Tag: Press Release

Jason Fischer Officially Replaces ‘Tiger’ Sarnavskiy In Bellator Season Eight Lightweight Tournament

Press Release – Newport Beach, CA. (February 12, 2013) – After suffering a hand injury in his Bellator Lightweight Quarterfinal victory, Tiger Sarnavskiy will be replaced in the Season 8 Lightweight Tournament by Michigan native Jason “The Finisher” Fischer. The Lightweight Tournament continues February 28th from New Mexico’s Santa Ana Star Center. Tickets for the […]

Press Release – Newport Beach, CA. (February 12, 2013) – After suffering a hand injury in his Bellator Lightweight Quarterfinal victory, Tiger Sarnavskiy will be replaced in the Season 8 Lightweight Tournament by Michigan native Jason “The Finisher” Fischer. The Lightweight Tournament continues February 28th from New Mexico’s Santa Ana Star Center.

Tickets for the event are on sale and range from $25-$90. Tickets can be purchased at ComcastTix.com, Bellator.com or by visiting The Santa Ana Star Center box office. The event will broadcast LIVE starting at 8 p.m. MST on Spike, as well as in Spanish language on mun2. The preliminary card will be streamed LIVE and FREE on Spike.com starting at 6 p.m. MST.

If getting a chance to fight for a $100,000 Tournament prize wasn’t enough, Fischer will now have the chance to avenge the only loss of his young career as the submission ace will meet David “The Caveman” Rickels in semifinal action. The two met in November of 2012, with Rickels escaping with a unanimous decision win.

“This is a huge opportunity for me,” Fischer said. “I feel like I’ve put in a ton of hard work and this is the time for all that work to pay off. You never like to see any fighter go down with an injury, but when the phone call came in, I jumped at the opportunity. My loss to Rickels still bothers me, and I’m looking to wipe the slate clean with a big win on February 28th.”

The night will also feature the undefeated Will Brooks taking on the explosive Saad Awad for a spot in the Bellator Lightweight Tournament Finals, while reigning Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Christian M’Pumbu battles Attila Vegh for the title.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is the world’s largest tournament based Mixed Martial Arts organization. Televised to nearly 500 Million homes worldwide in over 107 countries, Bellator’s majority owner is entertainment giant Viacom. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. With over 150 world-class athletes under contract, Bellator is home to many of the sport’s top mixed martial artists. Bellator’s founder & CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment executive with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator’s core philosophy is that title shots should be earned, not given. This belief gave rise to Bellator’s real sport, tournament-based format, which gives Bellator’s tournaments a true playoff feel that keeps the sport true and distances itself from the subjective side of fighting sports found in organizations that utilize a matchmaking/casting formula. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Newport Beach, California.

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

About mun2

mun2 is the leading Hispanic cable network for young millennial adults 18-34. From reality to music, on-air to digital, mun2 creates original content that resonates across a multi-screen platform. Young, vibrant and unabashedly Latino, mun2 has a distribution to over 38 million households. The network is part of Telemundo Media, a division of NBCUniversal.

MFC 36: Reality Check Schedule Of Events For Feb. 15th Show

Two title fights & heavyweight showdown top MFC 36: Reality Check lineup Press Release – The Maximum Fighting Championship is pleased to invite the media to the official press conference for the introduction of several main-card fighters who will be competing at MFC 36: Reality Check. The press conference will take place on Wednesday, February […]

Two title fights & heavyweight showdown top MFC 36: Reality Check lineup

Press Release – The Maximum Fighting Championship is pleased to invite the media to the official press conference for the introduction of several main-card fighters who will be competing at MFC 36: Reality Check.

The press conference will take place on Wednesday, February 13 at 2 p.m. at the Rose & Crown Pub inside the Sutton Place Hotel, the host hotel for the Maximum Fighting Championship events in Edmonton, Alberta. Fighters will be available for one-on-one interviews as well as for video and still photographs.

MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich will also be on hand to meet with the media and discuss MFC 36: Reality Check which will go down on Friday, February 15 at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.

