World Series of Fighting's Derrick Mehmen honored with 2013 Bazzie Award

(PRESS RELEASE) -- LAS VEGAS, World Series of Fighting heavyweight Derrick Mehmen provided one of the most memorable knockouts of the year with his stunning finish of Rolles Gracie, and the "Caveman" was awarded a 2013 Bazzie Award for his effort.

Mehmen's one-punch knockout of Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert Rolles Gracie, who was 8-1 entering the fight, was named the "KO Punch of the Year" at this past weekend's Bazzie Awards, presented by Kenny Rice and MMA legend Bas Rutten on AXS TV's weekly MMA news series "Inside MMA."

"Thank you 'Inside MMA' for 'KO Punch of the Year,'" Mehmen said on the show. "I'd also like to thank my management team, KO Dynasty, American Top Team and Hard Drive Mixed Martial Arts and all my training partners and family and especially all the fans for tuning in and watching my 'KO Punch of the Year. Look for me in 2014."

The 28-year-old Mehmen made his World Series of Fighting debut in September at World Series of Fighting 5, where he leveled Gracie with a massive right hand. The power of the blow spun Gracie around before he fell face-first into the canvas in a shocking scene.

Mehmen (16-5) returns to action on Jan. 18, where he meets Scott "The Bear" Barrett (13-3) at "World Series of Fighting 8: Gaethje vs. Gonzalez," which takes place at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. The evening's main card airs on NBCSN following preliminary bouts that stream on World Series of Fighting's official website, WSOF.com.

Additionally, World Series of Fighting partner Pancrase, a Tokyo-based promotion with 20 years of experience, was also honored at the 2013 Bazzie Awards.

Takuya Eizumi's slick rolling armbar finish of Teppei Masuda was named the 2013 Bazzie Awards' "Submission of the Year." The matchup took place at July's "Pancrase 250: 2013 Neo-Blood Tournament Finals" event.

World Series of Fighting Japan is set to host its debut event in early 2014.

About WSOF World Series of Fighting is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering an incredible, action-packed entertainment experience for fight fans by producing the best possible matchups between elite fighters from around the globe. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow World Series of Fighting on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.