KSW 27: Cage Time (Fight Card)

KSW 27: Cage Time
Date: May 17th, 2014
Ergo Arena, Gdansk, Poland
Stream : kwstv.com

Main Card
Mamed Khalidov vs Maiquel Falcao
Mariusz Pudzianowski vs Oli Thompson
Aslambek Saidov Borys Mankowski
Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs Jasminka Cive
Mateusz Gamrot vs Jefferson George
TBA vs Tomasz Nakun

Preliminary Card
Rafal Blachuta vs Luiz Ricardo Simon
Lukasz Chlewicki vs Lukasz Rajewski

Titan FC 28: Brilz vs Davis (Fight Card)

Titan FC 28: Brilz vs Davis
Date: May 16th, 2014
First Council Casino Hotel, Newkirk, Oklahoma

Main Card
Jason Brilz vs. Raphael Davis
Dave Herman vs. Kalib Starnes
Walt Harris vs. D.J. Linderman
Brian Foster vs. Gilbert Smith
Brock Jardine vs. Daniel Roberts
Ricky Legere vs. Todd Moore

Preliminary Card
Alvin Robinson vs. Gleristone Santos
Pedro Nobre vs. Dan O'Connor
William Joplin vs. Walel Watson
David Nelson vs. Gaston Reyno
John Bryant vs. Matt Foster
Archie Lowe vs. Robert Madrid

MFC 40: Crowned Kings (Fight Card)

MFC 40: Crowned Kings
Date: May 9th, 2014
Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Fight Card
 Anthony Birchak vs. Kevin Croom - for the MFC bantamweight title
Sam Alvey vs. Wes Swofford - for the MFC middleweight title
Tom Gallicchio vs. Kurt Southern for the MFC lightweight title
Sean O'Connell vs. Victor Valimaki
Andrew McInnes vs. Jonatas Novaes
Marcus Edwards vs. Aaron Gallant 

Superior Challenge 10: Reza Madadi vs Efrain Escudero (Fight Card)

Superior Challenge 10
Date: May 3rd, 2014
Helsinborg Arena, Helsinborg, Sweden
Superior Challenge Tickets

Main Card
Reza Madadi vs Efrain Escudero
Daniel Acacio vs Papy Abedi
Matti Makela vs Joachim Christensen
David Miekheden vs Besam Yousef
Yosef Ali Mohammed vs Christian Golcic
Diego Gonzalez vs Frodi Hansen
David Glasnovic vs Alan Carlos
Malik Arash Mawlayi vs Aron Jahnsen
Simon Skold vs Salih Kulucan
Abbe Joof vs Hermann Kungu
Sadibou Sy vs Alejando Ferreira Carrea
Pannie Kianzad vs Annalisa Bucci
Bilan Musa vs Craig Derbyshire
Michel Ersoy vs Jorge Landa Peirona

ONE FC: Rise of Heroes (Fight Card)

ONE FC: Rise of Heroes
Date: May 02, 2014
Mall of Asia, Manila, Philippines
Broadcast: PPV via Livesteam $9.99

Fight Card
Bibiano Fernandes vs Masakatsu Ueda - For the ONE FC Bantamweight World Title
Rob Lisita vs Yusuke Kawanago
James McSweeney vs Chris Lokteff
Gianni Subba vs Eugene Toquero
Mahmoud Salama vs Aung La N Sang
Jueath Nagaowa vs Jeet Toshi

EFC Africa 27 Results

EFC Africa 27 Results

EFC AFRICA’s first event of 2014 kicked off in sensational fashion at Carnival City’s Big Top Arena last night. Lightweight champion Leon Mynhardt defended his title, Nkazimulo Zulu was crowned the inaugural bantamweight champion, and stand-out youngster Dricus du Plessis earned himself the middleweight top contender spot after a victory over the legendary Donavin Hawkey.

The bout between lightweight champion Leon Mynhardt and challenger Frederich Naumann had been billed as the ultimate showdown. Mynhardt entered the fight a tested legend of African MMA. In Naumann, however, he faced an opponent with an incredibly dynamic skillset. In 2013 Naumann had a dream debut year, winning a record four performance bonuses over four appearances. Tonight he was no match for Mynhardt. After immediately attacking with a series of kicks, Naumann was rocked by a right hand and four more punches that sent him reeling to the canvas. The 38 second knockout was Mynhardt’s quickest victory in the Hexagon, and another notch on the belt of an iconic athlete.

EFC AFRICA’s inaugural bantamweight bout was the spectacle many predicted. Former teammates Nkazimulo Zulu and Charlie Weyer engaged each other with fluid, sophisticated striking before Weyer scored a strong takedown. Zulu showed his grit however, working his way into full mount before putting Weyer away with ground and pound.

Donavin Hawkey against undefeated Dricus du Plessis was a classic veteran vs. young gun encounter. Hawkey entered the Hexagon with 32 professional MMA fights behind him. In contrast Du Plessis had only three, but also a world K1 title. The bout was aggressive from the start with Du Plessis taking Hawkey down early. The young man resisted both a guillotine and rear naked choke before forcing himself into top position, and finishing the legend with brutal elbows. Du Plessis is now pegged to fight for the middleweight title.

