“MMA’s Greatest Prospect” Joins Bellator As Eighteen Year Old Aaron Pico Agrees To Long-Term Promotional Contract

Newport Beach, Calif. (November 15, 2014) – At 18 years old, Aaron Pico has become quite familiar with the terms “phenom” and “prodigy”. The California native has already captured a FILA World Championship along with prestigious national titles in boxing and pankration. While Pico’s wrestling career can be simply summed up as “dominate”, the former Junior Golden Gloves Champion considers his standup game to be most refined. As Pico now prepares for a 2016 US Olympic run, MMA’s next superstar has found a home with Bellator MMA, inking a long-term promotional contract that will see Pico compete inside the Bellator cage for years to come.

“When it comes to any big decision I make, I sit down with my family, my management team at Zinkin and the people that are around me that I trust,” Pico said. “We wanted an opportunity to achieve my dreams in the 2016 Olympics and transition into MMA, and when we sat down with Bellator, Viacom and Scott Coker, everything just sort of fell into place and I couldn’t be happier to be here and be a part of the Bellator family.”

“Simply put, Aaron has all the makings of MMA’s next great superstar, and to have him here at Bellator is something special,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “Like many of us in the MMA community, Aaron is someone we’ve been watching closely over the last few years, and after sitting down with Bob Cook and his team, getting a chance to meet Aaron, and hearing his long-term aspirations, the fit became very obvious. I’m not only excited to see what Aaron is going to be able to do in our cage, but also watching him represent our country in 2016 at the Olympics.”

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorMMA      

Amateur MMA Athletes Benefit as MMA Draft Continues to Gain Momentum and Expand their Resources

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 13, 2013) – MMADraft.com, a promotional platform for up-and-coming amateur combat sports athletes, has quickly become the go-to site for many of MMA’s rising stars.  With the ever growing talent pool, it is becoming increasingly difficult for skilled amateur MMA fighters to identify what steps they need to take to build a successful future in the sport. Not only do they have to stand out amongst their peers as elite competitors, they have to build a presence outside of the cage as well. MMA Draft offers solutions and gives amateurs in the sport an edge on the competition.

Backed by industry influencers and fighters Urijah Faber and Phil Davis, MMADraft.com gives amateurs access to valuable resources that no other organization can offer, from media opportunities to advice from the pros. MMA Draft continues to add valuable features to the site as they evolve and according to the MMA Draft team, they are just getting started!

According to Phil Davis, “We are very excited about how quickly MMA Draft has evolved and how well it has been received in the MMA Community. MMA Draft has come a long way in a short time and we continue to find new ways to educate and promote deserving amateur athletes. The newest feature on MMADraft.com is a weekly blog called ‘The Draft Board’, authored by seasoned MMA Journalist Daniel Downes (who also writes for UFC.com). ‘The Draft Board’ touches on all subjects that pertain to Amateur MMA.”

Davis went on to say, “Daniel is also one of the experts on our MMA Draft ‘Ask a Pro’ panel (another added feature). Anyone can log on to MMADraft.com and submit a question pertaining to amateur MMA under ‘Ask a Pro’ and one of our experts will address it. Maggie Krol and Rick Lee have also joined our team and will be shooting human interest pieces and amateur MMA stories for the site. A lot of exciting things are happening at MMA Draft. We have a really big announcement coming soon, so stay tuned!”

In addition to providing great resources to amateur martial artists, the MMA Draftteam actively generates publicity for their athletes through shows like ‘MMA Draft Spotlight with Trigg’, ‘The Great Debate’ Radio Show, Alchemist Radio, and many others. Registered MMA Draft athletes of all ages have the opportunity to earn their place in the spotlight. The more activity that they have on their MMA Draft profile, the more likely they are to get chosen.

Amateur martial artists of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to create a profile on www.MMADraft.com.  The site is FREE to join and participating amateur athletes can upload photos and videos, document notable career achievements and more! The MMA Draft database also stores event results from Pankration, Submission Grappling, Wrestling and other sports that may lead to a career in martial arts. 

The MMA Draft website also offers a variety of resources to parents, prospects and amateur MMA fans, from educational content to amateur event information. For more information, please visit www.MMADraft.com.

About MMA Draft:

MMA Draft (www.MMADraft.com) was created for martial artists by martial artists to generate opportunities and exposure for combat sports athletes at the amateur level.  It is the most comprehensive “Amateur” promotional platform of its kind and was formed by Urijah Faber and Phil Davis, accomplished MMA pros that know exactly what it takes to make it in the competitive world of mixed martial arts. MMADraft.com provides amateur fighters with a high-profile platform to showcase their skills, interactive forums to build a fan following, tips from industry pros and other valuable career resources. MMADraft.com is also a go-to source for managers, sponsors and promoters looking for talent.

Additionally, MMADraft.com offers a variety of resources to parents, prospects, and fans of amateur combat sports. Resources include educational information, event info and more! MMA Draft executives are also working closely with key promotions, organizations and websites to become a central database for amateur events, seminars and results. Amateur martial arts athletes of ALL ages and skill levels are encouraged to create a profile on www.MMADraft.com. It is FREE to join and THE place to be if you’re a skilled amateur martial artist.

$75,000 in Prizes at Grapplers Quest Canadian Nationals - May 25-26 in Ontario

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release 4-Man Pro Plus Superfight Jorge Britto vs. Kurt "Batman" Pellegrino BRAMPTON, ONTARIO - On May 25-26, 2013, Grapplers Quest returns to Brampton, Ontario, Canada with the 2013 Grapplers Quest Canadian National Championships and FILA World Team Qualifier for Grappling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Pankration, and Amateur Mixed Martial Arts. With competitors traveling from all over North America, including more than 100 American competitors, May 25-26 will be the biggest Combat Sports Weekend of the year in Canada, guaranteed.     Voted North America's Favorite Grappling and Jiu Jitsu event by GrapplingOntario.com, Grapplers Quest returns to Canada for the third consecutive successful year, partnered with Ontario Grappling Alliance and Peckerd Promotions features 250 divisions on 12 regulation mats, and the introduction of FILA Canadian World Team Trials Weekend. World Class awards, Trips to UFC Fan Expo Weekend and prizes for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No Gi Grappling, Pankration, and AMMA including divisions for Youth, Men's, Women's, Executive, and Master's divisions. Fighters can register online to save, and get a Free T-Shirt (First 300 total), Duffle bag from NeoJits, and tons of door prizes - Savings end Friday, May 24th at 12:00 PM, Register now at: http://www.grapplingontario.com/Register/GQ2013CA/Index.asp Spectators can purchase advance tickets and save $5 off at the door pricing, go to: http://www.grapplingontario.com/register/gq2013ca/tickets.asp Grapplers Quest CEO, Brian Cimins commented, "With $75,000 in Cash and Prizes, a Mega-Superfight of Pellegrino vs. Britto, a tremendous 4-Man Tournament and the FILA World Team Trials, the 2013 Grapplers Quest Canadian National Championships Weekend will be huge." Get more information at: http://GrapplersQuest.com    SUPERFIGHT: PELLEGINO VS. BRITTO: The Main event Superfight will pit UFC and Bellator Veteran, Kurt "Batman" Pellegrino vs. Jorge Britto (Head Instructor of Toronto BJJ) in a 10-Minute Submission Only No-Gi Grappling Match which will take place on Saturday, May 25 at 1:30 PM.  On Sunday, the MMA and Wrestling standout, Kurt Pellegrino will be offering a MMA, Grappling and Jiu Jitsu Seminar from 12:00-2:00 PM for $100, limited to 40 Competitors.  Register online at:http://GrapplingOntario.com On Saturday, May 25, the first round of a 4-Man Professional Light-Heavyweight Tournament featuring Sam Osman (Scott Schilling Black Belt), Justin Haskens (Kurt Pellegrino Black Belt) plus Two Canadian under 195 lbs. champions with finals on Sunday, May 26. Send Resumes with Highlight Videos to: Director@Grapplers.com Kurt Pellegrino has dedicated over 12 years to the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). A wrestler by nature, Kurt was a two-time NJ state wrestling finalist for Pt Pleasant Boro high school. He made the transition to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) in 1999 where he began training with Team Renzo Gracie and Ricardo Almeida. Kurt made a move to the American Top Team in 2005 to follow his dreams of competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which he did successfully for many years through retirement and now Kurt trains with his BJJ coach and 4-time world champion, Marcelo Garcia on a consistent basis in NYC. Kurt has impressive grappling wins over many talented athletes, including Mike Fowler, Mark Bocek, Marcus Aurelio, Edson Diniz, Daniel Moraes, Rick Macauley, Bill Cooper, Scott Schilling, Tyrone Glover, Daniel Moraes, and Marcos Avellan. He is the undefeated reigning Grapplers Quest Welterweight superfight champion.   Jorge Britto, originally from Rio De Janeiro Brazil, is a professional mixed martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, practitioner and instructor. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, and is currently the head Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Toronto BJJ. He is one of the most highly decorated BJJ competitors in Canada and MMA pro fighter with record of 12-9 including victory over Rafael Dos Anjos. Britto has been studying BJJ since age 14 and is a 5 Time Rio De Janeiro State Champion, Brazilian National Championship Medalist and Masters World No Gi Champion IBJJF. All Coaches get FREE PASS & MEALS by Boston Pizza.  Sign-up the "Coaches Corner" Box at: http://GrapplingOntario.com - Limited to two (2) Coaches per Club and coaches will be verified prior to the event.  $75,000 in Prizes 1. $25,000 IN GRAND PRIZES including: Eight (8) Trip Packages to Sunny Las Vegas for UFC - Grapplers Quest Championships on July 5th & 6th, 2013. For WINNERS of the following categories: A. Men's Advanced NOGI Absolute Champions B. Men's Intermediate NOGI Absolute Champions C. Men's BJJ Purple Belt Absolute Champions D. Men's BJJ Brown Belt Absolute Champions E. Men's BJJ Black Belt Absolute Champions F. Men's Wrestling Advanced Champions G. Women's Advanced NOGI Absolute Champions H. Women's BJJ Purple/Brown/Black Absolute Champions 2. $37,500 in Entry Fees to Grapplers Quest at UFC Fan Expo Championships in Las Vegas: All Gold Medalists get complementary entry into UFC - Grapplers Quest Championships In Las Vegas, Nevada (July 5-6, 2012) - up to a $150 value Details @ www.grapplersquest.com 3. Multiple product Giveaways from Sponsors at the event for ONLINE PRE-REGISTERED COMPETITORS ONLY. Pre - Registry deadline is May 23rd, 2013 at 11:59 PM Draws for all Pre-Registration prizes will take place on May 24th 4. Sponsors will be giving away T-shirts, Kimono's, Gear, Swag, Posters, Stickers, Equipment, Magazines and more...just gotta be there to compete!! 5. Large Grapplers Quest Crystal Trophies for the following divisions: A. Men's Advanced NOGI Division Champions B. Men's Advanced BJJ Division Champions C. Women's Advanced NOGI Division Champions D. Women's BJJ Purple-Black Belt Division Champions 6. Grapplers Quest Championship Belts 7. Large Gold, Silver, & Bronze Medals 8. Tournament Pricing $70 Pre Registry (Discount Ends May 23rd, 2013 11:59 PM) $90 afterwards. Additional divisions: $20 per division 9. All Kids from JCC South Eastern Regional Competitors (April 27th - Oshawa) Receive $20 Discount at Grapplers Quest Canadian National Championships on May 25th, 2013. 10. All Women & Black Belt Competitors receive $20 Rebate with Unlimited Division Entries at Grapplers Quest Canadian National Championships on May 25th, 2013. Please help us choke out hunger and bring a non-perishable food item in exchange for the food drive. 11. First 200 PAID pre-registred competitors get free T-Shirt ($6,000 value) Fighters - Pre-Register and Save $20+ and Get a Free T-Shirt, go to: http://www.grapplingontario.com/Register/GQ2013CA/Index.asp Purchase Discount Tickets and save $5, go to: http://www.grapplingontario.com/register/gq2013ca/tickets.asp We are also hosting the Canadian Team Qualifier for the World Championship on Sunday, May 26 and be crowning #1 in each weight class.  Athletes who win first place in the following disciplines and weight categories will represent Team Canada at the 2013 FILA World Championships being hosted in Ontario JUNE 12-15, 2013     PANKRATION (20 yrs old +) The competition will take place in the official weight categories and no weight allowance will be accepted: Men 62, 66, 71, 77, 84, 92, 100, +100kg and Women 53, 58, 64, 71, +71kg. (136.4, 145.2, 156.2, 169.4, 184.8, 202.4, 220, +220lbs and Women 116.6, 127.6, 140.8, 156.2, +156.2 lbs)    GRAPPLING GI/NO-GI (20 yrs old +) The competition will take place in the official weight categories and no weight allowance will be accepted: Men 62, 66, 71, 77, 84, 92, 100, +100kg and Women 53, 58, 64, 71, +71kg. (136.4, 145.2, 156.2, 169.4, 184.8, 202.4, 220, +220lbs and Women 116.6, 127.6, 140.8, 156.2, +156.2 lbs) AMATEUR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (20 yrs old +) The competition will take place in the official weight categories and no weight allowance will be accepted: Men 62, 66, 71, 77, 84, 92, 100, +100kg and Women 53, 58, 64, 71, +71kg. (136.4, 145.2, 156.2, 169.4, 184.8, 202.4, 220, +220lbs and Women 116.6, 127.6, 140.8, 156.2, +156.2 lbs) - for more information on Amateur Team Canada Trials visit: http://Peckerd.com Grapplers Quest Canada promoter, Alex Gasson commented, "On Sunday, May 26 we are looking to find representatives for Team Canada in the styles of Gi and No-Gi Grappling, Pankration and Amateur Mixed Martial Arts. This is the first opportunity for Canadian athletes to represent in these styles at the world level. Do not miss the opportunity to go for glory and prestige, this is your chance." All event hosted by The Ontario Grappling Alliance and Pecker'd Promotions and Sponsored by Grapplers Quest.  About Grapplers Quest: Grapplers Quest was voted the #1 Grappling Tournament organization in North America with 300,000+ competitors worldwide since 1999, owned by The Grapplers Company. Upcoming Events include May 25-26 in Canada, UFC Fan Expo on July 5-6 in Las Vegas, USA Nationals on July 20 in New Jersey and August 10-11 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.  For more information on upcoming events, go to:http://GrapplersQuest.com. For event sponsor and exhibitor opportunities, visit: http://SponsorGrappling.com or call 1-888-GRAPPLE About Ontario Grappling Alliance (OGA) Ontario Grappling Alliance is dedicated to developing grappling and combat sport in Ontario.  Its goal is to facilitate the growth of combat sport through raising participation and caliber of competition in Ontario.  It also certifies trained officials and coaches under the OGA guidelines.  OGA offers insurance coverage for members and member clubs.  It strives to enhance club convened events by providing help in any way; including promotion, registration and hosting.  For more information about the OGA, please visit its website at WWW.GRAPPLINGONTARIO.COM About Pecker'd Promotions Founded in June 2009, Pecker'd Promotions is the leader in combat sport promotions in Ontario.  Its service to Ontario's combat sport community is known for setting a precedent in combat sport promotions in Ontario.  The company's mission is bringing safe and reputable combat sport competition to the public.  Pecker'd Promotions currently serves the Ontario community.   For more information about Pecker'd Promotions and this event please visit it's website at WWW.PECKERD.COM or Tel: 519-871-6553 About Autism: Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships as well behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 50 children in the United States. For more information on Autism, visit:http://AutismRadio.org

Youth MMA fighters headline Aug. 18 card in Hanford

HANFORD, Ca. – It will be a new generation of mixed martial artist leading the way for 559 Fights return to the Kings County Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 18.

11-year-old Jace Luchau will headline 559 Fights 4 in a youth pankration bout against 12-year-old Austin Terry of Taft.

“This is something that we wanted to try and do a little different than some of the other shows in our area,” said 559 Fights president Jeremy Luchau, who is also the father of Jace. “The growth of MMA is so vast right now there are children across the country taking classes and competing and that’s something we really have not seen here yet.”

Jace Luchau is an accomplished wrestler, who grew up in the Hanford and Lemoore area, before moving to Selma last year to compete on the highly ranked Team Selma wrestling team.

Meanwhile, Terry has been testing his skills on the grappling circuit and has collected a perfect 6-0 record in tournament competition.

“I think this will be a fun fight for the fans,” said Jeremy Luchau. “I know that a lot of the fighters are really eager to see some of the kids get in there and compete. We’ve had a great reception from our fans as well when we introduced this fight to the card. Personally, I’m happy that we have another division to showcase for the fans.”

Pankration rules differ from the amateur MMA rules. In youth pankration, contestants are required to wear headgear and chin guards and can’t strike to the face. There are also certain submissions that the young fighters can’t do.

Tickets for the event are available at www.559fights.com and start at $20. Doors open at 6 p.m. and fights start at 7. Weighins will be held at the Irwin St. Inn Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

Tickets will also be available at the door.

In the co-main event, Lemoore, Calif.’s Albert Arreola (2-0) takes on Visalia, Calif. featherweight Cisco Ortega-West (1-0-1).

“Honestly, Alberto and Cisco could have been a main event on any show we’ve put together so far,” said Jeremy Luchau. “I’m really looking forward to this fight and it will set the stage for some big-time fights in the future.”

Also, on the card is a cruiserweight showdown between the exciting Antonio VanBurren (2-0) from Gilroy, Calif. and Hanford, Calif.’s Aaron Mathis (1-1) and a bantamweight battle featuring up-and-coming Stephen Sandoval (1-0) of Lemoore, Calif. against Lemoore, Calif.’s Andrew Skyers (0-3).

“This is another fight card that is anchored by a ton of Kings County competitors,” Jeremy Luchau said. “We really take pride in being able to showcase some of the area’s top amateur talent.”

In other action;

-Hanford, Calif. heavyweight Wilbert Rogers (0-1) vs. Hanford, Calif.’s Anthony Sias (0-0).

-Bakersfield, Calif. bantamweight Phillip Cedeno (0-0) vs. Tulare, Calif.’s Lawrence Aytman (0-0).

-Hanford, Calif. cruiserweight Joseph Longoria (0-2) vs. Hanford, Calif.’s Alfredo Cervantes (0-0).

-Tulare, Calif. lightweight Luis Flores (0-0) vs. Visalia, Calif.’s Corey Hargis (1-0).

-Hanford, Calif. bantamweight Joey Martinez (1-0) vs. Fresno, Calif.’s Abel Garcia (1-0).

-Bakersfield, Calif. flyweight Rafael Hernandez  (2-0) vs. Exeter, Calif.’s Anthony Torres (1-0).

-Hanford, Calif. middleweight Daniel Ortiz (0-0) vs. Taft, Calif.’s Jacob Johnson (0-0).

-Exeter, Calif. featherweight Dakota Hickox (0-0) vs. Modesto, Calif.’s Damian Mendoza (0-0).

-Gilroy, Calif. bantamweight Nohelin Hernandez (0-0) vs. Tulare, Calif.’s JJ Madrid (1-2).

-Hanford, Calif. featherweight Jason Ollivier (0-1) vs. Dos Palos, Calif. Daniel Glenn (0-0).