@BellatorMMA/TwitterAaron Chalmers has bounced back spectacularly with an impressive victory against Fred Freeman at the SSE Arena, Wembley on the evening of Saturday June 22.
Proving himself to be very much a ‘real’ MMA fighter, the former Geordie Shore star defeated Freeman with a with a triangle chokehold in the second round, forcing him to tap out.
This win marks a stunning return to the ring for 32-year-old Newcastle lad, who suffered the first loss of his MMA career in February, after submitting to a heel hook from Corey Browning.
💪 @AaronCGShore gets the takedown in the first round.
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📳 https://t.co/HWRv6qdpna pic.twitter.com/QeQ9MqYCu8
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 22, 2019
With a new record of 5-1, Chalmers is back on fighting form, and appeared confident after proving his worth in the face of harsh critics.
As reported by Metro Sport, Chalmers spoke about proving the critics wrong during his post-match scrum:
How many fights has Paul Daley been in? 60 fights? He said to me, ‘Aaron, a year ago I did an interview and said you were the real deal, everyone says you’re not a real fighter’.
But like I said, if I’m not a real fighter, why am I on the biggest card in the UK?
If you’re not a real fighter how can sell out Newcastle, twice, London three times and Birmingham? But I’m not a real fighter?
If I’m not a real fighter in Bellator, then what are these fighters that are following us? I can never be accepted by certain members of MMA, but… f*ck it. I get paid well.
Aaron Chalmers’ message to his haters after getting back to winning ways at #BellatorLondon @Metro_Sport pic.twitter.com/wZwM1yEwsF
— Coral Barry (@Coral__Barry) June 22, 2019
Chalmers has previously opened up about the derision he has faced being a former reality star forging a sporting career.
Speaking with the Daily Express in February, prior to the defeat which would tarnish his winning streak, Chalmers admitted:
I think there’s always going to be that doubt, That, ‘Oh he’s just a reality TV star.’
But show me another fighter in their third and fifth fight that sold out their hometown arena in their co-main event. Because there’s none. There is none.
Show me another fighter who is getting this much publicity in his fifth fight. There’s none.
People can say whatever they want. But I know what I bring to the table. Hence why I just signed a six-fight Bellator contract.
Can’t believe the constant abuse I’m reading about @AaronCGShore again. The bloke has no amateur record, working hard to learn and taking the fights he’s given. Doing all this purely for the love of the sport! WTF is there not to like? #BellatorLondon
— Grant Jones (@Grantj89) June 22, 2019
According to Metro Sport, Chalmers is expected to be back in action as of October, with Bellator reportedly having plans to put him on a fight card in Milan.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.