Bamma 15 Set for April 5th, Oli Thompson to Feature

Bamma 15 Set for April 5th, Oli Thompson to Feature
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts 

 
Bamma is back with their first show of 2014 in April. Bamma officials announced today Bamma 15 will take place April 5th at the historic Copper Box Arena in London, a multi-sport venue which was famously used for the Summer Olympics in 2012. Ticket are expected to go on sale this week.

Bamma home to Paul Daley and Jim Wallhead is broadcast on 5* in the UK, AXS-TV in the US, KIX in Asia, Abu Dhabi TV in the Middle East, The Fight Network in Canada, Extreme Sports Channel in Europe, Setanta in Africa, Sony in Russia & Transylvania Media in Romania.

BAMMA's Director, Ashley Bothwell said:

"It's exciting for BAMMA to be holding an event in the Olympic Park at the Copper Box, as it carries a huge sporting legacy. 5th April will see the coming together of months of preparation for the fighters as all their hard work and sacrifice boils down to a few explosive, intense minutes. It is fitting that these crucial minutes should share a home with so many elite and aspirational sporting memories."

The line for Bamma 15 has yet to be confirmed however, as per a recent teaser video (below) former UFC Heavyweight and Britain Strongest Man Oli Thompson will be fighting on the card.

 Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest on Bamma 15

Phil Harris UFC Fight Night London Pre Fight Interview

Phil Harris talks to Kingdom MMA ahead of his fight in London

by Sam Heard @SamHeard_

On Saturday night in London's O2 arena the UFC will return to England for UFC Fight Night London: Gustafsson vs Manuwa. Opening up the event on Saturday night will be Phil Harris who will face off against Louis Gaudinot in a flyweight battle. Phil returns to fight in London where last February he picked up his first win in the Octagon and will be looking to add to that this weekend. Today Phil took some time out of his schedule to talk to Kingdom MMA about his fight and a few more topics such as John Lineker, Vaughan Lee and Davey Grant.

Sam: Thanks again for the interview ahead of your fight in London, we really appreciate your time.
How are you feeling with just under a week to go before the big fight? Has the training camp gone well?
Harris: Training camp has been very good, I'm feeling great and ready to fight.

Sam: Gaudinot clearly represents a completely different challenge to John Lineker, but are there any adjustments you will be making from your last fight?
Harris: We've worked on a few things for this fight that I'll be putting into action come Saturday.

Sam: At 1-2 in the UFC do you see this fight as all or nothing for your UFC career?
Harris: Pretty much, but I don't think about it.

Sam: Let's take a look back to your last fight, How did you feel when Lineker once again failed to make weight last October? Do you feel it put you at a disadvantage?
Harris: Being heavier is definitely an advantage it's annoying, I knew it was likely that he would miss weight.

Sam: Would you agree that in your last fight after getting caught with some heavy punches early on you forgot about your game plan and tried to compete with Lineker at his own game?
Harris: Yeah I made the mistake of wanting to get into a war and get FOTN I've learnt a lot from fight.

Sam: Do you think if you were given the opportunity to fight Lineker and stuck to the plan you had trained it would have been a different outcome?
Harris: Definitely I'd love to fight him again at some point.

Sam: The man who beat Gaudinot in his last fight is now scheduled to fight rank #2 Joseph Benavidez. Where do you hope a win over Gaudinot would put you in the division?
Harris: Just as long as I'm moving up closer to that title I'm happy, I think that's a way off ATM though. I've got to get some solid wins first.

Sam: You’ve fought in some of the biggest venues around the country from Wembley to the Phones 4U arena and will soon be throwing down in the O2 arena. Would you say it’s preferential to fight in London, closer to your hometown in Portsmouth, over Manchester or does it not really factor in?
Harris: I like fighting in London it feels like home to me, the fans will be behind me, it will give me that little edge.

Sam: With a win in London, would you like your next fight to still be on a UK UFC event or would you like to travel the world and fight like your fellow UFC fighter and occasional training partner Vaughan Lee?
Harris: I do prefer fighting in the UK but I'd like a fight in Vegas the home of fighting!

Sam: Have you had chance to see Vaughan Lee's fight yet and if so what did you think to Vaughan's performance in Macau?
Harris: I've just seen it, Vaughan performed like he does in training, for me it was the performance of the night. I was very impressed and very happy for him.

