There are always great talents coming up the pipeline in MMA, and this series will point out who you should keep an eye on this week, with Bellator Newcastle being the event to watch.
Bellator Newcastle | Saturday | Newcastle, England
Welterweight, Aaron Chalmers (4-0)
Aaron Chalmers hasn’t gained much respect in his MMA career due to his status as a reality TV star. With that said, he is just 4-0 at 31-years-old, but in his four wins, he’s been impressive. In the span of four fights, Chalmers has shown decent takedown ability, big ground-and-pound, submission threats, and some huge power in his hands. People complain about the level of competition he’s fought, but the guy is 4-0 so let him build up. He fights Corey Browning (4-2), who Chalmers should easily beat.
Middleweight, Fabian Edwards (5-0)
Fabian Edwards has excellent distance management, using effective footwork and speed to stay on the outside. Edwards throws single strikes at times, but makes up for it with crazy explosiveness and athleticism as well as his speed to fire straight punches quickly and with so much power. He’s also the younger brother of UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards. He fights Lee Chadwick (24-13-1), who is on a three-fight win streak.
Welterweight, Terry Brazier (10-1)
Terry Brazier is a former BAMMA Welterweight Champion. Brazier is primarily a wrestler but on the feet, he has a great chin and a powerful right hand. He is a solid wrestler who does an excellent job at closing the distance and getting his hands together to dump his opponent to the mat. Brazier is a finisher and a quick one at that with all six finishes coming in the first round. He finishes fights on the mat utilizing submissions and his best weapon: ground-and-pound. Brazier also has solid cardio and can fight at a high pace. He fights Chris Bungard (13-4), who is decent but I think Brazier grinds him out.
Welterweight, Justin Burlinson (3-0)
Burlinson may be only 3-0 as a pro, but this 21-year-old has a lot of experience as he went 15-1 as an amateur. Burlinson is well-rounded but needs a little sharpening around the edges with takedown defense and, at times, his striking. He has knockout power and good striking fundamentals but is better on the ground with effective jiu-jitsu. He’s a big threat with submissions holding 11 career submissions. At 21, he has all the time in the world to grow. He fights Maciek Gierszewski (4-3) who won’t be much of a challenge.