Fraser ‘The Omen’ Opie and Tumelo ‘The Truck’ Maphutha clashed at light heavyweight in a bout trailing huge hype. Opie, the current UK champion, decided to trade punches with Africa’s fastest knock-out record holder and paid for it. 4:43 into round one Opie verbally submitted. Afterward he revealed that Maphutha’s blows caused his vision to blur, forcing him to throw in the towel.

The night’s main card opened with a heavyweight matchup between the DRC’s Vandam Mbuyi and Cape Town’s Jiu-Jitsu expert Brendon Groenewald. The big men immediately careened to the fence and the clinch. Vandam delivered a knee that caught Groenewald in the groin, followed by another knee and a blow to the back of his head. Groenewald collapsed to the canvas. Referee Ian Pienaar immediately disqualified Mbuyi, to consternation from the crowd. EFC AFRICA president Cairo Howarth announced that the two would face each other again, as soon as possible.

The night’s prelim card was packed with action. Debutant teammates Keron Davies and Mark Hulme took solid victories, former title contender Alex Cheboub recorded his third straight, gritty victory, and Wesley Hawkey showed a spectacular return to form in a boxing clinic delivered to Gareth Buirski.

The knockout of the night award went to Leon Mynhardt’s unforgettable 38 second demolition of Frederich Naumann. Zimbabwean born Cape Town resident Temba Gorimbo earned himself both the fight of the night and submission of the night award, after fighting through a dislocated shoulder.

EFC AFRICA 27 full results:
Baldwin Mdlalose defeated Donnovan Wilken via submission (triangle) 1:50 into round 2.
Mark Hulme defeated Josh Muller via submission (rear naked choke) 4:18 seconds into round 1.
Keron Davies defeated Booto Guylain via TKO 3:25 into round 3.
Themba Gorimbo defeated Chaz Wasserman via submission (D’Arce Choke) 4:31 into round 2.
Cedric Doyle defeated Boney Bukaka via submission (rear naked choke) 4:08 into round 2.
Francois Groenewald defeated Pierre Botha via submission (triangle) 4:32 into round 1.
Alexander Cheboub defeated David van Schalkwyk via submission (kimura) 2:14 into round 2.
Wesley Hawkey defeated Gareth Buirski via unanimous decision.
Brendan Groenewald defeated Vandam Mbuyi via disqualification 2:22 into round 1.
Tumelo Maphutha defeated Fraser Opie via verbal submission 4:43 into round 1.
Dricus du Plessis defeated Donavin Hawkey via TKO 4:50 into round 1.
Nkazimulo Zulu defeated Charlie Weyer via TKO 4:34 into round 1.
Leon Mynhardt defeated Frederich Naumann via KO 0:38 into round 1.

Cris Cyborg Meets Jorina Baars for Lion Fight Welterweight Title March 28

Cris Cyborg Meets Jorina Baars for Lion Fight Welterweight Title March 28

Lion Fight will make an immediate return to action at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas Friday, March 28 and as CEO Scott Kent announced tonight on AXS TV’s Inside MMA, he has already signed the best pound-for-pound female fighter in the world, Cyborg for a women’s welterweight championship fight on the card.

Kent stated to Inside MMA that LION FIGHT 14’s main event will be a fight between WBC Muay Thai Champion Gregory Choplin and European Champion Marco Pique in the main event, and that on tap for the co-main event is the first-ever women’s welterweight title fight between Cyborg and Hollander Jorina Baars, who holds rank as a European Muay Thai Champion.

LION FIGHT 14 will be broadcast live on AXS TV in The UFC starting at 10 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT) with play-by-play and commentary by Pat Miletich and “The Voice” Michael Schiavello. This will be the seventh LION FIGHT event on AXS TV, who renewed their broadcast licensing deal with the Muay Thai promotion earlier this year.

“We are excited to have ‘Cyborg’ back with us March 28 for LION FIGHT 14 in Las Vegas,” said Kent. “In her last fight, Cyborg absolutely dominated French Muay Thai Champion Jennifer Colomb, leaving no question that she is a legitimate two-sport athlete who can win impressively in both MMA and Muay Thai. She also showed she is an aggressive fighter who has the power and pace to finish fights. I think she won over a lot of new fight fans in our ring, and they can’t wait to see her in action again.”

“I am excited to be fighting for LION FIGHT again, and I am grateful for the chance to fight for the belt,” said Cyborg. “I had a great experience last time I fought for Scott Kent and I promise to bring it to my opponent again this time. Jorina Baars has a lot of experience but I am training very hard for the win and another knockout. I promise the fans this will be another exciting fight!”

“I’ve heard and seen a lot of good things about Cris Cyborg,” said Baars. “I’m very happy to be offered the opportunity to fight her with Lion Fight. I only know one way to fight and that’s to win.”

