“The Maori Kid,” a.k.a. the undefeated Jay Jay Wilson, steps back into the Bellator cage this coming Friday for Bellator 257. Despite his young age, the 23-year old Wilson is currently ranked in the top 10 of the featherweight division. The New Zealander sits at #7, and steps in to fight #4 Pedro Carvalho in what could be a huge win for the young prospect. In reality, a victory could even throw his name into title contention.
“I’m super excited about this fight,” Wilson told Cageside Press ahead of the fight. “[Carvalho]’s ranked the number four fighter, he’s no slouch. Fight camp has gone amazing, I’m feeling the greatest I’ve ever felt,” Wilson continued. “I’m ready to keep my undefeated streak going.”
Wilson actually sought out Carvalho, who originally was rumored to have a different opponent. He was looking to fight in May, but when he inquired about Carvalho, the April 16 date was close enough.
“I asked if Pedro Carvalho was available, they said actually he is available so we jumped on that right away,” Wilson revealed. “Everything just kind of lined up, because he was meant to fight someone else, and I don’t know what happened there.”
The young featherweight was pleasantly surprised at his spot in the recently debuted official rankings, seeing as he is still only 23 years of age. Still, it’s a very deserving top ten spot for “The Maori Kid.” Wilson sits at the #7 spot in the top 10, and comes into Bellator 257 with a win over a top five name on the line. Knowing Carvalho just had himself a title shot against champ Patricio Pitbull, a win could put Wilson on the short list.
“I didn’t know where I’d be sitting [in the rankings],” Wilson told Cageside Press. “I knew Pedro Carvalho would possibly put me in a title contender spot, because he just fought the champ. Of course it’s in the grand prix, but he still fought the champ. So that means he’s in title contention, so if I beat him, that proves I deserve to be there. I deserve to be in the top three,” Wilson continued. “I deserve to get an opportunity at gold.”
Watch the full interview with Jay Jay Wilson ahead of Bellator 257 above, including Wilson’s opinion on the McKee Vs. Pitbull title fight this summer.
