The fact has not been lost on many within the MMA bubble that the UFC and Bellator will be running shows in London just months apart later this year.
The UFC’s event is a small one, a Fight Night headlined by light heavyweights Jimi Manuwa and Corey Anderson on March 18; while Bellator’s event is a rather substantial one, a tentpole headlined by a premier welterweight pairing between British slugger Paul Daley and marquee free agent signing Rory MacDonald on May 19.
The obvious contrast between the two shows has led many in the sport to point out that, perhaps for the first time ever, a Bellator event taking place in the same location as a UFC event offers the better product.