15 European Fighters Who Could Sign for The UFC in 2014 (Part 1)

15 European Fighters Who Could Sign for The UFC in 2014 (Part 1)
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

2014 is set to be the busiest year in the UFC's history with between 40 to 50 cards planned for the year. The UFC are looking to expand in a big way this year, and with Garry Cook at the helm as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Europe, 2014 is set to be a huge year for European MMA.

With a minimum of 6 European cards planned for 2014, Joe Silva and Sean Shelby will need to book around 72 fights just for Europe - that's 144 fighters! With all of these cards expected to take place on the UFCs new online subscription service Fight Pass, its likely Silva and Shelby will be looking to add local talent to these cards, to not only sell tickets but to keep the cost of the cards down.

With so many talented fighters in European, we look at some of the names which the UFC could add over the next year. Starting with our first 5 names, in NO particular order.

Jan Blachowicz - Poland
The first of several Polish fighters on this list, 30 year old Jan Blachowicz has established himself as one of the best light-heavyweights in the world not signed to the UFC. At 17-3, Blachowicz has not lost a fight since 2011. Since then he has defeated four UFC vets in a row - Sokoudjou, Mario Maranda, Houston Alexander and Goran Reljić on route to earning and defending the KSW light-heavyweight title.

Popular in his native Poland, Blachowicz is no doubt on a far better contract than the UFCs standard 6k & 6k, but with the growing trend of light-heavyweights dropping to 185 - Machida, Mousasi, and Te Tuna all in recent months, and a proposed UFC debut in Poland this year, Blachowicz would be an excellent addition to the promotions 205lb division.

Max Nunes - Sweden
Had Max Nunes not lost to Jason Jones at Bamma 13 for the first pro loss of his career, it's likely the Swedish fighter would have already been signed to the UFC.

After suffering a set back against Jones, Nunes bounced back by dropping to middleweight and picking up a unanimous decision victory against Ion Pascu. With several Scandinavian's already booked for UFC London, the UFC may look to add to their roster for their annual return to Sweden. At 12-1 with 11 finishes, Max Nunes would be a worthy addition a UFC card in Sweden particularly if the 24 year old can pick up another win or two before then.

Mamed Khalidov - Poland
Easily the fighter most worthy of a place on the UFC roster on this list, Khalidov is a top 10 middleweight with an outstanding 28-4 record which includes an impressive 27 finishes. What's more 12 of those victories are over former or current UFC fighters.

A huge star in Poland, the KSW champion is Poland's equivalent of Conor McGregor, appearing on various national adverts and TV talkshows, and could easily headline a sold out arena when the UFC make their debut in Poland this year.

A stumbling block however  could be the reported $30,000 Khalidov earns per fight, and the sponsorship deal Khalidov could lose by joining the UFC, these were the reasons sited in 2012 when Khalidov turned down a UFC contract. With a card planned in Poland in 2014 though, it would be worth the UFC matching Khalidov's current contract just for the revenue he would bring to that card alone.

James Brum - UK
James 'Job Done' Brum has been doing just that - getting the job done for 2 years straight. Currently on an 8-fight win streak, Brum has not lost since Bamma 7 in September 2011 when he was defeated by current UFC bantamweight Erik Perez.

Currently Europe's highest ranked bantamweight not signed to the UFC, Brum has fought all of his Cage Warriors fights outside of the UK showing the ability to win and make weight around the world making James Brum a great addition to the UFC's Bantamweight division.

Neil Seery - Ireland
The UFC will make their long awaited return to Ireland this year and will no doubt be in the market for some of the finest local talent, and Neil Seery is one of the finest fighters Ireland have to offer right now.

While Seery may not have the best record in European MMA, Seery is popular, and has put together a 4 fight win streak on route to winning the Cage Warriors flyweight title; a division the UFC certainly could do with adding to.

Seery would be a popular addition amongst local fans to UFC Dublin 2014.

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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)

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.

Press Release: Bamma Announce Two Title Fight for Bamma 13

The UK’s Premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA is back on 14th September to bring another stunning night of fights to Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena with BAMMA 13.

