Bellator 275 in Dublin takes place this Friday in the stunning 3 Arena. While the headliners in Gegard Mousasi and Austin Vanderford are more than worth the price of admission alone, we think that the fighters featured here might just steal the show.
Nathan Kelly
SBG prospect Nathan Kelly makes his Bellator debut this weekend as he takes on experienced Welsh amateur Scott Pedersen. Kelly holds a deceiving 3-2 record, with both losses coming at the tender age of 19. The losses came in his first two pro fights, and he has remained undefeated since.
The 2016 IMMAF silver medalist Kelly stepped away from the sport for three years. He returned in 2021 to a pair of back-to-back knockouts in the Clan Wars promotion. The most recent fight against 6-0 Shem Rock ended in a knockout victory for the Irishman.
Kelly was previously thought to be more dangerous in grappling exchanges but has seemingly matured. Looking like a much more self-assured fighter who can finish on the feet, He has every chance of progressing to a much higher level if his form continues.
Darragh Kelly
Another Kelly takes the second spot on our list. This time Darragh Kelly.
Kelly will be making his professional debut in Dublin as he takes on 3-0 finisher Junior Morgan. While favouring a 23-year-old in his first professional bout may seem unusual, Kelly has amassed a 9-0 record on the amateur circuit, and he won every fight by submission.
Widely regarded as one of the top 155 pounds amateurs in Europe, it will be interesting to see how he handles himself on a bigger stage.
Charlie Leary
Charlie Leary could be walking away with a nice fight of the night bonus if both he and his opponent Davy Gallon’s resumes are anything to go by.
In his last outing, 39-year-old Leary used his iron will to break Kiefer Crosby in the first round. Leary overwhelmed Crosby with a frantic pace and finished him with punches.
Gallon himself is riding a three-fight win streak, including a rolling thunder knockout over UFC legend Ross Pearson. He is known for his fight-ending capabilities, making for a real crowd pleaser against Leary.
With Leary looking better than ever, could this evergreen Englishman make a late push up the Bellator rankings?
Ciaran Clarke
The final featured fighter on our list is 4-0 Irish ace, Ciaran Clarke.
Clarke debuted professionally at Bellator back in 2019 and has amassed a flawless record against opponents who were a combined 23-4-1.
Clarke takes on hard-hitting Frenchman Abou Tounkara. Tounkara is making his Bellator debut, gaining his 7-2 record for various European promotions.
Having fought since 2012 in both the amateur and pro ranks around Ireland, the Drogheda fighter will have the Dublin crowd behind him as he looks to gain another scalp in the featherweight division.
Which fighters do you think will have the biggest breakout moment at Bellator 275 in Dublin?
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Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
