M-1 Challenge XXVI - Card Updates

[keithlewis]

Deuce is Loose at M-1 Challenge XXVI: Kenny Garner: “I will end this fight faster than the last time I beat him, trust me.”


The relentless self-marketing machine, Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner (6-3), returns to action inside the confines of M-1 Global’s five-rope ring, stepping in to replace the injured M-1 Global Heavyweight Champion, Guram Gugenishvili. Garner faces decorated wrestler, Pat Bennett (4-2) at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California on Friday, July 8 and the action can be caught LIVE on SHOWTIME starting at 11 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast).

Garner last faced Bennett in the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament finals, where he won a convincing first-round TKO and feels he’ll produce the same results this time out, ‘I will end this fight faster than the last time I beat him, trust me. There is no chance on God’s green earth that Pat will stop my striking. NOBODY makes it out of the first round with Deuce – PERIOD! NOBODY!

Talk is cheap in the fight game – unless you back it up. Garner has been doing just that with his one-punch power which is why his record boasts four knockout wins. Hidden behind the heavy leather is also a potent submission arsenal and solid wrestling base which makes this rematch a potentially explosive outing for both men but Garner feels extremely confident; “Pat and I are similar but I’m stronger, faster and more technical. Pat’s got no chance.”

Love to hate him or hate to love him, the Port St. Lucie, Florida and American Top Team fighter is making a name for himself in the State of Florida, who has him ranked as the #9 heavyweight. With an affliction for the camera, Garner is surprising fans, media and executives at every turn and his ‘in your face’ personality has critics split between whether he’s the ‘real deal’ or just flash in the pan; but his convincing wins – with two having him marked as a huge underdog – the Deuce is proving to be a force to reckon with.

Prior to starting the Selections tournament, Garner’s manager, UFC veteran, Din Thomas, didn’t hold back when discussing his two early losses; “He took a couple bad fights on short notice and when you take a fight without preparation – as a heavyweight – you pay the price.” Garner’s losses came at the hands of Chris Barnett and Tony Johnson Jr; both by way of TKO in the late rounds which may have been attributed to questionable conditioning according to Thomas. In comparison, “Deuce” has shown exceptional performances when prepared as all six of victories have been total dominations.

Garner opened the Heavyweight brackets of the Selections tournament with a dominating victory over Matt Hopkins; from here, Garner was next slated to fight the imposing Russian favourite, Andre Kapilou, in a semi finals bout he fighter wasn’t even given a ‘fighter’s chance’ of winning.

In the co-main event of the Semi Finals card, Garner shocked the crowd with a three-round war that neutralized Kapilou’s extensive reach and stand-up abilities. In a total reversal of predictions in front of Kapilou’s home-town crowd, Garner slid past his opponent’s striking damage-free to secure effortless take downs where the Russian’s weakness on the canvass became exposed. Without having an answer to Garner’s G&P and submissions other than a relentless will to survive, Kapilou endured the most painful 15 minutes of his fighting career with his face taking the brunt of the assault. Garner proved to doubters that he is not the one-dimensional fighter he was thought to be as he worked through three rounds to secure the unanimous decision nod from the judges.

Even with the win, Garner still wasn’t given the credibility he deserved heading into the Finals where he had another seemingly insurmountable task ahead of him: stop Pat Bennett and his proud wrestling pedigree. Not only did Garner neutralize the wrestling skills of Bennett by stuffing every takedown, he confirmed to fans why he should be considered one of the most-feared strikers in M-1’s heavyweight division.

After a brief exchange in the clinch, Garner revealed a lead hook that couldn’t miss; he caught Bennett, then caught him again and caught him again. Bennett had no answer to the game that was being forced upon him as blow after blow crumbled his confidence and left him stumbling and disoriented. In an effort to fight back, Bennett reached for the single leg, got stuffed and ate a combination that sent him rubber-legging across the canvass and into the ropes. Although refusing to fall – possibly because Deuce was holding him up so he could feed a second and third helping of heavy leather to Bennett’s face – Bennett was clearly unable to intelligently defend himself leaving referee ‘Big Dan’ Miragliotta with no choice but to stop the bout at 2:31 of the very first round, giving Garner and his precision striking the TKO victory.

With this win, Kenny Garner rounded out the five M-1 Selection 2010 Americas champions and was the first US fighter to be given the opportunity to fight for the M-1 Challenge championship belt in the headline bout at M-1 Challenge XXI against Guram Gugenishvili this past October in St. Petersburg, Russia.

