Nad Narimani Signs Multi-fight Deal with Cage Warriors

Nad Narimani Signs Multi-fight Deal with Cage Warriors

(Photo: Dolly Clew | Cage Warriors)

Nad Narimani has put pen to paper on a multi-fight contract with Cage Warriors Fighting Championship.

The deal will see Narimani (5-1) compete under the CWFC banner for his next five fights, as he aims to continue to assert himself as one of the top featherweights in the UK.

The 26-year-old Englishman performed extremely impressively when he put his unbeaten record on the line in his CWFC debut last month against fourth-ranked UK featherweight Graham Turner at Cage Warriors 56 in London.

After the bout went the distance, Turner snatched a split decision win but, in spite of the loss, it only served to enhance Narimani’s reputation as one of the most promising prospects in the UK. Prior to his Cage Warriors debut, Narimani picked up notable wins over Marcin Wrzosek and TUF alumni Karsten Lenjoint.

“I can’t wait to get back in there for Cage Warriors to make a statement,” said Narimani. “I’m really happy to have signed with such a good show.”

Stay tuned to Kingdom MMA for all the last on Cage Warriors

Former UFC Featherweight Junior Assuncao Re-signs with XFC

Junior Assuncao Re-signs with XFC

In 2010, Assuncao, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Black Rope in Capoeira, defeated John Mahlow to capture the XFC Lightweight Championship.  Before being able to defend his new title, Assuncao was offered the opportunity to return to the UFC, so with the blessing of XFC President John Prisco, Junior was let out of his contract and he respectfully vacated his belt.  Assuncao went 1-1 during his second run with the UFC, but was abruptly dismissed after his unanimous decision loss to Ross Pearson.  The company cited “an over crowded weight class” as the reason for his termination.  Junior took some time off following his release but is now refreshed , healthy, and ready to compete again.

Junior Assuncao (13-5)  has been fighting professionally since 2004.  A true veteran of the sport, Assuncao has spent time in the most recognizable organizations in the industry. He has been successful in the UFC, XFC, Shine and King of the Cage.  Before his loss to Pearson, Junior enjoyed a seven fight/three year win streak.  Assuncao holds seven wins by way of submission, two by knockout, and 4 by decision.

XFC President and Match Maker John Prisco had this to say about the Assuncao signing: “We are very excited to be able to welcome Junior back into the XFC.  Though he was only here for a short time before, I have always thought of him as a part of the XFC family; he was that pleasant to work with.  Even after Junior left us, I still kept communication open and a good working relationship with his team, not only to keep the door open for a possible return, but because I am sincerely a fan of his.  Junior is walking into an exciting time here at the XFC.  Our Featherweight “Tournament” will be held in September and October, and we will be crowning a champion shortly after.  Junior will, without a doubt, be right in the mix and waiting for whoever comes out of that tournament with the belt.  I also wouldn’t be surprised if he makes an appearance at Lightweight either.  He held our belt at that weight class before, so I can’t completely close the door on a possible return to that division. We will just have to wait and see.”

Tuf Contestant Jimmy Quinlan vs Luc Bondole Added to New England Fights X

 Tuf Contestant Jimmy Quinlan vs Luc Bondole Added to New England Fights X

New England Fights (NEF) today announced the addition of a middleweight feature fight between The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran Jimmy “Crash” Quinlan (3-1) and undefeated prospect Luc Bondole (2-0) to the mixed martial arts promotion’s tenth event entitled “NEF X” to be held on September 21st at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.

“When I received the call that Jimmy was looking for a fight fresh off of his solid run in the TUF house, I jumped at the opportunity to book him,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “Quinlan’s grappling credentials are bulletproof and he forged his skills the old fashioned way—through hard work. He’s exactly the type of athlete we aim to work with here at NEF MMA and we can’t wait to watch him compete against a top prospect in Luc Bondole who we’ll be bringing in from California for the occasion.”

