Shinobi War Adds 2 More Fights to Debut November Card

Shinobi War Adds 2 More Fights to Debut November Card

Amateur upstart promotion Shinobi War have added two more fights to its debut November card.

Craig Dransfield of Next Generation MMA in Liverpool will be taking on Fergus Williams-Tanton who is an independent fighter.  Dransfield is a BJJ Blue Belt under Head Coach, Paul Rimmer, and has a solid stand-up game to match.  Williams-Tanton has a very game fighter who has trained in many martial arts over the years including Muay Thai, Sambo and Wrestling.  

Igor Pusharskis of Team Elite has made a promising start to his MMA career and holds an amateur record of 4-0.  He will face another independent fighter in the form of Gary Tyrer.  Tyrer always comes to fight and is himself unbeaten having won both of his amateur bouts to date.

Unfortunately, as with Liam Bird has been forced to withdraw from the card leaving Bobby Pallet without an opponent. Again Team Shinobi have managed to find a more that suitable replacement in Jordan Barton from Team Elite.  Jordan has a strong striking background, which is a trademark of Team Elite and has rounded out his game by competing in and winning grappling tournaments.

Shinobi War takes place on Saturday 23rd November 2013 at the Deeside Leisure Centre, North Wales.  The full fight card is as follows:

Shinobi War Fight Card

Featherweight Bout - Wayne Hughes (HFFS) vs Reece Phillips (Beyond Black Belt)

Lightweight Bout - Paul Jackson (HFFS) vs River O'Callaghan (Silverback MMA)

Light Heavyweight Bout - Mario Data (HFFS) vs Piotr Chyska (Beyond Black Belt)

Middleweight Bout - Igor Puskarskis (Team Elite) vs Gary Tyrer (Independent)

Bantamweight Bout - Mak Mwanza (Silverback MMA) vs Jordan Chester (Reps MMA)

Welterweight Bout - Alan Hunt (Team Elite) vs Tony Hristov (Silverback MMA)

Middleweight Bout - Mark Sutton (Next Level MMA) vs Tom White (Beyond Black Belt)

Featherweight Bout - Lloyd Sweeney (ASW) vs Gav Samuels (Independent)

Lightweight Bout - Craig Dransfield (Next Generation) vs Fergus Williams-Tanton (Independent)

Lightweight Bout - Bobby Pallett (HFFS) vs Jordan Barton (Team Elite)

Catchweight 54Kg Bout - Adam Penketk (Sapphire MMA) vs TBC

Flyweight Bout - Ollie Harris (Next Level MMA) vs TBC

Featherweight Bout - Chris Pieroni (HFFS) vs TBC

Featherweight Bout - Jay Clay (Next Generation) vs TBC

Light Heavyweight Bout - Joe Cook (HFFS) vs TBC

Light Heavyweight Bout - Nathan Rigby (HFFS) vs TBC

Light Heavyweight Bout - Matt Clempner (ASW) vs TBC

Heavyweight Bout - Matt Allen (Beyond Black Belt) vs TBC

UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson Predictions

UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson Predictions

With Tim Kennedy's knock out, Alexis Davis' masterclass, and James Krause nether region (take that how you will) still fresh in our mind, The UFC is back already, and this time from Goiania, Brazil with UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson.

Kingdom MMA writer Jack Broadey (Twitter @j3cK_b) and Tommy Strong (Twitter @strong_tea) give you their predictions for the event which is sure to be a cracker!

Vitor Belfort vs Dan Henderson:
Strong: A fight between 2 of my least favourite fighters in the UFC. Not because of their fighting style, but because they both use TRT, but thats for another discussion.

I'm still trying to work out why this fight is happening? Belfort coming into the fight with stunning wins over Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold at Middleweight, I'm struggling to see why he would move up in weight to take on someone very dangerous like Henderson.

Henderson though is in the twilight of his career, now 43 and coming off 2 very close losses to Machida and Rashad Evans, a loss here would surely see the end of his UFC career.

Im torn between who to pick. Can Vitor knock Hendo out? I don't think so. Can Vitor have the cardio for 5 rounds? I don't think so... 

Prediction: Vitor Belfort - Submission RD 3

Broadey: All I'm seeing is people not only completely write Dan Henderson off but totally underestimate him too. Belfort has looked amazing lately finishing fights with one shot or the infamous "Belfort Blitz." Henderson just doesn't get knocked out, by anybody. If we see a KO in this fight I feel it's likely to come from Hendo's right hand as Belfort rushes in. Neither man is renowned for there gas tank but Hendo also has a huge advantage there should the fight go deep. Belfort may well submit Henderson if this turns into a wrestling match.

