The Sprawl can today reveal that Stephen Martin (6-3) has been added to BCMMA 16 and will make the first defence of his BCMMA featherweight title against Arnold Quero (11-4 1NC) on July 23rd at Colchester’s Charter Hall.
One of the UK’s best prospects at 145lbs, BCMMA featherweight champion Martin is set to fight for the first time since he defeated former champ Steve Aimable to win the BCMMA featherweight title at BCMMA 14 in January. That night Martin ended Aimable’s impressive six fight win streak and upset the majority of the fans in attendance, who were cheering on the local fighter.
Coming in to his first title defence Martin is riding a three fight win streak and has not lost since November 2014 when his fight with Paddy Pimblett was stopped due to a cut. Although losing that fight against Pimblett, Martin put on a great performance and dropped Pimblett early in the fight and had Pimblett in trouble before the cut opened and the fight was stopped at the end of the first round. In his last three fights Martin has made a name for himself at BCMMA, proving to be an exciting fighter in every fight and always looking to finish.
His opponent in July, Quero comes in to the fight having picked up a decision victory at Cage 35 in Helsinki, Finland in May against Rafael Domingos. Quero has won his last five and has finished eight of his eleven wins by way of knockout and will be looking to continue that streak come fight night in July. Having fought all over the world, Quero seems like a fighter willing to travel to get a fight and test himself. This will be the second time Quero has travelled to the UK for a fight, the first time led him to be part of an eight man, one night tournament at Cage Contender Fight Stars in December 2012 where he made it to the semi finals before losing to Martin Stapleton via heel hook.
As always BCMMA 16 takes place at Colchester’s Charter Hall and is headlined by a bantamweight title fight between Kerry Hughes and Stephanie Page. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
