After snatching up a slew of available talent Bellator’s 2019 Euro invasion kicks off in earnest on 9th February when they pitch up their tent at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England. The card, headlined by Ryan ‘Big Baby’ Scope (10-1-0) who’ll take on Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire (20-8-1), also features the long awaited official debut for the promotion of Aaron ‘The Joker’ Chalmers (4-0-0) at lightweight who revealed exclusively in an interview with WHOA TV that he will face his most formidable opponent yet, Corey Browning (3-1-0) in the co-main event slot.
Chalmers is a charismatic draw and it’s a smart move by the promotion to add him to the card. What the promotion, it seems, are clear to announce, in not only keeping their new signings busy, is that there will be no easy rides for any of their roster. Chalmers is a draw and puts bums on seats, the risk here is that such a steep step up in competition may effectively slow his roll if he is stopped on 9th February. In speaking to the ex TV star it’s clear that on home territory failure is not an option and is far from what he expects when he steps back into the cage.
With the fight date officially announced by the promotion earlier today you can already read the disparaging comments as tweets are already heralding what many are hoping will be the undoing of Chalmers, others have been positive but for many doubters, haters, nay sayers it would seem they are praying for his downfall. Chalmers in predictably resolute fashion is unswerving in his goal as he says, “! couldn’t give a fuck about them, as long as I get paid that’s all that matters.”
Corey Browning is undoubtedly a step up in opponent for him it’s easy to draw the conclusion that, as in the past, ‘The Joker’ is not in any hurry to get into title contention. As if leaving his options open Chalmers offers,”The only match ups that interest me are money fights.” Continuing as if to underline his point he said, “If it’s not going to get press and world wide attention the team won’t be taking it.”
Chalmers’ recent online spat with new Bellator signee Chris Bungard captured the attention of both of their respective online followers, many of which weighed in to give their take on how a clash between the two will go down. ‘The Joker’, whilst not ready now, is still keen to take on Bungard at a time that suits him telling me, “Bungard will get his opportunity when we are ready to give him it.” Pausing to reflect, Chalmers laughs, “Bungard’s got the toughest test of his life next and my next three fights are going to be against American opponents.”
Chalmers has expressed a keen interest in fighting stateside and not just in mixed martial arts. If his recent tweets are anything to go by he has his sights set on taking on named opponents in the pro wrestling arena too. He said, “The aim is, if all the chips fall right and Daniel Bryan steps up, we are gonna cause mayhem in the USA”
With the next opponent looming large on the horizon it would appear that Bellator are keen to test his skills and allow him to showcase his range as a fighter. After his repeated call outs of Baby Slice, by all appearances an up and coming prospect, it would seem this fight is perfect as Baby Slice recently took a loss to Browning by way of TKO. Chalmers is keen to remind everyone that he is not in Bellator to make up the numbers by saying,”Everyone has been saying Baby Slice would easily deal with me. Corey Browning dealt with Baby Slice in spectacular fashion, I’m gonna beat the guy that beat the guy.”
Bellator goes down in Newcastle on 9th February and tickets will be on sale December 12. We will of course update you on the emerging fight card when more bouts are added to it.