MFC 36: Reality Check will air live on AXS TV (formerly HDNet) throughout the United States beginning at 10 p.m. ET/8 p.m. MT/7 p.m. PT (check local listings for channel designation).

Two title fights share co-main event status for MFC 36 as both the MFC world lightweight and world middleweight belts will be on the line.

In the MFC world lightweight title fight, hometown star “The Afrikan Assassin” Mukai Maromo (8-2) will face Graham Spencer (9-1, 1 NC) with the winner becoming the first Canadian to hold the MFC’s 155-pound division title belt. The title fight is also rematch three years in the making with the original encounter earning Spencer a decision win.

Maromo, who now makes him home in Edmonton, Alberta, is coming off back-to-back wins over former U.S. Marine Adam Lynn and has built an impressive resume since joining the Maximum Fighting Championship. In 2012, Maromo earned the Rising Star Award from AXS TV Fights, captured the MFC’s Knockout of the Year, and racked up his second straight MFC Fight of the Year honor.

Spencer, who hails from Nanaimo, British Columbia, is one of the emerging stars in the MFC and made a strong statement in his organizational debut, earning a resounding unanimous decision victory over Shane Nelson at MFC 35.

In the other co-main event, Elvis “The King” Mutapcic (12-2) makes the first defense of his MFC world middleweight championship as he faces “Smilen” Sam Alvey (19-4, 1 NC).

Mutapcic laid claim to the MFC’s 185-pound division crown at MFC 35 when he scored a thunderous third-round TKO finish against Joseph Henle. That win was the second consecutive knockout result for the Des Moines, Iowa, product who is originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia. Mutapcic made a sensational debut under the MFC banner with a dominating first-round stoppage of Jacen Flynn.

Alvey, who fights out of Murrieta, California, will be a stiff test for Mutapcic as he boasts 11 knockout victories on his record. The former reality show standout recently married America’s Next Top Model winner McKey Sullivan, who will be in his corner for the title fight.

A heavyweight showdown will not only decide who the top big man in Canada is but also give the winner of the bout a direct shot at the MFC heavyweight title. The clash will pit Smealinho “The Prince” Rama (5-0) against Mike “The Honey Badger” Hackert (6-1) as both men attempt to position themselves at the top of the MFC’s heavyweight ranks.

Rama, who fights out of Calgary, Alberta, was named Fight Matrix’s Rookie of the Year for 2012, while Hackert, who hails from Comox Valley, British Columbia, bolstered his record with back-to-back wins over former Canadian heavyweight kingpin Tim Hague.

In the MFC’s talent-rich lightweight division, newcomers Jonatas “Peixe Frito” Novaes (10-4) and Kurt Southern (10-3) collide in matchup that could very well determine the next title challenger. Originally from Brazil and now fighting out of Chicago, Illinois, Novaes has won five of his last six fights and the submission specialist has scored seven wins by way of tapout. Southern, a native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, holds a career victory over title hopeful Mukai Maromo and comes in riding a three-fight winning streak.

The MFC 36: Reality Check main card lineup is rounded out by a pair of middleweight matchups. One clash will have Jason “The Savage” Zentgraf (6-1) of Missoula, Montana, taking on Clay Davidson (7-3) who fights out of Lethbridge, Alberta. The other bout marks the highly anticipated arrival of Jay “Da Spyda Killa” Silva (8-6) on the MFC scene as the Huntington Beach, California, product meets Missoula, Montana’s Leo “Bushido” Bercier (7-2-1, 1 NC).

A three-fight undercard, featuring fan favorites Garrett Nybakken and Paul Grandbois along with Keenen Feeney (co-star of reality show “Canadian Pickers”), will get the night started prior to the live TV broadcast.

Schedule of Events for

MFC 36: Reality Check

*PRESS CONFERENCE*

Wednesday, February 13

2 p.m.

Rose & Crown Pub – Sutton Place Hotel

Those in attendance will include:

· Mark Pavelich – Maximum Fighting Championship Owner/President

· Mukai Maromo and Graham Spencer – Meeting for MFC world lightweight title

· Elvis Mutapcic and Sam Alvey – Fighting for MFC world middleweight title

· Smeahlino Rama and Mike Hackert – Canada’s top two heavyweight collide

· Main card fighters Jonatas Novaes, Kurt Southern, Jason Zentgraf, Jay Silva

*Media members can pick up their accreditation for MFC 36 at the press conference.

