title
COMPLETE UNDERCARD:
Jason Andrada (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Jessie Magusen (Fontana, CA) – 125 lbs
Josh Shepard (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Amir K Ansari (Shreveport, LA) – 160 lbs
Genesis Bravo (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Marie Choi (Irvine, CA) – 112 lbs
Chris Lazaro (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Guilherme Bertholdo (San Diego, CA) – 147 lbs
Brandon Ebert (Las Vegas, NV) vs. William Briones (Van Nuys, CA) – 135 lbs
About Lion Fight Promotions
Lion Fight Promotions is a Las Vegas, Nevada-based world championship Muay Thai kickboxing promotion dedicated to producing matchups between the best Muay Thai fighters in the world in their respective weight classes. Led by former Las Vegas casino executive, Scott Kent, the promotional company has been developed in consultation with Christine Toledo, one of the sport’s most popular champions and star of the Oxygen Network reality television show Fight Girls. Both Kent and Toledo share a common passion for Muay Thai and are working together to promote the sport.
About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is Las Vegas’ off-strip playground, just minutes and less than three miles from McCarran International Airport. The premier destination entertainment resort is 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, Foo Fighters, Carlos Santana and Motley Crue have all performed. Features of the property include an 11-story Casino 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, home to SIN on Sundays industry party; Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa; Reliquary Salon; 4.5 acres of tropical pool paradise which houses the trendsetting pool parties including the famous REHAB Sunday party and RELAX Monday party as well as the new Summer Camp Fridays and Nectar Music Festival Saturdays; The Joint concert venue; Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.; restaurants including traditional steakhouse with an edge 35 Steaks + Martinis, Mexican cantina Pink Taco, and ‘round the clock diner Mr. Lucky’s Café; 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.
WBC INTERIM CHAMP JOE SCHILLING AND UNDEFEATED SIMON MARCUS TO COLLIDE IN GRUDGE REMATCH SUPERSTARS ROMIE ADANZA AND THANIT “BOOM” WATTHANAYA TO REMATCH FOR VACANT WBC SUPER FLYWEIGHT TITLE “MALAIPET” TO DEFEND WBC NATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST JUSTIN GRESKIEWICZ MMA FIGHTERS JAVIER TORRES AND MICHAEL MADRID TO FACE OFF IN 170 POUND CATCHWEIGHT FIGHT—WATCH LIVE ON GFL
PLUS EIGHT OTHER MATCHUPS
FROM HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO LAS VEGAS
LAS VEGAS (May 7, 2012) –The star-studded, 12-bout Lion Fight Muay Thai VI: Schilling vs. Marcus II, WBC full-rules Muay Thai event, headlined by a much-anticipated grudge rematch between WBC Interim Light Heavyweight (175 pounds) Champion Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (12-2, 10 KO’s) of Los Angeles, Calif. and undefeated top contender Simon Marcus (23-0, 18 KO’s) of Toronto, Ontario Canada, will stream live, in its entirety on LionFightPromotions.com or GFL.tv from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, May 12.
The live stream, which will be facilitated by Go Fight Live(GFL.tv), will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be purchased for a one-time credit card charge of $14.99.
In addition, the first meeting between Schilling and Marcus, which ended in a controversial and brutal first-round TKO on Feb. 25, can be viewed free-of-charge, on LionFightPromotions.com between today and May 12.
In the co-main event and a second much-anticipated rematch on May 12, Filipino American Romie Adanza (16-3, 7 KO’s) of Irvine, Calif. will face off with Thanit “Boom” Watthanaya (45-12, 12 KO’s) of Vancouver, BC Canada via Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.in a super flyweight (115 pounds) matchup.
Thai superstar Mongkon “Malaipet” Wiwasuk (138-27-5, 26 KO’s), fighting out of Fresno, Calif. will put his WBC national welterweight (147 pounds) strap on the line against aggressive-minded counterpuncher and entertaining showman Justin Greskiewicz (17-8, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, Pa.
Fresh off his rubber match victory over “Coke” Chunhawat, seasoned technician and fast-rising contender Matt Embree (20-3, 9 KO’s) of Toronto, Ontario Canada will return to Lion Fight action and face another tough, highly-experienced adversary in former world champion Nils Widlund (34-1, 12 KO’s) of Stockholm, Sweden.
In a matchup of two experienced, Las Vegas-based MMA competitors who have decided to test their combative skills in the Muay Thai ring for the first time in their respective professional careers, Javier Torres (0-0) will square off with Michael Madrid (0-0) in a 170 pound catchweight fight.
Scotty Leffler (5-2, 3 KO’s) of Las Vegas will take on upstart Artem Sharoshkin (3-1) of San Diego, Calif. via Penza, Russia in a welterweight (147 pounds) affair.
