Pictures: Lion Fight 8

Scott Hirano was ringside at Lion Fight 8 to shoot all of the action of Lion Fight 8. The event was Lion Fights debut on national television as the event was broadcast live on AXS TV. It also featured the American debut of Muay Thai legend Yodsanklai Fairtex. You can check out a slide show of all of Scott's photos below.

Also make sure to go like Scott Hirano's official facebook page.

 Pro Fights

  

Amateur Fights

 

Lion Fight 8 Results and Recap: Yodsanklai Fairtex impressive in American debut

Lion Fight 8 was in full swing tonight at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The event was Lion Fight’s debut on AXS TV as well as the American debut of Muay Thai legend Yodsanklai Fairtex.

In the main event of the night Yodsanklai took on Gregory Choplin and although Choplin was able to hang tough to start the fight, Yodsanklai was able to break him down and score a knockout in the third round. Yodsanklai attacked with heavy kicks early to the head and body. In the second round it seemed Choplin was able to get into a grove moving well and landing solid kicks and punches of his own, but in the third round Yodsanklai took over. A right hook dropped Choplin and then after he recovered Yodsanklai pounced and put him down for good with a right to the head and a left to the body. Great way for Yodsanklai to follow up his KO of Kem Sitsongpeenong.

In the night’s co-main event Tiffany Van Soest and Alexis Rufus were in a tightly contested fight up until the fourth round. Rufus seemed to be getting the better of Van Soest in the clinch as she continuously worked knees and continued to push forward, but in a split second things were over. Van Soest rocked Rufus with a head kick and then dropped her with a right hand. Rufus was unable to beat the count and Van Soest walked away with an impressive knockout victory to remain undefeated.

Kevin Ross had a successful return after a year long layoff in which he went through surgery to repair his ACL. Ross was able to out point Chris Kwiatkowski for five rounds using solid boxing and leg kicks. Despite being out struck Kwiatkowski hung tough until the final bell. Good showing for Ross in his comeback fight.

Shane Campbell and Remy Bonnel fought for five hard rounds with Campbell walking away with a unanimous decision victory. Campbell pressed forward the entire fight using some solid boxing and leg kicks to take home the win. Campbell ended the fight with a nice spinning heel kick in what was a great performance by the man they call “Shaolin.”

Malaipet Sasiprapa defeated Vishnu Gulati in the second round with low kicks after it was clear that Gulati injured his shin after Malaipet checked one of his kicks. Malaipet immediately went on the attack and was able to force a referee stoppage after four knockdowns in the round.

In other action Vivian Leung out struck Kate McGray to take home a unanimous decision. Jason Andrada won his pro debut with an elbow knockout in the first round over Cody Moberly, and Josh Shepard won his pro debut by majority decision over Damien Earley.

Results:

Pro Fights
Yodsanklai Fairtex def. Gregory Choplin via KO at 2:40 of Rd. 3
Tiffany Van Soest def. Alexis Rufus via KO at 2:05 of Rd. 4
Kevin Ross def. Chris Kwiatkowski via Unanimous Decision
Shane Campbell def. Remy Bonnel via Unanimous Decision
Vivian Leung def. Kate McGray via Unanimous Decision
Malaipet Sasiprapa def. Vishnu Gulati via (T)KO (Leg Kicks) at 1:57 of Rd. 2
Jason Andrada def. Cody Moberly via KO (Elbow) at 2:59 of Rd. 1
Josh Shepard def. Damien Earley via Majority Decision

Amateur Fights
Nick Chasteen def. Jonathan Parsons via Unanimous Decision
Fanny Tommasino def. Jessica Rico via Unanimous Decision
Jason Caldwell def. Ron Cruz via Unanimous Decision
Chris Martin def. Tony Berceau via Unanimous Decision

Pictures: Lion Fight 8 weigh-ins

Scott Hirano was on hand to cover the weigh-ins for Lion Fight 8. The event will air live on AXS TV and will feature the American debut of Muay Thai legend Yodsanklai Fairtex as he takes on Gregory Choplin. The event will also feature an exciting women's bout between Tiffany Van Soest and Alexis Rufus as well as the return of Kevin Ross as he takes on Chris Kwiatkowski. It is a stacked fight card from top to bottom with some of the best in the world as well as some of the best young up and coming talent. All of the action goes down tommorrow at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Damien Earley talks upcoming fight with Josh Shepard at Lion Fight 8

Lion Fight 8 (@LFPLasVegas) is set to be a huge event with the promotions debut on AXS TV as well as the American debut at of Muay Thai legend Yodsanklai Fairtex. Also on the card will be a fight between Damien Earley (@Earley_Damien) and Josh Shepard, two of America’s young guns. Damien will be fighting in his second pro bout, first with full rules. Damien was kind enough to take some time from his training to answer a few questions for Muay Thai Authority about his upcoming fight.

