Knothe was originally set to fight in Shark Fights 17 against Ricco Rodriquez, but because of a misunderstanding, couldn’t make the agreed upon catch weight.  Knothe spent the next two hours cutting over twenty pounds, but the commission deemed it too dangerous for him to drop anymore weight.  Shark Fights executive Wes Nolen states, “This main event title shot against Bobby Lashley is the perfect opportunity to make it up to Karl for the misunderstanding at Shark Fights 17.”  Nolen went on to say, “I want to thank Bobby Lashley for all his patience.  After three opponent changes, it would have been very easy for Bobby to call off the fight, but he’s a true fighter that accepted any and all opponents we put in front of him.  He has never complained once and just continues to train hard.”
Shark Fights 21 will take place on Friday, November 11, 2011 at The Fair Park Coliseum in Lubbock, Texas and will be broadcast via tape delay on FUEL TV beginning December 23, 2011.  Doors Open at 6:00pm CST.  Fights start at 7pm CST.  Tickets for Shark Fights 21 are on sale now at www.selectaseatlubbock.com.  Tickets are priced at $20, $30, $40, $55, $65, $75, and $100.  For more information, or current Shark Fights news, please visit www.sharkfights.com or www.facebook.com/sharkfights.  Fight card subject to change.

Main Event:
-Bobby Lashley (6-1) vs Karl Knothe (17-5)

Co-Main Event:
-Tony Bonello (15-1-1) vs Dave Roberts (4-7)

Main Card:
-Cody Pfister (5-3) vs. Isais Martinez (6-3)
-Willie Parks (3-1) vs Anselmo Martinez (7-5)
-Gabe Vasquez (4-4) vs Zach Haney (3-5)

Preliminary Bout:
-Daniel Almeida (6-0) vs John King (2-2)
-Cody East (0-0) vs Adenilson Clementino (1-0)
-Matt Hobar (3-0) vs Donnie Frye (3-10)
-Jeremiah Castillo (3-13) vs Zavier Garcia (0-1)
-Brian Joseph (1-0) vs Marcus Baldivia (0-1)

About Shark Fight Promotions:

Texas based Shark Fight Promotions, founded in 2007, is an integrated entertainment and media company in the combat sports industry, committed to producing high quality fight events and effectively showcasing elite MMA talent. The company is engaged in the production, promotion, presentation and marketing of premier professional mixed martial arts fighting competitions. As an integrated entertainment and media company, Shark Fight Promotions is organized around three principal business activities: Live Event Promotions, Broadcast Television and Digital Media Production and Distribution, Sponsorship and Brand Licensing.  As Mixed Martial Arts continues its dominance as the fastest growing sport in the world, Shark Fights is poised to become one of the top fight promotions in the industry.

Shark Fight Promotions can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/SharkFights and via Twitter at twitter.com/SharkFights.
About FUEL TV 

FUEL TV is the only cable and satellite television network that features the exciting world of adrenaline and thrill-seeking sports and the stories that surround them. This new generation of sports provides a rich landscape of some of the most vibrant and action-packed television entertainment in the world. See why young adrenaline sports fans call FUEL TV the channel they never turn off. FUEL TV, part of FOX Sports Media Group, was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 30 million U.S. homes and can be accessed by broadband, mobile devices and other digital platforms such as iTunes®. FUEL TV programming is available in more than 50 countries around the world with 24/7 channels operating in Australia and Europe. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4-FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.

###

Media Contact for Shark Fights: 

George Meng

Media and Public Relations

818-333-3694

pr@sharkfp.com

LOS ANGELES, CA and AMARILLO, TX – FUEL TV (www.fuel.tv), Fox Sports Media Group’s dynamic entertainment and sports network for young males, and Texas-based mixed martial arts promotion company Shark Fights announces an expanded television agreement that adds six upcoming Shark Fights events in 2011, starting with Shark Fights 15 next month. Each fight event airs as a two-part series, creating a total of 12 hours of original Shark Fights mixed martial arts programming for FUEL TV’s Friday Fight Night programming block.

