UFC Fan Expo 2014 - News and Updates

[keithlewis]

UFC Fan Expo Returns to Las Vegas this July


As part of UFC International Fight Week, thousands of fans from all over the world will celebrate their passion for mixed martial arts (MMA) during UFC Fan Expo July 5-6 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. During the two-day event fans will have access to the sport's biggest names, interact with industry icons and more than 150 vendors, participate in exhibitions, fighter autograph and training sessions, and enjoy other special events and competitions. The UFC Fan Expo will culminate with the exciting conclusion of The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale on Sunday, July 6 at Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Tickets and VIP packages for the UFC Fan Expo are on sale NOW at http://www.ufcfanexpo.com. Tickets for Saturday, July 5 are priced at $45, while tickets for Sunday, July 6 are priced at $40. A two-day pass is also available and is priced at $60. Fans are encouraged to buy their tickets now and save, as ticket pricing will increase at the door. Ticket on-sale for The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale will be announced at a later date.

This marks the fifth UFC Fan Expo held in Las Vegas since its inception in 2009, with additional UFC Fan Expos being held in Boston, London, Toronto and Houston.

Activities, appearances and sessions will be announced in the coming weeks. Current highlights include:

· 50+ UFC stars and celebrities
· Youth and adult, grappling and mixed martial arts tournaments
· Autograph sessions with fighters
· Q&A sessions with fighters and personalities
· Training and development sessions with some of the most influential figures in MMA
· Live performances that showcase Las Vegas' entertainment
· Interactive fan events


To receive the latest news and updates on UFC Fan Expo, exclusive deals and discounts, Training & Development sessions and more, sign up for the official Expo newsletter (http://www.ufcfanexpo.com/newsletter) or follow @UFCFanExpo.

[keithlewis]

TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND UFC FAN EXPO 2014


Tickets OnSale Now for Two-Day UFC Fan Expo at Mandalay Bay Convention Center


Las Vegas – Fans of the fastest growing sport in the world have another can’t-miss item to add to their UFC International Fight Week bucket list: the UFC Fan Expo 2014. The two-day UFC Fan Expo is on Saturday, July 5 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 6 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. PT at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Single and two-day event tickets are available at UFCFanExpo.com.

The UFC Fan Expo provides the ultimate fan experience with something for everyone! This interactive, family-friendly event affords fans the opportunity to interact with UFC stars past and present through training sessions, interactive Q&A’s, autograph signings, shopping, and more!

A complete list of activities and times are listed on UFCFanExpo.com. To help enhance your experience, we’ve compiled the “Top 10 Reasons to Attend the UFC Fan Expo”:


1) Train with a UFC Hall of Famer: The UFC Fan Expo will host training and development sessions with UFC legends Stephan Bonner, Forrest Griffin, Matt Hughes and Chuck Liddell, Fitness Kickboxing Canada and MMA Draft Combine. The sessions are interactive and allow fans to meet their favorite fighters, learn their techniques and showcase their talent. World-renowned Jiu-Jitsu instructor Rener Grace will also host four special mastery seminars.

2) Come face-to-face with some of the greatest athletes in sports today: Fans will meet UFC title holders Demetrious Johnson (flyweight), TJ Dillashaw (bantamweight), Anthony Pettis (lightweight), Johny Hendricks (welterweight) and Cain Velasquez (heavyweight) at the UFC Fan Expo during photograph, autograph and Q&A sessions. Later, at UFC 175 on July 5 at Mandalay Bay Events Center, fans will witness middleweight champion Chris Weidman take on former light heavyweight titleholder Lyoto Machida in the main event, and women’s bantamweight champion and Hollywood superstar Ronda Rousey battling Alexis Davis in the co-headliner.

3) Take a photo inside the Octagon with a championship belt: Fans will be able to experience what it feels like to be a champion as they step inside a full-sized Octagon and take a photo wearing an official championship belt.

