Monthly Archives: January 2025

Global Fight League Unveils Details For Friday’s Virtual Draft

The Global Fight League (GFL), the new team-based MMA organization launching in April 2025, today announced additional details for the first-ever GFL Virtual Draft, which will take place this Friday, January 24th, at 8 PM EST. Fans worldwide catch tune in to watch the selection LIVE on MMA GFL’s official platforms: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitch, plus the show will also air on the social channels of DAZN and PPV.com, the Triller TV app, and Rumble. The list of selection eligible athletes can be at www.mmagfl.com/athletes

Broadcast live from Van Wagner Studios in Phoenix, the GFL Draft will feature Founder and Commissioner Darren Owen with insights from renowned MMA analysts and personalities: Robin Black, Caroline Pearce, Alex Wendling, Mike Goldberg, and Brendan Schaub, all revealing selections for six inaugural teams—Dubai, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and São Paulo. There will also beinsights from team managers and coaches:

Dubai: Manager Cain Velasquez with Coach Javier Mendez
London: Manager Luke Barnatt with Coach Carl Prince
Los Angeles: Manager Wanderlei Silva with Coach Rafael Cordeiro
Miami: Manager Thiago Alves with Coach Conan Silveira
New York: Coach Ray Longo; Manager TBD
São Paulo: Manager Lyoto Machida with Coach Andre Pederneiras

The GFL enters Friday’s selection with over 420 athletes from 67 countries competing for 120 coveted roster spots, featuring a mix of MMA legends and rising stars such as Tyron Woodley, Paige VanZant, Anthony Pettis,Yoel Romero, Mauricio Rua, Ilima-Lei MacFarlane, Junior Dos Santos, Aspen Ladd and Marlon Moraes, who also serves as Head of the GFL Athlete Association. Athletes not selected in the draft will remain eligible for GFL competition in 2025, but will not be exclusively bound to competing in the inaugural season.

Additional details for the league will be available in the weeks following this Friday’s Draft Event.

Westchester Soccer Club Adds Three More Players For Their Inaugural Season in USL League One

Westchester Soccer Club today added three more players to their roster for their inaugural season in USL League One. The three, midfielders Bryan Vazquez and Andrew Jean-Baptiste and defender Joel Johnson, join a growing mix of veterans and young, athletic talent as WSC readies to officially open their first season on March 8 in Greenville, SC against Greenville Triumph SC with their home opener at The Stadium at Memorial Park against Rhode Island SC on April 27. All three contracts are subject to approval by the league.

‘One of the key elements of our club will be making sure we have both depth and experience, and our latest three signees continue to add to both areas for us,’ said Simon Baines, Sporting Director of WSC. “All three will fit well into the structure we are creating.”

The three newest players include:

Andrew Jean-Baptiste (Brooklyn, NY) joins Westchester SC with over a decade of professional and international experience, most recently as center-back for Valour FC. Baptiste starred at the University of Connecticut, earning 2011 Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year before being selected 8th overall by the Portland Timbers in the first round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. He played in MLS for Portland, Chivas USA, and the New York Red Bulls from 2012-2015, before heading abroad to join Swedish side Ettan Nyköpings BIS in 2016. In February 2019, Jean-Baptiste continued his European career until 2020, when he joined Canadian Premier League side Valour FC, where has played the past three seasons. Andrew has played internationally for both the Haitian National and US National teams in his career as well.

Joel Johnson Alajarín (Torrent, Valencia) is a right-back who spent the last eight seasons in USL League One, most recently for Charlotte Independence last season. Prior to his USL time, Johnson played on virtually every level of professional soccer in Spain, coming up through the club system of Valencia FC before joining Real Madrid C and then with Real Jaénand CD Buñol. He has also played internationally as a member of the Liberian National team since 2016.

Bryan Vazquez officially joins the professional ranks with the club having previously made one appearance as an amateur signing for FC Cincinnati 2 of MLS NEXT Pro during the 2024 season. The 18-year-old midfielder has previously made two appearances for the El Salvador U-20 Men’s National Team at the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship.

