M-1 Challenge XXVI - Card Updates

[keithlewis]

Beau Baker Intent on Stealing Weichel’s Spotlight at M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner


NCAA Division I collegiate wrestler Beau ‘Blackjack’ Baker (8-4) is known for his lethal grappling ability, fast hands and iron chin. He’s faced high calibre competition throughout his career and he’s ready to take another shot at Europe’s leading MMA promotion’s ‘big show’; at M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner, Baker will face feared German submission and striking specialist Daniel Weichel (26-7) in a marquee lightweight (155 Lbs.) bout from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California, LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast).

Seizing the opportunity to jump to the main card on M-1 Global’s SHOWTIME debut this past March, Baker had the tough task of attempting to hand undefeated, top-ranked European prospect Alexander ‘The Tiger’ Sarnavskiy his first loss; after a valiant effort, Baker was forced to capitulate after being caught in an inescapable rear-naked-choke in the second round. With the experience clocked, Baker returned to training at the MMA Institute in Harrisonburg, Virginia eager to improve his game.

A well-sized lightweight standing 5'9", Baker has had good success fighting up a division but prefers to leverage his natural advantages as a 155’er. A former NCAA Division I collegiate wrestler from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Baker made his successful professional MMA debut in 2007 and quickly went on a tear to win four in a row, three by way of crafty submissions; favouring to venture to the mat versus standing up, the 31 year old freestyle fighter still boasts a respectful 8-4 record as a pro with notable wins over Ran Weathers and Ron Foster.

Baker began wrestling at the age of 10 and went on to become a two-time State High School Champion. It wasn't until he and his younger brother Kyle, who is also a professional fighter, watched Bas Rutten’s collection of instructional DVDs that he learned many of the skills he would use throughout his fighting career. The two started in the basement where Baker went on to develop his self-trained abilities. After only three months of diligent ‘basement training’, ‘Blackjack’ took his first amateur fight and after a year on that circuit he made the decision to go pro. Four years later he and his brother have a 6,000 square foot gym with over 50 members and managed to win over 75% of the 100+ fights their athletes have competed in.

Holding a great deal of respect for European fighters, Baker feels those crossing the pond ‘bring a unique stand-up element to MMA... a different technique in how they throw hooks, turn their hands over and loop their punches in addition to melding the different styles together.” Respecting Weichel’s striking and ground game, Baker’s methodical and tactically aggressive fighting style needs to be leveraged throughout this tough fight. Baker’s wrestling and scrambling ability could prove to be a big asset if he uses this to take Weichel down and use his relentless ground and pound - but the true key to his victory is patience.

If Baker can impose his game plan and not get caught up in a striker’s battle, he could steal the spotlight with an incredible upset.

[keithlewis]

Dissecting Weichel vs. Baker


When feared German striking and submission specialist Daniel Weichel enters the ring intent to confirm his #1 contender status against former NCAA Division I collegiate wrestler Beau ‘Blackjack’ Baker, a hefty vault of experience will be in the European’s corner. Having sharpened his teeth through international passages with organizations including Shooto, King of the Cage, Cage Warriors and the UFC and having fought some of the sport’s recognized names including Thiago Tavares, Dan Hardy and Paul Daley, it’s easy to see why Weichel will roll into California with a 26-7 record marking him as the heavy favourite; but there is no such thing as a guaranteed victory and Weichel needs to issue a statement-making performance from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California. Fans can capture all the M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner action LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast).

As a true lightweight by North American standards, Weichel fluctuated between weight classes early on in his career which put him in unfavourable positions fighting significantly larger opponents. Since being dedicated to the 155lb class, В последнее время он осел в легком весе, и уже успел добиться некоторых успехов: в его активе значатся шесть побед в последних семи матчах, причем в числе побежденных есть и финалист M-1 Selection в легком весе Виктор Куку.Weichel has achieved considerable success having won eight of his last nice matches, which include a rear-naked-choke submission victory over M-1 Selection Tournament lightweight finalist, Victor Kuku and an epic striker’s war TKO over Yuri Ivlev.

Baker is also a well-sized lightweight standing 5'9" and has had good success fighting up a division but prefers to leverage his natural advantages as a 155’er. A former NCAA Division I collegiate wrestler from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Baker sports phenomenal grappling and made his successful professional MMA debut in 2007, quickly going on a tear to win four in a row, three by way of crafty submissions; favouring to venture to the mat versus standing up, the 31 year old freestyle fighter still boasts a respectful 8-4 record as a pro with notable wins over Ran Weathers and Ron Foster.

