DIAKIESE AND SHAH SIGN TO BAMMA

Flagship Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce two new signings to its roster in the form of Lightweight, Marc "Bonecrusher" Diakiese, and Featherweight, Zi Shah.

Both prospects fight out of Ludus Magnus Training Centre in Doncaster under Old Skool Fight Management. They train out of the same stable as former BAMMA World champion, Scott Askham and recent BAMMA Lonsdale British champion, Wayne Murrie.

Entering a 4 fight deal with BAMMA, Zi Shah holds a 6-1 Professional record and the UCFC Featherweight title. He has finished all his winning fights within the first round. Shah's only loss took place at BAMMA 14 where he capitulated to Andy Craven.

Shah said: "I'm looking forward to winning my next four fights and paving my way to a BAMMA title shot in the future."

Marc Diakiese was unbeaten at Amateur, over 9 fights, and has remained undefeated at Professional level with a record of 4-0. Inking a 5 fight deal with BAMMA, Diakiese also has his eyes set on the BAMMA belts.

Manager, Carl Messan, said: "Marc is really excited about fighting on BAMMA. He is one of the hottest upcoming prospects in UKMMA. He is determined to be the BAMMA champ, first the British champ and then the World."

Other recent signings to BAMMA include Lee Chadwick, Ashleigh Grimshaw, Shaun Taylor, Jody Collins, Andy Craven and Jefferson George.

Tom Breese “I will be looking to compete November or December this year.”

Tom Breese “I will be looking to compete November or December this year.”

Credit Cage Warriors

by Andreas Georgiou - @AGeorgiouMMA

Birmingham's Tom “Fearless” Breese has been tipped by many as one of UKMMA's next stars. With all six of his professional wins coming by finishes, Breese has shown success with his aggressive yet calculated style of fighting. 

Despite only being 22 years-old, Breese has already trained with some of the world's best at Tristar Gym in Canada.

He was set to take UKMMA by storm after his British welterweight title win at BAMMA 11. However, a severe ACL injury meant that Breese has spent the last year on the sidelines. 

In an interview with Love2Fight magazine's George McCann, Breese admitted he had partially torn his ACL a year before the actual injury, although he completely tore it whilst training at Tristar gym in July 2013. He started undergoing constructive surgery that November. 

“I'm currently eight months and three weeks post-op from ACL surgery. Recovery has gone great, I returned to full training at eight months post-op and feel sharper than ever.” 

Breese has stressed the importance of not rushing his return from injury, in order to preserve the longevity of his career. 

“It is very important not to rush back. This injury is very serious and can ruin a fighters career if it is not looked after and rehabilitated in the best way possible.

MMA is my whole life, without it I would be lost, so I have been extremely dedicated to rehabilitating my knee and I will continuing with strength work and rehab for the rest of my career.”

He defeated Warren Kee in December 2012 to become the BAMMA British Middleweight champion, calling it his defining moment. Yet, the following April, the Fearless MMA fighter accepted a multi-fight contract offer with Cage Warriors. 

“Winning the BAMMA title was a great achievement. Then the opportunity came to sign for Cage Warriors and I couldn't turn down the chance to fight higher calibre opponents and test my self in Europe's toughest division. 

When I signed with Cage Warriors last year I was very excited to fight for Europe's best show and test my fighting style against a stacked welterweight division. 

Now I'm even more excited and hungry, I've improved physically and mentally in the last year.” 

With any fighter out for a lengthy period time, there is the worry of ring rust upon their return, but the 22 year old has no such uncertainty. 

“I haven't fought in such a long time but I will be better because of it. I don't believe in ring rust. I had a year out from sparring and had my first spar a couple of weeks ago my timing was better than ever I believe that's because I kept in great shape during my recovery.” 

Although he has been out of action, Breese has admitted to keeping a close eye on the competition. “I drive down to every show in England or Wales and watch. I like to go to the events to visualise and prepare mentally for fight time. Also I'm a big fan of the sport and more than happy to travel to watch a great show live.” 

Breese remains undefeated at both amateur and professional level. He has finished all six of his pro bouts, 90% of them by submission. It is clear he will be a true challenge to anyone in the welterweight division once he debuts under the Cage Warriors banner. 

“The welterweight division is very exciting and I can't wait to compete in it. I will not target a single name as I'm ready to fight anyone in the division. 

I dedicate my whole life to being the best in the world and that's what I'm working towards everyday.” 

After Cathal Pendred relinquished his welterweight title upon accepting to take part on The Ultimate Fighter season 19, it was up to Cage Warriors to crown a new champion. At CWFC 66, Nicolas Dalby finished Sergei Churilov in the fourth round to take the gold. The fight took place in Dalby's homeland of Denmark. 

“I think Nicolas Dalby is a exciting fighter and brings a different style of fighting into the Cage Warriors welterweight division so do many other of the welterweights. I look forward to solving these puzzles and showcasing my fighting style.” 

With the rest of the welterweight division continuing to improve, including talented fighters such as Jack Mason, Mohsen Bahari, and Jake Bostwick, Breese is looking forward to mixing it up with the best. Hopefully for him, before the end of 2014. 

“Everything is going to plan so far and I will be looking to compete November or December this year. Next year I plan to be extremely active.”

You can keep up to date with Tom Breese's return by following him on Twitter - @Breese0121

5 Reasons the UFC should re-sign Paul Daley

5 Reasons the UFC should re-sign Paul Daley

by Ben Heather @benheather

Paul Daley's name is once again in the news regarding a possible return to the UFC so Kingdom MMA have come up with 5 reasons why the UFC should re-sign him and forgive him for his controversial past.

1. He's Exciting

Paul Daley always has and always will put on exciting fights. He doesn't know how to be in boring fights. If you are ever bored and want to see some of the most exciting knockouts or fights in MMA then get yourself on to YouTube and search for Paul Daley, you will not be disappointed.

Daley has finished his opponents with some of the most brutal knockouts you will ever see and in my opinion was involved in the best one round fight of all time against Nick Diaz. All in all if he made it back to the UFC the fans wouldn't be disappointed and have to witness a guy afraid of losing, instead they will see a warrior who always comes in to finish the fight.

Just look at some of the fights we have seen recently - Luke Barnatt vs Sean Strickland, Andrei Arlovski vs Brendan Schaub and all of the fights so far in TUF 19. I guarantee you this would not happen in a Paul Daley fight.

2. Selling potential for Fight Pass cards

For the past few years the UK fans as well as some others from around the world have been calling for Paul Daley to come back to the UFC. As for members of the press, they bring up Daley's name every few events in one of Dana's scrums. This proves that Paul Daley still has a big name in the MMA world, can you imagine the response from the fans if Daley got added to the upcoming UFC Dublin card.

Although I don't think the UFC would put Daley straight in to a headline role, he certainly has the draw to be capable of selling tickets based on him alone being on the card for a UK or European event. You can't tell me Paul Daley vs anyone in the welterweight division isn't a better, more exciting fight than some of the co-main events EMEA has seen in the last few years, Dollaway vs Carmont, Pearson vs Couture, Stann vs Sakara etc.

In my opinion, Paul Daley returning to the UFC would certainly get fans talking - love him or hate him, he will create a buzz around that event and his name alone will go a long way to selling a lot of tickets.

3. He matches up well with a lot of top guys

I'm just throwing this out there, in my opinion Paul Daley is the best welterweight in the UK and is in the top 3 welterweights in Europe. I would say only the European elite level fighters such as Gunnar Nelson and Tarec Saffiedine are up there with him on the European scene. Can you imagine Saffiedine vs Daley - fireworks.

Thats not all, Matt Brown vs Paul Daley, Carlos Condit vs Paul Daley, Tyron Woodley rematch, Erik Silva vs Paul Daley, all these fights are ridiculously exciting, mouth-watering bouts which are extreme winable fights for someone of Daley's calibre.

Sure Daley has struggled in the past with being taken down by wrestlers and I am sure if he returns he will be tested again, however, but if the fight stay's standing for long enough Daley can finish just about anyone in the UFC welterweight division.

4. He is better than a lot of the guys the UFC has signed lately

Look at all the fighters who have signed for the UFC in the past year. With all due respect tell me, if Dashon Johnson who recent joined the UFC with a 9-0, but against opponents with a combined record of 13-50 is a UFC calibre fighter? If he is, then Paul Daley definitely is.

