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.
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