Weichel has proven he prefers to avoid the judges’ scorecards in favour of finishing fights in exciting fashion and this fight against Baker shouldn’t affect his style in the least; he possesses an innate ability to score takedowns as a precursor to locking in a submission or unleashing a devastating ground and pound. From full mount or side control, he throws contusion-creating knees to the body which will quickly wear Baker out. Standing up, Weichel’s striking is superior; whether thrusting skull-cracking knees or throwing furious, rapid-fire combinations, he can land from every angle

Baker is known for his lethal grappling ability, fast hands and iron chin. He’s faced high calibre competition throughout his career and his last outing was a valiant effort that ended with a second round submission loss to undefeated, top-ranked European prospect Alexander ‘The Tiger’ Sarnavskiy.

Respecting Weichel’s striking and ground game, Baker’s methodical and tactically aggressive fighting style needs to be leveraged throughout this tough fight. Baker’s wrestling and scrambling ability could prove to be a big asset if he uses this to take Weichel down, posture up and rain down his relentless ground and pound. Baker may be evenly matched in power but the true key to his victory will come from being patient in his well-timed offensives.

If Baker can impose his game plan and not get caught up in a striker’s battle, he could steal the spotlight with an incredible upset. But with Weichel having the advantage in experience, striking and submissions, a Baker win seems unimaginable.

This is purely a fight that Weichel is expected to win and the only thing to possibly derail the natural course of action is Baker’s incredible physical and mental toughness. This very well could be one of the card’s best fights.

[keithlewis]

Mairbek ‘Beckan’ Taisumov Hits Stateside for M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner


Thanks to his aggressive fighting style, Mairbek ‘Beckan’ Taisumov is seemingly incapable of producing anything other than action-packed fights; without doubt, he is one of the most entertaining fighters Europe has to offer. At M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner, Taisumov will face the scrappy Florida native Josh “Iron Heart” Bacallao in what he hopes is one more stepping stone closer to a second shot at the coveted M-1 Lightweight Championship belt. The action goes down from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California, LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast).

23 year-old, M-1 veteran out of Vienna, Austria Mairbek Taisumov is a highly talented lightweight currently training out of the GCF Team. Blessed with the genetics that have given him phenomenal speed and athleticism, Taisumov is a former soccer player who has continually displayed impressive stand-up skills and an always improving ground game; this young athlete is developing into an impact fighter in an incredibly deep 155-pound weight class.

Since debuting in 2007, this promising young striker has racked up an impressive 14-3 record with thanks to his highly effective stand-up skills and phenomenal footwork, which enables him to glide effortlessly around the canvass as he stalks and maintains superior offensive positioning. Based on his victories, it’s not surprising that he’s referenced as having an impressive striking arsenal from both in close and outside; his hand speed is lightning quick and he cocks a heavy overhand right that can be unleashed in a split second should his opponent drop his hands. Combine this lethal striking power with well guarded defensive skills and the ability to release stinging leg and body kicks and rib-cracking knees at will and you have the technical blueprint for Taisumov’s methodically sound performances.

With back-to-back-to-back first round finishes over Petr Cajnak, Julien Boussuge and Sergey Adamchuk, Taisumov put on a striking and submission clinic to win the 2010 M-1 Selection Western Europe lightweight tournament and quickly become a recognized name throughout the European MMA circuit.

Taisumov had his sights set on becoming M-1Global’s first-ever 155-pound champion in the organization’s history as he squared off against Artiom Damkovsky last October at M-1 Challenge: Guram vs. Garner. In a bout that contended for ‘Fight of the Night’ honours, Taisumov controlled the early rounds until the tide swayed into Damkovsky’s favour. Taking an unintentional finger to the eye late in the third, it was determined by the ringside physician that the bout had to be stopped, leaving ‘Beckan’ disheartened as he watched the gold go around Damkovsky’s waist.

Eager to shrug off the tough loss, Taisumov returned to the ring six weeks later and executed a text-book first-round demolition of Ivica Truscek and pressed on towards his tilt with Russian striking and submission specialist Yuri Ivlev; bringing the tenacious intensity he’s known for, Taisumov wiped out Ivlev via TKO early in the second round and earned himself the right to fight in the United States on M-1’s sophomore outing with premium television network SHOWTIME.

‘Beckan’s’ background in freestyle wrestling reveals excellent reaction time, quick hips and an effective sprawl but he’ll need to continue working on his takedown defense in order to acclimate himself with the styles of North American wrestlers. But when in position to take opponents to the ground, Taisumov is equipped with an aggressive ground and pound where is able to unleash precision punches and hammer fists to finish a bout.

