Bamma Strike Gold with Mansour Barnaoui

Bamma Strike Gold with Mansour Barnaoui
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

At Bamma 13 Mansour Barnaoui entered the cage a relatively unknown prospect to UK fans. 3 months later, not only has Barnaoui earned and defended the Bamma lightweight title knocking off 2 of the best British lightweights around, he has established himself as one of the most exciting fighters under the BAMMA banner, and a promise product on the international scene.

With so many MMA events around the world, UK fans can be forgiven for not knowing much about Barnaoui as the majority of his fights to date have been in France where the Tunisian now resides. Yet at just 21 years old and a pro for just over 2 years, Barnaoui has shown he has everything it takes to hang on the international circuit… and he’s only getting better.

In just two fights with BAMMA, Barnaoui has shown he's got the skill set to not only be a fan favourite but to continue to grow to be a world class fighter one day.

In wins over Curt Warburton and Colin Fletcher, Barnaoui has shown the trademarks of a fan favourite: he is an aggressive, durable fighter with bags of heart, that can also mix it up with the best: he can strike, is great in the clinch, and can submit opponents. Which Ultimately led Barnaoui to finish 2 opponents who have had 5 UFC fights between them.

The Tunisians only career losses have come to American, Kevin Lee, a fighter who has just signed for The UFC and Islam Makhachev, an undefeated Ukrainian prospect who at 9-0 is probably not too far off a UFC contract himself.

Not only is Barnaoui an asset to BAMMA as a skilled fighter, being French may also provide BAMMA with a pantomime villain like character, which adds tension to a fight, makes it more interesting and ultimately sells more tickets. 

Barnaoui is by no means the finished product yet though, as he does have the penchant for dropping his hands in the thick of it for some stand and bang, but to his credit his chin hasn't let him down having never been finished in his MMA career. Bamma however is the perfect learning ground for Barnaoui. With 6 fight cards planned for 2014, Bamma can not only provide Barnaoui with the type of fights he needs to grow, they can provide him with the exposure he deserves thanks to several well established TV deal across the globe.

With the departure of BAMMA stars such as Tom Watson, and Jimi Manuwa to the UFC, BAMMA have been waiting for their next star who can go on to international fame the way both Watson and Manuwa have, and Barnaoui can be just that.

At just 21 years old and a pro of just 2 years, Barnaoui is just scratching the surface when it comes to his potential, yet to defeat 2 experience pros in Warburton and Fletcher, who worked their whole career to get to the level Baraoui is now just 2 years in, shows the natural talent Barnaoui is. A talent who is going to keep getting better, smarter, stronger and more disciplined.

Bamma 14: Daley vs Da Silva Results

Bamma 14: Daley vs Da Silva Results
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Paul Daley Def. Romario Manoel Da Silva – KO (Uppercut) – RD 2 (1:42)  

Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley returned to Bamma with a bang at the LG Arena, knocking out Romario Manoel da Silva in the main at Bamma 14.

Starting off slow, Daley started the first round measuring da Silva with a couple of hard leg kicks which left da Silva’s leg noticeably red, and a sweet jab that was money for most of the round. Da Silva offered little offense in the opening frame baring a pawing overhand right, which Daley could see coming from a mile off.

In the second round both men came out noticeably willing to exchange. Semtex continued to land the jab, cracking the much bigger da Silva straight down the middle, which cause the Brazilian to back toward the cage. Daley pressed forward faking an overhand right causing da Silva to raise his guard, leaving the fighter exposed for a vicious left uppercut that took the Brazilian off his feet, instantly knocking out the previously unfinished fighter.

“I heard my corner say to throw the overhand right. One of them caught him, but I could see he was expecting it, so I faked one. He thought I was going to go with the right again, but then I threw the left,” Daley said. “I knew [the fight was over]. You can tell by the way they fall. He wasn’t getting up from that.”

Mansour Barnaoui Def. Colin Fletcher  - Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - RD 1 (4:00) for The Bamma World Lightweight Title

Mansour ‘Tarzan’ Barnaoui successfully defended his Bamma Lightweight Title in the evening co-main event, submitting Colin ‘Freakshow’ Fletcher via Rear Naked Choke in one of the wildest one round fights on the UK MMA scene all year.

