BAMMA 12: Wallhead vs. Veach Full Card Announced

The UK based British Academy of Mixed Martial Arts (BAMMA) announced the full lineup for it’s upcoming BAMMA 12: Wallhead vs. Veach event on Tuesday. Headlining the March event is a welterweight showdown between former UFC vet Matt Veach (16-4) and former Bellator tournament fighter Jim ‘Judo’ Wallhead (23-7). BAMMA 12 is expected to take […]

The UK based British Academy of Mixed Martial Arts (BAMMA) announced the full lineup for it’s upcoming BAMMA 12: Wallhead vs. Veach event on Tuesday.

Headlining the March event is a welterweight showdown between former UFC vet Matt Veach (16-4) and former Bellator tournament fighter Jim ‘Judo’ Wallhead (23-7).

BAMMA 12 is expected to take place on Saturday, March 9 at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England and features a thirteen bout card.

Also competing on the card will be another UFC veteran Curt Warburton, who takes on defending champ Stevie Ray for the BAMMA British Lightweight title.

Check out the full card for BAMMA 12 below:

BAMMA 12 Event Card

Welterweight bout: Matt Veach vs. Jimmy Wallhead
Light heavyweight bout: Max Nunes vs. Marcin Lazarz
BAMMA Lonsdale British lightweight title bout: Curt Warburton vs. Stevie Ray
Lightweight bout: Luke Newman vs. Ryan Scope
Middleweight bout: Kevin Thompson vs. Scott Askham
Bantamweight bout: James MacAlister vs. Dawid Farycki
Middleweight bout: Leeroy Barnes vs. Steve Watson
Light heavyweight bout: Richi Knox vs. Thomas Denham
Middleweight bout: Paul McBride vs. Darren Wardle
Middleweight bout: Craig Robertson vs. Luke Harriman
Bantamweight bout: Mahmood Besharate vs. Steven Gardener
Lightweight bout: Jefferson George vs. Stephen Martin
Welterweight bout: John Jackson vs. Amas Siraj Mounir

BAMMA Adds Leeroy Barnes vs. Steve Watson To March 9 Prelim Card

Press Release – (January 11th.13) The UK’s premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce a Middleweight bout between Leeroy Barnes and Steve Watson to the preliminary card for BAMMA 12, which takes place at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 9th March 2013. Tickets are on sale now from www.BAMMA.com, www.metroradioarena.co.uk and […]

Press Release – (January 11th.13) The UK’s premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce a Middleweight bout between Leeroy Barnes and Steve Watson to the preliminary card for BAMMA 12, which takes place at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 9th March 2013.

Tickets are on sale now from www.BAMMA.com, www.metroradioarena.co.uk and http://www.kililive.com/BAMMA

Leeroy Barnes impressed fans at BAMMA 8 when he pushed then champion, Jack Marshman, the full distance; and again at BAMMA 9 when he submitted UK veteran, Matt Ewin. At BAMMA 10, it took Denniston Sutherland three rounds and a decision to secure the victory over Barnes. Barnes went on to defeat Micky Burns by Guillotine Choke at Made 4 the Cage in December.

Sunderland’s Steve Watson presents a professional record of 4-1-0, with all of his wins achieved in the first round and his one loss against Eugene Fadiora (12-1-0) at Made 4 the Cage last year.

Leeroy Barnes said:

“I’m really looking forward to fighting in Newcastle. I have a lot of friends and support in the area, and in the North East fight fans are some of the best. I appreciate Watson stepping in after my original opponent pulled out. I’ve seen him fight a couple of times and he’s capable but he obviously thinks I’m the kind of fighter he can prepare for in 3 weeks. I am not and he will learn this the hard way when I attack him on March 9th. I’m coming to prove a point and fans can expect it to be explosive. ”

Steve Watson said:

“I’m looking forward to facing another top 20 ranked fighter on one of the best shows in England in my home town. I’ll be going for a Knock Out or Submission, so Leeroy, look out!”

