With Cage Warriors recent announcement that they will be allowing their roster one fight exemptions, what better time than the present to look across the MMA landscape and lay down some fights which I would love to see take place?
So with that thought in mind I have put together five fights which I would love to see BAMMA put on, using one of their current roster and one Cage Warriors fighter. Hope you enjoy the selection;
Paul Daley Vs Nicolas Dalby
These two Welterweights are arguably the best two European Welterweights at this moment in time. Dalby is the undefeated Cage Warriors Welterweight Champion looking to solidify his name as one of the best Welterweights on the planet, not just Europe. Daley has the star power and one punch knockout power to back up the claim that he is one of the most successful European Welterweights of all time. Dalby showed in his first title defence that he can absorb a lot of punishment, whereas Daley has always struggled against superior grapplers. So style wise a very interesting contest. This one may be a little harder to see happening given Daley’s contract with Bellator but BAMMA have shown in the past the strength of their relationship with Daley and so there is still a good possibility that we may get to see him back in the BAMMA cage.
Arnold Allen Vs Ashleigh Grimshaw
While Grimshaw’s unfortunate injury saw his chances of claiming BAMMA gold disappear, a win over someone like Allen would put him right back in title contention. Likewise for Allen a win over Grimshaw would do his career a world of good and propel him up the rankings. Grimshaw has won 6 of his last 7 fight (inc 1 no contest) and is arguably looking the best he ever has in his career. Allen on the other hand is like a sponge and just seems to absorb skills and techniques with every fight. This fight would really pit youth against experience and I really wouldn’t like to call who I would favour in this fight.
Paddy Pimblett Vs Brendan Loughnane
Loughnane had a very successful 2014 with two wins at FCC and finishing the year off with a TKO win at BAMMA 17. With that Loughnane has certainly put the Featherweight division on notice and the Manchester fighter will be looking to ride that momentum into 2015. A man who matches up very well with Loughnane in my opinion is Liverpool’s very own Paddy Pimblett. Pimblett like Loughnane went 3-0 in 2014 and has only one loss on his record. Pimblett has really shown some great development in his last few fights, and for me showed in his last fight that he is able to deal with adversity and still find the win. While Loughnane would have the UFC experience on his side if these two met, Pimblett is constantly improving and would prove a true test for both men.
Danny Roberts Vs Walter Gahadza
There is certainly an argument to be had that this fight would be a step in the wrong direction for Roberts but dam I would love to see this fight. If not now, then certainly down the line. Roberts has an excellent style and is just gaining confidence every time he steps into the cage. Gahadza has suffered with injuries of late and was unfortunate not to return to the cage in 2014. With a record of 14-0 he is certainly someone to take note of, but he hasn’t faced an opponent with the skillset of Roberts. Both of these fighters come forward and have a very diverse offence so from a fans perspective this fight would certainly not fail to deliver. I think the main barrier for this one would be timing, but we can always hope!
Ed Arthur Vs Cory Tait
Ed Arthur is definitely making some noise for a professional fighter who has only five professional bouts to his name. The Bantamweight fighter has already fought for Shock N Awe, BAMMA and Superior Challenge in Sweden since turning pro in 2013. He has justifiably created a big hype behind himself and for me it will be key to see him fighting bigger names in 2015. Step forward, Cory Tait. Tait fell short in his Bantamweight Title fight at Cage Warriors 72, but prior to that had four finishes on the bounce and a big momentum behind him. Tait is still largely inexperienced with only 11 bouts under him and would make a great opponent for unbeaten Ed Arthur.
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