BAMMA has today announced two bouts to BAMMA 12, Steven Ray vs. Curt Warburton, in a square-off for the BAMMA Lonsdale British Lightweight title and a welterweight match between Bola Omoyele and Wayne Murrie to the preliminary card.
BAMMA 12 takes place at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 9th March 2013.
Reigning BAMMA Lonsdale British Lightweight champion, Steven ‘Braveheart’ Ray, debuted at BAMMA in December 2012 where he earned the title in a distance bout against Dale Hardiman.
Hailing from Scotland, the Judo black-belt turned MMA Pro in 2010 and dominated the Welterweight division on the Scottish circuit to claim the On Top Welterweight bel,t before dropping to Lightweight for his BAMMA 11 title shot. Ray presents a professional MMA record of 12-3-0; and his clash with Warburton marks his first defence of the BAMMA Lonsdale belt.
Curt ‘The War’ Warburton presents a formidable challenge armed with a catalogue of notable wins on his 11-3-0 record, most famously against Ross Pearson. Warburton fought three times in the UFC before fighting Tim Newman at BAMMA 8. BAMMA 10 saw Warburton return for a World Lightweight title contenders match against Lee Wieczorek, in which he delivered his second BAMMA decision win. Warburton was slated to challenge BAMMA’s World Lightweight champion, Rob Sinclair, on the forthcoming card, until Sinclair was forced to withdraw injured; leaving Warburton to set his sights on another BAMMA belt.
British Champion , Stevie Ray said:
“I’ve been really excited about this fight. Soon as I heard it was getting announced today it got me right in the mood to train – and today is supposed to be my rest day! This is a tough fight but that’s what I want. I was super motivated for my previous BAMMA title fight; I came to win no matter how I did it and I wasn’t leaving without that belt. I feel really privileged to be fighting for BAMMA again and I can’t wait to get in the cage and do it all over again. Curt Warburton looks tough. I’ve had a little look at him, just to see what he’s about and to spot what his strengths and weaknesses are. He’s on the run to get back to the UFC so beating him will be massive for me. I will be training harder than ever, and as always pushing myself that one step further. Fans can expect a Fight of the Night performance, an even better and improved Steven Ray and 15 minutes of fast paced action. As Chael Sonnen said, ‘When two fighters want it so badly, that’s when you know it’s going to be an exciting fight.
“ If I can, I’d like to thank my family, friends, sponsors (Geo Thompson Knock Out Art, Sportsense Nutrition, 1st Choice Glazing, Stark Partnership and Fitness Factor Gym), my management On Top Promotions, my coach James Doolan, everyone from Dinky Ninjas fight team and lastly everyone at BAMMA”
Challenger Curt Warburton said:
“I’m looking forward to the fight. Obviously it’s a different fight than I originally planned for and I’ve had to go back to the drawing board so my gameplan’s totally changed. Stevie Ray’s a completely different fighter, more of a wrestler: He’s a good fighter and a champion for a reason, but I’m coming to take that belt off him. I’ll be fighting in my hometown and there’s going to be good support. Expect fireworks, a knock out and a new BAMMA Lonsdale champ.”
BAMMA’s Managing Director, Ashley Bothwell, said:
“Stevie Ray and Curt Warburton are both fierce talents who are well respected on the British scene. It’s been a chance injury that’s brought these two together but for me it’s going to be one of the most exciting fights of the night. Warburton brings longer experience at a higher level but Ray poses a serious threat and a tough challenge. Warburton also brings the home crowd so you can expect this to be a fight to bring the house down. Everyone at BAMMA wishes injured World champ, Rob Sinclair, a strong and speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing him back very soon. ”
American Top Team and Team Titan fighter, Bola ‘Cashflow’ Omoyele, boasts a record of 6-1-0. Bola has achieved 5 of his wins within 2:45 and none of his fights have reached the third, with the majority coming by TKO. Bola participated in reality TV series ‘The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes’ in 2012, in which he was defeated by Manny Rodriguez in episode 5
West Yorkshire’s Wayne ‘Mayhem’ Murrie carries a record of 15-5-1and has a history of tough clashes against experienced opponents. With 12 of his battles not leaving the first, Murrie has also shown he can go the distance against names that include John Maguire and Peter Irving. With victories through Knock Out power, via TKO and Submission, Murrie has defeated half of his opponents via an array of Chokes.
Bola Omoyele said:
“I’m looking forward to showcasing my skill against a top ranked fighter and I can’t wait to get into the BAMMA cage and get it cracking.”
Wayne Murrie said:
“I can’t wait for the opportunity to fight on BAMMA and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’ll be flying the flag for Ludus Magnus Training Centre and for Old Skool Fight Management. I’ll be looking to finish the fight in style.”
BAMMA’s Managing Director, Ashley Bothwell, said:
“This is a match up that has Fight of the Night written all over it. Both guys are exciting fighters who have built up a reputation across other shows to become real hot property. It’s fantastic to be able to showcase this calibre of British talent and I fully expect this meeting to have everyone on the edge of their seats.”
BAMMA 12 will feature on Channel 5 and 5*; and will be televised on AXS-TV in the US, The Fight Network in Canada, Red Media in Russia, TV Esporte Interativo in Brazil and Setanta in Africa.
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