Canvas Chronicle: News & Views

Dustin Runnels Available For Bookings

2012-05-11T00:16:00.003-04:00

Former World Wrestling Entertainment Superstar Dustin Runnels, best known to wrestling fans globally as "Dustin Rhodes" and "Goldust," is now available to independent wrestling companies for match bookings, wrestling seminars, autograph sessions and personal appearances.

Runnels, who most recently was a producer for WWE, lending his knowledge and expertise to younger talent, and who had frequent on-air appearances as "Goldust," is a respected member of the WWE's alumni who - as a second generation performer, author and high profile champion - brings more than 25 years of pro wrestling experience with him to events.

As a dedicated father and fiancé, Dustin also brings a fan-friendly and professional demeanor with him to the independent circuit, which is an important ingredient that is necessary toward making any event he is part of, a memorable and enjoyable one for the paying consumer.

Dustin is based out of Central Florida and is exclusively being represented by author and former National Wrestling Alliance president Howard Brody of Fort Lauderdale.
For booking inquiries and availabilities on Dustin, Brody can be contacted via e-mail at howard@howardbrody.com. All serious inquiries will be addressed.

SOURCE: Eclectic Media Productions

ALL 11 BOUTS FOR INAUGURAL INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS WOMEN’S MMA EVENT MADE OFFICIAL AT WEIGH-INS

2012-04-27T21:20:00.000-04:00

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (April 27, 2012) – All 11 bouts, including the featherweight (145 pounds) main event rematch between superstar Marloes Coenen (19-5) of The Netherlands and 22-year-old armbar wizard Romy Ruyssen (5-1) of France, were made official at today’s weigh-in at Hotel Phillips for the inaugural Invicta Fighting Championships all-women’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event tomorrow/Saturday, April 28 at Memorial Hall, live on InvictaFC.com.

Coenen weighed in at 146 pounds and Ruyssen originally weighed in at 150.4 pounds, but cut to 149.8 pounds over the course of the next two hours to reduce the weight spread between the two headlining fighters to 3.8 pounds.

Kansas State Athletic Commission rules mandate that opponents, with the exception of those in the featherweight division, must weigh within three pounds of each other in order to compete the following day. Opponents in the featherweight division must weigh within five pounds of each other.

Tickets for the inaugural Invicta Fighting Championships event, priced from $35, are on sale at Memorial Hall box office (913) 549-4853), online at Ticketmaster.com and InvictaFC.com and by phone at (800) 745-3000.

The live stream of the event on InvictaFC.com will begin at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST with the five-bout preliminary card and continue with the six-bout main card. The stream will be available free of charge.

In the co-main event, two 29-year-old submission specialists - Jessica Penne (8-1) of Laguna Hills, Calif. and Lisa Ellis-Ward (14-7) of Lacey, Wash.- will square off with one another at strawweight (105 pounds).

Strikeforce bantamweight star and United States Marine Liz “Girl-Rilla” Carmouche (5-2) of San Diego, Calif. will square off with unbeaten prospect Ashleigh Curry (1-0) of Kansas City, Mo.

Leslie Smith (3-2) of Pleasant Hill, Calif. will meet Kaitlin Young (7-5) of St. Louis Park, Minn. at bantamweight and Sally Krumdiack (9-4) of Bellingham, Wash. will duke it out with Sarah Schneider (5-5) of Kansas City, Mo. at flyweight (115 pounds).

In preliminary card action, 2008 Olympic wrestling bronze medalist Randi Miller (0-0) of Denver, Colo. will make her highly-anticipated MMA debut against Mollie Estes (1-0) Lake Lotawana, Mo.

About Invicta Fighting Championships:

Invicta Fighting Championships is a world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp and sports aficionado Janet Martin, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible matchups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport.

SOURCE: Witz End Communications, Inc.

Click images to enlarge

001_Sarah_D’Alelio_and_Vanessa_Mariscal – Grappling specialist Sarah D’Alelio (left) will face off with unbeaten Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Vanessa Mariscal in a bantamweight (135 pounds) matchup at the first-ever Invicta Fighting Championships all-women’s MMA event, live on InvictaFC.com, from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. on Saturday.

002_Kaitlin_Young_and_Leslie_Smith – Twenty-four year-old MMA and Muay Thai competitor Kaitlin Young (left) weighed in at 135.4 pounds while her opponent, power puncher Leslie Smith (right), weighed in at an even 135 pounds for the pair’s bantamweight tilt.

003_Liz_Carmouche_and_Ashleigh_Curry – U.S. Marine Liz “Girl-Rilla” Carmouche (left) collides with unbeaten Kansas City prospect Ashleigh Curry (right) in another featured bantamweight battle.

004_Jessica_Penne_and_Lisa_Ellis – Fast-rising star Jessica Penne (left) faces off with submission fellow specialist Lisa Ellis-Ward (right) in the atomweight (105 pounds) co-main event.

005_Marloes_Coenen_vs_Romy_Ruyssen – Superstar and former Strikeforce champion Marloes Coenen (left) engages 22-year-old armbar wizard Romy Ruyssen (right) in a tense staredown one day before their main event rematch at the inaugural Invicta Fighting Championships event. Coenen was the victory of their first meeting in Aug. 2008 by way of second round submission (rear-naked choke).

006_Marloes_Coenen_vs_Romy_Ruyssen – Coenen (left) and Ruyssen (right) continued to eye each other even after they faced off.

PHOTOS: Esther Lin/Invicta Fighting Championships

MAURO RANALLO, “KING MO” LAWAL AND JULIE KEDZIE TO CALL THE ACTION AT INAUGURAL INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS ALL-WOMEN’S MMA EVENT APRIL 28 IN KANSAS CITY, KAN.

2012-04-23T12:28:00.002-04:00

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (April 23, 2012) – SHOWTIME Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) voice Mauro Ranallo, light heavyweight superstar “King Mo” Lawal and women’s star Julie “Fireball” Kedzie will call the action cageside at the first-ever Invicta Fighting Championships all-women’s professional MMA event, live on InvictaFC.com, from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. on Saturday, April 28.

Ranallo, the lead commentator for Strikeforce on Showtime as well as for Canada’s The Score Fighting Series and a former commentator for Japan’s Pride Fighting Championships, will serve as the play-by-play announcer during the live stream of the event.

“I have always been a huge advocate of female MMA and I am very excited to be a part of the inaugural Invicta show,” said Ranallo. “The ladies have a history of stealing the show from the guys, so it’s nice to see them get a show of their own.”

