Duquesnoy vs Philpott, Tuke vs Tobin and Mann vs Stapleton official for December

[Press Release] Two of the world’s leading MMA promotions, BAMMA and Bellator have today announced that they will join forces for the very first time to deliver MMA fans a Christmas extravaganza in Dublin on December 16.

BAMMA and Bellator will co-promote the event at Dublin’s 3Arena that aims to provide fight fans with a show featuring a host of the world’s leading MMA athletes from both organisations, all wrapped up in one event.

BAMMA CEO David Green said: “It’s going to be the biggest and boldest MMA show in Ireland this year, as fans get the chance to get up close and personal with MMA superstars from both promotions.

“BAMMA 27 will feature two title fights and a packed card of competitive match-ups. Fans will get the chance witness the return of two division champ Tom ‘Fire Kid’ Duquesnoy, as he looks to add yet another belt to his collection and a cracking featherweight title fight as Ronnie ‘Iron’ Mann Vs. Martin ’50 Cal’ Stapleton.”

Three BAMMA 27 bouts have been announced today with more to follow in the near future. The confirmed fights are as follows:

BAMMA 27 Main Event – BAMMA Bantamweight Title Tom ‘Firekid’ Duquesnoy (c) Vs. Alan ‘The Apprentice’ Philpott
BAMMA Featherweight Title – Ronnie ‘Iron’ Mann Vs. Martin ’50 Cal’ Stapleton
Featherweight Bout Dylan ‘The Nuke’ Tuke Vs. Sean ‘The Machine’ Tobin

For Bellator the event marks the first time they have held an event in Ireland. “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” will be headlined by a heavyweight fight pitting“King Mo” (19-5, 1 NC) against Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1). Ireland will also have one of its brightest prospects on the card as well, as the pride of Strabane, James Gallagher (4-0) returns home against a yet-to-be-announced foe.

Bellator MMA President Scott Coker said: “I’m pleased to be bringing this action to Dublin alongside a promotion like BAMMA and David Green, who has been a good friend for years. When thinking of a country that respects, understands and yearns for quality mixed martial arts action, Ireland immediately comes to mind,”. “I’m very excited for this event, with ‘King Mo’ versus Ishii in the main event, and I cannot wait to be inside the 3Arena when ‘The Strabanimal,’ James Gallagher takes center stage, it’s going to be a madhouse.”

Tickets for BAMMA 27 and Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii go on sale atbamma.com, Bellator.com and Ticketmaster.ie on Friday, October 14, with tickets ranging from €35 to 145€.