LION FIGHT 14 also features the return of Thai fighting legend Malaipet who will be facing American Shane Oblonsky. More bouts for LION FIGHT 14 will be announced soon.
- See more at: http://www.lionfight.com/news/2014/02/cris-cyborg-signs-with-lion-fight-set-to-fight-for-first-womens-welterweight-title-at-lion-fight-14/#sthash.74aNb4Xp.dpuf

ONE FC: WAR OF NATIONS LINEUP COMPLETE

ONE FC: WAR OF NATIONS LINEUP COMPLETE

ONE Fighting Championship™ (ONE FC), presented by Tune Talk, has completed the ONE FC: WAR OF NATIONS lineup with the addition of a clash of top Lightweights. Hard-hitting Iranian wrestler Kamal Shalorus will duel Jiu-Jitsu black belt Ariel Sexton.

CEO of ONE Fighting Championship™ Victor Cui stated:

 “ONE FC returns to the iconic city of Kuala Lumpur with what is expected to be the biggest sporting event held in Malaysia this year. ONE FC: WAR OF NATIONS will see the inaugural ONE FC Welterweight World Champion crowned when knockout artist Nobutatsu Suzuki meets tenacious wrestler Brock Larson. The fight card is now complete with the addition of an exciting Lightweight matchup between Kamal Shalorus and Ariel Sexton. Fans in Malaysia and around the world can prepare for a night of thrilling world-class mixed martial arts action as the top mixed marital artists goes to war at ONE FC: WAR OF NATIONS!”

Kamal ‘Prince Of Persia’ Shalorus is a former national wrestler who transitioned to mixed martial arts after mixed martial artists began to sought him out for his wrestling expertise. He began his career with a nine-fight unbeaten streak, and looks to get another streak going when he faces Jiu-Jitsu ace Sexton.  Despite beginning his career as a wrestler, Shalorus has four knockout victories which showcase the power he possesses. His versatility will come in handy in the upcoming bout on 14 March.

Ariel ‘Tarzan’ Sexton is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt with an impressive record of eight wins and two losses. He was born in Canada but now lives in Costa Rica. After discovering Jiu-Jitsu in 2001, he quit his day job and dedicated his life to mastering the art, before transitioning to mixed martial arts. His grappling acumen was on full display in his eight wins, six of which he finished with a variety of submission moves.  Kamal Shalorus will be the sternest test in his career and a victory will provide a huge boost to his title aspirations.


Fans in Asia can catch all the action live on STAR Sports. Check your local listings. Also, fans from around the world can witness the action online via live streaming at www.onefc.livesport.tv. The event will be available for purchase at just US$9.99.

Victor Cui, CEO of ONE FC talks to Kingdom MMA

Kingdom MMA Gets Up Close with Victor Cui
by Ben Heather @benheather

Earlier today Kingdom MMA caught up with Victor Cui the owner and CEO of ONE FC the biggest MMA promotion in Asia. We were able to discuss a whole range of topics including how he got in to MMA, the possibility of signing Paul Daley, Ben Askren as well as the future plans for ONE FC to name a few.


Ben: First of all, thank you so much for your time. We really appreciate that you have taken the time out of what has to be a busy schedule to answer our questions.
I believe you have a back ground in Taekwondo and have a black belt, at what age did you start martial arts and how did you first get into MMA?
Cui: My parents enrolled me into taekwondo at a very young age. That kick started my career in sports. I have been following mixed martial arts since the beginning. I caught tapes of early bouts in the 1990s and fell in love with what I saw. Mixed martial arts was always on my mind as I continued working in sports management.

Ben: You have a background working with some of the biggest organisations in sport such as the PGA, X Games and the Olympics but what made you decide to go it alone and create your own MMA promotion?
Cui: I saw a great opportunity that simply cannot be missed. Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in the world. Asia is the birthplace of martial arts with history that dates back thousands of years, so it just makes sense that the best mixed martial arts organisation should come from Asia. You have so many martial arts discipline to draw from such as Washu, Taekwondo, Karate, Muay Thai, Slat etc and now world champions in those disciplines can test themselves against other world champions.

Ben: When you set up ONE FC what made you decide to have your own set of rules instead of the unified rules of MMA?
Cui: One FC wants to take the best practices from the East and the West, and that's what we did with our rule set, our safety precautions and our fighter match ups. That philosophy runs right through the organisation. Both rule sets have a lot to offer and have a strong following from MMA fans.


Ben: Does ONE FC have any plans to expand with events outside of Asia? More specifically a possible UK event?
Cui: The demand of ONE FC all across Asia is at its peak and we will definitely hold a record number of shows in 2014. Our Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines fans were so blown away by our past events and have been clamouring for our return. Fans in North and East Asia will also finally be able to catch a ONE FC show live in person in 2014. The sport is growing so fast in Asia and we want to continue the incredible momentum that we have in Asia. We will never say no though and if we find the right partner and sponsor who wants to bring ONE FC to the UK, we will make sure that the UK fans are blown away by a world-class MMA event!