Undefeated rising star Tiffany Van Soest (2-0) of San Diego, Calif. will take on fellow prospect Heidi Otterbein (3-1, 1 KO) of Las Vegas via Vancouver, BC Canada. in a 125 pound catchweight bout.
The main card will be preceded by a five-bout, amateur undercard sanctioned by The United States Muay Thai Association (USMTA).
LION FIGHT MUAY THAI VI: SCHILLING VS. MARCUS II COMPLETE MAIN FIGHT CARD:
Joe Schilling (Los Angeles, CA) vs. Simon Marcus (Toronto, Ontario CANADA)
175 lbs / WBC Interim World Title
Romie Adanza (Irvine, CA) vs. Thanit Watthanaya “Boom” (Vancouver BC CANADA / THAILAND)
115 lbs / WBC International Title
Mongkon Wiwasuk “Malaipet” (Fresno, CA / THAILAND) vs. Justin Greskiewicz (Philadelphia, PA)
147 lbs / WBC National Title
Tiffany Van Soest (San Diego, CA) vs. Heidi Otterbein (Las Vegas, NV / CANADA)
125 lbs / no title
Nils Widlund (San Diego, CA / SWEDEN) vs. Matt Embree (Toronto, Ontario CANADA)
140 lbs / no title
Javier Torres (Las Vegas, NV / MEXICO) vs. Michael Madrid (Las Vegas, NV)
170 lbs / no title
Scotty Leffler (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Artem Sharoshkin (San Diego, CA / RUSSIA)
147 lbs / no title
COMPLETE UNDERCARD:
Jason Andrada (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Jessie Magusen (Fontana, CA) – 125 lbs
Josh Shepard (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Amir K Ansari (Shreveport, LA) – 160 lbs
Genesis Bravo (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Marie Choi (Irvine, CA) – 112 lbs
Chris Lazaro (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Guilherme Bertholdo (San Diego, CA) – 147 lbs
Brandon Ebert (Las Vegas, NV) vs. William Briones (Van Nuys, CA) – 135 lbs
About Lion Fight Promotions
Lion Fight Promotions is a Las Vegas, Nevada-based world championship Muay Thai kickboxing promotion dedicated to producing matchups between the best Muay Thai fighters in the world in their respective weight classes. Led by former Las Vegas casino executive, Scott Kent, the promotional company has been developed in consultation with Christine Toledo, one of the sport’s most popular champions and star of the Oxygen Network reality television show Fight Girls. Both Kent and Toledo share a common passion for Muay Thai and are working together to promote the sport.
About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is Las Vegas’ off-strip playground, just minutes and less than three miles from McCarran International Airport. The premier destination entertainment resort is 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, Foo Fighters, Carlos Santana and Motley Crue have all performed. Features of the property include an 11-story Casino 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, home to SIN on Sundays industry party; Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa; Reliquary Salon; 4.5 acres of tropical pool paradise which houses the trendsetting pool parties including the famous REHAB Sunday party and RELAX Monday party as well as the new Summer Camp Fridays and Nectar Music Festival Saturdays; The Joint concert venue; Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.; restaurants including traditional steakhouse with an edge 35 Steaks + Martinis, Mexican cantina Pink Taco, and ‘round the clock diner Mr. Lucky’s Café; 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.
About GFL
GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1300 live events with over 6000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 5 million public viewers over the years with more than 250 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL is also available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices.
FULL TELEVISION LINEUP ON SHOWTIME® AND SHOWTIME EXTREME® CONFIRMED FOR THE STRIKEFORCE® WORLD GRAND PRIX HEAVYWEIGHT FINAL
SATURDAY, MAY 19 – From HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Main Card Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Preliminary Card Live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 8 p.m. ET/PT
NEW YORK (May 7, 2012) SHOWTIME® and STRIKEFORCE® have confirmed the full fight card for Saturday, May 19, when former UFC® titleholder Josh Barnett will meet two-time Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier in the much-anticipated conclusion of the STRIKEFORCE® WORLD GRAND PRIX HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNAMENT. The STRIKEFORCE lightweight championship will be on the line in the evening’s co-feature, a rubber match between two long-time rivals, when champion Gilbert Melendez defends his title against no. 1 contender Josh Thomson.
Also on the SHOWTIME card, former STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight champion Rafael Feijao will rematch against Mike Kyle, whom he lost to on June 6, 2009. In the opening fight of the telecast two up-and-coming welterweights will face-off when Nah-Shon Burrell takes on Chris Spang.
The main card, headlined by Barnett vs. Cormier will air live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), while preliminary fights will be shown live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on West Coast).
