For the winners at BAMMA 16 there are some big fights in the pipeline
by Andreas Georgiou - @AGeorgiouMMA |
| Credit Richard Blackburn | BAMMA |
Leon Edwards vs Eddy Ellis
After a shaky start against Shaun Taylor, British Champion Leon Edwards came into his own during the second, and finished his opponent in the final round. A thunderous left, right combination saw the fight stopped after two rounds of inevitable punishment from the UTC Birmingham fighter.
In our post-fight interview with Leon Edwards, he told us: "I want to advance in my career, and to advance you have to aim higher, which is the world title."
The current BAMMA World Welterweight champion, Eddy Ellis, has been inactive since November 2013, after a brutal fight with Jimmy Wallhead which the American took by split decision. He's been recovering from a broken jaw, but looks to return at the start of 2015.
British champion vs world champion? It's got all the makings of an excellent fight.
Tom Duquesnoy vs Ashleigh Grimshaw
Speaking to a lot of different people at the arena: fans, staff, media, most of them had their eyes on the Featherweight title bout as a potential fight of the night.
In the most accidental and agonising moment of the evening, just over 10 seconds into the fight, Tom Duquesnoy went for an inside leg kick to Grimshaw, however as the Englishman tried to get out the way, Tom's kick inadvertently hit him in the nether-region.
As Grimshaw grimaced and fell to the mat, the whole arena became eerily silent. He was unable to compose himself after five minutes and thus the fight was declared a no contest.
The fans were ready, both fighters were ready, and it looked like Duquesnoy would have his toughest test under the BAMMA banner. This fight must take place before the end of the year, and it will no doubt still be a war.
Colin Fletcher vs Marc Diakiese
Ludus Magnus' Marc Diakiese showed he is one of the UK's top Lightweight prospects after his dominating unanimous decision performance of Jefferson George on Saturday. George, who is known for a dynamic stand-up style as well as a solid BJJ ground game was both out-struck and out-wrestled.
In our post-fight interview with Diakiese, in response to a question about his next opponent, he simply responded with "Freakshow."
It has been announced by BAMMA than Colin Fletcher will headline BAMMA 17 in Manchester, however his opponent has yet to be announced. A fight against Diakiese can be seen as a title eliminator, with the winner getting a shot against Barnaoui should he defend his belt against Michael Brightmon on the same card.
Shay Walsh vs Zi Shah
Despite having to fight after the main event, due to opponent Paul Reed showing up two hours late to hand-wraps, Shay Walsh managed to grind down Reed to take a unanimous decision win and go 2-0 in the promotion.
Zi Shah (6-1) signed a four fight deal with BAMMA earlier this summer, and despite losing to Andy Craven in his promotional debut, has a bright future. All of his wins have come by finish, three by knockout, with an equal amount by submission.
With Andy Craven vs Greg Severs pushed back to BAMMA 17, it would likely set up a future British title or #1 world title contender bout between the winners of both fights.
Shay Walsh's post-fight interview.
Michael Wootten vs Ed Arthur
To the surprise of many, Antoine Gallinaro gave Wootten a tough test in the first round, giving the Liverpool MMA Academy fighter a cut that required three stitches over his left eye.
In the second, Wootten came out much stronger and man handled his opponent with good wrestling and finished Gallinaro with a rear naked choke with just a few seconds left before the claxon.
With the Bantamweight belt vacant, there is a chance for a huge fight between the undefeated Wootten and Ed Arthur (4-0). The Hemel based fighter has finished all of his wins, and holds wins over: Michael Cutting, Nathaniel Wood and Ben Rees in the BAMMA cage.
In our post-fight interview with Wootten, when asked about a potential title fight with Arthur he said: "I'm easy."
Are there any other fights you'd like to see in BAMMA? Leave a comment on our Facebook page, or send us a tweet.
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