Shark Fights 15 features marquee fighters including UFC veteran Chris Camozzi, Strikeforce veteran Joey Villasenor, and many more. FUEL TV airs the event in prime time on June 17 and June 24 at 10:00PM ET/PT. The remaining events and air dates are to be announced. As part of its original agreement with the promoter, FUEL TV aired Shark Fights 13 on consecutive Fridays in April.

“We’re excited to have Shark Fights as part of our regular line up of fight programming on FUEL TV’s Friday Fight Nights,” says George Greenberg, FUEL TV GM. “These are great matches with exciting fighters who are putting it all on the line every time they enter the ring.”

“Everyone at Shark Fights is thrilled that our FUEL TV network debut was so well received,” says Shark Fight Promotions Executive Wes Nolen. “Now, with the launch of FUEL TV’s Friday Fight Night, Shark Fights fans have a destination for our programming. We’re all thrilled to be part of the growth of MMA on FUEL TV, and it’s truly an honor to be aligned with the FOX Sports Media Group family.”

Shark Fights is produced for FUEL TV by Bud Brutsman and his team at BCII. Brutsman and BCII are responsible for producing all the early King of the Cage pay-per-view programs, as well as bringing the first Pride Fighting Championships programming to the U.S. on DVD.

“By combining the production quality that BCII will provide with the effort and focus that FUEL TV is putting into Friday Fight Night, we have no doubt that FUEL TV and the Fox Sports family will take Shark Fights to the next level and put it on par with the best MMA promotions in the country,” says Nolen.

FUEL TV’s Friday Fight Night features epic “must see” fights every Friday night at 10:00PM ET/PT. For more information on Shark Fight Promotions, please log on to www.sharkfights.com. For more information on FUEL TV, please visit www.fuel.tv.

FUEL TV:

FUEL TV is the only cable and satellite television network that features the exciting world of adrenaline and thrill-seeking sports and the stories that surround them. This new generation of sports provides a rich landscape of some of the most vibrant and action-packed television entertainment in the world. See why young adrenaline sports fans call FUEL TV the channel they never turn off. FUEL TV, part of FOX Sports Media Group, was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 30 million U.S. homes and can be accessed by broadband, mobile devices and other digital platforms such as iTunes®. FUEL TV programming is available in more than 50 countries around the world with 24/7 channels operating in Australia and Europe. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4-FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.

FOX Sports Media Group

FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets under Chairman & CEO David Hill. Built with brands that are capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FSMG now includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 19 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus; FUEL TV; and Fox College Sports. In addition, FSMG also includes FOX Sports Interactive Media, which comprises FOXSports.com on MSN, whatifsports.com and scout.com, reaching over 27 million unique visitors monthly. Also included are Fox’s interests in joint-venture businesses FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network, FOX Sports Skybox restaurants and FOX Sports Grills.

Shark Fight Promotions:

Shark Fight Promotions, based out of Amarillo Texas, is an established, fast-rising fight promotion company, dedicated to driving the growth of mixed martial arts through the production of high quality MMA events and by effectively showcasing MMA fighters. The organization takes pride in putting the fans and fighters first; therefore they strive to make each Shark Fight event more exciting than the last. Executives within the organization are committed to producing impressive fight cards with extremely competitive match-ups. They are also passionate about their philanthropic endeavors. Shark Fight Promotions stays very involved in charity causes by partnering with, and contributing to, non-profit organizations in each city that hosts a Shark Fight Promotions event.

Shark Fights 15 Final Results

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After his recent X-1 middleweight title defenses over Kala Hose and Kalib Starnes, Vitale is ready for a big step up in competition – namely, he would like a rematch with current Strikeforce middleweight contender Jason “Mayhem” Miller or a fight with current Strikeforce world champion Nick Diaz. In fact, Vitale is ready to take on all challenges: “I would really like to take on all challengers at 170 and 185 pounds,” he said.

Having competed as high as 205 pounds, Vitale has decided to cut weight in order to compete in the middleweight and welterweight divisions. Vitale plans on coupling his brute strength with the speed of a 170 pounder: “I feel just as strong at 170 pounds as I did when I was 205lbs,” Vitale said.

