SHOWTIME Release: Jake Paul (split) decisions Tyron Woodley, Amanda Serrano, Montana Love, Daniel Dubois, & Tommy Fury emerge victorious

JAKE PAUL CONTINUES BURGEONING BOXING CAREER WITH SPLIT-DECISION VICTORY OVER FORMER UFC CHAMPION TYRON WOODLEY IN ACTION-PACKED SHOWTIME PPV^® SUNDAY NIGHT

All-Time Great Amanda Serrano Defends Titles in Co-Featured Bout; Cleveland’s Montana Love Scores TKO and U.K. Stars Daniel Dubois and Tommy Fury Make Successful U.S. Debuts in Undercard Bouts

Paul-Woodley to Air on SHOWTIME on Saturday, September 4 at 10:10 p.m. ET; Immediately Followed by ALL ACCESS: JAKE PAUL VS. WOODLEY EPILOGUE

CLEVELAND, Ohio (August 29, 2021) – Boxing’s newest superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul continued his rapid ascent within the sport Sunday night, scoring a split-decision win over former UFC Champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley in front of a sold-out crowd of 16,000 fans at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio live on an action-packed SHOWTIME PPV telecast.

The judges scored the fight 78-74 and 77-75 for Paul, and 77-75 for Woodley.

Jake Paul & Tyron Woodley went at it on Sunday.

“I don’t know what to say – he was a tough opponent and he’s been fighting for so many years and I’m still new to this,” said Paul, a renowned content creator who dove into the world of prizefighting just three years ago. “My legs felt weird, I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me. All respect to Tyron though. He’s a Hall of Famer and put up a good fight. I have nothing but respect for him. There’s no hard feelings. This feels amazing to do this for my city and it’s a dream come true.”

After weeks of buildup, including an eventful fight week, Paul and Woodley swapped the verbal jabs for real punches and Woodley was a clear step-up from Paul’s previous three opponents, posing a true threat for the first time in Paul’s career. The 39-year-old who was making his pro boxing debut landed perhaps the most meaningful punch of the night, rocking Paul with an overhand right that sent Paul against the ropes. But it was Paul who was more active. He out-landed Woodley 71-52 in total punches, while Woodley out-landed Paul in power punches 41-35.

“He hit me with one shot the whole fight, and it was a good shot,” said the polarizing Paul. “It was one real good shot. I don’t know what that one judge saw. But l still got the victory. For me to come here and go eight rounds in my fourth fight, who does that? I’m doing things that have never been done.”

The former UFC Welterweight Champion Woodley, who made five successful defenses of his belt, believed he did enough to get the win in his professional boxing debut.

“I feel like I won the fight,” said St. Louis’ Woodley. “Jake is a great opponent. I didn’t expect him to eat my punches like that. But the fact that one judge only gave me two rounds is insane. Forget that Tommy Fury fight. Let’s run that back. Nobody is going to sell the PPV like we did. The ropes held him up when I hit him. I could have had that knockdown. I walked him down and landed back time and time again. I landed power punches, he missed shots all night.”

In the co-featured bout, the most decorated fighter in women’s boxing history made a strong case for number one on the women’s pound-for-pound list as Amanda Serrano (41-1-1, 30 KOs) scored a dominating unanimous decision over tough Mexican warrior Yamileth Mercado (18-3, 5 KOs). The WBC/WBO Featherweight World Champion Serrano defended her titles against the super bantamweight world champion Mercado with scores of 97-93, 98-92 and 99-91 in the ten-round bout.

WBC/WBO women’s featherweight champion Amanda Serrano punches bantamweight titlist Yamileth Mercado

“I had a tough Mexican in front of me tonight,” said Serrano, a Brooklyn, N.Y. resident born in Carolina, Puerto Rico. “She’s a champion in her own weight class, but I hope I made everyone proud and happy and that SHOWTIME will have me back again. I’m hoping that I made some of these people here fans of women’s boxing and that I made the sport proud.”

Serrano dominated the fight from the opening bell, but Mercado showed guts and guile to escape any finishing blows. Serrano out-landed Mercado 160-95 in total punches while landing 41.5 percent of her power punches. Showing very little signs of fatigue, Serrano landed and threw the most punches in the fight in the final round, pushing for a knockout that didn’t come. She now has her sights set on a future super fight with Ireland’s undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor.