MAIN CARD – LIVE ON SHOWTIME AT 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast)
* All bouts are subject to change.
STRIKEFORCE World Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament Final – 5 Rounds
Josh Barnett vs. Daniel Cormier
STRIKEFORCE Lightweight Championship – 5 Rounds
Gilbert Melendez vs. Josh Thomson
STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds
Rafael Feijao vs. Mike Kyle
STRIKEFORCE Welterweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds
Nah-Shon Burrell vs. Chris Spang
PRELIMINARY CARD – LIVE ON SHOWTIME EXTREME AT 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast)
* All bouts are subject to change.
STRIKEFORCE Lightweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds
JZ Cavalcante vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg
STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds
Virgil Zwicker vs. Carlos Inocente
STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds
Gian Villante vs. Derrick Mehman
STRIKEFORCE Welterweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds
Quinn Mulhern vs. Yuri Villefort
Mauro Ranallo will call the action alongside analysts Frank Shamrock and Pat Miletich with Heidi Androl serving as cageside reporter. The executive producer is David Dinkins Jr.
The STRIKEFORCE® GRAND PRIX HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNAMENT FINAL will emanate from HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Tickets are on sale and available at the HP Pavilion ticket office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are priced at $175, $125, $75 and $45.
For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please visit the website at http://sports.SHO.com.
About STRIKEFORCE®
Owned and operated by Forza, LLC, a subsidiary of Zuffa, LLC, which also owns the Ultimate Fighting Championship® brand, STRIKEFORCE® is a world-class mixed martial arts promotion based in Las Vegas, Nev. that currently holds live events annually across the United States. First established as a mixed martial arts entity in 2006, STRIKEFORCE now broadcasts its events live on Showtime® Networks, Inc. and has produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network. With a growing roster featuring the world’s elite competitors, STRIKEFORCE has cemented its place as a leader in providing quality mixed martial arts action.
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™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. 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®.
Diaz chokes out Miller in second
Nate Diaz scored a second round choke out over Jim Miller in a scheduled three round Lightweight bout at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The Guillotine Choke came at 4:09 of round two for Diaz, 156 lbs of Stockton, CA and is now 16-7. Miller, 156 lbs from nearby Whippany, NJ is now 21-4.
Johny Hendricks scored a three round split decision over Josh Koscheck in a Welterweight bout.
Scores were 29-28 on two cards for Hendricks while Koscheck took a card 29-28.
Hendricks, 170 1/2 lbs of Dallas, TX is now 13-1. Koscheck, 170 1/2 lbs of Fresno, CA is now 19-6.
Alan Belcher scored a first round stoppage over Rousimar Palhares in a three round Middleweight bout.
The two traded submission attempts on the ground when Belcher turned it around and punched out Palhares with some great “Ground and Pound” work and the bout was stopped at 4:18 of round one.
Belcher, 186 lbs of Biloxi, MS is now 17-5. Palhares, 186 lbs of Rio De Jinearo, BRA is now 23-4.
Levar Johnson scored a first round stoppage over Pat Barry in a scheduled three round Heavyweight bout.
It was exciting while it lasted as Barry gained ground control until Johnson came back and got to his feet and threw and landed (most of) the thirty-six unanswered punches and kicks and referee Dam Mirgliotta stopped the bout at 4:38 of round one.
Johnson, 253 lbs of San Jose, CA is now 17-5. Barry, 244 lbs of Alexandra, MN is now 7-5.
EPISODE 9 ‘BECOME THAT HERO’ FLASH QUOTES
Quarterfinals set as Team Faber nabsfinal preliminary round win
Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighter® Live episode 9 – ‘Become That Hero’ – aired Friday evening and saw Team Faber nab the final preliminary round win as Newcastle, England’s Andy Ogle submitted Miami’s Mike Rio at 4:19 of the second round.
The season now shifts into the quarterfinals, with four of the final eight fighters squaring-off on May 11th for a spot in the semis. UFC President Dana White announced the match-ups at the end of the episode: James Vick (#3 Cruz) vs Joe Proctor (#2 Faber) and Justin Lawrence (#1 Cruz) vs Michael Chiesa (#4 Faber).
Here’s what everyone had to say about the evening’s live fight:
UFC President Dana White on Vick vs. Proctor
“It’s an interesting fight because Vick is seen as this guy who’s kind of one-dimensional. He has the stand-up, and decent takedown defense. He’s not known as a great wrestler but he actually shut down a wrestler to get into the House and to make it to the quarterfinals. People are having trouble with how long he is and how strong he is. He has just enoughskill to get by and I think he’s the dark horse in this thing.”
