CRAIG JOHNS BREAKS THE FIRST RULE Chalmers happy to test himself in clash at Arena
BELLATOR will make their Newcastle return on February 9 at the Metro Radio Arena, with Aaron Chalmers set to return to the cage.
The huge mixed martial arts promotion is expected to be in the region early next year, with the ex-Reality TV star, turned mixed martial artist expected to feature on the card, having sorted his contractual issues with BAMMA, and thus becoming free to continue his fight career.
He has signed a two-year deal with the US-based promotion.
The show is not yet official but was tweeted by Cage Warriors president Graham Boylan and then confirmed by top MMA journalist Jim Edwards.
Bellator are considered one of the top MMA promotions in the world and were last in Newcastle in December last year in a co-promoted show with BAMMA.
On that night, Chalmers, fighting under BAMMA at the time, defeated Karl Donaldson via TKO punches in the first round and proved popular with his home fans during his walk out to Blaydon Races.
That night proved a huge success and Bellator have since taken an interest in the region, signing Ryan Scope and exUFC heavyweight James Mulheron. The Team Fish Tank duo are both expected to be part of the show, along with other regional talent.
Phil De Fries featured on the last Bellator Newcastle card but has since signed with KSW in Poland and captured their heavyweight title. Bellator could also bring a few global stars, just as they did last time around. Michael MacDonald and Valerie Letourneau both fought on Tyneside last December.
Chalmers, meanwhile, defeated Ash Griffiths at Bellator 200 in May as BAMMA agreed to lease him for the fight on the rival promotion.
But a fall-out in the meantime over his BAMMA fight deal had put his career on hold until it was resolved recently.
The Ex-Geordie Shore star revealed on Twitter this week that he would return to the cage in February and teased a contract signing telling his followers “we have a fight”.
Speaking candidly about his MMA ambitions after his last win in Newcastle, Chalmers talked up a fight with fellow Bellator star Baby Slice (son of fight legend Kimbo).
Chalmers said: “I’ll openly admit I’m not the greatest fighter, but I’ve got decent hands and I’m working hard and learning all the time in the gym.
“That fight with Baby Slice makes sense. It’s a fight that’s been circling and circling.
“I’m not in this to win titles. I know I’m not good enough to do that.
“I just love testing myself and pushing myself and learning new things. I take this sport seriously.
“While I’m doing it I might as well chase the big money fights. He’s a big thing in America and I’m a big thing in Europe, so why not?” Aaron Chalmers after a training session at the Peacock Gym early last month