Bellator once again returns to Dublin this Friday as the 3 Arena hosts Bellator 285, with Dublin fighter Peter Queally taking on former UFC Lightweight champion Benson Henderson in the main event. Queally will be hoping to get back on track, as his last bout saw him lose to Patricky Pitbull via TKO for the lightweight title in Dublin.
With huge names across the card, along with some of the best talent that Irish MMA currently has to offer, there is something for everyone ahead of Friday.
Here is five things to look forward to ahead of Bellator Dublin.
Return Of The ‘Showstopper’
Nobody will be looking forward to Friday more than Peter Queally. The 33-year-old was knocked out for the first time in his career in his title loss to Pitbull and will hope to get his title challenge back on track against veteran Henderson on Friday. Henderson won his first fight in January since 2019 after a run of three straight losses. Henderson has enjoyed a glamorous career, claiming UFC gold and wins over fan favourites Franke Edgar and Nate Diaz, it's likely this could be his last charge for a title.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿 🇮🇪@peterqueally's last win at the @3arenadublin sent the crowd wild 🔥
More of the same on Sept. 23?#Bellator285 | @3arenadublin | @VMSportIE pic.twitter.com/m22U9ijRdF— Bellator Europe (@Bellator_Europe) September 16, 2022
Yoel Romero Comes To Dublin
In the co-main event, former UFC middleweight title challenger Yoel Romero faces Melvin Manhoef in a light-heavyweight bout. Romero became known for his highlight reel knockouts in the UFC, along with his freak stature for a 45-year-old. One of the unluckiest fighters to never win a UFC title despite four attempts, he will hope to make a statement in Dublin.
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First shot was heavy. Second one just to make sure. ☠️
Yoel Romero rocked Luke Rockhold's world #OnThisDay at UFC 221.pic.twitter.com/yy3xuhk24e— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) February 11, 2021
McCourt looking to make A statement
Leah McCourt will be hoping to bounce back when she faces Dayana Silva in the women’s featherweight division. In arguably the biggest fight in Irish women’s MMA history, she lost to Sinead Kavanagh, despite Kavanagh picking up an injury during the fight last February. McCourt will hope to get back on track with victory over Silva as climb back up the rankings.
Also keep an eye out for UFC phenom Molly 'Meatball' McCann in McCourt's corner. The pair are training partners and great mates.
Prospect Time To Shine
Among some of the top Irish talents on display this Friday is Ciaran Clarke. The 27-year-old from Drogheda is 5-0, with his quick progress from his amateur days catching the eye of fans. Clarke will look for the submission all night, as he faces Rafael Hudson on short notice at a 150lbs catchweight fight, with his original opponent Georges Sasu pulling out. Victory in Dublin could be a career changing moment for Clarke.
Carvalho Looks To Get Back Into Contention
Born in Portugal but trains with John Kavanagh’s SBG in Dublin, Ireland has become Pedro Carvalho’s adopted home. Always guaranteed to put on a show no matter the result, he faces Mads Burnell in what could be a huge fight in the featherweight division.
8 weeks 🔪🔪#allthesmoke #Ibringthesmoke #bellatordublin pic.twitter.com/jaxsiixK30
— Pedro Carvalho (@the_game_mma) August 2, 2022
Live coverage of the card will be shown by Virgin Media Three, with coverage underway at 9.00P.M.
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