In an eventful first round, Garner came out of the corner looking to press the action and stuffing Guram’s early takedown attempts. After being re-started when the pair broke through the ropes, Guram worked through an array of submission attempts and a wicked neck crank. Fighting from his back, Garner absorbed a left from up high which opened a gash dangerously close to his right eye, causing the referee to stall for a quick inspection by the ringside physician who gave the bout the green-light to continue. From here out, Garner worked bottom and top positions as he controlled the rest of the frame with the judges’ scorecards giving him a 10-9 round.

The tide only took 54 seconds to change as Guram dodged a looping right hand to start the second and caught the American in a head-and-arm choke; the pair then shuffled into the red corner where Guram locked in the standing guillotine and choked Garner unconscious forcing the referee to halt the bout.

Eager to mount another Cinderella run through the list of heavyweight contenders on route to a second shot at the M-1 Challenge heavyweight championship, Garner jumped at the chance to fight Bennett; “I’ll fight anyone, anytime for M-1 GLOBAL,” said Garner. “I’ve got to do better than what I’ve done before and this is my opportunity to chase down my belt! I’ve been training hard and I’m not losing to Pat Bennett.”

As the headline fight on July 8th, expect a war.

Tickets are priced at $75 for the front row and all other seats at $50 and can be purchased online at www.fightcluboc.com, or by calling Roy Englebrecht Promotions at (949) 760-3131.

Mauro Ranallo will call the action from ringside with Pat Miletich serving as analyst. The telecast will be produced by Chuck McKean and directed by Craig Farrell. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins, Jr.

With M-1 Challenge champions established in all five weight classes, a true contenders system will fuel events throughout 2011, driving M-1 Global’s growth as a leading brand in the US and international markets.

2011’s full slate of M-1 Challenge events held in the United States and Europe are primed to be mega-event spectaculars where Champions defend their titles and contenders jockey for position for a coveted shot at the gold. Feeding the contention system will be two Selection tournaments in 2011 with details being announced shortly.

For information on M-1 Global, go to the official M-1 website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page.

[keithlewis]

M-1 GLOBAL ANNOUNCES M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT TO AIR LIVE ON SHOWTIME®



Friday, July 8, 2011 From The Hangar

At the O.C. Fair and Events Center, Costa Mesa, California

NEW YORK (June 14, 2011) – M-1 GLOBAL announced today an upcoming mixed martial arts (MMA) event titled M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner featuring the rematch between the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas Tournament heavyweight finalists Pat Bennett (4-2) and Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner (6-3). The bouts from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California will air LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast).

"The rematch between Bennett and Garner has been in the works since last year; it’s a fight Pat has asked for specifically and both men are prepared to put on a show. This entire card is expected to be extremely entertaining from start to finish.” said Vadim Finkelchtein, co-founder of M-1 GLOBAL. “This will be our second event with SHOWTIME; there is no better TV network for M-1 than SHOWTIME and no better market to seriously compete in than the U.S.”

Tickets are priced at $75 for the front row and all other seats at $50 and can be purchased online at www.fightcluboc.com, or by calling Roy Englebrecht Promotions at (949) 760-3131.

Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner steps in to replace the injured M-1 Global Heavyweight Champion, Guram Gugenishvili; Garner last faced Bennett in the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament finals, where he won a convincing first-round TKO.

Garner is best known for his relentless self-marketing which he backs up with one-punch power as evidenced by his four knockout wins. Hidden behind the heavy leather is also a potent submission arsenal and solid wrestling base which makes this rematch a potentially explosive outing for both men.

“I’ll fight anyone, anytime for M-1 GLOBAL,” said Garner. “I’ve got to do better than what I’ve done before and this is my opportunity to chase down my belt! I’ve been training hard and I’m not losing to Pat Bennett; he’s not making it out of the first round.”

Known for his wrestling skills, Bennett has proven to be a multidimensional mixed martial artist able to transition into a dangerous striker at will. Capable of managing larger opponents thanks to his versatile background and heavy-handed striking, this New Jersey native is primed to secure redemption against Garner.

An optimistic Bennett spoke with energy; “This is an opportunity to avenge my loss to Kenny and it’s a fight I’ve wanted badly. He’s the only one on my mind and I’ve got a point to prove.”

For information on M-1 Global, go to the official M-1 website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page.

Mauro Ranallo will call the action from ringside with Pat Miletich serving as analyst. The telecast will be produced by Chuck McKean and directed by Craig Farrell. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins, Jr.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go to the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.