From the opening bell Barnaoui burst out the gate like a bull at a rodeo with a barrage of punches, dropping Fletcher with a sharp left hook. Although Fletcher was able to get right back up he was meet with more onslaught for the 21 year Barnaoui who showed off his Muay Thai skills catching Fletcher with a couple of nice knees for the Thai plum.

Its wasn’t all Barnaoui though at Freakshow managed to break away from the clinch and catch Baraoui with a few crisp shots that sent Frenchman to the floor. Sensing a come from behind victory the former Ultimate Fighter contestant locked in a brabo, which looked tight, however Banaoui did well to defend and wiggled himself out.

Escaping the choke, Baranoui was able to take the back of Fletcher where he managed to trap one of Fletchers arms in a body triangle. With only one hand to defend himself and the champion on his back, there was little Fletcher could do to defend against a Baranoui Rear Naked Choke which saw the Englishman tap out with one minute remaining one the clock.

Jimmy Wallhead  Def.  Florent Betorangal – KO (Slam) – RD 3 (3:21)

Jim Wallhead returned to the cage at Bamma 14 to face French fighter Florent Betorangal hoping a win here would be enough to earn a shot at the Welterweight title, which he lost out on when he fought Eddie Ellis Bamma 13 – a fight that most people felt Wallhead won.

In the opening round both men began trading early, with Betorangal slightly edging it. In a difficult round to score, Wallhead may have been able to steal the round near the bell when he was able to get double under hooks, and take Betorangal down in homage to his Judo days using a O Soto Gari (outer leg sweep).

Batorangal came out strong at the start of the second round, catching Wallhead with a couple of good shots against the cage. Seemingly uninterested in trading with the Betorangal at this point Wallhead was able to get a double leg takedown and spend the remainder of the round chipping away at Batorangal in top control.

Probably need a stoppage at this point Batorangal came out strong for the 3rd round. Wallhead was able to back the Frenchman against the cage before getting double under hooks. Hoisting Batorangal in the air, Judo Jim took Batorangal down with a ferocious slam, which replays showed knocked Batorangal out on impact. Upon getting the takedown, Wallhead stepped in with a couple of good elbows for good measure before Marc Godard stepped in to rescue Betorangal.

Max Nunes Def. Ion Pascu – Unanimous Decision (29, 28)

Max Nunes returned to the cage for the first time since his September loss to Jason Jones for the Bamma Light-heavyweight title. Looking to redeem himself at a new weight class, Nunes took on Ion Pascu in a bout that may have middleweight title implications.

Ion was originally scheduled to meet the current Bamma Middleweight Champion Scott Askham for the title at Bamma 14, however Askham had to pull out due to injury, and was replaced by Nunes.

The opening round began slowly with each man attempting to size up each other range. Baring a couple of jabs there was little action from both men for the opening few minutes. The round closed with Nunes controlling the action against cage, which won him the round.

The fight came alive in the second however, with Pascu landing a thunderous kick to the body, which caused Nunes to back up before collapsing like a beaten man. Pascu did he best to finish the fight from there but was unable to. Little doubt though who won that round leaving it dead even going into the Third.

From the opening bell, it was evident Nunes had no interest in standing with the hard-hitting Pascu, dragging the fight to the ground within the opening minute. Nunes remained in top control for the remainder of the fight to take a judges decision 29-28 on all 3 score cards.

