The upcoming Bellator 259 has another addition to its preliminary card. On Monday, Bellator officials confirmed to Cageside Press that undefeated prospect Davion Franklin will return to action to face New England veteran Tyler King. The bout will take place at heavyweight in the Bellator cage.
Davion Franklin is 2-0 with the promotion, and as a professional. The 26-year old is a student and recipient of the coveted Jackson-Wink MMA scholarship. Franklin has not competed since defeating Ras Hylton via unanimous decision last year at Bellator 246. Franklin finished JW Kiser in his debut at Bellator 239.
Tyler King (12-9) has recently been competing under the CES MMA banner, and was KO’d inside the first round by Jamelle Jones last October. King has lost his last five professional bouts by knockout, but has been competing in grappling as well. King, a Connor’s MMA student, competed on The Ultimate Fighter back in 2103, in season 19. “The Marauder” has been a New England mainstay mostly competing for CES and NEF (New England Fights), but has competed under the bright lights of Bellator and RIZIN in the past.
Davion Franklin began his professional career amid the pandemic in 2020, and will most likely look to pick up activity in the Bellator cage in 2021, beginning on May 21 at Bellator 259. The card is headlined by Cris Cyborg vs. Leslie Smith 2, and also features young star Valerie Loureda, as well as the debut of UFC vet Brett Johns.