Follow @leeroybarnes and @BAMMAUK on Twitter.

BAMMA 12 FIGHT CARD

WITH MORE FIGHTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT

MATT VEACH VS. JIM WALLHEAD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

MAX NUNES VS. MARCIN LAZARZ

BAMMA LONSDALE BRITISH LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE BOUT

CURT WARBURTON VS. STEVIE RAY

BRITISH WELTERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDERS FIGHT

BOLA OMOYELE VS. WAYNE MURRAY

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

LUKE NEWMAN VS. RYAN SCOPE

HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

DARREN TOWLER VS. CALLUM COOK

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT

KEVIN THOMPSON VS. SCOTT ASKHAM

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT

LEEROY BARNES VS. STEVE WATSON

About BAMMA:

BAMMA (The British Association of Mixed Martial Arts) is a premier European MMA organization that launched in June 2009 with the aim of delivering Mixed Martial Arts events that fully capture the entertainment and sporting prowess on display in the world’s fastest growing sport. To achieve this aim, BAMMA brought together a team of skilled individuals with a wealth of combined experience across Television Production, Event Organisation and Mixed Martial Arts. BAMMA’s combination of arena sized venues, stunning fight cards and exceptional production values has led to BAMMA’s position as one of Europe’s most recognisable MMA brands. With a highly experienced team each BAMMA event always delivers a highly anticipated and unique Mixed Martial Arts experience.

About Lonsdale:

Firmly established as the leading brand of fight sports equipment and clothing, Lonsdale is steeped in over 50 years of fight history. From humble London origins the Lonsdale brand quickly became the hallmark of both boxing and MMA champions throughout the world, with its legendary quality and authenticity.

It is no coincidence fights legends Tom ‘Kong’ Watson, Muhammad Ali, “Marvellous” Marvin Hagler, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton have all trained and fought in Lonsdale.

About Safe MMA

SAFE MMA is a not for profit organisation established to improve the safety of MMA fighters in the UK. Under the Safe MMA banner, the medical centre provides a secure, centralised and confidential database for fighter medical records; and coordinates affordable, standardised blood and medical tests for all registered fighters. Additionally, SAFE MMA members will have access to advice from leading world experts in sports medicine.

UK promotions Cage Warriors, BAMMA and UCMMA united to help found the project and have agreed that from 1st January 1013 all fighters on their cards must be registered to SAFE MMA and undergo annual medical tests and bi-annual blood tests. The promotions have agreed only to use fighters that are deemed medically safe to fight under the SAFE MMA (green light) system and not to use fighters that are suspended due to injuries, such as concussion, or who are overdue for blood tests, for example. Additionally, the promotions have pledged to have medical professionals carry out pre- and post-fight tests with all results to be submitted to the confidential medical database at 76 Harley St. Medical data will never be transmitted to anyone but SAFE MMA will be able to give a rapid and all-hours service to inform authorised promotions of who is medically safe to fight and who needs to be rechecked, at the time of enquiry. Visit www.safemma.co.uk for further information.

Jim Wallhead Signs Four-Fight Deal With BAMMA, To Face Matt Veach March 9th

Press Release – (January 8th.13) The UK’s premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce that Jimmy Wallhead has signed to a 4 fight deal with BAMMA that is exclusive in the UK. “Judo” Jimmy Wallhead walks into the BAMMA 12 cage, to face Matt Veach, with an extended fight record of 23-7-0. […]

Press Release – (January 8th.13) The UK’s premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce that Jimmy Wallhead has signed to a 4 fight deal with BAMMA that is exclusive in the UK.

“Judo” Jimmy Wallhead walks into the BAMMA 12 cage, to face Matt Veach, with an extended fight record of 23-7-0. Regarded among the elite of UK fighters, the Rough House athlete has endured a long road to recognition, through the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions. Rejected for a role in “Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom” in 2008 on the grounds of being ‘too experienced’; Wallhead has been frequently avoided in his career on the grounds of his exceptional talent.