These are the newest additions to a roster that already include a strong group of Americans with USL experience, including: wing back Kemar Lawrence, fullback Samory Powder, midfielder Conor McGlynn and defender Stephen Payne and a trio of Dutch natives in midfielders Daniel Bouman, Dean Diego Guezen and striker Koen Blommestijn

The club will be announcing several more signings in the coming weeks, as they ready for their initial season this coming April. The full schedule is at https://www.westchestersc.com/

Global Fight League Unveils Six Inaugural Cities, Marquee Team Managers and Coaches, MMA Legends

The Global Fight League (GFL) is proud to announce the six cities that will serve as the foundation for its inaugural season, along with a roster of world-class team managers, coaches, and the next wave of notable draft eligible-athletes. The first-ever GFL Draft will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, and streamed live on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 8 pm EST. Details on where and how to watch will be announced in the coming days.

Six Inaugural Cities and Legendary Leadership

The inaugural GFL cities and their leadership teams represent a convergence of MMA’s past, present, and future:

Los Angeles: Known as a hub and home for world-class gyms and athletes, this city will be led by Manager Wanderlei Silva and Coach Rafael Cordeiro, a legendary duo synonymous with Brazilian MMA excellence.
New York: Home to the most sports fans in the world, New York embodies history and grit. Led by legendary Coach Ray Longo, renowned for training champions, the team’s manager will be announced soon.
Miami: Where cultural vibrancy meets fight tradition, Miami thrives under Manager Thiago Alves and Coach Conan Silveira, icons of Brazilian and American MMA with roots in the legendary American Top Team.
São Paulo: São Paulo embodies the rich heritage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Vale Tudo—the very foundations of modern MMA—guided by former champion Manager Lyoto Machida and legendary Coach André Pederneiras, who has shaped many of the sport’s most iconic athletes.
London: Europe’s combat sports capital, London combines tradition and innovation under the leadership of Manager Luke Barnatt and Coach Carl Prince, who bring local and international expertise.
Dubai: The rising fight capital of the world, Dubai brings global prestige to the league with Manager Cain Velasquez and Coach Javier Mendez, two legends with a proven track record of creating champions.

Deep, Talented, and Championship Caliber Athlete Draft Pool

The GFL Draft pool is stacked with talent, highlighting a blend of MMA legends and emerging stars. New confirmed names include:

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
Yoel Romero
Chad Mendes
Renan Barao
Douglas Lima
Ovince Saint Preux
Todd Duffee

Additional athletes will be revealed in the days leading up to the Draft, promising a competitive lineup that spans continents and showcases the league’s global reach.
Live Draft Event: January 24, 2025

The first-ever GFL Draft will take place live on January 24, 2025, setting the stage for an innovative team-based competition model in MMA. Managers and coaches will select athletes to represent their cities, creating rosters that blend veteran expertise with emerging talent.

“This league is built on respect for the sport’s history and a vision for its future,” said Darren Owen, GFL Commissioner. “Our cities, managers, and coaches reflect the very best of MMA, and our draft will kick off an unforgettable first season.”

Leading Sports Marketing Executive Eric Liebler Joins GSE Worldwide

GSE Worldwide today announced that leading sports marketing executive Eric Liebler is joining the world-renowned sports and entertainment marketing and management company to launch an industry leading brand consulting, talent procurement and experiential marketing practice area, as president of that group. Liebler will continue to collaborate with many of his longtime client partners in his new role at GSE Worldwide. As head of the new group, Liebler will focus on developing and activating strategic relationships between brands and sports and entertainment talent via experiential marketing.

Previously, Liebler served as president of G3 | ProCamps where he transformed an athlete youth camp-centric business model into a through-the-line experiential marketing agency. In this role, Liebler was embedded at the intersection of brands, talent, and experiential marketing activation to effectively engage a brand’s key internal and external stakeholders and deliver measurable business-building results.

Liebler brings to GSE his vast wealth of more than 25 years of experience in sports and entertainment marketing across the industry’s most visible properties – including the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Game, NCAA March Madness, The Masters and many more.

“As marketing to consumers evolves, we are on the verge of an unprecedented era in which corporations and brands will prioritize talent procurement and experiential marketing to effectively engage internal and external stakeholders,” said Liebler. “At GSE Worldwide, we are well positioned to be the innovation leader in this increasingly important and valuable sports and entertainment marketing sector, a primary reason why I made this strategic transition at this point in my career.”

“We’re looking to Eric to help grow our new Brand Consulting and Experiential Division and believe in his vision to do so as he has developed a reputation as one of the best in the business,” added Andrew Witlieb, President of GSE Worldwide. “We know that Eric will put his decades of experience to work, with his skills being a terrific fit alongside our existing talent practice.”

