Martin Stapleton loses second Bellator MMA fight

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Photo: Journeaux

Martin Stapleton

Martin Stapleton, Rochdale's professional cage fighter, lost to Derek Campos at the Winstar World Casino, Oklahoma, USA in his second Bellator MMA tournament fight in the early hours of this morning (Saturday 9 November).

Campos won all three rounds and the fight by unanimous decision.

Stapleton went into the fight confident of winning, however, Campos landed telling left hooks and took Stapleton to ground in every round, and while Stapleton was able to keep a tight guard and prevent Campos landing any significant blows, Campos stayed on top and pressed home his advantage.

The defeat was Stapleton's second in a row in the Bellator MMA tournament, the first time he has lost consecutive fights. His professional fight record now stands at 12 wins and three losses.

Stapleton's wife Hayley, who watched the fight at their Rochdale home, said she is "super proud of my husband." She added: "Not the result we wanted but still showed his skills on the main stage and showed he's world class.

"It's all part of the journey.

"Onwards and upwards for the next one."

Speaking the day after the fight, Stapleton said: "Most people won't understand this but I'm happy with what went down last night.

"Me and Campos went to war for 15 minutes and had the crowd on their feet.

"I feel I did more damage on the feet but he definitely edged it with the take downs.

"As a fighter I'm more proud of that fight than I am of some of my wins.

"Going through this sport at the world level is a tough journey but one I embrace wholeheartedly."