Jimmy Wallhead first appeared at BAMMA to defeat the legendary Frank Trigg at BAMMA 7. He returned at BAMMA 8 to cut down Joey Villasenor with flying knees and a spectacular KO. With one bout at Bellator in between, Wallhead’s clash with Matt Veach on BAMMA 12 will see him work to stake out his claim in the Welterweight division.

Jimmy Wallhead said:

“I’m happy to be signing a deal with BAMMA. It’s where I want to be putting on exciting fights for the UK fans. I will also be hunting for that world title for sure!”

Wallhead’s manager, Wad Alameddine of Fight Management said:

“I’m very pleased to have Judo Jim signing for BAMMA. He’s achieved some of his biggest wins on this show and he thoroughly enjoys being part of BAMMA. We’re looking forward to a successful, but also busy year with one of the best shows in the world. Jimmy’s certainly looking forward to regaining some momentum and being seen back on British TV again after what feels like a very slow and difficult couple of years for his career. Anyone stepping up to fight Jimmy this year on his home turf better be ready because I’m confident we’re going to see the best “Judo Jim” any of us have ever seen!”

BAMMA’s Managing Director, Ashley Bothwell, said:

“Jimmy is considered by many to be the UK’s number 1 Welterweight and has brought some of the most exciting fights to happen in the BAMMA cage. We’re proud to welcome Judo Jimmy to our ranks and I can’t wait to see him continue on his roll at BAMMA 12.”

BAMMA 12 FIGHT CARD

WITH MORE FIGHTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT

MATT VEACH VS. JIM WALLHEAD

BAMMA LONSDALE BRITISH LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE BOUT

CURT WARBURTON VS. STEVIE RAY

BRITISH WELTERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDERS FIGHT

BOLA OMOYELE VS. WAYNE MURRAY

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

LUKE NEWMAN VS. RYAN SCOPE

HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

DARREN TOWLER VS. CALLUM COOK

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT

KEVIN THOMPSON VS. SCOTT ASKHAM

Follow @judojimmy and @BAMMAUK on Twitter.

About BAMMA:

BAMMA (The British Association of Mixed Martial Arts) is a premier European MMA organization that launched in June 2009 with the aim of delivering Mixed Martial Arts events that fully capture the entertainment and sporting prowess on display in the world’s fastest growing sport. To achieve this aim, BAMMA brought together a team of skilled individuals with a wealth of combined experience across Television Production, Event Organisation and Mixed Martial Arts. BAMMA’s combination of arena sized venues, stunning fight cards and exceptional production values has led to BAMMA’s position as one of Europe’s most recognisable MMA brands. With a highly experienced team each BAMMA event always delivers a highly anticipated and unique Mixed Martial Arts experience.

About Lonsdale:

Firmly established as the leading brand of fight sports equipment and clothing, Lonsdale is steeped in over 50 years of fight history. From humble London origins the Lonsdale brand quickly became the hallmark of both boxing and MMA champions throughout the world, with its legendary quality and authenticity.

It is no coincidence fights legends Tom ‘Kong’ Watson, Muhammad Ali, “Marvellous” Marvin Hagler, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton have all trained and fought in Lonsdale.

About Safe MMA

SAFE MMA is a not for profit organisation established to improve the safety of MMA fighters in the UK. Under the Safe MMA banner, the medical centre provides a secure, centralised and confidential database for fighter medical records; and coordinates affordable, standardised blood and medical tests for all registered fighters. Additionally, SAFE MMA members will have access to advice from leading world experts in sports medicine.

