The event has a special early start time and will broadcast LIVE starting at 5:00 p.m. MST on Spike. The preliminary card will be streamed LIVE and FREE on Spike.com starting at 4:00 p.m. MST. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at ComcastTix.com or by visiting the Santa Ana Star Center Box Office with tickets starting at just $25 dollars.

Askren comes to Albuquerque sporting a spotless 11-0 record and is regarded as one of the best welterweights in the world. The former US Olympian has continued to impress during his illustrious career with Bellator, and will be looking to add another title defense to his resume with a huge victory on July 31st from the Santa Ana Star Center.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back into that cage and putting on a show,” Askren said. “I feel like I’ve continued to mature and get better in every one of my fights, and July 31st should be no different. I don’t think Andrey has any ability to stop my wrestling and ground attack, so this will be another successful title defense.”

Only 22, Koreshkov had a 2012 to remember as the Russian knockout artist was 5-0 over the year, including a tournament run that featured victories over Jordan Smith, Marius Zaromskis and Lyman Good.

“I’ll be 110% ready for this fight,” Koreshkov said. “I’ll make sure that Askren’s tactics to put everybody in the audience to sleep won’t work this time. Instead, I’ll keep everybody entertained by putting him to sleep.”

After two devastating knockout victories on his way to the Bellator Welterweight Tournament Finals, Douglas Lima is ready to collect his second Tournament Championship with a victory over Ben “Killa B” Saunders July 31st. Originally schedule for March of 2013, Lima suffered a fractured hand that delayed the fight, but is fully healed and ready to capture his $100,000 prize and shot at the Bellator Welterweight Championship.

“It’s an honor to fight a fighter like Ben again,” Lima said. “With the time off I’ve been able to fully heal to 100% and like always, will be looking to finish the fight early.”

For Saunders, the South Florida native is looking to avenge his 2011 Tournament Finals loss to Lima with a signature finish and finally achieve the title shot that has since evaded him.

“Quite simply, it’s about damn time Douglas and I get back into the cage,” Saunders said. “July 31st can’t get here soon enough. Can’t wait.”

The night will also feature the return of fan favorite and top featherweight Patrico Pitbull, as the Brazilian striker will battle California native Rob “The Saint” Emerson. After suffering just the second loss in his dominating career to the hands of reigning Bellator Featherweight Champion Pat Curran, Pitbull is eager to get back to his winning ways.

“I’m very motivated to get back in the cage, and I feel that I still haven’t left totally removed myself from my fight with Curran, a lot of me is still in the fight,” Pitbull said. “But it’s gone now and I have a tough opponent ahead, I’ll be going stronger for this next challenge and doesn’t matter how tough my opponents will be I will be stronger than I was! It’s great to know I’m back.”

“Our first event in Albuquerque was a huge success,” Rebney said. “With a Welterweight Title fight, the conclusion of our Welterweight Tournament, and a stacked fight card top to bottom, we’re looking at another huge night of fights July 31st live on Spike.”

Here is the official word from FILA:

“The Congress confirmed the decision of the FILA Bureau for the elimination of Grappling and Amateur Mixed Martial Arts as recognized styles of wrestling under FILA management. Existing contracts for events, such as the upcoming World Championships in Canada, will be honored. However, FILA will not host events in these styles after this year. Pankration and Beach Wrestling will remain as non-Olympic styles of wrestling under FILA’s jurisdiction.

For the first time, FILA invited the media to attend and cover the FILA Congress. There were 94 media members from 43 outlets who were accredited for the event.”

The group has also set new rules for wrestling for their events:

FILA approved a new set of rules, which will be put in place immediately, starting with any competitions held on Sunday, May 19. There are some differences between Greco-Roman and freestyle, but there were many specific rule changes which affect both styles. They include:

Cumulative score for the entire bout
The structure of the match is for two three-minute periods
A takedown is worth two points, making it more valuable than a point for the pushout or a penalty point.
There is a difference in what a technical fall will be. In freestyle, it will be a difference of 10 points, while in Greco-Roman, it will be a difference of seven points.
There will be separation of returning athletes from the previous World Championships, although it has not yet been determined if it will be just the two top two athletes or as many as four athletes.

Additional rules were added in regards to passivity in matches. Will these new rules help wrestling get back into a good spot for the evolving Olympics?

With a division already boasting the likes of Ben Askren, Paul Daley, Douglas Lima, Ben Saunders, Andrey Koreshkov and Karl Amoussou, Matt Riddle knows he will be swimming in “Deep Waters” when he enters the Bellator Welterweight Tournament this Fall as Bellator has signed a long-term promotional agreement with the controversial Pennsylvania native.