4) An incredible lineup of talent and speakers: More than 50 UFC fighters, industry icons, Octagon Girls® and talent will participate in interactive Q&A sessions, sign autographs, take photos and meet fans.

5) Be a part of a live taping of UFC Tonight®: Live from the main stage at the UFC Fan Expo on Sun., July 6 will be a special edition of UFC Tonight, the official weekly news and information show of the UFC that airs on FOX Sports 1.

6) Nearly 2,000 athletes from 30 nations will compete in live amateur tournaments: Exceptional youth and adult wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu and grappling talent will be showcased during The Ultimates tournament at the UFC Fan Expo. Additionally, the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) will present the first ever World Championship in amateur MMA.

7) Watch THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER FINALE: TEAM EDGAR vs. TEAM PENN weigh-ins: The Ultimate Fighter Finale coaches and finalists will step on the scale on the main stage of the UFC Fan Expo for the official weigh-ins. The finale will take place on Sunday, July 6 at Mandalay Bay Events Center as coaches Frankie Edgar and B.J. Penn settle their score once and for all in the main event. Plus, four exciting finalists compete for a chance at a UFC contract. Along with UFC 175, this is the first-time ever that the UFC will host two huge fight cards in one weekend in the Fight Capital of the World, Las Vegas.

8 ) Enjoy main stage activities including Q&A sessions, special presentations, keynote addresses and more: Guest speakers will take the main stage at the UFC Fan Expo, including a keynote from UFC President Dana White. Other main stage events include award presentations, special partner announcements, exclusive first looks and, new this year, performances by Las Vegas show talent.

9) UFC Store will give fans a first look at new products, exclusive offers and contests: UFC Store will offer fans an exclusive first look at new UFC apparel, merchandise and featured collections including The Ultimate Fighter season 20 and Latin America outfits. There will be interactive displays for fans to Tweet their favorite outfits, win prizes and fans will have their choice of limited-time-only, unique product exclusives, making the UFC Store display a must-see stop. In addition to UFC Store, nearly 100 vendors will be on the exhibit floor for fans to purchase and experience some of the best sports and lifestyle products on the market today.

10) Experience all things UFC: From UFC GYM to UFC FIT, fans will have the opportunity to experience and interact with all things UFC. Fans will be able to play the newly launched EA SPORTS UFC videogame against fighters, get advice from UFC FIT Coach Mike Dolce, watch exclusive UFC FIGHT PASS videos, check out new features on the UFC Fan App, powered by MetroPCS, enjoy special Fight Club member offers, purchase UFC merchandise, and more!


To receive the latest news and updates on UFC Fan Expo, exclusive deals and discounts, training & development sessions and more, sign up for the official UFC Fan Expo newsletter (http://www.ufcfanexpo.com/newsletter) or follow @UFCFanExpo on Twitter.

[keithlewis]

MORE THAN 50 UFC STARS TO APPEAR AT UFC FAN EXPO IN LAS VEGAS JULY 5 & 6


Las Vegas, Nev. – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is excited to announce more than 50 UFC stars scheduled to appear at the 2014 UFC Fan Expo on Sat., July 5 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sun., July 6 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. PT at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

The largest gathering of the biggest names in mixed martial arts will come together under one roof for this special fan experience. Fans will have the opportunity to meet their favorite UFC stars, get autographs and photos, learn their techniques during training and development seminars and get insight from them during Q&A sessions. The UFC Fan Expo also features live amateur tournaments, the opportunity to purchase and experience some of the best sports and lifestyle products on the market today, special presentations and announcements on the main stage, photos with a championship belt and more unique experiences for fans.


