Former WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres takes a few minutes to talk to MMAInterviews.tv about his recent release by the UFC promotion, signing with the World Series of Fighting and Titan FC, as well as a possible fight with Tyson Nam for that Nov. 3 debut.
For fans not familiar with Tyson Nam, the Oregon fighter recently stopped Bellator champ Eduardo Dantas via one punch knockout on August 25 at a Shooto Brazil event. Nam signed with Bellator, but has yet to compete for the promotion, and is now experiencing contract issues because of it.
Former WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres takes a few minutes to talk to MMAInterviews.tv about his recent release by the UFC promotion, signing with the World Series of Fighting and Titan FC, as well as a possible fight with Tyson Nam for that Nov. 3 debut.
For fans not familiar with Tyson Nam, the Oregon fighter recently stopped Bellator champ Eduardo Dantas via one punch knockout on August 25 at a Shooto Brazil event. Nam signed with Bellator, but has yet to compete for the promotion, and is now experiencing contract issues because of it.
(“And that was the first time I went full stanky leg.”)
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Newton’s third law of motion seems to apply to the world of kickboxing this week, as just a few days after it was announced that Swedish kickboxing legend Jorgen Kruth would be departing from the world of MMA, it has been reported that Dutch kickboxing powerhouse Tyrone Spong will be making the transition to it. Spong, who’s has hinted at a move to MMA for some time now, is best known for his battles with such legends of the sport as Peter Aerts, Ray Sefo, and Melvin Manhoef, and currently holds a 68-6-1 with 1 NC record to his credit.
While it was rumored that Spong would be making his debut under the Titan Fighting Championships banner, it appears that the heavyweight slugger will be debuting under upstart promotion World Series of Fighting, alongside UFC rape joke-castaway Miguel Torres and many more.
(“And that was the first time I went full stanky leg.”)
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Newton’s third law of motion seems to apply to the world of kickboxing this week, as just a few days after it was announced that Swedish kickboxing legend Jorgen Kruth would be departing from the world of MMA, it has been reported that Dutch kickboxing powerhouse Tyrone Spong will be making the transition to it. Spong, who’s has hinted at a move to MMA for some time now, is best known for his battles with such legends of the sport as Peter Aerts, Ray Sefo, and Melvin Manhoef, and currently holds a 68-6-1 with 1 NC record to his credit.
While it was rumored that Spong would be making his debut under the Titan Fighting Championships banner, it appears that the heavyweight slugger will be debuting under upstart promotion World Series of Fighting, alongside UFC rape joke-castaway Miguel Torres and many more.
And standing across the cage from Spong will be none other than TUF 10 alum James “The Hammer” McSweeney, who has put together four straight wins in the Shamrock Events promotion and one straight win over knife wielding hoodlums of the greater Las Vegas area. McSweeney already has a fight scheduled for October 6th against the 10-11 Matti Makela, but barring any serious injuries, should be ready to compete on November 3rd against Spong. It’s a fight schedule that Bob Sapp could appreciate if he weren’t too busy hiding from the monster in his closet.
There is of course the possibility that McSweeney could pack his bags and move as far away from Spong as humanly possible once he takes a look at one of Spong’s highlight videos. Then again, Spong has been training with the Blackzilians for some time now, so he more than likely will show up ten to twenty pounds over the weight limit.
Who do you like for this one, Potato Nation? Will McSweeney take it to the ground like any sane man would, or will pride rear its ugly head once again?
Former WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres (40-5) has found himself a new home under the World Series of Fighting promotion, and will headline the promotions first show on November 3rd. Torres made his decision to sign with the untested WSOF promotion based on the experience of the companies president, Ray Sefo, as a fighter. Feeling […]
Former WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres (40-5) has found himself a new home under the World Series of Fighting promotion, and will headline the promotions first show on November 3rd.
Torres made his decision to sign with the untested WSOF promotion based on the experience of the companies president, Ray Sefo, as a fighter. Feeling that Sefo is someone who “understands what I’m going through, where I’m coming from, and who I am as a person and as a fighter.”
The inaugural WSOF event will air on the NBC Sports Network and will take place on Nov. 3 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“There were other organizations that were established already that had different things going on. But for me to be in a start-up organization on NBC, to me it made sense,” Torres said. “I helped build the WEC, I was in the UFC and I fought all over the Midwest.
“But I never fought for a guy who was not just a fighter, but one of the best fighters in the world. In my deciding factors, that was one of the big selling points for me. He understands what I’m going through, where I’m coming from, and who I am as a person and as a fighter.”