Riddle joins Bellator coming off four straight victories with the UFC, but was recently released as he failed his post-fight drug test after his victory over Che Mills. Known for his strong wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu background along with a stifling takedown defense, Riddle is ready to challenge himself against the best in the world inside the Bellator cage.

“I had so many options after I left the UFC, but knowing that I was able to compete in a tournament against guys like Paul Daley, Ben Saunders, and Douglas Lima, signing with Bellator was an easy decision,” Riddle said. “This division is just so stacked, and being able to fight in a tournament makes it even better. Bellator is doing a lot of great things right now, and I want to be a part of it.”

Bellator CEO & Chairman Bjorn Rebney understands some of the risks involved with signing Riddle, but after discussions with Riddle, Rebney is confident the 27 year old welterweight is in the right place to impact the welterweight division.

“Matt’s got all the tools to be a force in our welterweight division,” Rebney said. “When I saw Matt get released from the UFC coming off 4 straight wins including his dominant win over Mills in February, we took notice. We both realize that Matt will have a target on his back for his past indiscretions. But having discussed it with him, I’m comfortable that he’s in the right place to enter the Bellator cage this fall in what will be the most loaded Bellator Welterweight Tournament in the promotions history.”

While Riddle isn’t looking too far ahead of himself, it’s clear there are a number of goals he’d like to accomplish on his way to a title shot.

“No questions asked, I want to win the next Bellator Welterweight Tournament, get my shot at the title and take my beautiful wife to the MTV Awards and meet Snoop Dogg,” Riddle remarked. “I’ve seen all the pictures of Bellator guys walking red carpets and it’s something I want to earn and be able to do. What could be better than that?”

Riddle’s journey to a Bellator Title shot and future red carpet appearances will begin this fall live on Spike.

A bantamweight (135 pounds) contest between emerging force Carson “Little Juggernaut” Beebe (13-2) of Schaumburg, Ill. and undefeated submission ace Joe Murphy (6-0) of Huntington Beach, Calif. has been added to the preliminary card as well, World Series of Fighting announced today.

“We are excited to add another pair of matchups to our preliminary card that will showcase a collection of the sport’s brightest up and coming athletes and future champions,” said World Series of Fighting President and six-time world kickboxing champion Ray Sefo. “Since we launched our promotion last year, World Series of Fighting has made a commitment to building a roster of its own stars, so fighting as many potential future stars at our live events is critical in order to ensure that these athletes gain the necessary competitive experience to take their careers to the next level.”

The 26-year-old Gruetzemacher has been on fire since 2009, winning his last 10 fights. He has defeated each of his last seven opponents by way of (T)KO or submission, including four consecutive (T)KO victories.

Likewise, Sanders has notched nine straight wins. The 33-year-old has finished his last three opponents – two by way of submission and the third via TKO.

Beebe, the 24-year-old younger brother of bantamweight submission specialist Chase Beebe, is looking to return to the win column after he dropped a unanimous decision to Rolando Velasco in his last effort on Nov. 15, 2012. Prior to that, Beebe had reeled off seven consecutive victories.

The 25-year-old Murphy has been unstoppable since he made his professional debut with a first round (2:01) submission (armbar) victory over Orlando Aspericueta on May 1, 2009. Five of Murphy’s six wins to date have come by way of submission, including his last bout, an April 14, 2012 matchup with Tyler Weathers that Murphy won by way of armbar in the second round (2:56).

Minakov enters the tournament undefeated at a perfect 10-0, including seven straight stoppage victories. Possessing a dominate ground game thanks to his extensive Sambo background and a developing striking arsenal, Minakov enters the tournament as one of the favorites and has his sights set on a Bellator World Title.

“I want everyone to know that I’m not here just to ‘take part’ in a Bellator Tournament, but to win it all and become a Bellator Champion.”

Minakov will have no easy test in the Semifinals of the Light Heavyweight Tournament as “The Monster” Ron Sparks returns to Bellator looking to punch his ticket to the Finals with a victory June 19th from WinStar World Casino. Sparks isn’t looking to play head games coming into this fight, and knows Minakov will be well aware of what the Louisville native is bringing to the table.

“Everyone knows I’m looking stand in that cage and throw bombs, no questions asked,” Sparks said. “I think the heavyweight tournament is going to be awesome. I am looking forward to it being a four-man tournament. It will give the fighters more opportunities to fight and I want my shot at the title.”

The other side of the bracket will feature fan-favorite and Bellator veteran Rich Hale as the Arizona native battles the imposing Brazilian Vinicius “Spartan” Queiroz. Hale burst onto the scene with inverted triangle win over Nick Fekete in 2011 and his continued his assent up the heavyweight ranks.

