2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii To fight Nov. 11 on M-1 Challenge in China

Satoshi Ishii ST. PETERSBURG (August 18, 2014) - 2008 Olympic gold medal winner in judo, Satoshi Ishii (12-1-1, 1 KO/TKO, 4 SUB), will fight an opponent to be determinedNovember 11 in the ground-breaking M-1 Challenge in China, launching an annual 10-year event agreement for promoter M-1 Global, at Wukesong Arena in Beijing. Russian heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov (21-5-0, 11 KO/TKO, 9 SUB) is scheduled to headline the Nov, 11th extravaganza, held in conjunction with the International Economic Forum, against an opponent to be determined. The 27-year-old Ishii, fighting out of Osaka, Japan, trains in California at Black House and Reign MMA. The 5' 11", 240-heavyweight is riding an eight-fight win streak, including victories against Jeff Monson, Pedro Rizzo and Tim Sylvia, among the more notables. Ishii will not be competing Nov. 11 in his first M-1 Global. In December 2011, he fought legendary Fedor Emelianenko in Fight for Japan: New Year 2011, in which M-1 Global was involved. Emelianenko defeated the Japanese star by way of a first-round knockout by punches. Satoshi defeated Monson (49-19-1) last October in M-1 Challenge 42 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Information     www.M-1Global.com www.mixfight.ru  www.WMMAA.org   www.M1Global.tv  Instagram: @M1Global  @VadimFinkelchteinM1 Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/M-1-Global/145250878842244   ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in the realm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premiere entity for discovering and developing the world's next-generation of superstar fighters. With offices in St Petersburg, Amsterdam and Los Angeles and affiliates in Seoul, Tokyo and Paris, the M-1 brand has staged more than 150 events worldwide, including the M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge and M-1 Gobal and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the Showtime network in the United States. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and matchups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport's top names, including Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Aleksander Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2014 promises to be another sensational year of world-class competition with a full calendar of Challenge events fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global's Champions amongst the greatest in the sport. M-1 Global's greatest asset is renowned heavyweight fighter, Fedor Emelianenko.

Recap of 2014 WMMAA Congress

AMSTERDAM (July 21, 2014) - Eighteen different countries were represented at the annual World MMA Association (WMMAA) Congress held July 3-5 in Amsterdam. Confirmation of WMMAA President Vadim Finkelchtein, also the president of M-1 Global, the largest MMA group in Russia and Europe, was unanimously passed. WMMAA's honorary president is legendary Fedor Emelianenko, considered by many to be the greatest MMA fighter of all-time. L-R: Vadim Finkelchtein &  Fedor Emelianenko      The first day was dedicated to the discussion of multiple hot topics pertaining to statutes, amendment of the rules, places, dates and conditions for the next major international championship under the WMMAA auspices. Every country got an opportunity to speak about any matter regarding WMMAA's functioning. Members proceeded the following day with democratic voting about various topics ranging from the strategic selection of committee members to the possibility of more stringent restriction (the number of professional bouts) for the athletes allowed to take part in the WMMAA amateur competition.      On several occasions WMMA Vice President Joel Bouzou spoke ethnic conduct, underpinning the difference between moral and ethics, and suggested improvement of WMMAA rules of combat by adding an alinea concerning ethics and respect. This addition might soon be heard clearly by fans when the referees start reminding the fighters about this intangible side of battle moments before their bout commences.  During the final day of the WMMAA Congress the main points of voting, unanimously passed, included adapting the statutes discussed during the previous day, amending rules as previously discussed, next elections into Governing body, Executive board and the heads of the WMMAA Continents took place, and voting for non-open Continental Championships (non-open championships were voted for unanimously effective of Jan 1, 2015). It was voted for by majority to hold one World Championship each year, November was chosen unanimously to become the month for the future World Championships. Since the continental championships were chosen to become accessible strictly for the residents of the continents in question, the WMMAA Congress decided to launch a series of tournaments with an open geography where other nations are allowed to participate as well. Voting for the date when the previous rule (closed championships) comes into effect resulted in a majority in favor of Jan. 1, 2015, rather than autumn of 2014.  Last but not least was the subject of Universal implementation of the SportsID system. Countries that have not implemented this system nor allow their local athletes register themselves to get SportsID members cards will not be allowed to take part in the future international championships. For more information about WMMAA, please visit www.WMMA.org.

ABOUT WMMAA: Its goal is to be the official world governing body for Mixed Martial Arts. A non-profit organization founded in 2012, WMMAA is on a mission to develop a standardized and regulated organization, including competition, training, officiating, testing and growth when necessary. More than 400 countries have been granted WMMAA membership.