MTA: Big fight coming up against Josh Shepard how has training for the fight been going?

Damien: Training has been going great I've been feeling real healthy even with this cold weather going on plus no injuries so it has been going just fine.

MTA: Where do you feel will hold an advantage in the fight?

Damien: I believe I’ll have the advantage in all the different aspects of the fight because I have the reach, flexibility, and the technical abilities in and out of the clinch.

MTA: You haven't fought since your pro debut in September. Is six months too long of a layoff for your liking?

Damien: Yes I would of love to have another fight between then but that is part of the game I just had to keep motivated and stay training no matter what!

MTA: You are going to be fighting in Josh Shepard's back yard; does that excite you or add any additional pressure?

Damien: Yes there is always a little added pressure when you fight in somebody’s home town but I am confident in myself and my abilities as a fighter to handle any added amount of pressure!

MTA: Can we get a prediction for the fight?

Damien: The fight will prob a hard grueling in side match because I know Josh Shepard is a powerful guy dropping down from 160 as an amateur to fight me at 156 pro so I’ll make sure to wear and tear on him and maybe get a stoppage by a cut or a knee.

MTA: For fans that haven't seen you fight before what can they expect from you come fight time?

Damien: For the fans that haven't seen fight before they will be entertained no matter what side they are on because I always come to fight win or lose it will be a war.

MTA: Any words for your supporters?

Damien: I would like to thank all the people just coming to support muay Thai in America because if it wasn't for fans like them I would not be able to do what I love for a living!

Pictures: Kate McGray trains for Lion Fight 8

Kate McGray will be fighting Vivian Leung at Lion Fight 8 on Friday, January 25th in Las Vegas. This event is stacked from top to bottom and will be live on AXS TV. Scott Hirano took some time to visit Kate McGray as she prepared for her fight against Vivian Leung.

To see more of Scott's great photography make sure to go check out his official facebook page and hit the like button at www.facebook.com/scotthiranofightphotography. 

Yodsanklai meet and greet set for Wednesday, Jan. 23rd

Lion Fight will host a meet and greet with Muay Thai legend Yodsanklai Fairtex on Wednesday January 23rd at 6:30 pm. The meet and greet will take placea at Fasi Sports in Las Vegas.

Yodsanklai will fight Gregory Choplin on January 25th at Lion Fight 8 in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The fight will be the first time the Muay Thai legend fights in the United States. The event will air live on AXS TV and will feature a stacked card with North American talent including Shane Campbell, Kevin Ross, Chris Kwiatkowski, and Tiffany Van Soest.  

Below if the full press release form Lion Fight with all the details. 

 

LION FIGHT HOSTS YODSANKLAI FAIRTEX

WORLD’S TOP RANKED MUAY THAI FIGHTER
MEDIA DAY AND MEET AND GREET

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23 at 6:30p.m. PT - FASI SPORTS IN LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS, NEV – All the way from Thailand,  YODSANKLAI FAIRTEX, one of the world’s greatest Muay Thai fighters, and a main event headliner of LION FIGHT 8 this Friday, will be available to the Media and the Public this  WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23 at 6:30 p.m. PT at FASI SPORTS. (Located Inside the Las Vegas Athletic Club at Lake Mead and Rainbow).

Yodsanklai will be available for interviews as well as signing autographs and photo-ops. He will also perform an open workout, all just two days before he fights Gregory Choplin at  LION FIGHT 8   LIVE on AXS TV  and inside the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

WHO:             LION FIGHT 8 HEADLINER YODSANKLAI FAIRTEX
WHAT:           OPEN WORKOUT AND MEDIA GREET *Interviews and Photo-Ops Available
WHERE:          FASI SPORTS – IN LAS VEGAS ATHLETIC CLUBAddress: Rainbow & Lake Mead - 1725 N. Rainbow, Las Vegas, NV 89108 

WHEN:         THIS WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23 – STARTS AT 6:30 P.M. PT

Tickets for the full rules Muay Thai event LION FIGHT 8 are on sale now available for purchase through the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino box office, at all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and online at  Ticketmaster.com.

For more information on Lion Fight Promotions, please visit  lionfightpromotions.com   and follow on Twitter @LFPLasVegas and Facebook at  Facebook.com/LionFightPromotions.

About Lion Fight Promotions
Lion Fight Promotions, LLC is a Muay Thai fight promotion based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded by Scott Kent, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer, the company's vision is to grow the sport of Muay Thai in America and increase its level of exposure and appreciation to the broad base of fight fans around the world. 

About AXS TV FightsAXS TV Fights is renowned for its universally recognized Friday Night Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing events. As Your Home For MMA, AXS TV utilizes an expansive network of promotions from the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia to broadcast more LIVE fights than any other television network.  "The Voice" Michael Schiavello and five-time MMA world-champion Pat Miletich provide viewers expert play-by-play, in depth fighter coverage and extensive analysis to each fight card. AXS TV broadcasts world-class LIVE fight events from Legacy Fighting Championship, Resurrection Fighting Alliance, XFC, Maximum Fighting Championship, BAMMA, The Score Fighting Series and It's Showtime every Friday night, at 7PM PT/10PM ET.