UK promotions Cage Warriors, BAMMA and UCMMA united to help found the project and have agreed that from 1st January 1013 all fighters on their cards must be registered to SAFE MMA and undergo annual medical tests and bi-annual blood tests. The promotions have agreed only to use fighters that are deemed medically safe to fight under the SAFE MMA (green light) system and not to use fighters that are suspended due to injuries, such as concussion, or who are overdue for blood tests, for example. Additionally, the promotions have pledged to have medical professionals carry out pre- and post-fight tests with all results to be submitted to the confidential medical database at 76 Harley St. Medical data will never be transmitted to anyone but SAFE MMA will be able to give a rapid and all-hours service to inform authorised promotions of who is medically safe to fight and who needs to be rechecked, at the time of enquiry. Visit www.safemma.co.uk for further information.

BAMMA Signs British Middleweight Leeroy Barnes To Multi-Fight Deal

Press Release – (January 7th.13) The UK’s premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce that British Middleweight Leeroy Barnes has signed to an exclusive multi-fight deal ahead of BAMMA 12, which takes place at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 9th March 2013. Leeroy Barnes is a BAMMA fan favourite who has […]

Press Release – (January 7th.13) The UK’s premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce that British Middleweight Leeroy Barnes has signed to an exclusive multi-fight deal ahead of BAMMA 12, which takes place at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 9th March 2013.

Leeroy Barnes is a BAMMA fan favourite who has been on a roll since BAMMA 8: His imposing offensive against Jack Marshman saw him take the former British champion the full distance. Barnes returned at BAMMA 9 to submit UK veteran, Matt Ewin, after a late injury withdrawal saw Barnes facing a dramatically more experienced opponent. BAMMA 10 saw Barnes take another well weathered fighter the distance, losing on decision to top 10 ranking Denniston Sutherland.

Leeroy Barnes said:

“I’m really happy with the deal. BAMMA have looked after me in the past and it only made sense to sign with, in my opinion, the top European promotion so I can fight the top guys and put on exciting fights that the fans want to see. I’m really happy with the deal that my management, Elite MMA Agency, and BAMMA have struck up and I’m sure BAMMA are happy to boast having the UK’s most handsome MMA fighter under contract.”

BAMMA’s Managing Director, Ashley Bothwell, said:

“It’s great to have Leeroy continue on our roster. He’s a dedicated and tenacious athlete, who never backs down from a challenge and always looks to take tough fights against challenging opponents. This and his aggressive style in the cage make him an exciting fighter to watch. He’s also an entertaining character that always comes to fight and who the fans love.

Follow @LeeroyBarnes and @BAMMAUK on Twitter.

BAMMA 12 FIGHT CARD

WITH MORE FIGHTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT

MATT VEACH VS. JIM WALLHEAD

BAMMA LONSDALE BRITISH LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE BOUT

CURT WARBURTON VS. STEVIE RAY

BRITISH WELTERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDERS FIGHT

BOLA OMOYELE VS. WAYNE MURRAY

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

LUKE NEWMAN VS. RYAN SCOPE

HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

DARREN TOWLER VS. CALLUM COOK

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT

KEVIN THOMPSON VS. SCOTT ASKHAM

About BAMMA:

BAMMA (The British Association of Mixed Martial Arts) is a premier European MMA organization that launched in June 2009 with the aim of delivering Mixed Martial Arts events that fully capture the entertainment and sporting prowess on display in the world’s fastest growing sport. To achieve this aim, BAMMA brought together a team of skilled individuals with a wealth of combined experience across Television Production, Event Organisation and Mixed Martial Arts. BAMMA’s combination of arena sized venues, stunning fight cards and exceptional production values has led to BAMMA’s position as one of Europe’s most recognisable MMA brands. With a highly experienced team each BAMMA event always delivers a highly anticipated and unique Mixed Martial Arts experience.

About Lonsdale:

Firmly established as the leading brand of fight sports equipment and clothing, Lonsdale is steeped in over 50 years of fight history. From humble London origins the Lonsdale brand quickly became the hallmark of both boxing and MMA champions throughout the world, with its legendary quality and authenticity.

