BAMMA 14 – LG Arena

Once again this was a milestone event for me, it’s the first time I have been asked to shoot for an event, so I was happy to oblige, lo and behold I was BAMMA 14 Official Photographer for the night.

The card delivered on its promises, great bouts from top to bottom. Paul Semtex Daley delivered a trademark punch to knock out his opponent in the second round having used the first to sus out his da Sliva.

Colin ‘Freakshow’ Fletcher was unfortunately beaten with a rear naked choke after having a sustained period of stand and bang with Mansour Barnaoui. Fletcher looked to be on top however made a mistake after being a bit too eager when on top leaving his neck exposed for the choke. Barnaoui retained his belt.

Judo Jim Wallhead managed to avenge his defeat at the hands of Eddy Ellis at the previous BAMMA with a win over Florent Betoeangel. The people’s champion once again showing he is made of stern stuff finishing off the French fighter after only 21 seconds of the third.

My local fighter Max Nunes had something to prove after is last outing in Birmingham. Max is most likely the fighter that I have seem the most of and I’m pretty sure that this is the first time I’ve witnessed him go three rounds and get a decision. The first round was a slow affair with both fighters trying to gauge their opponent. Nunes was rocked in the second though as a thunderous punch to the body dropped Max to the canvas, Pascu paused before pouncing on his opponent, possibly for a split second too long. The time allowed Nunes to come to his senses and decent the mount, his long limbs keeping the strikes away from his head and body. There could have been a call for the ref to stop it then and find in favor of Ion Pascu, but he let it go on and for Max to in the end be victorious.

The remainder of the fights were equally exciting, chokes, three round decisions and of course knockouts made this a great evening. If BAMMA continue in this vein they will keep many people happy next year. They’re the only event with terrestrial TV coverage and an expanding TV audience throughout Asia.