Tag: Awards

Press Release – Fighters Only, the world’s leading mixed martial arts magazine, today announced that the most outspoken man in mixed martial arts will take center stage as host of the 2011 Fighters Only World MMA Awards ceremony in November.

Never one to be left for words, or opinion, UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen takes over from last year’s lead presenter Randy Couture to join beautiful co-host Molly Querim on the stage for the 2011 ceremony at the Pearl Theatre at the Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas on Wednesday, November 30th.

Known for his quick-wit and penchant for the controversial, Sonnen is destined to be the most outrageous presenter in the history of the awards, which brings together the very best of mixed martial arts for an evening of celebration.

In further exciting news, this year’s event will be broadcast in primetime slots across the East and West coast’s of North America by the FOX Sports Network and then later re-aired by FUEL TV and FSN.

The evening, sponsored once more by leading nutrition suppliers BodyBuilding.com and this year in association with Gaspari Nutrition, will be available in millions of homes across the US, providing fans with the opportunity to watch their favorite MMA stars throw down their fight gloves and throw on their tuxedos in anticipation of winning one of the coveted silver statues.

Rob Hewitt, CEO of Fighters Only, said today: “I say it every year that we want to make the awards show bigger and better and every year we have done just that. However, none of it would be possible with out the support of the MMA industry, the fans, our sponsors and TV and venue partners who all believe as much as we do in this project.

“To celebrate the sport we love and the people within it in the way that we do is a crowning moment of the year for Fighters Only and we can’t wait to reveal this year’s winners.”

Tickets for the World MMA Awards 2011 are priced at $59, $79 and $99, plus additional fees, and go on sale on Friday, October 21st at noon. Tickets can be purchased at the Pearl Box Office, by calling 702-944-3200 or at any Ticketmaster location. Doors for the event on November 30th open at 6 pm, with show time at 7.30pm.

Fan voting ultimately decides the winners of each award category, with the voting period scheduled to end on Friday, November 25th. To vote visit www.worldmmaawards.com or download the Fighters Only Lowdown app for free from iTunes.

Press Release – (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA): It was announced recently that Roufusport has been nominated for “Gym of the Year” by the prestigious World MMA Awards, presented by Fighters Only Magazine. The black-tie, red-carpet ceremony takes place November 30th at The Pearl at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. It is the fourth edition of the annual awards, and five finalists have been selected in 22 different award categories.

Other gyms nominated for the award include Alliance MMA, Xtreme Couture, Black House, and Jackson’s MMA. All winners are determined by a fan vote, and ballots can be cast now through November 23rd at http://www.worldmmaawards.com/.

“What an honor it is to be nominated for such a great award,” states Duke Roufusport Head Trainer. “Our guys have worked very hard, and we’ve had some great moments this year. Best of luck to everyone nominated.”

2011 was something of a banner year for Roufusport. The gym launched its “Fighter House,” which gives up-and-coming fighters from across the country the chance to train with the Roufusport fighters and coaches. In addition, Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren joined the fold, bringing his NCAA championship wrestling credentials with him.

Several Roufusport competitors also brought home big-time victories, though perhaps none was bigger than Alan “The Talent” Belcher’s return at Ultimate Fight Night 25. After suffering an eye injury that nearly ended his career, Belcher came back from a year and a half-long layoff to stop Jason MacDonald with punches in the first round. And, Erik “New Breed” Koch went 2-0 during the 2011 campaign, stopping Raphael Assuncao and dominating Jonathan Brookins in a decision win.

2011 also saw Roufusport up-and-comers like Sergio “The Phenom” Pettis make their mark, as Pettis made his pro MMA debut with a highlight-reel head-kick knockout in September. Roufusport also added a new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Head Coach in 2008 BJJ World Champion Joao Zeferino. In short, it was incredible year for Roufusport and its fighters.

“This year, we saw some changes in the camp, with some fighters leaving and some new ones coming in. But the camaraderie was there, and we persevered. I can’t want to see what 2012 holds for us,” concludes Roufus.

For more information on Roufusport, please visit http://roufusport.com/.

About Roufusport
Roufusport is run by famed kickboxer and MMA trainer Duke Roufus and his business partner Scott Joffe. It is a world class brand that includes a state-of-the-art training facility, fight team, and MMA promotion, the North American Fighting Championship.

Roufus is one of the most recognizable MMA and striking coaches in North America, and is considered to be one of the top trainers of Muay Thai kickboxing outside of Thailand. Roufus also runs the Roufusport Fight Club team, which includes UFC® stars Alan Belcher, Anthony Pettis (of the famous “Showtime Kick” off the cage), Ben Rothwell, Erik Koch, and “Danny Boy” Downes.

Former students include former UFC® Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver, The Ultimate Fighter® season one star Stephan Bonnar, and UFC® veterans Pat Barry, Matt Mitrione and Jesse Lennox.