“The crazy thing about this fight is that Proctor comes out of Joe Lauzon’s camp, and is highly regarded from that camp. The first time I saw him, his stand-up didn’t look good to me at all. So I think this is one of those fights, with Vick’s length, reach, takedown defense and striking abilities, where I think Proctor needs to get this thing to the ground as fast as he possibly can.”
UFC President Dana White on Lawrence vs Chiesa:
“Chiesa has this really heartfelt story of what happened to him when he was here. His dad wanted him to be here and then passes away when he makes it on the show. He’s now here to win this thing, not only for himself, but for his dad. But, as much as Ilove the kid he looked very one-dimensional in his last fight. He was depending on the wrestling the whole time. I think there have been some pretty crazy odds on the fights so far. I would actually say that I have Lawrence as a huge favorite in this fight. You never know, anything can happen, but this is a tough fight for Chiesa.”
“I think this season has been awesome! I love the new format. I love that you can watch the fights LIVE every Friday. I’m more engaged in this season then I have been in years.”
Andy Ogle:
“No such thing as an underdog in MMA. Each dog has its day! Woof woof.”
Ogle’s Coach Urijah Faber:
“Ogle has been a fun project ever since he stepped foot into the house. He has a great attitude and works hard. In this fight he showed a lot of the stuff we’ve been working on, and that he has gotten better every day.”
Mike Rio:
“You can be 99 percent perfect, but at this level it takes just one mistake to lose a fight. I went in for it. I felt like I needed to do something to win the round. Andy was winning with his striking so I tried to force the takedown.”
Rio’s Coach Dominick Cruz:
“Rio had that fight in the bag, he was doing everything right until the last three minutes of the second round, he pretty much “gassed out” as he said in his own words, and that was it. Ogle took half guard, landed some punches until Rio gave his back. From there Ogle threw in his hooks, stretched him out and got the finish.”
REMINDER – both coaches and quarterfinalists competing on May 11 – James Vick, Joe Proctor, Justin Lawrence and Michael Chiesa – will be available via conference call Tuesday, May 8 at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT.
Don’t miss the opportunity to catch behind the scenes action by following the fighters on Facebook and Twitter. Find all these links andmore on www.ultimatefighter.com.
Photo credits: Al Powers/Zuffa LLC
About Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas,Nevada, and with offices in London, England, Toronto, Canada and Beijing, China, UFC® produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world.
In 2011, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FX and FUEL TV. This includes the longest-running sports realityshow on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which now air on FX in an exciting new live format.
In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 149 countries and territories, to nearly one billion homes worldwide, in 20 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through itswebsite, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with over two million followers on Twitter.
Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs, an internationally distributed magazine, the best-selling UFC Undisputed® video game franchise distributed by THQ, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, and action figures.
THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER® LIVE ON FX WRAPS UP FIRST ROUND WITH “BECOME THAT HERO” TEAM CRUZ’S MIKE RIO vs. TEAM FABER’S ANDY OGLE
Friday, May 4, LIVE on FX at 10 p.m. ET/PT
The Ultimate Fighter® Live on FX wraps up the preliminary round of competition tomorrow/Friday, May 4, live on FX at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) when Team Cruz’s Mike Rio (8-1), of Miami, Fla., takes on Team Faber’s Andy Ogle (8-1), of Tynemouth, England, for the last spot in the quarterfinals.
Team Faber’s Chris Saunders scored an upset victory over Team Cruz’s Sam Sicilia as a massive underdog last week. Now, Faber’s squad holds a 4-3 lead over his bitter rival with just one fight to go until the quarterfinals.
Rio and Ogle are looking to advance and move one step closer to a six-figure UFC contract alongside previous winners James Vick, Justin Lawrence, Al Iaquinta, Michael Chiesa, Joe Proctor, Vinc Pichel and Saunders.
Below is a description of the upcoming “BECOME THAT HERO” episode:
“Both teams head to a desert shooting range for an explosive Coaches Challenge. Andy Ogle takes on Mike Rio in the last preliminary fight, then Dana announces the first two quarterfinal matchups.”
The 13-week season will culminate with a championship fight and three-hour finale on June 1 at the Pearl Palms Concert Theater in Las Vegas. The coaches will then meet on July 7 at UFC 148, when Cruz defends his title against Faber in the rubber match of their epic rivalry.
Below are select quotes from Rio and Ogle.
MIKE RIO:
It’s the final preliminary fight this Friday. Team Cruz is down 4-3. Is there any added pressure to even the series? Or is it just another fight?