With Josh Bacallao in his sites, Taisumov should have to make little adjusts to his style; he’s more aggressive, faster and equally as versatile but he has to be aware of Bacallao’s power. If Taisumov delivers an A-game performance, he should walk away with the win and climb closer to a shot at the belt.

[keithlewis]

Bacallao Intent to Wreck ‘Beckan’ at M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner


Josh ‘Iron Heart’ Bacallao has been given the opportunity to elevate his young career to the next level with his first trip to M-1 Global’s grandest stage. At M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner, Bacallao will face the amped-up fighting style of fierce European striker Mairbek ‘Beckan’ Taisumov. The action goes down from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California, LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast).

A native of Lakeland, Florida, Josh Bacallao is ok with being considered the quiet and often over-looked opponent. Sporting a tight 6-2 record decorated with submission, TKO and decision victories, his strategy of canning the trash talk and simply putting up technically sound performances certainly speaks volumes for this young fighter when he prefers to keep to his silent side.

At 23 years of age, manger Ross Kellin of Champions MMA sings praise about Bacallao’s tenacity in the gym and his dedication to evolving his skills. “Josh puts everything on the table when it comes to the sport and becoming a holistic, well-rounded athlete. His core foundation comes from his high school wrestling background; his stand up is great; he has good jiu-jitsu. Josh is an exciting and humble fighter.”

Inside the ring Bacallao’s proven to be a strong, explosive fighter with dangerous hands, which is why he’s been invited back to fight with Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, M-1 Global, after a difficult run through the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament; a controversial fight with Josh Key ended in a no-contest, which advanced him in to the semi-finals where he next lost a tough spilt-decision to George Sheppard.

Speaking with Bacallao, a confident voice boomed through the phone; “My opportunity with M-1 is all I’m focussed on right now. I’m doing everything I can within my power to ensure I deliver a flawless performance – the outcome will take care of itself.”

Having maintained consistent activity throughout his career, Bacallao made four trips to the canvas through 2010 and a pair of outings in each of the previous two years but his outing on July 8th marks nearly a year-long hiatus, adding a little more pressure to an already challenging situation; Bacallao best shake off any ring-rust quickly if he wants to make his true impression felt and silence critics who have already counted him out.

[keithlewis]

US Army Captain ‘G.I.’ Jason Norwood Represents at M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner


Capt. ‘G.I.’ Jason Norwood (11-2) is a prime example that Army combatives training is highly effective; not only in fighting but also as a means to prepare for battle and come home victorious – and alive. Norwood makes his second outing with Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion against Eddie ‘Crazy Face’ Arizmendi (14-4) on Friday July 8th at M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner, LIVE on SHOWTIME from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California. Fans can catch the card’s kick-off battle starting at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

A native of Voorhees, New Jersey, 27 year old Jason Norwood equates fighting as the culmination of his life. Starting his martial arts training at only six years old, Norwood next took on wrestling at age 13; he wrestled at West Point and was preparing to compete in the Olympics when he was deployed to Iraq by the U.S. Army. Having served his country overseas and currently a Captain and the Officer in Charge of the Modern Army Combatives hand-to-hand combat program where he is stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Norwood says the military brings a similar feel to MMA, the main difference being that in the Army you either come home standing or "in a bag".

He says that in the military they train “not to tap but to stay alive, to prepare for the probable outcome, the deadliest outcome...” Entering the confines of the M-1 ring doesn’t even begin to compare to what he’s faced defending his country. In a previous interview Norwood depicts his Army career as a mixed martial arts fight with a lot of unexpected moves where he has needed to react accordingly and ultimately to his advantage. Going from working with Paladins to radars and now working in the fight house he sets the stage in his mind before he enters the ring as if he is deployed, clearing buildings with his life on the line.

Boasting an 11-2 record, Norwood returned to his winning ways with a systematic, three-round destruction of Billy ‘Mojo’ Horne this past March on M-1’s SHOWTIME debut. Over 15 minutes, the Captain exemplified what the US Army represents: a grinding, relentless pursuit of victory. Clearly the stronger fighter, Norwood secured take down after take down and pounded his way to a unanimous decision victory. Even with having to shed the massive 35 pounds needed to meet the 185-pound weight threshold, Norwood’s conditioning was never in question as the tilt when into the latter frames, which is a testament to his training and endurance.

Prior to Horne, Norwood had a remarkable ten-fight win streak snapped by the formidable Josh Bryant. Norwood’s list of notable victories include a unanimous decision nod over Herbert Goodman, a submission win over Wayne Cole and suffocating rear-naked-chokes over Jon Kirk and Joey Gorczynski. Norwood has spent time training at American Top Team Oklahoma and Matt Hughes’ H.I.T. squad but calls the Fort Still Combative Center his home, where he has been steadily improving as a professional mixed martial artist well versed in executing his trademark ‘RNC’.

