Welterweight World Title Fight Pits Askren vs. Lima At Bellator 64 from Caesars Windsor on April 6th
Feb 12, 2012 Comments
(PRESS RELEASE) -- Bellator 64 pre-fight press conference to take
place at 11 a.m. ET on Wed., Feb. 15 at Caesars Windsor, featuring
Bjorn Rebney, Ben Askren,
Douglas
Lima and Ontario’s Chris
Horodecki
CHICAGO, Ill. (February 8, 2012) — After a dominating run through the Season 5 Welterweight Tournament, Douglas Lima (@PhenomLima) is ready for the greatest test of his career when he battles reigning, undefeated Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren (@BenAskren) for a shot at the world title. The two will clash LIVE at Caesars Windsor in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on Friday, April 6. Tickets for this event go on sale at Noon ET on Saturday, February 18 and are available via CaesarsWindsor.com or by visiting Ticketmaster.ca. Tickets are priced from $30-$125 Canadian.
The event will broadcast starting at 8 p.m. ET on MTV2 and in
commercial-free HD on EPIX. Doors open to The Colosseum at 6 p.m.
ET, with the first fight entering the cage at 7 p.m. ET. The
preliminary card will be streamed LIVE and FREE around the world on
Spike.com starting at 7 p.m. CT.
After a split-decision victory over former UFC veteran and Season 4 Welterweight Tournament winner Jay Hieron, the undefeated Askren is well aware of what it takes to hold onto the welterweight strap. Already known as the best wrestler in Mixed Martial Arts, Askren, a former U.S. Olympian, has continued his stand up training with the legendary Duke Roufus and is well on his way to becoming one of the best welterweights in the sport.
Lima enters the fight looking to push his win streak into double digits as the Brazilian-born knockout artist is seeking to dethrone Askren as Bellator Welterweight Champion. The thought of becoming Champion has been the driving force for Lima since he signed with Bellator, and with the title just one win away, Lima has taken his focus and determination to the next level.
“There is no question Ben is a great fighter, and I’ve been focusing a lot of time on my wrestling,” Lima said. “This is the biggest fight of my career, and I’m preparing for it. It’s all I think about. Every day from the time I wake up, until the time my head hits the pillow, I’m thinking about April 6th and winning the title.”
Bellator 64 will also host the semifinals of the promotions Season 6 Featherweight Tournament. Marlon Sandro (@351marlon), Ronnie Mann (@RonnieMannMMA), Alexandre “Popo” Bezerra (@alexandre_popo) and Daniel Straus (@DanielStraus) headline one of the deepest tournaments in Bellator history and only add to a stacked night of fights.
In addition, the night will feature Ontario native and knockout artist Chris Horodecki (@chrishorodecki) taking on a soon to be named opponent. Still just 24, Horodecki (18-3-1) has the resume of a veteran mixed martial artist, including an impressive 12-fight win streak to begin his professional career.
“The support we have received in Canada has been nothing short of spectacular, so when we had the chance to bring Bellator to Windsor, it was an easy decision, “said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Ben Askren vs. Douglas Lima will showcase two of the best and brightest starts in the world at 170 lbs. The fans watching inside Caesars and the viewers catching the fights on MTV 2 and theScore are in for a great night.”
“In the tradition of Caesars entertainment, we are thrilled to bring another exciting fighting championship event to the Colosseum with Bellator 64,” Kevin Laforet, President and CEO of Caesars Windsor said. “We are proud to partner with Bellator Fighting Championships whose great reputation brings fans the best MMA fighters to the cage.”
Ticket purchases can be made through caesarswindsor.com or at the Box Office located in the main casino building on the second floor, open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 8 pm. On concert days, the Box Office is open noon until midnight. Guests must be 19 years of age or older to attend concerts and to enter the casino and all other outlets. Prices listed do not include applicable taxes and fees.
*The Bellator 64 pre-fight press conference will take place at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at Caesars Windsor. There will be a Q&A session, followed by one-on-ones as well as photo and video opportunities with Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney, Bellator Welterweight champion Ben Askren, Welterweight title challenger Douglas Lima and London, Ontario native Chris Horodecki.