Lawal is a former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion who burst onto the fight scene four years ago with four straight victories in Japan’s World Victory Road MMA series and has since amassed a career record of 8-1 (1 NC). A former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler for Oklahoma State University, the 31-year-old has gained recognition for his technical knowledge of MMA and his meticulous attention to fighters’ styles.

“I’m excited to be a part of this event with some of the top women’s fighters in the world,” said Lawal. “The growth of women’s MMA is going to soar even more now, thanks to what Invicta is doing.”

Like Lawal, Kedzie brings a wealth of MMA fight experience with her to the show. A student of famed trainer Greg Jackson, the 31-year-old has been competing as a professional since 2004 and holds a career record of 16-9.

“This Invicta show is a landmark moment in the history of women’s MMA and I’m very excited and honored that I was asked to be a part of it,” said Kedzie.

The live stream on InvictaFC.com will begin at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST with the event’s five-bout preliminary card and continue with the six-bout main card.

The first-ever Invicta Fighting Championships event will be headlined by a long-awaited featherweight (145 pounds) rematch between superstar Marloes Coenen (19-5) of The Netherlands and Romy Ruyssen (5-1) of France. Coenen was the victor of their first meeting on Aug. 2, 2008 by way of submission (rear-naked choke) in the second round of action.

In the co-main event, two 29-year-old submission specialists - Jessica Penne (8-1) of Laguna Hills, Calif. and Lisa Ellis-Ward (14-7) of Lacey, Wash.- will square off with one another at strawweight (105 pounds).

Strikeforce bantamweight star and United States Marine Liz “Girl-Rilla” Carmouche (5-2) of San Diego, Calif. will square off with unbeaten prospect Ashleigh Curry (1-0) of Kansas City, Mo.

Another Strikeforce bantamweight competitor, Sarah D’Alelio (4-2) of San Jose, Calif., will face undefeated former Royce Gracie student and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Vanessa Mariscal (2-0) of El Segundo, Calif.

Leslie Smith (3-2) of Pleasant Hill, Calif. will meet Kaitlin Young (7-5) of St. Louis Park, Minn. at bantamweight and Sally Krumdiack (9-4) of Bellingham, Wash. will duke it out with Sarah Schneider (5-5) of Kansas City, Mo. at flyweight (115 pounds).

Making her MMA debut on the preliminary card will be 2008 Olympic wrestling bronze medalist Randi Miller (0-0) of Denver, Colo. Miller will face unbeaten Mollie Estes (1-0) of Lake Lotawana, Mo. at featherweight.

In preliminary card action, Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc (7-5) of Tulsa, Okla. will take on Amy Davis (2-2) of Idaho Falls, Idaho at strawweight. Sarah Maloy (2-2) of Ada, Okla. will meet Michele Gutierrez (3-2) of Las Vegas, Nev. in a super flyweight (125 pounds) tilt. Unbeaten Ashley Cummins (2-0) of St. Louis will battle Sofia Bagherdai (4-1) of Upland, Calif. at flyweight. Cassie Rodish (1-3) of Waukee, Iowa will face Meghan Wright (1-3) of Cincinnati, Ohio in a strawweight matchup.

All bouts have been approved by the Kansas State Athletic Commission.

About Invicta Fighting Championships:

Invicta Fighting Championships is a world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp and sports aficionado Janet Martin, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible matchups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport.

SOURCE: Witz End Communications, Inc.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Gives World's Biggest Beer Producer World's Biggest Public Relations Black Eye

2012-04-19T08:55:00.002-04:00

Shareholders Should Demand an End to Anheuser-Busch InBev's Sponsorship of Bloody Human Cage-Fighting, Says Alcohol Justice

SAN FRANCISCO, April 19, 2012 -- The largest shareholders of publicly-traded, global beer behemoth Anheuser-Busch InBev are being asked to exert pressure on company management to end its sponsorship of the brutally violent human cage-fighting sport known as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In a letter sent today to the major stockholders of A-B InBev, Alcohol Justice Executive Director and CEO Bruce Lee Livingston stated, "Bud Light ads are irresponsibly delivering harmful content to millions of youth, exposing them to people beating one another to a bloody pulp…A-B InBev shareholders should be outraged."

The full text of the letter follows:

April 19, 2012

An Open Letter to Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI) Shareholders

RE: Opposition to sponsorship of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

Dear Shareholder:

As fellow shareholders and as public health advocates, Alcohol Justice (formerly Marin Institute) asks you to vigorously oppose ABI's sponsorship of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world's largest promoter of violent cage-fighting events.

We believe ABI's sponsorship of UFC must come to an end as there is a very tangible risk to the bottom line of dividends and stock price value as well as long term bad press as the relationship of this patently brutal blood sport to predatory marketing of Bud Light to underage youth are played out on the global stage of public opinion. It's already being called "Blood Light." This cannot be good for business, sales, or long-term profitability.

Alcohol Justice, the alcohol industry watchdog, has served as a leading research and advocacy institution for over 24 years. We monitor and expose the alcohol industry's targeting of youth and minority populations, as well as the industry's adverse effect on public health and the environment globally.

There is compelling evidence that exposure to alcohol advertising and marketing increases the likelihood of underage drinking. Since 2001, at least seven peer-reviewed, federally funded, long-term studies have found that young people with greater exposure to alcohol marketing — including on television, in magazines, on the radio, on billboards or other outdoor signage, or via in-store beer displays, beer concessions, or ownership of beer promotional items or branded merchandise — are more likely to start drinking than their peers.

As the primary sponsor of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI) is delivering harmful content to millions of underage youth. At center stage is the ever-present Bud Light logo, imbued throughout all of UFC's violent events, including live fights, Pay-Per-View, and television broadcasts that reach 354 million homes worldwide. These homes are filled with children!

In addition, millions of UFC fans of all ages have access to live streaming of fights via Facebook, and limitless YouTube videos of bloody fights, promotions, and "pornohol" such as Bud Light Lime ads featuring UFC "Octagon Girl" Arianny Celeste topless, underwear-clad and rolling around in a bed of limes.

UFC President Dana White has been quoted as saying "our targeted audience is anywhere from age 17 to 35." He and a number of UFC athletes have recently come under fire for sexist, homophobic, violent and derogatory remarks, including jokes about rape and sexual assault. As A-B InBev shareholders we should be outraged by this behavior.