A quick glance at the fighters section on UFC.com shows a welterweight division with guys like Daniel Sarafian(1-3), Bobby Voelker (0-4), Peter Sobatta (1-3) etc signed to the promotion. I promise you, if you give Paul Daley 4 fights back in the UFC he will have a better record than any of those guys.

With the UFC doing more and more shows, the level of talent being signed by promotion of late is reducing. Global expansion means the addition of more local talent, who in most instances just simply aren't cut out for the UFC. Paul Daley is still an elite level fighter and until he is given the chance in the UFC again will not be able to do anything other than what he is doing of late to prove he can still compete at the top level by beating lower level guys.

5. He is sorry

I do not know how many more times he can say he is sorry or how many different methods he can use to apologise. He has apologised on his Facebook page, in interviews and even recently sent a letter to the UFC to apologise again.

That being said though, ultimately the decision as to whether Daley will ever return to the UFC is going to be made by one person and as of last week Dana White still wouldn't be happy about him returning. I only hope that opinion changes in the near future as if Paul Daley decides to stick to MMA the UFC is the promotion where somebody as skilled as Daley deserves to fight. Life is about living and learning and Daley has done that, at some stage we can only hope Dana White will be willing to forgive and forget.

Lee Chadwick Signs 4 Fight Bamma Head, Headlines Bamma Fight Night 2 Against Ion Pascu

Lee Chadwick Signs 4 Fight Bamma Head, Headlines Bamma Fight Night 2 Against Ion Pascu

BAMMA Fight Night: Chadwick vs Pascu" sees local veteran Lee Chadwick against Romanian Ion Pascu in a Middleweight bout.

The prestigious Liverpool Olympia is an iconic fight venue steeped in history having hosted some world greats of both the boxing and MMA world. The 1600 capacity amphitheatre has been referred to as a “mini Albert Hall“ and produces an electric atmosphere when full of the knowledgeable Liverpool fight crowd. Tickets are to be available shortly from 0151 263 6633 and www.liverpoololympia.com

The BAMMA Fight Night series brings the show to more local areas and creates the opportunity for people to experience BAMMA on their doorstep. The nights are also intended as a proving ground for upcoming fighters on a BAMMA platform, providing further fight opportunities for contracted talent.
Liverpool Olympia's Managing Director, Chris Zorba, said:

"I am looking forward to working with BAMMA as a consultant on this forthcoming show in Liverpool. I have promoted over 60 MMA shows to date and I hope my vast experience can help make this show a great success for BAMMA and help MMA grow in the North West of England".

LEE CHADWICK VS. ION PASCU: MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT

Veteran local, Lee 'The Butcher' Chadwick, holds a record of 19-10-1 with 13 first round victories; and fights out of Atherton Submission Wrestling. The 29 year old has faced a host of professional MMA talent since 2006, with notable wins over the likes of Cathal Pendred and 'TUF Smashes' competitor Valentino Petrescu. He is currently on an 8 fight win streak. In 2013 Chadwick defeated Denniston Sutherland at OMMAC 13 for the OMMAC British Middleweight title and Alex Minogue at FCC 8 for the FCC British Middleweight title. The majority of Chadwick's victories have come by way of Submission. Lee Chadwick has just signed to an exclusive 4 fight deal with BAMMA.

"I'm made up for my first fight on BAMMA. It's a great privilege. Signing to BAMMA means I get to fight more top opponents and be part of a great promotion. My opponent is a tough kid with decent kickboxing, so it'll be a good test for my striking/wrestling! I will win on the 2nd of August!!!"

Ion Pascu debuted at BAMMA on BAMMA 13 to glean a stunning first round knock out win over Jack Marshman. He returned and impressed fans again at BAMMA 14 when he went toe to toe with Max Nunes, taking the fight to the judges score cards. Hailing from Bucharest in Romania, Pascu fights out of the Ministry of Martial Arts and Golden Glory with a professional record of 8-5-0. Renowned for his dangerous knock outs, 5 of his MMA victories have been attained by KO/TKO. Pascu has fought across various European and British promotions.

Stay tuned to kingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest on Bamma Fight Night 2

Kingdom MMA speak to Max Nunes ahead of BAMMA Fight Night: Askham vs Nunes

Max Nunes talks to Kingdom MMA ahead of his title shot against Scott Askham

by Ben Heather @benheather

On Saturday night Max Nunes will headline the first BAMMA Fight Night event when he challenges Scott Askham for his BAMMA Middlewight World Title. The fight between Askham and Nunes pits two of the best Middleweights in European MMA against each other in a fight which may attract the attention of the UFC. Before that though Max Nunes took time out of his camp to speak to Kingdom MMA about his upcoming title fight.

Ben: Last time out you fought in Russia, how was the experience? How did the Russian fans compare to the Brits?
Nunes: It was a really cool experience and I'm very happy I went there. Everyone was very nice over there and i was treated very well but nothing compares to the British fans :)

Ben: Have you been working on any specific areas of your game since you last fought in England?
Nunes: Everything. I'm always trying to get better at every aspect of MMA.

Ben: How has the camp gone? Where have you been training for this fight and who with?
Nunes: Camp has gone really well. I've been training at Allstars Training Center in Stockholm.  Some of the people I've been training with are Magnus Cedenblad, Alex Gustafsson, Ilir Latifi. A lot of different people.

Ben: When did you find out that you would be fighting Askham? I know there were some tweets back and forth between the two of you around the time of BAMMA 15. Did you know before then you would be fighting Askham?
Nunes: I found out not too long ago. I wanted to fight him at the last BAMMA but he was injured then.

Ben: In the past Bamma have allowed you to go and fight for other promotions to keep you active. Are you hoping that now BAMMA have announced more shows with the Fight Nights that you will be able to keep more active fighting only for BAMMA?
Nunes: BAMMA is a great promotion and I love fighting for them so I'll fight every chance they give me.

Ben: In your last appearance for BAMMA you stepped in for Scott on less than a months notice. Was the reason for taking that fight to step in, defeat Pascu and then replace him as the number one contender?
Nunes: Yes.

Ben: Scott Askham will be coming in to this fight unbeaten. What do you think you will bring to the fight that his 11 previous opponents couldn't?
Nunes: We will have to wait and find out.

Ben: Askham has not fought since Sept last year. In that time you have fought and won twice. In your opinion will staying active work to your advantage?
Nunes: I don't think so. I'm sure he has been training really hard so there should not be any ring rust.

Ben: In your opinion what does Scott Askham do well and do you think he has any areas you can target?
Nunes: He's very well rounded and a great fighter, but we have been working on some stuff.

Ben: This will be the second time you have fought for a BAMMA world title, after coming up short in your first attempt. What did you learn from that experience?
Nunes: A lot of things.

Ben: What would it mean to you to become the BAMMA World Middleweight Champion?
Nunes: I would be very happy as BAMMA is a great promotion  to be a champion in.

Ben: Do you think the winner of this fight stands a good chance of getting the attention of the UFC, especially in your case with a show announced for Sweden later this year?
Nunes: Time will tell.

Ben: How do you see yourself winning the fight on June 7th?
Nunes: Stoppage in the 1st or 2nd round

Ben: Would you like to thank anyone or any sponsors ahead of the fight?
Nunes: All of my fans and my sponsors.

Thank you for your time and good luck in your fight we are all looking forward to what is anticipated to be a great fight between two of the best Middleweight fighters not in the UFC.

Scott Askham on fight with Max Nunes "I can't wait for him to be stood in front of me"

Scott Askham talks to Kingdom MMA before his fight with Max Nunes

by Ben Heather @benheather

Earlier this week Kingdom MMA caught up with Scott Askham ahead of his main event fight against Max Nunes at BAMMA Fight Night on Saturday night. That fight will mark the first time that Askham attempts to defend his BAMMA World Middlewight Championship belt. Before the fight takes place though we caught up with Scott to discuss that fight with Nunes, his recent injury and his plans for the future.

Ben: Hi Scott, Thank you for your time and for answering our questions before the fight.
It’s been nearly 9 months since we last saw you in action, what have you been working on in that time?
Askham: I've been focusing on my game as a whole and moving forward that way.