Stars MMA, Vitale’s current management agency, is in negotiations with top MMA organizations in order to secure a multi-fight contract, which will allow him to pursue his goal of taking on elite fighters.

Niko Vitale is an experienced jiu-jitsu practitioner and wrestler who represents 808 Top Team, one of the toughest fight gyms in Hawaii. The pride of the Aloha State has appeared in major promotions such as the UFC, Strikeforce, International Fight League, King of the Cage, Rage in the Cage, SuperBrawl, and Icon Sport. With 29 wins to only nine losses, Vitale’s record is a testament of his talents as a mixed martial artist, and he has showcased these talents in matches against Robbie Lawler, recent Strikeforce middleweight title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Miller, MMA pioneer Jeremy Horn, Strikeforce/UFC veteran Trevor Prangley, and UFC veteran Frank Trigg. As a recognizable name in the sport, Vitale has gained this admiration through notable victories over UFC veteran Aaron Riley, former UFC middleweight champion Dave Menne, UFC middleweight contender Yushin Okami, 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Matt Lindland, and UFC veteran Kalib Starnes.

On March 20,2010, Vitale defeated Kalib Starnes via submission to become the X-1 Middleweight Champion. In September, Niko defended his middleweight title at X-1: Heroes, where he submitted Kala “Kolohe” Hose via Ezekiel choke.

For more information about Stars MMA or Niko Vitale please contact Stars MMA:

info@starsmma.com

415.421.6272 or 323.962.1800

23 Grant Avenue, 4th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94108

www.starsmma.com

Bio/Profile

Intro

Kulia i ka nu’u, strive for excellence, is a motto that Falaniko “Niko” Vitale models his life after. The pursuit of excellence occurs in all aspects of Vitale’s life, from being an attentive father to being a strategic submission and knockout practitioner in the cage. Vitale is a Hawaiian native, born and raised in Waipahu, Hawaii, and he is arguably one of the most revered Hawaiian fighters to date. The moniker, “The people’s champion,” expresses Vitale’s love for his community and Samoan heritage. This nickname also holds true because Vitale has expressed that he fights to make the lives of his family, friends, and community better off.

Personal Journey

Vitale learned at an early age that he excelled at sports, and he decided that it might be his ticket to success. While attending Waipahu High School, Vitale was part of the football, wrestling, and track teams. He excelled in wrestling, becoming an Oahu Interscholastic Association champ.

After high school, Vitale played football at Snow College in Utah for two years before returning to the islands. He returned home to attend the University of Hawaii, where he continued his football career for two more years. It’s important to mention that Brigham Young University, the University of Southern California, and the University of Kansas also recruited Vitale, but he decided to play for the University of Hawaii so his family would be able to witness his accomplishments. Vitale hoped to play professional football, but he was unsuccessful in his tryouts with the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and a couple of Canadian teams. Niko played arena football for the Hawaii Hammerheads and Islanders before discovering MMA.

Vitale was 22 years old by the time he started training jiu-jitsu in 1997. Due to his extensive wrestling background, he excelled in the sport. After only two ears of training, Vitale won his first fight by TKO, in 1999.

Life as a fighter

Niko Vitale is an experienced jiu-jitsu and wrestling practitioner, who represents 808 Top Team, one of the toughest fight gyms in Hawaii. Vitale has had an illustrious mixed martial arts career spanning well over a decade, and he has appeared in major promotions such as the UFC, Strikeforce, the Fight League, King of the Cage, Rage in the Cage, SuperBrawl, and Icon Sport. With 29 wins to only nine losses, Vitale’s record is a testament of his talents as a mixed martial artist.

