Eddie Alvarez: Rafael Dos Anjos At UFC 200, If Not, Nate Diaz

Eddie Alvarez has two potential fights in mind moving forward in 2016.

The former Bellator champion told FightHype.com recently that he wants to meet UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 200 in July. But, if that doesn’t work out, Alvare…

eddie-alvarez-ufc-tonight

Eddie Alvarez has two potential fights in mind moving forward in 2016.

The former Bellator champion told FightHype.com recently that he wants to meet UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 200 in July. But, if that doesn’t work out, Alvarez has another opponent in mind.

“I am pushing as hard as I can for this title shot,” he said in the interview, which you can view below. “We’re going for the champ.

“If dos Anjos doesn’t give me a shot at the world title, then the (Nate) Diaz fight.”

Diaz is coming off a win over Conor McGregor and views himself as the top contender to dos Anjos, as well.

Alvarez (27-4) is on a two-fight win streak and is 5-1 over his last six, losing only in his Octagon debut to Donald Cerrone.

New York Post Gushing Over UFC Champion Miesha Tate

miesha-tate-photo-shoot-cover

For those in-tune with the MMA scene, the idea of Miesha Tate knocking out red-hot photo shoots is not surprising.

However, now that she is atop the UFC bantamweight world, Tate is likely in line for more high-profile gigs than before.

And the New York Post has taken notice.

In a recent report, the site had this to say about “Cupcake,” who will likely meet Ronda Rousey for a third time before 2016 closes:

Ronda Rousey has some stiff competition — both in the ring and on the red carpet.

Miesha Tate — the current UFC women’s bantamweight champion after she put Holly Holm in a headlock last week — is hardly recognizable in this glamorous photo shoot. The 29-year-old stunner traded in her cornrows and gloves for curls and stilettos — and with a body like that, could be poised to be the next athlete to chase entertainment stardom.

Tate likely will face off with former UFC champ Rousey for the 135-pound bantamweight title later this year; Rousey has defeated Tate in two previous matches. Rousey, who held the title for three years straight, fell to Holm in ­November.

miesha-tate-photo-shoot-cover

For those in-tune with the MMA scene, the idea of Miesha Tate knocking out red-hot photo shoots is not surprising.

However, now that she is atop the UFC bantamweight world, Tate is likely in line for more high-profile gigs than before.

And the New York Post has taken notice.

In a recent report, the site had this to say about “Cupcake,” who will likely meet Ronda Rousey for a third time before 2016 closes:

Ronda Rousey has some stiff competition — both in the ring and on the red carpet.

Miesha Tate — the current UFC women’s bantamweight champion after she put Holly Holm in a headlock last week — is hardly recognizable in this glamorous photo shoot. The 29-year-old stunner traded in her cornrows and gloves for curls and stilettos — and with a body like that, could be poised to be the next athlete to chase entertainment stardom.

Tate likely will face off with former UFC champ Rousey for the 135-pound bantamweight title later this year; Rousey has defeated Tate in two previous matches. Rousey, who held the title for three years straight, fell to Holm in ­November.

Shogun Rua vs. Corey Anderson Added To UFC 198 In Brazil

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will make his return about a month after originally planned, taking on Corey Anderson at UFC 198.

The light heavyweight contest has been added to the May 14 event that features heavyweight …

shogun-vs-anderson

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will make his return about a month after originally planned, taking on Corey Anderson at UFC 198.

The light heavyweight contest has been added to the May 14 event that features heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum vs. Stipe Miocic.

Rua (23-10) was expected to face Rashad Evans in April, but a knee injury caused his removal. He was replaced by Glover Teixeira in the contest.

The Brazilian is coming off a much-needed victory over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira last August, his first win since 2013. Rua is 2-4 over his last six.

Anderson (8-1) was a heavyweight winner on The Ultimate Fighter and pushed his win streak to three in a row with a controversial decision vs. Tom Lawlor earlier this month. He is 5-1 over his UFC career, losing only to Gian Villante.

Legal MMA In New York City Appears Closer Than Ever

dana white 2015

The UFC released a statement on Tuesday, noting that MMA could become legal in New York as soon as next week.

The Assembly will consider legalizing MMA next week, according to this report. The bill has previously been approved by the Republican-controlled Senate as part of the $154 billion budget.

UFC president Dana White sent out this message via Twitter, likely in relation to the statement:

[embed]https://twitter.com/danawhite/status/709876807995039744[/embed]

“We want to thank Speaker Heastie and of course we also need to thank Majority Leader Morelle, who has worked tirelessly to educate his colleagues and build support on both sides of the aisle, but particularly among Assembly Democrats. Our thanks, as well, go to those legislators in both houses and both parties who have supported this effort over the years.