Ben: How does it feel to be the BAMMA world champion, is this the greatest achievement you in your career to date?
Askham: Yeah of course it's my biggest achievement (so far) and being BAMMA's world champion is awesome. I have massive self-belief and always believed I would become their champion.

Ben: You were supposed to defend your title against Ion Pascu before being forced to withdraw due to an injury. Max replaced you in that fight, what did you make of Max's performance?
Askham: He did just enough to get the nod  but it did not stand out as an outstanding performance or anything. He did nothing that impressed me.

Ben: How frustrating has it been to be sat on the side-lines unable to fight?
Askham: It has been slightly frustrating but I have just had a baby girl, so it came at a good time for me as well, as she has kept me busy.

Ben: How is the shoulder feeling now, when did you get the all clear on it and have you had to go easy on it during camp at all or is it 100% now?
Askham: My shoulder is 100% now and has been since around February time.

Ben: Max called you out, but decided to take a fight in Russia instead of fighting you.
Did you want to/ would you have been fit to fight Max Nunes at BAMMA 15 in April and what did you make of him calling you out then taking another fight?
Askham: I would have been fit to fight yes but he took the other fight... That's behind me now as well. Now I have had a good 4 months with Max in my mind!! I can't wait for him to be stood in front of me!

Ben: You finally will square off against Max in just under two weeks time. How excited are you to return to action on June 7th?
Askham: I can't wait!! Just over a week and I will be stepping on the scales. My weight feels good and my training camp's been awesome!

Ben: In your opinion what does Max Nunes do well?
Askham: I don't really care what he does well I will just go out there and implement my game plan.

Ben: Nunes' only loss came against Jason Jones, have you watched the tape on that fight and have you picked up on areas that you can target?
Askham: His heart! He quit in that fight!!

Ben: You have stated before that this fight is the last fight on your contract with Bamma. Do you think a win over Max Nunes will be the win required to get the attention of the UFC?
Askham: I am hoping so. I do not see any reason why not. I think I will have earned it, don't you think?

Ben: If the UFC do not come calling, can we expect you to re-sign with BAMMA and be one of their showcase fighters?
Askham: We will have to see, I do have UFC in my mind...

Ben: Names for the foreseeable future?
Askham: Luke Barnatt?? Makes sense. Me get to the UFC, clock up a  few wins and have a massive Middleweight fight in the UK. How about that?

Ben: How do you see yourself winning the fight on June 7th?
Askham: TKO, Sub or UD if he hangs in to the end, but it's still not going to be close!!

Ben: Would you like to thank anyone or any sponsors ahead of the fight?
Askham: All my sponsors as always have been a massive help; all my friends and family who are making the journey to Southampton; my team at Ludus Magnus; and all the fans for their support. Thank you very much!!

Thank you for your time and good luck in your fight we are all looking forward to what is anticipated to be a great fight between two of the best Middleweight fighters not in the UFC.

Curt Warburton on Stevie Ray "He's young, he's hungry so I think it's going to be a good fight"

Curt Warburton talks to Kingdom MMA ahead of his CWFC Title fight at CWFC 69: Super Saturday

by Chris Marzella @ChrisMarzella

In what could be described as the renaissance of his career, Curt Warburton (13-4) is on the threshold of strapping Cage Warriors gold around his waist next Saturday night. The former UFC lightweight headlines Cage Warriors 69: Super Saturday when he faces Steven Ray for the vacant lightweight title in London.

It'll be Warburton's second Cage Warriors outing and he is looking to put his UFC release in 2011 well and truly behind him. Warburton made his UFC debut in October 2010 and just three fights later found himself on the end of that dread news.

Since his UFC release Warburton has struggled to deal with the cut and the circumstances surrounding it, despite stringing a succession of wins together in promotions such as BAMMA and KSW and most recently Cage Warriors.

Speaking to KingdomMMA.co.uk Warburton said:

"It'd be nice to get back in and get a little bit more of a chance. You look at some other guys that people have fought and compared to me I don't think I was given a great chance."

"I got the chance, some people never get a chance, I got one. When you first start that's what you do it for. You think about the UFC and then you get there and you don't get your fair chance."

"I went in and got taken straight to the top. There's people on 3 or 4 fight loosing streaks yet I got beat by Joe Lauzon and got axed. I didn't think that was fair but you have to dust yourself off and get back on it."

Warburton made his UFC debut in a defeat to Spencer Fisher, he won his second fight against Maciej Jewtuszko and followed that up with a submission loss to Lauzon and was subsequently axed from the company.

Warburton added: "How many other Brits have fought someone like Joe Lauzon after three fights? Some Brits have fought ten fights and still haven't."

"That's what you dream of and when that happens and you got an email saying your contract has been terminated, end of, it sort of puts you in a bit of depression. Like all of that hard work for that and that's the way it ends."

"I came out had a few fights in BAMMA. Maybe I should just have gone straight to Cage Warriors. That's a regret not just going straight there. But I'm there now."

Reflecting on his experience in the big time, he said:

"I'm more experienced. I used to just do what I was told, 'do this, do that'. Then when the shit hit the fan you're there by yourself and you've got to cope by yourself, everyone else just moves on."

"Now I just do what I do. I do whatever I want to do. I have a bit more say in what I want to do and I want to train because at the end of the day, when the shit hits the fan I've only got myself to blame."

"You get beat and it's really lonely. Especially when you strive to get to the UFC and sort of go out the way I did."

"You think 'well why didn't I get just get a chance like everyone else?' and I did go through a bit of depression."

"One minute you're working, you're grafting, you're training all the time. You start thinking you can make a little bit of money so you can have a better life and it was no different."

"I started thinking "what's the point?" because I might as well go back to work. At least that way i can go out shopping on the weekends or go see your mates, but you can't do that because you're always training all the time."

"As a fighter people think you have a great lifestyle. Obviously it's great because you're doing what you love but you look at the other side of it and you're always skint and you're juggling things about."

"But UK MMA is growing but you're never going to earn a fortune out of it unless you're at the very top but you're just doing what you love."

Warburton and Ray are now entering the final difficult week of weight cutting ahead of the fight on June 7.

With the new Cage Warriors policy on 60-per-cent fines for fighters missing weight kicking in this weekend Warburton has expressed a desire for more weight classes in MMA. He said: "It's our job to make weight. I think something had to be done."

"Whether the 60-per-cent is going to work I don't know. I mean we're not the greatest paid athletes in the world and 60-per-cent taken off plus if you have a manager that's 20%, you're only left with 20% and people are just going to think 'well I'll just pull an injury'."

"Personally I think there should be a light-welterweight category. You look at 62kg to 66kg, that's a 4kg difference, then 66kg to 70kg, again a 4kg difference.

"Lightweights aren't big guys. If there was a light welterweight division that would be perfect for me something around 73kg or 74kg would be an ideal weight to fight at."

Saturday night will be the second time Warburton and Ray will lock horns following a fight at BAMMA 12 last March, a fight which Warburton won.

This time around though it should be a very different fight.

Warburton said:

"The last time we fought I was supposed to fight Rob Sinclair and it was only a few weeks notice we got to know we were going to fight each other."

"Obviously he's going to improve but I'm going to be a lot more physical than I was in the first fight. I'm feeling stronger than I was in the last fight."

"I've been doing a lot of strength and conditioning since that fight but like I say Stevie has improved as well. He's young, he's hungry so I think it's going to be a good fight."

Warburton is undecided as to who his win in the first fight favours heading in to this one. He said: "It's certainly going to make him hungrier to get that win back so maybe he'll be a lot more psyched up."

"I'm not going to take anything for granted. i know exactly how tough he is and I know what I'll have to do. I have to be twice as determined than the last fight and maybe twice as good."

Cage Warriors 69: Super Saturday take plane on Saturday June 7 from The Forum, Kentish Town, London.

BAMMA introduces Amateur bouts to prelims for BAMMA Fight Night: Askham Vs Nunes

BAMMA Introduces Amateur Bouts to the BAMMA Prelims for BAMMA Fight Night: Askham Vs Nunes

More fights have been announced to the preliminaries for "BAMMA Fight Night: Askham vs Nunes", including a first set of Amateur bouts for the British promotion. The event which takes place in Southampton on 7th June 2014 will be the first of BAMMA's regional fight nights, with the brand returning to its larger shows later in the year. Headlined by Scott Askham and Max Nunes for the BAMMA World Middleweight title, the Fight Night takes place at the O2 Guildhall.