“There’s always pressure in a situation like this but the wonderful thing about our sport is that we don’t have to worry about the teams. You just focus on yourself and the better you do, the team just ends up benefitting from it. So as long as I just focus on what I have to do and not worry about the team or what’s best for the team, everyone will benefit. That takes a lot of the pressure off when you focus on what you’re supposed to focus on and not the outside distractions.”
What is your mood going into the fight and what do you have to do to win?
“I’m always relaxed. I’m one of those guys that never gets over-anxious, nervous or gets butterflies. I’ve been in competition a long time. I’m very relaxed until the time of the fight and then I get very energetic and very aggressive.
“What I need to do to win the fight? I need to push the pace. Ogle is by no means an easy fight. He’s not just going to lay down for me. I just have to make sure I stay focused and take the fight to him and do what I need to do to win. I’m not going to focus on what he’s going to do to me, just what I’m going to do to him.”
How difficult is it to sit and watch during the weeks you weren’t fighting? Is it a relief to actually be fighting?
“That was a double-edged sword. First off, I’m sitting there watching and waiting, seeing all my teammates fight, watching everybody fight. I came here to fight, and was just sitting on the sidelines every week, waiting, waiting, waiting. On the positive side of this though, I literally just got a month and a half training camp with the champ, Dominick Cruz, and the champ’s personal coaching squad. I’ve gotten in the best shape of my life for my first preliminary fight. “
Is there anything that’s happened in the first seven weeks that’s surprised you?
“Every fight has been a war. I’ve been really impressed by the level of talent in our season. We’re a great group of 16 guys and we deserve to be here. Everyone is serious as hell and there’s really no one who is here just to be a TV star.”
ANDY OGLE:
It’s the final preliminary fight this Friday. Team Faber is up 4-3. Is there any added pressure to keep the series lead? Or is it just another fight?
“It’s not a fight for the Team, it’s a fight for myself. Because at the end of the day, I’m the one who’s trying to get that glass plate. I’m the one that is trying to get that W. It’s all about me thinking about myself. At the end of the day, two guys are going to go in there and the cage door is going to close and for 10, possibly 15, minutes I’ve got to kick somebody’s ass to secure myself into the next round.”
What is your mood going into the fight and what do you have to do to win?
“I feel confident. I feel strong. I feel as if I’ve trained a long time for this fight and I’ve developed as a fighter as well as a person and become a hell of a lot more patient. In this fight, I’m going to have to be very patient and defend his takedowns a lot. I feel as if I can kill his spirit by doing so and lighting him up with my shoots and hitting him a lot in the face. Basically, just not making him want to come in and attempt a takedown.”
How difficult is it to sit and watch during the weeks you weren’t fighting? Is it a relief to actually be fighting?
“Since I’ve been in the house, I’ve had to think about everything in two ways. It was killing me not fighting for the first seven fights. But at the same time, I’m getting more time to develop as a fighter, which means [Rio]’s going to get the best version of me because I’m last. I’ve now built up a relationship with the coaching staff and a great relationship with my team and gotten a whole lot stronger.”
Is there anything that’s happened in the first eight weeks that’s surprised you?
“I did not expect to get ill! I very rarely get ill. I’m the ‘one more round’ guy. I’m always happy to keep pushing. If I’m done training but someone wants to go another round, I’ll jump up, I’ll do that round. When my lungs were closing up and I felt as if I couldn’t breathe, I didn’t feel like the ‘one more round’ guy. But when I went to the doctor and they did an X-ray, the doctor said, ‘Wow, you’ve got a large heart’ and I said tell me something I don’t know. That’s something that Rio, or any opponent, won’t ever have larger than me. It’s impossible, I want it too much.”
WBC NAMES LION FIGHT PROMOTIONS MUAY THAI PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
AWARD TO BE PRESENTED MAY 12 AT
LION FIGHT MUAY THAI VI: SCHILLING VS. MARCUS II
AT HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO LAS VEGAS
LAS VEGAS (May 3, 2012) – The World Boxing Council (WBC) has named Lion Fight Promotions its Muay Thai “Promoter of the Year 2011,” following a year in which the upstart Las Vegas-based fight series made significant strides to putting full-rules Muay Thai competition on a big stage in The United States.
WBC Vice President Gen. Kovid Bhakdibhumi will present the award to Lion Fight Promotions CEO Scott Kent in the ring at Lion Fight Muay Thai VI: Schilling vs. Marcus II, the promotion’s next live event at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Sat., May 12.
“Lion Fight Promotions and Scott Kent have done at exceptional job at providing professional Muay Thai with an unprecedented, major platform in The United States,” said Bhakdibhumi. “Scott and his team have shown their sincere commitment to building the sport of Muay Thai in America and promoting true world-class caliber competition between the best fighters in the world.
