The North West’s hottest amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event, Full Contact Contender (FCC), is proud to confirm a huge feature fight for its first card of 2014. TUF: Smashes cast member and reigning FCC Pro Lightweight Champion Brendan Loughnane will make his first defence against BKK Fighters standout Jason ‘The Animal’ Cooledge.
After a strong showing on TUF: The Smashes and a crowd pleasing UFC debut against Mike Wilkinson, Loughnane (6-1) returned to Manchester at FCC 7 to become the first ever FCC Pro champion at 155lbs, with a workmanlike performance against Tim Close. The Manchester Predators fighter dominated the contest with his wrestling and ground ‘n’ pound en route to a unanimous decision victory, and will defend the gold for the first time on March 22nd at The Reebok.
Jason ‘The Animal’ Coolidge (10-5) is a veteran of Cage Warriors, UWC and Shock ‘n’ Awe. Known for his takedown defence and submission grappling, the Colchester, Essex based fighter has no intention of making the long journey home without the FCC title around his waist.
Promoter Adam Teh said: “We’re incredibly excited to be kicking-of our 2014 campaign after what has been an incredible two years for Full Contact Contender. We knew we had to pull something big out of the bag for our first event of the year, and I’m really happy to have Brendan and Jason throwing down for the FCC title in one of our headline bouts. Jason is known for his takedown defence, while Brendan’s wrestling is of an exceptional level; this really is anyone’s to win. We’re not about putting on one-sided fights, so as the saying goes, may the best man win!”
FCC 9 will also feature no less than three amateur title bouts, as the promotion continues its commitment to showcasing the best amateur fighters in the country. Fresh of what has been hailed by many as the best amateur MMA bout in UKMMA history, Ashley ‘The Beast’ Reese (4-0) makes the first defence of his amateur lightweight title against Kris Leeson (6-2).
Amateur welterweight champ Callum Brady lost his last FCC outing, but kept the title as his opponent Dez Parker missed weight. With Parker turning pro, undefeated Ian Buckley (4-0) steps up to challenge for the 170lbs strap. Finally Javonne Morrison (5-2) faces unbeaten Sam Spencer for the vacant FCC amateur bantamweight title.
Elsewhere on the card, former FCC amateur middleweight champ Ant Bailey makes his long-awaited pro debut against James Bray. In a highly anticipated amateur featherweight matchup, Colosseum’s Jack Cartwright meets Jason Jacques. Carl Burton and Ben Dearden clash in a bantamweight title eliminator, while the UNIT alarm will be sounded once again as Rick Mawdsley faces Neill Smith. Pro flyweights Mick Gerrard and Aaron Aby will meet in a professional showcase bout.
Adam Teh said: “We’re passionate about our amateurs here at FCC, and FCC 9 will feature our strongest line up to date. Cartwright vs Jacques is a huge fight, and speaking of huge, we’ve had the cage reinforced for Rick Mawdsley’s return! All eyes will be on Ashley Reese after his incredible performance last time out, and in the bantamweight division we’ve got some really intriguing possibilities. Ben Dearden edged Javonne Morisson when they last fought, so should they both pick up wins on the 22nd of March, we could be looking at an epic rematch of one of FCC’s best ever fights. Carl Burton and Sam Spencer will no doubt have plans to upset that applecart though!”
FCC 9, takes place in the Premier Suite at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on March 22nd, 2014, with highlights to be broadcast on Sky’s MyChannel as a later date.
Full Contact Contender 9 Fight Card (Subject to change, more bouts to be confirmed):
FCC Pro Lightweight Title:
Brendan Loughnane vs Jason Cooledge
Professional Showcase Bouts:
Ant Baily vs James Bray
Mick Gerrard vs Aaron Aby
Kane Mousah vs TBA
Unified Amateur Title Bouts:
Lightweight: Ashley Reese (c) vs Kris Leeson
Welterweight: Calum Brady (c) vs Ian Buckley
Bantamweight (vacant): Javonne Morisson vs Sam Spencer
Unified Amateur Bouts:
Bantamweight title eliminator: Ben Deaden vs Carl Burton
Rick Mawdsley vs Neill Smith
Jack Cartwright vs Jason Jacques
Tickets start at £30 standard, £45-65 cage side reserved, £650 VIP cage side table (seats up to ten, includes two course meal). Cage side and VIP seating includes assess to a private bar and waitress service.
FCC 9 is sponsored by Better Bodies Supplements and Premier Therapy.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Adam Teh (07816659015) for details.
