By Ben Thomas.
Brett ‘The Pikey’ Johns makes his heavily anticipated Bellator debut as he collides with Matheus Mattos at Bellator 259.
On October 2nd, 2020, Johns announced that he had signed a multi – fight deal with the Bellator promotion due to his UFC contract expiring.
After 4 years and 7 fights in the biggest fight promotion in the world, the Swansea born product held a UFC record of 5 wins and 2 losses. As well as claiming wins over the bantamweight elite such as Tony Gravely and Joe Soto, Johns also picked up two fight bonuses.
The Welshman’s last walk to the cage took place in July 2020 as he utilised his sensational wrestling to cruise to a unanimous decision victory over Montel Jackson.
Johns opened up about his decision to sign for Bellator as well as reflecting on his time with the UFC:
“We couldn’t agree on a figure that was right for both parties in the new contract. 7 fights, 5 wins and 2 losses to the top guys in the division, once ranked 13th, 2nd calf slicer in UFC history and currently on a 2-fight win streak to up and coming prospects”
The Pikey also expressed his excitement to join the Bellator bantamweight division:
“A different offer was made and it’s an offer that I couldn’t turn down and one I believe I deserve. I’m grateful that it was made and I’m excited to put my skills on show for another worldwide organisation.”
The man looking to ruin the Welshman’s welcome is the Brazilian born product Matheus Mattos who holds a professional record of 12-2-1.
The 28-year-old has bundles of experience by stepping in the cage with former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan and the highly touted prospect Magomed Magomedov.
Can Brett Johns project himself into the Bellator bantamweight title contention with a win at Bellator 259?