Given that alcohol is the number one drug of choice among America's youth, and the U.S. Surgeon General estimates that approximately 5,000 people under age 21 die from alcohol-related injuries involving underage drinking each year, board members, shareholders, and consumers will become more aware of the ethical ramifications that continued sponsorship of UFC will have on ABI. Do we really want Bud Light ads to be condemned for irresponsibly delivering harmful content to millions of youth, exposing them to people beating one another to a bloody pulp?

We believe this will lead to mounting litigations, inevitable regulatory and legislative actions, and growing concerns about the safety of youth exposed to harmful content by viewing UFC promotions. All of this can only hurt ABI's reputation as a corporate citizen and its robust revenue.

As shareholders we have an obligation to help protect stock value by holding the corporation to higher standards of responsibility, especially those related to underage consumption and harm. We can insist that management address these ethical issues with more integrity by pulling its support of this graphic, violent, bloody sport. While the world may still want to enjoy a Bud Light, it does not need "Blood Light."

Respectfully,
Bruce Lee Livingston, MPP
Executive Director/CEO

For more information about Alcohol Justice, its research, campaigns and actions, go to www.AlcoholJustice.org.

SOURCE: Alcohol Justice

WrestleMania® Sets Pay-Per-View Record

2012-04-16T14:11:00.002-04:00

STAMFORD, Conn. Apr. 16, 2012 -- WWE (NYSE:WWE) announced today that WrestleMania, held April 1 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, set new records for pay-per-view buys and gross sales. Preliminary estimates show that WrestleMania, featuring the historic Once in a Lifetime match between The Rock® and John Cena®, garnered 1.3 million pay-per-view buys with global gross sales in excess of $67 million including the live event.

WrestleMania was seen around the world on pay-per-view in more than 105 countries and 20 languages.

Next year’s WrestleMania will take place Sunday, April 7, 2013 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Ticket information will be announced later this year.

About WWE

WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 600 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television and pay-per-view programming distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete and acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; our exposure to bad debt risk; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; uncertainties associated with international markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing and travelling to and from our large live events, both domestically and internationally; the risk of accidents or injuries during our physically demanding events; risks relating to our film business; risks relating to increasing content production for distribution on various platforms, including the potential creation of a WWE network; risks relating to our computer systems and online operations; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family and the possibility of the sale of their stock by the McMahons or the perception of the possibility of such sales; the relatively small public float of our stock; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant.

SOURCE: WWE

UFC Supports Creation Of International Mixed Martial Arts Federation

2012-04-12T09:19:00.002-04:00

Global unified amateur rules, regulations & safety a positive step for fastest growing sport in the world

LAS VEGAS, April 12, 2012 -- The Ultimate Fighting Championship®, the world's leader in mixed martial arts (MMA), applauds the announcement made earlier today of the creation of the new International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF). The UFC wholeheartedly supports this new initiative as well as its leader, IMMAF President August Wallen, who will spearhead the initial growth of this Federation.

UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta, who has helped lead the global growth of the UFC, feels that the timing is perfect. "In order to maintain the successful growth of our sport, it is important to invest in resources that will develop and cultivate it at an amateur level. Having an umbrella organization that will oversee and help build the sport on a global level will not only provide advanced and ever-improving safety standards but will also create a unified global model to help introduce the sport to new markets. It is our hope that it will also take us one step closer to witnessing the inclusion of the sport of MMA on the Olympic programme."

"The creation of this organization is long overdue," said Marc Ratner, Senior Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs. "MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world and we support the Federation's focus on providing a globally unified set of rules and safety measures to help keep all fighters safe. While there are many obstacles ahead in the formation of this international organization, we are confident of the outcomes and advancements this group will make for the future of our sport."

The UFC has long been committed to the growth and development of the sport of MMA. With broadcasts in over 150 countries and territories, to nearly one billion homes worldwide, in 20 different languages, and more than 30 live events annually worldwide, the UFC has helped introduce the sport to many new cultures and audiences.

The creation of the IMMAF will help to foster the development of the sport at the grassroots level and bolster the work being done by the UFC and all other MMA organizations worldwide, further developing the integrity and legitimacy of the sport.

To learn more about the International MMA Federation visit www.immaf.org.

About Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Universally recognized for its action-packed, can't-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world's premier mixed martial arts organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and with offices in London, England, Toronto, Canada and Beijing, China, UFC® produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world.

In 2011, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FX and FUEL TV. This includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which now air on FX in an exciting new live format.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 150 countries and territories, to nearly one billion homes worldwide, in 20 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with nearly two million followers on Twitter.

Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs, an internationally distributed magazine, the best-selling UFC Undisputed® video game franchise distributed by THQ, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, and action figures.

SOURCE: Ultimate Fighting Championship

Card Update - Bellator Fighting Championships 66

2012-04-07T23:15:00.002-04:00

I-X Center
Cleveland, Ohio
Friday, April 20, 2012
Live on MTV2 @ 8:00 PM ET
Lineup subject to change

NON-TELEVISED (Live on spike.com/bellator.com @ 7&10 PM ET)
* Aisling Daly vs. Jessica Eye - NAAFS Women's title
* Dan Spohn vs. Attila Vegh - NAAFS Light-Heavyweight title
* John Hawk vs. Marcus Vanttinen - light heavyweights
* Frank Caraballo vs. Donny Walker - NAAFS Featherweight title

TELEVISED
* Eddie Alvarez vs. Shinya Aoki - lightweights
* Rick Hawn vs. Lloyd Woodard - lightweight semifinal
* Thiago Michel Pereira Silva vs. Brent Weedman - lightweight semifinal
* Brian Rogers vs. Bruno Santos - middleweight semifinal
* Maiquel Falcao vs. Vyacheslav Vasilevsky - middleweight semifinal

Notes: Not sure of bout order, but this should be the complete lineup.

INVICTAFC.COM TO STREAM INAUGURAL ALL-WOMEN’S MMA EVENT LIVE APRIL 28 FROM KANSAS CITY, KAN.

2012-03-28T22:51:00.002-04:00

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (March 28, 2012) – Invicta Fighting Championships will stream its inaugural all-women’s professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event live in its entirety, free of charge to a worldwide audience on the promotion’s website, InvictaFC.com, from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. on Saturday, April 28.

“Since we announced the formation of Invicta, we’ve received tremendous support and interest from fight fans around the world who are eager to watch some of the best fighters in the women’s field of MMA compete in our first event,” said Invicta President and Co-Founder Shannon Knapp.

“The live stream,” continued Knapp, “is the best way to give fans, no matter where they are located, the opportunity to participate and take in the action as it unfolds and, at the same time, establish the forthcoming Invicta website as an online destination for women’s MMA content.”