“I am really looking forward to the heavyweight tournament and my training has been going great,” Hale said. “I’ve been working hard and making adjustments to the game plan to come in and get the heavyweight belt.”

“This event is insanely stacked, and it’s the reason we are making this a jam packed three hour show,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “With a Lightweight Title fight, Mo, Babalu, War Machine and the start of our heavyweight tournament, this is going to be an amazing show start to finish on Spike.”

Following the event, Spike will air the premier of Fight Master: Bellator MMA, which features 32 of the best welterweight fighters on the planet as they compete for a spot in the Bellator MMA Tournament and a $100,000 prize.

Bellator MMA Main Card:

Bellator Lightweight Title Fight: Michael Chandler (11-0) vs. Dave Jansen (19-2)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament: King Mo Lawal (9-2) vs. Seth Petruzelli (14-7)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament: Renato “Babalu” Sobral (37-10) vs. Jacob Noe (11-2)

Bellator Heavyweight Tournament: Vinicius “Spartan” Queiroz (6-3) vs. Rich Hale (21-5)

Bellator Heavyweight Tournament: Vitaly Minakov (10-0) vs. Ron Sparks (8-1)

Welterweight Feature Fight: War Machine (12-4) vs. Blas Avena (8-6)

Bellator MMA Preliminary Card:

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Brandon Halsey (3-0) vs. Mike Brown (3-1)

Bantamweight Feature Fight: Justin McNally (1-1) vs. Steven Artoff (5-1)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Keith Miner (5-4) vs. Damon Jackson (4-0)

Bantamweight Feature Fight: Mike Maldonado (4-0) vs. Jason Sampson (10-1)

Catchweight Feature Fight: Brandon Girtz (8-2) vs. TBA (0-0)

Middleweight Feature Fight: Keith Berry (14-10) vs. Cortez Coleman (9-3)

The lineups for the United States and Russia for “The Rumble On The Rails” at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal in New York City on May 15 have been released.

Three of the world’s top powers, Iran, the United States and Russia will come together in solidarity in this historic wrestling event, which is a showcase competition as part of World Wrestling Month, declared by the international wrestling federation (FILA).

The competition will be held alongside the annual Beat the Streets Awards Gala, which will be held following the competition at Bryant Park Grill. A ticket will be required for both the competition and the Gala.

There will be two dual meets as part of this spectacular event. First, the USA will battle Iran in men’s freestyle wrestling at 3:30 p.m. Later, the USA takes on Russia in a match featuring all three Olympic styles at 6:00 p.m.

Team USA is all three styles is loaded, with a number of past Olympic and World medalists, as well as nine individual champions at the recent U.S. Open in Las Vegas, Nev.

In the men’s freestyle dual against Iran, the team is led by 2009 World bronze medalist and 2012 Olympian Tervel Dlagnev at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. Past U.S. World Team members competing against Iran are Obe Blanc at 55 kg/121 lbs., Reece Humphrey at 60 kg/132 lbs. and J.D. Bergman at 96 kg/211.5 lbs.

The five 2013 U.S. Open champions in the Iran dual are Blanc, Humphrey, Bergman, Kellen Russell at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. and Keith Gavin at 84 kg/185 lbs.

Rounding out the U.S. lineup is college wrestling superstar Kyle Dake at 74 kg/163 lbs. Dake became the first wrestler to win four NCAA Div. I titles in four different weight classes, competing for Cornell. He was also fourth at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

The men’s freestyle team against Russia is also high powered, led by 2012 Olympic champion and 2011 World champion Jordan Burroughs at 74 kg/163 lbs. and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Coleman Scott at 60 kg/132 lbs. Burroughs, who won his third U.S. Open title this year, has a 52-0 record on the Senior level in freestyle.

Also on the team is 2010 U.S. World Team member Brent Metcalf at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. The other two competitors are top college stars, two-time NCAA champion Logan Stieber at 60 kg/132 lbs. and NCAA champion David Taylor at 74 kg/163 lbs. Stieber is a past Junior World silver medalist.

The athletes on the USA men’s freestyle team were all top college stars, accumulating 17 NCAA titles earned by nine different wrestlers.

The U.S. Greco-Roman team will have three bouts against Russia. 2012 Olympian Ben Provisor will compete at 74 kg /163 lbs. Provisor was a 2013 U.S. Open champion, along with Jordan Holm at 84 kg/185 lbs. Talented young Kendrick Sanders at 66 kg/145.5 lbs, a U.S. Open runner-up, will also wrestle.