Facing Arizmendi, Norwood shouldn’t have to alter his game plan; he’s effective at closing the distance to stay out of striking range and then clean house with some good ‘ol fashioned dirty boxing. His takedown skills are slick and his submission arsenal is potent but he hasn’t been placed in a position where he needs to fight off his back.
Norwood has all the tools in his belt to come away with another SHOWTIME win. Nothing in a gym can replicate the life or death training and mindset the military creates and no opponent can shake a military man who is prepared for anything.
M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner airs LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) and is headlined by the rematch between the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas Tournament heavyweight finalists Pat Bennett (4-2) and Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner (6-3).

[keithlewis]

Eddie ‘Crazy Face’ Arizmendi Makes M-1 Debut


Throughout Arizona, fans have been raving about Eddie ‘Crazy Face’ Arizmendi (14-4), watching him grow and mature as a fighter in the local ranks. Now signed to Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, M-1 Global, the Apex Gym warrior makes his debut at M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California, Friday, July 8, LIVE on SHOWTIME starting at 11 p.m. ET (delayed on the West Coast). When the bell rings to start the action Arizmendi will stand opposite Captain ‘G.I’ Jason Norwood (11-2) and aims to break the US Army’s unshakeable will.

The 25 year old Native American of Mexican heritage is Tucson’s middleweight gem; standing a solid 6’ 3”, Arizmendi was a previously top-ranked high school football quarterback and the talented warrior still hits up the field during his training ‘downtime’. But it was a trip to a local fight card with his father that inspired him to dedicate his life completely to mixed martial arts and he hasn’t looked back since.

Training out of Apex Gym with trainer Joey Rivera and under the management and guidance of Sky Andren of Fight Legion Inc., Arizmendi is the former RITC champion and rides a momentous eight-fight streak into Costa ‘Mesa, California; for the first time in his so-far illustrious career as the ‘big fish in the little pond’, ’Crazy Face’ takes his amped-up fighting style head-on into the next level of competition.

Transitioning from the regional to National / International calibre of opposition should come easy for the talented warrior; his game is decorated with a versatile submission arsenal and he packs potent striking backed up with knock-out power. What stands out specifically about his style is the evident controlled anger and rage that is interwoven through all his elements.

His versatility is simply impressive and it seems he’s never at a loss when it comes to transitioning from boxing to wrestling to BJJ. Standing up, he throws combinations with laser-guided precision; wrestling, he can scoop a single or double leg effortlessly and rain heavy G&P bombs; submissions; slick and fluid.

Above all else, Arizmendi is a finisher; of his 14 wins, he’s seen the judges’ scorecards only twice – that’s a finishing average of nearly 86%, a stat intoxicating to the M-1 executive brass and a perfect fit with M-1’s reputation for producing action-packed events.

As the night’s telecast kick-off bout, Arizmendi’s Arizona fan-base will be tuning in intently to watch their hometown boy make the jump to the big league against Norwood, a twisted testament to the saying: ‘hate to see you leave but love to watch you go.’

[keithlewis]

Can US Army Captain ‘G.I’ Jason Norwood Stop Eddie ‘Crazy Face’ Arizmendi’s War Cry?



At M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner the battles for prime middleweight contention positioning are brewing but amongst the 185-pound duels, the fight between US Army Captain ‘G.I’ Jason Norwood and Eddie ‘Crazy Face’ Arizmendi is shaping up to be a show stealer. The action from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California, Friday, July 8 can be captured LIVE on SHOWTIME starting at 11 p.m. ET (delayed on the West Coast).

Arizmendi has been the heart and soul of Arizona fans as he built up his 14-4 record; crowds watched him grow and mature as a fighter within the local ranks and the young Native American of Mexican heritage is making the jump to a new calibre of competition after being snatched up by Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion. Training out of Apex Gym with trainer Joey Rivera and under the management and guidance of Sky Andren of Fight Legion Inc., Arizmendi is the former RITC champion and rides a momentous eight-fight streak into Costa ‘Mesa, California; for the first time in his so-far illustrious career the ‘big fish in the little pond’ finds himself in new waters, taking his amped-up fighting style head-on into Norwood.

Standing a solid 6’ 3”, ‘Crazy Face’ fights with rage; his game is decorated with a versatile submission arsenal and he packs potent striking backed up with knock-out power. He’s also a finisher; of his 14 wins, he’s seen the judges’ scorecards only twice – that’s a finishing average of nearly 86%, a stat intoxicating to the M-1 executive brass and a perfect fit with M-1’s reputation for producing action-packed events.