Vitale has showcased these talents in matches against Elite XC and Icon Sport middleweight champion Robbie Lawler, recent Strikeforce middleweight title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Miller, MMA innovator Jeremy Horn, Strikeforce/UFC veteran Trevor Prangley, and UFC fighter Frank Trigg. As a recognizable name in the sport, Vitale has gained this admiration through notable victories over UFC veteran Aaron Riley, former UFC middleweight champion Dave Menne, UFC middleweight contender Yushin Okami, 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Matt Lindland, and UFC veteran Kalib Starnes. On March 20,2010, Vitale defeated Kalib Starnes via submission to become the X-1 middleweight champion. Recently, Vitale defended his middleweight title at X-1: Heroes, where he submitted Kala “Kolohe” Hose via Ezekiel choke.

Marketable Opportunities

With a million-dollar smile and great physique, it’s hard to envision that Vitale is a professional fighter. Being a professional athlete who is constantly in the limelight, Vitale has developed great communication skills. He has showcased his talents on a recent episode of Hawaii Five-0, entitled “Ko’olauloa.” He appeared in two scenes as one of the lead character’s bodyguards, and he anticipates several more cameos on Hawaii Five-O in the coming months. His demeanor, physical tributes, and experience truly make Niko Vitale a mass marketable athlete.

About STARS MMA
The Mixed Martial Arts division of the almost 30-year old San Francisco-based talent agency, STARS the Agency, STARS MMA is dedicated to advancing and preserving the sport of mixed martial arts through full agency servicing and leveraging the current commercial rise of mixed martial arts and its athletes into other mainstream opportunities.  STARS MMA seeks to provide MMA athletic talent inroads into television, film, commercial/print advertising and modeling prospects.

For more from STARS MMA, visit www.starsagency.com, or follow us on Twitter (@StarsMMA) and Facebook (facebook.com/StarsMMA).

About STARS the Agency
STARS the Agency, now celebrating over twenty years in business, is a full service talent agency located in the heart of downtown San Francisco.  STARS, which has consistently enjoyed the reputation as one of the largest, most successful and respected agencies in the world, provides a comprehensive list of services, representing men, women and children for on camera, voice-over and theatrical work and screenplay writers. The agency is state licensed, a member of the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) and franchised by the performers unions including American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), Actors Equity Association (AEA), Directors Gild of America (DGA) and Writers Guild of America (WGA). Although Screen Actors Guild (SAG) has not had a franchise agreement with agents since 2001, STARS continues to provide talent with opportunities to audition for and book SAG work.

STARS the Agency is recognized worldwide in Europe, Asia and Australia, providing numerous international opportunities for its talent.

Photo courtesy of Stars MMA

“He’s (Braga) a tough guy.  His record [16-1] speaks for itself.  I expect a tough fight, but I’ve been training harder than ever and I’m confident in my ability.  I’m ready,” said Crane.

Recognized as one of the world’s top jiu-jitsu players, Crane sports a decorated list of accomplishments, having been a three-time Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Champion, as well as owning a gold medal in the black belt division from the 2002 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Braga, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt holder, will be looking to get back on the winning track after suffering his first professional loss (round 2 – guillotine choke) at the hands of former TUF participant Gabe Ruediger this past August.  Prior to the loss, Braga had reeled-off a string of 16 straight victories dating back to 1994.

Crane sports an impressive record as well (12-4) and is well tested, having fought battles in the Ultimate Fighting Championship against the likes of Roger Huerta and Kurt Pellegrino.  He is also a former lightweight champion for both the King of the Cage and Ring of Fire fight promotions.

In addition to training and fighting professionally, Crane continues to instruct students at his Encino-based Legacy Mixed Martial Arts Academy, which he owns and operates alongside world-class jiu-jitsu instructor Romulo Barral.

Fight of Your Life Communications is the brainchild of Phil Lanides.  Growing up in church, Phil learned a tremendous amount about music, networking, promotion, and the importance of effective communications. At the age of 18, his official journey into the world of communications began at KNTV-11, the local NBC affiliate in the Silicon Valley. After 5 years of learning the media business, Phil took the next step, joining a PR and marketing firm specializing in the technology industry. From there, he worked with a theatre PR and marketing firm. After conversations with several important people in his life, along with much research and introspection, Phil combined his passion for music, sports, the church, and God into one endeavor, and started Fight of Your Life Communications.
For additional information, please visit www.fightofyourlife.com.