There is one women’s freestyle bout against Russia, and Team USA sends out 2012 World silver medalist Helen Maroulis at 55 kg. Maroulis was also a 2013 U.S. Open champion and was fifth at the 2011 World Championships.

Local stars include New York native Kyle Dake plus New Jersey natives Jordan Burroughs and Kellen Russell. Dake competed for Lansing High School, Burroughs for Winslow Township High School and Russell for Blair Academy.

Russia brings a talented team in all three styles. Leading the men’s freestyle team is by 2009 World silver medalist Rasul Dzhukaev at 74 kg/163 lbs. and three-time European champion Opan Sat at 60 kg/132 lbs. Competing at 74 kg/163 lbs. is Saba Khubezhty a 2011 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix champion, one of the world’s toughest tournaments.

The Russian Greco-Roman contingent includes 2010 World champion Ambako Vachadze at 74 kg/163 lbs. and 2010 Junior World silver medalist Asker Orshokdugov at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. The women’s freestyle athlete for Russia is 2008 Junior World silver medalist Irina Kisel at 55 kg/121 lbs.

Last week, the Iranian men’s freestyle lineup for the dual in New York, as well as a dual in Los Angeles on May 19, was announced. Included on the Iranian team is two-time World champion Mehdi Taghavi Kermani at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., 2012 Olympic bronze medalists Ehsan Lashgari at 84 kg/185 lbs. and Komeil Ghasemi at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. as well as 2011 World bronze medalist Hassan Rahimi at 55 kg/121 lbs.

Each year, the United States, Iran and Russia are among the world’s best wrestling nations. Since the IOC Executive Board recommendation that wrestling not be a core sport at the 2020 Olympic Games, these three nations have worked closely together to help support Olympic wrestling. Although their governments do not always agree, the wrestling leaders in these nations have a strong working relationship.

Those who wish to see this event or to participate in the Awards Gala must purchase a ticket in advance at www.beat-the-streets.org.

“THE RUMBLE ON THE RAILS”

USA VS. IRAN VS. RUSSIA

At Grand Central Terminal, New York, N.Y., May 15

UNITED STATES LINEUPS

U.S. men’s freestyle roster against Iran

55 kg/121 lbs. – Obe Blanc, Stillwater, Okla. (Titan Mercury WC/Cowboy-Titan Mercury RTC)

60 kg/132 lbs. – Reece Humphrey, Columbus, Ohio (New York AC/Ohio RTC)

66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Kellen Russell, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC/Michigan RTC)

74 kg/163 lbs. – Kyle Dake, Ithaca, N.Y. (New York AC/Finger Lakes WC)

84 kg/185 lbs. – Keith Gavin, Columbus, Ohio (Titan Mercury WC/Ohio RTC)

96 kg/211.5 lbs. – J.D. Bergman, Columbus, Ohio (New York AC/Ohio RTC)

120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Tervel Dlagnev, Columbus, Ohio (Sunkist Kids/Ohio RTC)

Team Leader – Mike Novogratz, New York, N.Y.

Coaches – National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Assistant National Freestyle Coach Bill Zadick, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Lou Rosselli, Columbus, Ohio; Mark Manning, Lincoln, Neb.

Medical: Dr. Fred Roberto, Atlanta, Ga., Dr. Dennis Cardone, New York, N.Y.; Jennifer Gibson, Colorado Springs, Colo.

U.S. men’s freestyle roster against Russia

60 kg/132 lbs. – Coleman Scott, Stillwater, Okla. (Titan Mercury WC/Cowboy-Titan Mercury RTC)

60 kg/132 lbs. – Logan Stieber, Monroeville, Ohio (New York AC/Ohio RTC)

66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Brent Metcalf, Iowa City, Iowa (New York AC)

74 kg/163 lbs. – Jordan Burroughs, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids/Nebraska RTC)

74 kg/163 lbs. – David Taylor, St. Paris, Ohio (Nittany Lion WC)

U.S. Greco-Roman roster against Russia

66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Kendrick Sanders, Homestead, Fla. (New York AC/USOEC)

74 kg /163 lbs. – Ben Provisor, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)

84 kg/185 lbs. – Jordan Holm, Minneapolis, Minn. (Minnesota Storm)

National Greco-Roman Coach – Steve Fraser, Colorado Springs, Colo.

U.S. women’s freestyle roster against Russia

55 kg/121 lbs. – Helen Maroulis, Rockville, Md. (New York AC)

National Women’s Coach – Terry Steiner, Colorado Springs, Colo.