“Bondole and Quinlan is an interesting matchup,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “Jimmy is a menace for anyone on the ground, but Bondole has the size, strength and athleticism to avoid going there if he doesn’t want to. Jimmy’s wrestling will be substantial and a challenge for Bondole to deal with, but Luc is a massive middleweight and has never tasted defeat in any of his seven fights. This is an intense addition to a card that runs leagues deep with talent.”

Jimmy “Crash” Quinlan completed a successful four-year wrestling career at Bridgewater State College before he began exploring Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). Quinlan, who recently earned his black belt, is a world and multiple-time Pan Am champion in BJJ. His wrestling and BJJ hybrid style of fighting have proven lethal in the cage. He scored multiple victories in the TUF House during the most recent “Team Jones vs Team Sonnen” edition of the popular reality television show and was picked-up by the UFC for a fight in the season finale. Quinlan lost in his UFC debut, but is determined to notch some wins and earn his way back to the big show. His journey back begins with Luc Bondole on September 21st.

“NEF always showcases the region’s best talent, so it was an easy choice to fight for them and begin my climb back to MMA’s biggest stage,” stated Quinlan.

Luc Bondole amassed a perfect 5-0 amateur career before deciding to go pro in late 2012. Bondole made his NEF debut earlier this year at “NEF VI” when he took on a very tough Ryan Hodge (5-7). The 6’2” Bondole won a unanimous judges’ decision on the scorecards after a workman-like fifteen rounds of fighting. Originally from Portland, Maine, Bondole now lives and trains in California with aspirations of someday competing in the biggest promotions in the world. Bondole and his management team understand that a win over Quinlan will exponentially move him up the rankings and that much closer to a shot at Bellator or the UFC.

“I’m excited and honored to be fighting Jimmy Quinlan,” stated Bondole. “It will be a night to remember.”

Stay Tuned to Kingdom MMA for all the latest MMA from around the world

RFA & Double-D/Adidas Combat Sports Sign Multi-Year Deal

RFA & Double-D/Adidas Combat Sports Sign Multi-Year Deal

The President of Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA), Ed Soares, today broke news on several fronts when he announced organizational, promotional, and event plans for this year, including recently inking a landmark television distribution deal with AXS TV for 2013. Soares also revealed plans for up to 10 fights this year for the young MMA promotion, which is quickly earning a reputation as the ultimate proving ground for athletes who dream of fighting in an eight-sided cage.

"I am honored and excited to be in business with AXS TV and to have this national television deal in place for 2013," said Soares. "I'm already so far ahead of where I wanted to be at this time – we have plans to do up to 10 fights this year – and with this major TV deal in place, I think we have established that RFA offers aspiring athletes tough competition in fights that reach a national audience." 

"As one of the longest running live MMA series in the nation, we are always scouting for the best MMA promotions and athletes to feature on AXS TV Fights," said Andrew Simon, Chief Executive Officer, AXS TV Fights. "MMA fans and fighters alike have to be excited that Ed Soares, the long-time manager of the world's greatest champion, Anderson Silva, is in charge of RFA as well as recruiting and building new fighting stars for the promotion! There is no doubt in my mind that fight fans will be following all of RFA's AXS TV televised events in 2013."

With the size and scope of RFA rapidly escalating, Soares is forming a seasoned executive team to support his efforts. Today, he officially named Sven Bean as RFA's Chief Operating Officer (COO). Bean has 15 years of experience in fight promotions with over 100 successful kickboxing and mixed martial arts events to his name. With his record of achievement and his standing in the fight community, Bean brings the expertise, credibility and first-hand knowledge of the industry to RFA. Sven will work side-by-side with Soares to identify the best new talent for RFA and in all aspects of live event planning and execution.

"I am proud to announce Sven Bean as COO and lead executive in charge of fight operations for RFA," said Soares. "Sven is one of the most experienced and accomplished fight promoters in MMA. He is a trusted professional who shares my passion for MMA and my vision for the huge potential of RFA as a star-building league for the sport. With a TV deal in place and so many events planned this year, Sven will be central to RFA's success."