Prediction: Dan Henderson - Unanimous Decision

Cezar Ferreira vs Daniel Sarafian:
Strong: Really looking forward to this fight. Both were scheduled to meet in the Brazil TUF final before Sarafian had to pull out due to an injury. Ferreira went onto beat the replacement and the man Sarafian beat in the semi finals Sergio Moraes via unanimous decision and win the TUF Middleweight tournament.

I think size might be the difference here, I really like Sarafian and wouldn't be surprised to see him win, though I have to go with Cezar Ferreira.

Prediction: Cezar Ferreira - Unanimous Decision

Broadey: We finally get to see the TUF Brazil finale. Safarian hasn't impressed me at all so far whilst the injury hit Ferreira has looked mightily impressive in his limited appearances so far. Cesar has way to much power in his hands for Safarian and he will stand and trade.

Prediction: Cezar Ferreira - TKO RD 2

Rafael Cavalcante vs Igor Pokrajac:
Strong: All of Rafael 11 wins have come via KO and his losses come to think of that, though Igor just isn't in the same league for me, having lost his last 3 fights I only see one winner here!

Prediction: Rafael Cavalcante - KO RD1 (Banker of the Night)

Broadey: Pokrajak has no business at all being on a main card never mind the 3rd main fight. He's lost 3 in a row and that should have been 4. He's tough and doesn't often get beatdown but he doesn't impose himself in fights. Cavalcante is very much hit and miss himself. Losing 2 of his last 4 with a win being chalked off after a drugs ban. He has motivational issues which makes him kind of hard to predict. If he turns up in the right frame of mind he should win this fight.

Prediction: Rafael Cavalcante - Unanimous Decision 

Paulo Thiago vs Brandon Thatch
Strong: This welterweight fight really has me interested, merely to see Brandon Thatch back in action again! His stunning debut knocking out Justin Edwards inside the 1st round was very impressive! Having won 10 fights inside the first round via KO or submission (1 loss) he may have to wait a little longer to get the job done on Thiago.

Thiago isn't the force he once was, though will be a good test for Thatch to see where he is in the division. Thiago doesn't possess the striking ability of Thatch or knock out power so will have to try and work some magic on the mat.

Prediction: Brandon Thatch - TKO RD 2

Broadey: This is a very fun fight. Thatch entered the UFC with a ton of hype and duly delivered and outstanding KO on debut. Thiago has been there and done it all, he's a whole different league to the competition Thatch has so far faced. Thiago generally only loses to the top guys in the division. Thatch will put himself in that mix after he knocks Thiago out.

Prediction: Brandon Thatch - TKO RD 1

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Ryan LeFlare
Strong: Not going to lie here, I don't know much about Santiago if anything at all, but I know how good LeFlare is at grappling, takedowns and top position! I always back a man who can control a fight on the floor over a striker.

Prediction: LeFlare - TKO RD 2

Broadey: I don't know much Ponzinibbio other than he beat some descent competition on the way to the final of Tuf Brazil 2 including the eventual winner Santos before having to pull out due to injury. LaFlare is a huge Welterweight but very inexperienced. That could be a factor fighting in Brazil against a huge crowd favourite here. Benny Alloway took him the distance in a close fight so I won't expect fireworks here.

Prediction: Ponzinibbio - Unanimous Decision

Rony Jason vs Jeremy Stephens:
Strong: Not normally I like to pick the favourites for each fight, though I'm struggling to pick against Rony Jason here. Jeremy Stephens made his featherweight debut in May this year where he defeated Estevan Payan in dominating fashion via UD. But can he raise his game even further?

Rony Jason is a joy to watch at times , if he can get Stephens to the ground I fancy him pulling off a submission win. Though is the fight stays on the feet this could a very bad night for Rony.

Prediction: Jeremy Stephens - Unanimous Decision (Although not really comfortable about this pick)

Broadey: Jeremy Stephens although predominantly a striker is good everywhere but Jason is excellent everywhere - his one isn't close.

Prediction: Rony Jason - Submission RD 1 

UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson - UK Betting Odds

UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson - UK Betting Odds

With UFC Fight for the Troops 3 still fresh in our mind the UFC is back this time with UFC Fight Night 32 and as always there is a chance to make some money! 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
4/5 Jose Maria Tome v Dustin Ortiz 10/11 
17/20 Adriano Martins v Daron Cruickshank 17/20
4/9 Thiago Tavares v Justin Salas 13/8
13/8 Thiago Perpetuo v Omari Akhmedov 4/9 
17/20 Godofredo Pepey v Sam Sicilia 17/20

Main Card
1/2 Rony Jason v Jeremy Stephens 8/5 
6/5 Santiago Ponzinbibio v Ryan LaFlare 4/6
9/4 Paulo Thiago v Brandon Thatch 1/3
4/11 Rafael Cavalcante v Igor Pokrajac 21/10  
4/6 Cezar Ferreira v Daniel Sarafian 6/5
4/9 Vitor Belfort v Dan Henderson 7/4

