Aaron Chalmers/InstagramBellator is back in the UK this weekend, and not only that, it’s live on free-to-watch telly!
Thank the MMA gods, Bellator Newcastle will be available to UK fight fans without a massive cost or the need for five coffees or equal doses of energy drinks.
One man who’s undoubtedly delighted by Bellator’s return to UK screens is Aaron ‘The Joker’ Chalmers, who features in the co-main event of the evening.
UNILADChalmers, who prior to taking the MMA world by storm made his name as a popular figure on MTV’s Geordie Shore, will go toe-to-toe with Corey Browning.
The Joker has yet to taste defeat inside the cage (4-0), proving doubters should… well, they should close their gobs and let his ability do the talking, not his reality show past.
Aaron took time out of his fight camp to speak to UNILAD with a smile on his face and a definitive message for Browning.
Browning has been outspoken in his confidence, warning Chalmers he’ll have to knock him out, choke him out, or break his arm. Chalmers is ready to oblige.
The Joker told UNILAD:
I heard Corey did an interview, and don’t get me wrong it wasn’t nasty, but he said ‘my amateur career is longer than Aaron’s pro career.’ He’s not wrong, but he said he doesn’t think my punches are going to affect him. That’s a brave thing to say.
I hope he can take the punches because then we’re in for a fight… Break his arm? Yeah, I’m capable of doing all three.
A career highlight would be to knock Corey Browning out cold in Newcastle and that’s exactly what I’m going to f*cking do.
Lee Hamilton-Cooper/BellatorChalmers is excited to fight in his hometown once again, insisting that having done it once before, the pressure is off and he can focus on showcasing his development.
He said:
I’m not really feeling much pressure, and I think that’s because I’ve already fought there. So nah, I’m just really excited. I’m hoping we’ve got a sellout. No pressure this time.
My first couple of fights I was a bit of a nervous wreck. I was coming into the unknown, I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for and let’s be honest my skillset wasn’t there yet, what got me through the first few fights was heart. Now, I’ve had an eight-month lay-off and behind closed doors I’ve been working my arse off.
People can only judge me off my last performance, and for this one I’ve been working hard in all areas.
UNILADChalmers to his credit cuts a humble figure in MMA, but his record speaks for itself. He’s won by KO, TKO, and submission.
The 31-year-old continued:
I used to care what people thought, but I know my ability has come on leaps and bounds since my last fight.
After this fight I think a lot of people are going to be thinking, ‘hang on a minute, he can wrestle, he can fight’. But I’m never going to please everyone, but that’s not the plan.
Chalmers has found an ideal training partner in middleweight Fabian Edwards, who’ll also enter the cage in the North East on Saturday night.
Edwards similarly is oozing confidence ahead of his main card fight with Lee Chadwick, who’s been showing off his Cage Warrior belts ahead of the bout.
Edwards is not remotely fazed though, and he too gave UNILAD his thoughts about fighting at the weekend.
Edwards said:
I’ve got a great fight IQ. I’m very hard on myself, and any little mistakes I make I’m straight back in the gym and I make sure I improve. That’s going to take me to the top.
I feel like I’m the best already, and I just want to show it to the world. I’m on a big platform now with Bellator, and I can’t wait to show the world in Newcastle.
Lee Hamilton-Cooper/BellatorEdwards continued:
I’ll get the job done round one… All my shots I make sure they’re on target.
He didn’t make weight last time and he lost his belt. Showing off his old belts, I don’t give two sh*ts about it.
I don’t believe Channel 5 air Peppa Pig late at night, so hopefully the main event goes off without a hitch, with the broadcast of the main card starting at 10pm (GMT).
Bellator Newcastle: Pitbull vs Scope Fight Card
Main Card
Lightweight Main Event: Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (20-8) vs. Ryan Scope (11-1)
Lightweight Co-main Event: Aaron Chalmers (4-0) vs. Corey Browning (4-2)
Lightweight bout: Terry Brazier (10-1) vs. Chris Bungard (13-4)
Middleweight bout: Fabian Edwards (5-0) vs. Lee Chadwick (24-13-1)
Prelims
Light heavyweight bout: James Mulheron (11-2) vs. Arunas Andriuskevicus (14-4)
Welterweight bout: Jim Wallhead (29-11) vs. Abner Lloveras (22-10)
Bantamweight bout: Nathan Greyson (6-2) vs. Cal Eleanor (7-2)
Featherweight bout: Dominique Wooding (5-2) vs. Bailey Gilbert (2-3)
Featherweight bout: Nathan Rose (6-1) vs. Ranjeet Baria (3-0)
Welterweight bout: Justin Burlinson (3-0) vs. Maciej Gierszewski (4-3)
Bantamweight bout: Luke Westwood (1-0) vs. Richard Kallos (pro debut)
Welterweight bout: Ashley Reece (6-1) vs. John Ross (2-1)
Middleweight bout: Tommy Quinn (7-5) vs. Martin Hudson (4-6)
Lightweight bout: Kieran Lister (3-0) vs. Davie McLaughlin (2-1)
Lightweight bout: Milad Ahady (2-0) vs. Joseph Calboutin (1-0)
Heavyweight bout: Tony Mustard (8-4) vs. Mindaugas Gerve (3-2)
Watch Bellator Newcastle: Pitbull vs. Scope live on free to air Channel 5 from 10pm on Saturday, February 9th.
