August 20, 2019

    Full Card Set For Bellator’s Debut in Bridgeport, Connecticut This Saturday

    Frankie 20/08/2019

    Bellator will hold the first-ever MMA event at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Conn. on Saturday, August 24 when the always-exciting Matt Mitrione (13-6, 1 NC) once again squares off against Sergei Kharitonov (29-7, 2 NC) in a heavyweight headliner. The remainder of the main card features four other must-see bouts, including two additional heavyweight slugfests, as former Bellator heavyweight championVitaly Minakov (21-1) faces Javy Ayala (11-7) in the co-main event, while undefeated heavyweight prospects Tyrell Fortune (6-0) and Rudy Schaffroth (6-0, 1 NC), who both originally hail from Portland, Ore., collide in the main card opener.   Rounding out the five-fight card on Paramount Network – the man with the most appearances inside the Bellator Cage in history, David Rickels (21-5, 2 NC), takes on the undefeated Ukrainian Yaroslav Amosov (21-0) in a 175-pound catchweight bout, and former flyweight title contender Alejandra Lara (7-3) meets Taylor Turner (4-5) at bantamweight, who returns after recently upsetting Heather Hardy at Madison Square Garden earlier this summer.   The main card can be seen live on Paramount Networkand DAZN at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com, DAZN and globally on the Bellator Mobile App beginning at 5:45 pm EST/2:45 pm PST.   Tickets for Bellator 225: Mitrione vs. Kharitonov 2are on sale now, and are available in-person at the Click It or Ticket Box Office at Webster Bank Arena, as well as online at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.   Earlier in the evening, Connecticut’s own “Notorious” Nick Newell (15-2) will lace up the Bellator gloves for the first time in his career and make the short drive from his home in Milford, Conn. to Webster Bank Arena, when he meets Corey Browning (5-2), a man who has already defeated “Baby Slice” and Aaron Chalmers. Also representing the “The Constitution State,” the surging Mike “The Savage” Kimbel (3-1) will be looking to impress the partisan crowd againstChris Disonell (3-3).   Preliminary action is highlighted by appearances from top Bellator prospects, including Royce Gracie’s eldest son Khonry Gracie (1-1), Israel’s Aviv Gozali (2-0) and the promotional debut of light heavyweight Grant “The Truth” Neal (1-0). Plus, long-time UFC and TUF veteran Sabah Homasi (12-8) returns to the Bellator Cage for the first time since Bellator 124.    Also on the card, unbeaten Austin “The Gentleman” Vanderford (7-0) will make his middleweight debut against Georgia’s Joseph Creer (6-0-1), New Jersey’s Ricky Bandejas (11-3) will return to action for the first time since relocating to American Top Team in Florida, when he competes at bantamweight against Virginia’sAhmet Kayretli (8-3, 1 NC) and the always-exciting Tim Johnson (12-5) will make his sophomore Bellator appearance against recently signed Azunna Anyanwu (15-5) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight matchup.    Complete Bellator 225: Mitrione vs. Kharitonov 2 Fight Card: Heavyweight Main Event: Matt Mitrione (13-6, 1 NC) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (29-7, 2 NC) Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Vitaly Minakov (21-1) vs. Javy Ayala (11-7) Bantamweight Feature Bout: Alejandra Lara (7-3) vs.Taylor Turner (4-5) 175-Pound Catchweight Feature Bout: David Rickels(21-5, 2 NC) vs. Yaroslav Amosov (21-0) Heavyweight Feature Bout: Tyrell Fortune (6-0) vs.Rudy Schaffroth (6-0, 1 NC)   Preliminary Card: Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Khonry Gracie (1-1) vs. Oscar Vera (0-1) 165-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Aviv Gozali(2-0) vs. Eduard Muravitskiy (9-8) Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Grant Neal (1-0) vs. Alpha Toure (Pro Debut) Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Sabah Homasi (12-8) vs. Micah Terrill (14-7, 1 NC) Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Austin Vanderford(7-0) vs. Joseph Creer (6-0-1) Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Tim Johnson (12-5) vs. Azunna Anyanwu (15-5) Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Ricky Bandejas (11-3) vs. Ahmet Kayretli (8-3, 1 NC) 140-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Kimbel (3-1) vs. Chris Disonell (3-3) Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nick Newell (15-2) vs.Corey Browning (5-2) 165-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Kastriot Xhema (3-3, 1 NC) vs. Connor Dixon (Pro Debut) 175-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Jon Manley (11-6) vs. Thiago Rela (10-7)   *Card subject to change.