“This is a big step forward for MMA, the athletes and the huge fan base the sport enjoys in New York, however, there are still more steps before New York finally crosses the hurdle to legalize professional MMA. We look forward to working with the chairs of the committees and all Assemblymembers to provide them with any information they may need as they address the bill to legalize and regulate MMA.”

dana white 2015

The UFC released a statement on Tuesday, noting that MMA could become legal in New York as soon as next week.

The Assembly will consider legalizing MMA next week, according to this report. The bill has previously been approved by the Republican-controlled Senate as part of the $154 billion budget.

UFC president Dana White sent out this message via Twitter, likely in relation to the statement:

“We want to thank Speaker Heastie and of course we also need to thank Majority Leader Morelle, who has worked tirelessly to educate his colleagues and build support on both sides of the aisle, but particularly among Assembly Democrats. Our thanks, as well, go to those legislators in both houses and both parties who have supported this effort over the years.

“This is a big step forward for MMA, the athletes and the huge fan base the sport enjoys in New York, however, there are still more steps before New York finally crosses the hurdle to legalize professional MMA. We look forward to working with the chairs of the committees and all Assemblymembers to provide them with any information they may need as they address the bill to legalize and regulate MMA.”

Bellator Kickboxing Rules, Weight Classes Set For Promotional Debut

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Bellator Kickboxing will debut this April from Italy, running the first event as part of Bellator 152.

On Tuesday, the promotion revealed planned weight classes and rules for the kickboxing matches.

Below is all the information you need to know:

Bellator Kickboxing is set to make its world premiere in just over a month on Friday, April 16 with “Bellator Kickboxing: Torino.” The event will be broadcast in America on April 22 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT, immediately following the “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson” event on SPIKE. Today the promotion is pleased to announce its official weight classes and rule set.

The Pala Alpitour, which has been the home to several amazing events including the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, will host the inaugural “Bellator Kickboxing: Torino” card. The groundbreaking evening of fights will be headlined by one of the most accomplished knockout artists in combat sports, Melvin Manhoef (49-12), who takes on Alexandru Negrea (8-2). The co-main event features Mustapha Haida (37-3-3) taking on Karim Ghajji (95-12) for the 165-pound ISKA title. Kickboxing sensations Raymond Daniels (10-3), Denise Kielholtz (43-2) and Kevin Ross (30-9) will round out the card of the initial event against yet to be announced opponents.

Traditionally, kickboxing has never had a set amount of weight classes, with the number differing by promotion. In Bellator Kickboxing, the weight classes will be identical to those utilized in mixed martial arts, starting with heavyweight and ending with flyweight. Generally, there is a one-pound allowance for non-title fights, although that allowance may vary depending on the regulatory body sanctioning the event.

– Heavyweight: 265 pounds

– Light Heavyweight: 205 pounds

– Middleweight: 185 pounds

– Welterweight: 170 pounds

– Lightweight: 155 pounds

– Featherweight: 145 pounds

– Bantamweight: 135 pounds

– Flyweight: 125 pounds

In addition, below is an overview of Bellator Kickboxing’s rule set, which will make for the most explosive kickboxing action on the planet.

– The competitors will attack and defend using punches (including spinning backfists), kicks and knee strikes.

– Each non-title fight is scheduled for three, three-minute rounds with the potential for an extra sudden victory round if the bout is scored a draw. Title fights will be scheduled for five, three-minute rounds.

– Prohibited techniques include: elbow strikes, throws, takedowns, and submission attempts or striking a downed fighter. Fighters may only clinch if they immediately attack with a knee strike.

– Three judges will score Bellator Kickboxing using the “10-Point-Must” system applying a prioritized criterion that values knockdowns, impact on the opponent and clean scoring strikes.

“Bellator Kickboxing: Torino” Fight Card

Bellator Kickboxing Middleweight Main Event: Melvin Manhoef (49-12) vs. Alexandru Negrea (8-2)

Bellator Kickboxing 165-Pound Feature Bout: Mustapha Haida (37-3-3) vs. Karim Ghajji (95-12)

Bellator Kickboxing Welterweight Feature Bout: Raymond Daniels (10-3) vs. TBA

Bellator Kickboxing Flyweight Feature Bout: Denise Kielholtz (43-2) vs. TBA

Bellator Kickboxing Bantamweight Feature Bout: Kevin Ross (30-9) vs. TBA

image002

Bellator Kickboxing will debut this April from Italy, running the first event as part of Bellator 152.