*WEIGH-IN*

Thursday, February 14

2 p.m.

World Health Club – City Centre Mall

*All fighters will be on the scale and available for interviews and photos.

*FIGHT NIGHT*

Friday, February 15

Shaw Conference Centre

*Doors open at 5:45 p.m. with undercard bouts starting at 6:45 p.m. The televised card begins at 8 p.m.

Two Title Matches On Tap For Invicta FC 5 Event On April 5th

Press Release – KANSAS CITY, Mo. (February 11, 2013) – Women’s world championship Mixed Martial! Arts (MMA) promotion Invicta Fighting Championships has partnered with Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City to deliver the promotion’s first world championship doubleheader event in history on Friday, April 5. In the main event, reigning Invicta FC Atomweight (105 pounds) Champion […]

Invicta Fighting Championships logo

Press Release – KANSAS CITY, Mo. (February 11, 2013) – Women’s world championship Mixed Martial! Arts (MMA) promotion Invicta Fighting Championships has partnered with Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City to deliver the promotion’s first world championship doubleheader event in history on Friday, April 5.

In the main event, reigning Invicta FC Atomweight (105 pounds) Champion Jessica Penne (10-1) of Huntington Beach, Calif. will defend her crown against superstar Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson (10-3) of Albuquerque, N.M. and, in the co-main event and first-ever Invicta FC flyweight (125 pounds) title fight, submission ace Vanessa Porto (15-5) of Sao Paulo, Brazil will square off with red-hot star Barb Honchak (7-2) of Bettendorf, Iowa.

Additionally, flyweight superstar Zoila Frausto Gurgel (12-2) of Cincinnati, Ohio will make her Invicta FC debut against submission expert Jennifer Maia (6-2) of Curitiba, Parana Brazil.

Tickets for Invicta FC 5: Penne vs. Waterson go on sale soon.

“We are excited about entering a new chapter in Invicta FC history that consists of a partnership with one of the finest and most impressive entertainment venues in the country as well as our first world championship doubleheader card that is loaded with world-class women’s fight talent,” said Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp.

The 30-year-old Penne made history on Oct. 6 when she became the first Invicta FC atomweight champion in history after dominating and submitted previously unbeaten superstar Naho Sugiyama with a triangle choke in the second round (2:20) of their main event showdown. The victory was Penne’s third straight.

Waterson, a 27-year-old protégé of famed trainer Greg Jackson, will put a four-fight win streak on the line in the matchup with Penne. A black belt! in American Freestyle Karate, Waterson also boasts extensive training in Muay Thai and made a name for herself as a contestant on the Muay Thai-themed reality show Fight Girls on the Oxygen television network.

In her last start, Porto, a 28-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, earned a unanimous decision victory over women’s MMA pioneer Tara LaRosa at Invicta FC 3 on Oct. 6. Porto, who has blazed a trail to stardom in her native Brazil, is one of only two fighters to go the distance with former Strikeforce champion and executioner Cris Cyborg, and holds notable wins over decorated, former JEWELS champion Hitomi Akano and Germaine de Randamie.

The 33-year-old Honchak, a protégé of former UFC competitor Steve Berger, is in the midst of a six-fight win streak that began on Jan. 14, 201! 1 when she earned a unanimous decision over Felice “Lil’ Bulldog” Herrig. Honchak’s last two victories – a second round TKO (punches) of Bethany Marshall on July 28, 2012 and a unanimous decision over Aisling Daly on Oct. 6, 2012 – both came inside the Invicta FC cage.

In other action on the nine-bout main card, bantamweight (135 pounds) superstar Sarah Kaufman (15-2) of Victoria, BC Canada will make her long-awaited Invicta FC debut against dangerous striker and Invicta FC 3 and Invicta FC 4 winner Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (5-2-1) of Pleasant Hill, Calif.