Arizmendi’s ability to finish won’t scare Norwood; the Army combatives training officer has seen greater threats and disposed of them with relative ease. A native of Voorhees, New Jersey, 27 year old Jason Norwood equates fighting as the culmination of his life and says the military brings a similar feel to MMA, the main difference being that in the Army you either come home standing or "in a bag". He’s spent time training at American Top Team Oklahoma and Matt Hughes’ H.I.T. squad but the Fort Still Combative Center is where he calls home and steadily improves his skills while perfecting a trademark ‘RNC’.

Boasting an 11-2 record, Norwood’ last outing was a systematic, three-round destruction of Billy ‘Mojo’ Horne this past March on M-1’s SHOWTIME debut. Over 15 minutes, the Captain exemplified what the US Army represents: a grinding, relentless pursuit of victory.

The key difference between the two men is their styles: Norwood is a tactical grinder where Arizmendi goes in ‘blitzkrieg’, looking to end things quickly.

Both are extremely skilled. Arizmendi is versatile, transitioning from boxing to wrestling to BJJ with slick, fluid movements and throwing precision combinations from all angles. Norwood leverages his wrestling base to secure take downs in order to wear out and pound out his opponents; his submission arsenal can compete with any fighter but he’s never needed to fight off his back, a real possible position for him this time out.

Expect neither man to change their styles; Arizmendi will aim to push the pace while Norwood tries to slow it down. Both have the tools to win and it’s a coin flip as to who walks away victorious. This is a great battle between two highly experienced warriors.

[keithlewis]

M-1 CHALLENGE: BENNETT VS GARNER FULL CARD AIRS LIVE ON SHOWTIME

Friday, July 8, 2011 From The Hangar At the O.C. Fair and Events Center, Costa Mesa, California



M-1 GLOBAL’s sophomore U.S. outing packs depth. The mixed martial arts (MMA) event titled M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner takes place from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California and airs LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast).

The July 8th event is headlined with the rematch between the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas Tournament heavyweight finalists Pat Bennett (4-2) and Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner (6-3).

“We’re excited for this card! M-1’s second televised event on SHOWTIME has more depth and the fighters travelling from Europe have a point to prove,” said M-1 Global Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan. “Expect action from the first bell.”

Garner last faced Bennett in the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament finals, winning via convincing first-round TKO. He’s best known for his relentless self-marketing which he backs up with one-punch power.

Garner’s made it clear: “I’m not losing to Pat Bennett; he’s not making it out of the first round.”

Bennett is a decorated collegiate wrestler and multidimensional fighter with deadly striking who’s primed for redemption.

The Co-main event pits 2010 M-1 Selection Americas middleweight tournament winner Tyson ‘The Anti-Hero’ Jeffries (7-5) versus feared Russian striker Arthur Guseinov (7-2). As a marquee middleweight (185 Lbs.) bout, the clash sets the stage for Jeffries to battle back into title contention.

Jeffries is coming prepared: “I’ve spent time training in Las Vegas and in the U.K. and I’m ready to redeem myself with a much improved performance. Thank you to M-1 for the opportunity. It’s an honor to be on their second SHOWTIME card.”

Jeffries, a versatile fighter within Team Quest’s talented roster, won the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament last September with a spectacular highlight reel, triangle-armbar over Mike Geurin.

Arthur Guseinov is known for his deadly spinning back-kicks and head-hunting high kicks. Expect to watch a high-powered offensive drive directly into Jeffries’ path.

The card also features fierce lightweight (155 Lbs.) battles between feared German submission specialist Daniel Weichel (26-7) and former NCAA Division I collegiate wrestler Beau ‘Blackjack’ Baker (8-4) while unstoppable European lightweight Mairbek ‘Beckan’ Taisumov (14-3) faces scrappy Josh ‘Iron Heart’ Bacallao (6-3).

The U.S. Army’s Captain ‘G.I.’ Jason Norwood (11-2) hooks up with the rage of Eddie ‘Crazy Face’ Arizmendi (14-4) in their middleweight tilt to kick off the telecast.

Filling in the undercard, California’s own warriors wage war: Richard Schiller (5-2-1) goes against Aaron Miller (9-7) in their 150 Lbs. catch-weight affair, Diman Morris (2-1) meets Brandon Michaels (1-3) in a light heavyweight (205 Lbs.) bout and lightweights Mike Derobers (1-0) and Max Martyniouk (0-1) go toe-to-toe.