Wayne Murrie Def. Michael Johnson – Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - RD 1 (3:23) for The Bamma Lonsdale British Welterweight Championship

Tom Duquesnoy Def. James Saville - Referee Stoppage – RD 2 (4:04)

Leon Edwards Def. Wendle Lewis – KO (Uppercut) - RD 1 (1:20)

Harry Mcleman Def. Matt Howard - Unanimous Decision (30-27)

Andy Craven Def. Zi Shah – Submission (Heelhook) - RD 1 (0:37)

Tim Wilde Def. Jefferson George – Dr. Stoppage - RD 1 (3:42)

Tim Menzies Def. James Samuda – Referee Stoppage - RD 3 (3:16)

Matt Hallam Def. Curtis Widmer – TKO (Hammerfist) - RD 1 (2:15)

Ed Arthur Def. Ben Rees – Dr. Stoppage – RD 1 – (5:00)

Interview: Paul Daley on Romario Manoel Da Silva "I Expect to Hurt Him, I'm Gonna Win"

Interview: Paul Daley on Romario Manoel Da Silva "I Expect to Hurt Him, I'm Gonna Win"
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Paul Daley is back in Bamma on Saturday for the first of a 3 fight contract, taking on Blackzilian brawler Romario Manoel Da Silva in his first fight for the promotion since his unanimous decision victory over Jordan Radev.

A feared striker, we talked to Daley about his recent announcement to pursue a duel career in both MMA and Kickboxing, his future aspiration, fighting for the Bamma Welterweight Title, and of course his fight with Da Silva. 

Houten: On the 14th of December you will headline Bamma 14 where you will take on Romario Manoel Da Silva, how excited are you to be getting back in the cage for Bamma?

Daley: Fighting is my job, I love my job. [It's] gonna be a great night at BAMMA 14.

Your opponent Da Silva is nicknamed 'junior killer' is this just bravado or does he live up to his name?

He's an aggressive fighter who works to finish, so yeah he can call himself a killer, ain't gonna help him in this fight though.

Da Silva looks to be a bit of a brawler, have you study many of his fights and what so you think of his striking?

Yes I've watched his fights, he's aggressive, likes to trade, but he also has submission wins on his record.

Da Silva has never been knocked out in his career (he has lost once by corner stoppage however), do you expect him to be difficult to be put away?
I expect to hurt him, I'm gonna win. I've fought a lot of guys who have never been knocked out...till they fight me.

You recently announced you will spend the first part of 2014 competing in kickboxing, how excited are you to be heading back into kickboxing?
Very excited, I'm gonna train hard for the fights, that get progressively harder. I feel the later part of my career will be kickboxing only, unless I get a BIG MMA MONEY offer. 

I want to purse fighting for Glory, K-1 or LEGEND in Russia. Right now I've signed with 3 kickboxing promotions, including a 3 fight deal with FFC.

Is the kickboxing deal a sign that you are looking to move away from mma?

Not move away from MMA, but master my craft a little more, especially as it seem to be grow and getting a lot of attention right now; I will still fight out my BAMMA contract. 

You have always been one of the more active fighters around, between Bamma, the option to fight for other promotions out side of Bamma and now kickboxing, how many times to you plan to fight in 2014?

I will fight 4 times before June/July, and maybe 3 more times after that. 4 kickboxing and 3 MMA, I hope.

You have expressed a real desire to rematch Alexander Yakovlev who you recently lost to, is that the mma fight you want next?

It's would be nice to get a re-match and fight him in the UK, but I doubt this will happen. I want the re-match in a cage. I also wanna fight the KSW champion [Aslambek Saidov], and take that belt for my cabinate.

Does that loss give you more motivation to get back to winning ways on Saturday night?

I am always motivated to win. To finish, the loss is out of my head, I just focus on BAMMA 14 now.

You said on the mma hour last week that you are not that interested in fighting for the Bamma welterweight title out of respect for the work Jim Wallhead has put in; if Bamma came to you and offer you the the title fight next, would you decline it?

Yes, I will not fight for the title until Jimmy has his re-match. If he loses it, which I doubt he will, then I will fight for the belt.

Your gym seems to be growing with spirit dojo having achieve some good results this year, what have you got lined up for the gym in 2014?

2014, we are gonna keep active on the kickboxing and Thaiboxing scene, taking every opportunity to learn and grow. We have one fighter who maybe ready for the international stage at a lower level. Hopefully in the next 18months we will move to a new facility. A bigger one.

Finally Paul is there anyone you would like to thank for helping get you prepared for your up coming fight with Da silva?