BAMMA is proud to announce two title bouts to the BAMMA 13 main card, as Jason Jones meets Max Nunes in a long awaited Light Heavyweight clash for the BAMMA World title; and Britain’s iconic Jimmy Wallhead faces US Welterweight, “Fast” Eddy Ellis for the BAMMA World Welterweight belt.

Brutal athlete, Jason “The Villain” Jones, hails from Holland with a record of 19-10-0.  Debuting in 2004, the Judo black belt carved his reputation across promotions that included M-1 Global, Shooto, K-1, King of the Cage, Deep and United Glory.  Jones first entered the BAMMA cage at BAMMA 9 where he terrorised Przemyslaw Mysiala, stopping him with cuts in the first round.  Lauded London based Swede, Max “Power” Nunes, remains undefeated with an MMA record of 10-0-0.  Demolishing Kevin Thompson via TKO at 1:40 into round 1 at BAMMA 11, Nunes achieved the 8th 1st round finish of his career and made waves internationally. He went on to face unorthodox Marcin Lazarz at BAMMA 12, in a tricky bout that was his first to stretch to the third round. This mouth-watering tear-up is the one that fans have been waiting for.

Leicester’s “Judo” Jimmy Wallhead (24-7-0) stands among the elite of UK Middleweights and Welterweights, but was often snubbed in his career because of his fierce talent. This included being knocked back when he applied for “The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom” in 2008 on the grounds of being ‘too experienced’. Wallhead’s victory over the legendary Frank Trigg at BAMMA 7 finally put his star on the map; while his demolition of Villasenor at BAMMA 8 with flying knees and a spectacular KO remains unforgettable.

Wallhead signed up to an exclusive UK multi-fight deal with BAMMA earlier this year and went on to defeat former UFC contender Matt Veach at BAMMA 12 in a typically explosive performance. “Fast” Eddy  Ellis hails from Washington, USA with a record of 18 wins and 15 losses. The veteran is on a six fight win streak and has lost just one bout in his last ten. With 13 years of professional MMA fights under his belt, Ellis has scored victories in promotions such as Strikeforce, King of the Cage, IFC, WEC and Sportfight; and has 15 championship belts to his name.  Ellis is a veteran of The Ultimate Fighter, Season 16 on which he represented Team Carwin.  He is current head coach at United Training Centre in Washington.

BAMMA’s Managing Director, Ashley Bothwell, said:

“Jones versus Nunes, and Wallhead versus Ellis kick the BAMMA 13 card off to a sharp start and give a flavour of what can be expected from the rest of the night. BAMMA 13 has been some time in the works and we promise another exciting and entertaining night of fights. BAMMA 14 is also in motion for later in the year and following renewed broadcast conversations we can assure fans of a stable events schedule running into 2014. We’d like to thank BAMMA fans for their support.”

BAMMA 13 will feature live on 5* with highlights on Channel 5 in the UK;  and will be televised on AXS-TV in the US, The Fight Network in Canada, Red Media in Russia, TV Esporte Interativo in Brazil and Setanta in Africa.

Kingdom MMA Exclusive: Interview with Max Nunes

BAMMA's unbeaten star Max Nunes tells Kingdom MMA his next fight "should be for a title"

by Ben Heather @benheather

On Wednesday 12th March 2013 I had the privilege of interviewing BAMMA’s unbeaten rising star and my pick for the one to watch in the next 18 months Max Nunes. Max who now holds a 10-0 professional MMA record after his TKO win against Marcin Lazarz at BAMMA 12.

Ben: Hi Max, Thank you for taking the time out to do this interview for Kingdom MMA, it is very much appreciated.

Growing up in Sweden how did you first get in to MMA as a fan?
Max: I was never a MMA fan. I had never watched it or anything like that. I had never been a fan until I started fighting.

Ben: When did you first start training in MMA?
Max: It was about four years ago, something like that.

Ben: Why did you start training in MMA, especially if you were not a fan before?
Max: There was a MMA club in my gym and after seeing them train every day I just decided to come and try.

Ben: Had you trained in any martial arts before you started training in MMA?
Max: Nope, nothing I just went straight into MMA without any background in any combat sport.

Ben: I believe you moved to London to help progress your MMA career, what ultimately made you come to this decision and when did you move?
Max: Yeah I purely came to London to train MMA because back then MMA wasn't so big in Sweden. There weren't many shows in Sweden so it was going to be a move to the USA or UK and the UK was closer.