The live stream on InvictaFC.com will begin at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST with the event’s five-bout preliminary card and continue with the seven-bout main card.

The first-ever Invicta Fighting Championships event will be headlined by a long-awaited featherweight (145 pounds) rematch between superstar Marloes Coenen (19-5) of The Netherlands and Romy Ruyssen (5-1) of France.

In the co-main event, two 29-year-old submission specialists - Jessica Penne (8-1) of Laguna Hills, Calif. and Lisa Ellis-Ward (14-7) of Lacey, Wash.- will square off with one another at strawweight (105 pounds).

Undefeated rising star Cat “Alpha” Zingano (6-0) of Denver, Colo. will square off with fellow hard-hitting prospect and professional boxer Anita “El Tigre” Rodriguez (5-2) of Dallas, Texas in a featured bantamweight (135 pounds) bout.

Strikeforce bantamweight star and United States Marine Liz “Girl-Rilla” Carmouche (5-2) of San Diego, Calif. will square off with unbeaten prospect Ashleigh Curry (1-0) of Kansas City, Mo.

Another Strikeforce bantamweight competitor, Sarah D’Alelio (4-2) of San Jose, Calif., will face Shana “Rock Solid” Nelson (5-2) of Hibbing, Minn.

Leslie Smith (3-2) of Pleasant Hill, Calif. will meet Kaitlin Young (7-5) of St. Louis Park, Minn. at bantamweight and Sally Krumdiack (9-4) of Bellingham, Wash. will duke it out with Sarah Schneider (5-5) of Kansas City, Mo. at flyweight (115 pounds).

In preliminary card action, Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc (7-5) of Tulsa, Okla. will take on Amy Davis (2-2) of Idaho Falls, Idaho at strawweight. Sarah Maloy (2-2) of Ada, Okla. will meet Michele Gutierrez (3-2) of Las Vegas, Nev. in a super flyweight (125 pounds) tilt. Mollie Estes (1-0) of Lake Lotawana, Mo. will face Randi Miller (0-0) of Broomfield, Colo. at featherweight. Unbeaten Ashley Cummins (2-0) of St. Louis will battle Sofia Bagherdai (4-1) of Upland, Calif. at flyweight. Jessica Philippus (0-0) of Marshall, Mo. will make her professional debut against Meghan Wright (1-3) of Cincinnati, Ohio in a strawweight matchup.

All bouts have been approved by the Kansas State Athletic Commission.

About Invicta Fighting Championships:

Invicta Fighting Championships is a world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp and sports aficionado Janet Martin, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible matchups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport.

SOURCE: Witz End Communications, Inc.

Programming Alert: HBO Latino's 'Destino Deporte' ('Sports Destination')

2012-03-24T09:44:00.002-04:00

According to an HBO Latino press release, on Monday, April 9, at 8 PM ET, the network will premier 'Destino Deporte,' a documentary which claims to go "beyond the scores and statistics to cover the unexplored side of sports."

Although I have no idea what was filmed, or even when, one of the program's topics will be "the triumphs and tragedy of lucha libre in Mexico City."

(CORRECTED LINK) HD-VIDEO PREVIEW: 'ONCE IN A LIFETIME - ROCK VS. CENA'

2012-03-21T09:33:00.000-04:00

Looks like a winner ... Enjoy, courtesy of WWE and NBCUniversal:

“ONCE IN A LIFETIME – ROCK VS. CENA” TO AIR ON 11 NBCU NETWORKS

2012-03-20T23:28:00.002-04:00

STAMFORD, Conn., March 20, 2012 – WWE (NYSE:WWE) and NBCUniversal are joining forces to televise “Once in a Lifetime – Rock vs. Cena,” an epic one-hour special that follows WWE Superstars The Rock® and John Cena® on their respective roads to WrestleMania® XXVIII. This first ever behind-the-scenes special premieres Monday, March 26 on USA Network at 8/7c and will also air on NBCUniversal networks including Syfy, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, G4, Style, NBC Sports Network, mun2, CLOO and Universal HD leading up to WrestleMania on Sunday, April 1st at 7:00 p.m. ET.

This lifestyle special is a candid and compelling look at two of the biggest icons in sports entertainment history as they prepare for their Once in a Lifetime main event match. From touring and training on the road to Hollywood movie sets to the 54th Annual Daytona 500, this in-depth look with exclusive footage gives viewers unprecedented access and a glimpse into the personal lives of these men.

About WWE

WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

SOURCE: WWE

RUFF And Mandt Bros. Announce First Full Season Of MMA In China Beginning With March 24 Fight In Chongqing

2012-03-14T21:32:00.002-04:00

In the world's most populous nation, RUFF is the ultimate name in Mixed Martial Arts as the only professional MMA organization exclusively sanctioned by Chinese government

SHANGHAI, March 14, 2012 -- With the bell set to ring in its first event of 2012, RUFF (Ranik Ultimate Fighting Federation), in partnership with Los Angeles-based Mandt Bros. Productions and Beijing's Wushu Administrative Center, held a press conference in Shanghai today to announce its first full season and the 2013 Super Fight, a title fight to crown China's first MMA national champions.

The announcement, made by Joel Resnick of RUFF and Neil Mandt of Mandt Bros., came ten days ahead of RUFF 3 on March 24, and further outlined the Super Fight details. In addition to the championship belt, winners of each weight class, including the newly introduced 125 lbs. (57 kg.) Flyweight Division, will become instant millionaires in China, earning RMB 1,000,000 for claiming the title.

RUFF, the first professional mixed martial arts (MMA) organization sanctioned by the government of China, recently signed a development deal with Mandt Bros. to lead all television production, beginning with the March 24 contest, to be broadcast around the Chinese mainland the following week.

In October 2010, after four years of negotiating with the Wushu Administrative Center, the governing branch of Chinese combat sports, RUFF founders Joel Resnick and Saul Rajsky secured the rights to produce and promote live professional MMA events in China. RUFF held its first two fights in late 2011, setting the stage for an exciting year of growth for the first and only MMA organization in China.

About Ranik Ultimate Fighting Federation (RUFF)

Headquartered in Shanghai, Ranik Ultimate Fighting Federation (RUFF) has the exclusive rights to produce and promote live MMA events as a sanctioned sport in China, by permission of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Wushu Administrative Center. Its first two MMA events were produced in late 2011 in Shanghai and Chongqing. The next event is scheduled take place on March 24 in Chongqing. For more information, please visit www.ruffchina.com.

