Issue 127
April 2015
It’s crazy to think how much former WEC 135lb champion Brian Bowles’ life has changed over the last few years.
In 2009, the Athens, Georgia-based fighter shocked the world by knocking out then bantamweight king Miguel Torres to claim the division’s world title.
Fast forward six years and the same man is locked up and facing six felony charges, including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, methamphetamine and marijuana possession and possession of a schedule IV drug with intent to sell.
Police officers from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office went to the Bowles household on Stoner Road – yes, you read that correctly – in Arcade, Georgia to arrest a woman who was supposedly there.
However, when the officers arrived they found another woman, Rhomney Marie Moon, who also had an outstanding warrant. When the officers searched the house, they found the various items that led to Bowles and Moon being placed under arrest. Just another weird story from the world of mixed martial arts.
264
Japanese MMA promotion Pancrase held its 264th event on February 1st. TUF vet Nam Phan defeated Takayumi Nakayama via split decision in the main event.
Singapore, Asia: ONE Championship rebrand with title fight double-header
Singapore-based promotion One Championship (formerly One FC) is set to begin its 2015 schedule with a bang, after announcing back-to-back world title fights across South East Asia.
It was set to begin its year on March 13th with One Championship: Age of Champions at the Stadium Putra in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with flyweight champion Adriano Moraes making his first title defense against 12-2 Japanese star Asuka Mikami.
Then 170lb champion Ben Askren is due to headline One Championship: Valor of Champions against Luis Santos on April 24th at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
Moscow, Russia: UFC to broadcast on Russian state TV
The UFC will finally make its presence felt on Russian TV. The promotion announced a new deal with VGTRK (the All-Russia State Television & Radio Broadcasting Company). The deal – which started with UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Johnson – will see the national broadcaster screen every event on the UFC’s 2015 calendar on either Russia 2, Sport 1, Fight Club or Sportbox.ru.
“Russia is firmly on our target list as a focal point of MMA within Europe with a fantastic fan-base and great UFC fighters. VGTRK have an impressive background in sport across all of their outlets and their experience and knowledge is evident, we are thrilled to partner with them and look forward to satisfying demand for the UFC and propelling the sport within Russia together,” said David Allen, senior vice president and general manager of UFC EMEA.
1st
The UFC will visit Poland for the first time on April 11th, with MMA legend Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ making his return to the Octagon in Krakow in a rematch against Gabriel Gonzaga.
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