All my training partners of old, and all my training partners recently, was an honour to spare a few rounds with James Zikic in the lead up to this fight. All my coaches, Sunni, dave, Toby, Paul and head coach and mentor, Rupert Smillie. Mikes gym, spirit dojo, ultimate gladiators, banned fightwear, hooligans united and all my sponsor, family and friends. 

Bamma 14 takes place on the 14th of December from The LG Arena, Birmingham. Tickets are available from £25 through The Ticket Factory.

Interview: Jim Wallhead "I'm Very Confident I Can Bring Home the Victory"

Interview: Jim Wallhead "I'm Very Confident I Can Bring Home the Victory"
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts  

On Saturday Jim Wallhead will step into the cage at Bamma 14 at the LG Arena in Birmingham to take on French fighter Florent Betorangal. 

Looking for redemption for his September loss against Eddie Ellis for the Bamma Welterweight Title, Wallhead has been on a mission to find his "inner aggression again".  We spoke to Wallhead about his will to win, fighting for Bamma, and what we can expect out of his fight against Betorangal.

Houten: How pleased were you to hear Bamma are planning 6 events next year, surely this give you the opportunity to fight more than ever in 2014?

Wallhead: Very pleased, I want to be as active as possible in the next few years because this isn't the longest career going so really wanna get busy.
 

There is some great fights on the Bamma 14 card, would you say this is the best Bamma card to date?

I would have to say so, it's absolutely stacked and the undercard is awesome as well, so much talent it's crazy; it's great to part of it.

I know that you feel you won your last fight against Eddie Ellis, as do a lot of fans; how long did it take for you to get over that loss?

Yeah, it took a while but I've come out of it better - lessons have been learnt. It was my fault I lost, should of done more but life is all about learning and growing and I think I have done that.
 

In your fight against Ellis, did you feel any extra pressure fighting for the title, and do you feel this made you a little hesitant?

I created my own massive pressure, it was stupid. You want something so bad [but] you can put blocks in your own head. I was so worried about making mistakes I ended up being hesitant. Looking back it horrifies me, the state I was in mentally 
 

Is Ellis the fight you would like next with a win on Saturday?

I'm not thinking passed Betorangel but obviously feel like I have unfinished business with Ellis and if Bamma want to give me another shot I won't fuck up again

Your fighting Florent Betorangal on Saturday, how are you feeling ahead of the fight, and how has your training camp been? 

I'm feeling very good to be honest ,very relaxed and quite excited. [My] camps going surprisingly well and my body feels tip top for once.
 

Have you worked on anything specifically for this fight, and have you brought in anyone to help get you prepared? 

Just being a better well rounded fighter. I was to one dimensional against Eddie so I'm just trying to evolve a bit 
 

You said in an interview recently that you needed to find your inner aggression again, does this mean you have made changes to how you approach MMA, and if does this involve going back to your judo roots at all? 

Not gone back to judo roots as such but certainly trying to widen my game. I'm just trying to not overthink the whole situation and have a fight like back in the day. I just used to enjoy fighting then you add pressures
 

Some of the fans tuning in on Saturday won't be familiar with Betorangal. What are his strengths and weakness and what do you expect from him on Saturday night?

He is durable guy with strong striking and jiu jitsu. He has beaten a UFC vet [Carlos Eduardo Rocha] so he is a good opponent. It should be an entertaining fight.
 

I think your fight with Betorangal could play out like a game of chess, where you have great wrestling and Betorangal has some great BJJ to counter. Do you think the majority of this fight will play out on the ground?

When it goes to the ground I totally agree with you, I think standing as well. I need to be close, he needs to be long, so in all ranges it's a good technical aspect to the fight.
 

How do you see yourself winning the fight on Saturday?

I'm not sure how but I'm very confident I can bring home the victory,  it could be anywhere as this fight will go all ranges, and I know on my day I'm strong all round.

Final Jim, what has been your highlight of 2013 and what goals have you set for 2014??
Not been a great year lol, the Veach win was good but broke my hand so really in 2014 I just want to get a win streak going again and take it from there.