Mo  Lasladj Vs. Mark Handley  [Pro Flyweight Bout]

Mo 'Mad Boy' Lasladj' fights out of Lion's Pride MMA in South London and stands undefeated with a professional record of 2-0. Lasladj also held an unblemished record at Amateur of 5-0-0. The 24 year old holds the "Semi-Professional" WCMMA Bantamweight Title.

Lasladj said:

"It feels great to be fighting on BAMMA and I just cant wait to step into the cage on 7th June. You can expect an exciting fight, be it on the floor or standing: Either way, Lions Eat First!. I would like to thank all my coaches, team mates and all the team at Lion's Pride MMA for all their support." 

Coming in ten years older than his opponent,  Mark 'Short Fuse' Handley brings experience to the fight in the form of a 5-11 Amateur record since 2009 against some top ranking UK names. The Shrewsbury fighter competes out of Elite MMA Shrewsbury and has fought at Bantamweight and Flyweight.  While Handley's strength is considered his stand up, his victories have come via Submission.

Handley said:

"I've spent the last 2 years chasing scalps which I think has maybe been an issue but June 7th will see me back to winning ways."

Damien Koryga Vs Ricky Mitchell [Amateur Middleweight Bout]

Fighting out of Abs gym in Andover, Ricky Mitchell brings an Amateur record of  2- 1- 0. His first fight saw a loss to Triangle Choke against Kyle Gray, an experienced judoka. Mitchell's second fight at Fusion 11 brought a 1st round win over Drew Crooney due to a TKO via knees. His 2nd victory was over Ben Griffiths at Into the Cage 9 by TKO via body kicks, just 21 seconds into the fight. The 21 year old comes from no background in any combat sport and has trained solidly for 2 years.

Ricky Mitchell said:

"I would like to say a big thanks to Bren for pushing me, and any one else who has helped to give me this opportunity." 

Damien Koryga has earned 1 decision victory at UCMMA, and 2 draws on AWOL and UWC, all at "Semi-Pro". Aged 29, Kyorga comes from a karate background and represents BST in Northampton.

Andy Hannon Vs. Josh Roe  [Amateur Featherweight Bout]

Andy Hannon is from Tidworth and fights out of Team Kyouken with a "Semi-Pro" record of 1-2-0.  All 3 fights were fought on local show, Into The Cage, with losses to Josh Skinner via Armbar in Round 2; and to Kieran Bresilan via Ground n Pound in Round 1. Hannon's victory came against Kevin Rodziewicz via 1st round Guillotine. Hannon trains in Brazilian jiu jitsu and holds an Orange belt in Japanese Jujitsu. Hannon serves in the British Army.

Hannon faces fellow Featherweight, Josh 'Tap Out' Roe who fights out of Eastleigh Boxing Academy with a background in Amateur boxing.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster: http://bit.ly/1g6nMpF or from 023 8063 2601.

Roberts vs Kotov set for BAMMA Fight Night

Alexei Roberts vs Artem Kotov set for BAMMA Fight Night Askham vs Nunes

BAMMA, has announced a further bout to "BAMMA Fight Night: Askham vs. Nunes" as Artem Kotov is set to face Alexei Roberts. The event marks the launch of BAMMA's 'Fight Night' series which brings the show to regional fans and offers a proving ground for upcoming talent. Taking place at the O2 Guildhall in Southampton on 7th June 2014 the event also sees the headline fighters clash for the BAMMA World Middleweight title. 

Alexei "Boom" Roberts is a Team Kyouken fighter with a professional record of 10-5-0 that includes losses against experienced and talented opponents. 80% of the Hampshire fighter's wins have come via stoppage; 40% by KO or TKO, and 40% by Submission. Roberts has snatched up the ITC Welterweight and Lightweight titles and is also the former Shock n Awe Welterweight champion. 

Artem Kotov holds a record of 2-2 with losses to more experienced competition that has included Ali Arish and Nathan Jones. Following a change in 2013 over to Exile gym, Ippon and Lookborai Thai boxing after three fights, Kotov took a break from MMA competition for a year to focus on training. With a background in Olympic Wrestling and a former Ukrainian Olympic team member,  Kotov has earned the accolades of British Wrestling Senior Champion and British Grappling Tournament Double Champion 2013-2014. He will be participating at the summer Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014 also as a wrestler. Kotov has recently won two out of two Amateur boxing fights by Knock Out.

Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster http://bit.ly/1g6nMpF or from 023 8063 2601.

Fight Card for "BAMMA FIGHT NIGHT: ASKHAM VS NUNES"
(with more fights to be announced)

BAMMA World Middleweight Title Bout
Max Nunes Vs. Scott Askham

Catchweight Bout (75.5kg) 
Alexei Roberts Vs. Artem Kotov
     
FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT
Dragan Pesic Vs. Ashleigh Grimshaw

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT
Tim Menzies Vs. Alex Montagnani

BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT
Mike Cutting Vs. Ed Arthur

Ashleigh Grimshaw vs Dragan Pesic Set for Bamma Fight Night

Ashleigh Grimshaw vs Dragan Pesic Set for Bamma Fight Night

A Featherweight clash between Ashleigh Grimshaw and Dragan Pesic has been announced to the card for "BAMMA Fight Night: Askham vs Nunes" which takes place in Southampton on 7th June 2014, as the first of BAMMA's regional fight nights. The event, headlined by Scott Askham and Max Nunes for the BAMMA World Middleweight title, takes place at the O2 Guildhall and tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster or from 023 8063 2601.

Ashleigh "Cruiser" Grimshaw holds a record of 15-8-1 and brings 11 years professional experience, fighting out of Team Titan in London. Grimshaw is on a 5 fight win streak of 1st round finishes and holds past victories over solid competition that includes Phil Harris, Vaughan Lee and Paul McVeigh. He has also faced the likes of Ronnie Mann, Robbie Olivier and Graham Turner. Grimshaw is currently ranked #6 in the UK at Featherweight. Grimshaw has signed to BAMMA for a 5 fight deal.

Dragan "Little Wonder" Pesic is a former K1 champion now fighting out of Old Skool Fight Team with a professional MMA record of 3-1, that includes two 1st round finishes and one in the 2nd. All his victories have come by Submission and his sole professional MMA loss was to Jay Furness. Pesic has held the following titles and awards: World K-1 Champion 2008, World K-1 Champion 2009, RS MMA Pro Title 2007 and Ju Jitsu Balkans Vice Champion.

Dragan Pesic said:

"I can't explain my feelings when I got the information that I'm going to fight for one of the premier MMA shows in Europe. It is an emotional honour for me to be part of show like BAMMA. I know that my K-1 reputation is good, but in MMA I am still working to get my name to the highest level and the opportunity that BAMMA has given me will be definitely one of my highest achievements in MMA so far. I will prove why BAMMA has chosen me! I can't promise that I will win but I can promise a WAR and you will remember my name. BAMMA is a great show with awesome names and fighters on it and behind it; and it is just an honour to be part of UK and European MMA at this level. I just cant wait to start: Dragan Pesic is ready as hell to roll, sprawl, bleed and brawl for the BAMMA fans."

Ashleigh Grimshaw said:

"The real Featherweight champ is here and I'm set on bringing that belt back to the UK. I just have to deal with this little Serbian problem first before I invade France and take what is rightfully mine."

Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest on Bamma Fight Night
 

Jimmy Wallhead talks to Kingdom MMA ahead of his Cage Warriors return

Jimmy Wallhead Cage Warriors 68 Pre Fight Interview

by Chris Houten @mrhouts

Picture by Mark Blundell

On Saturday night, Jimmy Wallhead will make his return to Cage Warriors and headline Cage Warriors 68. In the main event Jimmy will square off against the highly regarded Danny Roberts, who will be fighting in his home town. Before that Kingdom MMA caught up with Jimmy to find talk about that fight, his decision to leave BAMMA and much more.

Chris: I won't be the first to ask this and no doubt I won't be the last but what was it that made you leave BAMMA? It felt as if you were the poster boy of the promotion.
Wallhead: Well basically it came down to me wanting to be more active in my career and with Cage Warriors I will be. They are a great promotion with a stacked roster and regular shows.