UFC fighters, Hall of Famers and Octagon Girls scheduled to appear at the UFC Fan Expo include*:


Cain Velasquez, UFC heavyweight champion
Johny Hendricks, UFC welterweight champion
Anthony Pettis, UFC lightweight champion
TJ Dillashaw, UFC bantamweight champion
Demetrious Johnson, UFC flyweight champion


Stephan Bonnar, UFC Hall of Famer
Forrest Griffin, former UFC light heavyweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer
Matt Hughes, former UFC welterweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer
Chuck Liddell, former UFC light heavyweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer
Dan Severn, UFC Hall of Famer
Ken Shamrock, former UFC champion and UFC Hall of Famer


Georges St-Pierre, former UFC welterweight champion
Junior dos Santos, former UFC heavyweight champion
Rashad Evans, former UFC light heavyweight champion
Carlos Condit, former interim UFC welterweight champion
Dominick Cruz, former UFC bantamweight champion
Renan Barao, former UFC bantamweight champion
Jens Pulver, former UFC lightweight champion


Urijah Faber, UFC bantamweight
Daniel Cormier, UFC light heavyweight
Michael Bisping, UFC middleweight
Miesha Tate, UFC women’s bantamweight
Luke Rockhold, UFC middleweight
Joseph Benavidez, UFC flyweight
Ian McCall, UFC flyweight
Diego Sanchez, UFC lightweight
Chad Mendes, UFC featherweight
Joe Lauzon, UFC lightweight
Jake Ellenberger, UFC welterweight
Gilbert Melendez, UFC lightweight
Travis Browne, UFC heavyweight
Phil Davis, UFC light heavyweight
John Dodson, UFC flyweight
Ryan Bader, UFC light heavyweight
Tyron Woodley, UFC welterweight
Glover Teixeira, UFC light heavyweight
Cub Swanson, UFC featherweight
Jamie Varner, UFC lightweight
Brendan Schaub, UFC heavyweight
Dustin Poirier, UFC featherweight
Stipe Miocic, UFC heavyweight
Kelvin Gastelum, UFC welterweight
Francisco Rivera, UFC bantamweight
Ross Pearson, UFC lightweight
Raphael Assuncao, UFC bantamweight
Court McGee, UFC welterweight
Danny Castillo, UFC lightweight
Bobby Green, UFC lightweight
Chris Holdsworth, UFC bantamweight
Ed Herman, UFC middleweight
Anthony Njokuani, UFC lightweight
Luke Barnatt, UFC middleweight
Cat Zingano, UFC women’s bantamweight
Juliana Pena, UFC women’s bantamweight
Andrew Craig, UFC middleweight
Andre Fili, UFC featherweight
Josh Sampo, UFC flyweight
Chris Beal, UFC bantamweight


Jhenny Andrade, UFC Octagon Girl (Brazil)
Carly Baker, UFC Octagon Girl (UK & AU)
Chrissy Blair, UFC Octagon Girl (US)
Kahili Blundell, UFC Octagon Girl (UK & AU)
Arianny Celeste, UFC Octagon Girl (US)
Camila Oliveira, UFC Octagon Girl (Brazil)
Vanessa Hanson, UFC Octagon Girl (US)
Kristie McKeon, UFC Octagon Girl (UK & AU)
Brittney Palmer, UFC Octagon Girl (US)


*Fighters, Hall of Famers, Octagon Girls and personalities subject to change. Additional talent may be added in the coming days.


The UFC Fan Expo will also feature appearances by Best of PRIDE® host Kenda Perez, television personality Rachelle Leah, UFC commentator Chael Sonnen and Octagon announcer Bruce Buffer.

To receive the latest news and updates on UFC Fan Expo, exclusive deals and discounts, training & development sessions and more, sign up for the official UFC Fan Expo newsletter (www.ufcfanexpo.com/newsletter) or follow @UFCFanExpo on Twitter.

Tickets for the UFC Fan Expo are on sale now at www.ufcfanexpo.com. Tickets for Saturday, July 5 are priced at $45, while tickets for Sunday, July 6 are priced at $40. A two-day pass is also available and is priced at $60. Fans are encouraged to buy their tickets now and save, as ticket pricing will increase at the door.

