Entwistle gets set to kick on

MMA SHELDAN KEAY

ACCRINGTON mixed martial artist Ian Entwistle will hope to put a disappointing period behind him when he returns to action on Saturday.

The 30-year-old is set to go up against Brett Johns at UFC Fight Night 107 at the O2 Arena in London.

It’s been a frustrating time for Entwistle recently, who missed nearly 18 months of action due to numerous injuries.

He returned last April, but suffered a first round stoppage defeat to Alejandro Perez at an event in Zagreb, Croatia.

Entwistle was then meant to face Rob Font at UFC 204 in Manchester in October, but the day before the card, he fell ill during the weight cutting process and the bout had to be cancelled.

He’ll now be hoping it’s a much smoother process this time around, as he tries to get back to winning ways against Johns.

Entwistle has a record of nine wins and three defeats, while Welsh fighter Johns is unbeaten in his professional career, having won all 13 of his bouts.

He was victorious on his UFC debut, having defeated Kwan Ho Kwak by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 99 in Belfast last November.

The UFC event will be shown live on BT Sport on Saturday and features a number of high-profile fighters, including Jimi Manuwa, Gunnar Nelson and Brad Pickett.

Meanwhile, another Accrington fighter is in action this weekend as boxer Artif Ali returns to the ring.

Ali competes on a bill tonight (Friday) at Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester.

The 28-year-old has had a fairly successful career so far, winning 10 and losing just one of his 11 professional contests.

He competes on a bill alongside the likes of Sam Hyde, Anthony Leak and Matty Mainwaring, and will be streamed live on UNILAD’s Facebook page.