“Eric joining GSE furthers our ambitious growth plan as we diversify our company by broadening our service offering to both brands and talent. Building on our most recent expansion into corporate hospitality, property sales and activation, and enhancing our event management capabilities, GSE is executing on our aggressive strategy as a fully diversified, best-in-class agency.” remarked Michael Principe, CEO of GSE Worldwide. “We look forward with anticipation to continuing our exciting growth trajectory with a sustained and active presence in the market.”

360 Hoops is Coming to New Jersey as Iron Peak SportsPartners with Innovative Sports Experience

Renowned as Central Jersey’s premier destination for sports, fun, and healthy competition, Iron Peak Sports & Events is the ideal partner for 360 Hoops to debut its revolutionary new game in the state. With perfectly aligned missions, Iron Peak is excited to introduce 360 Hoops to the New Jersey community in 2025.

Played on a circular court, 360 Hoops reimagines traditional basketball with a dynamic twist. At its core is the patented 360 Hoop, a three-in-one design that lets players score on any of three baskets. The innovative 3v3v3 format sparks teamwork, strategy, and nonstop excitement. With adjustable hoop heights, every player can experience the thrill of a slam dunk, making the game exciting, accessible, and unforgettable for all.

“Partnering with 360 Hoops allows us to introduce an entirely new and exciting experience to our community and athletes in New Jersey,” said Gregg Wilke, Owner of Iron Peak Sports & Events. “The game is designed to be fun for players of all ages, and we can’t wait to see how it brings out the kid in everyone.”

On February 21, Iron Peak Sports & Events will host a Ribbon Cutting Open Gym to celebrate its exciting new partnership with 360 Hoops, offering the community a chance to experience the groundbreaking game firsthand. This free event, running from 6 PM to 8 PM, invites local athletes ages 8 and up, parents, coaches, and teachers to join in the fun, play, and be part of an unforgettable experience.

Two 360 Hoops tournaments are already scheduled for 2025. These two-day events will take place on July 26-27 and August 23-24, with each player guaranteed eight games throughout the tournaments. Plans are also underway to launch a 360 Hoops League in the fall, further expanding opportunities for players to engage with the innovative sport.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Iron Peak Sports & Events to bring 360 Hoops to New Jersey,” said Anthony Gomez, Co-Founder of 360 Hoops. “This partnership is a natural fit, as we share a commitment to creating unique, engaging sports experiences that not only bring people into a first-class facility, but also connect with the local community. We can’t wait to see how 360 Hoops will bring energy, excitement, and a sense of unity to athletes and families across the state.”

The game-changer of 360 Hoops? It reimagines how space is used. One traditional basketball court can now host up to five 360 Hoops courts, allowing 60 players to compete in the same area that typically fits just 10. With its portable design and focus on inclusivity, 360 Hoops is revolutionizing how sports complexes and communities engage with young athletes.

But the impact doesn’t stop there. Iron Peak Sports & Events and 360 Hoops have a bold vision to bring the 360 Hoops Experience to every elementary and middle school in the area. Starting in the fall of 2025, schools will have the opportunity to integrate 360 Hoops into their physical education and afterschool programs in two-week rotations. Additionally, each school can host an all-day fundraiser, benefiting the school or a chosen charity.

With this groundbreaking partnership in place, 360 Hoops is poised to expand into new markets across the United States, bringing this innovative experience to players everywhere.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring 360 Hoops to New Jersey and offer a whole new level of fun and excitement for kids in the area,” said Coach Shane Brey, Co-Founder of 360 Hoops. “This partnership with Iron Peak Sports & Events marks the start of something special. We can’t wait to see how it brings kids together, sparks their competitive spirit, and creates unforgettable moments. The future of 360 Hoops is bright with Iron Peak.”Iron Peak serves as a comprehensive destination for both sports clubs and community events. From high-level training opportunities to local competitions and family-friendly events, our facility is designed to cultivate a sense of belonging and connection among all who walk through our doors. Whether you’re competing, training, or enjoying the events, Iron Peak is where community and sports come together in an atmosphere of excitement and energy.

Global Fight League Unveils List of 60 Signed Women Athletes Ahead of Jan. 24 Draft, Inaugural Season

The Global Fight League (GFL), the new team-based MMA organization launching in April 2025, has announced its initial list of female athletes under contract and eligible for selection in its inaugural draft on January 24. Featuring 60 fighters and counting, the list includes athletes from 16 nations, including several world champions, all competing to make history in the first-ever co-ed, team-based MMA league.

