SHOWTIME® SPORTS DOCUMENTARY FILMS PRESENTS CATCHING LIGHTNING, NEW SERIES FROM TWO-TIME EMMY® WINNING DIRECTOR PAT KONDELIS

Investigative Series Examines Life and Career of Mixed Martial Arts Fighter ‘Lightning’ Lee Murray and One of the Largest Cash Heists in History

Premieres on SHOWTIME Streaming Platforms on Friday, April 7; On-Air Debut Sunday, April 9

NEW YORK – March 7, 2023 – SHOWTIME Sports Documentary Films today announced CATCHING LIGHTNING, a riveting four-part documentary series chronicling infamous mixed martial arts fighter ‘Lightning’ Lee Murray and his role in one of the largest cash heists in history. Directed by two-time Emmy Award winner Pat Kondelis (OUTCRY, DISGRACED), CATCHING LIGHTNING tells the surreal tale of Great Britain’s Securitas Depot robbery in 2006, in which nearly £53 million in cash (more than $92 million USD at the time) was stolen, with new interviews, striking revelations and never-before-heard aspects of the heist. The series premieres on Friday, April 7 on all streaming and on-demand platforms for SHOWTME subscribers before making its on-air debut on Sunday, April 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

To watch and share the trailer from CATCHING LIGHTNING, go to: https://youtu.be/qq6hBgDIZS4.

CATCHING LIGHTNING tells Murray’s story in his own words and features interviews with his wife, daughter, and closest friends, as well as mixed martial arts legends Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell, Pat Miletich, Tony Fryklund and more, some of whom have never spoken publicly about the crime. The series vividly dissects the daring heist and investigation that dominated British headlines for months using previously unreleased evidence, dramatic recreations filmed at the scenes of the crime and exclusive testimonies from a rogues’ gallery of conspirators, police investigators and attorneys to tell this tale like never before.

“The story of Lee Murray and the Securitas Depot heist is the stuff of Hollywood heist movies: full of fascinating characters, thrilling action and shocking plot twists,” said Stephen Espinoza, President of SHOWTIME SPORTS®. “I can’t think of anyone better suited to weave this cinematic page-turner than Pat Kondelis and his team at Bat Bridge Entertainment. This series is the epitome of what we aim to deliver: a captivating story about larger-than-life personalities and characters told through a relatable, human lens.”

“It’s rare to be able to contribute so much new information to a story that has such a mythical status,” said Kondelis. “I’m immensely proud to partner with SHOWTIME to tell this epic, once-in-a-lifetime story.”

The four-part series is produced by Kondelis’ Emmy Award-winning film and television production team at Bat Bridge Entertainment, executive produced by Kondelis, Jody M. Wingrove, Vinnie Malhotra and Espinoza, and co-executive produced by Lauren Barker.

CATCHING LIGHTNING is the latest in a series of unscripted programming from SHOWTIME Sports Documentary Films that spotlights contemporary subject matters. Additional titles in the lineup include McENROE, BOYS IN BLUE, NYC POINT GODS, STAND and Emmy Award-winning OUTCRY and DISGRACED.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

Source: BZA PR

RIP: "Judo" Gene LeBell

  I don't post much, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention yesterday's passing of "Judo" Gene LeBell, an iconic figure if there ever was one.

  I literally have memories of him going as far back as I can remember, whether it was through his decades-long involvement in pro wrestling (in and out of the ring), his equally lengthy acting and stunt roles (especially those on 'Married... With Children'), or his training of mixed-martial-artists (including Ronda Rousey).

  LeBell was 89.