About Mandt Bros. Productions

Brothers Neil and Michael Mandt are partners in the four-time Emmy Award-winning production company Mandt Bros. Productions, headquartered in Los Angeles. Between them, they have earned four Emmy Awards, nine Emmy nominations, among numerous other accolades. Their projects include the critically acclaimed feature film Last Stop for Paul, its TV adaptation "Next Stop for Charlie" (Showtime) and other television projects which have included "Destination Truth" (Syfy), "Jim Rome is Burning" (ESPN), "Ice Brigade" (Food Network), "Strangers in Danger" (Fuel TV) and "The Car Show" (Speed Network).

SOURCE: Mandt Bros. Productions

Card Update - Bellator Fighting Championships 64

2012-03-14T00:41:00.003-04:00

The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Friday, April 6, 2012
Live on MTV2 @ 8:00 PM ET
Lineup subject to change

NON-TELEVISED (Live on spike.com @ 7&10 PM ET)

TELEVISED
* Ben Askren vs. Douglas Lima - Welterweight title
* Chris Horodecki vs. Mike Richman - lightweights
* bantamweight tournament - quarterfinals
* featherweight tournament - semifinals

New Season Of Bellator Premiers On Tr3s

2012-03-05T10:51:00.000-05:00

Talented Latinos & World Class Fighters step into the cage for Season Six

Spanish-language announcers George X & Manny Rodriguez call fights for Hispanic audiences, every Sunday at 10:00pm (ET) starting March 11th

MIAMI, March 5, 2012 -- Tr3s: MTV, Musica y Mas, the bilingual/bicultural entertainment destination for Hispanics in the US, delivers more mixed martial arts (MMA) fights with the premiere of the 6th season of Bellator Fighting Championships in Spanish. The world class MMA platform will feature the most dynamic fighters in the industry including Latino Bellator Middleweight World Champion Hector Lombard. Bellator in Spanish will premiere every Sunday starting March 11th at 10pm (ET) on Tr3s.

"Tr3s is the perfect platform for the vibrant mixed martial arts action of Bellator," commented Charlie Singer SVP of Content and Creative for Tr3s. "Hispanic audiences continue to identify themselves with this beloved cultural sport, and religiously tune into our MMA lineup week-after-week. Partnering with Bellator allows us to deliver on our audience's enthusiastic appetite for more engaging and innovative MMA content."

Bellator Fighting Championships is the first MMA promotion to hold an internationally televised tournament format. Unlike other organizations, Bellator's live fights and tournaments are structured so that the fighter's talent and ability determines their rank in the cage. This season will be stacked with great talent including Latino heavy-hitters Alexis "The Exorcist" Vila, Eddie Alvarez, Chris "The Assassin" Lozano, Douglas Lima, Eduardo "Dudu" Dantas, among others.

George X is one of the most admired Spanish-language announcers in Mexico, calling the shots in multiple sports including the NBA, the Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl. Extreme sport fanatics know George X as the face and voice of ESPN's Spanish-language X-Games coverage. An MMA expert, George X pens articles in various publications including Extreme Fighting. George joined the Bellator team in 2009.

Manny Rodriguez, previously ranking as the Heavyweight Champion for King of the Cage, has taken on the role as announcer for multiple MMA Live broadcasts in Mexico and has played a key role in the Spanish division of Bellator since its inception in 2009.

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator, Latin for Warrior, is partnered with entertainment industry leaders Viacom and Fremantle Entertainment, and is the world's leading tournament-based mixed martial arts organization. Bellator's Founder, Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships' executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

About Tr3s: MTV, Musica y Mas

Tr3s: MTV, Musica y Mas, owned and operated by MTV Networks Latin America, reaches 6.1 million Hispanic TV households (45% of US Hispanic Total TV HH) and 34 million total TV households. The network's programming embraces the trilogy of cultures that represents Latino life – Latin American plus American equals US Latino – through original productions, key acquisitions, and content from MTV Networks' portfolio of entertainment brands. Tr3s embraces the key lifestyle aspects of Latino identity -- milestones, making it and music -- as well as social responsibility through its initiative "Agentes de Cambio," which tackles issues that affect Latinos today. The network also taps into the growing number of Latinos that are digitally connected through www.tr3s.com.

SOURCE: Tr3s

Full Fight Card Released For WMMA'S McCorkle Vs. Heden: Fighting For A Better World

2012-03-05T09:12:00.002-05:00

WMMA Announces Impressive Lineup for Its Inaugural Event

LITTLE FALLS, NJ, 03/05/12 -- Worldwide Mixed Martial Arts, Inc. (WMMA) is proud to release their complete fight card for their inaugural charitable event benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2). The event will take place on March 31, 2012 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, TX.

Last month, WMMA announced that they will be hosting the inaugural event and a portion of the gate will be donated to the WWP and AW2. WMMA believes mixed martial arts is bigger than the company, therefore it has chosen to honor and provide assistance to our service members by partnering with organizations that are experts in assisting our real warriors and their families.

"We take pride in our fights," stated William McFarlane, President of WMMA. "Our fans mean the world to us and our gratitude will be shown through the events that we produce; that means the most action-packed bouts and the very best of mixed martial arts. Most importantly, it means supporting our real heroes and true fighters, our military, our soldiers, our families. This event is for them."

Fans of WMMA will also be treated to an amazing undercard, which is set to be streamed live on WMMA's website, www.wmmasports.com. Broadcast plans for the main card will be announced very soon.

McCorkle vs. Heden: Fighting For A Better World

Main Card:

1. Sean McCorkle vs. Brian Heden (Super Heavyweight)
2. Thomas Denny vs. Karo Parisyan (170lbs)
3. Lyle Beerbohm vs. Derrick Noble (170lbs)
4. Drew Fickett vs. Kevin Knabjian (170lbs)
5. Jamaine Facey vs. Willie Parks (185lbs)
6. Rodney Wallace vs. Derrick Mehmen (205lbs)

Under Card:

7. Darrill Schoonover Paul Buentello (265lbs)
8. Frank Gomez vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (145lbs)
9. Deutsch Pu'u vs. Esteves Jones (265lbs)
10. Lionel Lanham vs. Brad Peterson (185lbs)

McCorkle vs. Heden: Fighting For A Better World will take place on Saturday, March 31st at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on Ticketmaster. Full card is subject to change.

For more information on WMMA, please visit http://www.wmmasports.com.