[keithlewis]

Pat Bennett: “I’m still training as if this were a five round fight!”


With unfortunate circumstances come new opportunity; decorated American wrestler Pat Bennett is intent on making the most of his rematch against 2010 M-1 Selection Americas heavyweight tournament winner, Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner, a bout where Bennett can avenge the most horrific loss of his career. As the headliner at M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner, 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).

Bennett was originally slated to face the reigning M-1 Heavyweight Champion, Guram Gugenishvili, but the undefeated Georgian powerhouse suffered a training injury that will keep him sidelined until the fall. As Garner stepped into to fill the void, Bennett expressed his excitement for the new opponent; “Sure this isn’t for the title but I’m looking at the bright side - I get to get one of my losses back. I’ve wanted to fight Kenny ever since he beat me in the tournament finals. I really didn't get a chance to impose my will on him in that fight and he took advantage of that opportunity, but I can GUARANTEE that the same result will not happen again this time out.”

Fighting out of Marcellus, NY, this Team Bombsquad fighter needs to deliver a career performance to keep his championship dream alive; he already knows firsthand that Garner will capitalize on any mistakes and send him back to the end of the queue of a long list of heavyweight contenders should he come out flat.

Bennett sports an established 7-2 combined amateur and professional mixed martial arts record heavily weighted in the ‘win’ column with five first-round TKO’s. Although known for his proud wrestling pedigree, Bennett has proven to be a multidimensional fighter able to transition his skills to whatever is set in front of him.

As a key member of the Team Bombsquad contingent, Bennett’s manager, Ryan Ciotoli, has nothing but praise for the heavyweight’s performances to date. “Pat’s a three time All-American wrestler, so he possesses a great base and he’s an electrifying striker; hence the reason for his five first round wins. I definitely consider Bennett to be the top contender in the heavyweight division.”

Bennett had recently set his wrestling on the back burner in favour of striking throughout his 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament run, displaying a wide array of talents. Opening up the brackets against Nick Smiley, the mild-mannered monster needed a total of 37 seconds to destroy Smiley by TKO and leave him in the ring busted and bloodied. His semi-final bout was a marathon war with Mehdi Hassan where he earned a unanimous decision victory. The run was halted in the finals however as Bennett fell victim to Garner’s lead left hook; unable to answer Garner’s striking, Bennett notched the second loss of his career via TKO at the midway point of the opening frame.

Bennett’s first trip to M-1’s larger, international stage was in December at M-1 Challenge XXII where he faced Alexander Volkov; the staunch American went back to his decorated base with a game plan to exploit the stylistic mismatch; defend the striking, set-up takedowns and demolish Volkov on the ground. Bennett did exactly this for four full rounds with precision execution. Although the initial decision was shrouded in controversy, an independent panel of judges rightfully scored the bout in Bennett’s favour.

At 6’ 3”, 240 pounds, Bennett has heavy hands that deliver unforgiving power; if he connects with his overhand right, there is a real possibility to see Garner fall this time out. But Bennett will have to successfully defend takedown attempts and push the pace as he sees fit while being cautiously aware of Garner’s heavy striking arsenal and submission game.

With neither fighter having the home-town crowd advantage on July 8th, Bennett controls his own destiny in the biggest fight of his career, intent to avenge his most horrific loss and head towards a well-earned title shot later this year. “First and foremost it is always a pleasure to fight under the M-1 banner and I can’t wait for this fight. This opportunity means the world to me and my family on so many levels and I take my career very seriously.”

[keithlewis]

An Inside Look at Bennett vs. Garner


Standing under the headline bout spotlights at M-1 Challenge XXVI opposite decorated American wrestler, Pat Bennett, is none other than self-marketing machine, Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner; with Garner getting the best of Bennett nearly a year ago in their M-1 Selection Americas tournament final, the New Jersey native and Team Bombsquad fighter will need to deliver a career performance to stop the heavy-striking freight train headed directly in his path. 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).

As a key member of the Team Bombsquad contingent, Bennett’s manager, Ryan Ciotoli, has nothing but praise for the heavyweight’s performances to date. “Pat’s a three time All-American wrestler, so he possesses a great base and he’s an electrifying striker; hence the reason for his five first round wins. I definitely consider Bennett to be the top contender in the heavyweight division.”