Chris: Last time we talked, we discussed plans BAMMA had to put on more fights this year, and in turn give you more fights. When you were weighing up your options was the fact that Cage Warriors put on so many shows a year and can offer you several fights a year one of the major deciding factors?
Wallhead: yeah as above for sure.

Chris: Did you feel that BAMMA would struggle with the proposal of doing 6 cards this year, did they give you any indication that the proposal might not be possible?
Wallhead: I just felt a better career path laid with Cage Warriors for me at this point in my career.

Chris: How does it feel being back with Cage Warriors where it all started for you, does it feel like you are coming home?
Wallhead: It feels very special obviously and the promotion has evolved into something very big and special as I keep saying it felt like the right move.

Chris: Has joining Cage Warriors had any effect on you sponsorship wise with the thought that their product or logo won't be seen on channel 5 / 5 star?
Wallhead: No none at all

Chris: On May 3rd you're fighting a young, hungry up and comer in Danny Roberts, how would you say he compares to some of your recent opponents, and do you think the fact that he's at a point in his career where he's still trying to establish a name for himself makes him more dangerous than some of the guys you've fought recently?
Wallhead: 100% very dangerous opponent and it's gave me the kick up the arse I needed to step my training up and get that hunger going for myself.

Chris: There have been talks amongst fans in the lead up to this fight that you might be the underdog in this fight. What would you say to those fans who are installing Roberts as the favourite and are you embracing this underdog status you're being given?
Wallhead: I can understand people saying that I don't believe it though and I am very confident in my abilities.

Chris: In our last interview we discussed how you were 'looking for your inner aggression' and it kinda felt there was a period of time where you weren't as into your fight as you were say when you first started out. Has signing for Cage Warriors and being given a hungry, up and comer in Roberts helped you find your enjoyment for fighting and made you excited to fight again?
Wallhead: Absolutely more than I can explain.

Chris: How has your training camp for this fight been fight? Am I right in saying you have spent some time with London Shootfighters helping Hathaway prepare for his fight with Kim but also your fight with Roberts?
Wallhead: That's correct I originally went down to help John and to be honest I was very very impressed with the whole set up there and so I spent time there every week in this camp with Alexis and Paul and feel very well prepared for my fight.

Chris: How has working with London Shootfighters improved you as a fighter? What elements of your game have improved by being down there?
Wallhead: All areas from mental to fitness to my technical areas.

Chris: Going back to the inner aggression question, where do London Shootfighters fit in with this? Has being in London helped you find what you were looking for?
Wallhead: It's something I wish I had done 9 years ago.

Chris: You're fighting Roberts in his backyard of Liverpool. What's it like fighting on enemy territory so to speak? Is it something you notice or sense during the fight?
Wallhead: I've done it many times before, it is what it is.

Chris: Roberts is a good pretty well rounded fighter. Where would you say you have the advantage in this fight?
Wallhead: all I know is he hasn't fought or beaten anyone of my ability to date.

Chris: Roberts last few fights have been wars, are you preparing for a violent one?
Wallhead: Absolutely I expect nothing less to be honest.

Chris: Have Cage Warriors given you any indications that the winner of this fight gets a shot at Dalby?
Wallhead: no none at all

Chris: With a lot of the top Cage Warriors guys moving over to the UFC, are you seeing this contract you have as a stepping stone or opportunity for something bigger or is this something you're not really focused on at this stage of your career?
Wallhead: Right now all I'm focused on is Danny Roberts

Chris: If you could predict the outcome of the fight on Saturday, how do you see yourself winning?
Wallhead: No idea, I can finish a fight in more than one area.

Chris: We are now a week away from the fight, what's the plan for the next week?
Wallhead: Finally recover and cut the last bit of weight.

Chris: Finally is there any sponsors you would like to thank ahead of your fight next Saturday?
Wallhead: Gray Ridgeway at QAV
Booster Fight Gear
Positiv Energy Drink
Ian Cox at CSS
Steve Almighty Fightwear
Funky gums
Paul White massage
Blueberry nutrition
Forca Luta
Matt Walton at Spiked
4dmma
Wayne at Pain Fightwear

Thanks again for the time ahead of your fight and we can't wait to see you in action on Saturday night.

Bamma 15 Event Review and Results

Bamma 15 Event Review and Results
by Sam Heard - @samheard_

Held in the Copperbox in the middle of London’s Olympic park, BAMMA took an amazing venue and filled it suitably excellent fights at their most recent event, BAMMA 15. Knowing all the Olympic contests that took place within the main arena just under two years ago, I couldn’t help but think that organising a night of fights in a former-Olympic building could potentially be seen as a statement about MMA’s claim to Olympic sport status. Indeed, one of the sports included in the early Olympic Games in Greece was Pankration which is arguably a direct predecessor of MMA. BAMMA 15 certainly made a case that MMA deserves to be recognised as an Olympic sport – throughout the fight we saw enormous amounts of respect being given from fighters to their opponents, incredible martial arts techniques and bags of heart.

Gzim Selmani (4-1, 1-0 BAMMA) defeats Oli Thompson (12-6, 0-1 BAMMA) by Technical Submission (Guillotine choke) at 0:18 of Round 1 
Oli Thompson was a huge favorite going into this fight and it’s not exactly difficult to understand why. A UFC-veteran, former UCMMA Champion and Britain’s strongest man of 2006 against a 19-year-old with only four fights under his belt against unknowns – it’s not hard to see why Gzim Selmani was considered to be a big underdog. The gigantic teenager lived up to his nickname “The Albanian Psycho”, shocking Oli Thompson with his aggressive start. He ran over to the former UFC fighter and delivered a huge flying knee ala B.J Penn-Sean Sherk which left Thompson slumped down against the cage. He then fired off a flurry allowing him to lock in a standing guillotine which – after a small adjustment – was extremely tight. Mark Goddard lifted Thompson’s right hand only for it to flop to the mat, giving him no option but to stop the fight. It took “The Albanian Psycho” just 18-seconds to put an extremely tough competitor to sleep – what an end to the night!


Leon Edwards (7-1, 4-0 BAMMA) defeats Wayne Murrie (17-6, 1-1 BAMMA) by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 3:13 of Round 1
In the first defense of his BAMMA Lonsdale British Welterweight Champion Wayne “The Caveman” Murrie was quickly put away by “Rocky”, to the delight of the following Edwards had brought with him from Birmingham. To the chant of ‘UTC’ Edwards was able to overwhelm Murrie on the ground, quickly taking his back before sinking in a deep Rear-Naked Choke to force the tap from the Yorkshireman. A clinical performance from “Rocky”.

Colin Fletcher (10-4, 4-1 BAMMA) defeats Tony Hervey (16-16, 0-1 BAMMA) by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Those who thought this was a gimme fight for Colin “Freakshow” Fletcher to build on after a disappointing loss to Mansour Barnaoui’ for his Lightweight title couldn’t be more mistaken. Hervey has been in there with some of the sport’s finest including Takanori Gomi and current Bellator Featherweight champion Pat Curran and proved to be an extremely game competitor against “Freakshow” who arguably did enough to win the fight. In his typical theatrical, larger-than-life style “Freakshow” came out atop a pantomime horse (presumably in honor of the Grand National). The jokes came to an abrupt stop at the start of the fight as both men hit each other with some big shots – Fletcher utilizing his height advantage to land some big knees and body kicks while Hervey landed some big counter hooks as “Freakshow” rushed in. Near the close of the second round “Lionheart” was able to badly rock Fletcher on the feet, prevented from getting the finish only by end of the round. My pick for the Fight of the Night. In his post-fight interview the always classy Colin Fletcher stated that he would’ve happily lost the fight as he believed Hervey was just as worthy of the victory.

Tom Duquesnoy (9-1, 2-0 BAMMA) defeats Teddy Violet (8-1, 0-1 BAMMA) by Submission (Triangle Choke) at 1:29 of Round 2
The clash of French Flyweights for the BAMMA World Featherweight Title Fight was a thoroughly entertaining affair which I was sorry to see finish and I am now deeply interested in the career of Tom “Firekid” Duquesnoy. In the six-and-a-half minutes he fought “Firekid” was able to show what he’s all about, displaying his extremely well-rounded arsenal of skills against an unbeaten opponent in fellow countryman Teddy Violet. Violet came into this fight with a decent MMA grappling pedigree of his own but in the end was overwhelmed by a flawlessly executed Triangle Choke from “Firekid”. With no doubt one of the night’s finest performances.

