Rochdale pro cage fighter Martin Stapleton signs with BAMMA

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Martin Stapleton

Rochdale pro cage fighter Martin Stapleton has signed with BAMMA (The British Association of Mixed Martial Arts), the biggest MMA promotion in Europe, and will face Jeremy ‘Ninja’ Petley in his debut for the promotion in December.

Speaking about his decision to sign with BAMMA, Martin said: “They are the biggest promotion in Europe and they were offering me a better deal than Bellator were. They have put together a good plan and structure for me and we are looking at more fights, more often and that is something I want to do.”

Hot off the heels of his win against Bulgarian Kostadin Enev, Martin has signed an 18 month contract with the promotion.

“More fights more often is something I want to do and with the structure that BAMMA have offered me, that is something I can hopefully do,” said Martin.

In his first fight for BAMMA, Martin will face 29-year-old Jeremy Petley. Petley currently holds a professional record of 10 wins and five loses.

Speaking about his opponent, Martin said: “Jeremy is a very skilful fighter and is very skilled in many of the elements of MMA. I know he is looking to win the world title but unfortunately for him, he has to go through me so that isn’t going to happen.”

Martin currently holds a professional record of 14 wins and four losses and feels that he can make this fight his 15th win.

He said: “I am always confident. I can beat anybody in the world and I will beat Jeremy.”

Martin and Jeremy will fight on Saturday 6 December at Victoria Warehouse, Manchester.

“I think all fighters like fighting in front of a home crowd and I can’t wait. I think Rochdale produces some of the best crowds and they will be coming along to support me,” added Martin.

Now he is signed with BAMMA, Martin is aiming to win the world title next year.

He said: “I don’t like looking too far into the future because I like to focus on what is front of me but I have no doubt that I will hold the world title next year.”