*Blue denotes Favourite

What's Next for the Winners of Fight for the Troops 3

What's Next for the Winners of Fight for the Troops 3
By Jack Broadey - @j3ck_b

Tim KennedyTim Kennedy was never going to lose in front of his brothers in the armed forces against a good but limited Natal. He still doesn't seem to see eye to eye with Dana White and it's no coincidence in my eyes that the UFC tried and ultimately failed to match Kennedy with 1st Vitor Belfort and then Lyoto Machida. Circumstances determined neither of these happened but I think we see the theme continue with another dangerous opponent put in front of Kennedy. If Bisping is ready for UFC London that would be the logical matchup. If that doesn't happen then Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza would make sense and I think that's what happens.

Alexis Davis
Alexis Davis looked very comfortable against a solid contender. Division is tied up for the immediate future so a fight with Jessica Eye makes sense to me and allows the division time to sort itself out.

Yoel Romero
Yoel Romero didn't look like he would fulfil his potential when he was in the Strikeforce ranks. Since the Zuffa merger he's opened up his UFC account with 2 straight wins. He's not been severely tested and the UFC won't be in a hurry to rush his progress. Derek Brunson strung together his 2nd UFC win in a row in impressive fashion on the undercard and a battle between the former Strikeforce colleagues would push a contender into the proverbial mix.

Rustam Khabilov
Rustam Khabilov put together his 3rd successive UFC win and deserves a higher calibre opponent. He's got solid wrestling credentials and his standup looks very sharp. I like the idea of the Maynard-Diaz winner facing Khabilov but they may be pushed into bigger fights. An all rounder like Myles Jury would see where Khabilov belongs in the division.

Michael Chiesa
Michael Chiesa rebounded from a loss to Jorge Masjvidal with a good win over Colton Smith. Although 3-1 in the UFC he's a middle of the pack guy and is likely to get another guy with a similar standing. Lightweight has a big roster so there's plenty of choices. Jon Makdessi is of similar standing and isn't currently matched so that would be a fun fight to make.

Press Release: Lonsdale Extends Partnership with Bamma

Press Release: Lonsdale Extends Partnership with Bamma

Europe’s flagship Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce a renewed partnership with Lonsdale, ahead of ‘BAMMA 14: Daley vs Da Silva’ as Lonsdale extends its commitment to British MMA into 2014. BAMMA 14 takes place on 14th December at Birmingham’s LG Arena and tickets are available Here
 
The name Lonsdale became inextricably associated with the history of boxing when in 1891 the 5th Earl of Lonsdale organised the first boxing fight with gloves. When veteran fighter, Bernard Heart, adopted the Lonsdale name for his original boxing range in 1960, Lonsdale further established itself as a pioneer in combat sports history becoming the emblem of names that included Muhammed Ali, Henry Cooper and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Lonsdale extended its sporting heritage to Mixed Martial Arts when it first partnered with BAMMA for ‘BAMMA 5: Daley v Shirai’ in 2011. The partnership has seen many unforgettable British MMA bouts in the BAMMA cage, and Lonsdale has notably championed stars that have included Colin ‘Freakshow’ Fletcher and Tom ‘Kong’ Watson. Lonsdale has also become associated with the coveted BAMMA Lonsdale British title belts.

BAMMA’s Director, Ashley Bothwell said: “We are really pleased to continue a very successful relationship with Lonsdale. We are proud to be associated with the combination of boxing heritage, British culture and iconic style that only Lonsdale can bring. We value the support that Lonsdale has put behind the growth of MMA in the UK and we look forward to a really strong 2014 as we increase the number of our shows on a wider TV platform under this partnership.”

Stay tuned to Kingdom MMA for all the latest on Bamma 14.

UFC Fight Night 31: Fight for the Troops 3 Main Card Predictions

UFC Fight Night 31: Fight for the Troops 3 Main Card Predictions
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

The UFC is back on Wednesday showing some love to the US troops in Kentucky for UFC Fight Night 31: Fight for the Troops 3. There has been some grips about the quality of the card, but hey... its free, and what else are you doing on a Wednesday night (or Thursday for those with jobs like me).

Kingdom MMA writers Chris Houten and Ben Heather take a look at the main card for UFC Fight Night 31: Fight for the Troops 3 and give you their thoughts and predictions on the night affairs.

Michael Chiesa vs Colton Smith 

Houten: Its safe to say, year on year the winner of TUF get weaker and weaker. The fact that guys like Colton Smith and Michael Chiesa share the same honours as guys like Bisping, Evans, Griffin etc just isn't right.

I personally don't care about this fight, I would have rather had Camozzi vs Larkin, or Bermudez vs Siler on the main card because I don't expect this fight to be that good.