“We are honored to be the recipient of this award from one of the longest-standing and most prestigious governing bodies in combative sports,” said Kent, a former casino executive for Mandalay Resort Group and The Mirage, whose passion for the national sport of Thailand inspired him to make a career change in 2010.
Lion Fight Promotions capped off 2011 by signing a multi-fight agreement with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to stage live events at the resort’s The Joint theater venue that regularly hosts concerts for major record label artists, including The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Incubus, Foo Fighters and Motley Crue.
The star-studded Lion Fight Muay Thai VI: Schilling vs. Marcus II event features 11 bouts, headlined by a highly-anticipated rematch between WBC Interim International Light Heavyweight (175 pounds) Champion Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (12-2, 10 KO’s) of Los Angeles, Calif. and undefeated top contender and bitter rival Simon Marcus (23-0, 18 KO’s) of Toronto, Ontario Canada.
In the co-main event and a second much-anticipated rematch, Filipino American Romie Adanza (16-3, 7 KO’s) of Irvine, Calif. will face off with Thanit “Boom” Watthanaya (45-12, 12 KO’s) of Vancouver, BC Canada via Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.in a super flyweight (115 pounds) matchup.
About Lion Fight Promotions
Lion Fight Promotions is a Las Vegas, Nevada-based world championship Muay Thai kickboxing promotion dedicated to producing matchups between the best Muay Thai fighters in the world in their respective weight classes. Led by former Las Vegas casino executive, Scott Kent, the promotional company has been developed in consultation with Christine Toledo, one of the sport’s most popular champions and star of the Oxygen Network reality television show Fight Girls. Both Kent and Toledo share a common passion for Muay Thai and are working together to promote the sport.
STARS OF THE UFC AND STRIKEFORCE® RING THE BELL DURING NASDAQ VISIT
Las Vegas, Nevada – The stars of mixed martial arts (MMA) and FOX Sports were out in force in New York on Tuesday, as reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, 2004 Olympian and reigning Strikeforce women’s champion Ronda Rousey, former UFC lightweight king Frankie Edgar and UFC On FOX host Curt Menefee rang the Opening Bell at NASDAQ’s MarketSite in Times Square.
The MMA visited the MarketSite in anticipation of this Saturday’s huge UFC On FOX event at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which features a quadruple header of exciting match-ups across four weight classes.
Third UFC On FOX event airs over primetime this Saturday, May 5, from 8pm to 10pm Eastern (5pm to 7pm PT).
In what will be the fastest two-hours of fighting this weekend, UFC On FOX features the lightweight title eliminator between Nate Diaz and Jim Miller, the welterweight battle between Josh Koscheck and Johny Hendricks, a middleweight showdown between Rousimar Palhares and Alan Belcher – plus the potential heavyweight thriller between puncher Pat Barry and Levar Johnson.
Pictures courtesy NASDAQ. For all photography inquiries, please contact NASDAQ’s photographer, Zef Nikolla at zef.nikolla@nasdaqomx.com.
For more information, visit UFC.com
About the UFC
Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and with offices in London, England, Toronto, Canada and Beijing, China, UFC® produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world.
In 2011, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FX and FUEL TV. This includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which now air on FX in an exciting new live format.
In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 149 countries and territories, to nearly one billion homes worldwide, in 20 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with nearly two million followers on Twitter.
Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs, an internationally distributed magazine, the best-selling UFC Undisputed® video game franchise distributed by THQ, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel and trading cards.
mMA Events on GFL COMBAT SPORTS NETWORK
- Friday, May 4, 2012 8:00pm ET featuring “Tournament of Warriors” at American Bank Center Arena. Sixteen of the most elite fighters will battle for $60,000. Fight fans get to witness this live as UWF has made a broadcasting deal with the GFL Combat Sports Network to air the 3-event tournament. Scheduled to compete on this stacked event include local fighters Hector Munoz (8-3)and Christopher Pecero (4-3) along with other fighters including Reynaldo Trujillo (10-7), Warren Stewart (11-16), Mike “The Greek” Bronzoulis (13-4-1) and Joseph Daily (5-3). The tournament will be divided into two divisions; eight fighters in the 155 pound division and eight fighters in the 170 pound division. Winners of the first round will advance to the semi-finals in Laredo on May 26th, with the finale in Hidalgo on June 30th. The winner of each division will receive $25,000 and will be the first official belt holders for their respective divisions of Ultimate Warrior Fighting.