Ben: Do you have any plans to get a TV deal to show ONE FC events in the UK?
Cui: Along with our unprecedented 10-year broadcast deal with Star Sports in Asia, we will bring ONE FC content to more than a billion potential viewers. We will be on public television in the United Kingdom very soon.

The UK fans are some of the most passionate in the world and their level of knowledge and passion for ONE FC is unrivalled anywhere outside of Asia.

Ben: Would ONE FC have any interest in signing UK welterweight Paul Daley?
Cui: We have an amazing matchmaker in Matt Hume, who is the VP of Operations in ONE FC. He has an incredible team of scouts all across the world looking for talent.  We get hundreds of emails everyday of top fighters all around the world looking to compete for ONE FC. I have absolute faith in Matt (Hume) and his team to sign the best talent in the world, and if Paul Daley makes sense for us then we will reach out to him.

Ben: Speaking of Welterweight fighters, you have recently signed Ben Askren. Were you shocked when it was announced that Bellator had let its welterweight champ leave? and did it surprise you that the UFC wasn't interested?
Cui: It is a testament to ONE FC’s global standing that a Top 10 pound-for-pound mixed martial artist like Ben Askren decides to sign with us. Ben Askren’s impressive wrestling credentials joins the stable of world champions from different martial arts in ONE FC’s roster.

Ben: When can we expect to see Ben make his debut for ONE FC?
Cui: I’m sure fans from all over the world are very excited for his debut. Ben will be making his heavily anticipated ONE FC debut in the first half of 2014.

Ben: Do you have any opponents in line for Ben Askren's first fight?
Cui: Ben Askren is on the shortlist to challenge for the ONE FC Welterweight World Championship, and we are looking to find the best fights for him. Our fans in Asia can't wait to see Askren step into the ONE FC cage for the first time and it will be a landmark moment when it happens.

Ben: A big issue in MMA last year was the use of TRT, what is ONE FC's policy for drug testing?
Cui: We have a strict no-nonsense policy when it comes to any form of performing-enhancing chemicals. We have the pleasure of working with a group of professional athletes who have been following the guidelines we have put in place. One of the most important values to me is integrity and it is something I believe everybody should live by.

Our stance is very clear and we will not tolerate illegal drug use.

Ben: In September last year you announced plans for the ONE ASIA Amateur MMA Series which will hold monthly amateur events all across Asia. In my opinion this is brilliant for the sport and will certainly help to promote amateur fighters in Asia. After all, they are the future of the sport and could become future stars.

Have the details for these events now been finalised and when will the first event take place?

Cui: We are looking to roll out the series in phases in 2014. All the bouts will feature a common rule set to ensure a level playing field for amateurs across Asia regardless of where they are from. We already have the top amateurs lined up to compete in the amateur series as they gain experience with the dream of one day competing in ONE FC. We are committed to growing the sport in all levels and this will help groom Asia’s next MMA superstar.

Ben: In 2012 ONE FC put on 5 events, that number increased to 7 events in 2013, how many events do you want to put on this year?

Cui: We are significantly increasing the number of events we will be doing this year. ONE FC: WAR OF NATIONS on 14 March will be the first event in a stacked calendar year with at least one event every month after that. We will also expand to new markets across Asia. 2014 will be a groundbreaking year for ONE FC!

Ben: Lets take a look in to the future now, what are your longer term goals for ONE FC in the next 3-5 years?

Cui: The exponential growth that ONE FC has experienced in two years has been incredible. The sky is the limit for ONE FC. If we continue on the current trajectory, we have the potential to surpass the success of any mixed martial arts organisation in history.

Ben: Thank you very much again for your time, we really appreciate it.

Cui: Thank you for having me. ONE FC: WAR OF NATIONS take place 14 March from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tune in to onefc.livesport.tv to watch the best mixed martial artists from Asia battle it out in front of a sold-out Stadium Negara.

  

Heavyweight Prospect Steve Mocco Signs with World Series of Fighting

Heavyweight Prospect Steve Mocco Signs with World Series of Fighting
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

2008 U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestling team member Steve Mocco has signed a four-fight contract with the World Series of Fighting.

A member of American Top Team, Mocco (4-0) is a two-time NCAA Division I heavyweight champion and four-time All American who is widely considered one of the most dominate collegiate heavyweight wrestlers of all time.

Originally brought in at American Top Team to help Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva prepare for his UFC 146 bout with Cain Velasquez, Mocco made the decision to move into MMA after being unable to get past the US trials to to enter the 2012 London Olympics. Mocco subsequently signed with American Top Team and made his MMA debut at RFA 4 in 2012. Since making his MMA debut, the 32 year old has won 3 of 4 fights by submission.

Mocco has yet to be given a date for his World Series of Fighting debut, although WSOF executive vice president Ali Abdel-Aziz told MMAFighting.com earlier today we will see Mocco fighting for the promotion "very soon" but gave no further details.

15 European Fighters Who Could Sign for The UFC in 2014 (Part 1)

15 European Fighters Who Could Sign for The UFC in 2014 (Part 1)
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

2014 is set to be the busiest year in the UFC's history with between 40 to 50 cards planned for the year. The UFC are looking to expand in a big way this year, and with Garry Cook at the helm as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Europe, 2014 is set to be a huge year for European MMA.