“We are proud to be the first professional sports organization where men and women compete on the same teams and share revenue streams equally,” said Darren Owen, GFL Founder and Commissioner. “The incredible drawing power, athleticism, and competitiveness of the world’s best female fighters will be pivotal to our success. This groundbreaking approach represents a new era for MMA, where male and female athletes share equally in the league’s achievements.”

The GFL is pioneering a 50% event-specific revenue-sharing model that ensures athletes benefit directly from the league’s success, additionally included are athlete retirement and insurance funds. This revolutionary structure prioritizes fighters’ financial security and professional well-being, offering unprecedented profit-sharing opportunities to empower male and female athletes throughout their careers.

The initial list of draft eligible women under contract includes some of the most decorated and recognized names in combat sports, such as:

• Paige VanZant – Combat Sports Icon

• Julia Budd – Bellator Featherweight Champion

• Jessica Aguilar – WSOF Strawweight Champion

• Livinha Souza – Invicta FC Strawweight Champion

• Tonya Evinger – Invicta FC Bantamweight Champion

• Kalindra Faria – Titan FC Flyweight Champion

• Pannie Kianzad – Cage Warriors Bantamweight Champion

• Cynthia Calvillo – HEX Flyweight Champion

• Natalie Kuziutina – LFA Strawweight Champion & Olympic Bronze Medalist

The list of draft-eligible athletes is available at https://www.mmagfl.com/athletes

The GFL will launch with six teams representing major global markets across four continents. Competitions will span the globe, culminating in playoffs and a championship event, establishing the GFL as a premier experience for MMA athletes and fans worldwide.

In a major leadership acquisition, former UFC Champion Cain Velasquez has joined the GFL as a team manager. His first act of duty was signing his world renowned trainer, Javier Mendez, as head coach of his team. Mendez, the founder of the world-famous American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), has trained some of MMA’s greatest fighters, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Daniel Cormier.

With MMA’s undeniable global popularity, the GFL represents the next evolution of the sport, combining a team-based league model with an unwavering commitment to athlete equity. By fostering a new level of financial security and opportunity for fighters, the GFL is poised to set a new gold standard in professional sports.

Westchester Soccer Club Announces First Three International Signings For Their Inaugural Season in USL League One

Westchester Soccer Club today announced their first three international signees for their inaugural season in USL League One, Dutch natives Daniel Bouman, Dean Diego Guezen and Koen Blommestijn. The three join a growing core of young, established veterans as WSC readies to officially open their first season on March 8 in Greenville, SC against Greenville Triumph SC with their home opener at The Stadium at Memorial Park against Rhode Island SC on April 27. All three contracts are subject to approval by the league.

‘We continue to look for young, athletic professionals who will be able to play at the highest level in the system we are building, and these three…Daniel, Dean and Koen…are great fits for our plan,’ said Simon Baines, Sporting Director of WSC. “Their knowledge of the game and their level of professionalism will complement the players with USL experience we have already signed, and should fit well in what is quickly becoming a very talented roster.”

The three internationals include:

Central midfielder and former Australian youth international Daniel Bouman (Blaricum, The Netherlands), who brings significant experience from his time in Australia’s highest division, the A-league, as well as time spent in second league Greece and Australia’s NSW, where his club was crowned champions. Most notably, the FC Groningen youth product was a mainstay with Australia’s U23 side, registering 8 caps and 2 goals. Bouman holds both Australian and Dutch citizenship.

Midfielder Dean Diego Guezen (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) has logged professional seasons with Polish I liga club Zagłębie Sosnowiec, PEC Zwolle and TOP Oss and will be making his North American debut with Westchester SC. The 26 year old played in the youth departments of AFC, Ajax, ASV De Dijk and IVV before returning to AFC and subsequently moving to Feyenoord before beginning his professional career in 2020.

Striker Koen Blommestijn (Amstelveen, The Netherlands) Koen Blommestijn played in the youth teams of Legmeervogels , SV Argon , ASC Waterwijk and FC Almere before joining the amateur division of AFC Ajax in July 2019. He made his professional debut in February 2022 for FC Volendam, and has played professionally for Telstar, Quick Boys, and again last season for FC Volendam.