4-Time Olympian Joel Bouzou New Vice President of WMMAA MMA working for Peace

(L-R) -  WMMAA president Vadim Finkelchtein, WMMAA vice-president Joel Bouzou and WMMAA     honorary president Fedor Emelianenko ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (April 1, 2014) -- Four-time French Olympian Joel Bouzou, president and founder of Peace and Sports (www.peace-sport.org), has been appointed Vice President of World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA). Bouzou captured a gold medal at the 1987 World Championship Modern Pentathlon, in addition to representing France in 1980, 1984, 1988 and 1994 Olympic Games, winning a Bronze Medal in 1984 as a team member. Peace and Sports is a neutral international organization based in Monaco, under the patronage of Prince Albert II, founded in 2007 to promote the use of sport to foster dialogue and reconciliation everywhere it's needed.  WMMAA's goal is to be the official world governing body for Mixed Martial Arts.  A non-profit organization founded in 2012, WMMAA is on a mission to develop a standardized and regulated organization, including competition, training, officiating, testing and growth when necessary.  More than 400 countries have been granted WMMAA membership. The head of WMMAA is President Vadim Finkelchtein, also the president of M-1 Global, the largest MMA group in Russia and Europe.  WMMAA's honorary president is legendary Fedor Emelianenko, considered by many to be the greatest MMA fighter of all-time. Bouzou's start in MMA was through an introduction by his wife to Finkelchtein. "Interest in collaboration was mutual," Bouzou explained.  "Vadim does very much for the development of MMA in the whole world and is interested in popularization of this sport.  I see enormous peacemaking potential in mixed martial arts.  We had a conversation during which we found the points of contiguity and drew up a plan of our collaboration.  Both is us - Vadim and I - analyzed carefully all pros and cons.  And as a result we decided that collaboration has to take place. "The first important steps for MMA development have already been done.  The national MMA federations already exist in many countries.  Tutors, seminars and master classes are being conducted all over the world. Fighters are excellent role models for our society.  There are two fighters, two opponents.  Each of them has his own story.  One is a winner, the other is a loser.  But they respect each other.  If there is no opponent there is no fight.  And you can be a hero, real winner and a good fighter, only if you are a good opponent.  To respect the rules and your opponent is important here.  It unites sportsmen and it is an example for society." Last October, WMMAA hosted the inaugural World MMA Championships held in St. Petersburg, Russia, which made history as amateur MMA fighters from all over the world competed for national pride in front of an audience of millions via television and internet broadcasts.  The second annual World MMA Championships is scheduled to be held this September in Minsk, Belarus. "I'm sure one of the basic tasks for us is to increase the interest of MMA in government," Bouzou continued.  "For this purpose it is necessary to develop master classes, seminars and conferences.  Also, we will conduct different social programs in partnership with the Peace and Sports organization.  Presenting MMA through collaboration with Peace and Sports, we will show to governments and society that mixed martial arts can be a very useful type of sport which can help with the solution of social problems. "I consider it is important to carry MMA's philosophy to the people.  It is the philosophy of respect to the opponent and following rules.  It is not just a show.  It is a prime example that even irreconcilable rivals can unite for a general aim. "The social side of sport - education, developing programs, competitions, popularization of sport among children and youth - is important to the state.  If government is sure MMA can play an important role for society, that fighters can become excellent examples for people, they will support development of this sport.  Fights, tournaments, and shows are spectacular and exciting, but it goes more to business.  My goal is to show that MMA also has a strong social side."   A recent WMMAA meeting   Seated far left, V.P. Joel Bouzou, and far center, President Vadim Finkelshtein For more information about WMMAA, please visit www.WMMAA.org.

Strikeforce on SHOWTIME: A Retrospective

With Strikeforce’s finale taking place this past Saturday night on SHOWTIME, here is a look back at some of the most unforgettable moments featuring some of the biggest names in MMA: Frank Shamrock, Nick Diaz, Gilbert Melendez, Cung Le, Fedor Emelianenko, Gina Carano, Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and more!

Heavyweight Brett Rogers Finds Fresh Start With Bellator Fighting Championships

Brett “Da Grim” Rogers Joins Bellator; Makes Debut June 22 at Bellator 71

CHICAGO, Ill. (June 5, 2012) — To describe the career of Brett Rogers as a roller coaster ride could be considered a massive understatement. The former heavyweight title contender was at the top of the MMA food chain not long ago, but for a career that has seen the highest of highs, the lowest of lows soon followed. Only 31, heavy-handed heavyweight Brett “Da Grim” Rogers is looking for a fresh start and a new challenge with Bellator Fighting Championships.

