The Bellator MMA preliminaries in Birmingham promised fireworks, and for the large part, they did not disappoint.
With prospects such as Akonne Wanliss, Dominique Wooding, Kane Mousah and Saul Rogers, the opening section of Bellator Birmingham looked lively.
The first relatively high profile name, Raphael Uchegbu from Team Kaobon, secured a win in his pro debut with a slick Triangle choke.
Akonne Wanliss delivered a brilliant performance. It was a striking masterclass when he won his fight against Sam Slater in the second round by TKO.
Big shots from @J3DIAKES in the second! 👊😳 pic.twitter.com/K1coBstjot
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) May 4, 2019
After a difficult start to life in pro MMA, it appears the 27-year-old has come on leaps and bounds recently.
Ashley Reece and Gavin Hughes continued the fine form for British prospects with impressive performances.
Veterans Jim Wallhead and Lee Chadwick both won their fights respectively. Meaning that’s back-to-back wins for ‘Judo’, whilst Chadwick was happy to get back to winning ways after coming short against prospect Fabian Edwards.
Dominique Wooding showed his class. He delivered a knockout punch in the very first round over David Khalsa.
Check out this dynamite FULL first round from #BellatorBirmingham! 🧨💥 Watch @RealDWooding vs. @David_Khalsa and tune in with our app to see the remainder these 🔥prelim bouts! 📲 https://t.co/Lc3sFQmJi7 pic.twitter.com/uh7pHcMz5M
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) May 4, 2019
A name that is rising through the ranks and is one of the most exciting fighters Britain can boast, Wooding is slowly coming into his own and building a name for himself.
Yannick Bahati, who faced his originally scheduled opponents brother, showed his worthiness of being a black belt when he secured a first round stoppage via kimura. A successful start to life at light-heavyweight sees Bahati stop the rot of losses.
Kane Mousah made a winning start to life in Bellator, with a decision win over Mateusz Prikorz. Saul Rogers shortly followed and made a successful start to life back in the cage, overcoming Aiden Lee after a two year absence.
A classy performance from Saul will no doubt see him with a big fight next time out. Fellow featherweights will be keeping an eye on him.