Bamma 14 takes place on the 14th of December from The LG Arena, Birmingham. Tickets are available from £25 through The Ticket Factory.

Paul Daley on the Verge of Major Kickboxing Deal

Paul Daley on the Verge of Major Kickboxing Deal
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Paul 'Semtex' Daley took to Facebook earlier today to announce he is on the verge of signing with a major European kickboxing promotion:

Close to signing a 3 fight deal with a Major, European KICKBOXING PROMOTION, starting 2014.

Our focus is on BAMMA 14 right now, but 2014 will see Team Semtex/Spirit Dojo, competing in KICKBOXING AND MMA rules fights. 

One of the finest knockout artist in all of MMA, Nottingham's Daley has fought for MMA promotions all over the world including, The UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator, Cage Warriors, and Elite XC earning an impressive 33-13-2 record with 24 of his victories coming by TKO including notable victories over highly decorated kickboxers Martin Kampmann and Duane Ludwig.

Currently signed to a 3 fight UK exclusive deal with Bamma, Paul Daley with take on Romario Manoel Da Silva in the main event at Bamma 14 December 14 at the LG Arena in Birmingham.  

Earlier in the year Daley was rumoured to have been offer a fight on Glory 5 which took place in London, however nothing came to fruition. Daley is now expected to fight for both Bamma and the as yet unnamed promotion in 2014, however it is unknown if Daley, a former King of The Ring European Muay Thai Champion will continue to fight both MMA and kickboxing once his 3 fight deal with Bamma is up, or if he will have a change of career paths and concentrate just on kickboxing.

Scott Askham Out Injured, Max Nunes in at Middleweight

Scott Askham Out Injured, Max Nunes in at Middleweight
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

An injury has forced Bamma Middleweight Champion Scott Askham to withdraw from his Bamma 14 title bout against Ion Pascu; Pascu will now face former Light- Heavyweight title challenger Max Nunes.

Bamma 14 takes place on the 14th of December at the LG Arena, Birmingham. Bamma 14 will be headlined by Paul Daley taking on Romario Manoel Da Silva. Lightweight Champion Mansour Barnaoui will also feature on the card as he defends his belt against Colin 'Freakshow' Fletcher.

A former Light-Heavyweight title challenger Max 'Power' Nunes returns from his first career loss at Jason Jones for the BAMMA World Light Heavyweight title. 11-1 in his professional career, the London based, Swede who has spent time training with Alexander Gustaffason, has secured all of 11 victories inside the distance with 6 victories coming by TKO and 5 submission.

Now fighting for the first time at middleweight, Nunes said:

"I always intended to fight at Middleweight as I am not a big Light Heavyweight and previously did not cut any weight. I have always fought at my walk around weight. Ion is a very good striker and I have a lot of respect for him and I’m excited to be back fighting at BAMMA: I have a lot to prove. My last fight was my worst performance yet and I want the chance to showcase what I can really do."

Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest on Bamma 14.

Bamma 14 Card Finalised with the Addition of Saville vs Dequesnoy

 Bamma 14 Card Finalised with the Addition of Saville vs Dequesnoy

BAMMA, has confirmed a Featherweight bout between James Saville and Tom Duquesnoy to the BAMMA 14 preliminaries.

James ‘Scraps’ Saville fights out of AVT fight team in West Yorkshire with 9 first round victories out of 12 to his name. Scraps has scored the majority of his wins via a range of Chokes, and also via TKO. He has also obtained his losses by the same methods against respectable competition.

Tom ‘Fire Kid’ Duquesnoy comes from France and has fought across Europe. Fighting out of Team Kayjn, Tom holds a record of 7-1-0. Only one of his fights have made the third round and he has won two of his fights within the first 36 seconds. The 20 year old, known for his devastating speed and aggression, most recently beat the previously undefeated Scott Hunt via way of TKO in just 34 seconds at the Margate based Killacam Promotions.