What: The Bellator 64 Pre-fight press conference
Who: Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney, Bellator Welterweight champion Ben Askren, No. 1 contender Douglas Lima, London, Ontario native Chris Horodecki and Caesars Windsor President and CEO Kevin Laforet
When: Wednesday, February 15 at 11 a.m. ET (Media check-in will begin at 10:30 a.m. ET)
Where: The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, 377 Riverside Dr. E., Windsor ON, N9A 7H7
How: All media that wish to attend, please RSVP to Joe Fernandez at joe@bellator.com
Caesars-Windsor contact:
Jhoan Baluyot-Lucier Communications & PR Manager, Caesars Windsor
519.985.2896, 1.800.991.7777 ext. 22896
baluyotlucier@caesarswindsor.com
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator
About Bellator Fighting Championships
Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator, Latin for Warrior, is partnered with entertainment industry leaders Viacom and Fremantle Entertainment, and is the world’s leading tournament-based mixed martial arts organization. Bellator’s Founder, Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.
About MTV2
Available in approximately 80 million homes MTV2 is man's best friend. Since its launch in 1996, the network has reflected the subversive interests and behaviors of young men with a compelling and diverse programming line-up inspired by ordinary guys who do extraordinary things. MTV2 is part of Viacom Media Networks, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For more information, go to www.mtvpress.com or follow us on Twitter @MTVPress.
About EPIX
EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launched on October 30, 2009. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of its partners and other studios, EPIX provides a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up of new Hollywood titles, classic feature films, original series, music and comedy specials through the linear channel, video-on-demand and online at EpixHD.com, the leading online destination for movies.
EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry's most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available on EpixHD.com. The service is available to over 30 million homes nationwide through distribution partners including Charter Communications, Cox Communications, DISH Network, Mediacom Communications, NCTC, Suddenlink Communications and Verizon FiOS.
About Caesars Windsor:
Caesars Windsor is the largest casino resort in Canada and the first of its kind outside of the U.S. to be branded with this legendary, world-renowned name. Proud recipient of the CAA/AAA Four Diamond hotel award and the 2011 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence. Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its gourmet steakhouse, Neros. Voted “Overall Best Gaming Resort” for 11 consecutive years and “Best Overall Entertainment” by Casino Player Magazine. In 2011, the Colosseum was ranked Top 25 Worldwide Theatre Venus by Pollstar® for a second year. Follow Caesars Windsor on www.facebook.com/CaesarsWindsor and on Twitter @CaesarsWindsor.
CHICAGO, Ill. (February 8, 2012) — After a dominating run through the Season 5 Welterweight Tournament, Douglas Lima (@PhenomLima) is ready for the greatest test of his career when he battles reigning, undefeated Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren (@BenAskren) for a shot at the world title. The two will clash LIVE at Caesars Windsor in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on Friday, April 6. Tickets for this event go on sale at Noon ET on Saturday, February 18 and are available via CaesarsWindsor.com or by visiting Ticketmaster.ca. Tickets are priced from $30-$125 Canadian.
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After a split-decision victory over former UFC veteran and Season 4 Welterweight Tournament winner Jay Hieron, the undefeated Askren is well aware of what it takes to hold onto the welterweight strap. Already known as the best wrestler in Mixed Martial Arts, Askren, a former U.S. Olympian, has continued his stand up training with the legendary Duke Roufus and is well on his way to becoming one of the best welterweights in the sport.
“After my fight with Jay, I went back to work the following Monday
to continue my training,” Askren said. “I made no secret I wasn’t
happy with my performance in that fight, and now having spent over
six months training at Roufusport, I’m really confident in my
striking. Douglas is a great fighter, but I don’t think he’ll be
able to handle what I bring to the table.”
Lima enters the fight looking to push his win streak into double digits as the Brazilian-born knockout artist is seeking to dethrone Askren as Bellator Welterweight Champion. The thought of becoming Champion has been the driving force for Lima since he signed with Bellator, and with the title just one win away, Lima has taken his focus and determination to the next level.
“There is no question Ben is a great fighter, and I’ve been focusing a lot of time on my wrestling,” Lima said. “This is the biggest fight of my career, and I’m preparing for it. It’s all I think about. Every day from the time I wake up, until the time my head hits the pillow, I’m thinking about April 6th and winning the title.”