With a minimum of 6 European cards planned for 2014, Joe Silva and Sean Shelby will need to book around 72 fights just for Europe - that's 144 fighters! With all of these cards expected to take place on the UFCs new online subscription service Fight Pass, its likely Silva and Shelby will be looking to add local talent to these cards, to not only sell tickets but to keep the cost of the cards down.

With so many talented fighters in European, we look at some of the names which the UFC could add over the next year. Starting with our first 5 names, in NO particular order.

Jan Blachowicz - Poland
The first of several Polish fighters on this list, 30 year old Jan Blachowicz has established himself as one of the best light-heavyweights in the world not signed to the UFC. At 17-3, Blachowicz has not lost a fight since 2011. Since then he has defeated four UFC vets in a row - Sokoudjou, Mario Maranda, Houston Alexander and Goran Reljić on route to earning and defending the KSW light-heavyweight title.

Popular in his native Poland, Blachowicz is no doubt on a far better contract than the UFCs standard 6k & 6k, but with the growing trend of light-heavyweights dropping to 185 - Machida, Mousasi, and Te Tuna all in recent months, and a proposed UFC debut in Poland this year, Blachowicz would be an excellent addition to the promotions 205lb division.

Max Nunes - Sweden
Had Max Nunes not lost to Jason Jones at Bamma 13 for the first pro loss of his career, it's likely the Swedish fighter would have already been signed to the UFC.

After suffering a set back against Jones, Nunes bounced back by dropping to middleweight and picking up a unanimous decision victory against Ion Pascu. With several Scandinavian's already booked for UFC London, the UFC may look to add to their roster for their annual return to Sweden. At 12-1 with 11 finishes, Max Nunes would be a worthy addition a UFC card in Sweden particularly if the 24 year old can pick up another win or two before then.

Mamed Khalidov - Poland
Easily the fighter most worthy of a place on the UFC roster on this list, Khalidov is a top 10 middleweight with an outstanding 28-4 record which includes an impressive 27 finishes. What's more 12 of those victories are over former or current UFC fighters.

A huge star in Poland, the KSW champion is Poland's equivalent of Conor McGregor, appearing on various national adverts and TV talkshows, and could easily headline a sold out arena when the UFC make their debut in Poland this year.

A stumbling block however  could be the reported $30,000 Khalidov earns per fight, and the sponsorship deal Khalidov could lose by joining the UFC, these were the reasons sited in 2012 when Khalidov turned down a UFC contract. With a card planned in Poland in 2014 though, it would be worth the UFC matching Khalidov's current contract just for the revenue he would bring to that card alone.

James Brum - UK
James 'Job Done' Brum has been doing just that - getting the job done for 2 years straight. Currently on an 8-fight win streak, Brum has not lost since Bamma 7 in September 2011 when he was defeated by current UFC bantamweight Erik Perez.

Currently Europe's highest ranked bantamweight not signed to the UFC, Brum has fought all of his Cage Warriors fights outside of the UK showing the ability to win and make weight around the world making James Brum a great addition to the UFC's Bantamweight division.

Neil Seery - Ireland
The UFC will make their long awaited return to Ireland this year and will no doubt be in the market for some of the finest local talent, and Neil Seery is one of the finest fighters Ireland have to offer right now.

While Seery may not have the best record in European MMA, Seery is popular, and has put together a 4 fight win streak on route to winning the Cage Warriors flyweight title; a division the UFC certainly could do with adding to.

Seery would be a popular addition amongst local fans to UFC Dublin 2014.

CLICK HERE TO READ PART 2 NOW

Video: AXS TV Fights 2013 Hightlights (Must SEE)

Video: AXS TV Fights 2013 Hightlights
By Chris Houten - @mrhouts

2013 was one of the best years in the history of MMA. We have seen stars rise and champions fall, amazing new talent emerge, and a host of international talent literally rise up like a phoenix from the ashes... and that's just whats gone on in the UFC this year.

Fans who haven't had the privilege of watching AXS TV Fights 2013 highlights video can be forgiven for thinking its been all UFC this year, but wait....

From the US TV network which is home to Legacy FC, XFC, MFC, RFA, CFA, BAMMA and others, sit back and enjoy 3 minutes of brutal slams, kicks, punches and submissions from the likes of Paul Daley, Sergio Pettis, Holly Holm, Brandon Thatch and many more.......GOOD NIGHT IRENE!

30 Bold Predictions for 2014

30 Bold Predictions for 2014
by Chris Houten @mrhouts

What we know so far about MMA in 2014: The UFC will stage the most shows they have ever in a calendar year, some notable UFC champions will be out injured in 2014, and Cage Warriors will continue their global expansion.... and thats about it.

We are in for a rough and ready ride in 2014, with some twist and turns along they way. Call them brave, call them bold, or call them just plain stupid, but here is my bold predictions for 2014 in no particular order.