On Tuesday, the promotion revealed planned weight classes and rules for the kickboxing matches.

Below is all the information you need to know:

Bellator Kickboxing is set to make its world premiere in just over a month on Friday, April 16 with “Bellator Kickboxing: Torino.” The event will be broadcast in America on April 22 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT, immediately following the “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson” event on SPIKE. Today the promotion is pleased to announce its official weight classes and rule set.

The Pala Alpitour, which has been the home to several amazing events including the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, will host the inaugural “Bellator Kickboxing: Torino” card. The groundbreaking evening of fights will be headlined by one of the most accomplished knockout artists in combat sports, Melvin Manhoef (49-12), who takes on Alexandru Negrea (8-2). The co-main event features Mustapha Haida (37-3-3) taking on Karim Ghajji (95-12) for the 165-pound ISKA title. Kickboxing sensations Raymond Daniels (10-3), Denise Kielholtz (43-2) and Kevin Ross (30-9) will round out the card of the initial event against yet to be announced opponents.

Traditionally, kickboxing has never had a set amount of weight classes, with the number differing by promotion. In Bellator Kickboxing, the weight classes will be identical to those utilized in mixed martial arts, starting with heavyweight and ending with flyweight. Generally, there is a one-pound allowance for non-title fights, although that allowance may vary depending on the regulatory body sanctioning the event.

– Heavyweight: 265 pounds

– Light Heavyweight: 205 pounds

– Middleweight: 185 pounds

– Welterweight: 170 pounds

– Lightweight: 155 pounds

– Featherweight: 145 pounds

– Bantamweight: 135 pounds

– Flyweight: 125 pounds

In addition, below is an overview of Bellator Kickboxing’s rule set, which will make for the most explosive kickboxing action on the planet.

– The competitors will attack and defend using punches (including spinning backfists), kicks and knee strikes.

– Each non-title fight is scheduled for three, three-minute rounds with the potential for an extra sudden victory round if the bout is scored a draw. Title fights will be scheduled for five, three-minute rounds.

– Prohibited techniques include: elbow strikes, throws, takedowns, and submission attempts or striking a downed fighter. Fighters may only clinch if they immediately attack with a knee strike.

– Three judges will score Bellator Kickboxing using the “10-Point-Must” system applying a prioritized criterion that values knockdowns, impact on the opponent and clean scoring strikes.

“Bellator Kickboxing: Torino” Fight Card

Bellator Kickboxing Middleweight Main Event: Melvin Manhoef (49-12) vs. Alexandru Negrea (8-2)

Bellator Kickboxing 165-Pound Feature Bout: Mustapha Haida (37-3-3) vs. Karim Ghajji (95-12)

Bellator Kickboxing Welterweight Feature Bout: Raymond Daniels (10-3) vs. TBA

Bellator Kickboxing Flyweight Feature Bout: Denise Kielholtz (43-2) vs. TBA

Bellator Kickboxing Bantamweight Feature Bout: Kevin Ross (30-9) vs. TBA

Invicta FC 17 To Feature Tonya Evinger Vs. Colleen Schneider

Invicta FC president Shannon Knapp appeared on a recent edition of “The Luke Thomas Show” and disclosed that Invicta FC 17 will feature Tonya Evinger vs. Colleen Schneider for the bantamweight title.

The event is scheduled for May 7 from Southern Ca…

Tonya Evinger

Invicta FC president Shannon Knapp appeared on a recent edition of “The Luke Thomas Show” and disclosed that Invicta FC 17 will feature Tonya Evinger vs. Colleen Schneider for the bantamweight title.

The event is scheduled for May 7 from Southern California and will air on UFC Fight Pass.

Evinger (16-6) is unbeaten since a 2011 loss to former UFC title contender Sara McMann, winning the Invicta FC title with a TKO over Irene Aldana last year. She was scheduled to defend the belt vs. Pannie Kianzad in September, but Kianzad missed weight.

Evinger went on to defeat her in a non-title fight.

Schneider (10-6) has picked up four straight wins, including a January victory vs. Raquel Pa’alhui to secure her shot at the belt. She is a native of Los Angeles and lost in the elimination round on The Ultimate Fighter 18 alongside Evinger.

The report, transcribed by MMAFighting.com, also states plans for multiple title fights on the May card.

Here’s a look back at that Evinger-Aldana contest: