After parting ways with BAMMA at the end of 2016, strong reports have emerged claiming Martin Stapleton is set to join a rival UK based promotion.
Multiple sources have indicated to MMA Plus that the former BAMMA Lightweight champion is on the verge of signing a deal with European standout Cage Warriors Fighting Championship.
The rumours mean that UK MMA fans could potentially see the Featherweight contender face off against CWFC champion Paddy Pimblett in 2017.
Representing SBG Manchester and Full Contact Performance Centre, “.50 Cal” was scheduled to face Ronnie Mann for the vacant BAMMA Featherweight title at BAMMA 27. If successful, Stapleton would have become the second fighter – after Tom “Firekid” Duquesnoy – to hold two BAMMA championship belts.
However, the bout was pulled from the December 16 event in Dublin with Stapleton citing personal reasons for his withdrawal.
Following his removal from the title match-up, both BAMMA and Stapleton were able to reach a mutual deal for his release from the promotion. The reason for this has yet to be fully disclosed.
During his time with BAMMA, the Straight Blast Gym athlete defeated Gavin Sterritt at BAMMA 23 in November 2014, to win the Lightweight gold. He would go on to defend the strap once, claiming an unfortunate disqualification victory over Damien Lapilus last May.
He also served a three-fight stint in Bellator MMA between 2013-2014, going 0-3.
Now, strong rumours indicate that the Brit will be joining rivals CWFC, in what can only be described as a major coup for the Graham Boylan lead organization.