“I want that fight with Katie Taylor in the future,” she said. “First I want to fight the other featherweight champions and become undisputed in my weight class. Then we’ll have two undisputed champions against each other when Katie and I fight.”

The pay-per-view telecast also saw promising British heavyweight contender Daniel Dubois (17-1, 16 KOs) make his U.S. debut in style, knocking down Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano (19-4, 17 KOs) three times en-route to a first-round stoppage. Dubois landed nearly everything he threw on the overmatched Cusumano, who was finished off by a barrage of punches 2:10 into the fight.

Heavyweight Daniel Dubois stands tall

Dubois has now won two consecutive fights since dropping his lone contest to the undefeated Joe Joyce in an exciting 2020 fight. With that loss in the rearview, Dubois is now looking ahead to bigger and better fights.

“You don’t get paid for overtime,” said Dubois. “I had a great performance and had the best training camp ever. I want to fight for a world title. I want to fight the best. It’s going to come soon. Whoever’s next. I want to fight for a world title.”

In the second pay-per-view bout, Cleveland’s Montana Love (16-0-1, 8 KOs) scored a vicious TKO over former world champion Ivan Baranchyk (20-3, 13 KOs), thrilling the hometown fans who were on their feet for the duration of the action-packed slugfest.

Cleveland’s Montana Love put on a show on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View

The southpaw Love landed a flush left uppercut in the closing seconds of the seventh round, sending Baranchyk to the canvas. While the wobbled Baranchyk beat the ten-count, trainer Pedro Diaz informed referee Lonnie Scott that he did not want his fighter to continue into the eighth round. At the time of the stoppage, Love was ahead on all three scorecards.

“This is a dream come true,” said the 26-year-old Love following the fight. “I’m in training everyday thinking about and visualizing this moment. I want to thank Ivan for giving me this opportunity and helping us give the fans a great show. We’d been working on that uppercut the whole time during training. The game plan was to move and box him and make him miss. We knew that eventually he was going to open up.”

In what was Love’s career-best performance, he demonstrated his power, accuracy and defense. He landed 44 percent of his power punches while holding Baranchyk to just 45 total landed punches. Love hurt Baranchyk, a power-punching champion who was involved in 2020’s consensus Fight of the Year, several times throughout the fight with a heavy left hand. Love now believes he’s ready for the best of the best in the 140-pound division.

“Strap me up. We’ve been working hard and now it’s my time. I want Josh Taylor and Gervonta Davis. Line them up and we can make it happen, as soon as possible.”

In the opening bout of the PPV telecast, Tommy Fury (7-0, 4 KOs), the younger brother of heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, successfully made his U.S. debut by scoring a four-round shutout over combat sports veteran Anthony Taylor (0-2). Already a crossover star after his runner-up finish on the hit U.K. reality TV show “Love Island”, Fury made a positive first impression on the American audience inside the ring but was unable to score the knockout he craved.

Tommy Fury, the younger brother of WBC heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury, improved to 7-0, 4 KOs

“I thought I had a good performance,” said the 22-year-old Manchester, England native. “You can’t forget that I only had 10 amateur fights and my dad wasn’t here with me tonight. I had a great time fighting in front of all these lovely people. I’m a novice in this game and I know that I have to work on everything. I’m nowhere near a finished product. I’m learning every single day and I’m just thankful to be here healthy and talking to you.”

Fury used his height and reach advantage in addition to his superior boxing skill to land 46 percent of his power punches on the outspoken former BELLATOR MMA fighter Taylor, who was competing in a professional boxing match for the second time in his career and first time since 2017. Fury now hopes to parlay his victory into a matchup with Jake Paul.

“Jake Paul should have an easy night against me, right? He has no excuse to not take the fight. Let’s get it on Jake Paul.”

Prior to the start of the pay-per-view, Cleveland native and U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell (16-0, 12 KOs) continued the impressive start to his professional career by overpowering previously-unbeaten Mexican Juan Carlos Rubio (18-1, 9 KOs) to score a third-round TKO in a scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

Tonight’s main event as well as Baranchyk vs. Love will air on SHOWTIME this Saturday, September 4 at 10:10 P.M. ET/PT. The delayed telecast will be immediately followed by the premiere of ALL ACCESS: JAKE PAUL VS. WOODLEY EPILOGUE. The epilogue spotlights the eventful week in Cleveland, goes inside the ropes during the fight and reveals the dramatic aftermath of an event that captured the attention of boxing, MMA and entertainment fans alike.