Harry McLeman (7-2, 3-0 BAMMA) defeats Andy De-Vent (10-9, 0-1 BAMMA) by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
After an intense stare-down at Friday afternoon’s weigh ins I had high hopes for this scrap for the BAMMA Lonsdale British Middleweight Champion and it certainly didn’t disappoint and I believe could’ve gone either way. The round which hung in the balance was the second. “Mad Mac” came out incredibly strong in the first, beautifully changing levels with strikes and takedown attempts and eventually rocking De-Vent on the feet which led to a near submission via Guillatine. However, after this strong start, the new British Middleweight Champ became increasingly fatigued as the fight went on allowing De-Vent to come back into the fight. Despite gassing fairly early, “Mad Mac” was able to muster up a final burst deep into the third round, swinging for the fences as the fight ended – that’s the way to win a belt!

Ryan Scope (8-0, 2-0 BAMMA) defeats Ali Arish (20-3, 0-1 BAMMA) by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Ryan Scope grabbed the attention of the UKMMA community when he caught former TUF competitor Luke Newman in a Triangle Choke at BAMMA 12 after being brutally rocked on the feet. As he explained to us in the pre-fight interview we conducted, Scope once again felt like he was the underdog going up an extremely opponent in Ali Arish. Despite his underdog status, “Big Baby” was able to pull off another come-from-behind victory as he lost a tentative first round to Arish before pouring it on him in the following rounds, badly rocking the Manchester-based fighter in the third. Despite picking up the win, Scope explained after the fight that he suspected he had broken his foot.

Rany Saadeh (6-1, 2-0 BAMMA) defeats Mahmood Besharate (5-1, 2-1 BAMMA) by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
The clash of Flyweights normally results in a highly entertaining, back-and-forth fight. Unfortunately this match-up didn’t live up to the weight class’ reputation as Rany Saadeh kept taking Besharate down to the mat and controlling him en route to an uncontroversial yet dull decision victory. Saadeh never threatened to finish from top position and indeed the fighters were stood up by referee Mark Woodard on more than one occasion. “Persian Pride” started to mount some offence in the third round with some heavy body and led kicks but just as he got into a rhythm Saadeh again scored the takedown. It was perhaps this frustration that has led Besharate to announce that he intends to retire from the sport.

Jefferson George (4-2, 2-1 BAMMA) defeats Jack Grant (6-1, 0-1 BAMMA) by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
The first decision of the evening was a closely fought affair between then-undefeated Jack Grant and Jefferson George. The only round which was clear-cut for me was the first. As the nickname “Shadow Demon Blaximus” would suggest, Jefferson George is a flamboyant fighter who will risk either eating shots or losing position for the sake of putting on a show. This style certainly was ineffective in R1 as
Grant was able to take George down and control him for the vast majority of the 5-minutes. One takedown was particularly memorable; a mighty German Suplex straight out of Kurt Angle’s playbook. Grant was able to maintain periods of control over George in the subsequent rounds which in my opinion was enough to win the fight, however “Shadow Demon Blaximus” did look dangerous at times and this was enough to narrowly win him the nod from the judges. Jack Grant has subsequently tweeted “I felt I did enough feel robbed & gutted back to the drawing board for me”.
 
Alex Montagnani (6-1 MMA, 1-0 BAMMA) defeats Nathan Jones (4-2, 0-1 BAMMA) by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 2:43 of Round 1
Prior to the cage door being closed and these two men throwing down, you will be forgiven for expecting this fight to play out very differently. Alex Montagnani had won all 5 of his fights by KO/TKO while 100% of Nathan “Mr. Bag N Tag” Jones had come via frst round chokes; the phrase 'Striker vs Grappler' had seemigly never been more relevant. However, this bout proved just how unpredictable MMA. Jones – as you’d expect – was relentlessly pursuing the takedown only to be reversed with Montagnani on top of him. Montagnani then took his back and locked up the card’s third consecutive Rear-Naked Choke.

Andy Craven (4-0 MMA, 2-0 BAMMA) defeats Richard Edwards (1-3 MMA, 0-1 BAMMA) by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 2:12 of Round 1
Andy Craven – who had failed to meet the Featherweight division’s 145-lbs limit – negated any of the resulting concerns surrounding his cardio when he made short work of Richard Edwards. Craven quickly caught Edwards with a howitzer of an overhand right which immediately dropped the Keddles Gym fighter. Craven smelt blood and followed up with two huge shots to the grounded fighter before coolly taking Edwards’ back to lock up the Rear-Naked Choke, extending his record of winning all fights by submission.

Ed Arthur (3-0 MMA, 2-0 BAMMA) defeats Nathaniel Wood (4-1 MMA, 0-1 BAMMA) by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 1:48 of Round 3
The clash of unbeaten Bantamweights both putting their flawless records on the line promised a lot and certainly lived up to expectations. Both men displayed some terrific striking and grappling skills and the fight looked sure to be left in the hands of the judges. However, both men held records with 100% finishes and this trend was set to continue when Ed Arthur was able to dig a little deeper and pull off a slick Rear Naked Choke, forcing the understandably fatigued Wood to tap.

Jacek Toczydlowski (5-4 MMA, 1-0 BAMMA) defeats Benny Carr (3-1 MMA, 1-0 BAMMA) by TKO (submission to strikes) at 1:32 of Round 1
Prior to this fight there had been a great deal of buzz surrounding Benny “Brutal” Carr who had proved worthy of his nickname through winning all his professional fights through one-sided TKOs. Jacek Toczydlowski – who made his pro debut way back in 2006 – was doubtless the toughest test of Benny Carr’s short career and proved too much for the Southampton-based fighter. To the dismay of the partisan crowd who zealously cheered Carr on, Toczydlowski was able to rapidly take him down and rain no-nonsense elbows from full mount to force Carr to tap out. Toczydlowsk proved that Benny Carr isn’t the only fighter worthy of the “Brutal” nickname.

Ryan Scope "I dont want to take easy fights, thats why I am fighting Arish"

Ryan Scope talks to Kingdom MMA ahead of BAMMA 15 fight against Ali Arish

by Ben Heather @benheather

Ben: How has your camp gone for this fight and who have you been working with?
Scope: Yeah its gone really well, obviously I fought not so long ago (Feb 22nd) so I only had one week off training before I got back in to it. For this fight I've been sparring with all the guys at the gym like Ross Pearson, Colin Fletcher and Phil De Fries.

Ben: You're fighting Ali Arish on Saturday, would you say he is the best/ toughest fighter you have faced in your career?
Scope: Yeah definitely 100%. I mean hes 20-2 for a reason but I want to fight the best as I want to make a point. I want to get somewhere this year.

Ben: Have you spent much time studying Arish?
Scope: I have only watched a couple of his fights, to be honest everyone knows what he is going to do and he's very good at it but I think I've got the right game plan to stop what he does.

Ben: Do you think you have figured out where 20 of his opponents have gone wrong?
Scope: Yes regarding the defensive wrestling I know what they have all done wrong. None of them have got very much movement, everyone tries to walk forward but then get taken down so its all about the movement.

Ben: Hows the weight looking and whats left for the camp?
Scope: Well I'm a small welterweight so I won't have to cut much and I'm probably going to go to lightweight at some point. For this last week, all the hard work is done I will have my last hard session on Monday and I'll be doing some sprints then I will have a light sparring session Tuesday and then its about getting the weight down.

Ben: When you made your BAMMA debut at BAMMA 12 you were a big underdog and you are again this weekend? Does this spur you on to succeed?
Scope: Yeah definitely I've always been the underdog. I think after this fight when I win I wont be the underdog anymore but I like being the underdog though, there is no pressure and you prove everyone wrong when you win. You would think for an 8-0 pro that people would take notice but they haven't.

That being said though I don't want to take any easy fights, that's why I am fighting Arish. I want to fight the best, fighters that will get me noticed and make a name for myself. You don't see many fighters queueing up to fight Arish. I pride myself on the on taking the tough fights, there are too many fighters who take fights just to pad out their record. If you want to get anywhere you have to put the work in and test yourself, Ali is the best wrestler in MMA hands down so I want to test myself and put my record up against his as in the bigger picture I will be coming up against more wrestlers.

