"Mayhem" Miller Set For Rematch With Kennedy

Courtesy of HDNet Fights:

For immediate release
November 21, 2007

IFL STANDOUT STEPS IN FOR SEAN SALMON

SATURDAY, DEC. 15....DALLAS' AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER

DALLAS, TEXAS --- Sean Salmon's misfortune of getting stopped last Friday night has now opened the door for Jason "Mayhem" Miller's shot at revenge against IFL Standout and Chuck Liddell protégé, Tim Kennedy.

Salmon was scheduled to battle Miller in the co-main event on the HDNet FIGHTS, December 15th event at Dallas' American Airlines Center. But something happened on the way to their showdown. This past Friday night, Salmon was knocked out (1st round, jumping knee) by Jorge Santiago, resulting in his suspension and withdrawal from the Dec. 15th fight with Miller.

Exit Salmon, enter Kennedy and the rematch that Miller has so eagerly wanted since dropping a disputed decision to Kennedy, in 2003.

"Couldn't have worked out better for me," said Miller. "Sean would have been a good fight for me, but the rematch with Tim (Kennedy) is something I've wanted for a long time. As motivated as I was before, I'm jacked even more, now."

Kennedy won both his IFL fights in 2007, winning at both 205 and 185, and is slated to be a key IFL member for 2008.

For HDNet Fights matchmaker, Guy Mezger, stumbling into a heated rematch between two MMA stars like Miller and Kennedy was a stroke of good fortune. "We really did get lucky on this one," said Mezger, a former UFC Champion who heads up fight operations for Mark Cuban's HDNet FIGHTS. "Fortunately, the IFL was a great help in making this happen."

"You always feel bad when you lose a quality fighter like Sean (Salmon), but sometimes the higher ups are looking out for you," added Mezger. "I can't tell you how happy we are to have gotten a quality fighter like Tim Kennedy to fight Jason. As good a fight as we had before, the rematch will be better."

Slated in the co-main event is middleweight top-ten contender, Frank Trigg (15-6...Las Vegas, NV). A proven star in both Pride and UFC, Trigg will be taking on UFC Ultimate Fighter finalist, Edwin Dewees (43-10...Phoenix, AZ) in a 3-round middleweight, non-title fight.

According to Andrew Simon, CEO for HDNet FIGHTS, putting together the Miller vs Kennedy fight was a cooperative effort with the IFL.

"This fight marks the beginning of many alliances between HDNet Fights and other MMA organizations," said Simon. "We are excited that the IFL is bringing top middleweight Tim Kennedy, trained by Chuck Liddell, to the table to fight Jason Mayhem Miller."

"The ability to put on fights between HDNet Fights and IFL is a testament that the best fights occur and the fans win when MMA organizations work together," Simon further stated."

IFL commissioner Kurt Otto seconded the cooperative efforts between the two organizations.

"We are elated to work with HDNet fights to put this matchup together for the fans," said commissioner Kurt Otto. "This shows that a level of cooperation between organizations willing to work together can produce great results for the sport, and we are looking forward to continue working together in the future."

Also slated for action on the card will be one of the world's top lightweights, Yves Edwards (29-13-1, Houston). Edwards will be taking on Alonzo Martinez (20-8). UFC veteran, Pete Spratt, and local favorites Chris Bowles and Jason House will head up an undercard that also features rising MMA sensation, CB Dollaway (5-0, Phoenix, AZ).

Tickets for RECKLESS ABANDON are priced at $25, $50, $100 and $300 (Cageside Club). Cageside Club seating includes: Seating in first 4 rows, Platinum Parking, Pre-Fight Dinner/Meet & Greet, Complimentary T-Shirt and program.

Tickets are on sale at the American Airlines Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster Outlets, including www.ticketmaster.com.

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