Worldwide Mixed Martial Arts Sports, Inc. ("WMMA") is more than the sport of mixed martial arts. WMMA is a premier sports and entertainment enterprise dedicated to the global, responsible development of the sport of mixed martial arts through the promotion of culture and humanitarian values founded on the principles and traditions of balanced mental, physical and spiritual development.

SOURCE: WMMA

Josh Barnett Once Again Set To Meet With The CSAC Over 2009 Loss Of License

2012-02-29T23:44:00.002-05:00

When it comes to the revocation of his California license, looks like Josh Barnett's hoping that the fifth time's the charm.

The current Strikeforce heavyweight (who, over the past three-years, has already seen the shelving of four appeal meetings) is currently scheduled to give it another college try, when he appears before the California State Athletic Commission on Monday, March 5.

In the wake of Zuffa's purchase of Strikeforce, the issue is especially important, because of the limits places on when and where Barnett can fight.

More to come, I'm quite certain.

Check Out The Latest Releases From RF Video

2012-02-25T22:45:00.002-05:00

New Jack, Tommy Dreamer, Cactus Jack, and more - http://www.rfvideo.com/feb24.html

Sean "Big Sexy" McCorkle To Face Brian Heden In Inaugural Worldwide Mixed Martial Arts Sports Event To Benefit Wounded Warrior Project

2012-02-21T08:50:00.002-05:00

Former UFC Fighter Karo "The Heat" Parisyan vs. Thomas "Wildman" Denny Featured in Co-Main Event

LITTLE FALLS, NJ, Feb 21, 2012 -- Worldwide Mixed Martial Arts Sports, Inc. (WMMA) confirmed today that Sean "Big Sexy" McCorkle and Brian Heden will headline its inaugural charitable event, WMMA: McCorkle vs. Heden, Fighting for a Better World. The event will take place on March 31, 2012 at the 12,500-seat Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas, and will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2).

According to William McFarlane, President of WMMA, "The super heavyweight clash between McCorkle and Heden is sure to bring fireworks to El Paso as well as leave fans watching at home wanting more. By having two veterans of the sport at the top of this card benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project and the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program, it highlights our commitment to quality competition, respect for the sport, and promise to the local community and our real heroes."

Sean "Big Sexy" McCorkle (14-2), a UFC veteran, is looking to continue his winning ways after winning his last five fights. One of McCorkle's most notable wins was in front of his hometown in Indianapolis when he defeated K-1 and Pride veteran Mark Hunt at UFC 119.

"On March 31, 2012, my winning streak will be six," stated McCorkle. "There is no way I am losing this fight. I am walking out of the Don Haskins Center considered one of the top super heavyweights in the world, and if I have to dominate Brian to do it, so be it."

Brian Heden (21-10) is looking to get his first win of 2012 after being defeated by Jason Walraven at C3 Fights: Summer Slamfest. Heden is coming into the fight as the veteran of the two, having fought in over 30 professional contests. Heden has fought over 7 UFC and Strikeforce veterans, including Brett Rodgers and UFC Hall of Fame member, Dan "The Beast" Severn.

Heden is looking forward to stepping into the cage with McCorkle, stating, "If Sean thinks he's going to have an easy fight, he's in for a surprise. His winning streak stops in El Paso."

The co-main event features an explosive fight between Karo "The Heat" Parisyan (19-8) vs. Thomas "Wildman" Denny (26-19-1). Parisyan, a former UFC fighter, is on a 3-fight skid and looks to get back on the winning track. He was the former WEC Welterweight Champion and holds notable wins over Nick Diaz, Chris Lytle, and Matt Serra. However, Parisyan will have his hands full with Thomas "Wildman" Denny. Denny is hungry for a win after dropping his last two fights. With a record of 26-19-1, Denny is a former King of the Cage Welterweight Champion and has fought the sport's best athletes, including Nick Diaz.

Partnering with the City of El Paso and Fort Bliss, TX, WMMA works to introduce the sport of mixed martial arts and its benefits to the community. As part of their mission, WMMA will donate a substantial amount of this event's live gate to charity and continue to be a strong supporter and advocate of their critical mission.

WMMA is hosting a press conference where it plans to formally introduce the company and its mission to the world of mixed martial arts, the media and the public. The press conference will be held at Fort Bliss, TX today, February 21, 2012 at 5 p.m. MST.

The press conference will be open to the public and all media. In addition, it will be webcasted at www.wmmasports.com. WMMA invites everyone to ask questions via Twitter (@WMMASports) and by using the hastag #WMMAElPaso.

For more information on the event, please contact William McFarlane by email at wmcfarlane@wmmasports.com or call (480) 361-5719.

Worldwide Mixed Martial Arts Sports, Inc. ("WMMA") is more than the sport of mixed martial arts. WMMA is a premier sports and entertainment enterprises dedicated to the global, responsible development of the sport of mixed martial arts through the promotion of culture and humanitarian values founded on the principles and traditions of balanced mental, physical and spiritual development.

SOURCE: Worldwide Mixed Martial Arts

INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS UNVEILS ALL-WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MMA SERIES APRIL 28 IN KANSAS CITY

2012-02-20T21:35:00.000-05:00

SUPERSTAR MARLOES COENEN TO REMATCH ROMY RUYSSEN IN INAUGURAL MAIN EVENT

Tickets On Sale Fri., Feb. 24

Jessica Penne To Face Lisa Ellis-Ward In Co-Main Event

Strikeforce Stars Liz Carmouche And Sarah D’Alelio To Also See Action

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (Feb. 20, 2012) – The term “girl power” is about to take on a whole new meaning

Invicta Fighting Championships, an all-women’s world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight series led by longtime MMA industry executive Shannon Knapp, will launch with a stacked, 11-bout fight card headlined by a long-awaited featherweight (145 pounds) rematch between superstar Marloes Coenen (19-5) of The Netherlands and Romy Ruyssen (5-1) of France at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. on Sat., April 28.

Tickets for the first-ever Invicta Fighting Championships event, priced from $35, go on sale Fri., Feb. 24 at Memorial Hall box office (913) 549-4853), online at Ticketmaster.com and InvictaFC.com and by phone at (800) 745-3000.

In the co-main event, two 29-year-old submission specialists - Jessica Penne (8-1) of Laguna Hills, Calif. and Lisa Ellis-Ward (14-7) of Lacey, Wash.- will square off with one another at strawweight (105 pounds).

Strikeforce bantamweight (135 pounds) stars Liz “Girl-Rilla” Carmouche (5-2) of San Diego, Calif. and Sarah D’Alelio (4-2) of San Jose, Calif. have also been enlisted for action. Carmouche, a United States Marine who did three tours of duty in The Middle East, will square off with unbeaten prospect Ashleigh Curry (1-0) of Kansas City, Mo. while D’Alelio will face Shana “Rock Solid” Nelson (5-2) of Hibbing, Minn.