BAMMA’S VP of Talent Relations, Jude Samuel, said:

“I kept hearing about Duquesnoy: He has some serious talent and power in those hands of his and he could be the next big thing in the Featherweight division. Scraps is not to be overlooked either as another upcoming talent known for his durability and excellent ground game. These guys are set to present a real challenge to each other on the night and I can’t wait to see how this fight maps out.”

BAMMA14: Daley vs. Da Silva takes place on 14th December at the LG Arena, Birmingham. Tickets are on sale HERE

Press Release: Lonsdale Extends Partnership with Bamma

Press Release: Lonsdale Extends Partnership with Bamma

Europe’s flagship Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce a renewed partnership with Lonsdale, ahead of ‘BAMMA 14: Daley vs Da Silva’ as Lonsdale extends its commitment to British MMA into 2014. BAMMA 14 takes place on 14th December at Birmingham’s LG Arena and tickets are available Here
 
The name Lonsdale became inextricably associated with the history of boxing when in 1891 the 5th Earl of Lonsdale organised the first boxing fight with gloves. When veteran fighter, Bernard Heart, adopted the Lonsdale name for his original boxing range in 1960, Lonsdale further established itself as a pioneer in combat sports history becoming the emblem of names that included Muhammed Ali, Henry Cooper and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Lonsdale extended its sporting heritage to Mixed Martial Arts when it first partnered with BAMMA for ‘BAMMA 5: Daley v Shirai’ in 2011. The partnership has seen many unforgettable British MMA bouts in the BAMMA cage, and Lonsdale has notably championed stars that have included Colin ‘Freakshow’ Fletcher and Tom ‘Kong’ Watson. Lonsdale has also become associated with the coveted BAMMA Lonsdale British title belts.

BAMMA’s Director, Ashley Bothwell said: “We are really pleased to continue a very successful relationship with Lonsdale. We are proud to be associated with the combination of boxing heritage, British culture and iconic style that only Lonsdale can bring. We value the support that Lonsdale has put behind the growth of MMA in the UK and we look forward to a really strong 2014 as we increase the number of our shows on a wider TV platform under this partnership.”

Stay tuned to Kingdom MMA for all the latest on Bamma 14.

Rees vs Arthur set to open the show at BAMMA 14

Ben Rees vs Ed Arthur added to BAMMA 14 prelims

BAMMA have today announced the fight which will kick off BAMMA 14 and start the preliminary fights at Decembers event. That fight will be a Bantamweight battle between Ben Rees (1-0 MMA) and Ed Arthur (1-0 MMA). BAMMA 14 is headlined by the return of Paul Daley to BAMMA, he is set to battle Romario Manoel Da Silva in the main event at the LG Arena in Birmingham which takes place on 14th December.

19 year old Ben ‘Flubber’ Rees fights out of East Devon with a record of 1-0-0, having won ‘Submission of the Night’ for his professional debut in June. He also has 9 documented fights at Amateur level.  Described by his coach as a “free fighter”, Rees started training in MMA at the age of 15 and trains solely in MMA at Lion’s Den gym, which is renowned for its military membership and approach. Summarised by ex-army coach, Dave Matthews, as “a good, honest, young fighter who is tough as nails but very humble”, Ben Rees will be taking a big step up as he opens the show at BAMMA 14.

Rees said: “I am really honoured to be competing on BAMMA, as it is the top UK promotion and always has exciting match-ups. To be allowed to showcase my skills is like a dream come true. Ed Arthur is a tough worthy opponent he has a great skill-set and I feel this will be my toughest opponent yet. Who knows how the fight will go: Ed is strong, well rounded, older than me….Remind me why I’m taking this fight again? Also my Coach Dave says he’s possibly better looking. Anyway, the fans can expect a great bout from two of the best looking fighters in the division. It will be entertaining and one not to be missed.”

Opponent, 24 year old Ed Arthur presents a professional record of 1-0-0 and remained undefeated through Amateur level. Half of his fights have been finished in the first round. Fighting out of Hemel Martial Arts with Denniston Sutherland and Josh Bangert as training partners, Arthur is said to be strong in all areas of the fight game.

