BCMMA promoter Jack Mason has clarified the official list of participants for next year’s 8-man amateur flyweight tournament.
The Grand Prix takes place on April 7, 2018, in Colchester, Essex and features some of the United Kingdom’s most promising amateur MMA prospects.
News of the one-night showcase was originally reported by The Sprawl on Monday evening but the promotion was soon forced to back-track.
Complications involving standout pick John James Young and an already agreed commitment elsewhere meant his interest was rescinded.
“I’d say that we learnt a lesson going forward that we will not take verbal agreements from anyone,” Mason told MMA Plus in regards to the original report. “Contracts will be in place for all amateur fights going forward as a result of the announcement on Monday.”
Which eight amateurs will feature in the UK’s biggest ever one-night amateur tournament at BCMMA?
Mason confirmed to MMA Plus that invites were sent to the 20 amateur athletes he considered as the UK’s most promising at 125lbs.
The application process was first come, first served.
The eight men who are officially confirmed to compete on the April 7 event are as follows:
1. Warren Mason (8-10)
2. Leigh Mitchell (6-2)
3. Ashley Kilvington (6-0)
4. Reece McEwan (4-0)
5. Robbie Brown (7-10)
6. Jordan Baxter (9-2)
7. Jack Temple (5-3)
8. Jack Eglin (3-2)
With such high demand for the tournament, those who responded after the eight main slots were filled have been added to alternate bouts and could receive the opportunity to compete in the main brackets should an injury occur.
The alternates include:
9. Ciaran Mulholland (4-3)
10. Richard Dickson (4-1)
11. Owen Gower (3-0)
12. Alex Boyd (2-1)
Notable exclusions from the BCMMA tournament include Jake Hadley, Liam Gittins and Muhammad Mokaev.
Mokaev (7-0) was considered the overwhelming favourite when the participants were initially announced but as Mason explained, the “Black Tiger” failed to return his contract in time.
“The vast majority were sent contracts via email on Tuesday night and given the option to use the Adobe Fill & Sign app on their phone to sign the contract and send back,” said Cage Warriors veteran fighter Mason.
“This takes literally a maximum of 5 minutes and no need for access to a printer. So all invited have had ample opportunity to respond.”
The BCMMA head did confirm that should Mokaev, or any of the other contacted names, return their signed contract, they will be added to the reserve brackets.
Before the promotion presents their 8-man Grand Prix from Charter Hall, they host BCMMA 20 from the Colchester venue, which includes the pro debut of amateur wonderkid, Cory McKenna.
