It’s official! BAMMA will be making their Irish debut on 19th September at the 3 Arena in Dublin. The card will be headlined by an intriguing Featherweight Title fight pitting Champion Tom DuQuesnoy against Brendan Loughnane.
Whilst no more fights have been announced you can bet your bottom dollar that as soon as the dust is settled on this weekend’s fight card, matchmaker Jude Samuels will be looking to pull out all the stops to ensure the debut show in Dublin is a success.
So we at #WHOATV have put on our match makers hats to recommend some fights which we would love to see take place on 19th September at BAMMA 22.
Luke Barnatt Vs Chris Fields
Unfortunately Barnatt has recently been released from the UFC following a 3 fight losing stint but you can guarantee that the “Bigslow” will be looking to take on a top level opponent in his first fight away from the UFC. Step forward SBG’s Chris Fields who has recently had to withdraw from BAMMA 21 due to injury and likewise is looking for a big win following a disappointing BAMMA debut. Barnatt is due to get married shortly so this may be the only hurdle holding back this fight but hopefully if it doesn’t go down in Dublin, it’s a fight we will get to see very shortly.
Kane Mousah Vs Marc Diakese
Undefeated Kane Mousah has recently gone through surgery and by the time September rolls around will be back in full fighting strength and looking to make a statement in his BAMMA debut. Likewise recently crowned Lightweight Champion, Marc Diakese is looking to maintain his undefeated record and carry on full steam following his epic BAMMA Lonsdale British Lightweight Title win over Jack McGann. These two have some heat between them and given where they both are in their careers would be perfectly matched for a Lightweight Title fight in Dublin.
Ivan Buchinger Vs Peter Queally
Former Cage Warriors Champion Ivan Buchinger has competed for M-1 Global since leaving Cage Warriors in December 2013 and is currently riding an eight fight win streak. SBG’s Peter Queally is coming off of a tough loss at EFC in South Africa and whilst Buchinger would be a huge step up for Queally in terms of experience, I suspect that the prospect of fighting in Dublin and getting a win over someone so experienced would be a no brainer for “The Showstopper”. He will also be keen to get back to winning ways after his recent loss and what better way to do that than in front of your home crowd?
Alan Philpott Vs James Brum
Philpott had a very competitive fight with Ed Arthur in his BAMMA debut and whilst things didn’t go his way he certainly done himself no harm in putting on a great performance. A fight with James Brum may be just what both fighters need at this stage in their careers. Brum has recently took to social media to try and raise money for a training camp in the States in a bid to take his career to the next level and a fight against a Northern Irishman in Ireland may be the type of exposure he is looking for. Both men are experienced at Bantamweight and stylistically I think this fight could be a real barn burner to watch.
Philip Mulpeter Vs Jake Bostwick
Dublin was due to be treated to this fight back in August 2014 at Cage Warriors 70, however, Bostwick was pulled from the fight due to issues making the weight and we never got to see it come to fruition. Since then both fighters have fought once with Bostwick picking up a win over Patrick Vallee and Mulpeter dropping a decision to Vitor Nobrega but it’s still a very intriguing bout in the 170lbs division. Due to the pull out there was some words exchanged between the two and I very much doubt that either guy would have any issue putting pen to paper to sign up for this one if presented with the opportunity.
Jimmy Wallhead Vs Conor Cooke
Wallhead hasn’t fought at Middleweight since September 2011 but I feel a bout with Cooke in Ireland would be a great return to BAMMA for him. Since his last fight at BAMMA which took place at BAMMA 14, Wallhead has gone 2-1 with two stoppages in his last two fights. Cooke’s record may not be the most attractive to someone of Wallhead’s experience but he is certainly not a fighter to write off at any given time, especially fighting in his backyard. The weight may be the only issue in this one but I would certainly be interested in seeing how this bout would play out.
Patrick Pimblett Vs Arnold Allen
I don’t care what weight this fight takes place at, I just feel we need to see this fight happen before long. Pimblett has been competing for FCC since Cage Warriors granted one fight exemptions and it’s been far too long (November 14) since we have seen Arnold Allen in action. These two fighters really are two of the hottest prospects in UKMMA and I just don’t see a reason why these two shouldn’t fight. With the exposure that BAMMA would be able to provide both of them there is absolutely no better platform for either guy to get their names in lights either. Jude c’mon son make this fight happen!
Danny Roberts Vs Walter Gahadza
It’s been far too long since we have seen both of these guys in action so why not chuck them both in to fight each other? I can hear the argument that Roberts is far more experienced than Gahadza and probably should be fighting higher ranked fighters but you can’t argue that this one wouldn’t bring fireworks. Both fighters are young, hungry and always looking to push the pace when they fight and with their extensive striking arsenals at the ready I would be very surprised to see this fight go the distance. If it’s not a fight for now then I hope we get to see it down the road.
Artem Lobov Vs Colin Fletcher
We all know that Artem Lobov never fails to accept a fight likewise Colin Fletcher never backs down from a fight. So would this fight be a feasible option for BAMMA? Well I think the only thing that could bring it to a halt is whether or not Lobov gets into The Ultimate Fighter reality show which is a big possibility. But regardless I would love to see this fight take place. Fletcher recently lost a decision to Andre Winner and will be hungry to get back into the win column. He could also be guaranteed a true fight against Lobov who like Fletcher just comes forward and hunts down his opponents. A great fight which will definitely be a fan favourite given the two fighters personalities and fighting styles.
Colin Robinson Vs Brett McDermott
Everyone loves a Heavyweight clash and I think this one pits two very evenly matched Heavyweights. Robinson hasn’t fought since losing to James Thompson in March 2014 and McDermott will be keen to put the loss to Marcin Lazarz behind him as quickly as possible. McDermott is currently competing at Light Heavyweight but im sure the opportunity to not have to cut down to 205lbs would be one he would look to pursue for the right fight and I think the Heavyweight division at BAMMA offers him more options. A Brit Vs Northern Ireland in a Heavyweight showdown would certainly bring down the house in BAMMA’s Irish debut for sure.