RUSSIA LINEUPS

Men’s freestyle

60 kg/132 lbs. – Opan Sat

60 kg/132 lbs. – Artas Sanaa

66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Soslan Ramonov

74 kg/163 lbs. – Rasul Dzhukaev

74 kg/163 lbs. – Saba Khubetzhty

Greco-Roman

66 kg/145.5 lbs – Asker Orshokdugov

74 kg/163 lbs. – Ambako Vachadze

84 kg/185 lbs. – Evgeni Saleev

Women’s freestyle

55 kg/121 lbs. – Irina Kisel

IRAN LINEUP

Men’s freestyle

55 kg/121 lbs. – Hassan Rahimi

60 kg/132 lbs. – Masoud Esmailpour Jouybari

66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Mehdi Taghavi Kermani

74 kg/163 lbs. – Hassan Tahmasebi

84 kg/185 lbs. – Ehsan Lashgari

96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Hamed Tatari

120 kg/264.5 lbs. – Komeil Ghasemi

Coaches – GholamReza Mohammadi, Reza Leyegh, Mohammad Talaie, Ali Reza Rezaei

Technical Manager – Rasoul Khadem

Team Leader – Ali Bayat

Officials – Khatib Hojatollah, Ali Eftekhari, Ahmad Govari

Doctor – Sadegh Mahboubi

“RUMBLE ON THE RAILS” USA VS. IRAN VS. RUSSIA SCHEDULE

At New York, N.Y., May 15

3:30 p.m. – USA vs. Iran, at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal

5:00 p.m. – Beat the Streets youth exhibition matches at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal

6:00 p.m. – USA vs. Russia at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal

8:00 p.m. – Beat the Streets Awards Gala at Bryant Park Grill

Twenty-seven year-old martial arts fighting superstar Tyrone “King of the Ring” Spong (69-6-1 43 KOs) of Boca Raton, Fla. via Suriname will compete in the one-night, single-elimination GLORY 9 New York tournament featuring a lineup of the world’s top light heavyweight (209 pounds/95 kilograms) kickboxers, at Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center in New York City on Saturday, June 22, Glory Sports International (GSI) announced today.

“We are excited to enter Tyrone into this historic, first GLORY championship series event in the U.S. that will determine who is physically and mentally the top athlete in kickboxing’s light heavyweight division,” said Glory Sports International CEO Andrew Whitaker.

“Tyrone’s recent performances in the ring have distinguished him as one of the best and most powerful martial arts fighters in the world who can showcase our great sport at its highest level,” continued Whitaker, “so we look forward to seeing him compete against the other superstars who have been enlisted for action in the tournament.”

In his last GLORY start on March 23, Spong, a member of the vaunted Blackzilians fight squad that boasts the likes of fellow martial arts fighting greats Rashad Evans, Alistair Overeem and Vitor Belfort, triggered a changing of the guard in the ring at ExCel Arena in London, England, decimating Remy “The Flying Gentleman” Bonjasky, a three-time champion of the old K-1 series and one of kickboxing’s greatest athletes of all time, with a vicious right hook in the second round (2:02) of their highly-anticipated main event showdown.

The explosive KO marked Spong’s fifth consecutive kickboxing victory. One fight prior, on June 30, 2012, Spong toppled another icon of the sport and future Hall of Famer, Peter Aerts, scoring a thunderous KO on Aerts in the third round (2:10) of their matchup in Brussels, Belgium.

Since turning professional as a middleweight in 2003 and winning 12 fights that year, Spong, a former protégé of retired heavyweight kickboxing legend Ernesto Hoost, has since climbed his way to the top in four different weight divisions. He has faced and defeated a host of top-ranked rivals in addition to Bonjasky and Aerts, including Kaoklai Kaennorsing, Ray Sefo and Melvin Manhoef.

Also slated for battle in the star-studded, eight-man single-elimination tournament, are hard-hitting KO artist Brian Collette (19-1, 16 KOs) of Norfolk, Va.; developmental Road To GLORY USA light heavyweight tournament winner Dustin Jacoby (9-3, 7 KOs) of Arenzville, Illin.; four-time world champion Danyo Ilunga (51-4, 41 KOs) of Germany; Muay Thai sensation Filip Verlinden (40-9-1, 16 KOs) of Belgium; Aerts-protégé Mourad “The Silent Power” Bouzidi (75-20-2, 34 KOs) of Tunisia; world Muay Thai and Karate champion Steve McKinnon (42-5, 29 KOs) of Australia; and Michael Duut (38-3, 17 KOs) of The Netherlands.

The GLORY 9 New York light heavyweight tournament’s quarterfinal stage matchups will be announced soon.

In one of several Superfights also scheduled for the event, heavyweight superstar and former secret service agent Daniel “The Savage Samurai” Ghita (46-9, 35 KOs) of Romania will face Muay Thai champion Brice Guidon (28-8, 13 KOs) of France.

