Baker Intent on Stealing Weichel’s Spotlight at M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner

(PRESS RELEASE) -- NCAA Division I collegiate wrestler Beau ‘Blackjack’ Baker (8-4) is known for his lethal grappling ability, fast hands and iron chin. He’s faced high calibre competition throughout his career and he’s ready to take another shot at Europe’s leading MMA promotion’s ‘big show’; at M-1 Challenge: Bennett vs. Garner, Baker will face feared German submission and striking specialist Daniel Weichel (26-7) in a marquee lightweight (155 Lbs.) bout from The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California, LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, July 8 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast).

Seizing the opportunity to jump to the main card on M-1 Global’s SHOWTIME debut this past March, Baker had the tough task of attempting to hand undefeated, top-ranked European prospect Alexander ‘The Tiger’ Sarnavskiy his first loss; after a valiant effort, Baker was forced to capitulate after being caught in an inescapable rear-naked-choke in the second round. With the experience clocked, Baker returned to training at the MMA Institute in Harrisonburg, Virginia eager to improve his game.

A well-sized lightweight standing 5'9", Baker has had good success fighting up a division but prefers to leverage his natural advantages as a 155’er. A former NCAA Division I collegiate wrestler from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Baker made his successful professional MMA debut in 2007 and quickly went on a tear to win four in a row, three by way of crafty submissions; favouring to venture to the mat versus standing up, the 31 year old freestyle fighter still boasts a respectful 8-4 record as a pro with notable wins over Ran Weathers and Ron Foster.

Baker began wrestling at the age of 10 and went on to become a two-time State High School Champion. It wasn't until he and his younger brother Kyle, who is also a professional fighter, watched Bas Rutten’s collection of instructional DVDs that he learned many of the skills he would use throughout his fighting career. The two started in the basement where Baker went on to develop his self-trained abilities. After only three months of diligent ‘basement training’, ‘Blackjack’ took his first amateur fight and after a year on that circuit he made the decision to go pro. Four years later he and his brother have a 6,000 square foot gym with over 50 members and managed to win over 75% of the 100+ fights their athletes have competed in.

Holding a great deal of respect for European fighters, Baker feels those crossing the pond ‘bring a unique stand-up element to MMA... a different technique in how they throw hooks, turn their hands over and loop their punches in addition to melding the different styles together.” Respecting Weichel’s striking and ground game, Baker’s methodical and tactically aggressive fighting style needs to be leveraged throughout this tough fight. Baker’s wrestling and scrambling ability could prove to be a big asset if he uses this to take Weichel down and use his relentless ground and pound - but the true key to his victory is patience.

If Baker can impose his game plan and not get caught up in a striker’s battle, he could steal the spotlight with an incredible upset.

Tickets are priced at $75 for the front row and all other seats at $50 and can be purchased online at www.fightcluboc.com, or by calling Roy Englebrecht Promotions at (949) 760-3131.

Mauro Ranallo will call the action from ringside with Pat Miletich serving as analyst. The telecast will be produced by Chuck McKean and directed by Craig Farrell. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins, Jr.

With M-1 Challenge champions established in all five weight classes, a true contenders system will fuel events throughout 2011, driving M-1 Global’s growth as a leading brand in the US and international markets.

2011’s full slate of M-1 Challenge events held in the United States and Europe are primed to be mega-event spectaculars where Champions defend their titles and contenders jockey for position for a coveted shot at the gold. Feeding the contention system will be two Selection tournaments in 2011 with details being announced shortly.

For information on M-1 Global, go to the official M-1 website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go to the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.