FORMER UFC FIGHTER CHAEL SONNEN ACCUSED IN VICIOUS ATTACK ON MOTHER OF 2 IN DECEMBER INCIDENT AT FOUR SEASONS LAS VEGAS

'I could taste the blood in my mouth' woman says; charges against former UFC title contender reduced from felony battery by strangulation to six misdemeanor counts

LAS VEGAS, March 31, 2022 -- Dr. Christopher Stellpflug, a dentist from California, and his wife Julie Stellpflug, a business manager at the dental practice, were viciously attacked by former Ultimate Fighting Championship contender Chael Sonnen in a December 18 incident at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas that left Julie Stellpflug bloodied and Dr. Stellpflug unable to breathe, according to their attorney, Kory Kaplan of the law firm Kaplan Cottner.

The attack took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. in the hallway of the 35th floor of the Four Seasons as the Stellpflugs were returning to their room while on vacation in Las Vegas.

"We were walking toward our room when I saw this big guy in the hallway, and I could tell he was really messed up, making unintelligible noises," Julie Stellpflug said. "He had no shoes or socks on, his shirt was partially ripped off and he had blood on his clothing. We tried to avoid him, but he came at Chris and violently knocked the cup he was holding out of his hand.

"I tried to tell him that we were just trying to walk to our room, but he gets Chris into a headlock and starts viciously beating on him with his fists. At that point I started screaming for help, but he threw Chris to the other side of the hallway, got on top of him and kept beating on him.

"He punched me in the face multiple times, then threw me against the wall. I hit my head on a light fixture and slumped down against the wall. My lip was split open and I could taste the blood in my mouth."

Julie Stellpflug stands at 5-foot-3 and weighs 125 pounds.

Sonnen, 6-foot-1, fought as a heavyweight during his professional MMA career. Christopher Stellpflug and Julie Stellpflug both suffered concussions in the attack.

They are both currently in treatment with a neurologist as a result of the attack. The couple has two boys, ages 7 and 12.

Although Sonnen was originally charged with a felony count of battery by strangulation and 10 misdemeanor counts of battery, on Wednesday Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Joe Bonaventure allowed prosecutors to file an amended criminal complaint, reducing the charges against Sonnen to six misdemeanor counts.

The Stellpflugs objected to the reduction in charges, speculating that Sonnen may be receiving special treatment due to his celebrity status.

"This shows that if you are the victim of an unprovoked violent attack in Las Vegas, you better hope the attacker is not a celebrity, or you may not see justice," Christopher Stellpflug said.

Reacting to Sonnen's claim that he has no memory of the events of that night, Julie Stellpflug said: "I wish I didn't remember that night."

Kaplan said: "This is unlike anything I have ever seen. My clients were contacted by the Clark County District Attorney's office and told directly that felony charges were appropriate. My clients had no chance to discuss the matter further with the District Attorney's office, yet the decision was made against their wishes to drop the felony charge."

Christopher Stellpflug said the violent, unprovoked attack by Sonnen left him unable to breathe and floating in and out of consciousness.

"When we got out of the elevator we saw this huge dude looking very disheveled with his shirt ripped in half and blood on his robe," Christopher Stellpflug said. "He starts getting very aggressive and flicks the drink out of my hand.

"Suddenly he's on top of me, pounding me with his fists, then he puts me in a chokehold and I can't breathe. The dude was like a monster the way he came at me.

"When I looked up, I could see him throw Julie against the wall. She hit her head on a light fixture and slid down the wall to the floor. Eventually I helped her run down the hallway and got her into our room."

Several guests from neighboring hotel rooms heard the commotion and attempted to break up the assault, but Sonnen attacked them by throwing elbows and punching them with his closed fists, according to a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police report. By that time, security personnel from the hotel were responding to the scene.

"He grabbed one security guy by his head, kneed him in the face and busted his nose open," Christopher Stellpflug said. "What this guy did is not forgivable."

Sonnen, 44, a mixed martial arts analyst for ESPN, amassed a professional MMA record of 31-17-1 and was 0-3 in UFC world championship fights.