AXS TV Fights can be found online at  www.axs.tv, on Facebook  atwww.facebook.com/axstvfights   and on Twitter at  www.twitter.com/axstvfights.

Cody Moberly steps in to fight Jason Andrada on short notice at Lion Fight 8

Thiago Azeredo was scheduled to face Jason Andrada (@RidiculousJ702) at Lion Fight 8 (@LFPLasVegas) on January 25th, but was forced to withdraw from the bout after he did not pass his medicals. With only a week left until fight time Cody Moberly stepped up to replace Azeredo.

Andrada will be making his pro debut after and exciting amateur career, while Moberly will be competing in his second pro fight. Both fighters are aggressive and like to push foward so it should be an exciting fight from the start.

Lion Fight 8 will air live on AXS TV and feature the American debut of Muay Thai legend Yodsanklai Fairtex as he takes on Gregory Choplin in the main event.

Lion Fight 8 Fight Card:
Yodsanklai Fairtex vs. Gregory Choplin
Tiffany Van Soest vs. Alexis Rufus
Kevin Ross vs. Chris Kwiatkowski
Remy Bonnel vs. Shane Campbell
Malaipet vs. Vishnu Gulati
Vivian Leung vs. Kate McGray
Jason Andrada vs. Cody Moberly
Josh Shepard vs. Damien Early

3 bouts to keep your eye on at Lion Fight 8

Lion Fight 8 (@LFPLasVegas) will feature a fight card with eight pro bouts, the most since the promotion began in 2011. The event will feature the American debut of Yodsanklai Fairtex as he takes on Gregory Choplin. All of the fights on the card are great, but here are three that fans should keep their eye on come the 25th of January.

Kevin Ross (@DaSoulAssassin) vs. Chris Kwiatkowski
Kevin Ross has been out for over a year and will returning from knee surgery. Fans are anxious to see the return of Ross and if he will look like his old self when he gets back in the ring. Chris Kwiatkowski is being considered by many a warm up fight for Ross as he eases his way back into action. Kwiatkowski, however, stated in an interview MyMuayThai.com “I’m just coming in to rain on the parade.” If he is indeed able to defeat Ross it would really make things interesting and raise a lot of questions. Regardless of the outcome both fighters are exciting in the ring and this fight should prove to be full of fireworks.

Remy Bonnel vs. Shane Campbell (@ShaolinStyleMMA)

Remy Bonnel has not competed since his split decision loss to Chaz Mulkey at Lion Fight Promotions “Battle in the Desert 3” in August of 2011. Campbell returned to Muay Thai action in June after a few years of focusing on MMA and has gone 2-0 since returning. If Campbell can pull out the win there are various interesting match-ups that should follow within the North American 154-160lb weight class. If Bonnel pulls of the win then he is again back in the mix as one of the best active 154lb fighters based out of North America.

Josh Shepard vs. Damien Earley (@Earley_Damien)
Josh Shepard will be making his pro debut while Damien Earley will be fighting in his second pro bout. Both fighters have potential to be part of the next wave of North American talent to make an impact. Both fighters have exciting styles and this bout could easily end up being the fight of the night. Don’t be surprised if five years from now one or both of these fighters are considered two of the top North American fighters.

Jason Andrada talks upcoming pro debut at Lion Fight 8

Jason Andrada has made his name on the American amateur circuit by not only winning his fights, but being involved in highly entertaining bouts. On January 25th at Lion Fight 8 in Las Vegas he will be making his pro debut. Jason will be fighting Thiago Azeredo in about that is sure to be nothing but excitement from start to finish. Jason was kind enough to answer a few questions for Muay Thai Authority.

MTA: You have your pro debut against Thiago Azeredo at Lion Fight 8. What prompted you to turn pro?

Jason: Over 6yrs as an amateur having 26 fights I think it’s time to start my pro career and start getting paid for what I do. Plus a dozen people asking me after each fight when I am going to make the jump, the answer is now

MTA: How familiar are you Thiago, have you seen him fight?

Jason: I have never met this guy personally nor have I seen him fight. I believe his last fight was around early 2011. Really the only Sitan guys I know of are Rami, John Nofer (who I fought mid 2012) and Ahmed. But I know the Sitan gyms always come for a fight which is awesome!

MTA: What do you think will be your biggest adjustment you have to make now that you are fighting pro?

Jason: Probably the biggest adjustment turning pro would be the level of technique and experience with elbows. Now being able to fight with elbows and not just train them, kind of makes you focus more on the clinch game. The extra minute in the round shouldn’t be a big deal tho.

