Costa Mesa, Calif. (July 5, 2011)–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.
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.
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.