Credits: Official SHOWTIME Press Release

Photo Credit: Amanda Prescott/SHOWTIME

Ugas defeats Pacquiao, retains WBA welterweight championship

Yordenis Ugas is a prime example of being in the right place, at the right time. Ugas, on eleven days’ notice, accepted the chance of a lifetime when he was asked to fill-in for Errol Spence after an injured retina forced him to withdraw from his fight with Manny Pacquiao.

Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) in defense of his WBA welterweight championship, stunned Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39KOs) a former eight-division world champion and future Boxing Hall of Famer, via unanimous-decision after twelve rounds.

PACQUIAO vs. UGAS was the main event of a PBC on FOX Pay-Per-View live from the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV.

In addition to Ugas winning the biggest fight on the largest stage of his professional career, last night may very well have been the last time we’ve seen Pacquiao fight. If not, it was clear that a 42-year-old Pacquiao, who looked sensational since signing with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) in victories over Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman in 2019, is at the end of his illustrious 26-year career.

Pacquiao, who hasn’t fought since July 2019, has clearly slowed down in the two years he hasn’t fought. Pacquiao will always be Pacquiao, but he was slower, easier to hit, took longer to set up his punches, and simply couldn’t push the pace like he did years ago. Pacquiao no longer packed the blitzing speed and power we saw in career performances against Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley, Juan Manuel Marquez, Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, and Oscar De La Hoya.

Last night wasn’t meant to be a goodbye. It wasn’t supposed to be a swansong, but Pacquaio’s performance against Ugas was a clear indicator that once fighters reach a certain age, having fought at such a high-level for so long, eventually they run the risk of defeat at the hands of a younger and hungrier combatant.

Ugas, a veteran of more than 10 years as a pro fighter, only has one significant fight in his career. In March 2019, Ugas challenged Shawn Porter for the WBC welterweight title, and dropped a split-decision. Ugas did beat Abel Ramos for the WBA 147-lb. title during the pandemic without any fans last year, and yes he has quality wins over Thomas Dulorme, Omar Figueroa, Mike Dallas, and Ray ‘Mama’s Boy’ Robinson, but in order to be recognized as the best at welterweight, you have to defeat guys like Porter, Spence, Danny Garcia, Mikey Garcia, and Terrence Crawford.

Spence’s injury put Ugas in position to defeat one of the biggest names in boxing over the last twenty years on the world stage. Ugas did well enough through twelve rounds to outwork Pacquiao. Ugas controlled the pace of the fight behind his left-jab and was accurate with his right hand. Ugas landed the harder shots, as his punches had more impact compared to Pacquiao’s many flurries which had little pop. Ugas managed to bloody and swell-up Pacquiao’s face.  

Pacquiao threw more total punches (815-405), but Ugas landed more (151-130) at a higher percentage (37% to 16%). Although Ugas landed more jabs (50-42) and a greater percentage (21% to 9%), the difference in the fight was the greater accuracy of the power-punches landed (59%-26%).

The judges scored the contest 116-112 (twice) and 115-113.

For more information visit https://www.premierboxingchampions.com/

At 46, Kongo remains relevant following dramatic submission win at Bellator 265

Bellator heavyweight and longtime MMA fixture, Cheick Kongo (31-11), at age 46, continues to win in style. The #3-ranked contender earned another impressive stoppage, as he defeated Sergey Kharitonov (32-8) following a dramatic submission stoppage at the end of round two.  

Bellator 265: KONGO vs. KHARITONOV was the featured main event live from the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota was televised live on SHOWTIME on Friday.

Kongo’s career has spanned more than 20 years. He has competed in a number of professional MMA organizations, but is most recognized for his stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). During his seven-year tenure in the UFC, Kongo fought Mirko Cro Cop, Frank Mir, Paul Buentello, Travis Brown, Matt Mitrione, Mark Hunt, Roy Nelson, among others.

Kongo made his Bellator debut in October 2013 and has been on a tear ever since winning 13 of 17 fights. Kongo is anxious to compete for the Bellator Heavyweight Championship. His only chance to win the heavyweight title ended in an eye poke against Ryan Bader in the very first round nearly two years ago.

Kongo’s path toward the championship had to go through Kharitonov, another MMA fixture who has fought the who’s, who in combat sports. Kharitonov’s career has spanned more than 20 years; having competed in PRIDE, DREAM, STRIKEFORCE and M-1 Challenge.

