BOGOTA, Colombia – Top Colombian MMA organization Empire MMA returns to action on Saturday, March 25, with “Empire MMA IV: Miranda vs. Vasquez.” Presented by Burger King Colombia, the event takes place at Coliseo de Quirigua and streams live on MIxedMartialArts.com beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
MMA personality Ben “The Bane” Davis returns to the broadcast booth to call the fights in English alongside MixedMartialArts.com editor-in-chief John Morgan. Meanwhile, nine-time Bellator MMA veteran Alejandra Lara leads the Spanish broadcast.
“This past year saw Empire MMA take great strides forward, including an incredible partnership with Burger King Colombia that has allowed us to expand our presence across the country and seek out the most talented fighters in South America,” Empire MMA managing partner Hector Castro stated. “Following a successful event in Medellin, we now return to Bogota to kick off our 2023 schedule, which will see us ascend to even greater heights.”
The Empire MMA IV main event features a flyweight headliner between two-time promotional veteran Juan Carlos “El Chiqui” Miranda (4-1) and fellow Colombian prospect Ronald “El Lobo” Vasquez (2-2). With four combined finishes counted among their six professional victories, the bout seems certain to produce fireworks.
Additional information and tickets are available through Empire MMA’s Facebook page and Instagram account.
“We’re proud of what we’ve already accomplished as an organization, but we are committed to providing Colombian athletes, as well as those throughout South America, with an opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage,” said Empire MMA president Fredy Serrano, a former Colombian Olympic wrestler and four-time UFC veteran. “We’re excited to help build a platform for the next generation of South American MMA stars.”
Empire MMA officials are also excited to announce the addition of new operating partner Mike Constantino to the executive team.
“Mike Constantino and I have years of history together, and his vast knowledge of all aspects of the MMA industry will provide a tremendous value to our efforts at Empire MMA,” Castro said. “Mike brings a wealth of insight and experience to our team and will certainly help us as we continue to expand out organization across Colombia and South America.”
Constantino has vast experience in all aspects of MMA as a trainer, sports agent and fight promoter.
In 2003, Constantino opened American Martial Arts in Whippany, N.J. and shortly after created AMA Fight Club – a world-renowned MMA fight team – serving as head trainer for multiple professional UFC fighters, as well as numerous regional MMA champions. In addition to being head trainer of AMA Fight Club, Constantino founded and served as CEO of MVC Sports Management, which went from a startup to boasting over 100 professional athletes, including 20 UFC fighters, under management, as well as representing multiple brands and handling their marketing efforts in the MMA industry.
As a trainer and manager, Constantino has worked with UFC champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Amanda Nunes, as well as WEC champion Jamie Varner, and several more homegrown UFC fighters, including Jim Miller, Dan Miller and Charlie Brenneman, among many others.
Constantino was an owner and president of Cage Fury Fighting Championships from 2014-2016, prior to it being acquired by Alliance MMA, becoming the first publicly traded MMA promotion on NASDAQ. In 2012, Constantino was inducted into the New Jersey Martial Arts Hall of Fame and received an award for being “Trainer of the Year,” along with being recognized by ESPN as one of the “top 10 MMA trainers in the world.”
“I really look forward to working with my partners on this new venture and putting a spotlight on the immense MMA talent that is in South America,” Constantino said.