Hard-hitting KO artist manda “Lioness of the Ring” Nunes (7-3) of Miami, Fla. via Salvador, Bahia Brazil will look to rebound from her Invicta FC 4 unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Sarah D’Alelio when she squares off with fellow power striker Kaitlin Young (7-7-1) of St. Louis Park, Minn. at bantamweight.

In a featherweight (145 pounds) contest, streaking submission wizard and Invicta FC 3 and Invicta FC 4 victor Ediane Gomes(10-2) of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. will battle hard-punching Julia “The Jewel” Budd (4-2) of Port Moody, BC Canada.

The exciting, prolific Nicdali “The Night Queen” Rivera-Calanoc (8-6) of Tulsa, Okla. will return to the Invicta FC cage for the third time in an atomweight matchup with Cassie Rodish (4-3) of Des Moines, Iowa.

After accepting an opponent change and promotion to championship main event status just a week and a half before Invicta FC 4, “Rowdy” Bec Hyatt (4-2) of Brisbane, Australia will drop from flyweight to strawweight (115 pounds) and look to return to the win column against undefeated sensation and Invicta FC newcomer Jasminka Cive (5-0) of Graz, Austria.

Katja Kankaanpaa (7-0-1) of Seinajoki, Finland will square off with fellow undefeated rising star Juliana Carnerio Lima (5-0) of Belo Horizonte, Brazil at strawweight in what will mark both fighters’ Invicta FC debuts.

The Invicta FC five-fight preliminary card will be highlighted by a bantamweight tilt between two undefeated prospects in powerhouse Jessamyn “The Gun” Duke (2-0) of Richmond, Ky. and Muay Thai stylist Miriam Nakamoto (1-0) of Dublin, Calif.

Alex Chambers (4-1) of St. Ives New South Wales, Australia will meet unbeaten Jodie Esquibel of Albuquerque, N.M. at atomweight.

Fresh off of her professional debut victory in the Invicta FC cage, top-flight prospect Rose Namajunas (1-0) of St. Paul, Minn. will face off with fellow undefeated upstart Kathina Catron (2-0) of Tehlequa, Okla. at strawweight.

Following her explosive first round KO and professional debut victory over Katalina Malungahu at Invicta FC 4, recent Team Alpha Male enlistee Veronica Rothenhausler (1-0) of Sacramento, Calif. will return to the cage against Mollie Estes (1-1) of Kansas City.

Making her professional debut, River Jones (0-0) of Nelson, BC Canada will meet Lauren Barefoot (1-0) of Omaha, Neb. at bantamweight in the event’s first preliminary card bout.

About Invicta Fighting Championships:

Invicta Fighting Championships (www.invictafc.com) is a world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone! their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp and sports aficionado Janet Martin, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible matchups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport.

About Ameristar Kansas City

Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City is owned and operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameristar Casinos, Inc. (NASDAQ-GS: ASCA), and is a premier property characterized by a state-of-the-art casino floor and outstanding dining, lodging and entertainment options. The property features the largest casino and the most games in the Kansas City area, as well as one of the largest poker rooms in the Midwest. Ameristar offers nine diverse dining venues — The Horizon Buffet, The Falcon Bakery, Pearl’s Oyster Bar, Great Plains Cattle Co., Amerisports Brew Pub, Casino Deli, Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, Burger King and Sbarro The Ita! lian Eatery, as well as the Star Club, a private players’ lounge. Entertainment amenities include the Star Pavilion, featuring national headliners; Depot #9, with popular regional and local acts; the Regal Cinema’s Kansas City 18 Theater; Hi-Vi video arcade; and Kids Quest, a supervised child-care facility. The property also includes a 184-room hotel. The property was awarded “Favorite Casino” for the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association’s 2012 Visitor Choice Awards. Best Casino in 2012 Ingram’s Magazine “Best of Business Awards;” in the 2003, 2005, 2007 – 2009, 2011 Kansas City Magazine’s “Best of Kansas City” readers’ poll and 2011 Best Casino in Home in the Northland Magazine’s readers’ poll. Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City also was awarded Best Steakhouse, Best Buffet, Best Live Poker and Best Tournaments in the 2012 Casino Player Magazine’s &ldquo! ;Best of Gaming” awards.