Ben: Since going the distance in your debut you have finished your opponent in all the other fights, is this something you pride yourself on and how prepared are you to push yourself for 3 rounds against Arish?
Scope: I am ready to go, obviously I finished those fights but I am always ready to go the distance. I expect the fight to be a grinding, tough fight.

Ben: Everyone knows his game plan, do you think he will stick to that or try and surprise you on Sat?
Scope: Yeah I would think he will stick to his normal game plan, he might try and stand with us at the start but when he realises that I have too much for him on the feet and I am too fast he might go back to the takedown.

Ben: Other than his wrestling what do you think he does well and do you think he has any areas you have the advantage?
Scope: I'd say his Jui Jitsu, I think I'm better technically but he is just strong when he is on top, again movement is the key for this fight. If I stop moving that's how I am going to get taken down.

Ben: Do you think a win over Arish puts you next in line for the winner of Murray vs Edwards?
Scope: Yes BAMMA have said that's the case but it could also be the step to something different, maybe something bigger you know what I mean. Arish holds wins over both the champion and the challenger so as far as rankings go there is only Paul Daley, Cathal Pendred and Jimmy Wallhead who are above so we will see what happens.

Ben: At the weekend both yourself and Colin Freakshow Fletcher are coming to London to fight are we expecting a big travelling support?
Scope: Yeah we always bring a good crowd so there will be a lot of people coming down.

Ben: You have been scheduled to fight Walter Gahadza in the past, is this a fight you are still interested in?
Scope: I know Walters been saying some shit about me pulling out of the fight because I had a broken hand. He bottled it online when called out by Jake Bostwick so he can't say Ive been dodging a fight when he has been publicly humiliated online so he cant say anything to be honest. I will fight Walter but if I beat Ali, whats the point.

Ben: I read in an interview you did last year that you aim to be in the UFC by the end of this year, how many wins do you think you are you from that now?
Scope: I think its only a couple. Again, if you look at the rankings there isn't many above Arish who is fourth so if I beat him I'm right up there. Obviously Paul Daley isn't getting back in the UFC, Wallhead has just signed for Cage Warriors and Pendred is now signed for the UFC so there would only be those above me and I am only 21. So that will look good for the UFC, up and coming fighter just beat number 4 in the country.

Ben: Its recently been announced that your training partner Ross Pearson has been signed up to fight Diego Sanchez, what do you think of that fight?
Scope: Yeah its gonna be a good fight that one. I think Ross will be too clever on the feet for Diego. Diego is game, he is tough you know but Ross is technically better than him. I like watching Diego fight but he fights with too much emotion. You have to go in there and be chilled.

Its a good fight for Ross and will be a statement if he can finish the fight. Its a good first fight back from Ross' injury. Its in Diego's home town so they are probably expecting Ross to get beat but Ross has a great shot.

Ben: Finally one last question, How do you see yourself winning?
Scope: I'm going to say a second or third round stoppage. Its not going to be like my last couple of fights. TKO stoppage in the second or third.

Kingdom MMA would like to thank Ryan for his time and we wish him all the best for his fight at BAMMA 15.

Interview: Oli Thompson Ahead of Bamma 15

Oli Thompson Talks to Kingdom MMA Ahead of his Bout with Gzim Selmani at Bamma 15
by Chris Marzella - @ChrisMarzella

For most being cut from the top fight organisation on the planet can be the downward spiral of a career, but for a few it is the beginning of a very separate journey, one which focuses more on the martial art than status or popularity. On Saturday night one such man makes his BAMMA debut.

Heavyweight Oli Thompson is set to take on relative unknown Gzim Selmani as tries to tries to extend his post-UFC record to 4-1. Speaking to KingdomMMA ahead of the fight Thompson said: 

"I've gone 3-1 since I got cut from the UFC. I've got one loss which was against the KSW champion and that was a close points decision so I've got pretty good form after getting cut from the UFC."

"Defeat can make you assess yourself a lot more than when you're always winning. You don't necessarily change as much and adapt as much when you're winning. I guess it's one of the positives you can take from getting beaten."

Thompson is adamant that the end of his UFC stint in not the end of his MMA career, quite the opposite. He recalled his UFC experience, saying: "As far as I was concerned I was already building back up. It's still early in my career. I know when I was in UFC people kind of see you as you're at the top of your game and you can get knocked back down again but really I was still on my journey when I was fighting in the UFC. I'm bringing a lot more to the table now than I was then."

Moving on in his career, Thompson takes on Gzim Selmani at Bamma 15 in a fight that surprised a few when it was announced, with very few having any idea who Selmani or why he was being matched with Thompson.

Thompson explained the bout, saying:

"First and foremost there was some changes along the way and some opponents being banded about in front of me and some bigger names. The main cause of the fight for me motivation-wise was just purely because I wanted to fight and I'd rather fight than not fight." 

"I'm aware that this guy has not got a big name but he's just as dangerous, or more dangerous, than some of the other guys that I've faced along the way. They're all dangerous in their own way. I'm throwing this guy a bone because he's getting an opportunity without so much to lose. I do see that, but I could have been sat on my arse for another five or six weeks just going through the motions or go out and fight on a big show on London."

Thompsons BAMMA debut should be the first of several for the promotion as he aims to stay busy, with trips to Poland for KSW and the US planned as well.

He said: "I've got a few fights with BAMMA in the pipeline and we've talked about different future plans. Obviously I fight outside the UK, I fight in Poland and a few fights in the States as well. I've started mixing it up, I want to be busy as possible. I can't just fight for one promotion because it's limited how many fights you can get in a 12 month period and I want to be a lot more busy than I have been any other year before."

Despite the fact that he openly admits his opponent is not perhaps the name everyone had in mind when he agreed to fight for BAMMA, Thompson admits that he sees danger in Selmani, meaning he won't be taking his next outing lightly.

"This guy I'm fighting here comes from a good team, Golden Glory in Holland, he's a big kid and he's going to be coming here really hungry to come and get the biggest win he's ever had" Thompson said.

"I've watched a few bits of his fights and stuff. He's a young guy, he's fairly wild in what he does. It might be a case of fighting fire with fire and dampening his flame a little bit."

Her added: "I've got my own plans and if my plans come to fruition then I'm going to get the job done nice and quick and simple."

"I really think this could be a fight for the fans."

Not letting the UFC release after his defeat at the hands of Phil De Fries dent his confidence, Thompson is eager to build a nice little win streak for himself against some of Europe's elite heavyweights. He said: "My motivation is to just keep picking up wins and to keep improving." I've done quite well for myself whilst only sort of exploring and dipping in to maybe 50-per-cent of the things that I do in the gym. "

Oli Thompson takes on Gzim Selmani at BAMMA 15 from the Copper Box in London's Olympic Park on April 5.

Andy De-Vent vs Harry McLeman Meet for Bamma Lonsdale Title

Andy De-Vent vs Harry McLeman Meet for Bamma Lonsdale Title
 by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Bamma officials have today confirmed Andy 'Lion Paw" De-Vent and Harry 'Mad Mac' McLeman will square off at Bamma 15 for the Lonsdale British Middleweight Title.

Bamma 15 takes place April 5th at the historic Copper Box Arena in London, a multi-sport venue which was famously used for the Summer Olympics in 2012 is a headlined by a heavyweight show down between Oli Thompson and Gzim Selmani.

Andy De-Vent (10-8) enter the bout on the back of an impressive 4 fight win streak to earn the Lions Paw MMA fighter an exclusive 4 fight deal with Bamma. Undefeated as a Middleweight (7-0), Manchester born De-Vent most recently defeated former Bamma Middleweight contender Andrew Pushton by 1st round TKO at Made 4 the Cage 13 in February to earn the Made 4 the Cage Pro British Middleweight Title. Hailing from a Thai Boxing background, De-Vent has finished 8 of his 10 victories, with 4 by TKO and 4 by submission.