“The time has come for a platform dedicated exclusively to building the growing women’s division in our great sport,” said Invicta Fighting Championships Vice President Knapp, who has held positions with the UFC, the IFL and, most recently Strikeforce, where she served as head of fighter relations and a core member of the promotion’s matchmaking team, until shortly after Strikeforce was acquired by the parent company of its top competitor, the UFC. “Invicta is committed to increasing the depth of the women’s field and building female superstars by providing women athletes with the opportunity to compete and hone their skills on a consistent basis throughout the year.

“I am honored to headline Invicta’s first fight card and I am looking forward to earning another win over Romy,” said the 5-foot-9, 30-year-old Coenen, a former champion in Strikeforce’s 135 pound division and the premiere female competitor out of Holland’s famed Team Golden Glory. Coenen submitted Ruyssen with a rear-naked choke in the second round of their first meeting in Basel, Switzerland on Aug. 2, 2008.

Ruyssen is a slick and dangerous 22-year-old grappler who has claimed all five of her career victories by way of submission in the first round of battle. Four of the five wins came via armbar.

“My first fight with Marloes is the only loss of my career so far, and I intend to avenge that loss on April 28” said Ruyssen. “Marloes is a great fighter, but she doesn’t quite have the ground game that I have. I am going to take her down and finish her.”

Penne, regarded as one of the most promising, up and coming female talents in MMA, was unbeaten through her first seven professional starts before losing a unanimous decision to Zoila Gurgel on Aug. 19, 2010. In her last effort on Nov. 19, 2010, she bounced back, submitting Amy Davis with a rear-naked choke in the first round of their matchup.

Ellis-Ward will look to return to the win column after two straight losses at the hands of Megumi Fujii and Jessica Aguilar, respectively. Prior to the slide, Ellis-Ward had reeled off two consecutive wins - a first round submission (rear-naked choke) of Stephanie Frausto and a unanimous decision over Aisling Daly.

In other main card action, Leslie Smith (3-2) of Pleasant Hill, Calif. will face off with Kaitlin Young (7-5) of St. Louis Park, Minn. at bantamweight and Sally Krumdiack (9-4) of Bellingham, Wash. will duke it out with Sarah Schneider (5-5) of Kansas City, Mo. at flyweight (115 pounds).

The 28-year-old Carmouche jumpstarted her career with five straight wins, only one of which went to the judges’ scorecards. She is looking to return to her winning ways after suffering back-to-back losses at the hands of Coenen and another superstar in Sarah Kaufman.

After scoring a first round TKO (punches) on Jessy Forman in her professional debut on June 12, 2010, the 26-year-old Curry will return to the cage for the first time. Curry has been touted for her western boxing skills.

D’Alelio, a 31-year-old, 5-foot-7 grappler, was victorious in her first four career fights - three by submission and one by TKO - but is looking for her first win since losing back-to-back fights against Julie Kedzie and undefeated rising star and Olympic Judo medalist Ronda Rousey.

The 31-year-old, 5-foot-7 Nelson, a hard-hitting striker who competes out of Minnesota Fight Factory, reeled off wins in her first four professional bouts and is coming off a first round TKO (punches) of Lina Eklund on Feb. 18.

In preliminary card action, Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc (7-5) of Tulsa, Okla. will take on Amy Davis (2-2) of Idaho Falls, Idaho at strawweight. Sarah Maloy (2-2) of Ada, Okla. will meet Michele Gutierrez (3-2) of Las Vegas, Nev. in a super flyweight (125 pounds) tilt. Mollie Estes (1-0) of Lake Lotawana, Mo. will face Randi Miller (0-0) of Broomfield, Colo. at featherweight. Unbeaten Ashley Cummins (2-0) of St. Louis will battle Sofia Bagherdai (4-1) of Upland, Calif. at flyweight. Jessica Philippus (0-0) of Marshall, Mo. will make her professional debut against Meghan Wright (1-3) of Cincinnati, Ohio in a strawweight matchup.

All bouts have been approved by the Kansas State Athletic Commission.

About Invicta Fighting Championships:

Invicta Fighting Championships is a world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp and sports aficionado Janet Martin, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible matchups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport.

SOURCE: Mike Afromowitz

Worldwide Mixed Martial Arts Sports, Inc. Fights For A Better World

2012-02-17T09:25:00.002-05:00

WMMA Announces Inaugural Event to Benefit Charity

LITTLE FALLS, NJ, Feb 17, 2012 -- Worldwide Mixed Martial Arts Sports, Inc. (WMMA), a premier sports and entertainment enterprise, is proud to announce their inaugural event, Fighting For A Better World. The highly anticipated launch of WMMA's inaugural event features a stacked card with well-known marquee fighters. Fighting For A Better World will take place March 31, 2012 at the 12,000-seat Don Haskins Arena, in El Paso, Texas, home to the UTEP Miners men's and women's basketball teams.

Partnering with the City of El Paso and Fort Bliss, WMMA works to introduce the sport of mixed martial arts and its benefits to the community. As part of their mission, WMMA will donate a substantial amount of this event's live gate to charity and continue to be a strong supporter and advocate of their critical mission.

According to William McFarlane of Novuss Media, "It is an honor for us to introduce WMMA in this exciting way. To produce this event and have it serve such an important purpose will be a significant milestone for the company. WMMA's mission is to redefine the perception of mixed martial arts, and we are very excited to deliver the true essence of what this sport should be; professional competition, quality programming and a commitment to community and charity."

WMMA is hosting a press conference where it plans to formally introduce the company and its mission to the world of mixed martial arts, the media and the public.

The press conference will be held at Fort Bliss, TX on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 5 p.m. MST where WMMA plans to announce their star-studded fight card, expand on the company's charitable endeavors, and reveal other exciting information about the company and the event.

The press conference will be open to the public and all media. In addition, it will be webcasted at www.wmmasports.com. WMMA invites everyone to ask questions via Twitter (@WMMASports) and by using the hastag #WMMAElPaso.

For more information on the event, please contact William McFarlane by email at wmcfarlane@wmmasports.com or call (480) 361-5719.

Worldwide Mixed Martial Arts Sports, Inc. ("WMMA") is more than the sport of mixed martial arts. WMMA is a premier sports and entertainment enterprises dedicated to the global, responsible development of the sport of mixed martial arts through the promotion of culture and humanitarian values founded on the principles and traditions of balanced mental, physical and spiritual development.

