So this Saturday, Jimi Manuwa will face Corey Anderson in London’s iconic O2 arena, but why is Manuwa the main event? Here’s why he is the best decision.
When UFC puts on shows in other countries, particularly Fight Nights, the aim of getting into those markets is to bring MMA to those countries and showcase the talent that those countries have. Last week, UFC Fight Night was in Brazil, and the majority of fighters were Brazilian, they’ve done the same in Ireland, Sweden, Mexico and The UK is no different.
Manuwa is well known to the British MMA audience, he has made his name in UCMMA when he joined in his third fight and became the light heavyweight champion in his fifth fight, he then made the record of most successful title defences in the promotion for any division with 5.
He then turned down a contract with UFC and joined BAMMA, in what was meant to be a 4 fight deal, ended being 1, with a win over Anthony Rea. Outside of UFC, he was a main eventer, he has been in the main event before at a Fight Night against Alexander Gustafsson but came up short, however he did earn fight of the night. His next loss came 2 fights later against ‘Rumble’ Johnson. These are the only 2 losses to his record; and there’s no shame being beaten by guys like that, however in his next bout; he fought another big name fighter in that division in Ovince St Preux, and was successful via a vicious KO, earning a performance of the night bonus to boot.
He only started training in 2007 and has had a pretty successful career so far, he is only 37, but in division that is very diverse he brings incredible knockout power. Be sure to checkout UFC fight night 107 this Saturday; and check back at let us know your thoughts below or on Facebook or Twitter.