I do think Chiesa will take this one though by submission though much to the dismay of the troop... surely this is the more exciting prospect of a Smith cuddle hug victory.

Prediction: Michael Chiesa - Submission RD 2 

Heather: A battle of TUF winners here and also a potential showcase that the talent in the house recently has got very stretched. If either of these guys were in any of the earlier seasons they surely wouldn't have gone on to win.

I think Smith was exposed last time out and may be again, has any TUF champion gone 0-2 after the finale (yes I know he beat Ricci in the final) but i think Chiesa will have enough to take the win.

Prediction: Michael Chiesa - Unanimous Decision

Rustam Khabilov vs Jorge Masvidal

Houten: Fight of the night right her anyone? Who wins - the fans.....end of!

Prediction: The Fan

Heather: Khabilov has certainly excited the fans since arriving in the UFC and some great team mates to train with at Jacksons. I think he will carry on his path up the ladder of the lightweight division on Wednesday night.

Prediction: Rustam Khabilov - TKO RD 2


Ronny Markes vs Yoel Romero

Houten: Markes is likely to be better that Romero in most areas, but does that matter when you an Olympic wrestler? My answer is no! Romero could surprise us again with some 'flying shit' but its more likely he will take this fight to the ground as and when he wants. I expect him to grind out a unanimous 30 - 27 decision.... I cant guarantee excitement however.

Prediction: Yoel Romero - Unanimous Decision

Heather: This fight is one of the fights I am really excited to see on Wednesday night. Ronny Markes welcomes the heavy hitting Olympic wrestler Yoel Romero to the UFC and I think it is sure to bring the excitement.

I think Markes should be able to put his experience of fighting tougher opponents to use and I think after what should be a very exciting first round Markes will get the victory in the second if he doesn't get caught early on.

Prediction: Ronny Markes - Submission RD 2
 
Liz Carmouche vs Alexis Davis

Houten: Alexis Davis is currently considered the 3rd best 135 in the world at the moment, and with good reason too. Davis is on a good win streak, has descent boxing, and is one of the best submission artist in the female division.... She's also pretty big for the weight too.


Her opponent Carmouche is a great little wrestler, and her ground and pound is one of the best in the division.

With both fighters possessing unique skill sets, the stage is set for an intriguing fight which could go either way. I'm gonna go Davis in this one though by late submission victory. I do think Carmouche with drag this fight to the floor, however I can Davis catching Carmouche off her back to take the victory, setting up Davis as the no. 1 contender.

Prediction: Alexis Davis - Submission RD 2


Heather: after seeing what Andrade did to Rosi Sexton in Manchester by first thought was how good it made Liz Carmouche look in the way she beat Andrade last time out. Davis also beat Sexton in her UFC debut but I think Carmouche will have enough to get the win.

Prediction: Liz Carmouche - Unanimous Decision


Tim Kennedy vs Rafael Natal

Houten: A lot of people have complained about this fight.... "It's not main event worthy".... "worst main event in the history of The UFC" blah, blah, blah, personal fans need to look at the facts - it's on free television in the US, and all of the tickets have been given out for free to US soldiers, what's more a former Marine in Tim Kennedy tops the bill, in a fight he will win, again Natal who steps in as a late replacement for Lyoto Machida who was move to last weeks Fight Night 30 card where he replaced injured Michael Bisping.


One can't help but think the moving and shaking at the top of the 2 cards brought on a huge sigh of relief for Kennedy. Natal is a much easier fight for Kennedy that a Machida who just crippled a wrestler in Munoz far beyond Kennedy's skill set. I like Kennedy to stick in move in this one, keep Natal again the cage, and mix up takedown to take a convincing unanimous victory.

Prediction: Tim Kennedy - Unanimous Decision


Heather: Originally, when he was scheduled to fight Machida I had this as a fight to make Kennedy pay for speaking out against UFC pay and his lacklustre performance against Roger Gracie. Now after calling out the whole division he is set to fight Natal, this fight I now see as a give me fight to Kennedy and I think he will be too much of a step up in opposition for Natal.

Prediction: Tim Kennedy - Unanimous Decision

UFC Fight for the Troops 3 - UK Main Card Betting Odds

UFC Fight for the Troops 3 - UK Betting Odds

With UFC Fight for the Troops 3 approaching on Wednesday, 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!

Please Note: At Present Only Main Card Odds Have Been Released, More Markets to Follow

Main  Card
13/10 Colton Smith v Michael Chiesa 8/13 
11/8 Jorge Masvidal v Rustam Khabilov 4/7 
8/5 Ronny Markes v Yoel Romero 1/2 
4/9 Liz Carmouche v Alexis Davis 7/4 
2/7 Tim Kennedy v Rafael Natal 13/5

*Blue denotes Favourite