“I am incredibly thankful to Bjorn Rebney and Bellator for giving me and my family this opportunity,” said Rogers. “I feel that I am still one of the top heavyweights in the sport and now I have the opportunity to prove it with Bellator. I love the tournament format as it will give me the chance to regain my top position, of course with a lot hard work.”

After beginning his career with a spotless 9-0 record that included eight knockout victories, Rogers, who will make his Bellator debut on Friday, June 22^nd from The Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort in Chester, West Virginia at Bellator 71, made his mark in the MMA world by dismantling former world champion Andrei Arlovski in convincing fashion. The win earned Rogers a fight with “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko, and all eyes were on Rogers. After a first round that saw Rogers batter and bloody Emelianenko, the Russian legend stunned Rogers with a massive right hand that put an abrupt halt to the contest.

Rogers then began a downward spiral with losses to Alistair Overeem and Josh Barnett that quickly humbled the once undefeated heavyweight. Rogers also faced issues outside of the cage, including an arrest stemming from a domestic dispute. With his legal troubles behind him and the chance to compete in a future Bellator Heavyweight Tournament, Rogers is ready to see what the future holds.

“Over the past year I have been challenged in my personal life, but all is now good in the Rogers family,” Rogers said. “Everyone makes mistakes in life but it’s how you recover that really counts. I spend every day with my wife and kids and enjoy every minute of it. Fighting is my job and I love it, but I also love my family and that’s why I made things right before returning to the cage. All I can say is get ready for a new and improved Brett Rogers.”

“I was in Chicago the night Brett Rogers came within just a few punches of dethroning The Last Emperor on a worldwide stage and I watched early in his career when he was a KO machine,” Bellator CEO & Chairman Bjorn Rebney said. “Brett’s management’s been talking to us for months about Brett.  And, after talking to Brett at length, I think this could be the type of fresh start he needs to put his fighting career and other parts of his life back to where he hoped they would be.”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Finals 19th May Primetime Provides A Four and a Half Hour MMA Extravaganza For HWGP Final

Primetime: Channel 480 on Sky, Virgin on Demand and Online at www.primetimelive.co.uk

Strikeforce: Heavyweight Grand Prix Final – Barnett vs Cormier

On 19^th May Strikeforce returns to its hometown of San Jose, California to bring us the final installment of the acclaimed Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament.

On 12^th February 2011 Strikeforce launched the Heavyweight Grand Prix, bringing together eight of the World’s best Heavyweight fighters to compete in a tournament format. Pitting such heavyweight luminaries as Fedor Emilianenko, Alistair Overeem, Fabricio Werdum, Josh Barnett and Andrei Arlovski against each other, the winner would be able to claim the crown of best Heavyweight on the planet.

Long time Heavyweight number one, Fedor Emilianenko, was the early favourite for the crown despite coming in off a shock loss to Fabricio Werdum. However Fedor’s dominance would be shattered as he was brutally picked apart by Antonio ‘Big Foot’ Silva in a second round defeat which left many wondering if Fedor would fight again.

‘Big Foot’ Silva would assume the favourites mantle as Alistair Overeem was forced to withdraw from the tournament following a contract dispute with Strikeforce over his required recovery time following an injury in his victory over Werdum.

Daniel Cormier was then drafted in as a reserve to replace Overeem and instantly turned the tournament on its head by defeating Silva in the tournament semi finals setting up a mouth watering final with the controversial veteran Josh Barnett.

Barnett’s route to the final came following victories over Brett Rogers and Sergei Kharitonov, and with his tournament pedigree will now be many people’s favourite to lift the trophy. Daniel Cormier, though, will be looking to cause another major upset and establish himself as one of the world’s elite Heavyweight fighters.

To celebrate the conclusion of this acclaimed tournament, Primetime will be bringing you four and a half hours of MMA action by broadcasting the full preliminary bouts as well as the full main card from 1am on 19^th May. This includes Gilbert Melendez defending his Lightweight title in a rubber match with Josh Thompson as well as Rafael Cavalcante vs Mike Kyle.

So join us on 19^th May from 1am for an exciting night of MMA action to see just who is the best Heavyweight in the World!

Strikeforce: Barnett vs Cormier will be broadcast live at 1am on Saturday 19^th May, and will be repeated for the following 6 days. Watch on Channel 480 on Sky, Virgin on Demand and online at www.primetimelive.co.uk – only £9.95! 

For full fight card and information about future Primetime events please see www.primetimelive.co.uk