- Friday, May 4, 2012 8:30pm ET featuring Showdown Fights: Uprising at the UCCU Center in Orem, UT will feature Sean “The Real OC” O’Connell versus Idaho’s own undefeated son Kip Ramos in a Light Heavyweight MAIN EVENT! O’Connell (11-4) is a local radio host and former Ultimate Fighter competitor. He took home a bittersweet “Fight of the Night” bonus in an epic battle with Trevor Carlson before a sold-out crowd at Showdown Fights: Breakout, February 24th. Fans saw an all out 3-round war, which left both competitors asking to “not” have a rematch anytime soon, for fear of their own safety. Kip Ramos is an undefeated phenom from Boise that has finished all of his fights without ever having experienced a 3rd round. Many in the industry have chronicled his meteoric rise because it rivals the path of several greats.
- Friday, May 4, 2012 10:00pm ET featuring Epic Fighting 12 at the Four Points Sheraton in San Diego, California. For the 15-bout card, Epic Fighting has collected some of the deepest local talent in the country to provide the fans of SoCal and worldwide watching live on the Internet, a great night of action packed amateur fights. In the main event, Kaiyana Rain Tan (2-1) battles Lena Hellgvist (1-1) in a women’s 115 bout. Tan has great cardio as she has gone to a decision in all 3 of her bouts, including her lone loss which was by split decision. Tan is a grinder that likes to outwork her opponents in the cage and constantly put pressure on her foes to keep up with her rapid pace. Tan will look to outstrike Hellgvist early on and then build up points from there. For Hellgvist, is coming off a win in her last fight that ended in the first round via TKO. A heavy hitter, Hellgvist will probably be the stronger of the two women in the cage. She will look to take advantage of the strength difference by landing the harder strikes and causing more damage to Tan and if the fight goes to the ground she will look to control the action on the mat and out wrestle Tan for dominant position. Both Tan and Hellgvist are very exciting fighters and this bout should be full throttle. In the co-main event, Mike Jenkins (2-0) fights Nick Home (0-0) in a lightweight matchup. Jenkins has been impressive in his 2 outings as they have both men first round stoppages, one by KO which lasted 8 seconds and one by submission. Home is an unknown so he could have the advantage in game planning as he at least knows the strengths of Jenkins, whereas Jenkins will just have to be prepared for anything and everything. These fights, more often than not turn out to be barnburners as both fighters want to go in there and mix it up and prove from the beginning that they are the dominant fighter in the cage.
- Saturday, May 5, 2012 6:00pm ET featuring South Carolina’s #1 MMA promotion, Caged Chaos 5 presents “Vendetta” at Jamil Temple in Columbia, South Carolina. In the main event, Tim “The Terror” Goodwin (5-3) faces Chris “The Constrictor” Cain (5-2) in the long awaited Cage Chaos Bantamweight Championship. Goodwin come into the fight looking to bang as 3 of his 5 wins have come via KO or TKO. Goodwin is a well-rounded fighter as he also has a slick ground game evidenced by his victory by arm triangle. Goodwin is a superstar in the MMA scene in South Carolina and looks to make a name for himself nationally by defeating Cain and becoming the new Caged Chaos 135 lb champion. Cain is on a 3-fight win streak and previously fought at lightweight, so he will be the bigger, stronger fighter in the cage come fight night. Cain likes to grind away at his opponents and push the pace stacking up rounds while controlling the fight. A strong wrestler, Cain likes to dictate where the fight goes and will look to make Goodwin fight his fight. The winner of this bout will be considered the top 135 lb fighter in the region as a whole. In the co-main event, Solon “Sharktooth” Staley (10-3) fights Ronnie “The Heat” Lawrence (3-3) for the ISKA Regional Bantamweight Championship. Staley holds titles with numerous other organizations, so he will be ready to fight in this championship bout. Staley is a strong grappler and especially likes the guillotine choke as half his wins have come from this submission alone. Staley will look to get the fight to the ground and attack Lawrence’s neck either with a guillotine or rear naked choke. For Lawrence, he fights a high reward-high risk style as evidenced by his .500 record. You never know what Lawrence will do in the ring as he can wrestle and strike so it will be interesting to see which strategy Lawrence tries to implement. The third title fight of the evening features Jason “The Nightmare” Faglier Jr. (6-0) fighting Nicholas Vecchione (2-5) with the ISKA SC Bantamweight Championship at stake. For the undefeated Faglier Jr., he already holds two titles in his young career and has only gone to a decision once, submitting his other 5 opponents. Faglier is a tremendous grappler who can beat you with a choke, armbar or any other finishing hold so look for him to try for a takedown early on. This is a career defining fight for Vecchione as a victory over Faglier Jr. could put his career on an upward swing in a hurry. Vecchione is coming off a great victory in his last fight where he scored a submission victory in the final round. With momentum at his back Vecchione believes now is the time for him to make his mark and show the crowd in Columbia that his record is very deceiving.