MTA: Has your training changed at all?

Jason: Yeah, I’m training more since I quit my 9-5. I figure I put so much into getting here I might as well go all out. Other than that I always work hard for each fight and Kru Jong (my trainer) always gets me ready

MTA: As an amateur you were always involved in exciting fights. Mentally how do you get yourself ready to go out there and make sure you entertain the crowd like you do?

Jason: Glad to know you think my fights are exciting. My main goal and what I think about is that I’m going to entertain the f**k outta you! From my training, teaching at the gym I work at (fight capital), choosing the walkout song, and the fight itself my goal is to hype the crowd. If it wasn’t for them we’d be out of a job also my second goal I to go for the fight of the night, but that’s really freaking tough with the awesome cards Scott and Christine put on.

MTA: What can fans expect to see from you in our pro debut?

Jason: An action packed fight, that’s what! I always come to put on a show, for my family, my girlfriend/friends, my gym, my team, and the fans!

MTA: You're big into food. What is the one food out indulge in after your fight?

Jason: I LOVE SUSHI! So it’s become a tradition to go to AYCE sushi after my fight with my girlfriend and friends. So if anyone wants to roll with hit me up! Then Ayce Brazil Steakhouse and Chicago style deep dish pizza will follow the next two days lol.

MTA: Any words for your supporters?

Jason: HELLA DO IT!!!

Lion Fight Promotions' Scott Kent talks TV deal and more

Lion Fight Promotions (@LFPLasVegas) made waves in late 2012 with the announcement that they signed a deal with AXS TV. Their January 25th event "Lion Fight 8" in Las Vegas will air live on AXS TV and feature a main event bout between Yodsanklai Fairtex and Gregory Choplin. Lion Fight Promotions' President Scott Kent (@ScottLFP) was kind enough to take time from his busy schedule to answer a few questions about Lion Fight Promotions television debut and more.

MTA: Big news recently from Lion Fight that they will now be live on AXS TV. How important was it for Lion Fights growth to get on television?

Scott: Securing a television deal was one of our primary goals when Christine and I first formed Lion Fight Promotions two years ago. We've seen our fights grow as more people are exposed to this amazing sport and we feel that our television deal with AXS will allow us to reach a broad national audience through their very successful Friday night fight series as well as expand our sponsorship partners. Our fights have been described as the "best kept secret in Las Vegas", now we can bring the secret to 38 million homes.

MTA: Since Lion Fight was founded a few promotions have come and gone and not many have been able to put on the caliber of fight card that Lion Fight does. How is it that Lion Fight has been able to continue to grow?

Scott: The fight business isn't easy and there is a reason many promotions come and go. Financially it's very difficult and a group starting out had better be prepared to lose money on several fights and consider all of the ancillary costs when you put together a pro forma for a series of fights. Although the events are amazing, Christine and I are working on putting the shows together for ten weeks prior to fights and it's a lot of work. For us it’s a labor of love and if you don't have that love and respect for the sport it would be easy to walk away.

MTA: As a promoter do you feel you need a fighter to be the face of your promotion, why or why not?

Scott: I think it's very risky to rely on one fighter to be the face of your promotion. We have always focused on established and rising American stars as the core of our promotion while we bring in the best international talent. That’s why we have signed Joe Schilling, Kevin Ross and Tiffany Van Soest and are looking at others. With the competitive nature of the "business" of fighting sports there are always competing promoters that try and lure your fighters away. Fortunately for us, our experience is that many of the fighters have learned the hard way that many of groups that have promised the moon have disappeared and we are still here and growing. We want fighters that are committed to Muay Thai and Lion Fight.

MTA: As a Muay Thai promotions how difficult is it to promote in a city (Las Vegas) that right now seems to be infatuated with MMA?

Scott: Actually, I think it works to our advantage because MMA fighters are some of our biggest fans. They all train in Muay Thai and have been very supportive of our fights. By having Jen Wenk, who worked for the UFC for 6 years handle our media relations she has access to all of the MMA media outlets that have also been very supportive of Lion Fight. By being a Las Vegas based company and in the absence of national media for Muay Thai we feel having MMA involved in what we are doing in the Fight Capital of the World makes perfect sense.

MTA: Do you feel Lion Fight is where you expected it to be when the promotion was launched two years ago?

Scott: Christine and I were just reflecting on that a bit. People told me we would never get a TV deal in less that 3-4 years, we did it in 2. That we wouldn't be able to attract major international fighters, we have. Muay Thai would be a difficult sell to the American public, we have a tremendous fan following that is growing daily and with our deal with AXS we feel Muay Thai will explode in the United States. So we are thrilled about Lion Fight and attention we have garnered. It this has always been about working in a sport we love and that we feel is the most exciting stand up fighting style in the world.

MTA: What do you see as the next step for the evolution of Lion Fight now that you are on TV?