Contact: Jeff Haney

jeff@fierrocommunications.com

Office: (702) 385-7300

Cell: (702) 538-6117

SOURCE: Kaplan Cottner

World Fight League - A New Professional Sports League Has Been Founded

For the first time in history a true league has been created for the sport of mixed martial arts LAS VEGAS, Oct. 13, 2021 - The World Fight League (WFL) is the world's first and only true mixed martial arts (MMA) league. The WFL's mission is to evolve and elevate the sport of MMA. This league's structure is directly based off of the NBA/NFL/NHL/MLB/FIFA/F1 model, wherein independent franchise owners have a limited roster of athletes that compete in an unbiased not-for-profit league against opposing teams in a traditional league format leading to a Championship. A growing number of influential entities within the sports industry are assembling to build this new and super-necessary league. Implementation of the historically proven league format will ultimately lead to solving many of the problems maligning the MMA industry today. The current single entity for-profit promotion format has a long list of fundamental flaws. The leading promoters are paying athletes less than 20% revenue while holding the rights to hundreds of sub-contracted athletes for multiple years. This inevitably leads to the unwarranted control of said athletes' careers and lifetime earning potential. The "Ali Act" was enacted in May 2000 to protect the rights and welfare of boxers, unfortunately this act does not cover MMA athletes. To date, MMA athletes have been unsuccessful in creating an athlete union, which has led to these athletes suffering, unlike their counterparts who compete in leagues that provide the WFL's aforementioned structure. Currently all WFL members are encouraging the future athletes to form a union. All league-approved members have agreed to offer a 50/50 Revenue Share, Guaranteed Contracts, Health Insurance, Career Ending Insurance, League Minimum Contracts and a Pension Plan in their initial collective bargaining proposal. The sport of MMA boasts over 600 million fans ranking as the third largest in the world. The foundation of sports fandom is built on civic, regional, and national pride; and the WFL platform will finally deliver this familiar concept to MMA fans. Ultimately, the WFL will consist of four Conferences (North America, South America, Europe/Africa, Asia/Oceania). Each conference will consist of a minimum of eight franchises, and never to exceed 24 franchises per conference. Each conference will annually compete simultaneously in their Regular Season and Conference Playoffs, which lead to the World Semi-Finals then a true World Championship Finals. At the time of this release, six league franchise members have been approved. Groups/Individuals seeking league membership to own and operate a franchise in the WFL may submit proposals to commissioner@mmawfl.com. SOURCE: World Fight League

Have A Holly, Jolly ...

... and a Merry Christmas, from the Canvas Chronicle family, to your family!

Bella Twins Featured In Latest Issue Of Health

Just got the January/February edition of Health, featuring an interesting interview with Brie and Nikki Bella.

Topics include their start in pro wrestling, life after WWE, and Nikki's very public breakup with John Cena.

Even if you're not a wrestling or Bellas fan, Bethany Heitman did a wonderful job, and you should check it out.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays, from everyone at Canvas Chronicle (meaning me)! Whatever you do, and wherever you go, have fun, be safe, and most of all, I appreciate your support!

WWE® And The Saudi General Entertainment Authority Expand Event Partnership

STAMFORD, Conn. & RIYADH, Saudi Arabia-- Nov. 04, 2019 --Following the historic Crown Jewel event in Riyadh, WWE (NYSE: WWE) and the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) have expanded their live event partnership through 2027 to include a second annual large-scale event. WWE and GEA also continue to work towards the completion of a media agreement in the MENA region.

This long-term partnership demonstrates WWE and GEA’s commitment to bring sports entertainment to the region and supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

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’s TV-PG, family-friendly programming can be seen in more than 800 million homes worldwide in 28 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 180 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich 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 press 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: entering, maintaining and renewing major distribution and event agreements; WWE Network (including the risk that we are unable to attract, retain and renew subscribers); our need to continue to develop creative and entertaining programs and events; the possibility of a decline in the popularity of our brand of sports entertainment; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent K. McMahon; possible adverse changes in the regulatory atmosphere and related private sector initiatives; the highly competitive, rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented nature of the markets in which we operate and greater financial resources or marketplace presence of many of our competitors; uncertainties associated with international markets including possible disruptions and reputational risks; our difficulty or inability to promote and conduct our live events and/or other businesses if we do not comply with applicable regulations; our dependence on our intellectual property rights, our need to protect those rights, and the risks of our infringement of others’ intellectual property rights; the complexity of our rights agreements across distribution mechanisms and geographical areas; potential substantial liability in the event of accidents or injuries occurring during our physically demanding events including, without limitation, claims alleging traumatic brain injury; large public events as well as travel to and from such events; our feature film business; our expansion into new or complementary businesses and/or strategic investments; our computer systems and online operations; privacy norms and regulations; a possible decline in general economic conditions and disruption in financial markets; our accounts receivable; our indebtedness including our convertible notes; litigation; our potential failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance, which could adversely affect our stock; Vincent K. McMahon exercises control over our affairs, and his interests may conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock; a substantial number of shares are eligible for sale by the McMahons and the sale, or the perception of possible sales, of those shares could lower our stock price; and the volatility of our Class A common stock. 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 (including under our revolving credit facility), general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant. Forward-looking statements made by the Company speak only as of the date made and are subject to change without any obligation on the part of the Company to update or revise them. Undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. For more information about risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business, please refer to the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections of the Company’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, our annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

SOURCE: WWE

Cricket Wireless Announces Exclusive Wireless Sponsorship Of Combate Américas

Cricket and Combate bring new fan experiences and historic fight cards to cities across the country

NEW YORK, May 30, 2019 -- As further evidence of the soaring popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Combate Américas today announced that Cricket Wireless is the exclusive wireless sponsor of one of the fastest-growing franchises in all of sports. The deal provides Cricket with unprecedented visibility and consumer engagement as a sponsor for Combate's entire 2019 season and presenting sponsor at Combate's five biggest events this year.

"This new sponsorship makes sense for us," said Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Cricket Wireless Tiffany Baehman. "Combate Américas allows us to engage our Hispanic customers who are passionate about this sport."

The first Cricket-sponsored event "Cricket Wireless Presents Combate Américas: Reinas" made history as the first all-women MMA fight card. The event received record ratings in the live telecast on Univision and was the second highest rated since Combate Américas began airing its live shows on broadcast television in April 2018.

"We are thrilled and energized to partner with a blue-chip sponsor like Cricket Wireless, who continues to provide an extremely valuable service to the millions watching Combate Américas at a price-point in market that can't be matched," said Chief Revenue Officer of Combate Américas Michael Pine. "Just like Combate, Cricket is passionate about engaging with the fastest growing consumer demographic in the world; reaching Hispanic audiences in a genuine way at our action-packed events. On the heels of this sponsorship's success, we look forward to expanding and adding official and exclusive sponsors from other premium categories."

In addition to its presenting sponsorship at "Reinas" and upcoming events, Cricket and Combate have developed a 17-piece video series "Bridges" and "Prep Mode" that gives fans a closer look into fighters everyday lives. "Bridges" documents the journey of Hispanic fighters who call themselves "200 percenters" as they share a deeply rooted pride for two countries that they call home and "Prep-Mode" gives a behind-the-scenes look into the hardcore training of Combate's strongest fighters. The videos will air in Combate live broadcasts and also be distributed on social and digital platforms.

Cricket will also bring fans closer to fighters by giving them exclusive access to a preliminary fight broadcast in Spanish and a post-fight show on social media featuring event highlights, as well as a sweepstakes in which one lucky winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip with a guest to one of Combate Américas' events courtesy of Cricket Wireless.

ABOUT CRICKET WIRELESS
Cricket brings more value with a simple, smarter, friendly wireless experience on our reliable nationwide 4G LTE network that covers more than 99% of Americans*. Our easy-to-understand and affordable service plans include monthly taxes and don't require an annual contract. Our customers also enjoy top-brand phones at affordable prices. Visit cricketwireless.com to learn more or find a store near you. Stay up-to-date with the Cricket Newsroom, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Smile. You're on Cricket.

Cricket is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Coverage not available everywhere. © 2019 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved. Cricket and the Cricket logo are trademarks under license to Cricket Wireless LLC.

* Based on overall coverage in U.S. licensed areas. Coverage not avail. everywhere.

ABOUT COMBATE AMÉRICAS
Combate Américas is the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, rapidly becoming the number two sport after soccer, for Spanish speaking fans worldwide. The Combate Américas franchise includes live event and original shoulder programming on some of the biggest television, OTT and digital platforms in Spanish and English, including Univision and Univision Deportes Network (UDN), DAZN, ESPN, GOL and Facebook Watch worldwide. The company also owns and operates a multi-platform media studio, La Jaula Studios.

Combate Américas CEO Campbell McLaren, also the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has been described by New York Magazine as "the marketing genius behind the UFC," while Yahoo Sports has said he "knows more about the sport than just about anyone in it today." With an unprecedented and cutting-edge product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Américas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.

SOURCE: Combate Americas LLC

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING ANNOUNCES THE OFFICIAL GRAPPLING TEAMS FOR “WSOF – SUBMISSION 1” ON JUNE 15th, 2019 AT SAM'S TOWN LIVE

May 20, 2019 “For Immediate release”

Shawn Wright, President of WSOF GC, expresses his gratitude in a statement, “We are overwhelmed with the amazing talent showing up to represent at our inaugural event “WSOF Submission 1.” The fundamental competition is strong at the highest levels of grappling to include jui-jitsu black belts, wrestling champs, and judo combat sport stars. Everything goes with the exception of striking. This definitely sets the bar
high for our regional, national and global series.”

When asked “What the motivation was for WSOF-GC to launch a Grappling series?”, Shawn stated “We have always been a fan of the art from inception. Whereas, weight is not the defining factor the outcomes can be very surprising and strategy prevails over size. We have four 5-man teams of pure talent training for this night and the battle is real! Team based fights leading up to head to head combat is sure to keep the fans entertained.

The four teams consist of, “Team Drysdale” coached by the “legendary local” Robert Drysdale and featuring the fierce Max Rohskopf and Rafael Domingos as well as monsters Marcelo Camirin Nunes, Fellipe Andrew, and UFC star Gilbert “Durinho” Burns.

Team 10th Planet” out of Las Vegas is being coached by the amazingly talented Casey Halstead who comes to battle with “The Beast” Kyle Boehm, and the highly talented Keith Krikorian, Ruben Rivera, Andy “night night” Varela, and Sid Skrob aka Sid Vicious.

Team Arizona BJJ Allstars is showing up and showing out with Corey Mullis aka Professor Mullis who will captain and participate! His warriors consist of Michael Currier, Jonathan Daniel Caraveo, relentless Austin Baker, and Tyson Antillon from Legion MMA out of Phoenix.

Last but not least we have “Team Zangief” representing Henderson, Nevada. The captain is none other than Gabriel Barbosa Checca and he brings serious competition with the likes of Paul Schon, “world renowned” Kit Dale, Moises Antonio Lopez aka Honey Badger, and UFC/Bellator Veteran King Kevin Casey.

This is the 1st event of its kind! You do not want to miss this show! VIP Doors and Meet & Greet at 5:00pm • GA Doors at 6:00pm • First bout at 7:00pm. Father’s day Weekend!! Come out and support your local talent!

World Series of Fighting Global Championship is dedicated to growing the international brand of World Series of Fighting throughout the world by adding affiliate organizations to develop their athletes and provide them with opportunities to compete on larger platforms for the advancement of the sport of MMA. The World
Series of Fighting’s ultimate mission is to bring together the best athletes from organizations and countries across the world to compete for true, globally-recognized world championships.

World Series of Fighting also boasts a video library of over 600 MMA videos from dozens of organizations on six continents. You can watch all of these events via our website at www.WSOFmma.com, via our Vimeo page: WSOF Global, or on our Roku channel: WSOF Global!

SOURCE: World Series of Fighting

Happy Something!

In all seriousness, folks, no matter how you choose to celebrate the arrival of 2019, I hope you have a blast, but, most of all, stay safe!

Happy New Year, everyone!

Merry Christmas!

The gang at Canvas Chronicle (you know ... me) hopes that everyone (no matter where you go or what you do) has a wonderful and safe Christmas.

DAZN AND COMBATE AMERICAS (MMA) SIGN LANDMARK MULTIYEAR DISTRIBUTION DEAL IN U.S. AND CANADA

First Fight: Marroquin vs. Alday Bantamweight World Championship Bout on Friday, Sept. 14

Gilbert Melendez, Julianna Peña and Max Bretos to Call the Action on DAZN

NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2018 – DAZN, the live and on-demand sports streaming platform, today announced a landmark, multiyear rights agreement with Combate Americas, the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise. The deal will bring a minimum of 13 fight nights per year to DAZN.

Beginning with this weekend's card headlined by Levy Marroquin vs. Jose "Pochito" Alday, DAZN will be the exclusive home of Combate Americas' English-language broadcasts in the United States and Canada. The Marroquin vs. Alday bout will stream live from Phoenix on DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Friday, Sept. 14.

Calling the action inside "La Jaula" – the Combate Americas cage – will be MMA superstars Gilbert "El Niño" Melendez and Julianna "The Venezuelan Vixen" Peña, alongside play-by-play announcer Max Bretos.

Combate Americas is a fast-rising MMA organization known for its action-packed fights and growing audience within the sport. This monumental deal will bring Combate Americas to English-language viewers for the first time.

"We are thrilled to be in partnership with an innovative and global entertainment leader like DAZN, and to be able to showcase the fast-paced, aggressive and in-your-face style of fighting that Combate Americas offers and that, 25 years after I launched the UFC, has re-defined MMA as ‘Mucha Mas Accion,'" said Campbell McLaren, Combate Americas CEO.

"We continue to break new ground in this sports industry, and this deal speaks directly to our pursuit of reaching new heights."

"Chapter one of DAZN's entrance into the U.S. market is focused on combat sports," said Joseph Markowski, DAZN SVP, North America. "And with 80 percent of Combate Americas' fights ending in a stoppage, we are excited to bring that type of action to fight fans."

Following the announcement of deals across Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, and the World Boxing Super Series, the Combate Americas deal puts the number of fight nights per year on DAZN at 80+.

The winner of the bantamweight (135 lbs.) matchup between Marroquin, who hails from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and Alday of Tucson, Ariz. by way of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, will be crowned the first Mexican MMA world champion in history as well as the first world champion in Combate Americas' history.

Fans can sign up for DAZN for only $9.99 per month by registering at DAZN.com or by downloading the DAZN app on a wide range of connected devices, including smart TVs, PCs, smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. For more information, fans can follow DAZN's U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA on Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

*Cards subject to change.


ABOUT DAZN
DAZN is a global live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all of the service’s sports on connected devices including Smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and games consoles. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, and Italy, and just launched for $9.99 a month in the U.S. – where it is set to become a must-have for fight fans, with 80+ fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series, and Combate Americas.

ABOUT COMBATE AMERICAS
Combate Americas is the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, rapidly becoming the number two sport, after soccer, for sports fans worldwide. The Combate Americas franchise includes reality TV programming, live events, and mobile programming. The company's CEO, Campbell McLaren, is universally recognized as the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). New York Magazine described McLaren as "the marketing genius behind the UFC" and Yahoo! Sports proclaimed that he "knows more about the sport than just about anyone in it today." With an unprecedented product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Americas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.