Love to hate him or hate to love him, the Port St. Lucie, Florida and American Top Team fighter, Kenny Garner is making a name for himself in the State of Florida, who has him ranked as the #9 heavyweight. With an affliction for the camera, Garner is surprising fans, media and executives at every turn and his ‘in your face’ personality has critics split between whether he’s the ‘real deal’ or just flash in the pan; but his convincing wins – with two having him marked as a huge underdog – the Deuce is proving to be a force to reckon with.

Both men declare they are not the same fighters who entered the ring to faceoff in September but what’s improved their games and how do these men actually stack up against each other?

Bennett states it’s his striking that’s drastically improved since last facing Garner; “I’ve really focussed on my stand up. I’ve worked on improving this aspect to round out my skillset. I’m not the same fighter Kenny is expecting to see. I’ve wanted to fight him again ever since last year and I can GUARANTEE a much different result this time out.”

Conversely, Garner doesn’t seem to care what his opponent as improved; “I will end this fight faster than the last time I beat him, trust me. I’m stronger, faster and more technical. There’s no way he’s stopping my striking. He’s not making it out the first round. Pat’s got no chance.” Garner last faced Bennett in the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament finals and won a convincing first-round TKO; clearly Deuce feels he’ll produce the same results this time out.

Prior to starting the 2010 Selections tournament, Garner’s manager, UFC veteran, Din Thomas, didn’t hold back when discussing his two early losses; “He took a couple bad fights on short notice and when you take a fight without preparation – as a heavyweight – you pay the price.” Garner’s losses came at the hands of Chris Barnett and Tony Johnson Jr; both by way of TKO in the late rounds which may have been attributed to questionable conditioning according to Thomas. In comparison, Deuce has shown exceptional performances when prepared as all six of victories have been total dominations.

Garner opened the Heavyweight brackets of the Selections tournament with a dominating victory over Matt Hopkins; from here, Garner was next slated to fight the imposing Russian favourite, Andre Kapilou, in a semi finals bout he fighter wasn’t even given a ‘fighter’s chance’ of winning and put on a grappling clinic to win a hard-fought decision.

In the Finals, Garner neutralized Bennett’s wrestling skills, stuffed every takedown and put Bennett in a world of hurt, winning via TKO in the opening frame and proving why he should be considered one of the most-feared strikers in M-1’s heavyweight division.

Bennett has his work cut out for him on July 8th. Sporting an established 7-2 combined amateur and professional record heavily weighted in the ‘win’ column with five first-round TKO’s, Bennett is aptly known for his proud wrestling pedigree but has also proven to be a multidimensional fighter able to transition his skills to whatever is set in front of him.

Bennett had recently set his wrestling on the back burner in favour of striking throughout his 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament run, displaying a wide array of talents. Opening up the brackets against Nick Smiley, the mild-mannered monster needed a total of 37 seconds to destroy Smiley by TKO. His semi-final bout was a marathon war with Mehdi Hassan where he earned a unanimous decision victory. But the run was halted in the finals by Garner’s lead left hook.

At 6’ 3”, 240 pounds, Bennett has the heavy hands to match Garner’s striking prowess but his advantage comes on the canvass, IF he can secure the takedown. He’ll need to push the pace as he sees fit while being cautiously aware of Garner’s lethal bombs. If Bennett can’t take this fight to the mat, he’s going to wish he had head gear as Garner will look to implant his right hand in Bennett’s face.

Garner has shown time and time again that his defense is steadfast and should Bennett score the single or double-leg, he is well versed in submissions and fight effectively off his back or in top position. Garner’s plan is without a doubt to keep this fight standing and dismantle Bennett from his feet; he’s done it before and knows he can do it again.

[keithlewis]

TYSON JEFFRIES VS. ARTHUR GUSEINOV OFFICIAL FOR M-1 CHALLENGE: BENNETT VS GARNER LIVE ON SHOWTIME

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


NEW YORK (June 21, 2011) – M-1 GLOBAL announces the addition of 2010 M-1 Selection Americas middleweight tournament winner Tyson ‘The Anti-Hero’ Jeffries (7-5) versus feared Russian striker Arthur Guseinov (7-2) at the mixed martial arts (MMA) event titled M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner. The bouts from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California will air 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).

“Tyson Jeffries is a fighter with incredible heart and a determination to consistently improve his game; he adds depth and excitement to every card and he’s a welcome addition on M-1’s second televised event on SHOWTIME,” said M-1 Global Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan. “The European fighters who participated in the March card set an extremely high bar this time out. Guseinov has been very vocal about making this an entertaining battle.”