Scott: We want to further brand Lion Fight as the preeminent Muay Thai promotion in the United States and continue to bring our fans the best fights. We also have more surprises for 2013 so follow our website for updates, LionFightPromotions.com.

Photo by Bennie Palmore (www.BenniePalmore.com)

"Lion Fight 8" fight card set with 8 pro bouts; Ross vs. Kwiatkowski, Bonnel vs. Campbell and Malaipet vs. Gulati all official

Lion Fight Promotions (@LFPLasVegas) has been on a tear as of late. First they announced that their January 25th event “Lion Fight 8” would be broadcast live on AXS TV, and then they announced their main even fight of Yodsanklai vs. Gregory Choplin. Now they have released their full fight card and it is a great card from top to bottom.

Aside from the previously confirmed bouts of Yodsanklai vs. Gregory Choplin and Tiffany Van Soest (@TiffTimeBomb) vs. Alexis Rufus, the previously rumored bout between Kevin Ross (@DaSoulAssassin) and Chris Kwiatkowski is now official.

Ross has not competed since October of 2011 when he fought Sagetdao Petchpayathai and will be looking to return to action against New York’s Kwiatkowski. The fight is expected to be the biggest of Kwiatkowski’s career, this past weekend he dropped a decision to Jose Palacios, but a win vs. Ross will definitely thrust him into the spotlight in the American Muay Thai scene.

Remy Bonnel will also be returning to action after nearly a year and a half off. Welcoming Bonnel back to action will be Shane Campbell (@ShaolinStyleMMA) who recently made a successful return to Muay Thai after taking a few years off to focus on MMA. This should be an exciting fight as Campbell’s aggressive style should force the very technical Bonnel into and exciting bout.

Also returning from a long hiatus is World Team USA fighter Vishnu Gulati who has not competed in over two years. Taking on Gulati is Malaipet Sasiprapa, who will be looking to continue his recent resurgence. Malaipet lost his last outing back in June by decision to Chike Lindsay, but will be looking to bounce back this weekend when he takes on Cesar Figueroa in Mexico.

The eight fight pro card will be rounded out with a female bout featuring Vivian Leung vs. Kate McGray and the pro debuts of two Las Vegas locals. Josh Shepard will be making his pro debut against Damien Early (@Early_Damien) and Jason Andrada will be making his pro debut against Thiago Azeredo.

Fight Card:
Yodsanklai Fairtex vs. Gregory Choplin
Tiffany Van Soest vs. Alexis Rufus
Kevin Ross vs. Chris Kwiatkowski
Remy Bonnel vs. Shane Campbell
Malaipet vs. Vishnu Gulati
Vivian Leung vs. Kate McGray
Jason Andrada vs. Thiago Azeredo

Josh Shepard vs. Damien Early

You can read the official press release from Lion Fight Promotions below.

LION FIGHT ANNOUNCES “LION FIGHT 8”
HISTORIC MUAY THAI EVENT PREMIERING ON AXS TV

LIVE AT THE JOINT IN THE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 - 10:00 P.M. ET
TICKETS ON SALE THROUGH TICKETMASTER STARTING DEC. 14

MAIN: YODSANKLAI FAIRTEX vs. GREGORY CHOPLIN
CO-MAIN: TIFFANY VAN SOEST vs. ALEXIS RUFUS
KEVIN ROSS vs. CHRIS KWIATKOWSKI
REMY BONNELL vs. SHANE CAMPBELL
MALAIPET vs. VISHNU GULATI
VIVIAN LEUNG vs. KATE MCGRAY
JASON ANDRADA vs. THIAGO AZEREDO
JOSH SHEPARD vs. DAMIEN EARLEY  

LAS VEGAS – Lion Fight Promotions today revealed Muay Thai’s first all-star event of the New Year with the announcement of its complete line-up of fights for “LION FIGHT 8.” This is the fight card making history for Lion Fight and the one stamping it as a national Muay Thai promotion as “LION FIGHT 8” premieres LIVE on AXS TV. The event will be held inside the world famous “The Joint” in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Friday, January 25th and will go live on AXS TV starting at 10:00 p.m. ET.

As previously announced on Inside MMA, the ‘Lion Fight 8’ main event will be a show-stopping stand-up collision between Thai legend Yodsanklai Fairtex and multiple Thai Champion Gregory Choplin. The co-main event will feature two of the fiercest female Muay Thai fighters with WBC Muay Thai Champion Tiffany Van Soest taking on Alexis Rufus.

“Christine Toledo has packed this Lion Fight card and it is going to give fight fans in this country and the 38 million viewers of AXS TV an introduction to Muay Thai - the most exciting stand up fighting style in the world,” said Scott Kent, Owner, Lion Fight Promotions. “Lion Fight has achieved another first for Muay Thai in America by bringing in some of the best international fighters along with the best fighters in the United States, such as Kevin Ross and Tiffany Van Soest. I appreciate Mark Cuban and Andrew Simon for making Lion Fight a part of their sports programming and look forward to a very successful night on Friday, January 25th!”