In other Superfight action, hard-hitting “Bazooka” Joseph Valtellini (8-1, 7 KOs) of Toronto, Ontario Canada will square off with fellow rising star Francois Ambang (9-2, 4 KOs) of Mechanicsville, Va. in a welterweight (170 pounds/77 kilograms) matchup.

Valtellini has earned six of his eight professional career victories in New York. Ambang emerged the winner of the development, eight-man, developmental Road To GLORY USA tournament, created to identify new talent and potential future champions for GLORY’s championship series, at New York City’s Capitale on March 22.

Phil Nurse protégé Brett Hlavacek (8-1, 3 KOs) of New York, N.Y., the runner-up in the developmental Road To GLORY USA tournament on March 22, will face three-time Muay Thai titlist Paul Marfort (10-5, 4 KOs) of Orlando, Fla. at welterweight.

Additional Superfights will be announced soon.

The inaugural season of Spike TV’s “Fight Master: Bellator MMA” brings together 32 of the best welterweight (170 lbs) fighters on the planet to compete for a spot in the Bellator MMA Tournament, the toughest tournament in sports, and a $100,000 prize. The series premieres on Wednesday, June 19 at 10:00 PM, ET/PT, featuring legends of the sport, Randy Couture, Greg Jackson, Frank Shamrock, and Joe Warren, as coaches.

From Salvador, Brazil to Newcastle, United Kingdom to Great Falls, MT, the 32 fighters have traveled from all corners of the globe to the bayou of New Orleans, and will live and train together in four camps led by the aforementioned legendary coaches. This series is much more than just a tournament, as it will capture the reality of the competitors and the grueling training regimen it takes to become a world-class MMA fighter.

The concept of “Fight Master: Bellator MMA” is unprecedented in that the fighters control their own destiny. They will choose which camp to train with and which opponent they want to fight next. The 32 fighters will partake in qualifying bouts over the first three episodes of the series. The finale will be telecast live on Spike with the winner moving on to an upcoming tournament. Bellator announcer Jimmy Smith will serve as host.

The inaugural “Fight Master: Bellator MMA” cast is comprised of the following:

