JOE MMA specialist Fergus Ryan takes a look ahead to what promises to be a packed month for the sport in Ireland.
By Fergus Ryan
Battlezone II
When: 5 March
Where: D4 Hotel, Ballsbridge, D4
How much: €30 (Tickets available from Team Ryano and all participating clubs and fighters)
Following Senkai Promotion’s successful debut in November, Battlezone Fighting Championship rolls into town for a second instalment. Two title fights headline the card with Rimas Pukas (Lucan MMA) challenging Abou Sow from France for the inaugural light heavyweight belt and rising star and knockout specialist Henry Fadipe (Lucan MMA) takes on the experienced Ryan Kelly (PCCB) for the inaugural middleweight strap.
Also on the card is the return from injury of Myles Price, decorated BJJ fighter Liam O’Toole makes his MMA debut and Paul Redmond (Team Ryano) and Artem Lobov (SBG) battle for bragging rights for two of Dublin’s top gyms.
Cage Contender VIII
When: 12 March
Where: National Basketball Arena, Tymon Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24
How Much: Cageside €45, Floor Seating €37.50, Unreserved Seats €30
After a number of shuffles to the card, the headline fight is the welterweight title defence by Cathal Pendred (SBG) in a rematch against Liam Shannon (PCCB). John Redmond’s (RFA) original opponent, Chris Fields, was forced out due to injury and Redmond will now face John Shiel (SBG).
Meanwhile, in a featherweight title eliminator, Benjamin Davis (PBS) takes on Tomas Murnikas (Lucan MMA). The winner of this match will face Owen Roddy for his belt in July.
Fight Pit 2
When: 19 March
Where: Oriel Park Sports Arena, Dundalk, Louth
How much: €20-25
Fighters from all over the country come together for Fight Pit’s second offering. Fights include Viktoras Kontrimas v David Blaszke, Philip O’ Rourke v Ciaran Boyle, Stephen Rice v Zbigniew Hormansk and Phil Mcrory vs Antony Carrick.
Celtic Gladiator
When: 19 March
Where: Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise, Co Laois
How much: €22
Vitamin-Shop Portlaoise, with Tuatha De Danann MMA Club, is hosting Portlaoise’s first Mixed Martial Arts show. For more information call 085 744 4550 or e-mail portlaoise@vitaminshop-ireland.eu
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