LAS VEGAS - The mixed martial arts organization World Series of Fighting entered the fastest growing sport in the world with a series of major announcements including a television agreement with NBC Sports Network, its debut event in Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, and that world class former bantamweight champion Miguel Angel Torres will be the headlining the main event of this historic night of fights on Saturday, Nov. 3 live on NBC Sports Network.
The premier World Series of Fighting live card will also feature Gregor Gracie (7-2) of the famed Gracie family vs. Tyson Steel (8-1), Ronys Torres (25-4) vs. Brian Cobb (19-7) and Josh Burkman (23-9) in a welterweight bout. Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante (16-6) will take on Las Vegas local John Gunderson (34-14) as part of the undercard with more matchups to be announced.
Ray Sefo, president of the World Series of Fighting delivered the news during a press conference at PH Live inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
"I'm excited and honored to announce that the World Series of Fighting has reached an agreement with NBC Sports Network, the official broadcaster of the 2012 Olympics, and that PH Live inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas will be the home of our first series of events," said Sefo. "Sitting with me here today is world class bantamweight Miguel Torres along with Gregor Gracie and Josh Burkman. I am pleased to confirm that they have signed with us, along with many other respected fighters in the sport, and that Torres will headline our premier live fight on NBC Sports Network Saturday, Nov. 3."
"Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is proud to host the first series of events for the World Series of Fighting," said Sean McBurney, vice president and assistant general manager of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. "PH Live is one of the premier performance hubs in Las Vegas, hosting numerous electrifying concerts, as well as special engagements such as MMA. We look forward to offering this exciting new event to our guests."
Miguel Angel Torres is a former MMA bantamweight champion and considered one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport. With a black belt under Carlson Gracie and a pro record of 40-5, with 39 wins by submission and 12 coming by TKO/KO, Torres is one of the toughest fighters in the division. He will fight any 135-pounder in the business and the World Series of Fighting will announce his opponent soon.
Gregor Gracie, a member of the family who founded MMA with their Gracie style of Jiu-Jitsu, also has signed with the World Series of Fighting. The 5'11" Brazilian will take on Canada's 6'0" Tyson Steele in a welterweight matchup as part of the main card. Also on the live card is 26-year old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion and black belt Ronys Torres vs. former lightweight champion and Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt Brian Cobb in a 155-pound contest.
Josh Burkman, a professional in the sport since 2003, has won five of his last six fights with back-to-back wins in his two most recent scraps. With his strength in wrestling, takes downs and submissions, the former college football player comes to the World Series of Fighting ready to face anyone in the welterweight division.
Sefo added, "We are officially in the fight business, and I am running the World Series of Fighting as a fighters and fans first MMA organization. In a special message to the MMA fans and the MMA community, we look for your support and to win you over by presenting high level, action-packed events in the sport we all have grown to love."
The World Series of Fighting event will air exclusively on NBC Sports Network Saturday, Nov. 3 starting at 10:30 p.m. ET.