Kharitonov was hurting Kongo with strikes from the opening round. Kharitonov’s jabs were hurting Kongo, who appeared to be breaking down physically. In round two, after absorbing more strikes and having performed two failed takedown attempts, Kongo finally hurt Kharitonov with a jab followed by hard knees to k’s stomach. Kongo finally scored a takedown in the final minute of round two. In the final 10 seconds of round two, Kongo submitted K with a rare-naked choke, as Kharitonov tapped out at exactly 4:59 seconds of round two.

Kharitonov should be ashamed of himself for tapping out as quickly as he did. Had he not taped, he would have automatically survived the round. He literally tapped out at the sound of the bell.

Remember, Kongo is Bellator MMA’s #3-ranked heavyweight title challenger. As Bader, the heavyweight champion is competing the the World Light-Heavyweight Grand Prix, it is expected that Bader will fight interim champion, Valentin Moldavsky at some point. #2. Timothy Johnson, who twice fought Kongo (1-1) will fight the returning Fedor Elemlianenko in Russia this October.

Therefore, expect Kongo to receive another well-deserved, big fight in Bellator, as the Frenchman remains a relevant fixture in MMA.

https://www.youtube.com/user/BellatorMMA

The PFL Heavyweight & Women’s Lightweight Finals set for October 27th

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) Heavyweight & Women’s Lightweight finals are set for Wednesday, October 27, live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The winner of each finale will not only win the PFL 2020 season championship, but also $1 million dollars.

2019 PFL Season Women’s Lightweight Champion, #2. Kayla Harrison (11-0) inched one step closer toward winning her second PFL Lightweight crown following a dominant performance against #3. Genah Fabian in Thursday’s semifinal round.

Harrison will face #4. Taylor Guardado in the 2021 PFL Women’s Lightweight Championship finale for a chance to win $1 million dollars on October 27. Guardado (3-1) defeated #5. Mariana Morais (17-12), an alternate.

Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medal winner (2012, ’16), had a relatively easy time handling Fabian. In fact, Fabian didn’t even land a single punch. In the opening moments of the fight, Harrison attacked Fabian legs with solid kicks and knees to the thigh. Harrison pressed Fabian against the cage; landing strikes before taking her to the mat. Harrison, who could have easily submitted or choked Fabian out, decided to punish her behind a vicious ‘ground-and-pound’ until therefore stopped the fight.

The end came at 4:01 seconds of the very first round.

The victory was Harrison’s third consecutive stoppage in the first round, and fourth straight stoppage win. Harrison has seven first-round stoppages (3 KOs, 4 submissions).

The PFL Heavyweight Championship finale will match #1. Bruno Cappelozza (13-5) vs. #. 3. Ante Delija (19-4), winners of two action-packed semifinal fights on Thursday. Cappelozza stopped #4. Jamelle Jones (11-7), while Delija advanced following a close, unanimous decision win over Denis Goltsov (27-7).

A low-blow from Jones didn’t slow Cappelozza one bit in round one. An inside right-leg kick momentarily stunned Jones. A stiff right from Cappelozza landed flush on Jones’ jaw.

Cappelozza used plenty of feints to set up his strikes. Jones was moving awkwardly on his right leg. While Jones was certainly in the fight, Cappelozza was slowly and cautiously breaking Jones, as the #4 seed appeared unsure of how to counter Cappelozza’s feints and constant movement.

In round two, Cappelozza stunned Jones with a straight-left. Cappelozza followed up with a barrage of punches and were so hard and fast, Jones had no answer and the fight was stopped at 1:33 seconds of round two.  

The victory was Cappelozza’s sixth in his previous seven fights.

Delija was aggressive from the start. He managed to back Goltsov up behind solid jabs against the cage in round one. Delija had an answer for everything Goltsov was doing in the cage, as he finished the round in dominant position over the #2 seed.

In round two, Goltsov and Delija boxed in the middle of the ring. Goltsov was able to take Delija down on the mat against the cage and landed some hard right-hands upside Delija’s head. Both men returned to their feet, but a failed takedown attempt led Delija to land on top of Goltsov. Although Goltsov threw and landed more, Goltsov was on his back for the second consecutive round during the fight.