1. The UFC will finally sign Mamed Kalidov in 2014, he will likely headline the promotions visit to Poland 
2. 2 UFC champions will lose their belts in 2014 - Chris Weidman and Anthony Pettis 
3. Nick Diaz will return to MMA in 2014
4. One of the Diaz brothers will fight for a UFC title in 2014 
5. Conor McGregor remains undefeated in the UFC in 2014, books a number 1 contender fight before the end of the year 
6. Mark Hunt and Roy Nelson fight each other putting on a fight of the year candidate 
7. At least 3 of the current Cage Warriors champions fight in the UFC in 2014 
8. Cathal Pendred wins TUF 19 
9. Rosi Sexton will sign with Invicta
10. Brad Pickett fights for the flyweight title in 2014 
11. Joanne Calderwood will KO ever opponent she faces in the TUF 20 house until she face Carla Esparza who out wrestlers her on route to winning the strawweight title 
12. Cain Velasquez doesn't fight in 2014 due to injury 
13. Paul Daley signs for Glory World Series before the end if the year taking a hiatus from MMA 
14. Chael Sonnen retires 
15. As do Dan Henderson and Frank Mir who both lose their next fights 
16. Holly Holm signs for the UFC; loses number 1 contender bout to Alexis Davis by submission 
17. Arnold Allen wins The CW featherweight title vacated by Jim Alers who joins the UFC 
18. Jose Aldo moves to lightweight before the year is out 
19. Jim Wallhead wins the Bamma Welterweight title 
20. Pat Barry returns to kickboxing after dropping to Light-heavyweight; Pat is knocked out in the first round of his 205 debut 
21. A minimum of 5 British fighters will be cut for the UFC in 2014 
22. James Brum will sign for the UFC in 2014 
23. The UFCs planned trip to Istanbul will not take place
24. Nick Newell wins the WSOF lightweight title in 2014
25. Norman Parke remains undefeated in the UFC in 2014, moves into the Top 10 in the Lightweight rankings
26. Johny Hendrick with beat Robbie Lawler to become the UFCs new Welterweight champion; he loses the title to Carlos Condit before the end of the year
27. Rampage Jackson will fight for the Bellator Light-Heavyweight title in 2014
28. Michael Bisping finally gets a shot the Middleweight title
29. Invicta gets TV deal in 2014
30. Lyoto Machida becomes only the 3rd man to become a 2 weight champion in the UFC

Agree? Let me know in the comments section below what you like, don't like, or what you think is just plain crazy!

Mirko Cro Cop vs Remy Bonjasky Official for Glory 14

Mirko Cro Cop vs Remy Bonjasky Official for Glory 14
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Glory officials today confirmed that Mirko Cro Cop will take on Remy Bojasky at Glory 14, March 8th in Zegreb, Croatia. The bout will serve as the main event of the evening, and is a rematch of a 2002 bout which Cro Cop won by TKO in the 2nd round.


Hometown hero Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic (22-7, 12 KOs) fights for the first time under the Glory banner having most recently won the K-1 Heavyweight Grand Prix in March.

Having fought MMA for Pride and The UFC, Cro Cop returned to kickboxing in March 2012, a sport where he began his professional fighting career with K-1. Since returning to kickboxing Cro Cop has since rattled off 6 straight victories.

A professional kickboxer since 1995, Kickboxing Hall of Famer, Remy Bonjasky (98-12-0, 36 KOs) has beaten a who's who of fighters including Ernesto Hoost, Melvin Manhoef, Gokhan Saki, Alistair Overeem, and Anderson Silva.

A three time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion, Bonjasky originally retired from Kickboxing in 2009, only to returned to the sport in 2012. Nicknamed the flying gentleman which pays homage to Bonjasky's array of flying kicks and knee attacks, Bonjasky is 2-3 in since returning to kickboxing, losing his most recent fight by controversial unanimous decision to Anderson Silva at Glory 13. 

No other fights have been official announced for Glory 14, however a 4-Man Middleweight Contenders Tournament is expected, with Jason Wilmis, Sahak Parparyan, and Dustin Jacoby expected to feature.

Baghdad Iraq Set to Host Cage Warriors 61

Baghdad Iraq Set to Host Cage Warriors 61

Cage Warriors Fighting Championship is to sign off on its busiest year to date with a hectic December schedule which will feature three events in three different countries.

CWFC officials can today confirm that terms have been agreed to bring Europe’s leading MMA promotion to Baghdad for a ground-breaking event on Saturday, December 14.

The Iraqi capital will play host to Cage Warriors 61 just seven days after CWFC’s next scheduled event, which is set for Newcastle, England. Once again, the curtain will be brought down on the year in Dublin, Ireland, on December 31, when Cage Warriors will stage its fourteenth and final event of 2013.

However, the promotion’s visit to Baghdad next month is sure to attract worldwide attention, as Cage Warriors Fighting Championship continues to expand into previously uncharted territories with a view to satisfying the enormous appetite for mixed martial arts in the region.

While some small-scale shows have taken place in Iraq in recent years, Cage Warriors 61 will mark the country’s first taste of an internationally-recognised MMA event, which will feature some of the top talent on the CWFC roster.

