The Irish capital of Dublin is bracing itself for a transformative night as Bellator 299 rolls into town. The prestigious 3Arena will host a congregation of some of the world’s finest MMA talent on Saturday, September 23. Anchoring the event is a headliner clash for the ages as the undefeated Johnny Eblen defends his middleweight championship against Fabian Edwards, the UK’s premier contender. However, this already compelling main event is bolstered by six newly-announced bouts that promise to captivate the MMA community.
Among the most anticipated of these matchups is the lightweight bout between Mansour Barnaoui and Jay-Jay Wilson. Barnaoui, a seasoned veteran, is no stranger to the world of MMA championships. With titles in BAMMA, M-1, and Road FC, Barnaoui aims to solidify his stature in Bellator. His initial foray into the promotion saw him securing a second-round submission over Adam Piccolotti at Bellator 287, but he subsequently faltered in a five-round contest against Brent Primus at Bellator 296. The stage is set for his redemptive act.
On the other side of the octagon, New Zealand’s Jay-Jay Wilson has predominantly showcased his talents under the Bellator banner. An exceptional grappler, Wilson has emerged as one of Bellator’s premier submission specialists, boasting nearly an 80% finish rate. After rebounding from his first career loss with a split-decision win against Vladimir Tokov at Bellator 286, Wilson’s confidence is riding high.
In the welterweight division, a riveting duel is anticipated as Luca Poclit collides with Roman Faraldo. Poclit, representing SBG Ireland, has gained acclaim for his creative jiu-jitsu artistry. His win at Bellator 285 over Dante Schiro via a new submission technique dubbed “The Lucanator Choke,” has elevated his reputation to new heights. Conversely, Roman Faraldo, hailing from the American Top Team, is known for his striking capabilities. With a penchant for delivering knockout blows and flying knees, Faraldo’s offensive arsenal promises a bout rife with contrasting styles.
Further adding depth to the fight card are two exciting featherweight battles. Asael Adjoudj, a protege of John Kavanagh at SBG Ireland, will square off against Manchester’s Ibrahim Al-Faqih Hassan. Khasan Magomedsharipov, an undefeated contender from Dagestan, faces Welsh fighter Martin McDonough, offering a tantalising match that could very well steal the show.
The undercard also features Davy Gallon, representing Normandy, France, who will engage in a lightweight bout against Berlin’s Attila Korkmaz. Both competitors bring a wealth of experience, honed skills, and tactical prowess to the table. Additionally, the heavyweight category witnesses a powerful showdown as Russia’s Sergei Bilostennyi faces Germany’s Kasim Aras. These heavy-hitters offer a stark contrast to the technical aspects showcased in other bouts, promising an adrenaline-fueled encounter.
The meticulously curated event features a staggering 21 bouts and will be aired in the United States on Showtime at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. For those eager to witness the preliminary skirmishes, live streaming will commence on the Bellator YouTube channel and Pluto TV at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT. With athletes from various disciplines and backgrounds converging in Dublin for a night etched in combative artistry, the 3Arena is poised to be the epicentre of the MMA world.