As a marquee middleweight (185 Lbs.) bout, the clash sets the stage for Jeffries to battle back into title contention after suffering a crushing defeat against the division’s newly crowned champion Magomed Sultanakhmedov.

“That was the toughest fight of my career and a humbling experience,” says Jeffries. “I’ve since 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 victory over Mike Geurin.

Arthur Guseinov, the Action-Force Fight Team member, is coming off back-to-back losses against Russian submission specialist Beslan Esaev and staunch American scrapper Luigi Fioravanti.

Known for his tight clinch work, deadly spinning back-kicks and head-hunting high kicks, Guseinov’s lightning-quick striking arsenal is responsible for the majority of his KO / TKO victories. Expect his exciting fighting style to be well received by the North American audience as he brings a high powered offensive directly into Jeffries’ path.

[keithlewis]

Arthur Guseinov: Russian Striker Makes Stateside Debut



Known for his tight clinch work, deadly spinning back-kicks and head-hunting high kicks, Action-Force Fight Team’s feared Russian striker, Arthur Guseinov is ready to make his North American debut and go head-to-head against the 2010 M-1 Selection middleweight tournament winner, Tyson ‘The Anti-Hero’ Jeffries at M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner. Fans can capture the action 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).

Guseinov’s lightning-quick striking arsenal is responsible for the majority of his KO / TKO victories, anchoring his hard-earned 7-2 professional record (dig a little deeper into his background and one will find a long list of amateur wins adding to a combined record of 14-2). Although coming off back-to-back losses against Russian submission specialist, Beslan Esaev and staunch American scrapper, Luigi Fioravanti, expect his exciting fighting style to be well received by the North American audience as he brings a high powered offensive directly into Jeffries’ path.

Guseinov returned to the ring of Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion in 2010 after being summoned to step in on short notice to face Fioravanti after Shahrijar Abassov was forced to withdraw after suffering a late training injury. Even with injuries a part of the daily grind in the sport, being called upon as a replacement fighter in the time of need is what differentiates one’s fighting spirit; the talented striker with a formidable karate background gave his all in a dramatic back and forth affair that captured the cards Fight of the Night top-honour, losing via RNC submission in the overtime round.

Since making his professional debut in October 2005, the crafty technician has ended all his bouts in the first round except for one; the lone decision victory came against newly crowned Middleweight Champion, Magomed "The White Wolf" Sultanakhmedov in the opening round of the 2009 M-1 Selection European tournament.

Considered a small 185’er by North American standards, Guseinov will have to rely on his striking arsenal and open the bout with a blitzkrieg attack to overwhelm Jeffries; the punishment needs to come fast and unrelenting as The Anti-Hero has proven to possess an iron chin and an unbreakable will.

Holding a coveted win over Sultanakhmedov, the ‘what-if’ implications of a Guseinov win can be hashed out from every angle but ultimately Guseinov is only concerned with standing victorious on July 8th; but in this case, it’s easy to predict the matchmaker’s plan of sliding Guseinov into a future title bout.

[keithlewis]

DANIEL WEICHEL VS. BEAU BAKER ADDED TO M-1 CHALLENGE: BENNETT VS GARNER LIVE ON SHOWTIME

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


M-1 GLOBAL announced today the addition of feared German submission specialist Daniel Weichel (26-7) versus NCAA Division I collegiate wrestler Beau ‘Blackjack’ Baker (8-4) at the mixed martial arts (MMA) event titled M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner. The bouts from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California will air LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The event, headlined by the rematch between the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas Tournament heavyweight finalists Pat Bennett (4-2) and Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner (6-3), is promoted by M-1 GLOBAL.

“Daniel Weichel is one of the most experienced and versatile fighters in M-1’s lightweight division and is a welcome addition on our second televised event on SHOWTIME,” said M-1 Global Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan.

Tickets are priced at $75 for the front row and all other seats at $50 and can be purchased online at www.fightcluboc.com, or by calling Roy Englebrecht Promotions at (949) 760-3131.

Weichel heads to California having won eight of his last nine bouts including an exciting striker’s war TKO over Yuri Ivlev and a textbook triangle submission over Magomed Khasbulaev. With experience that has been hard-fought and earned through international passage with organizations including Shooto, King of the Cage, Cage Warriors and the UFC, one of his most notable victories comes against Dennis Siver.

Weichel has proven he prefers to avoid the judges’ scorecards in favour of finishing in exciting style. He possesses exceptional athleticism and can scoop the single or double leg takedown effortlessly as a precursor to a submission or devastating ground-and-pound; from his feet, his striking is equally as dangerous.