"Joining RFA with Ed Soares leading the organization is an incredible opportunity," said Bean. "Ed and I are very like-minded in business and in our goal to grow RFA as the best place for up and coming fighters to showcase their MMA skills. I look forward to bringing RFA 7 to my hometown of Denver on March 22, and to seeing so many rising fighters get the chance to compete on live national television."

Additionally, Soares named Jen Wenk to lead RFA's overall public relations efforts. Wenk worked as the PR Director for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) from 2005 to 2011. She was employed through UFC's rise as the fastest growing sport in the world and the most successful fight promotion in history. Two years ago, Wenk launched a PR agency specializing in fighting sports. She holds a BA in English and History from Hunter College, a PRSA Accreditation (APR) and over 20 years of public relations practice across government, network television, and fighting.

"I am pleased to welcome Jen Wenk to the RFA team," said Soares. "She is now handling public relations for RFA and our live events. I have known Jen since the first day she started work in this sport. The MMA experience that she brings to RFA is invaluable and I'm excited to have her on my executive team."

"I'm honored to join RFA and to be working with Ed Soares, someone that I have known and respected for years," said Wenk. "While Ed was managing the career for the most accomplished athlete in MMA, I was managing PR for the most accomplished fight promotion in the world. I am excited to join forces with Ed and to help build RFA into a vibrant MMA promotion and as a home for the sport's rising stars."

Soares stated that plans are set for RFA's second nationally televised event this year. He is working in conjunction with the Colorado-based Ring of Fire organization to present "RFA 7" at the 1stBank Center in Denver, Colorado on Friday, March 22.

Alverez Returns to Bellator Meets Michael Chandler at Bellator PPV

Alverez Returns to Bellator Meets Michael Chandler at Bellator PPV

In a fight nearly two years in the making, Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler will put his title on the line against former Bellator Champion Eddie Alvarez live on pay-per-view November 2^nd from the Long Beach Arena as the co-main event of the evening.  Both competitors are unanimously ranked in the Top-10 of their division, in part due to their epic 2011 battle that earned the distinction of ‘Fight Of The Year’ by many publications (Full Fight Here: http://bit.ly/uoaoCE). The night will be headlined by MMA superstars Rampage Jackson and Tito Ortiz in a light heavyweight affair.

“I’ve been cageside for more live fights than almost anyone on the planet,” Bellator CEO & Chairman Bjorn Rebney said. “Without question, Chandler vs. Alvarez was the best MMA fight I’ve ever seen. I’m excited to be able to deliver this rematch to MMA fans.  It’s been a long time coming and we’ve had to jump over a lot of hurdles to get this done, but from the day we announced our PPV I promised fans that this card was going to be the deepest we’ve ever done, and we are well on our way. This is just the start.” 

Fresh off his 44 second destruction of David Rickels, Chandler now defends his title for the third time in 2013 with the long awaited rematch with Alvarez.  Originally coming into his 2011 showdown with Alvarez as a nearly 5-1 underdog, Chandler came out of the gate on a mission, and after four grueling rounds of back and forth action, Chandler submitted Alvarez to claim his first World Title. Without a blemish on his record and riding the momentum of being considered one of the best lightweights in the world, Chandler is ready for another title defense and moving his spotless record to 13-0.

“Without sounding too disrespectful, when I fought Eddie the first time in 2011, I didn’t even know what it meant to be an MMA fighter,” Chandler said. “Two years later, I’ve grown so much as a mixed martial artist, and there isn’t a doubt in my mind on November 2^nd, my hand will be raised and the belt will be around my waist. I have full confidence that I can take this fight wherever I want, whenever I want because I didn’t even show much of my wrestling in that last fight and I was able to beat him just with my standup. My ground game has always been there, and I’ve taken my striking to a whole new level since the last time we met. I feel like I have more experience under my belt, I’m wiser, stronger, and have had so much time in the gym trying to become the best fighter I can be.”