Iraq will become the eleventh country to play host to a Cage Warriors event since the start of last year. At the outset of 2012, the promotion embarked on an ambitious international schedule, breaking new ground for the sport of mixed martial arts in countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Ukraine.

That campaign of expansion has continued in 2013, the highlight of which thus far was an extremely successful and hugely significant event – Cage Warriors 58 – in the Russian republic of Chechnya this past August.

“Cage Warriors Fighting Championship is an international promotion, the biggest and busiest outside the USA, and this announcement further enhances that fact and that reputation,” said Graham Boylan, Cage Warriors CEO.

“We’ve shown our ambition for breaking through frontiers in the past so I’m sure it will come as no surprise to see us confirming an event in Baghdad. It has had a troubled past but we’re looking forward to visiting this fantastic city and giving the people there a taste of world-class MMA.

“The event will be one of three in December, which allows us to finish this year having staged 14 shows in the space of 10 months; that’s 26 in total across 11 different countries since February of last year. With 18 shows scheduled for next year, you can expect our international growth to continue at pace in 2014.”

Cage Warriors 61 was originally scheduled for Dagestan on November 16, but a number of logistical issues paved the way for the change of date and venue to December 14 in Baghdad, with a strong fight-card matched for the event which will be revealed in due course.

While the chronological order of numbered events has subsequently been impacted, officials have opted to continue with the December 7 event in Newcastle being billed as Cage Warriors 62, with Cage Warriors 61 following a week later in Baghdad.

Press Release: CES Sign UFC Vets Chuck O'Neil and Irishman Tom Egan

Press Release: CES Sign UFC Vets Chuck O'Neil and Irishman Tom Egan 

With a thrilling combination of top-rank veterans, up-and-coming pros and some of the best amateurs in the region, this is the type of event that, in a nutshell, captures the essence of Classic Entertainment & Sports' famous "something for everyone" edict.

"A November To Remember," coming to Foxwoods Resort Casino on Friday, Nov. 15th, 2013, is the latest installment of CES' wildly-popular mixed martial arts division, and it will be the promotion's second pro-am card this month at Foxwoods, including its recent boxing pro-am at the beginning of November.

This time, CES will bring heavy-hitters Chuck O'Neil (11-6, 3 KOs) of Bridgewater, Mass., and popular Irish middleweight Thomas Egan (7-3, 5 KOs) of nearby Dorchester to Foxwoods' venerable Fox Theater, adding two former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veterans to an already-stacked lineup.

Egan, who starred in UFC 93 four years ago in his native Ireland, will face the always-dangerous Bombsquad veteran Harley Beekman (4-2, 2 KOs) of Amsterdam, N.Y., in a three-round bout. Looking to continue his climb back up the ladder in the welterweight division, O'Neil will tangle with Atlanta's Chris Woodall (12-4, 5 KOs) in a three-round bout. A former contestant on The Ultimate Fighter reality television series, O'Neil is looking to a rebound from a first-round knockout loss to Brazilian Gil de Freitas in August.


The undercard of "A November To Remember" features more of the region's top talent as North Haven, Conn., bantamweight Blair Tugman (5-3) will face Eugene Barrett (3-6) of Toledo, Ohio. Also on the card, hard-hitting heavyweight Josh Diekmann (13-5 9 KOs), fighting out of TriForce MMA and Groton, Conn., will battle Chris Guillen (13-15, 1 KO) of Fort Worth, Tex., and Providence, R.I., flyweight Dan Cormier (1-3) will face newcomer Marvin Malonado of Latham, N.Y.

One of the most impressive up-and-comers in New England, light heavyweight Willie Brown Jr. (1-0) of Meriden, Conn., will return to face Pittsburgh newcomer Chazz Dowell, and Dorchester, Mass., featherweight James Murrin will make his professional debut against fellow newcomer Douglas Monteiro, fighting out of the Dragon's Lair in Framingham, Mass.

On the amateur side, welterweight Kyle Bochniak (3-1) of Boston's Broadway MMA will face Travis Demko (1-0) from Wai Kru, also out of Boston, and bantamweight Mike Piacentini (0-1) of Coondog MMA in Meriden will face Dashawn Robinson (1-1) from Ultimate MMA in North Haven, Conn. The amateur undercard also features welterweight bouts between Eduardo Conde (3-0) of Team Thunder MMA in Watertown, Conn., and Jose Quinones (3-1) of New England Combat in Johnston, R.I.; and Romulado de Freitas of the Dragon's Lair and independent fighter Angel LaBoy (0-1) of Hartford. All amateur bouts feature three five-minute rounds.

WSOF Partners with Pancrase, Announces WSOF Japan

WSOF Partners with Pancrase, Announces WSOF Japan

The World Series of Fighting continues to expand its global footprint with the launch of World Series of Fighting Japan (WSOF Japan).

World Series of Fighting launches its new Japanese division in a partnership with the long-running and highly respected Pancrase organization, a Tokyo-based group that has promoted mixed martial arts events since 1993 and is widely considered one of the most historically important organizations in the sport.