In round three, with the fight potentially up for grabs, Delija scored another takedown of Goltsov in the opening seconds of the most important round of the contest. Delija landed strikes and held his position grappling Goltsov on the mat for more than half of round three. Delija had Goltsov’s back pressed against the cage, Goltsov did absolutely nothing.

All three judges scored the bout 29-28 unanimously for Delija; winner of five of his previous six fights.

Luis Collazo retires from Boxing

https://www.premierboxingchampions.com/luis-collazo-videos

https://www.premierboxingchampions.com/luis-collazo

Luis Collazo (39-8, 20 KOs, 1 NC), a former WBA welterweight champion fighting out of Brooklyn, NY, has called it a career. The 40-year-old fighter of Puerto Rican decent decided to retire following a recent technical-draw against upcoming Eimantas Stanionis (13-0, 9 KOs, 1NC) on August 7.

Luis Collazo, a former two-time NYC Golden Gloves Champion (1998, 2000), began his professional career in May 2000 after having competed in more than 100 amateur fights; winning over 95.

Collazo was instantly a hometown success, fighting frequently in famed New York venues that included Club Amazura in Queens, Yonkers Raceway in Westchester, the United Palace in uptown Manhattan, and fought his way toward the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena,’ Madison Square Garden.  

Collazo was once regarded as a top welterweight contender before defeating Jose Antonio Rivera to win the WBA welterweight championship (April, 2005). However, after defeating Miguel Angel Gonzalez in his first successful title defense, Collazo would lost his title to Ricky Hatton, via disputed split-decision in Boston (May 2006).

Collazo did have opportunities to compete for a world championship, but came up short in fights against Sugar Shane Mosley (Feb. 2007), but the loss to Andre Berto for the WBC welterweight championship (Jan. 2009) was the one fight that got away from Collazo. Berto, one of the hardest punchers at 147 at the time, was out-boxed during a 12-round war with Collazo, who was determined to walk out of Biloxi, Mississippi as the new WBC 147-pound champion. The judges, however, scored the fight 114-113 (twice) and 116-111 for Berto, although many felt Collazo actually won the fight.

The performance against Berto was one of the finest displays of boxing, resilience, and tenacity from Collazo, who was sharp and perhaps better than the hard-hitting Berto. Unfortunately, Collazo never received a rematch with Berto, who went on to have bigger fights with Victor Ortiz, Robert Guerrero, Josesito Lopez, and eventually Floyd Mayweather.

Collazo remained active and won fights consistently, but his chances to fight Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, or Miguel Cotto, or Joshua Clottey had dwindled. That was until Collazo posted one of the biggest victories of his career, a second-round knockout of Victor Ortiz at the Barclays Center in 2014.

The knockout of Ortiz led to a big fight with Amir Khan, a former world 140 & 147-lb. champion in May 2014. Collazo fell behind the scorecards quickly behind Khan’s speed and lost a unanimous decision. Collazo remained in contention, but lost a bid to defeat Keith Thurman for the WBA 147-lb. title in 2015.

After the loss to Thurman, Collazo stepped away from the ring for two years before returning to fight once per year (2017, 2018), followed by lengthy stretches of in activity until his last fight early this month.

Ramon Cardenas, Alycia Baumgardner headline an ‘Undisputed’ night of Boxing action

https://eventite.com/events/battle-grounds/evnt_4ce37ef8-81cc-4a84-8d7e-bf86bc923c20

Undisputed Promotions in association with Kings Boxing Promotions and MTK Global will present an action-packed night of boxing live from the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

“Battle Grounds,” set to begin at 4pm/et this afternoon, will feature a number of talented fighters trying to make their way toward the highest level in professional boxing.

There will be as many as nine fights, featuring Ramon Cardenas (19-1, 9 KOs) vs. Marvin Solano (24-6) in the main event for a WBA regional title in the bantamweight division. Cardenas, within the last 12 months, has emerged to become a legitimate top-10 contender in a loaded at 118 lb. division. World champions Nonito Donaire (WBC), Naoya Inoue (IBF), Guillermo Riogondeaux (WBA), and John Riel Casimero (WBO) are atop the division. Also, Raushee Warren, Gary Antonio Russell, and former world champions Joseph Agbeko, Emmanuel Rodriguez are all breathing heavily in anticipation of world title fights.

Cardenas is in solid company at 118 and will need a solid showing against Solano, unbeaten fighting in his native Nicaragua. The last time Solano fought in Orlando, he ended up winning a unanimous decision as recent at 2019.