Bellator 64 will also host the semifinals of the promotions Season 6 Featherweight Tournament. Marlon Sandro (@351marlon), Ronnie Mann (@RonnieMannMMA), Alexandre “Popo” Bezerra (@alexandre_popo) and Daniel Straus (@DanielStraus) headline one of the deepest tournaments in Bellator history and only add to a stacked night of fights.
In addition, the night will feature Ontario native and knockout artist Chris Horodecki (@chrishorodecki) taking on a soon to be named opponent. Still just 24, Horodecki (18-3-1) has the resume of a veteran mixed martial artist, including an impressive 12-fight win streak to begin his professional career.
“The support we have received in Canada has been nothing short of spectacular, so when we had the chance to bring Bellator to Windsor, it was an easy decision, “said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Ben Askren vs. Douglas Lima will showcase two of the best and brightest starts in the world at 170 lbs. The fans watching inside Caesars and the viewers catching the fights on MTV 2 and theScore are in for a great night.”
“In the tradition of Caesars entertainment, we are thrilled to bring another exciting fighting championship event to the Colosseum with Bellator 64,” Kevin Laforet, President and CEO of Caesars Windsor said. “We are proud to partner with Bellator Fighting Championships whose great reputation brings fans the best MMA fighters to the cage.”
Ticket purchases can be made through caesarswindsor.com or at the Box Office located in the main casino building on the second floor, open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 8 pm. On concert days, the Box Office is open noon until midnight. Guests must be 19 years of age or older to attend concerts and to enter the casino and all other outlets. Prices listed do not include applicable taxes and fees.
*The Bellator 64 pre-fight press conference will take place at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at Caesars Windsor. There will be a Q&A session, followed by one-on-ones as well as photo and video opportunities with Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney, Bellator Welterweight champion Ben Askren, Welterweight title challenger Douglas Lima and London, Ontario native Chris Horodecki.
What: The Bellator 64 Pre-fight press conference
Who: Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney, Bellator Welterweight champion Ben Askren, No. 1 contender Douglas Lima, London, Ontario native Chris Horodecki and Caesars Windsor President and CEO Kevin Laforet
When: Wednesday, February 15 at 11 a.m. ET (Media check-in will begin at 10:30 a.m. ET)
Where: The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, 377 Riverside Dr. E., Windsor ON, N9A 7H7
How: All media that wish to attend, please RSVP to Joe Fernandez at joe@bellator.com
Caesars-Windsor contact:
Jhoan Baluyot-Lucier Communications & PR Manager, Caesars Windsor
519.985.2896, 1.800.991.7777 ext. 22896
baluyotlucier@caesarswindsor.com
For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator
About Bellator Fighting Championships
Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago. Bellator, Latin for Warrior, is partnered with entertainment industry leaders Viacom and Fremantle Entertainment, and is the world’s leading tournament-based mixed martial arts organization. Bellator’s Founder, Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes. Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.
About MTV2
Available in approximately 80 million homes MTV2 is man's best friend. Since its launch in 1996, the network has reflected the subversive interests and behaviors of young men with a compelling and diverse programming line-up inspired by ordinary guys who do extraordinary things. MTV2 is part of Viacom Media Networks, one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For more information, go to www.mtvpress.com or follow us on Twitter @MTVPress.
About EPIX
EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launched on October 30, 2009. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of its partners and other studios, EPIX provides a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up of new Hollywood titles, classic feature films, original series, music and comedy specials through the linear channel, video-on-demand and online at EpixHD.com, the leading online destination for movies.
EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry's most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available on EpixHD.com. The service is available to over 30 million homes nationwide through distribution partners including Charter Communications, Cox Communications, DISH Network, Mediacom Communications, NCTC, Suddenlink Communications and Verizon FiOS.
About Caesars Windsor:
Caesars Windsor is the largest casino resort in Canada and the first of its kind outside of the U.S. to be branded with this legendary, world-renowned name. Proud recipient of the CAA/AAA Four Diamond hotel award and the 2011 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence. Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its gourmet steakhouse, Neros. Voted “Overall Best Gaming Resort” for 11 consecutive years and “Best Overall Entertainment” by Casino Player Magazine. In 2011, the Colosseum was ranked Top 25 Worldwide Theatre Venus by Pollstar® for a second year. Follow Caesars Windsor on www.facebook.com/CaesarsWindsor and on Twitter @CaesarsWindsor.
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