Sam: What has it been like experiencing the growth of MMA in the UK having been one of the early pioneers in the UK?
Harris: It's come along way from the days of training in garages and fighting in tiny clubs full of smoke. It's a great sport and I can't wait to see how it continues to evolve over the next 10 years.

Sam: Also on the same card as you is the guy you have been training with for this event, Davey Grant. What's it been like training with Davey and have you picked up any skills from him that you will be using in this fight?
Harris: Davey is a top guy it was great having him at the gym, we both got a lot out of training together and I will for sure be doing it again. I'm looking forward to seeing him win his fight.

Sam: Would you like to thank any one?
Harris: Thanks to all my sponsors and all at gym01 Portsmouth.

Best of luck with your fight on March 8th, thank you so much for your time Phil, we really appreciate it.

Danny Mitchell UFC Fight Night London Pre Fight Interview

Kingdom MMA talk to Danny Mitchell before his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 38

by Chris Marzella @ChrisMarzella

An array of European fighters are gearing up for yet another UFC EMEA event. One of the UFC's Brit influx looking to get off to a winning start this Saturday night is Danny "The Cheesecake Assassin" Mitchell who will make his UFC debut at the O2.

A charismatic character boasting an impressive record the "Chesecake Assassin", a nickname given to him he says because "I like cakes and I like violence", takes on welterweight Igor Araujo and will not only be looking for the debut win but for a memorable performance in the process.

Speaking to KingdomMMA.co.uk Mitchell said:

"I think the most important thing is just to be myself and not hold anything back.

"Many people suffer the UFC jitters in their debut bout and it can cripple your usual game so it's just a case of trying to stay relaxed and fighting the way I want to fight. I think my style is pretty entertaining and I just hope it's a good one for all the fans."

It's fair comment that Mitchell has already faced UFC calibre competition before even stepping foot in the octagon. However, as far as he's concerned none of that matters when he's under the bright lights of the O2.

"There's lots of great talent in the UFC and ultimately that is where everyone wants to test themselves. I definitely think I am at the level to be in there" Mitchell said. He added: "I have fought some tough guys and that should stand me in good stead for the big show.

"Thing is with MMA it's so hard to judge fights on people's past experience as there are so many variables within a fight and people are always changing their training, their style and that is what makes this sport so exciting!"

Araujo is a skilled jiu jitsu artist but Mitchell is adamant that he is fully prepared for all eventualities.
Mitchell said:

"He is a good black belt who favours submissions on the ground but again this is MMA and anything can happen."

"Its so hard to predict how the fight will go so it's all about preparing for every outcome and making sure all your bases are covered. I will be prepared on the feet and on the ground, as I am sure he will be too."

With the UFC global expansion plans well underway there are more and more talents visiting multiple countries on various continents. Mitchell is one of many Brits to be given the nod March 8, he said:

"It's always good to get kicked off in England, I have a lot of fans and support travelling down which will be a great boost for me and I am looking forward to the atmosphere in the o2 on March 8th. Its gonna be crazy!

As he enters the final week of his preparations Mitchell is raring for fight day, saying:

"Me and my coaches have watched the tape and figured a few things out. He's skilled opponent and tough but then again so is every fighter in the UFC!

"All the hard training and prep is done now, just a few pounds to lose and the rest is history."

Danny Mitchell vs Igor Araujo takes place on March 8 at UFC Fight Night 38 from the O2, London.

Paul Marin "My Plan is to be the Next Champion"

Paul Marin "My Plan is to be the Next Champion"
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Photo: Dolly Clew | Cage Warriors

News broke late last week that Neil Seery had vacated his Cage Warriors flyweight title to fight Brad Pickett at UFC Fight Night, and make no mistake about it, Paul Marin wants that title.

On the back of 2 impressive victories, Romain Marin, who now fights out of Barcelona is ready to step up and fill the boots left by Seery, by challenging for the flyweight title:

“Seery is a great fighter and a great person and deserves this opportunity. Of course I want Cage Warriors to think of me as a contender for the Flyweight Championship Belt…if they call me I'll be ready to fight vs any fighter.