….
“I knew what I was getting into from the beginning. That was one of the main things they told me. We’re getting picked up by NBC Sports, it’s gonna be a huge thing,” Torres said.
“It’s not a league that will be here and gone in a day or two. We’re gonna do big things and they need guys who can help carry them on their back. I believe I’m one of those guys.”
Torres was released from the UFC, for a second time, following a first round knockout loss to Michael McDonald at UFC 145 this past April. He was released last December following a controversial Tweet regarding a “rape van.”
‘Sugar’ Ray Sefo is a former K-1 kickboxer (56-21-1) who competed as late as this past March in Croatia versus Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipovic, losing a decision to the former PRIDE champ. Sefo has competed in mixed martial arts going 2-1, with his last match coming in February 2011 with a submission loss to Valentijn Overeem.
Read more of Torres WSOF press conference comments at MMAFighting.com.
WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING ANNOUNCES TELEVISION AGREEMENT WITH NBC SPORTS NETWORK, FIRST EVER EVENT AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO MAIN EVENT FEATURES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL ANGEL TORRES ALSO ON THE LIVE CARD: GREGOR GRACIE vs. TYSON STEEL RONYS TORRES vs. BRIAN COBB AND JOSH BURKMAN SATURDAY, NOV. 3 LIVE ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK […]
WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING ANNOUNCES TELEVISION AGREEMENT WITH NBC SPORTS NETWORK, FIRST EVER EVENT AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO MAIN EVENT FEATURES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL ANGEL TORRES ALSO ON THE LIVE CARD: GREGOR GRACIE vs. TYSON STEEL RONYS TORRES vs. BRIAN COBB AND JOSH BURKMAN
World Series of Fighting signs TV deal with NBC Sports
SATURDAY, NOV. 3 LIVE ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK
Tickets for World Series of Fighting on Sale Friday, Sept. 7 at 12 p.m. PT
Press Release – LAS VEGAS – The mixed martial arts organization World Series of Fighting today entered the fastest growing sport in the world with a series of major announcements including a television agreement with NBC Sports Network, its debut event in Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, and that world class former bantamweight champion Miguel Angel Torres will be the headlining the main event of this historic night of fights on Saturday, Nov. 3 live on NBC Sports Network.
The premier World Series of Fighting live card will also feature Gregor Gracie (7-2) of the famed Gracie family vs. Tyson Steel (8-1), Ronys Torres (25-4) vs. Brian Cobb (19-7) and Josh Burkman (23-9) in a welterweight bout. Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante (16-6) will take on Las Vegas local John Gunderson (34-14) as part of the undercard with more matchups to be announced.
Ray Sefo, president of the World Series of Fighting delivered the news during a press conference at PH Live inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
“I’m excited and honored to announce that the World Series of Fighting has reached an agreement with NBC Sports Network and that PH Live inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas will be the home of our first series of events,” said Sefo. “Sitting with me here today is world class bantamweight Miguel Torres along with Gregor Gracie and Josh Burkman. I am pleased to confirm that they have signed with us, along with many other respected fighters in the sport, and that Torres will headline our premier live fight on NBC Sports Network Saturday, Nov. 3.”
“Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is proud to host the first series of events for the World Series of Fighting,” said Sean McBurney, vice president and assistant general manager of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. “PH Live is one of the premier performance hubs in Las Vegas, hosting numerous electrifying concerts, as well as special engagements such as MMA. We look forward to offering this exciting new event to our guests.”
Tickets for the Saturday, Nov. 3 premier of the World Series of Fighting will go on sale tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 7 at 12 p.m. through Ticketmaster.com and all Caesars Entertainment and Ticketron outlets. World Series of Fighting tickets start at $19.99.
Miguel Angel Torres is a former MMA bantamweight champion and considered one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport. With a black belt under Carlson Gracie and a pro record of 40-5, with 39 wins by submission and 12 coming by TKO/KO, Torres is one of the toughest fighters in the division. He will fight any 135-pounder in the business and the World Series of Fighting will announce his opponent soon.
Gregor Gracie, a member of the family who founded MMA with their Gracie style of Jiu-Jitsu, also has signed with the World Series of Fighting. The 5’11” Brazilian will take on Canada’s 6’0” Tyson Steele in a welterweight matchup as part of the main card. Also on the live card is 26-year old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion and black belt Ronys Torres vs. former lightweight champion and Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt Brian Cobb in a 155-pound contest.