Ben: Did you ever have any amateur fights in Sweden/ England or did you go straight in to fighting as a professional?
Max: Yeah I did fight as an amateur but only in England, I went 3-1-1 as an amateur/ semi-professional.

Ben: Did you win your first amateur fight? Or was that your only loss?
Max: Yes I lost the first fight and haven’t lost a fight since.

Ben: That’s a great achievement, especially as you had done no training of any martial arts previously. How long had you trained before your first fight?
Max: About less than a year I think

Ben: You are now 10-0 as a professional stopping all opponents inside the distance. Do you pride yourself of this fact?
Max: Yeah I am very happy it’s like a dream come true. I always try and go for the finish. For me that is very important to get the stoppage. You never know what the judges are thinking and they are not really known for picking right all the time lol

Ben: Yes I agree if you have the ability to finish it go for it and make sure the judges can’t make a mistake.
Max: That’s how I see it.

Ben: With five wins by KO and five wins by Submission this proves you are a fully rounded mixed martial artist. Do you have a preference on where you like to keep the fight?
Max: Not really, anywhere I can get the stoppage is fine by me.

Ben: In your last fight you went in to the third round for the first time in your career (and past the first round for only the second time) but proved you still had the cardio to control that round before getting the KO finish with some brutal ground and pound. Do you pride yourself on being able to fight the whole fifteen minutes even though we have not seen this yet in your professional career?
Max: Yeah, you can’t expect to finish everyone in the first round, Marcin Lazarz was very well prepared and I think it is very important to be fit. I never want to lose a fight because I gas out. However, I do always do my best to finish the fight.

Ben: In your last fight it was the first time in your career that you looked in a bit of trouble getting rocked in the first round, do you remember much about it and were you hurt at that point?
Max: Yeah but in the fight I didn’t feel hurt or anything I just felt that he hit me. Looking back at the fight I can see that I got rocked.

Ben: Would you say you had any areas of weaknesses inside the cage that you need to develop?
Max: Yeah of course, I want to be better at everything. I’m always looking to improve my skills.

Ben: Who would you like to fight next and when? Also, do you think your next fight should be for a BAMMA title as both British and World titles are vacant at Light Heavyweight?
Max: I don’t care. I will fight whoever they put in front of me and yes I think it should be for a title.

Ben: Am I right in thinking you are now one fight into your exclusive three fight deal with BAMMA, if so would you like to fight two more times this year?
Max: Yes that is correct, I have two more fights left on my contract. If I could I would fight two more times before the summer.

Ben: By the sounds of it BAMMA can’t keep you out of the cage then….
Max: Ha-ha yeah I like to keep active.

Ben: Realistically how many times do you think you would be able to fight this year if BAMMA keep putting the shows on?
Max: If I could and was not injured about every eight weeks.

Ben: Are you fighting fit following the win on Saturday night or did you pick up any knocks?
Max: No I am really happy that I came out of that fight unharmed, my legs are just a bit sore.

Ben: Out of all of your fights do you think you have a win that was most satisfying for you?
Max: The last one, because it made me 10-0.

Ben: If you could fight anywhere in the world where would it be?
Max: Japan, I just love the culture.

Ben: As a fan now, do you have a favourite fighter?
Max: Yeah Shinya Aoki, I think he is amazing.

Ben: If you could put together a fantasy fight who would you want to watch fight and why?
Max: It would be me vs. Anderson Silva just because he is the best fighter in the world and it would be an honour to say that I had a fight with him.

Ben: One last question, if you had to pick a fight with two separate fighters other than yourself, who would you pick?
Max: Silva vs. Jones. I think everyone wants to see that fight.

Ben: I think you are right, that’s a brilliant fight and surely nobody would complain if that fight got made.

Ben: Thank you very much Max for your time and for answering all the questions for Kingdom MMA. I look forward to seeing you back in the cage and speaking to you again in the future.
Max: Thank you

Be sure to keep checking KingdomMMA.co.uk to find out the latest news on Max Nunes, BAMMA as well as the latest MMA stories from around the UK and the rest of the world.