"My last two fights I think are a good showcase of my improved skills to have this great opportunity and would be very happy and I would prepare for winning the Championship Belt of Cage Warriors FC.”

One little matter standing in his way though is highly regarded, undefeated prospect Macin Lasota, a Polish fighter who recently joined Cage Warriors with a 7-0 record.  The flyweights will do battle at Cage Warriors Fight Night 10 in Jordan on the 28th of March, and Marin is hopeful an impressive victory will put him firmly in the window for a shot at the flyweight title:

“Lasota reaches Cage Warriors undefeated and I sincerely hope that this will change on March 28th. Winning this fight definitely will put me closer to the possibility to be the Champion of Cage Warriors and I will fight with even more courage but I will not let the pressure affect my concentration for this fight and then prepare for future projects.

We were closing the fight against Lasota when the news that Seery would fight in the UFC emerged so we have not had time for much more and we are in the process of preparing for the next fight, Now most importantly Cage Warriors Fight Night 10.

We will be discussing it with CW's after this next fight and these negotiations I leave in the hands of my manager John Bolton.”

Given the choice Marin would like to fight for the title next time out but should Cage Warriors follow the trend of putting on 4-man tournaments to decide their next champion as they did most recently with the 155lb title at CW60 and the 135lb strap at CW59, then you can count Marin in:

“If Cage Warriors decides to do a 4 man tournament of course I'll be proud to be one of the four fighters as my plan is to be the next champion.

In this kind of event I understand that it can be very spectacular and attractive to the public but there are many variants that are difficult to control, it is easy to pick up an injury in the first match and not be able to continue in the event, or even just not be fully capable in the second match so personally it is not what I prefer but if that's what CW's want I will fight with all my strength to be at the end of the night the new owner of the CW's Belt!”

2014 could be a big year for Marin, and if his last 2 performances are anything to go by, Marin, his coach Jesus Arjona, his sponsor Pride of Die, and his Union MMA teammates in Palau de Piegamans, Barcelona could have something pretty special to celebrate.

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.

Alverez vs Chandler III to Headline Bellator PPV, May 17

Alverez vs Chandler III to Headline Bellator PPV, May 17

MMA’s greatest trilogy will occur  on Saturday, May 17th as Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez will defend his title against Michael Chandler in the most highly anticipated fight of 2014, live on Pay-Per-View. Location and ticket information will be made available shortly.

The main event is the third installment in this epic MMA trilogy that has featured a spectacular submission victory for Chandler at Bellator 58 and a dramatic 5-round split decision victory for Alvarez at Bellator 106 this past November. Both of their previous fights were considered for “Fight of The Year” by the MMA media and fans.

“These two warriors have produced the two best fights I have ever seen, and on May 17th, two of the greatest lightweights on the planet will close out the best trilogy in MMA,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said.

“I’m excited to be headlining the first Bellator Pay-Per-View, and just excited to get back in there,” Chandler said. “I’m going to bring the fight like always, and I’m not going to leave any doubt that I’m one of the best lightweights in the world. Whenever you suffer your first loss, you want that chance to avenge that defeat, and I have that opportunity on May 17th.”

“Like every fight, you are only as good as your last performance,” Alvarez said. “I always go out and try to put out the best performance possible, and that’s what I’m going to do May 17th. Mike and I have a long history together, and everyone knows what type of battles we’ve had, but I’m training in a manner that should end the fight quickly. I want a fast, quick fight that is going to keep me as Bellator Champion.”

Made 4 the Cage 14: Addicted (Fight Card)

Made 4 the Cage 14: Addicted
Date: May 24th, 2014
Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghon-Le-Spring, Sunderland, England
Tickets
Live Stream

Fight Card
James Mulheron vs Neil Wain
Martin Delaney vs Kyle Redfearn
Craig Turner vs Alan Johnston
Mark Platts vs O'icebox Okunnu
Avi Jack vs Chris Douglass
Alex Minogue vs Jamie Stephenson
Shahid Hussain vs Lewis Monarch
Jonny Goodall vs Wayne Coxon
Scott Mulgrew vs Jamie Jones
Brad Conway Austin vs Tony Mustard
Liam Henderson vs Kieran Lister
Caig Thomas Boyle vs Matt Probin
Harry Hardwick vs Luke Westwood