The UFC have today bolstered their roster with the signing of two UK stars Jimi Manuwa and Tom ‘Kong’ Watson.
Manuwa is considered to be one of the UK’s brightest talents, sporting a perfect 11-0 record and has actually been on the UFC’s radar for some time. They initially tried to sign him last year, but the 32 year-old turned them down saying that he wanted to gain more experience first before making the step up in competition.
He’s since fought for the BAMMA promotion, winning his debut inside of a single round by TKO.
Meanwhile ‘Kong’ Watson is one of the most recognizable British fighters outside of the UFC. He made his name fighting for the now defunct Cage Rage promotion in the UK and in more recent times has been plying his trade for the BAMMA promotion where he’s been their long-reigning middleweight champion, defeating the likes of Matt Horwich and Maurilo ‘Ninja’ Rua along the way.
Both fighters have signed multi-fight deals with the promotion and are worthy additions to their ranks. Conversely losing two of their top fighters will come as a major blow for BAMMA who’ve been slipping off the radar this year, though they have just recently announced a new television deal with Channel Five and 5* in the UK.
As you’d expect both of the UFC’s new signings are now being lined up for the promotion’s next visit to the UK at ‘UFC On Fuel TV 5’ in September. The 29 year-old ‘Kong’ will face Brad Tavarez, while Manuwa’s opponent is still to be announced.
In other related news, two already established UFC fighters from the UK, John Hathaway and John McGuire will also face off at the ‘Fuel TV’ show in Nottingham.