“I’m taking things step by step but my ultimate goal is winning M-1 Global’s Lightweight belt and it doesn’t matter who I have to go through to get it. On July 8th, fans will get to see me fight at my best and I will put on a great, statement-making performance,” said Weichel.

Beau Baker made his debut with Europe’s leading MMA promotion this past March, opening M-1 Global’s first televised event on SHOWTIME against the undefeated Alexander Sarnavskiy ; the former NCAA Division I collegiate wrestler from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga took a tough second round submission loss and is eager to return to action and steal Weichel’s spotlight.

A well-sized lightweight standing 5'9", Baker favors fighting from the ground. The 31 year old freestyle fighter out of the MMA Institute in Harrisonburg, Virginia possesses a methodical and tactical style with sound wrestling and scrambling abilities, big assets he leverages to score take downs and unleash a relentless ground and pound.

Known for his lethal grappling, fast hands and iron chin, Baker has faced high caliber competition throughout his career and he’s ready to knock off a vastly experienced Weichel.

[keithlewis]

Daniel Weichel: “Step by step; it doesn’t matter who I have to go through to win M-1’s lightweight belt.”


Capitalizing on his opportunities inside M-1 Global’s five-rope ring, Daniel Weichel’s commitment and dedication to MMA has paid off big time. With a late replacement win over Yuri Ivlev at Challenge XXI, one of the night’s most exciting fights, the talented lightweight from Michelstadt, Hesse, Germany was awarded with a 6-fight exclusive contract. His first bout of the new agreement came against Magomed Khasbulaev and the slick submission specialist locked down a textbook triangle submission victory; these back to back victories have propelled him into title contention.

At M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner, Weichel will face NCAA Division I collegiate wrestler Beau ‘Blackjack’ Baker in what he hopes is another step closer to his coveted title shot. 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).

In a recent interview, Weichel spoke about the upcoming bout in earnest; “I don´t want to look too far ahead as I have my mind set on July 8th- but of course I would love to get the chance to fight for the title later this year; this is my ultimate goal. I want M-1 Global’s Lightweight belt and it doesn’t matter who I have to go through to get it.”

At 26 years old, Weichel has been fighting professionally since 2002, racked up an impressive 26-7 record and has won eight of his last nine tilts. North Americans fans are quick to recognize him thanks to bouts versus Thiago Tavares, Dan Hardy and Paul Daley. With experience that has been hard-fought and earned through international passage with organizations including Shooto, King of the Cage, Cage Warriors and the UFC, one of his most notable victories comes against Dennis Siver.

Weichel’s made it clear he prefers to avoid the judges’ scorecards in favour of finishing fights in exciting fashion; he possesses exceptional athleticism and capable of scooping the single or double leg takedown effortlessly as a precursor to a submission. Should Weichel end up in full mount or side control, expect to see contusion-creating knees to the body and a devastating ground-and-pound that will fire holes through even the most steadfast defence. If the fight stays up, he’ll tag you from every angle and can issue skull-cracking knees at will. Simply put: Weichel adds some serious depth to M-1 Global’s lightweight division and is a considerable threat to anyone, including the monstrous 6’3” Lightweight Champion, Jose Figueroa.

As a true lightweight by North American standards, Weichel fluctuated between weight classes early on 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.

Taking the fight against Yuri Ivlev on short notice seems to have been a blessing in disguise for Weichel who stepped into the spotlight of an already showcased bout and made it an even larger focal point. The victory made an impression with the M-1 Global brass. “Weichel’s domination of Ivlev was talked about for weeks after the event,” said M-1 Global’s Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan. “Daniel is the type of fighter we want secured within our organization – fighters with heart, talent and relentless desire to give it their all; he possesses all the traits of a future champion.” Weichel’s clash with Ivlev was deserving of co-main event status as he electrified the crowd with his arsenal of skills. With a packed house anticipating a display of supreme submission attempts, Weichel altered the game plan and elected to keep it on the feet and out-struck Ivlev in an epic stand up battle.

Riding a current three fight streak, Weichel rolls into the Unites States as the commanding favourite against Baker. With his vast vault of experience, speedy striking and stealth submissions, he’s presented with a perfect opportunity to solidify a return trip to the United States later this year and make the current Light Weight Champion, Jose ‘The People’s Champ’ Figueroa’s first defense a miserable and horrific experience.

But there is no such thing as a guaranteed victory; Weichel needs to first dispose of Baker.