It is no coincidence fights legends Tom ‘Kong’ Watson, Muhammad Ali, “Marvellous” Marvin Hagler, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton have all trained and fought in Lonsdale.

About Safe MMA

SAFE MMA is a not for profit organisation established to improve the safety of MMA fighters in the UK. Under the Safe MMA banner, the medical centre provides a secure, centralised and confidential database for fighter medical records; and coordinates affordable, standardised blood and medical tests for all registered fighters. Additionally, SAFE MMA members will have access to advice from leading world experts in sports medicine.

UK promotions Cage Warriors, BAMMA and UCMMA united to help found the project and have agreed that from 1st January 1013 all fighters on their cards must be registered to SAFE MMA and undergo annual medical tests and bi-annual blood tests. The promotions have agreed only to use fighters that are deemed medically safe to fight under the SAFE MMA (green light) system and not to use fighters that are suspended due to injuries, such as concussion, or who are overdue for blood tests, for example. Additionally, the promotions have pledged to have medical professionals carry out pre- and post-fight tests with all results to be submitted to the confidential medical database at 76 Harley St. Medical data will never be transmitted to anyone but SAFE MMA will be able to give a rapid and all-hours service to inform authorised promotions of who is medically safe to fight and who needs to be rechecked, at the time of enquiry. Visit www.safemma.co.uk for further information.

BAMMA 11: Marshman vs. Foupa-Pokam ‘Quick Results’

On Saturday (Dec. 1, 2012), the British based BAMMA promotion held their latest event from Birmingham, England with BAMMA 11: Marshman vs. Foupa-Pokam. The action went down at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham and aired in the UK on Channel 5 for the first time. The event saw French middleweight Xavier Foupa-Pokem earn a […]

On Saturday (Dec. 1, 2012), the British based BAMMA promotion held their latest event from Birmingham, England with BAMMA 11: Marshman vs. Foupa-Pokam.

The action went down at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham and aired in the UK on Channel 5 for the first time.

The event saw French middleweight Xavier Foupa-Pokem earn a split decision win over Jack Marshman, while BAMMA crowned it’s first BAMMA Lonsdale British lightweight and welterweight champions.

Welterweight Tom Breese would finish things quickly in the first round by sinking in a rear-naked choke against Warren Kee to win the inaugural BAMMA strap. While lightweight Stevie Ray and Dale Hardiman would go the distance with Ray winning the fight in the judges eyes to win the 155-lbs title.

Check out the full ‘Quick Results’ for BAMMA 11 below:

MAIN CARD

Middleweight bout: Xavier Foupa-Pokam def. Jack Marshman via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
BAMMA British Welterweight title bout: Tom Breese def. Warren Kee via Submission (Rear-naked choke) – R1 @ 3:06
Light heavyweight bout: Max Nunes def. Kevin Thompson via KO (Punch) R1 @ 1:40
BAMMA British Lightweight title bout: Steven Ray vs. Dale Hardiman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Middleweight bout: Alex Reid def. Sam Boo via Unanimous Decision (28-27, 28-27, 28-27)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Light heavyweight bout: Marcin Lazarz def. Sam Mensah via Submission (Armbar) R1 @ 4:16
Bantamweight bout: James Doolan def. Spencer Hewitt via Submission (Triangle choke) – R1 @ 1:42
Lightweight bout: Jeremy Petley def. Richie Downes via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Lightweight bout: Marc Allen def. Kyle Redfern via Split Decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Featherweight bout: Andrew Fisher def. Andy Green via TKO – R1 @ 2:26
Middleweight bout: Yannick Bahati def. Ben Constantine via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight bout: Leon Edwards def. Jonathan Bilton via TKO R2 @ 1:11
Bantamweight bout: David Farycki def. Brian Creighton via TKO (Strikes) – R2 @ 4:25
Light heavyweight bout: Mike Neun def. Thomas Denham via TKO (Strikes) R3 @ 3:58