Cardenas has won his last seven fights dating back to 2017.

Alycia Baumgardner, ‘The Bomb’ returns.

In the co-featured fight, at this may be the most anticipated fight of the night. Super-featherweight contender Alycia Baumgardner (9-1, 6 KOs) makes her long-awaited return to boxing to face Canada’s Vanessa Bradford (5-2-2).

Baumgardner, well-known as ‘The Bomb’ has proven to be exactly that. The 27-year-old Ohio native doesn’t fight like you’re typical women’s fighter. She does not appear awkward throwing punches. She knows the difference between a jab, a hook, and does not appear cross-footed after she throws punches and moves around the ring.

Baumgardner is an exceptional athlete who is fierce, determined, and can fight very well. She has great footwork, hand speed, combination-punching, and has power.

In addition to being an athlete, Baumgardner is also an Adidas athlete and became a Ford model during the coronavirus-19 pandemic.

Baumgardner, who hasn’t fought in more than 20 months dating back to December 2019, will also fight for the first time since losing her trainer Ali Salaam to COVID-19 last year.  Salaam was the father of former IBF jr. middleweight champion Tony Harrison.

Baumgardner will be trained by Salaam’s other son, Tony’s older brother, LJ Harrison of the Super Bad Boxing Academy in Detroit, MI.  

https://www.undisputedpromotions.net/new-events

Bellator 264: Six-time MMA champion Gegard Mousasi retains Middleweight Championship

Bellator 264 Post-Fight Press Conference

Bellator World Middleweight Champion Gegard Mousasi (48-7) successfully retained his title following a three-round TKO of #. 1-ranked American, John Salter (18-5) in the main event of Bellator 264, live from the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut on Friday.

Having fought professionally for 18 years, Mousasi has won world championships in Cage Warriors, DREAM, Strikeforce, and Bellator. Although he spent years fighting in the UFC, Mousasi has never fought for a UFC championship (2013-17).

Overall, Mousasi, a two-time Bellator middleweight titlist, is a six-time MMA world champion as a middleweight and light-heavyweight; having competed in 57 professional fights. The 36 year-old Netherlands native continues to show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Mousasi, making the first defense of his 185-lb. title since defeating Douglas Lima for the vacant title in October 2020, continued his dominance in Bellator with a defining victory over Salter. Mousasi, who signed with Bellator in 2017, is 6-1.

Salter, winner of his previous three fights, scored an early takedown. Salter wrapped the champion’s legs together and went to work with Mousasi’s back against the cage. Salter was ramming his knees against the Mousasi’s hamstring, attempted an unsuccessful full mount from behind, and was simply outworking the champion. Mousasi did land some hard knees, elbows, and clinched Salter hard to end the first round.

In round two, Mousasi preferred to keep the fight standing-up. Mousasi pressured Salter behind jabs and kicks. Mousasi, however, was taken down to the mat again, as Salter, once again, took Mousasi’s legs from underneath. The problem was Salter couldn’t do anything, as Mousasi clinched, threw elbows, and managed to flip Salter onto his back. Mousasi assaulted Salter behind a vicious ‘Ground-and-Pound’ Mousasi repeatedly punched Salter in the face; throwing hooks, uppercuts, and straight-punches.

In round three, Mousasi was firing shots at Salter before scoring a takedown against a tired challenger. Mousasi has Salter on his back landing solid right hands. Those punches catching Salter hard, fast, and had damaging intentions. The referee stopped the fight at 2:07 seconds of the third round.

For more information, please visit https://www.bellator.com/event/279

Gane TKOs Lewis, claims ‘interim’ UFC heavyweight title

Ciryl Gane made history last night becoming the first fighter from France to win a UFC heavyweight title. In front of a sold out Toyota Center in Houston, TX, Gane (10-0) put together a masterclass, championship-level performance to defeat Derrick Lewis (25-8), the hometown favorite, to capture the UFC ‘interim’ heavyweight title.

UFC 265: LEWIS vs. GANE was the main event of another stellar UFC Pay-Per-View event that also featured career-best performances from Tecia Torres and Vincent Lucie on the main card.

Gane began MMA training as recent as 2018. At that time, Lewis had already been competing in the UFC for four years already and had consecutive victories against Francis Ngannou and Alexander Volkov before challenging Daniel Cormier for the UFC heavyweight championship at Madison Square Garden in New York.