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    Kerry Stellar sat down with Brandon “The Irish Hammer” Teague

    Peter Knox 20/08/2019

    I recently got to speak with Brandon “The Irish Hammer” Teague, a 13x Gold Medalist, and to quote him, future MMA Champion. Since the last time we spoke, Brandon has started his journey into MMA, and we’re so excited to share his journey. Brandon is defying the odds with Cerebral Palsy, and proving he can do anything. KS: Brandon, how are you since the last time we spoke? BT: I’ve been keeping busy with everything in my life going on training in jiu-jitsu taking care of my family I love everything in my life all that’s left is to step inside the cage soon. KS: You’ve started your journey into MMA, tell us what you’ve been training in? BT: Brazilian jiu-jitsu. KS: Where are you training out of? BT: Stone Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. KS: How is it training with CP, and do you feel it helps you? BT: I feel extremely motivated each time I step on the mat or when I’m lifting iron the fire inside me burns deeper than it has ever been I’m hungry for any challenge that comes my way. KS: How is being a Deputy Sheriff for the Tulsa County police department? BT: It’s absolutely amazing I get to patrol and see crazy stuff going on and I never let me in a wheelchair stop me from this drive I have as a deputy sheriff. KS: Tell us about your team who you train with? It’s so important to have a strong family to keep you going. BT: I train with Karl Stone and his team is absolutely incredible I’m learning new things from a great coach like Karl. KS: Brandon where do you see yourself in the near future? BT: I’m looking to achieve gold and inspire everyone that no matter what challenges we face we can all go through them like walking through the devils’ playground. KS If there is anyone you’d like to thank? The floor is yours. BT: I would like to thank my mom for inspiring me to follow my dreams I wanna thank my jiu-jitsu coach Karl Stone and my teammates and I wanna thank In the Girls’ Corner for the continuous support and a lot of great MMA fighters that said to follow my heart. KS: Thank you for taking the time to speak to me Brandon, let everyone know where they can follow you. BT: Follow me on Twitter @IrishHammerMMA, on Facebook, Brandon Teague the Irish Hammer and on Instagram @TeagueTheIrishHammer

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    An Interview with Marcos Nardini

    Peter Knox 20/08/2019

    “What made you decide to make a transition down to Fightzone London and what made you specifically choose that location as the place to hone your own skills?” – Sean Lafferty “I trained and competed in the IBJJF Paris Open and I fought a UFC veteran and he destroyed me, probably the first time I got manhandled and he destroyed the other guy. After this it made me realise that if I trained under a higher-level guy than myself, I realised that I could improve, I need to get smashed in training, to improve. I’m good friends with Braulio Estima and I’ve considered training with him but it’s a lot more difficult, so London seemed the best fit for myself. The first time I went there was about a year ago I started training under Marco Canha. I met him through a friend who took me down to do some training now I’m training with them regularly, I believe the talent level is growing in the UK which is exciting, and I want to try and contribute to the development of grappling in the UK. After leaving the United States I was trying to work things out, but there’s a difference between being a good black belt, a good competitor level and a world-class black belt. I needed to train where I could develop my skills as I knew it would be reflective on my own students. Canha he’s an excellent competitor, what attracted me the most was the ability he demonstrated in breaking down techniques, very technical grappler.” – Marcos Nardini “For people that aren’t aware of your skills, how would you describe how you compete?” – Sean Lafferty “I try to fight for position in the tournament, the last tournament I finished a man with a kimura. I’m very old school in my approach, the older you get the more you focus on the basics, back in the day probably a flying triangle or something like that was my go-to submission, however, I really have a love for using the fundamentals to secure myself the victories.” – Marcos Nardini “What would you say are your biggest accomplishments in grappling and who are some talented grapplers you’ve faced from the UK?” – Sean Lafferty “In the Gi I won the IBJJF Europeans, I had to fight so many guys it was crazy, I got to the finals, he was the smallest but he was the toughest, after I won it I wanted to hug someone and there was nobody to hug but I met Victor Estima and he gave me a hug. I have beaten high-level guys like Oli Geddes, and I won ADCC European Trials in 2008 at Masters, but I didn’t qualify because it was Masters, but it was an error on my part which was unfortunate. I would’ve entered adults if I knew prior, I’ve lost to Ross Nicholls in overtime, it was a good fight and very competitive, the referee gave him the win, I think it could’ve gone on forever, it was very evenly matched throughout the contest.” – Marcos Nardini “What does the future hold for yourself?” – Sean Lafferty “I’m training for World’s masters which is next week, I’m focused on that and excited for the challenge.” – Marcos Nardini  

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    Across The Pond Profile: Cage Warriors fighter Adam Ventre