Arthur said: “I will drag my opponent into the deepest darkest waters and he will have nightmares forever after facing me. The opportunity to fight for BAMMA is one I am really looking forward to. The bigger the stage, the better for me.  I can show the world how good Hemel Martial Arts is. I deserve the win because I train harder, push myself further and mentally I am stronger than anyone out there. I know what it is to be a true mixed martial artist, not just a joker with a punch. This is my time to show everyone what I am about.”

For more on the build up to this fight follow both Ben Rees @1rees_Official and Ed Arthur @edarthurmma on twitter.


BAMMA 14 FIGHT CARD (so far)
More fights are still to be announced

Paul Daley VS Romario Manoel Da Silva (Welterweight)
Colin "Freakshow" Fletcher VS Mansour Barnaoui (World Lightweight title fight)
Scott Askham VS Ion Pascu (World Middleweight title fight)
Wayne Murrie VS Michael Johnson (British Welterweight title fight)
Wendle Lewis VS Leon Edwards (Welterweight)
Zi Shah VS Andy Craven (Featherweight)
Tim Wilde VS Jefferson George (Lightweight)
Tim Menzies VS James Samuda (Welterweight)
Matt Hallam VS Curtis Widner (Middleweight)
Ben Rees VS Ed Arthur (Bantamweight)

Matt Howard vs Harry McLeman Added to Bamma 14 Prelims

Matt Howard vs Harry McLeman Added to Bamma 14 Prelims
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Middleweights Matt Howard, and former army boxer Harry 'Mad Mac' McLeman will meet each other on the preliminary card at Bamma 14.


Coming from a Gysy background, Matt Howard began boxing at the age of 15, where “pretty much everything there was to win”. 9-1 in professional MMA career his only loss has comes to notable British Middleweight Lee Chadwick in the main event at OMMAC 15.

A ferocious power puncher, Team Rough House member Howard earned himself the monicker 'The Wrecking Machine' having defeated 8 of his 9 opponents by knock out in the fist round; 5 of which have came within the first minute.

Having not fought since October 2012 due to injuries, Howard who will be making his debut for the promotion at Bamma 14 said:

“I’m feeling great and looking forward to this fight. My injuries have cleared up and I’m very excited about finally making my debut on BAMMA. Harry is clearly a very good fighter and I respect him after his win over my team mate Matt Hallam (at BAMMA 13), but I see some areas I’m going to exploit in his game. So, be ready for me to have my hand raised at the end of the contest, preferably following a KO in what I hope will be an exciting start to my time with BAMMA.”

Fighting out of Plymouth former Army boxer Harry McLeman (5-2) fights under the Bamma banner for the 3rd time at Bamma 14, having previously lost to current Bamma champion Scott Askham, before bounce back to beat Howard's Rough House teammate Matt Hallam by guillotine choke.

Taking ahead of his upcoming bout with Howard, McLeman said:

“I feel like I’m the better rounded fighter which will make the difference on the night. Fans can expect me to leave it all in the cage as always.”

Bamma 14 takes place on Saturday the 14th of December at the LG Arena in Birmingham, and is headline by Paul Daley taking on Romario Manoel da Silva. Tickets are on Sale Now - HERE

Jim Wallhead vs Florent Betorangal set for Bamma 14

Jim Wallhead vs Florent Betorangal set for Bamma 14
by Chris Houten - @Mrhouts

Judo Jim Wallhead will take on Frenchman Florent Betorangal on the Bamma 14 main card in his first fight since his controversial decision loss to Eddie Ellis for the Bamma Welterweight title at Bamma 13.

Fighting out of Leicester, Team Rough House member Wallhead (24-8) who 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, followed up by 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 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.

Seeking redemption, Wallhead said: “I'm looking forward to the fight. I'm focusing hard on fixing my mistakes. I think the opponent has very good style and is coming off a big win. My goals are to keep improving and to put on a better performance next time.”

Fighting out of Parabellum Combat Club in Paris, France, 30 year old Florent Betorangal (14-7) enters the bout on the back of an impressive TKO victory over former UFC fighter Carlos Eduardo Rocha at GMC 4 - Next Level this July in Germany.

