Bellator 291 brings a card stacked with talent to Ireland this weekend in what’s set to be another historic night in the 3Arena. John Kavanaugh’s SBG Ireland gym looks to have a big night as they pile the card with their best talents. Fighters on the card from SBG Ireland include Peter Quelly, Charlie Ward, Brian Moore and many more.
Here are a few of the best up-and-coming talents on the card.
Ciaran Clarke
Ciaran Clarke looks set to keep his momentum rolling as he takes on Leonardo Sinis at Bellator 291. Since turning pro in 2019, Clarke has become one of the fastest-rising stars out of Ireland. He is currently undefeated at 6-0, with all bouts going down in Bellator. Originally the Irishman was supposed to be fighting Scotland’s own Keir Harvie, which would have been a great fight, but Harvie pulled out of the bout due to injury. Hopefully, we get to see that one get booked again.
The Drogheda fighter trains at the world-renowned SBG Ireland under John Kavanaugh. The last time we saw the 27-year-old was at the previous Bellator Dublin, where he faced Rafael Hudson. Clarke got dropped in the first round and has since admitted that it was the most hurt he’s been in his pro career. However, with the help of the fans, the Irishman managed to score a third-round RNC on his opponent. The scenes at the 3Arena when he got the finish were manic (seen below). You can guarantee more of that if he gets the win this weekend.
Darragh Kelly
Another one to watch on Saturday is Darragh Kelly. Kelly went undefeated in the amateurs (9-0) and is still undefeated since he turned pro (2-0). Usually, the “The Moville Mauler” fights at lightweight, but he’s decided to drop to featherweight for Bellator 291. He comes in as a fairly big 155er, so if he can have a smooth cut to 145 on Friday, Bellator’s featherweights better keep him on their radar.
Last time out, the 24-year-old got the unanimous decision dominantly against Portsmouth native Key Stevens, almost finishing the fight multiple times. Although he made it clear he was dissatisfied with his performance after the bout, it was still a fantastic showing. His opponent at Bellator 291 is French fighter Dorval Jordan. Jordan is making his Bellator debut on a record of 2-2. It shouldn’t be the hardest of tests for the Irishman, though a decent place to start if he’s to continue at 145. Darragh Kelly comes into this fight as a whopping –901 favourite. Fans will need to tune in early to the prelims to see just how high Kelly’s ceiling is.
Liam McCracken
Liam McCracken makes his Bellator debut this Saturday in what is, without a doubt, the biggest test of his career so far. The Liverpoolian fighter flourished in the regional scene, beating highly touted opposition and getting selected for England in the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation World Championships. Since turning pro, Liam has put together a record of 3-0, with all wins coming in the first round (2 submissions, 1 TKO). Fans have quickly gotten behind the 21-year-old as he takes on Asaël Adjoudj at Bellator 291.
The French fighter is riding a four-fight win streak, with three coming by finish. He has also previously fought twice on Bellator, so he is no stranger to the promotion. The betting odds reflect this. McCracken comes into this fight as a +110 underdog, but with the confidence he has, and the crowd that will be behind him, there could be value in this line for bettors.
Combat Sports UK’s Ben Thomas had the pleasure of interviewing Liam ahead of his fight this weekend. Watch the interview below to see what he had to say about his opponent and what the future holds for the rising star.
Featured image credits to Bellator MMA
