Welsh MMA continued its stellar rise in 2023 with several unforgettable moments. Oban Elliot breaking onto the UFC roster. Mason Jones’ return to the cage. Brett Johns’ PFL debut and so many more.
We saw names, more associated with the amateur scene, breaking into the spotlight. Ieuan Mackenzie and Ioan Harris both had fantastic, unbeaten, first years as professional mixed martial artists. With 2024 well and truly underway, here are a few more Welsh MMA fighters who most definitely look set to follow suit.
Welsh MMA Fighters: Levi Batchelor
Where do we start with this guy? Shore MMA’s 22-year-old Levi Batchelor had what can almost be described as a perfect amateur career. An incredible record of 10-1, which began all the way back in 2019, includes five memorable finishes.
“Young Money” has already begun to live up to the nickname after becoming one of the faces of Welsh mixed martial arts. The former Cage Warriors Academy Wales and Samurai Fighting Championship bantamweight and featherweight champion has left very few questions unanswered. He’s beaten opponents from across the UK and even Europe, holding the accolades to boast.
After his most recent victory and title win at SFC 2 in November of last year, he looks set to be making the much anticipated switch to professional fighting this year. It’s yet to be announced officially where he will be making his debut, but given his links to the brand new SFC promotion, we wouldn’t be surprised to see his name feature on one of their cards in 2024.
Training with the likes of Jack Shore, Brett Johns on a regular basis, as well as watching and learning from Alexander Volkanovski, and most recently, Georges St Pierre in Thailand, the sky is well and truly the limit for Levi Batchelor.
Jay Aspinwall
KGB Wales’ Jay Aspinwall has been building both his profile and resume across several South Wales promotions. The former CWAW and Adrenaline welterweight champ is set to make his pro debut on February 24th.
Budo 64 in Swansea will see Aspinwall square off for his first bout as a professional fighter. Taking on Frenchman Quentin Domegue in front of a home crowd. Aspinwall has never left his fate to the judges, with every fight he’s been in ending via finish. A fighter with an excellent ground game and some really heavy hands is sure to make a statement in 2024.
Roan Crocker
This one will surely come as no surprise. Not just one of the best amateurs in the country, but in Europe. Roan Crocker practically dominated the amateur scene for over 5 years. Holding titles at both middleweight and light-heavyweight, he could be on the rise and on the rise fast.
Another product of mixed martial arts and the coaching of Richard Shore and co. Crocker has competed in 20 amateur bouts, regularly comparing his active amateur career to that of the UFC’s Christian Leroy Duncan. A title holder with CWAW and the winner of the Four Nations Championships and a fantastic IMMAF record.
Similarly to his teammate, Levi Batchelor, given the links to SFC, it’s likely that the 24-year-old could be featuring on one of their confirmed 2024 events. However, do not be surprised if we see him competing on cards such as Cage Warriors or the PFL very soon.
Alex Aston
Now on to Empire MMA’s Alex Aston. One of many experienced Welsh MMA fighters who have fought all across Europe. An excellent record of 13-4, which has included highlight reel knockouts and memorable title fights.
Aston’s debut will take place this March at MMAX Meta. If you’re looking for a fighter who leaves everything in the cage, no matter the danger, he’s your man.
Ryan Lockyer
Our final name to focus on is 26-year-old “Iron” Ryan Lockyer. Both a fighter and a coach at Wales’ MAT Academy, there are few in Wales with a better fight IQ. Competing in fights in not just MMA, but BJJ and Muay Thai also.
Yet another name with a heavily built amateur resume which again, has included titles and finishes. Finishing his amateur career with 4 wins on the bounce, he’s moving to the pro ranks with all the confidence in the world.
He’s set to make his debut on March 9th in Swindon at Raged UK’s latest event. He’s taking on the heavy hands of Jordan Heath and competing at lightweight.
Which Welsh MMA fighters do you think will go the further this year? Let us know!