BAMMA Adds Leeroy Barnes vs. Steve Watson To March 9 Prelim Card

Press Release – (January 11th.13) The UK’s premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce a Middleweight bout between Leeroy Barnes and Steve Watson to the preliminary card for BAMMA 12, which takes place at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 9th March 2013. Tickets are on sale now from www.BAMMA.com, www.metroradioarena.co.uk and […]

Press Release – (January 11th.13) The UK’s premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce a Middleweight bout between Leeroy Barnes and Steve Watson to the preliminary card for BAMMA 12, which takes place at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 9th March 2013.

Tickets are on sale now from www.BAMMA.com, www.metroradioarena.co.uk and http://www.kililive.com/BAMMA

Leeroy Barnes impressed fans at BAMMA 8 when he pushed then champion, Jack Marshman, the full distance; and again at BAMMA 9 when he submitted UK veteran, Matt Ewin. At BAMMA 10, it took Denniston Sutherland three rounds and a decision to secure the victory over Barnes. Barnes went on to defeat Micky Burns by Guillotine Choke at Made 4 the Cage in December.

Sunderland’s Steve Watson presents a professional record of 4-1-0, with all of his wins achieved in the first round and his one loss against Eugene Fadiora (12-1-0) at Made 4 the Cage last year.

Leeroy Barnes said:

“I’m really looking forward to fighting in Newcastle. I have a lot of friends and support in the area, and in the North East fight fans are some of the best. I appreciate Watson stepping in after my original opponent pulled out. I’ve seen him fight a couple of times and he’s capable but he obviously thinks I’m the kind of fighter he can prepare for in 3 weeks. I am not and he will learn this the hard way when I attack him on March 9th. I’m coming to prove a point and fans can expect it to be explosive. ”

Steve Watson said:

“I’m looking forward to facing another top 20 ranked fighter on one of the best shows in England in my home town. I’ll be going for a Knock Out or Submission, so Leeroy, look out!”

Follow @leeroybarnes and @BAMMAUK on Twitter.

BAMMA 12 FIGHT CARD

WITH MORE FIGHTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT

MATT VEACH VS. JIM WALLHEAD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

MAX NUNES VS. MARCIN LAZARZ

BAMMA LONSDALE BRITISH LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE BOUT

CURT WARBURTON VS. STEVIE RAY

BRITISH WELTERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDERS FIGHT

BOLA OMOYELE VS. WAYNE MURRAY

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

LUKE NEWMAN VS. RYAN SCOPE

HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

DARREN TOWLER VS. CALLUM COOK

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT

KEVIN THOMPSON VS. SCOTT ASKHAM

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT

LEEROY BARNES VS. STEVE WATSON

About BAMMA:

BAMMA (The British Association of Mixed Martial Arts) is a premier European MMA organization that launched in June 2009 with the aim of delivering Mixed Martial Arts events that fully capture the entertainment and sporting prowess on display in the world’s fastest growing sport. To achieve this aim, BAMMA brought together a team of skilled individuals with a wealth of combined experience across Television Production, Event Organisation and Mixed Martial Arts. BAMMA’s combination of arena sized venues, stunning fight cards and exceptional production values has led to BAMMA’s position as one of Europe’s most recognisable MMA brands. With a highly experienced team each BAMMA event always delivers a highly anticipated and unique Mixed Martial Arts experience.

About Lonsdale:

Firmly established as the leading brand of fight sports equipment and clothing, Lonsdale is steeped in over 50 years of fight history. From humble London origins the Lonsdale brand quickly became the hallmark of both boxing and MMA champions throughout the world, with its legendary quality and authenticity.

It is no coincidence fights legends Tom ‘Kong’ Watson, Muhammad Ali, “Marvellous” Marvin Hagler, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton have all trained and fought in Lonsdale.

About Safe MMA

SAFE MMA is a not for profit organisation established to improve the safety of MMA fighters in the UK. Under the Safe MMA banner, the medical centre provides a secure, centralised and confidential database for fighter medical records; and coordinates affordable, standardised blood and medical tests for all registered fighters. Additionally, SAFE MMA members will have access to advice from leading world experts in sports medicine.