In the last two years, we’ve seen the UFC heavyweight title change hands between Cormier and Stipe Miocic, to Ngannou, who defeated Miocic (KO 2) in March to become UFC heavyweight champion.

It looked as though we’d see either a trilogy between Ngannou and Stipe, or a legendary dream match with Jon Jones, who vacated the UFC light-heavyweight championship for a heavyweight title opportunity. Jones hasn’t fought in 18 months.

Lewis, who was riding a four-fight win streak, was long-rumored to have been next for the champion. After a disagreement between UFC President Dana White and Ngannou’s management team over the time-table for Ngannou’s return, it was announced that Lewis would fight Gane for an ‘interim’ title and will fight Ngannou afterwards.

The timing of this fight between Gane and Lewis happened quickly, the official announcement came as a surprise to many. Gane, who fought in February, had just beaten Alexander Volkov as recently as June. So for Gane to fight Lewis for an ‘interim’ title in August, that would be three fights within six months. Lewis, had just sliced Curtis ‘Razor’ Blaydes with a brutal single-punch KO to extend his win streak.

Gane, in the biggest fight of his career, was absolutely fantastic against Lewis. Gane was dominant from the opening round; moving around on his feet like a middleweight fighter. Gane picked his shots and was fast doing it. Gane was firing leg-kicks, one after another before dodging out of the way. Gane was punishing Lewis behind jabs and counter shots.

Lewis didn’t know what to inside the octagon against Gane. Lewis couldn’t time Gane’s movements and illusiveness. When Lewis charged, either Gane slipped away or countered Lewis with a punch, or a leg-kick. Gane was doing so many different things at once, it appeared as though Lewis was too confused and frustrated. Nothing Lewis did worked, while everything Gane did was highly-effective.

In round three, a jab from Gane seriously hurt Lewis. Instead of picking shots, Gane went after Lewis for the victory. Elbows, jabs, uppercuts, knees, Hooks to the body and upside the head, Gane knocked Lewis mouthpiece from out of his mouth. Gane went to work, as he continued to pummel Lewis from behind in a dominant position on the ground against the cage. The referee warned Lewis to fight back, but Gane was simply too much.

The fight was stopped at 4:11 seconds of the third round.

For more information, please visit https://www.ufc.com

Lewis, Gane will wage war for ‘interim’ UFC heavyweight title on Saturday

Video: UFC 265 press conference live stream with Derrick Lewis vs. Ciryl Gane (6 p.m. ET)

UFC 265 final press conference, via MMA Junkie

The ‘interim’ UFC heavyweight championship fight between #3.Ciryl Gane (9-0) vs. #2. Derrick Lewis (25-7) this Saturday will headline UFC 265: LEWIS vs. GANE live from the Toyota Center in Lewis’ hometown of Houston, TX. The card will feature five fights on the main card live on Pay-Per-View beginning at 10 PM/ET.

At the start of 2021, the heavyweight division was stacked with intriguing fights that led to Francis Ngannou avenging a 2018 defeat to Stipe Miocic to become the new UFC heavyweight champion in March. In addition, Gane defeated Jairzinho Rozenstruik (Jan.) and Alexander Volkov (June), while Lewis brutally knocked out Curtis Blaydes (Feb.) with a single uppercut to ascend atop the heavyweight rankings. Lewis was initially next to fight Ngannou, but because the champion is busy filming movies and taking advantage of his growing fame and limitless potential, UFC President Dana White announced that Gane and Lewis must fight for an ‘interim’ heavyweight title.

The winner may fight Ngannou, but that can easily change as we have watched in recent months. Miocic is still in the mix, as well as Jon Jones whenever he is ready to fight. Jones vacated his world light-heavyweight championship to move up to heavyweight for a big money fight. Jones has not fought since he last defended his light-heavyweight title and may not appear again in a UFC octagon until 2022.

Gane is an undefeated Muay-Thai & professional kickboxing champion. Gane turned professional in Mixed Martial Arts in August 2018. His first pro fight was for a TKO heavyweight championship, which he on his debut and successfully defended that belt twice before signing with the UFC at 3-0.

Gane has simply dominated everyone has faced. Gane has proven that he can knock people out, submit people, and outwork his opposition throughout five rounds. The problem is many believe that Gane is a boring technical fighter.