Source: Combate Americas

SmackDown® 1000 Set For October 16

Tickets Available This Friday

STAMFORD, Conn.--Aug. 13, 2018-- The historic 1,000th episode of WWE® SmackDown Live will take place from the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, and air live on USA Network at 8/7C. Tickets are available starting this Friday, August 17 at 10 am ET at the Capital One Arena box office, via www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

“1,000 episodes is a tremendous milestone reinforcing the longevity and popularity of WWE,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & CEO. “But it’s only the beginning, and the best is yet to come for SmackDown.”

On air since 1999, SmackDown Live is the second-longest running weekly episodic cable television show in U.S. primetime history, only behind Monday Night Raw. SmackDown Live is currently among the most-watched, regularly scheduled programs on primetime cable and delivers more viewers in primetime than any cable network in the U.S. (2.9 million average viewers). SmackDown Live has aired more original episodes than some of the most popular television series of all time, including The Simpsons, Gunsmoke, Lassie and Monday Night Football.

SmackDown Live has also helped launch the careers of pop-culture icons including Dwayne “The Rock®” Johnson, John Cena®, Undertaker®, Triple H®, “Stone Cold®” Steve Austin and The Bella Twins™.

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 reaches more than 800 million homes worldwide in 24 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 180 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich 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.

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Source: WWE

Ronda Rousey And 'The Quickie' ...

No, not that "quickie," you pervs. I'm talking about Ronda Rousey's short interview in the August edition of 'Cosmopolitan' magazine, where she promotes the release of 'Mile 22' (premiering on August 17, in case you didn't know), and her WWE career. What I found most interesting (although, considering the source, not most-surprising) is Rousey's "By this time next year" goal - Wanna know what it is? - Pick up the August edition of Cosmo and read it for yourself.

World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation Officially Up & Running

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Inaugural event set for October on worldwide PPV

CHICAGO (July 16, 2018) -- Combat sports' newest organization, World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF), officially announced today that it is fully operational and targeting this October to promote its inaugural professional event, to air worldwide on independent pay per view.

WBKFF principals include CEO Tom Stankiewicz, COO & Director of Operations JC and matchmaker Paul Tyler.

The exact date of this historical event, venue, complete PPV details, and bouts will be announced during this summer.

"WBKFF will soon become the biggest, most popular in combat sports," JC predicted. "This all started from our passion for hand-to-hand combat and to give fans what they deserve. WBKFF and fan-friendly will be synonymous. We're going to give combat sports fans what they want and deserve: integrity, passion and fairness."

Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men's and women's matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.

WBKFF has actively scouted and recruited battle-tested veterans and promising prospects alike from boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, Muay Thai, wrestling and other combat sports disciplines.

Members of the WBKFF stable of fighters range from legendary MMA veteran and undefeated kickboxer Phil "New York Bad Ass" Baroni to Street Beats Internet and YouTube MMA sensation Chris "Mighty Mouse" Yarborough, pro-debuting Team USA national boxing champion Tika "Ice Cold" Hemingway and former University of South Alabama football star Desmond LaVelle, former UFC fighters Seth "Polish Pistola" Baczynski, Tom "Da Tank" Gallicchio and Christina Marks, former Bellator fighters Virgil "Rezdog" Zwicker and Dakota Cochrane, and former world boxing title challenger Jasmine Clarkson, among the more notables to date.

Additional signings, including some with major names in MMA and boxing, are in negotiation stages.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

INFORMATION:

Website: www.WBKFF.com

Facebook: /WBKFF

Twitter & Instagram: @WBKFF

ABOUT WORLD BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING FEDERATION (WBKFF): Based in Chicago, WBKFF's mission is to become the worldwide leader in combat sports. The WBKFF stable of fighters already exceeds 100. Bare knuckle fighting is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Only the strong will survive when the gloves are off and all that stands between opponents is their will and determination.

SOURCE: Full Court PRESS