After losing his belt to Chandler in 2011, Alvarez responded with two knockout victories in 2012 over longtime rival Shinya Aoki, as well as a devastating KO victory over Patricky Pitbull. Alvarez then found himself on the sidelines as Bellator and Alvarez engaged in a contract dispute that spanned nearly a year. With both parties having agreed on a new deal, Alvarez is ready to step back in the cage and erase a loss that still haunts him.

“I still lose sleep over my loss to Chandler, and I want it off my record,” Alvarez remarked. “This was a long process, but at the end of the day I’m back with Bellator and I’m happy to get back in the cage. I really believe everything happens for a reason, and at the end of the day my family and I are happy, and I’m ready to get my belt back on November 2^nd.”

Former UFC Fighters Simeon Thoresen and Peter Sobotta meet at MMA Attack 4

Former UFC Fighters Simeon Thoresen and Peter Sobotta meet at MMA Attack 4
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Former UFC fighters Simeon Thoresen (17-4-1) and Peter Sobotta (13-4-1) meet at MMA Attack 4 at the Ergo Arena in Poland, on October 26th.

One of the finest fighter to come from Scandinavia, Thoresen who holds a victory over John Maguire enters the bout against Sobotta having take 17 win in his pro career, 15 which have come by way of submission.

Part of a mass culling which saw the UFC release 16 fighters earlier this year, Thoresen fight first the first time since he was cut from The UFC following back-to-back losses to Seth Baczynski and David Mitchell. His one UFC victory came in his debut at UFC on Fuel 2 in Sweden, where he submitted Besam Yousef.

“I Can’t wait for the fight against Peter Sobotta." Thoresen Said.  "He’s a good fighter and an interesting challenge for me. MMA Attack is a large European gala and I am honored that I can participate in it. Last year was a little difficult for me, but now everything will be made ​​into a coherent whole, and I am optimistic about the future.” 

His Opponent Sobotta, a Polish native who now fights out of Germany fought for the UFC 3 time between 2009 and 2010, losing to Paul Taylor, James Wilks, and Amir Sadollah. Since his release he has has fought 6 times, going 5-0-1 with 5 submission victories, 3 of which saw Sobotta win the R2F Casino Fight Night 3 one night tournament. Sobotta only blemish since his release is a controversial draw which many had him winning.

Speaking on the upcoming bout with Thoresen, Sobotta said:

“Simeon is a good competitor with a similar to my skill set [to mine]. This is not the type of grappler who just wants to maintain its position, but also trying many tricks and looking for submissions, which heralds a great fight. But I am convinced that at the end of this my hand is raised, because I’m a better grappler, and the battle will be decided on the ground. After I went off the last MMA attack, I can not wait to come back and fight again before the Polish fans” Sobotta said.

Stay tuned to Kingdom MMA for all the latest on European MMA as it happens

UFC on Fox Sports 1 - UK Betting Odds (Full Card)

UFC on FOX Sports 1 - UK Betting Odds

With UFC on Fox Sports 1 approaching on Saturday, we team up with partners William Hill to bring those who fancy a little flutter the latest clear cut, betting odds - Good Luck, and don't miss out on your free £25 bet below!

Preliminary Card
8/11 Manvel Gamburyan v Cole Miller 11/10
9/4 Cody Donovan v Ovince St. Preux 1/3 
4/7 Ramsey Nijem v James Vick 11/8
4/9 Mike Brown v Steven Siler 7/4
2/7 Diego Brandao v Daniel Pineda 13/5
7/4 Brad Pickett v Michael McDonald 4/9 
4/11 Conor McGregor v Max Holloway 21/10

Main Card
4/11 Urijah Faber v Yuri Alcantara 21/10
2/9 Uriah Hall v John Howard 16/5 18
2/5 Joe Lauzon v Michael Johnson 19/10
4/6 Matt Brown v Mike Pyle 6/5 
1/2 Alistair Overeem v Travis Browne 8/5
EVS Mauricio Rua v Chael Sonnen 4/5
 *Blue denotes Favourite