[keithlewis]

'ULTIMATE GRAPPLER' SUPERFIGHT TOURNAMENTS HEADLINE GRAPPLERS QUEST at UFC FAN EXPO JULY 5-6 IN VEGAS


The Ultimate Fighting Championship is proud to announce the Official Superfight Tournaments for Grapplers Quest, the official grappling tournament at the UFC Fan Expo on Saturday and Sunday, July 5-6 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Amateur Competitors can Pre-Register, Save $21+ and get a limited edition competitor shirt until Wednesday, July 2nd at 11:59 PM http://bit.ly/UFCFanExpo2014 or register at the door with cash only (MAC machines on site).

The two-day tournament will feature All Children and Teens No-Gi and BJJ Divisions and All adult No-Gi submission grappling divisions for Adults 18+ and the first rounds of the 16-Man and 16-Woman LIVE "Ultimate Grappler" Submission Only Tournaments hosted over two days, with qualifying rounds of the tournaments on Saturday, July 5. Then, on Sunday, July 6, the tournament will feature all-adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Divisions as well as the LIVE "Ultimate Grappler" Finales of the Men's and Women's Submission Only Professional Divisions.

Special Glass Plaques for All No-Gi Absolute Division Winners, All Men's and Women's No-Gi Advanced Divisions, All Men's and Women's BJJ Black Belt Absolute divisions and No-Gi Advanced Children's and Teen's Divisions will be competing for the prestigious Glass Octagon Awards sponsored by "Meditate With Me" Book & Video Series at: http://KidsCanMeditate.com and Grapplers Quest Founder, Brian Cimins' Life Coaching Blog at: http://YourStrategyCoach.com

Huge custom Octagon medals and Full Color Certificates will be awarded for All divisions are sponsored by EZ Flex Sports Mats (http://EZFlexMats.com), The Official Mat Sponsor of Grapplers Quest plus OTM Fightshops and Built To Fight Industries at http://OnTheMat.com - the official pro tournament sponsor and official Grapplers Quest rashguard manufacturing company.

$40,000 in Competitor Registration Fees will also be up for Grabs for ALL UFC Fan Expo Champions

All division champions, amateur and professional, All Champions in All Skill Levels Grapplers Quest at UFC Fan Expo on July 5-6 in Las Vegas will win a FREE COMPETITOR Sponsorship ($150 value) for the Official 16th Annual U.S. Nationals of Grappling and Jiu Jitsu Presented on July 26, 2014 in Morristown, New Jersey. Pre-Register, Save $21, Plus Get a FREE T-Shirt, Register now at: http://bit.ly/UFCFanExpo2014

The Amateur UFC Fan Expo grappling tournament is limited to 1,500 competitor slots with nearly 1,100 slots already taken. Competitor pre-registrations end Wednesday, July 2nd at 11:59 PM PST - hurry and register today at: http://bit.ly/UFCFanExpo2014 and registrations will be available at the door.


OUR COMPETITORS RECEIVE:

* Full Access to the UFC Fan Expo both days ($50 value)
* Free Grapplers Quest at UFC Fan Expo Fighter T-Shirt ($40 value)
* Includes $21+ off at-the-door pricing
* Free Limited Edition Grapplers Quest Sticker
* Discount for Friends and Family to Join in YOUR GLORY!


Fighters can Pre-Register Online or At-The-Door, but Tournament Space is limited to 1,500 competitor slots so register today to guarantee your place in history at http://bit.ly/UFCFanExpo2014

Grapplers Quest Superfight Tournaments start on Saturday, July 5th at 10:30 AM at UFC Fan Expo nicknamed "The Ultimate Grappler Tournaments" will feature Special Rules developed by Brian Cimins featuring two 10 Minute Submission Only Rounds followed by a Six-minute Overtime, if necessary, using Grapplers Quest points. The Finals will be Submission Only with No Time Limit and the UFC Fan Expo will host the LIVE Finals for The Ultimate Grappler Tournaments on Sunday, July 6 starting at 10:30 AM in the Center Rings.