Fighting out of MacMillian Martial Arts Academy, Harry McLeman (6-2) fights for Bamma for the 4th time having made his debut as a late replacement against Scott Askham at Bamma 12, where he was defeated by Rear Naked Choke for the first loss of his professional career. Following the loss the to Askham, McLeman won one and lost one on the local scene, before returning at Bamma 13, picking up a submission victory over Rough House member Matt Hallam. McLeman then defeating Matt Howard at Bamma 14. Signed to Bamma on an exclusive deal, Plymouth born McLeman comes from an army boxing background and is competitive on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu circuit. 

Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest on Bamma 15.
 

Jack Grant Replaces Injured Dyson Roberts, Faces Jefferson George at Bamma 15

Jack Grant Replaces Injured Dyson Roberts, Faces Jefferson George at Bamma 15
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts  

Lightweights Jack Grant and Jefferson George are set to do battle at Bamma 15. Grant steps in for injured Dyson Roberts who was originally scheduled to face George at this event.

Bamma 15 takes place April 5th at the historic Copper Box Arena in London, a multi-sport venue which was famously used for the Summer Olympics in 2012 is a headlined by a heavyweight show down between Oli Thompson and Gzim Selmani. Grant vs George is will take part on the Bamma 15 preliminary card.

Fighting out of the Fight Ministry in Grimsby, Grant enters the bout on the back of a second round rear naked choke victory over Abi El Kalphi at OMMAC 20 to remain undefeated in his professional  career. A pr since 2012, the bout with El Kalphi makes the first time the 22-year old has been past the first round have previously stopped all his opponent by either submission or TKO , including UK boxing & MMA vet Jason ball who Grant need just 38 seconds to knock out, in the first.

A product of Morefire Icon Jiu Jitsu in Luton, Jefferson George fights under the Bamma banner for the second time in his young career, having fought on the undercard of Bamma 13 defeating Marius Marzec by Rear Naked Choke, and Bamma 14 where a cut above the eye of George caused a frustrating early doctor's stoppage is his bout with Tim Wilde. Renowned for his Thai-boxing, BJJ and powerful athleticism, George who goes by the nickname 'Shadow Demon Blaximus' is 3-2 in his professional career with all 3 victories coming by way of submission.

 Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest on Bamma 15

Jim Wallhead Opts Against Resigning with Bamma, Now a Free Agent

Jim Wallhead Opts Against Resigning with Bamma, Now a Free Agent
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

 

Fans hoping to see a rematch between Eddie Ellis and Jim Wallhead for the Bamma welterweight title will be left disappointed today with the announcement the Wallhead has opted against renewing the Bamma contract.

Fighting out of Leicester, Team Rough House member Wallhead (24-8) began his professional career in 2005, earned notable wins against former John Philips, Jason Tan, Che Mills, and current UFC fighter Igor Araujo before joining Bamma where he defeated former UFC title challenger Frank Trigg at Bamma 7 in his debut, which he followed up with a knockout demolition of Jackson MMA fighter Joey Villasenor at BAMMA 8.

Wallhead returned on an exclusive UK multi-fight deal at Bamma 12 to defeat former UFC contender Matt Veach, to set up a Welterweight title bout with Eddy Ellis at Bamma 13 in a fight which Wallhead broke Ellis' jaw, only to lose by controversial judges decision with fans and pundits alike feeling Wallhead did enough to earn the decision.

Following his loss to Ellis, Wallhead took on Frenchman Florent Betorangal at Bamma 14 winning by spectacular knockout from a slam to set up the potential rematch with Ellis, however this fight was Wallheads last fight on his contract and he has since decided to part ways with the promotion.

BAMMA's manager, Ashley Bothwell, said:

"We are sorry to see Jim go, as he was well loved at BAMMA as a true BAMMA icon. We wish him all the best in his future."

Bamma officials did not elaborate further on why the promotion and Wallhead were unable to come to terms on a new deal of if the fighter was joining another organisation, however an official press release did seem to suggest with Wallhead no longer with the promotion, Paul Daley who was previous out of title contention due to his close relationship with Wallhead, could be next to fight for the welterweight title.   

Free agent Wallhead who has previous fought for Bellator, will now be hot property on the international market. He leaves Bamma with a 4-1 record.

Oli Thompson vs Gzim Selmani to Headline Bamma 15

Oli Thompson vs Gzim Selmani to Headline Bamma 15

Europe's flagship Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce Oli Thompson vs Gzim Selmani as the Heavyweight headliner for BAMMA 15 at the Copper Box in London's Olympic Park on 5th April.

Oli Thompson originally made his name as a strongman, peaking in 2006 when he won the TWI Britain's Strongest Man contest and reached the finals of the IFSA World Championships, in which he came 8th. Thompson also notably attained 2nd and 3rd places in IFSA British Championship contests.  The 34 year old debuted professionally in Mixed Martial Arts in 2009, and went on to become UCMMA's Heavyweight Champion in 2011, before competing in the UFC then KSW. Training out of 1st Generation in Sussex with a professional record of 12-5, Thompson has gone 3-1 since fighting in the UFC and has won his last two bouts via TKO in the first and second rounds. 50% of Thompson's wins have come via Submission and 42% via KO or TKO. Thompson weighs 248lbs at 6ft1.

Gzim 'The Albanian Psycho' Selmani fights out of Golden Glory and Tatsujin Dojo in the Netherlands with a MMA record of 5-1* and a kickboxing record of 1-0, the victory scored via a flying knee KO. The Kosovo Albanian stands at 6ft 3 and weighs 263 pounds. He started training in Judo at the age of 5, then started kickboxing at the age of 12 before taking up MMA at the age of 15 with his older brother Egzon Selmani. Gzim debuted professionally in MMA at the age of 18.

BAMMA's matchmaker, Jude Samuel, said: "Selmani is mainly considered a striker. However at 19 years of age he has not yet had his patterns laid down which makes him unpredictable, dangerous and exciting to watch."

Indeed, 2 of his MMA victories have come via TKO and 3 via Submission. The 'Albanian Psycho' is also the Dutch Heavyweight Grappling Champion 2013, and the Rough Diamonds Kickboxing Champion 2013 in Germany. None of his fights to date have cleared the 2nd round.

Oli Thompson said:

"I have been looking to fight on BAMMA for a long time. The show always has a great look. I am bringing an intensity and athleticism that is not seen in many heavyweights, and I will put my body on the line to get the win at all costs. I want to become the first BAMMA Heavyweight champion"

Bamma 15 Set for April 5th, Oli Thompson to Feature

Bamma 15 Set for April 5th, Oli Thompson to Feature
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts 

 
Bamma is back with their first show of 2014 in April. Bamma officials announced today Bamma 15 will take place April 5th at the historic Copper Box Arena in London, a multi-sport venue which was famously used for the Summer Olympics in 2012. Ticket are expected to go on sale this week.

Bamma home to Paul Daley and Jim Wallhead is broadcast on 5* in the UK, AXS-TV in the US, KIX in Asia, Abu Dhabi TV in the Middle East, The Fight Network in Canada, Extreme Sports Channel in Europe, Setanta in Africa, Sony in Russia & Transylvania Media in Romania.

BAMMA's Director, Ashley Bothwell said:

"It's exciting for BAMMA to be holding an event in the Olympic Park at the Copper Box, as it carries a huge sporting legacy. 5th April will see the coming together of months of preparation for the fighters as all their hard work and sacrifice boils down to a few explosive, intense minutes. It is fitting that these crucial minutes should share a home with so many elite and aspirational sporting memories."

The line for Bamma 15 has yet to be confirmed however, as per a recent teaser video (below) former UFC Heavyweight and Britain Strongest Man Oli Thompson will be fighting on the card.

 Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest on Bamma 15

Video: AXS TV Fights 2013 Hightlights (Must SEE)

Video: AXS TV Fights 2013 Hightlights
By Chris Houten - @mrhouts

2013 was one of the best years in the history of MMA. We have seen stars rise and champions fall, amazing new talent emerge, and a host of international talent literally rise up like a phoenix from the ashes... and that's just whats gone on in the UFC this year.

Fans who haven't had the privilege of watching AXS TV Fights 2013 highlights video can be forgiven for thinking its been all UFC this year, but wait....

From the US TV network which is home to Legacy FC, XFC, MFC, RFA, CFA, BAMMA and others, sit back and enjoy 3 minutes of brutal slams, kicks, punches and submissions from the likes of Paul Daley, Sergio Pettis, Holly Holm, Brandon Thatch and many more.......GOOD NIGHT IRENE!