UK promotions Cage Warriors, BAMMA and UCMMA united to help found the project and have agreed that from 1st January 1013 all fighters on their cards must be registered to SAFE MMA and undergo annual medical tests and bi-annual blood tests. The promotions have agreed only to use fighters that are deemed medically safe to fight under the SAFE MMA (green light) system and not to use fighters that are suspended due to injuries, such as concussion, or who are overdue for blood tests, for example. Additionally, the promotions have pledged to have medical professionals carry out pre- and post-fight tests with all results to be submitted to the confidential medical database at 76 Harley St. Medical data will never be transmitted to anyone but SAFE MMA will be able to give a rapid and all-hours service to inform authorised promotions of who is medically safe to fight and who needs to be rechecked, at the time of enquiry. Visit www.safemma.co.uk for further information.

Renan Barao vs. Michael McDonald First UFC Title Bout On Fuel TV

Press Release – LOS ANGELES, CA – UFC® ON FUEL TV travels to Wembley Arena in London, live, on Saturday, Feb. 16 (3:00 PM ET) and marks the network’s first-ever Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) title fight. The seventh installment of UFC ON FUEL TV is highlighted by Renan Barao’s first interim title defense in the […]

Press Release – LOS ANGELES, CA – UFC® ON FUEL TV travels to Wembley Arena in London, live, on Saturday, Feb. 16 (3:00 PM ET) and marks the network’s first-ever Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) title fight. The seventh installment of UFC ON FUEL TV is highlighted by Renan Barao’s first interim title defense in the bantamweight division against top contender Michael McDonald. Barao is riding a 19-fight win streak (4-0 in the UFC, 31-1, 1 NC), while McDonald (8-fight win streak, 4-0 in the UFC) could become the youngest fighter in the UFC to win a title at the age of 22. The Barao vs. McDonald main event is preceded by five exciting undercard matchups, all televised by FUEL TV, while FOXSports.com live streams the six-fight Prelims.

In the POSTFIGHT SHOW, FUEL TV premieres its “Fan CAMeo,” a groundbreaking feature that allows viewers to submit video reactions to the fights. By using the FUEL TV website or app, Fan CAMeo lets viewers record video responses from their mobile phone, table or laptop, upload the clip, and have it used within minutes on the live show. Fans can upload their videos here: http://www.fuel.tv/fancameo

The afternoon telecast features a featherweight clash between Cub Swanson (18-5, 3-1 UFC), who’s riding a three-fight win streak, and Dustin Poirier (13-2, 5-1 in the UFC), who was awarded Fight of the Night honors in his back-and-forth battle with the “Korean Zombie,” Chan Sung Jung, at UFC® ON FUEL TV 3. Undefeated Jimi Manuwa (12-0) takes on Cyrille Diabate (20-8-3) in a light heavyweight battle; Gunnar Nelson (10-0-1) tries to follow up his first round submission of DaMarques Johnson at UFC® ON FUEL TV 5 against fellow welterweight Jorge Santiago (25-10); light heavyweight Ryan Jimmo (17-1) hopes to carry the momentum from his seven-second KO of Anthony Perosh at UFC® 149 in his clash with James Te Huna (17-5), who’s coming off a victory over Joey Beltran at UFC® ON FUEL TV 4. Che Mills (15-5, 1 NC) plans on giving his home country fans something to cheer about against Matthew Riddle (7-3, 1 NC) in a welterweight war.

UFC announcers Jon Anik and Kenny Florian call all bouts live from London on FUEL TV. Host Jay Glazer, UFC number one UFC light heavyweight contender Chael Sonnen and bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz offer analysis from FUEL TV’s Los Angeles studios.

Coverage of UFC ON FUEL TV 7: BARAO vs. MCDONALD begins Tuesday, Feb. 12 (10:00 PM ET) with UFC TONIGHT (10:00 PM ET), the official news and information show of the UFC and features in depth breakdowns of the main fights with hosts Kenny Florian and Chael Sonnen. The evening wraps with UFC ULTIMATE INSIDER (10:30 PM ET), a 30-minute program going behind-the-scenes to deliver an insightful preview of the World Bantamweight Championship fight between Barao and McDonald.