Men's "Ultimate Grappler" 175 lb. Tournament featuring:

1. Garry Tonon (America's #1 Grappler)

2. Vitor Henrique Silva Oliveira (#1 IBJJF Black Belt No-Gi Middleweight Champion)

3. Bill Cooper (Defending UFC Fan Expo Superfight Champion)

4. Ronaldo Candido (ATOS, IBJJF World Champion)

5. Arnaldo de Oliveira (ChekMat - IBJJF Champion)

6. Sean Roberts (Black Belt under Ralph Gracie)

7. Kyle Griffin (Robert Drysdale Jiu Jitsu)

8. Enrico Cocco (#1 Southeast RATED Grapplers Quest Champion)

9. Jake Sweeney (Xtreme Couture)

10. Nathan Orchard (Eddie Bravo Black belt)

11. Nathan Mendelsohn (OnTheMat.com)

12. Ross Daniel Keeping (Gracie Humaita Vegas)

13. Lance Glynn (Paragon Black Belt)

14. Joey Hauss (Jean Jacques Machado)

15. Damien Nitken (NAGA advanced division Champion)

16. Benji Silva (Dream Submission only Champion)



Alternates:

Erik Cruz (10th Planet Brown Belt)



16-Woman "Ultimate Grappler" Submission Only Under 145 lbs. Tournament featuring:

1. Nyjah Easton (IBJJF World Champion, Abu Dhabi Pro Champion, European Champion - Team Lloyd Irvin)

2. Amanda Leve (2-Time Grapplers Quest Beast of the East Champion)

3. Rachael Cummins (Pro MMA Fighter and Submission Specialist - Jason Manly)

4. Pati Fontes (Checkmat brown belt)

5. Illa Erickson (Punch Kick Grapple)

6. Chelsea Donnar Branbridge (Atos new* black Belt) (won Worlds 2014 brown belt)

7. Vivian Velez (Pan Am No-Gi champ)

8. Jennifer Perez (Easton Bjj)

9. Colleen Schneider (Ultimate Fighter competitor)

10. Gillian Silver (PGL 135 women's champion - Catch Wrestler)

11. Jessy Miele (International Martial Arts and Boxing Academy of Connecticut)

12.-16. PROS and ALTERNATES NEEDED: Send Resumes to: Director@Grapplers.com


"The new Grapplers Quest Submission Only Rules for the Superfights and the line-up will have every grappling fan on the edge of their seats. The two-day format will feature the largest crowd in grappling history!" an excited Brian Cimins, President of Grapplers Quest commented. The Superfight Tournaments are sponsored by Built To Fight Industries and http://OnTheMat.com

Tickets for the UFC Fan Expo are on sale NOW at http://bit.ly/UFCFanExpoTix

The UFC Fan Expo in July will feature more than 300,000 gross square feet of activities for UFC fans, including meet and greets and autograph sessions with top UFC and STRIKEFORCE® fighters, Q&A sessions with top UFC personalities, as well as grappling tournaments and other special events. More than 100 exhibitors will also be on hand, giving fans the opportunity to purchase and experience some of the best sports and lifestyle products on the market today. This marks the third UFC Fan Expo held in Las Vegas since its inception in 2009, with additional UFC Fan Expos being held in Boston, London, Toronto and Houston.

For more information on grappling and jiu jitsu tournaments and events worldwide hosted by Grapplers Quest® and to register online, visit: http://GrapplersQuest.com

For more information on UFC Fan Expo® and to purchase tickets, visit www.ufcfanexpo.com. To subscribe to the official UFC Fan Expo newsletter visit www.ufcfanexpo.com/newsletter. For companies interested in reserving space at this premier event, contact Brian Bernstein, Sales Executive at 203-840-5474 or email bbernstein@ufcfanexpo.com. Don't wait, space is limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.