Latest news with #LeviBatchelor
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Batchelor ready 'to show the world' on PFL debut
Pontypool's rising MMA star Levi Batchelor will make his Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut on 5 July against unbeaten Tunisian prospect Fahdi "The Gladiator" Khaled in Brussels. The bantamweight bout pits two undefeated fighters against each other, with both men boasting 2-0 professional records and looking to make a statement on one of the fastest-growing stages in mixed martial arts. Advertisement Batchelor, 23, said: "He's a dangerous opponent. It just goes to show once you get to this stage, you can't pick and choose who you fight." The event marks the PFL's first major card in Belgium and continues the organisation's European expansion, building on its growing global profile with stars such as former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and British standout Dakota Ditcheva among its ranks. For Batchelor, the opportunity represents a major step in his young career and one he is relishing. "It's a bit surreal," he added. "The PFL was never something I thought too much about - it always seemed so big and glamorous in the MMA world. Advertisement "As soon as the opportunity came, I jumped at it. I know I'm ready, I'm grateful to be here, and I'm going to put on a good show. It's the start of something special." Training out of the renowned Shore MMA gym in Abertillery, south Wales - the same camp that has produced Jack Shore, Oban Elliott and Brett Johns - Batchelor has an impressive pedigree. The Welshman enjoyed a decorated amateur career with a 9-1 record, capturing titles in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions on the Cage Warriors Academy Wales circuit. "They've all said to me 'You're more than ready for this step', even before I turned pro," said Batchelor. Advertisement Both of Batchelor's professional wins have come via TKO, underlining the striking ability that has made him one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from the Welsh MMA scene in recent years. "I'm more than ready for this level," he added. "I'm going to shock a lot of people on the night. It's going to be an interesting match-up - but I'm looking forward to it." Now, with the eyes of the MMA world turning to Brussels, the Welshman is embracing the moment and the chance to make his mark on the international stage. "I've never been in a more perfect position to take this chance and show the world who I am," he said. More MMA from the BBC
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Batchelor ready 'to show the world' on PFL debut
Pontypool's rising MMA star Levi Batchelor will make his Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut on 5 July against unbeaten Tunisian prospect Fahdi "The Gladiator" Khaled in bantamweight bout pits two undefeated fighters against each other, with both men boasting 2-0 professional records and looking to make a statement on one of the fastest-growing stages in mixed martial 23, said: "He's a dangerous opponent. It just goes to show once you get to this stage, you can't pick and choose who you fight."The event marks the PFL's first major card in Belgium and continues the organisation's European expansion, building on its growing global profile with stars such as former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and British standout Dakota Ditcheva among its Batchelor, the opportunity represents a major step in his young career and one he is a bit surreal," he added. "The PFL was never something I thought too much about - it always seemed so big and glamorous in the MMA world. "As soon as the opportunity came, I jumped at it. I know I'm ready, I'm grateful to be here, and I'm going to put on a good show. It's the start of something special." Training out of the renowned Shore MMA gym in Abertillery, south Wales - the same camp that has produced Jack Shore, Oban Elliott, and Brett Johns - Batchelor has an impressive pedigree. The Welshman enjoyed a decorated amateur career with a 9-1 record, capturing titles in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions on the Cage Warriors Academy Wales circuit."They've all said to me 'You're more than ready for this step,' even before I turned pro," said of Batchelor's professional wins have come via TKO, underlining the striking ability that has made him one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from the Welsh MMA scene in recent years."I'm more than ready for this level," he added. "I'm going to shock a lot of people on the night. It's going to be an interesting match-up - but I'm looking forward to it."Now, with the eyes of the MMA world turning to Brussels, the Welshman is embracing the moment and the chance to make his mark on the international stage."I've never been in a more perfect position to take this chance and show the world who I am," he said.
South Wales Argus
10-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Pontypool MMA fighter makes international debut with Belgium fight
23-year-old Levi Batchelor is travelling to Belgium in pursuit of his MMA career. The Pontypool local is, in his words, travelling to 'enemy territory' for a showdown against rival fighter Fahdi Khaled. Levi has just signed a contract with the Professional Fighters League and Professional Fighters League Europe. His Brussel's based fight is expected to attract at least 11,000 people. Pontypool professional MMA fighter Levi Batchelor is travelling abroad for a fight (Image: Levi Batchelor) Speaking of his recent career jump Levi said: 'I'm feeling really excited actually. It's a big step up and I'm going over to enemy territory for this next fight. 'I'm up against a guy that's Belgium-Tunisian and a very experienced Mua Thai fighter and now he's taken on MMA.' Levi first started his training in Shore Mixed Martial Arts, Llanhilleth. He weighs in at 135 Pounds and is classed as 'bantamweight.' So far, he's got an amateur record of ten wins and one loss and in his professional career he has two wins and is undefeated. His opponent has the same professional record. Pontypool professional MMA fighter Levi Batchelor is travelling abroad for a fight (Image: Levi Batchelor) Levi had the following to say to people considering getting into the sport. 'The hardest part is giving it a go, but it is just by having a go a lot of people find it quite daunting going into a sport that's deemed violent. 'I don't believe it had to be violent with mixed martial arts there's so many arts involved. I started with jujitsu. It boosts your confidence. It gives you sense of a hobby and finding a place that suites you. "There's not one size fits all when it comes to coaching and gyms there's a place for everybody.' A fight poster advertising the pro fight in Belgium (Image: Levi Batchelor) Levi shared how excited he is for his first professional fight. 'This is what I set out to do, fighting in front of big crowds and all the hard work's coming together. 'I'm just excited for it all to be honest. Already got quite a good number of Welsh fans travelling over for the event.'