Marcus Aurelio

Age: 26

Record: 6-2-0

Vancouver, British Columbia

Twitter: @barraozinho

Nick Barnes

Age: 22

Record: 5-0-0

San Diego, CA

Twitter: @Nick_phoenix170

Eric Bradley

Age: 31

Record: 5-1-0

Las Vegas, NV

Twitter: @ericbradleymma

Mike Bronzoulis

Age: 34

Record: 15-5-1

Houston, TX

Twitter: @thegreekmikeb

Frank Carrillo

Age: 29

Record: 6-3-0

Miami, FL

Twitter: @CarrilloMMA

Darryl Cobb

Age: 32

Record: 6-6-0

East St. Louis, IL

Twitter: @devistatdarryl

Christopher Curtis

Age: 25

Record: 7-2-0

Cincinnati, OH

Twitter: @TheActionman513

Evan Cutts

Age: 22

Record: 5-1-0

Dallas, TX

Twitter: @TheButcherCutts

Mike Dubois

Age: 30

Record: 3-0-0

Thomasville, GA

Twitter: @zombiemikemma

Tom Gallicchio

Age: 26

Record: 16-8-0

Howell, NJ

Twitter: @TomDaTank5

Ismael Gonzalez

Age: 32

Record: 11-10-0

Los Angeles, CA

Twitter: @Ismael_mma

Gareth Joseph

Age: 28

Record: 9-5-0

San Diego, CA

Twitter: @garethjoseph

Chris Lozano

Age: 30

Record: 9-3-0

Cleveland, OH

Twitter: @CLE_assassin

AJ Matthews

Age: 24

Record: 5-2-0

Carlsbad, CA

Twitter: @AJ_MMA

Rob Mills

Age: 35

Record: 8-2-0

Newcastle, United Kingdom

Twitter: @robmillsmma

Steve Montgomery

Age: 22

Record: 3-1-0

Florence, SC

Twitter: @WeaselSteve

Chip Moraza-Pollard

Age: 24

Record: 7-4-0

Plymouth, MA

Twitter: @chipthesurgeon

Brett Nakamura

Age: 30

Record: 6-1-0

Maui, HI

Jason Norwood

Age: 28

Record: 12-3-0

Fort Hood, TX

Twitter: @rightfight170

Dom O’Grady

Age: 31

Record: 15-5-1

Detroit, MI

Twitter: @Dom_OGrady

Jacob Ortiz

Age: 31

Record: 8-4-0

San Manuel, AZ

Twitter: @KobeTheStunna

Josh Quayhagen

Age: 26

Record: 6-1-0

Lake Charles, LA

Twitter: @JoshQuayhagen

Joe Riggs

Age: 30

Record: 39-14-0

Phoenix, AZ

Twitter: @DIESELRIGGSMMA

Eric Scallan

Age: 27

Record: 11-4-0

Lafayette, LA

Twitter: @EricScallan

Cristiano Souza

Age: 30

Record: 5-0-0

Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Twitter: @SouzaSoldierBoy

Brendan Tierney

Age: 37

Record: 10-5-0

Queens, NY

Twitter: @Tiny_Shorts

Bryan Travers

Age: 29

Record: 13-3-0

Bakersfield, CA

Twitter: @BryanTravers

Andy Uhrich

Age: 27

Record: 8-3-0

Gering, NE

Twitter: @stunneruhrich

Tim Welch

Age: 22

Record: 8-4-0

Great Falls, MT

Twitter: @TimWelchMT

Cole Williams

Age: 30

Record: 5-1-0

Darian, WI

Twitter: @havocole

Joe Williams

Age: 27

Record: 7-1-0

Tustin, CA

Twitter: @jawmma

Artenas Young

Age: 32

Record: 9-5-0

Houston, TX

Twitter: @MachineGunYoung

The series will delve into the fighters’ personal stories for a glimpse into the often arduous journey that led them to “Fight Master.” Viewers will get to know the man behind the fighter, and follow them on their quest for victory. Despite their wide variety of ethnic and economic backgrounds, these fighters all share the same goal – to learn from the sport’s finest trainers and earn a spot in the Bellator tournament.

Spike TV will telecast 10 one-hour episodes of “Fight Master: Bellator MMA.” Production begins in early February in Louisiana.

On the heels of her second-career Invicta Fighting Championships “Fight of the Night” performance, crowd-pleasing, prolific striker Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (5-3-1) of Pleasanton, Calif. has signed a new, multi-fight agreement with the women’s world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion and will drop from bantamweight (135 pounds) to flyweight (125 pounds) and challenge Jennifer Maia (7-2) of Curitiba, Brazil. at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City on Saturday, July 13.

The winner of the Invicta FC 6 matchup between Smith and Maia will be awarded a title shot against newly crowned Invicta FC World Flyweight Champion Barb Honchak (8-2) of Bettendorf, Iowa.

“We are excited to bring Leslie under the Invicta Fighting Championships umbrella for the long-term and to watch her compete in a new weight class that is becoming super competitive in our promotion,” said Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp. “Since we launched our live event series last year, Leslie has demonstrated incredible tenacity and athleticism by putting on some of the most memorable fights in our cage. She is a true warrior as is her opponent Jennifer Maia, so we are looking forward to an explosive matchup between two of the sport’s stars on what will be Invicta FC’s biggest fight card to date.”

The 30-year-old Smith engaged in an all-out war with former Strikeforce champion Sarah Kaufman at Invicta FC 5 at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City on April 5. Following the conclusion of the three-round contest that many believe Smith won, however, Kaufman was awarded a controversial, split decision, prompting widespread boos from the displeased, capacity crowd.

Smith also won “Fight of the Night” honors at the inaugural Invicta FC event on April 28, 2012, after slugging it out relentlessly with fellow striker Kaitlin Young for the duration of their three-round bantamweight bout. The fight was declared a majority draw, setting up a much-anticipated rematch at Invicta FC 3 on Oct. 6 that saw Smith take charge and finish Young with an onslaught of punches from mount position in the second round (2:19) of the matchup.

Maia, a 24-year-old submission specialist, notched her first victory in the Invicta FC cage with a stunning upset, unanimous decision win over superstar Zoila Frausto Gurgel on April 5. Recognized as one of Brazil’s quickest rising stars, Maia made quick work of each of her first four professional career opponents, scoring a first round TKO (punches) in her pro debut on Suelen Pinheiro Ribeiro in 2009, and submitting each of her next three opponents inside the first round.

In the main event of the stacked 13-bout card, ferocious KO artist and pound-for-pound sensation Cris Cyborg (11-1, 1 NC) of Curitiba, Brazil will face off with fellow superstar and submission ace Marloes Coenen (21-5) of The Netherlands in the first-ever Invicta FC world featherweight (145 pounds) championship bout.

The showdown between rivals Cyborg and Coenen marks a highly-anticipated rematch to their explosive, barnburner first fight in Sunrise, Fla. on Jan 30, 2010 in which Cyborg emerged victorious by way of TKO (punches) in the third and final scheduled round (3:40) of action

In the co-main event, reigning Invicta FC world strawweight (115 pounds) champion Carla “Cookie Monster” Esparza (9-2) of Redondo Beach, Calif. will put her title on the line against undefeated JEWELS champion Ayaka Hamasaki (9-0) of Tokyo, Japan.