Tickets for Lion Fight’s full rules Muay Thai event LION FIGHT 8 will go on sale Friday, December 14 beginning at 12:00 p.m. PT. Tickets will be available for purchase through the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino box office, at all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and online at Ticketmaster.com.

This first televised Lion Fight Muay Thai event comprises a stacked undercard featuring the top talent of the stand-up world, including Las Vegas native Kevin Ross, who just signed a long-term contract with Lion Fight, as well as his East Coast opposite Chris Kwiatkowski, fighting out of New York City. Following are the bouts that will lead up to the co-main and main event action of LION FIGHT 8:

Kevin Ross (Dublin, CA by way of Las Vegas, NV) vs. Chris Kwiatkowski (NYC) -- 147 lbs
Remy Bonnel (Miami, FL) vs. Shane Campbell (Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA) -- 154 lbs
Malaipet (Fresno, CA) vs. Vishnu Gulati (San Francisco, CA) -- 147 lbs
Vivian Leung (Las Vegas, NV) vs. Kate McGray (Los Angeles, CA) -- 118 lbs
Jason Andrada (Las Vegas, NV) (PRO DEBUT) vs. Thiago Azeredo (Phoenix, AZ) -- 120 lbs
Josh Shepard (Las Vegas, NV) (PRO DEBUT) vs. Damien Earley (Phoenix, AZ) -- 156 lbs

For more information on Lion Fight Promotions, please visit lionfightpromotions.com and follow on Twitter @LFPLasVegas and Facebook at Facebook.com/LionFightPromotions.

About Lion Fight Promotions
Lion Fight Promotions, LLC is a Muay Thai fight promotion based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded by Scott Kent, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer, the company's vision is to grow the sport of Muay Thai in America and increase its level of exposure and appreciation to the broad base of fight fans around the world.

About AXS TV Fight
AXS TV Fights is renowned for its universally recognized Friday Night Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing events. As Your Home For MMA, AXS TV utilizes an expansive network of promotions from the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia to broadcast more LIVE fights than any other television network. "The Voice" Michael Schiavello and five-time MMA world-champion Pat Miletich provide viewers expert play-by-play, in depth fighter coverage and extensive analysis to each fight card. AXS TV broadcasts world-class LIVE fight events from Legacy Fighting Championship, Resurrection Fighting Alliance, XFC, Maximum Fighting Championship, BAMMA, The Score Fighting Series and It's Showtime every Friday night, at 7PM PT/10PM ET.

AXS TV Fights can be found online at www.axs.tv, on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/axstvfights and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/axstvfights.

For media inquiries please email pr@lionfightpromotions.com

Kevin Ross signs multi-fight deal, fight with Chris Kwiatkowski rumored for Lion Fight 8 on AXS TV

Lion Fight Promotions (@LFPLasVegas) has officially announced they have signed Kevin Ross (@DaSoulAssassin) to a multi-fight deal and that he will be fighting at "Lion Fight 8." Although no official announcment has been made by Lion Fight Promotions regarding his opponent, it is rumored that New York's Chris Kwiatkowski will be facing Ross in his return to the ring. 

The bout will air live on AXS TV and will serve as part of the main card of "Lion Fight 8,"  which will be headlined by Yodsanklai vs. Gregory Choplin. "Lion Fight 8" will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV on January 25, 2013.

Ross has not competed since October of 2011 and recently recovered from ACL surgery. His last fight was against highly regarded Thai champion Sagetdao Petchpayathai. Everyone will have their eyes on Ross to see if he looks like his old self when he steps into the ring on January 25th.

A long time staple of the east coast fight scene, Kwiatkowski will be looking to spoil the return of Ross as he makes his first appearance for Lion Fight Promotions. Currently Kwiatkowski is scheduled to fight Jose Palacios (@JEPalacios) this upcoming Friday at the Friday Night Fights season finale.

Current Fight Card:

Yodsanklai Fairtex vs. Gregory Choplin

Tiffany Van Soest vs. Alexis Rufus

Kevin Ross vs. Chris Kwiatkowski

You can read the official press release from Lion Fight Promotions regarding the signing of Kevin Ross below.

LION FIGHT SIGNS MUAY THAI CHAMPION KEVIN ROSS

LAS VEGAS – Adding yet another superstar to his growing roster of top-ranked Muay Thai athletes, Scott Kent, Owner of Lion Fight Promotions, today announced that he has signed Kevin Ross to a long-term multi-fight contract. The multiple-weight division Muay Thai champion now fights exclusively with Lion Fight, starting with “Lion Fight 8” the promotion’s next fight Friday, January 25, 2013, presented on AXS TV and live from Inside the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

“Kevin Ross, more than any other American, has sought out and fought the best Muay Thai fighters in the world, said Kent. “He has been an icon for Muay Thai in the U.S. for years and we are thrilled to have him on the Lion Fight team.”