    Myles Painter 20/08/2019

    Whenever Cage Warriors heads to Liverpool, there is always an electric atmosphere coupled with numerous pulse-pounding performances. In today’s episode of Across The Pond, you will be introduced to a gritty grappler looking to raise the heat to a boiling point at Cage Warriors 107 on September 28. A professional since June 2013 and representing Next Generation Liverpool under the watchful gaze of head coach Paul Rimmer, Adam Ventre owns a 7-4-1 record in 11 career bouts as a professional comprised of six submissions, one knockout and a no contest. Ventre has competed with various promotions throughout Europe including Cage Warriors and Shinobi FC and has managed to score a finish in all seven of his professional victories. In his MMA debut at OMMAC 17 High Octane, he submitted Billy Hatton via rear-naked choke in the first round. Ventre also tapped out Gaz Firm in round one at OMMAC 18 Retribution. Then in his debut appearance with Cage Warriors at Cage Warriors 68 in Liverpool, he faced Ant Philips and submitted him in the first round via armbar. Ventre also went to tap out Brent Crawley via rear-naked choke in the second round at Full Contact Contender 12. At Shinobi War 9 Winter Warfare he faced France’s Mathieu Morciano and went on to submit him via triangle choke in round one. In the main event of Cage Warriors Academy Northwest 3, Ventre faced fellow submission specialist Ben Rees and tapped him out in the first round via rear-naked choke. The win also earned Ventre the sixth submission victory of his professional career. For the headliner of Cage Warriors Academy Northwest 4, he defeated Mahmod Faour via TKO in the first round to secure the first knockout win of his professional career. At Cage Warriors 107 on September 28 live on UFC Fight Pass, he will face Martin Stapleton in a lightweight bout. Good luck Adam! Adam’s first-round submission of Ben Rees in the main event of Cage Warriors Academy Northwest 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4PRXyIMk9I

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    Mason Jones takes on Aleksi Mäntykivi at CW108

    Frankie 20/08/2019

    In the biggest fight of his career to date, unbeaten Welsh prospect Mason Jones will go head-to-head with Finnish striking sensation Aleksi Mäntykivi in Cardiff. ‘The Dragon’ called for a serious test in his first main event spot at the Viola Arena, and Mäntykivi was quick to answer. Now 7-0 in the lightweight division, many believe Mason Jones to be the most exciting Welsh prospect on the European scene, and predict for him a similar future to previous Cage Warriors champions turned UFC stars Jack Shore, Brett Johns and Jack Marshman.  If Jones is move further toward the title, he’ll have to get past Mäntykivi – one of the most dominant lightweights on the continent and the only man to beat former lightweight champion Søren ‘True Viking’ Bak.  Mäntykivi’s last Cage Warriors appearance was a loss to Jack Grant at CW96. He’s since then returned to devastating form with back-to-back TKO wins. With both men boasting numerous knockout finishes, fans can expect one of the most exciting and fast-paced lightweight contests of the year.  “I’m here to show I’m the greatest in this division and that I can defeat anyone,” said Jones. “I’m always looking for those finishes and to end in a bang. I’m looking to destroy everyone… I’m coming for my belt.” This is Jones’ first main event headline appearance at the Viola Arena, a now-notorious venue for the sport of MMA in Wales which has hosted his last two fights against Donovan Desmae and Kacper Formela. Also announced for the October 12th Card are Welsh names Cory McKenna, Aaron Khalid, Oban Elliott and many more. See below for full current card details. CW108 tickets are on sale HERE.    Pro Card   Mason Jones vs Aleksi Mäntykivi – Lightweight Aaron Khalid vs TBC – Welterweight Cory McKenna vs Griet Eeckhout – Strawweight Oban Elliott vs Eric Nolan – Lightweight Rafail Skouras vs. Ben Ellis – Featherweight Martin McDonough vs Shaun Luther – Lightweight Jordan Peake vs Robyn Fischetti – Featherweight Chris Sterling vs Dan Kneil – Bantamweight    Cage Warriors Academy Wales Amateur Card   Josh Hudson vs Liam Shotbolt – CWA Welterweight Title Fight Tom Jones vs Logan Ostler – CWA Light-Heavyweight Title Fight Ricky Wyatt vs Mitchell Goode – Middleweight Kacper Zdunczyk vs Alex Gill – Welterweight Danny Dixon vs Tom Carnell – Welterweight Rafał Neuberg vs Will Davies – Middleweight Scott Pearce vs Johnny Bryant – Bantamweight Rhys Hughes vs Will Bladen – Middleweight Jack Bryant vs Owain Davies – Flyweight Harvey Hale vs Zach Holman – Lightweight Ethan Silvey vs Michael Jones – Flyweight Jordan Taylor vs Jack Allen-Smith – Lightweight

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