On Friday, Feb. 15 (11:00 AM ET) FUEL TV carries the weigh-in LIVE from London. The program is hosted by Karyn Bryant, with Sonnen and Cruz adding analysis. Veteran British MMA Journalist Gareth A. Davies interviews fighters backstage. Cruz hosts a Twitter Chat on the FUEL TV account (@fueltv) following the WEIGH-IN SHOW (1:00 PM ET).

FUEL TV and FOXSports.com are webcasting the UFC PRELIMS beginning on Saturday, Feb. 16 (9:00 AM ET) – http://www.fuel.tv/ufc/events/barao-vs-mcdonald.

Immediately following UFC® ON FUEL TV 7: BARAO vs. MCDONALD on Saturday, Feb. 16 (6:00 PM ET), the UFC POSTFIGHT SHOW airs on FUEL TV featuring host Glazer and analysts Sonnen and Cruz, breaking down the biggest and best moments of the evening. Davies provides interviews backstage live from Wembley Arena.

In addition to streaming the prelims, FOX Sports Media Group’s digital arm, FOXSports.com, produces feature stories previewing the fight, and on Fight Day offers live blogs of the main card fights and offers a post-fight recap.

FSMG’s Spanish language network FOX Deportes re-airs UFC ON FUEL TV 7′s six fights on Sunday, February 17 (5:00 PM ET).For a complete listing of FUEL TV shows, go to: http://www.fuel.tv/schedule. For more information, go to www.fuel.tv, www.fuel.tv/ufc, on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/fueltv, and on Twitter at: @fueltv, #FUELTV7

FUEL TV
FUEL TV is the only cable and satellite television network that features the exciting world of adrenaline and thrill-seeking sports as well as high energy entertainment programming. This includes UFC®, surfing, motocross, BMX and more. With more hours of UFC® coverage than any other network, FUEL TV is the ultimate destination for live fights, weigh-ins, prelims, pre- and postfight coverage, results and more. This new generation of sports provides a rich landscape of some of the most vibrant and action-packed television entertainment in the world. See why adrenaline sports fans call FUEL TV the channel they never turn off. FUEL TV, part of FOX Sports Media Group, was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 36 million U.S. homes and can be accessed by broadband, mobile devices and other digital platforms such as iTunes®. FUEL TV programming is available in more than 50 countries around the world with 24/7 channels operating in Australia and Europe. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4 FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.

FOX Sports Media Group
FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FSMG includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 20 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; FOX Soccer, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Soccer 2Go; FUEL TV; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FSMG also encompasses FOX Sports Interactive Media, which includes FOXSports.com on MSN, Whatifsports.com Scout.com and Yardbarker.com. Also included in the Group are Fox’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network, BTN 2Go and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network and FOX Sports Skybox restaurants.

Jim Wallhead Signs Four-Fight Deal With BAMMA, To Face Matt Veach March 9th

Press Release – (January 8th.13) The UK’s premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce that Jimmy Wallhead has signed to a 4 fight deal with BAMMA that is exclusive in the UK. “Judo” Jimmy Wallhead walks into the BAMMA 12 cage, to face Matt Veach, with an extended fight record of 23-7-0. […]

Press Release – (January 8th.13) The UK’s premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce that Jimmy Wallhead has signed to a 4 fight deal with BAMMA that is exclusive in the UK.

“Judo” Jimmy Wallhead walks into the BAMMA 12 cage, to face Matt Veach, with an extended fight record of 23-7-0. Regarded among the elite of UK fighters, the Rough House athlete has endured a long road to recognition, through the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions. Rejected for a role in “Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom” in 2008 on the grounds of being ‘too experienced’; Wallhead has been frequently avoided in his career on the grounds of his exceptional talent.

Jimmy Wallhead first appeared at BAMMA to defeat the legendary Frank Trigg at BAMMA 7. He returned at BAMMA 8 to cut down Joey Villasenor with flying knees and a spectacular KO. With one bout at Bellator in between, Wallhead’s clash with Matt Veach on BAMMA 12 will see him work to stake out his claim in the Welterweight division.

