After getting back to winning ways with a TKO victory over UK MMA veteran Brett McDermott, Liam McGeary would answer the tweets of his rival Linton Vassell and confirmed they would meet at Bellator London, May 19.
The bout is likely to feature high on the Bellator 179 main card of the Viacom-owned promotion’s return to London, England in an event which will take place at the SSE Arena, located a stone throw away from the world-famous Wembley Stadium.
Linton Vassell vs. Liam McGeary official for Bellator 179
Vassell (17-5-1) goes into his bout with fellow countryman McGeary after back-to-back decision wins inside the Bellator cage against former champion Emanuel Newton at Bellator 149 and Francis Carmont at Bellator 165 last November.
It is this recent run of fine form that has meant that the 33-year-old who trained out of the now defunct Blackzillians gym in Florida has been granted the fight he’s campaigned for all week.
Vassell Vs @liam_mcgeary aimed for London @BellatorMMA May 19th @SlapheadGiraffe @MMAjunkie @mmamania @mmamental @MMAPLUS @
— Linton Vassell (@LDV_TheSwarm) February 21, 2017
Congratulations tonight brother. Let's do this and make history London May 19th. https://t.co/2lBbGMU8GR
— Linton Vassell (@LDV_TheSwarm) February 25, 2017
In an interview with MMA Plus last November “The Swarm” made it abundantly clear that he wished to face light-heavyweight champion Phil Davis next however, his focus seems to have changed to McGeary.
“I think a win over Carmont puts me in title contention and I see this fight as a No.1 contender fight so once I beat him I will be looking to fight for that world title, that’s the fight I’m looking forward to next. I’m not looking past my opponent but I’m not going to lie I have Phil Davis firmly in my sights and that is the fight I want next, that’s the fight I’m looking at, a fight for the Light-Heavyweight title.”
Although Vassell may not have been granted the title shot he wanted, a win over former champion McGeary would make his number one contender claims hard to deny.
Losing his title in a lopsided unanimous decision win at Bellator 163 last November to Davis, McGeary is currently looking for any way in which to earn his rematch with the American.
The Norfolk fighter was undefeated until that point and had carved out a reputation as one of the best 205 pounders in the world. After winning the Bellator light-heavyweight tournament in 2014, McGeary would first win the title from Emanuel Newton at Bellator 134 before cementing his status at the top of the division with a win over MMA legend Tito Ortiz in September 2015.
Getting back on track with a victory last night, McGeary would instantly respond to Vassell’s call out to both accept and confirm the highly anticipated match-up in his post-fight interview.
The fight is just the latest in a host of big-name bouts engineered for Bellator London by the promotion’s president Scott Coker as he showcases top British talent Paul Daley and Michael Page. New signing and big free agency coup Rory MacDonald will also make his debut at the SSE Arena in May.
Bellator London: Daley vs. MacDonald Fight Card
Welterweight Bout: Paul Daley vs. Rory MacDonald
Light-Heavyweight Bout: Liam McGeary vs. Linton Vassell
Welterweight Bout: Michael Page vs. Derek Anderson