Lewis, who after having competed in the last seven years in the UFC is searching for his first title win with the organization. Lewis has challenged for the UFC heavyweight championship just once; a second-round choke-out defeat to Daniel Cormier at UFC 230 at Madison Square Garden in New York City (November 2018).

Lewis has won his previous four fights and is as dominant as ever. Overall, Lewis is 16-5 and has a victory over Ngannou before he ever became champion. Lewis is one of the biggest punchers in the UFC and is one of the absolute best fighters on the planet. Gane will need more than a safety-first approach to beat Lewis in his home state of Texas.

In other fights (main card): former longtime UFC featherweight champion #4. Jose Aldo (29-7) will clash with #9. Pedro Munhoz (19-5) in a scheduled five-round bantamweight contest as the co-featured fight. Welterweights #5. Michael Chiesa (18-4) will fight #6. Vincente Luque (20-7). Bantamweights Song Yadong (16-5) and Casey Kenney (16-3) will do battle as well. In addition, #12. Angela Hill (13-9), who fought four times in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, will compete for the second time in 2021 when she meets #11. Tecia Torres (12-5) in a women’s strawweight bout.

The early prelims start at 6PM/ET on ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass. The ESPN/ESPN+ prelims begin at 8PM/ET.

Star Boxing Release: After 26 months, former WBO champion Chris Algieri returns to boxing victorious

FORMER WORLD CHAMP CHRIS ALGIERI BEATSMIKKEL LESPIERRE 

IN DOMINATING VICTORY AT MSG THEATER ON TRILLER

The Mecca of boxing was alive and well last night, filled with the wholesome sound of cheers once more as fans poured into the Hulu Theatre at MSG for the Triller Fight Club card seen live on FITE.TV.  Long Island’s own former WBO Champion of the World, CHRIS ALGIERI (now 25-3 9KO’s), made his ring return for the first time in over 2 years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, against tough southpaw, and fellow New Yorker, MIKKEL LESPIERRE (now 22-3-1 10KO’s). 

From the opening bell, Algieri looked sharp. In custom form, Algieri stayed active throughout the entire bout, throwing 910 punches over the 10-round distance. The fight saw Algieri showcase his boxing IQ, experience and ring-generalship, turning LesPierre on multiple occasions, blocking, parrying, slipping punches and countering with a sustained body and head attack. 

In the third-round, Algieri landed a right-hand flush on the jaw of LesPierre, but to LesPierre’s credit, he took it and marched on. Algieri took full control of the bout in the fourth round, throwing a flurry of punches, keeping LesPierre on his heels. From that point on, Algieri simply dominated.

LesPierre did land a right hook and straight left with seconds remaining in the sixth-round, but Algieri took it well and continued with his victorious game plan. A right-left combination in the ninth-round hurt LesPierre, leading to an all-out assault that saw Algieri throw nearly 30 consecutive punches.  LesPierre remained standing and finished the ten-round bout.  Algieri pretty much swept the entire fight, winning every round on two scorecards in his dominating unanimous decision victory (100-90 x2, 99-91). With the win, Algieri takes another step towards his ultimate goal of fighting for another world title, creating opportunity for bigger fights in the near future. 

Chris had this to say about his victory, “I’m thrilled to be back. After a few rounds I really felt at home. I wanted the feather in my cap of being the first guy to get a stoppage [against LesPierree] and almost got it- but ultimately I’m happy with my performance… I didn’t want an easy fight back. Mikk is a really solid, class fighter who came in great shape. I showed that I’m a different class and deserve bigger fights in the very near future.”

Star Boxing CEO, JOE DEGUARDIA echoed Algieri’s sentiment, “From start to finish, Chris performed at a world class level boxing. Mikkel is a tough veteran fighter, but Chris fought very sharply and broke Mikkel down like the true seasoned pro he is. With this win, Chris is right back in the fold in the super lightweight division, and we are actively exploring the biggest opportunities out there for him.” DeGuardia continued, “Congratulations to Triller, Verzuz and Ryan Kavanaugh on a fantastic show. It was great to see Madison Square Garden filled with happy fans again. The event was truly vibrant”

Joe DeGuardia’s Rockin’ Fights returns to the Paramount for its 39th edition on September 4th.

https://www.ticketmaster.com/joe-deguardias-star-boxing-presents-rockin-huntington-new-york-09-04-2021/event/0000585AAB5351C8