SOURCE: WMMA

Ticket Update: Bellator Fighting Championships 67

2012-02-16T21:41:00.000-05:00

Casino Rama
Rama, Ontario, Canada
Friday, May 4, 2012
Live on MTV2 @ 8 PM ET
Lineup subject to change

In-person pre-sale: February 19, 10 AM
Ticketmaster pre-sale: February 20, 12 PM
General on-sale: February 21, 12 PM
*Must be 19, or older, to attend.

FUEL TV Hits Special UFC Fight Week Free Preview Feb. 13-19

2012-02-13T13:53:00.002-05:00

Network’s First UFC Main Card Airs Feb. 15, With 5 Hours of Live Programming

LOS ANGELES, Feb 13, 2012 -- FUEL TV (www.fuel.tv), FOX Sports Media Group’s dynamic sports network for males, offers a special free preview February 13-19, making it possible for millions of mixed martial arts fans to watch FUEL TV’s first-ever live main card event of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, “UFC ON FUEL TV: SANCHEZ VS. ELLENBERGER,” on February 15 at 8:00 PM ET. On Fight Night, the network will be airing five straight hours of LIVE fight programming, including a one-hour live Prefight Show (7:00 PM ET), three hours of live fighting, and a one-hour live Postfight show (11:00 PM ET). In addition, the network presents an entire Fight Week featuring all the best UFC programming including signature shows like “UFC Tonight,” “UFC Ultimate Insider,” “Best of Pride,” “UFC Champions Roundtable” and more.

“As a salute to UFC fans, FUEL TV will telecast an unprecedented amount of UFC programming - more than 100 hours’ worth - this week,” says George Greenberg, Executive Vice President and General Manager, FUEL TV. "If you’re a UFC fan, this is a must-see week highlighted by an amazing must-watch live fight on Wednesday night. Fans should check with their local television provider to see if the special preview is available so they can take advantage FUEL TV’s Fight Week upgrade opportunity.”

FUEL TV leads up to the February 15 live main card fight featuring welterweight Diego Sanchez taking on hometown favorite Jake Ellenberger in Omaha, Nebraska with a live weigh-in show on February 14 at 5:00 PM ET. During Fight Week, fans can also tune-in to programs including “UFC Tonight,” the official weekly news and information show of the UFC and “UFC Ultimate Insider,” which delivers unprecedented access, including in-depth profiles of the UFC’s biggest stars, tell-all features, and compelling backstage footage.

In 2012, FUEL TV telecasts more than 2,000 hours of UFC programming, with more than 100 hours of live fights, weigh-ins, preliminary bouts, and prefight and postfight shows. FUEL TV offers more UFC programming than any network has ever offered.

Multiple distributors in select areas are participating in the FUEL TV special Free Preview. From February 13 - 19, consumers can check directly with their local provider or go to www.fuel.tv/getfueltv to see who is participating.

For a complete listing of FUEL TV shows, go to: http://www.fuel.tv/schedule/. For more information, go to www.fuel.tv, www.fuel.tv/ufc, on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/fueltv and on Twitter: @FUELTV, #UFConFUELTV

To find out FUEL TV on your television, go to www.fuel.tv/getfueltv, or call 877-4 FUEL-TV.

FUEL TV

FUEL TV is the only cable and satellite television network that features the exciting world of adrenaline and thrill-seeking sports including MMA, surfing, motocross, snowboarding, skateboarding BMX, wakeboarding and more. This new generation of sports provides a rich landscape of some of the most vibrant and action-packed television entertainment in the world. With more hours of UFC coverage than any other network, FUEL TV is the place to be for live fights, weigh-ins, prelims, pre- and postfight coverage, specials and events you won’t see anywhere else. See why adrenaline sports fans call FUEL TV the channel they never turn off. FUEL TV, part of FOX Sports Media Group, was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 36 million U.S. homes and can be accessed by broadband, mobile devices and other digital platforms such as iTunes®. FUEL TV programming is available in more than 50 countries around the world with 24/7 channels operating in Australia and Europe. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4 FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.

FOX Sports Media Group

FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets under Chairman & CEO David Hill. Built with brands that are capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FSMG now includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 19 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus; FUEL TV; and Fox College Sports. In addition, FSMG also includes FOX Sports Interactive Media, which comprises FOXSports.com on MSN, whatifsports.com and scout.com, reaching over 27 million unique visitors monthly. Also included are Fox’s interests in joint-venture businesses FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network, FOX Sports Skybox restaurants and FOX Sports Grills.

SOURCE: FUEL TV

Final Ratings Information For 'UFC On FOX'

2012-01-31T15:22:00.002-05:00

According to Nielsen Media Research's data, Saturday night's fights ended up drawing an overall 2.6/5.

FOX was very impressed with those numbers, going so far as to send out a release, favorably comparing the viewership to Sunday's important NBA game (on ABC).

Early Ratings Info For Last Night's 'UFC On FOX' Event

2012-01-29T21:42:00.002-05:00

2.2/7, according to Nielsen Media Research's fast-national data (first-hour: 2/6; second-hour: 2.5/7), good for nearly four-point-four-million eighteen-to-forty-nine-year-old viewers, easily commanding the night's lead in that demo.

It should be noted that, with the exception of NBC (which aired the U.S. Figure Skating Championship), everyone else was featuring reruns, and CBS still took overall viewership.

Final numbers, which will definitely need adjusting (live broadcasts are more difficult to properly track), are still to come.

Mexican Wrestling Action Figures Recalled By Lee Carter Co. Due To Violation Of Lead Paint Standard

2012-01-24T12:56:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2012 -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: Super Luchamania Action Figures

Units: About 7,000 packs

Importer/Distributor: Lee Carter Co., of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: The surface paints on the action figures contain excessive levels of lead which is prohibited under federal law.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: The recalled Mexican wrestling Super Luchamania action figures were sold in packs of 12. The multi-colored action figures are plastic, have plastic capes and measure about four inches tall. "Super Luchamania" is printed on the action figures' packaging.

Sold at: Various Mexican specialty craft stores nationwide from June 2000 through October 2011 for between $12 and $14 per pack.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled action figures away from children and return them to Lee Carter Co. for a full refund or credit towards a replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers should call Lee Carter Co. collect at (415) 824-2004 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.leecartercompany.com.

Photos available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12092.html

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov.

Firm's Recall Hotline: (415) 824-2004 collect CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

SOURCE: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission