Victory Combat Sports to Host First Ever Mixed Martial Arts Event at Madison Square Garden Nov. 21

History will be made as the first ever mixed martial arts event is set to take place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Friday November 21, 2014

New York, NY (November 17, 2014) –Victory Combat Sports, New York’s premiere MMA promotion, was the first to host a legally sanctioned amateur MMA event in New York City earlier this year. The promotion is now set to host ‘Victory VII’, the first mixed martial arts event ever to be held at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden,. The Muay Thai and amateur Mixed Martial Arts event will take place on November 21, 2014.

Victory Combat Sports has joined forces with Take On Productions to produce this historic event, featuring the best in Muay Thai Kickboxing talent and New York’s premiere amateur MMA fighters. Take On Productions was responsible for Muay Thai at the Mecca I and II, marking the first kick boxing events at Madison Square Garden.

 “We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with Victory Combat Sports. We look forward to combining the level of production and Muay Thai fights that New York fans have come to expect from Take On, with the energy and excitement of Victory MMA to bring “Victory VII”. Having it be the first MMA event at the Garden just puts the icing on the cake!” stated Take On CEO Mike Gasparski.

Victory Combat Sports CEO, Kevin Lillis, has a restaurant and hospitality background and it comes across at Victory events. The organization has successfully put somewhat of a ‘New York spin’ on the MMA formula by hosting premier fight events in a high-class party atmosphere. Victory events attract a wide range of fight fans, from high level business executives and every day couples that just want to enjoy a night on the town, to celebrity chefs such as Laurent Gras and Paul Liebrandt.

Victory CEO Kevin Lillis stated, “When you look out into the crowd at a Victory event you see a sea of men in business suits and women in cocktail dresses mingling with every day fight fans. They are all there with the same objective, to enjoy a great night of entertainment, which just happens to include high-level fights sanctioned by the World Kickboxing Association. It is a classy atmosphere, a true NY ‘show’ experience.”

Lillis went on to say, “We’re very excited for the opportunity to make history again by bringing the first ever MMA event to MSG. We’re always very excited to give the fans another great show in a fantastic venue”

According to media reviews following the promotions first event in Manhattan, Victory Combat Sports has raised the bar when it comes to hosting amateur MMA events in New York. The fact that they have been approved to host the first MMA event ever to be held at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden is further proof of that. Events like this could very well bring MMA in New York City closer to being sanctioned.  

New York is currently the only place where MMA remains unsanctioned in all of North America, but Victory executives feel it is only a matter of time until it becomes legalized. They have already made some great strides in the NY amateur MMA scene and hope to be one of the first to host a pro MMA event in NY.

“Victory VII”, the biggest event ever sanctioned by the WKA in New York, will feature an explosive fight card including the best Muay Thai and MMA fighters alternating in the ring, with several titles on the line.

The stacked card will feature knockout artist Chris “The Polish Punisher” in a clash of styles with the rangy Spencer Grekowski in the Main Event. Take On Muay Thai champ Ariel Abreu in a MMA showdownagainst NYC’s Chike Obi and heavy-handed Pawel Zawistowski will take on Muay Thai standout Manny Casais in a 3 Round Victory Title fight. 2012 wrestling Olympian Ibrahim Farag, UFC Gym’s NJ Mac, undefeated Take On Muay Thai Champ Jason Van Oijen and many other top standouts are also slated to compete on the card.

The best local female fighters will also showcase their skills at “Victory VII”.  2013 Female Fighter of the Year Gianna Smith, Long Island’s own Jess Cavagnaro, and undefeated MMA star Katalina Morales will put it all on the line under the Victory banner. All of the top tri-state gyms will be represented by fighters in the biggest MMA event to come to New York. Major sponsors for ‘Victory VII’ include Sailor Jerry,Tullamore DEW and Hooters.

Tickets start at just $55 and are available at www.theateratmsg.com, all Ticketmaster locations, the Garden box office, and at Muay Thai and MMA gyms throughout NY, NJ, and PA. Victory VIP ticket packages are also available via www.VictoryCombatSports.com, along with the full fight card, fighter information, and other exciting content.

Victory Combat Sports has also partnered with United Fight Alliance (UFA) to air this highly anticipated fight card via tape delay to over 100 million North American homes. Air dates and times to be announced soon.

About Victory Combat Sports:

Victory includes partners with extensive experience in fight promotion, matchmaking, film production and directing, hospitality, branding and advertising, politics, photography, marketing, finance, and fine dining. Victory’s operations team has produced over 225 boxing, kickboxing and MMA events in six states (including Vermont, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington State), including events at Madison Square Garden Theater, Beacon Hall, and Bally’s Casino (Atlantic City). Layered into the group are hospitality executives that will focus on improving the guest experience with better food and beverage service, better music and lighting designs, and overall more “fan-friendly” events that make the events a lot more fun and showcase our sponsors better. Finally, the team includes an experienced production team that will provide high-quality video and audio production to allow our fans who are unable to attend the ability to remain on their couch and feel like they are sitting cage-side.

Solorio defends 559 Fights strap in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. – Evan Solorio makes his long-awaited return to the 559 Fights cage on Friday, July 18^th in Fresno at Valdez Hall.

The current 559 Fights Lightweight Champion defends his amateur mixed martial arts title in the main event of a 15-bout, fight-card against San Jose’s Luis Vargas.

“Each time out our fight cards continue to get stronger and stronger as the talent level in the Central Valley continues to grow,” 559 Fights President Jeremy Luchau said. “Solorio is one of the most popular champions we’ve ever had, but has missed some time with an injury. I know everyone is as excited as I am to see him compete again.”

Tickets for this event start at just $20 and can be purchased at the Fresno Convention Center Box Office, Nutrishop Visalia or www.559fights.com. VIP Table and Front Row seating info call 559-813-0307.

Solorio (5-2) will defend his 155-pound crown for the first time, after winning the vacant title in December 2013 against Armando Perez.

Vargas (6-2) has won two of his last three bouts by submission and is ranked fifth in the state.

“These are two of the top lightweights in the state squaring off in what’s become one of the most consistent shows in the state,” Luchau said.

In the co-main event, Modesto bantamweight Daniel Oseguera (4-2) takes on Exeter’s Anthony Torres (7-2) for the vacant 135-pound 559 Fights Championship.

“Our first-ever title was fought at 135 pounds and I’m excited to have that title back on the line for this event,” Luchau said. “Oseguera and Torres have both put in a lot of work and are state ranked. I couldn’t think of a better title fight right now.”

Former 559 Fights Welterweight Champion Art Hernandez (9-3) of Fresno will make his lightweight debut against Bakersfield’s Marcel Cyprian (6-1-1).

“Hernandez and Cyprian is another example of two guys that are making some adjustments in their weight to get the best possible fight available,” Luchau said. “Hernandez is a Top 10 Welterweight and Cyprian is a Top 10 Featherweight.”

Kerman’s Leo Cantu (9-3-1) will make his light heavyweight debut against Madera’s Chris Huerta (6-8).

Also on the card are two pivotal flyweight contests, as Fresno’s Eugene Cancino (3-0) takes on Fresno’s Ricardo Sanchez (2-0) and Bakersfield’s Rafael Hernandez (5-2) fights Carlos Hernandez (3-3).

In other bouts;

-Escalon featherweight Steve Ronneberg (2-1) vs. Farmersville’s Juan Campos (3-1).

-Hanford lightweight Jesse Solorio (0-0) vs. Coalinga’s Domingo Ramirez (1-0).

-Selma lightweight Bernabe Herrera (1-0) vs. Mariposa’s Justin Land (1-0).

-Visalia bantamweight Aaron Warnke (2-1) vs. Huron’s Rudy Soto (1-1).

-Fresno lightweight Bryant Franklin (1-1) vs. Stockton’s Anthony Taylor (0-1).

-Selma bantamweight Sam Fierro (1-0) vs. Madera’s Matthew Beasley (0-0).

-Fresno welterweight Patrick Baker (0-0) vs. Ridgecrest’s Victor Rico (0-0).

 -Fresno heavyweight Maurice Jordan (0-1) vs. Lemoore’s Tyrell Mayfield (0-3).

-Fresno light heavyweight James Porter (0-0) vs. Hanford’s Joseph Longoria (0-6).

Please help us #PACKTHEMACK and print your FREE Tickets Here

Please help us #PACKTHEMACK and print your FREE tickets at home by clicking here.   Tuff-N-Uff LOOKS TO “PACK THE MACK”  Offering FREE admission for 20th anniversary spectacular!   The nation's premier amateur mixed martial arts organization is ready to celebrate its 20th anniversary, and what better way to mark the occasion than to put on an incredible fight card? How about giving away tickets for free? "Tuff-N-Uff: The Future Stars of Mixed Martial Arts" returns to Las Vegas' Thomas & Mack Center on Saturday, June 7, for a special event that will celebrate the company's 20-year history of promoting martial arts events. And the best part? Admission is free, with the promotion simply asking for fans to donate canned goods at the door in lieu of a paid ticket. "It seems like just yesterday my brother and I decided to follow our passion in martial arts and look to put on the best events in the business," Tuff-N-Uff co-founder Jeff Meyer said. "Now I look up, and it's 20 years later. I'm proud of what we've accomplished in that time, and I look forward to the next 20 years. I know we'll continue to make my brother proud. "To celebrate this momentous occasion, we're opening the doors to Las Vegas' biggest arena, and we're hoping to 'pack the Mack.'" Tuff-N-Uff is partnering with Las Vegas' Three Square Food Bank for the ambitious event, which sees one of the community's most respected charitable organizations partner with one of the nation's top MMA organizations, all in the name of a good cause. Donations will be accepted at the door on fight night. Meyer said the soon-to-be-announced fight card will feature six championship contests, as well as the finals of Tuff-N-Uff's women's strawweight tournament, which sees the winner earn a professional contract with the all-female Invicta FC. "Anyone that's ever been to a Tuff-N-Uff event knows what a fantastic show we put on, both with exciting fights and an incredible atmosphere," Meyer said. "This show will be no exception. We put our full effort into putting on a great event each and every time out, but we're going to take it to a different level for out 20-year anniversary, and it's all for an amazing cause." Come see the future stars of mixed martial arts, and do it for a good cause. About Tuff-N-Uff The nation’s premiere amateur MMA promotion, Tuff-N-Uff, was founded in 1994 in order to help promote and lobby for the sanctioning of amateur MMA events in the United States, in addition to other aspects of combat sports. The company was founded by the late Barry Meyer, a black belt in taekwondo and former hedge fund trader, who served as president of the organization until his death in 2013. The organization has since been run by his father Burt Meyer. Barry Meyer said of the organization 2009 that "our goal is to establish this as the premier amateur brand around legitimate fighters, make it an affordable event, and entertaining with lasers, music and a cool atmosphere".

Top ranked cruiserweights class for 559 Fights strap

FRESNO, Calif. – Two of the top ranked cruiserweights in the state will square off Saturday at Valdez Hall in Fresno at 559 Fights 22.

Kerman’s No. 3 ranked Leo Cantu puts his 559 Fights Cruiserweight Title on the line against No. 1 ranked Myles Shaw of Modesto.

“This is a fight that we’ve been interested in hosting for some time now,” 559 Fights President Jeremy Luchau said. “These guys squared off in 2012 with Shaw winning a decision on the regional finals. Both guys have been mainstays in the state tournament and two of the more consistent fighters in the state.”

Cantu (8-2-1) defeated Hanford’s Wilbert Rogers in December to claim the 559 Fights strap. Meanwhile, Shaw (8-2) was busy the same month winning the California State Amateur Title.

The pair now headline a 14-bout amateur mixed martial arts card that features some of the Central Valley’s top talent.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and fights start at 7.

Tickets start at just $20 and can be purchased at the Fresno Convention Center Box Office or at www.559fights.com.

“This is another solid fight card for 559 Fights and features three big-time title fights,” Luchau said.

In the co-main event, Fresno’s Art Hernandez (8-3) defends his Welterweight title against Oakland’s Karl Mitchell (6-7) and Fresno’s Jesse James (4-0) takes on Las Vegas’ Michael Perez (6-4) for the vacant Middleweight crown.

“Hernandez has been a guy that’s fought often for 559 Fights and has always been a pleasure to work with. We are really looking forward to this fight to see where Hernandez stands in the state-wide ranking,” Luchau said. “James is coming off a state-championship performance in the tournament and takes on one of Las Vegas’ tough guys. This should also be an interesting fight.”

559 Fights will also showcase a lightweight showdown between Visalia’s Sandor Escobar (8-3) and Visalia’s Armando Perez (3-1) and a women’s showdown between Delano’s Yvette Ontiveros (0-0) against Modesto’s Justine Estrada (1-1).

Weigh-ins will take place on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at The Spike and Rail in Selma. Weigh-ins are open to the public.

In other bouts;

-Fresno featherweight Andrew Johnson (2-1) vs. Selma’s Archie Tovar (2-0).

-Fresno featherweight Roger Gonzalez (1-1) vs. Farmersville’s Jesse Ledesma (1-1).

-Fresno flyweight Eugene Cancino (1-0) vs. Fresno’s Ricardo Sanchez (2-0).

-Fresno cruiserweight Paul Porter (1-3) vs. Hanford’s Daniel Hernandez (2-3).

-Tulare lightweight Eric Diaz (2-3) vs. Delano’s Ernesto Zamano (1-6).

-Bakersfield middleweight Cody Sons (3-3) vs. Kingsburg’s Julio Garcia (1-1).

-Turlock featherweight Cory Smith (0-0) vs. Tulare’s Jeremy Garibay (0-1).

-Visalia lightweight Jonathan DeLeon (1-1) vs. Oakland’s Juan Elias (0-0).

-Farmersville featherweight Juan Campos (0-1) vs. Modesto’s Johnny Lopez (0-0).

559 Fights makes Dinuba debut Friday

DINUBA, Calif. – 559 Fights will set it’s cage down in the ninth different venue this year when amateur mixed martial arts takes center stage at The Island in Dinuba for the first time in history Friday.

Hanford cruiserweight Wilbert Rogers (3-2) takes on undefeated Shaquil Gant (3-0) of Taft for the vacant 559 Fights title in the main event and Visalia lightweight Armando Perez (2-0) battles Tulare’s Eric Diaz (2-1) in the co-main event.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with fights kicking off at 7. Tickets start at $30 for general admission and can be purchased at The Island office. The official weigh-ins will be held at10 a.m. Friday morning at J’s Sports Bar and Grill.

“Our mission when we started 559 Fights was to grow the sport throughout the Central Valley and when we have opportunities to come into smaller towns, we want to make sure we do so,” said 559 Fights president Jeremy Luchau. “It’s important for us to not only grow MMA, expand our brand, but also to give back to the communities that support us. “

559 Fights has done 19 events since April of 2012 and is the most consistent amateur MMA promotion in the state.

The California Amateur MMA Organization added a Heavyweight State Tournament bout to this event – Bakersfield’s Josh Powell (5-1) takes on Glendale’s Avedis Terzian (1-0-1).

“CAMO looks to us often to host these types of bouts and it is a real honor,” Luchau said. “It’s also a feather in our cap to come out to venues like The Island and work with all the great people in different communities.”

Dinuba will be well-represented on the fight card with featherweight Hector Contreras (1-4) taking on Farmersville’s Jesse Ledesma (0-0) and lightweight Gilbert Quezada (0-2) battles Fowler’s Juan Barajas (0-1-1).

“We are trying to build the very best amateur MMA circuit in our area and in within the state,” Luchau said. “That starts with the quality of fighters and the loyalty of the fans we bring to each show.”

In other action;

-Exeter bantamweight Alex Valencia (3-2) vs. Hanford’s Ricardo Vasquez (1-1).

-Oakhurst featherweight PJ Reyna (0-0) vs. Bakersfield’s Robert Moore (0-0).

-Selma welterweight Julian Tovar (0-0) vs. Visalia’s Eric Negrete (1-0).

-Hanford flyweight Joey Martinez (1-4) vs. Fresno’s Chou Vang (0-1).

-Visalia lightweight Jonathan DeLeon (0-0) vs. Hanford’s Joseph Coronado (1-2).

-Visalia middleweight Cody Goodes (0-0) vs. Kettlemen City’s Pedro Serrato (0-2).

-Kingsburg light heavyweight Robert Vildosola (1-3) vs. Hanford’s Joseph Longoria (0-5).

-Lemoore heavyweight Tyrell Mayfield (0-2) vs. Hanford’s Moses DeSoto (0-1).