- Saturday, May 5, 2012 8:00pm ET featuring Elite 1 MMA “Showdown” from the Casino New Brunswick Moncton. In the main event, and a unification bout, Richard Arsenault (4-2) of Wellington, PE defends his Elite 1 MMA Welterweight Championship against tough challenger and interim champion Meneka Weva (2-3) of Moncton, NB. The two fighters have history as Arsenault defeated Weva in 2011 by rear naked choke and looks to do the same thing again and prove he is the sole champion at 170 lb. For Weva, this is a shot not only at a title, but more importantly at redemption. The first bout was close, but Arsenault did just enough to turn the tide in the middle of the bout and get Weva to tapout. Weva believes he now has the right game plan to defeat the champion. In all, only one fight between the two has ever gone to a decision. Both athletes fight with a high risk-high reward style with both fighters looking to finish the fight at all times, even if that means being in compromising positions themselves. Expect fireworks from this rematch. In the co-main event, for the vacant Elite 1 MMA Lightweight Title, Adam Hazelton (3-1) of Yarmouth, NS fights Stephen Clementi (3-1) of Elsipogtog, NB. Hazelton packs a heavy punch as all 3 of his wins have come via TKO or ref stoppage. He is a fighter that likes to bang and once he sees his opponent is in danger he pounces on him like a Great White shark. Clementi is also a fast starter and has finished all 3 of his wins by TKO or submission. The lightweights pack great power combined with devastating speed. Expect Hazelton and Clementi to be in line for “fight of the night” when the event is over.
Other events this week:
Pro-Wrestling: Impact Zone Wrestling (Weekly Free show): May 5, 8:00pm ET.
Boxing: Noche De Boxeo at the Diamond Desert, Tucson, Arizona: May 4, 10:00pm ET.
GFL now offers full access to over 6,000 fights for the low monthly price of $9.99 subscribe now at www.GFL.tv
***GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1300 live events with over 6000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 5 million public viewers over the years with more than 250 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL is also available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices. Check the event page for details.
If Combat Sports is your game…Go Fight-Every Night with GFL Combat Sports Network
Join us at: www.GFL.tv or twitter.com/GFL or youtube.com/Gofightlive or inquiries contact press@gfl.tv
ESPN News- Pacquiao condemns critics' anti-gay allegations May 16, 2012Manny Pacquiao says he loves and supports gays and lesbians, even though he does not approve of gay marriage. […]Associated Press
- Pacquiao condemns critics' anti-gay allegations May 16, 2012Manny Pacquiao says he loves and supports gays and lesbians, even though he does not approve of gay marriage. […]Associated Press
- Lemieux's comeback trail to start with Zepeda May 16, 2012Montreal middleweight David Lemieux will return to the ring in a scheduled eight-rounder on a June 8 undercard at the Bell Centre in Montreal against Jaudiel Zepeda. […]Dan Rafael
- U.S. female boxer Esparza qualifies for London May 16, 2012Flyweight Marlen Esparza has become the first American female boxer to qualify for the London Olympics. […]Associated Press
- Peterson to present case, asks for Nev. license May 15, 2012Junior welterweight titleholder Lamont Peterson will seek a Nevada boxing license despite his admission that he took a banned substance, which forced the cancellation of his rematch with Amir Khan. […]Dan Rafael
- Taylor qualifies for women's boxing at Games May 15, 2012Three-time world champion Katie Taylor of Ireland qualified for the London Olympics women's boxing, defeating Saida Khassenova of Kazakhstan 20-8 in the 132-pound class at the world championships on Tuesday. […]Associated Press
- Peterson fallout spurs Golden Boy to shift card May 15, 2012Golden Boy Promotions said Monday it has decided against putting on a June 30 Showtime card in Washington, D.C., because of the continuing fallout from the Lamont Peterson failed drug test. […]Dan Rafael
- Boxer Casal recovering after being attacked May 14, 2012The father of light welterweight boxer Nick Casal considers his son lucky to be alive after sustaining several deep cuts to his head in an attack last weekend. […]Associated Press
- Margarito forced to postpone fight due to injury May 14, 2012An Achilles injury has forced former welterweight titlist Antonio Margarito to postpone a return to the ring that had been planned for May 26 in Tucson, Ariz. […]Dan Rafael
- USA Boxing sending nine to compete in London May 12, 2012Six more American boxers have qualified for the Olympics with winning performances at a qualifying tournament in Brazil, allowing USA Boxing to send an impressive nine fighters to the London Games. […]Associated Press
- Pacquiao condemns critics' anti-gay allegations May 16, 2012