A professional since 2007, fighting for some of the largest promotions in Europe including Cage Warriors and M1, Betorangal has taken all but 1 of 14 career victories inside the distance, with 11 coming by submission

"I am happy to fight in one of the best MMA organisations in the world, and certainly in Europe. It is an honour for me to take part in this incredible fight at BAMMA 14." Betorangal said.

"To fight Jim Wallhead, who is one of the top UK fighters of this weight division, is exactly what I want to be doing…fighting top fighters. When I take a fight I am always well prepared mentally and very determined to win. Jim is a tough and well-rounded guy and it won't be an easy fight, but I will go hard for sure."

Bamma 14 takes place on Saturday the 14th of December at the LG Arena in Birmingham, and is headline by Paul Daley taking on Romario Manoel da Silva. Tickets are on Sale Now - HERE

Tim Menzies vs James Samuda Added to Bamma 14 Prelims

Tim Menzies vs James Samuda Added to Bamma 14 Prelims
by Chris Houten - @Mrhouts

A Welterweight bout between Tim Menzies and James Samuda has been added to the Bamma 14 Preliminary Card.

Fighting out of Andy Roberts BJJ, Menzies makes his pro debut at Bamma 14 having previously recorded a 4-1 record as an amateur.

A dangerous striker, Menzies began his fighting career in K1 where he earned a 4-1 record wining 2 out 3 bouts in a one-night tournament in his K1 debut. A Blue Belt in BJJ Menzies, who has previously spent time training in the United States with Matt Hughes at Hughes Intensive Training is reputed on the local MMA scene as a exciting prospect.

His opponent, local lad James Samuda holds a professional MMA record of 1-0-0, and an amateur record of 3-1-1. His Pro debut victory over Max Cotton came via 2nd round Rear Naked Choke in April

Speaking about the fight Samuda who trains at Fearless MMA with undefeated, former Bamma Britsh Welterweight Champion Tom Breese - now with Cage Warriors, said:

"I'm looking forward to showcasing my skills on BAMMA in my home town of Birmingham and representing my team, Fearless MMA. I always go in looking to finish the fight and this fight will be no different."

Bamma 14 takes place on Saturday the 14th of December at the LG Arena in Birmingham, and is headline by Paul Daley taking on Romario Manoel da Silva. Tickets are on Sale Now - HERE

Tim Wilde vs Jefferson George Added to Bamma 14 Prelims

Tim Wilde vs Jefferson George Added to Bamma 14 Prelims
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

A lightweight bout which sees Tim Wilde take on Jefferson George has been added to the Bamma 14 preliminary card.

Fighting out of UTC Cannock, karate expert Tim 'The Experiment' Wilde fights for the 3rd time in his pro career at Bamma 14 having defeated his first 2 opponents - Dean Williams by Rear Naked Coke at Lion FC 2 and Stephen Martin at Bamma 13 by UD. Prior to turning pro, Wilde earned a 3-0 semi-pro MMA record with 3 first round finishes, and has all competed at world level in karate.

His opponent Jefferson George who fights out of Morefire Icon Jiu Jitsu in Luton also featured on the Bamma 13 where he defeated Marius Marzec by Rear Naked Choke at the close of Round 2.

Fighting for the 5th time in his pro career, having gone 3-1 to date, George who has picked up all 3 of his victories by submission said: 

George said: "I cannot wait to return to BAMMA in December. It's a great promotion and I intend to make it my home for a very long time. I am fighting Tim Wilde who is also making his second appearance on BAMMA. We fought each other in the Amateur leagues, which I won and both of us have progressed a lot since then. There's no way Tim is taking this fight lightly and neither am I. He's a tough guy and I am looking forward to a war. I know the fans are going to really enjoy this one: I'm not sure if it's going to be a stand up or ground war but either way both of us will be ready, I am sure. Roll on December 14th!"

Bamma 14 takes place on Saturday the 14th of December at the LG Arena in Birmingham, and is headline by Paul Daley taking on Romario Manoel da Silva. Tickets are on Sale Now - HERE