The announcement comes in the wake of the withdrawal of Tyrone “King of the Ring” Spong (1-0) of Boca Raton, Fla. via Suriname from his scheduled light heavyweight (205 pounds) co-main event matchup with Angel “The Dream” DeAnda (11-2) of Oakdale, Calif. due to Spong’s inability to return from the Netherlands to his Boca Raton-based MMA training camp Blackzilians in time to prepare adequately for his second-career MMA-rules bout.

Additionally, a lightweight (155 pounds) contest between grappling wizards Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm (21-2) of Spokane, Wash. and Jacob Volkmann (15-4) of White Bear Lake, Minn. has been added to the event’s preliminary card.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to replace the original co-main event with a matchup between two of MMA’s fastest rising stars who are both on course to become future champions,” said World Series of Fighting President and six-time world kickboxing champion

Ray Sefo. “Losing Tyrone from this card is unfortunate, but our fighters need to prepare sufficiently to compete at this level, and we are certainly not going to take any shortcuts or try to rush a matchup if one or both fighters are not ready to compete. We will move forward and look forward to seeing Tyrone back in the World Series of Fighting cage very soon.”

A former oil industry laborer, the 26-year-old Steele, who is riding a four-fight win streak, found greater opportunity in the sport of MMA after discovering the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and hasn’t turned back since. On Nov. 3, he notched his greatest victory to date in his first start outside of Canada, a first round (4:52) TKO (knee and punches) of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Gregor Gracie at the inaugural World Series of Fighting event in Las Vegas.

Thus far, 7 of Steele’s 10 professional career victories have come by way of submission and 2 of the other 3 have come by way of TKO.

The 28-year-old Carl is a U.S. Army veteran who, likewise, found his calling in life in the world’s fastest growing sport after taking up Army Combatives. Of his 19 professional career victories to date, 14 have come by way of submission.

Against Steele, Carl will put a five-fight winning streak on the line. He earned his latest victory at the World Series of Fighting event on Nov. 3, submitting Ramico Blackmon with a rear-naked choke in the first round (2:11) of their matchup.

The 34-year-old Beerbohm, a former meth addict who discovered MMA while watching television from a prison sofa, later became an inspiration, taking up MMA training the same day he was released from incarceration. After just two amateur fights in which he stopped both of his opponents, Beerbohm made his professional debut in 2007 and ran to 15 consecutive victories over the course of the next three years.

Beerbohm, whose nickname originated as a result of the colorful fight shorts that his mother sews for him, holds notable wins over the likes of former Muay Thai champion and KO artist Duane “Bang” Ludwig, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro and former PRIDE star Marcus Aurelio.

Volkmann is a 32-year-old, three-time NCAA Division I All-American and former Big 10 Conference wrestling champion for University of Minnesota. Since turning pro in 2007, he has earned 7 of his 15 career victories by way of submission.

Volkmann boasts wins over fellow stars Danny Castillo, Bobby Voelker, Ronys Torres and Antonio McKee.

In the welterweight main event and long-awaited rematch, Jon Fitch (24-5) of Fort Wayne, Ind., will square off with fellow superstar Josh “The People’s Warrior” Burkman (25-9) of Salt Lake City, Utah.

The second meeting between the 35-year-old Fitch, a member of San Jose, Calif.-based Team AKA, and the 32-year-old Burkman, a winner of four consecutive fights, comes slightly more than seven years after Fitch submitted Burkman with a rear-naked choke in the second round (4:57) of their initial encounter that, coincidentally, also took place at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Also slated for battle on the four-bout TV card is heavyweight rising star and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Rolles Gracie (8-1) of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, who will face off with Dave Huckaba (21-4) of Sacramento, Calif.

Undefeated prospect Justin Gaethje (8-0) of Denver, Colo. will collide with Brian Cobb (20-7) of Bakersfield, Calif., in a lightweight contest.

In preliminary card action, battle-tested submission specialist John Gunderson (34-14) of Houston, Tex. will be pitted against Dan “The Upgrade” Lauzon (16-4) of Bridgewater, Mass. in another lightweight tilt. All 16 of Lauzon’s professional career victories have come by way of (T)KO or submission.

Fellow undefeated prospects Krasimir Mladenov (8-0) of Borica, Bulgaria and Kendrick Miree (5-0) of Atlanta, Ga., will square off at middleweight (185 pounds).

Additional preliminary card bouts will be announced soon.