Ross said, “I can not express how happy I am that I can finally return to Muay Thai after having ACL Surgery. This is the sport I love, and it is my life. My goal has always been to fight the best opponents, for the best promotions to help prove to the International Muay Thai community that Americans can fight the best in the world...and can be the best in the world. Lion Fight has offered me a home and a fantastic platform to continue to follow my passion, they are working towards getting our sport the exposure it deserves and are building something really special and I am very happy to do my part and help them build it."

Kevin "The Soul Assassin" Ross (38-9, with 12 KOs) fights out of Dublin, California. The 5’10” fighter is currently ranked 10th in the world by the WBC for Muay Thai in the Super-Lightweight Division (140 lbs, 63.503 kg). Among Kevin’s titles is the Super Light Weight (140 pounds) WBC International championship Title, the Welterweight (147 pounds) WBC USA National championship Title, the FIDAM Welterweight championship of Mexico and the United States Muay Thai Federation (USMF) Welterweight champion.

It was announced on AXS TV’s Inside MMA show Monday night that Lion Fight 8 will air live on its network Friday, January 25 and that Yodsanklai Fairtex will take on France’s Gregory Choplin as the headlining main event and that Tiffany Van Soest will face Alexis Rufus in the evening’s co-main event. (View the AXS TV Clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnqtLiwmAts&feature=youtu.be).

Ross joins Tiffany Van Soest as the second fighter to be signed to a long-term contract to Lion Fight, and the promotion is in the process of signing numerous other top-ranked Muay Thai fighters to the organization. Those announcements will be made public as soon as they are official.

For more information about Lion Fight, please visit http://www.lionfightpromotions.com and follow on Twitter @LFPLasVegas.

About Lion Fight Promotions
Lion Fight Promotions, LLC is a Muay Thai fight promotion based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded by Scott Kent, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer, the company's vision is to grow the sport of Muay Thai in America and increase its level of exposure and appreciation to the broad base of fight fans around the world.

Media inquiries please email pr@lionfightpromotions.com.

Yodsanklai vs. Gregory Choplin official for "Lion Fight 8" main event, Tiffany Van Soest vs. Alexis Rufus to serve as co-main event

Lion Fight Promotions (@LFPLasVegas) has announced that a fight between Muay Thai superstar Yodsanklai Fairtex and Gregory Choplin will serve as the main event at “Lion Fight 8.” The event which will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV on January 25, 2013 will air live on AXS TV. The night’s co-main event will feature a female bout between Tiffany Van Soest (@TiffTimeBomb) and Alexis Rufus (@AlexisRufus).

For Yodsanklai this bout will be his debut on American soil. He was originally expected to compete as part of the now defunct Muaythai Premier League, but an injury forced him to withdraw from the bout. Before making his American debut, Yodsanklai will fight Kem Sitsongpeenong in Thailand at the end of December. Gregory Choplin is currently riding a four fight win streak with his latest victory coming over Joseph Valtellini at Lion Fight 7 this past October.

Van Soest will look to continue her winning ways against Rufus. At Lion Fight 7, Van Soest defeated Jeri Sitzes by unanimous decision to win the WBC International Bantamweight Title. Rufus who hails from London, England is fresh off a unanimous decision victory this past Saturday at Smash Muay Thai 2 where she defeated Kate Stables.

Lion Fight 8 news expected to be announced on Inside MMA tonight

Last week it was announced that Lion Fight Promotions signed a deal with AXS TV and their January 25, 2013 event would air live. Today Inside MMA is expected to make an announcement about "Lion Fight 8". The official press release did not say specify what the announcement will be, but we expect it to revolve the main event for "Lion Fight 8". You can read the press release from Lion Fight below.
 

AXS TV TO BREAK ‘LION FIGHT 8’ NEWS

LIVE ON INSIDE MMA

WATCH AXS TV TONIGHT AT 8:00 P.M. ET

LAS VEGAS – Lion Fight Promotions shook the American Muay Thai world last week when it announced that ‘Lion Fight 8’ would be presented live on AXS TV, marking the organization’s live national television debut on Friday, January 25. Also, Lion Fight announced the signing of undefeated WBC Champion Tiffany Van Soest, making her the first female to be inked to a long-term, multi-fight contract. Tonight, Lion Fight is once again front and center as AXS TV will break news regarding ‘Lion Fight 8’ tonight on its sports program “Inside MMA” live starting at 8:00 p.m. ET.

“With the support of AXS TV, Lion Fight will be revealing news about ‘Lion Fight 8’ tonight live on Inside MMA,” said Scott Kent. “It’s incredible to have a national network behind us so that the whole country can find out everything that’s happening with Lion Fight Promotions. I look forward to working with AXS TV and Inside MMA and can’t wait for this next show January 25.”

