In “better late than never” news, WSOF veteran lightweight Nick Newell has been added to the Bellator 225 card against Corey Browning.
Well, it’s about time. After being overlooked by major promotions aside from the World Series of Fighting, Nick Newell is finally getting a fight in the big leagues. On Tuesday, Newell (15-2), a native of Connecticut, announced on social media that he’d be fighting Corey Browning at Bellator 225 next month.
The fight will mark his second since losing an appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. Newell returned to the cage in April, earning a submission victory over Antonio Castillo Jr. at CES 56. That improved his record to fifteen wins, two losses. Aside from his Contender Series loss against Team Alpha Male fighter Alex Monoz, his only other misstep came against Justin Gaethje, now a top UFC contender.
Newell started his career an impressive 11-0 before running up against Gaethje. Even more impressive, Newell managed that feat while being a congenital amputee. Newell is missing his left hand, while his arm ends just past the elbow. Which has not stopped him from choking out a number of opponents.
Corey Browning (5-2) doesn’t have the experience of Newell. He has, however, been something of an upset machine of late, defeating ‘Baby Slice’ Kevin Ferguson Jr. and Aaron Chalmers under the Bellator MMA banner.
Per a report by ESPN, Newell’s deal with Bellator is a one-off. However, a good showing on the card, in his own back yard, could no doubt see that change.
Bellator 225 takes place at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, CT on August 24.