"Japan has long been a home of top-level martial arts competitions of all types, and I personally have enjoyed some of the best moments of my fighting career there," World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo said. "I'm excited to announce this new division with the launch of World Series of Fighting Japan.

"I look forward to working with Pancrase CEO Masakazu Sakai and his team, and together we will produce amazing events for the Japanese fight fans, as well as big opportunities for both Asia-based fighters and MMA fighters around the globe."

The first World Series of Fighting Japan event is expected to take place in early 2014. The relationship will allow fighters from both sides of the Pacific Ocean to be featured in fight cards in both the U.S. and Japan, including recent World Series of Fighting addition Yushin "Thunder" Okami (29-8), one of the world's top-ranked middleweights.

The launch of World Series of Fighting Japan marks the second international branch of the WSOF brand to be announced in the past month alone, as World Series of Fighting Canada is set for a Dec. 7 debut. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Bellator signs top Brazilian Prospect "Morceguinho"

Bellator signs top Brazilian Prospect "Morceguinho"
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Bellator have added top Brazilian prospect Julio Cesar Neves Junior, commonly know as Moreguinho to its roster.

The younger brother of Bellator tournament winner Rafael "Morcego" Silva, 19-year-old Moreguinho came to international attention when he produced a Knock Out of the Year candidate against Dener Chuleta at WOCS 28.

28-0 in his career, featherweight Moreguinho has only gone the distance 3 times in his career, finishing 17 of his opponents by knockout and 8 by submission.

Having fought 18 times int the last 12 months, a date or opponent for Morceguinho Bellator debut is yet to be comfirmed.

Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest Bellator news.

Paul Daley vs. Alexander Yakovlev at the Legend

Paul Daley vs. Alexander Yakovlev at the Legend

This is the second officially announced bout of the event, the first being the fight between the scandalous Russian heavyweight Alexander Emelianenko and the Croatian MMA legend Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.

Alexander Yakovlev (19-4-1) is well known to Russian fans for his M-1 league performance. Yakovlev, who has certificates of mastery in hand-to-hand fighting, freestyle wrestling, sambo, and combat sambo, clinched the win in 16 of his fights, with 8 knockouts and 8 submissions.

Last November, with 5 wins in a run and a tie in hard confrontation with Shamil Zavurod, Yakovlev had a title fight with the M-1 Challenge champion Rashid Magomedov, but lost by the judges' decision. Having drawn the right conclusions from this experience, the Bad Boy came back to the ring last April defeating Murad Abdulaev in a close fight.

His opponent, Paul Daley (33-12-2), British knockout artist has fought in the 10 years of his professional career in almost all major MMA promotions, including Strikeforce, Bellator и UFC. Semtex, famous for his quick temper and lethal left hook, has already knocked out 24 fighters, with MMA stars Duane Ludwig, Martin Kampmann, and Scott Smith among them.

Now Daley is on the rise again: he has to his credit 4 wins in a run and a free hand (Daley has recently parted with Bellator). He had his latest fight in Liverpool, having knocked out Lukasz Chlewicki in the first round.

Russian MMA fans will have to wait until November to find out who is more explosive - the Bad Boy or Semtex.

Felice Herrig Signs Multi-Fight Deal with Invicta FC

Felice Herrig Signs Multi-Fight Deal with Invicta FC

Twenty-eight year-old Strawweight (115 pounds) superstar Felice “Lil’ Bulldog” Herrig (9-4) of Crystal Lake, Ill. has signed an exclusive, multi-fight agreement with women’s world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion Invicta Fighting Championships.

Herrig, a winner of four consecutive fights and protégé of MMA star Jeff Curran, will make her Invicta FC debut later this year.

“I couldn’t be happier than I am now, after signing with Invicta FC,” said Herrig.  “I have seen them do so much for women and really give them a chance to shine.  I don’t think anyone realized how big Invicta FC would become, and I am truly proud to say I have found a home with them.

“We are excited about bringing Felice, one of the brightest, young talents in the women’s field of MMA, under the Invicta FC umbrella,” said Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp.  “Felice has overcome a lot of stiff competition, thus far, during her career, and we are looking forward to seeing her perform against some of the top women in the world who fight for Invicta FC.”

A seasoned striker who began her fight career as a kickboxer, Herrig was initially introduced to a national audience as a competitor on Fight Girls, the Oxygen network reality series that followed a group of women Muay Thai fighters vying for greatness in Thailand’s national sport.  Herrig emerged victorious over a champion in Thailand before the series concluded.

Herrig went on to become a world Muay Thai champion, winning the International Kickboxing Federation bantamweight crown on November 15, 2008 by earning a unanimous decision over Katie Meehan in Chicago.  She also enjoyed a stint fighting in Chuck Norris’ now-defunct kickboxing promotion, World Combat League.

In her last MMA fight on March 28, Herrig earned a split decision victory over Heather Clark in Tampa, Fla.

Stay tuned to Kingdom MMA for all the latest on Invicta FC and Womens MMA