Lion Fight 8 will present a full card line-up of Muay Thai fights including male and female competitions. Ticket information and more news for Lion Fight Promotions January 25, 2013 event taking place live at the Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will be announced soon.

About Inside MMA
Inside MMA is your LIVE opportunity to step inside the world of mixed martial arts and find out what it takes to be a champion. Hosts Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten are joined by the sport’s top fighters and news makers to discuss and analyze the latest in MMA. Plus event highlights, viewer mail, and Ron Kruck provides up to the minute news and features. Every Monday LIVE 8P ET.

About Lion Fight Promotions

Lion Fight Promotions, LLC is a Muay Thai fight promotion company based out of Las Vegas, Nevada USA. The ultimate goal of the company is to help the sport of Muay Thai expand in America and grow the level of exposure and appreciation throughout the country.

For more information on Lion Fight Promotions, please visit lionfightpromotions.com and follow on Twitter @LFPLasVegas and Facebook atFacebook.com/LionFightPromotions.

For media inquiries please email pr@lionfightpromotions.com.

Lion Fight 8 to air live on AXS TV on January 25, 2013

Lion Fight Muay Thai (@LFPLasVegas) has officially announced that they will make their national television debut on AXS TV with "Lion Fight 8" on January 25, 2013.

Lion Fight has been hard at work for the last two years promoting some of the best Muay Thai fight cards in the United States. They have featured some of the best American and international fighters on their events and have quickly built a solid brand. They have featured fighters such as Cosmo Alexandre, Simon Marcus, Matt Embree, Joe Schilling, Ky Hollenbeck, Kevin Ross, and Tiffany Van Soest to name a few. The fight card for Lion Fight 8 has yet to be announced.

AXS TV formerly HDNet, is available on satellite (Direct TV & Dishnetwork) and various cable providers. You can read the official press release form Lion Fight below.

LION FIGHT MUAY THAI DEBUTS ON NATIONAL TELEVISION WITH ‘LION FIGHT 8’ LIVE ON AXS TV

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 - 10:00 p.m. ET

LIVE FROM INSIDE THE JOINT
AT THE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS – After two years of presenting world class Muay Thai action featuring the most exciting stand up fighting in the sport, and featuring top-ranked talent from around the world, Lion Fight Promotions today announced that it will make its long-awaited LIVE television debut with ‘Lion Fight 8’ on AXS TV Friday, January 25 at 10:00 p.m. ET.

“I am so proud to announce today that the network that brought the tradition of Friday Night Fights back to the mainstream audience will now showcase Lion Fight Muay Thai in addition to its blend of mixed martial arts and kickboxing programming,” said Kent. “I am committed to growing this amazing stand up fighting style, with its rich history and culture, to an American audience and thanks to Mark Cuban and Andrew Simon, our live television debut on AXS TV brings us a giant step closer.”

"We are excited to introduce AXS TV Fight Fans to the stand-up artistry that is Lion Fight,” said Andrew Simon CEO of AXS TV Fights. “Lion Fight was once called ‘The Best Kept Secret of the Las Vegas Fight Scene,’ find out why on January 25th!"

Lion Fight 8 will present a full card line-up of professional fights including male and female competitions. All of the main card's professional Muay Thai fights will air live on AXS TV, culminating with a main and co-main attraction yet to be announced.

Ticket information and more news for Lion Fight Promotions January 25, 2013 event taking place live at the Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will be announced soon.

For more information on Lion Fight Promotions, please visit lionfightpromotions.com and follow on Twitter @LFPLasVegas and Facebook atFacebook.com/LionFightPromotions.
 
About Lion Fight Promotions
Lion Fight Promotions, LLC is a Muay Thai fight promotion company based out of Las Vegas, Nevada USA. The ultimate goal of the company is to help the sport of Muay Thai expand in America. Unfortunately, in many other parts of the world, the level of exposure and appreciation outnumbers that of what is represented in the U.S.

About AXS TV Fights

AXS TV Fights is renowned for its universally recognized Friday Night Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing events. As Your Home For MMA, AXS TV utilizes an expansive network of promotions from the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia to broadcast more LIVE fights than any other television network. "The Voice" Michael Schiavello and five-timeMMA world-champion Pat Miletich provide viewers expert play-by-play, in depth fighter coverage and extensive analysis to each fight card. AXS TV broadcasts world-class LIVE fight events from Legacy Fighting Championship, Titan Fighting Championship, XFC, Maximum Fighting Championship, BAMMA, The Score Fighting Series and It's Showtime every Friday night, at 7PM PT/10PM ET.

AXS TV Fights can be found online at www.axs.tv, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/axstvfights and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/axstvfights

For media inquiries please email pr@lionfightpromotions.com.