UFC and TUF veteran Luke Barnatt (8-3) has found a new home with Italian promotion Venator Fighting Championship after signing a two fight deal and apparently turning down offers from ONE, KSW and Bellator.
The UK fighter was released from the UFC earlier this year after suffering three straight losses. Life in the UFC started great for Barnatt as he won his first three fights and even earned a ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus. No doubt the 27-year-old will learn from his time in the UFC and with time on his side he will certainly be aiming to return to the Octagon some day.
His first fight will be as the main event of Venator FC’s show on December 12th against Italian fighter Mattia Schiavolin (12-1-2) and it will be for the promotion’s middleweight title.
Schiavolin has 11 first round finishes and has wins over some decent opposition such as Alessandro Botti (11-5) and Josip Artukovic (11-5) but also has a somewhat padded record against some 2-2, 0-2 type opposition. Overall though the 30-year-old seems like a very solid and obviously dangerous fighter.
Also on the card is MMA veteran Jack Mason (29-14-1), who will be making his second appearance under the Venator banner. His first fight for the promotion ended as a draw. Regardless, he will be fighting for the promotion’s welterweight title against Marvin Vettori (8-2).
Mason has long been considered one of Europe’s top and toughest welterweights. His fight resumé is littered with UFC veterans and quality opposition.
This fight will no doubt be the toughest in Vettori’s career. The Italian is no stranger to British opposition as he competed three times in the London based UCMMA promotion posting a record of 2-1, however his two wins were against opponents with losing records. His best career win came in his last fight were he defeated the previously undefeated prospect Daniele Scatizzi (6-1).
Joining Luke Barnatt and Jack Mason on the Venator card will be Irish MMA’s Peter Queally and Karl Moore.