Jimmy Wallhead said:

“I’m happy to be signing a deal with BAMMA. It’s where I want to be putting on exciting fights for the UK fans. I will also be hunting for that world title for sure!”

Wallhead’s manager, Wad Alameddine of Fight Management said:

“I’m very pleased to have Judo Jim signing for BAMMA. He’s achieved some of his biggest wins on this show and he thoroughly enjoys being part of BAMMA. We’re looking forward to a successful, but also busy year with one of the best shows in the world. Jimmy’s certainly looking forward to regaining some momentum and being seen back on British TV again after what feels like a very slow and difficult couple of years for his career. Anyone stepping up to fight Jimmy this year on his home turf better be ready because I’m confident we’re going to see the best “Judo Jim” any of us have ever seen!”

BAMMA’s Managing Director, Ashley Bothwell, said:

“Jimmy is considered by many to be the UK’s number 1 Welterweight and has brought some of the most exciting fights to happen in the BAMMA cage. We’re proud to welcome Judo Jimmy to our ranks and I can’t wait to see him continue on his roll at BAMMA 12.”

BAMMA 12 FIGHT CARD

WITH MORE FIGHTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT

MATT VEACH VS. JIM WALLHEAD

BAMMA LONSDALE BRITISH LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE BOUT

CURT WARBURTON VS. STEVIE RAY

BRITISH WELTERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDERS FIGHT

BOLA OMOYELE VS. WAYNE MURRAY

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

LUKE NEWMAN VS. RYAN SCOPE

HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

DARREN TOWLER VS. CALLUM COOK

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT

KEVIN THOMPSON VS. SCOTT ASKHAM

Follow @judojimmy and @BAMMAUK on Twitter.

About BAMMA:

BAMMA (The British Association of Mixed Martial Arts) is a premier European MMA organization that launched in June 2009 with the aim of delivering Mixed Martial Arts events that fully capture the entertainment and sporting prowess on display in the world’s fastest growing sport. To achieve this aim, BAMMA brought together a team of skilled individuals with a wealth of combined experience across Television Production, Event Organisation and Mixed Martial Arts. BAMMA’s combination of arena sized venues, stunning fight cards and exceptional production values has led to BAMMA’s position as one of Europe’s most recognisable MMA brands. With a highly experienced team each BAMMA event always delivers a highly anticipated and unique Mixed Martial Arts experience.

About Lonsdale:

Firmly established as the leading brand of fight sports equipment and clothing, Lonsdale is steeped in over 50 years of fight history. From humble London origins the Lonsdale brand quickly became the hallmark of both boxing and MMA champions throughout the world, with its legendary quality and authenticity.

It is no coincidence fights legends Tom ‘Kong’ Watson, Muhammad Ali, “Marvellous” Marvin Hagler, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton have all trained and fought in Lonsdale.

About Safe MMA

SAFE MMA is a not for profit organisation established to improve the safety of MMA fighters in the UK. Under the Safe MMA banner, the medical centre provides a secure, centralised and confidential database for fighter medical records; and coordinates affordable, standardised blood and medical tests for all registered fighters. Additionally, SAFE MMA members will have access to advice from leading world experts in sports medicine.

UK promotions Cage Warriors, BAMMA and UCMMA united to help found the project and have agreed that from 1st January 1013 all fighters on their cards must be registered to SAFE MMA and undergo annual medical tests and bi-annual blood tests. The promotions have agreed only to use fighters that are deemed medically safe to fight under the SAFE MMA (green light) system and not to use fighters that are suspended due to injuries, such as concussion, or who are overdue for blood tests, for example. Additionally, the promotions have pledged to have medical professionals carry out pre- and post-fight tests with all results to be submitted to the confidential medical database at 76 Harley St. Medical data will never be transmitted to anyone but SAFE MMA will be able to give a rapid and all-hours service to inform authorised promotions of who is medically safe to fight and who needs to be rechecked, at the time of enquiry. Visit www.safemma.co.uk for further information.