Bellator 280 touches done on French soil this week. A European card means lots of European fighters. With a 13-fight card, I’m going to take a look at the five Brits who compete at this event. Starting from the earliest fights and working my way up the card.
Gavin “Big Tasty” Hughes
10-2 as a professional, Gavin has only seen the judges once in his pro career. An impressive nine finishes make Hughes an extremely exciting fighter to watch. With four wins via KO/TKO and five by SUB, he has a well-rounded game to compete wherever the fight takes him. The lightweight combatant will be looking to add another ”Big Tasty“ highlight to his reel. He takes on Yves Landu. His French counterpart is 16-9 also having nine victories by finish.
This event will see Gavin step into the Bellator cage for the third time at Bellator 280. Amassing a record of 1-1 over his first two trips. Looking to bounce back strong after his last fight, where he tasted defeat for only the second time. Hughes will march into enemy territory and throw down. To give both fans in attendance and at home a performance to remember.
Charlie ”917” Leary
Now, 39-years-old Charlie is a veteran of the sport. Competing 30 times in his career he has a respectable record of 17-12-1. Very handy on the feet, Leary has nine KO/TKO victories to his name. With finishes in the first and last round, Charlie can’t be slept on and will be fighting for the full 15 minutes. Accompanying them nine finishes, he also has three by sub.
Fighting this week at a catchweight 160lbs. Charlie will be taking on Bellator regular and Cage Warriors alumni Soren Bak. With a record of 15-1, Leary will have his work cut out for him with the Danish star. Never one to back down from a challenge “917” will be looking to cause the upset and silence a few doubters.
Jordan “The Lord” Barton
Competing at Featherweight for the Brits is Jordan Barton. With a professional record of 6-2-1, this will be Jordan’s second time entering the Bellator cage. Unsuccessful in his last outing. Barton will be looking to once again show why he’s here and deliver big. Starting his career with a bang Jordan has finished five of his six wins. More of a striker with four KO/TKO’s he isn’t unfamiliar with the ground and has earned an Armbar finish.
Taking on an undefeated French Prospect in Fabacary Diatta. 8-0 at 25, Jordan will have his hands full in this match-up. Looking to silence a hostile crowd Barton will be going out there to fight, and finish. Leaving it all on the line “The Lord” will be looking to leave Paris with his hand raised.
Lewis “The Foot” Long
A UK fight scene regular. Fans of Cage Warriors might be familiar with Lewis Long. For those of you who are not, you’re in for a treat when you watch him compete this Friday. With 16 finished in 19 wins, Lewis has a lot in the locker. A record of 19-6 shows what a talent he is. Four KO/TKO’s to his name, Lewis does his best work on the ground, earning 12 submission victories with many in the first round. A quick starter who doesn’t fade Long will be a menace for his opponent throughout and will chase the finish bell to bell.
His opponent on the night will be former UFC alumni Thibault Gouti. Although his UFC tenure wasn’t all that successful, since leaving the promotion he has gained a three-fight winning streak. Not phased by the pressure of a French crowd, Lewis will look to snap Gouti’s streak and start his own three-winning run. Competing at 170lbs this will be Long’s fifth Bellator appearance. With a win for the Welshman, he will be aiming for a ranking.
Mike “Seabass” Shipman
At 185lbs we get to see Mike Shipman in action. As a pro, he’s accrued an impressive 14-3 record and looks to add another win to his tally on May 6th. All but one of his fights have ended early, with seven KO/TKO’s and six Subs. With well-rounded skills, Mike can give his opponents lots of problems, whether on the feet or the mat. Holding both finishes in the first and third. The “Seabass” can swim in deep waters and do what it takes to win.
Another Brit that will be fighting a French native. Mike finds himself fighting Gregory Babene. 21-11 and 18 finishes Gregory, has a wealth of experience that he will try to use in his favour. Currently riding a six-fight win streak, Shipman will be looking to snap the Frenchman’s momentum and take it for himself. A big Middleweight scrap between two fighters with plenty of finishes, don’t blink when watching this one it could be an explosive night at Bellator 280.
Bellator 280
Headlined by a heavyweight title fight. Ryan Bader defends against Cheick Kongo as Bellator comes to Paris. With a European card, UK fans can look forward to an early start with the main card starting around 9 pm and prelims at 6 pm on Friday 6th of May. Watchable through BBC iPlayer, fans of MMA should tune in to see how the Brits get on.
With next week’s Bellator 281 London card check out all the British Fighters competing here
How many of these Brits get the win on Friday?
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