Josh Burkman, a professional in the sport since 2003, has won five of his last six fights with back-to-back wins in his two most recent scraps. With his strength in wrestling, takes downs and submissions, the former college football player comes to the World Series of Fighting ready to face anyone in the welterweight division.
Sefo added, “We are officially in the fight business, and I am running the World Series of Fighting as a fighters and fans first MMA organization. In a special message to the MMA fans and the MMA community, we look for your support and to win you over by presenting high level, action-packed events in the sport we all have grown to love.”
The World Series of Fighting event will air exclusively on NBC Sports Network Saturday, Nov. 3 starting at 10:30 p.m. ET.
ABOUT NBC SPORTS NETWORK
NBC Sports Network is the 24/7 cable platform for NBC Sports’ rich heritage of unmatched storytelling, best-in-class production and utilizing broad promotion to make big events bigger. Now in more than 79 million homes, NBC Sports Network serves sports fans by airing coverage of the Olympic Games and Trials as well as the National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Soccer (MLS), IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France, major college football and basketball, and horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown, among other events. The network’s original programming, such as Costas Tonight, NFL Turning Point and NBC SportsTalk, exemplifies NBC Sports’ ability to tell stories and provide meaningful, relevant content. The network is also home to the best outdoor programming on television. NBC Sports Network, which prides itself on serving sports fans across multiple platforms, is distributed via cable, satellite and telco operators throughout the United States.
PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is the newest member of the Caesars Entertainment family and is a full partner in Total Rewards™. The hottest property on the Las Vegas Strip with 2,500 beautifully designed guest rooms and suites showcasing the best views in town, Planet Hollywood encompasses more than 100,000 square-feet of gaming, several lounges, nine restaurants including KOI, Strip House, the award-winning Spice Market Buffet and LA’s Pink’s Hot Dogs, and the Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara. The mega resort is also home to PEEPSHOW, the sexy striptease spectacular starring bombshell Holly Madison, and Grammy® Award-winning recording artist CeeLo Green will premiere his new Las Vegas resident show, “CeeLo Green is LOBERACE” in Feb. 2013. The property is encircled by Miracle Mile Shops with more 170 specialty stores and restaurants. For more information, please visit www.planethollywoodresort.com or caesars.thedigitalcenter.com to access media materials and request high-resolution images. Find Planet Hollywood on Facebook and follow on Twitter.
Planet Hollywood, along with all Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas resorts, including Caesars Palace, Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrah’s, Bally’s, Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Imperial Palace and Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, proudly prohibit adding hidden resort fees to hotel guest room rates. For information on No Resort Fees visit www.caesars.com/vegasnoresortfees.
ABOUT THE WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING
Based in Las Vegas, Nev., the World Series of Fighting is national mixed martial arts promotion dedicated to fighters and fans in delivering the absolute best live combat sports and entertainment experience. For more information please visit www.MMAWSOF.com. Follow World Series of Fighting on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.
Former WEC bantamweight champ Miguel Angel Torres (40-5) has signed a three-fight contract with the Las Vegas based MMA World Series of Fighting promotion, which has it’s first event scheduled for November 3, 2012 at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. News of Torres’ signing was confirmed by MMAFighting.com on Sunday who spoke with promotion […]
Former WEC bantamweight champ Miguel Angel Torres (40-5) has signed a three-fight contract with the Las Vegas based MMA World Series of Fighting promotion, which has it’s first event scheduled for November 3, 2012 at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.
News of Torres’ signing was confirmed by MMAFighting.com on Sunday who spoke with promotion senior executive vice president Ali Abdel-Aziz.
Torres had been scheduled to appear at a Titan Fighting Championships show on November 2, but will instead appear on the WSOF card instead.
The former WEC title holder was released by the UFC for a second time in less than a year. He was released last December for a controversial Twitter message, and despite getting back into the good graces of UFC president Dana White, was cut a second time. His release comes months after a knockout loss to Michael McDonald last April at UFC 145.
The WSOF promotion promises to bring “bringing some of the world’s top MMA fighters together for the tournament of champions…Fighters will compete in 5 weight classes ranging from 155 to 265 pounds. The tournament will start and finish within a 12 month period and 5 champions will be crowned.”
The WSOF website lists veterans such as Roger Huerta, John Gunderson, Brian Cobb and Ronys Torres as some if it’s already signed lightweight fighters.
