Coming off two back to back losses is a tough situation for any fighter but Decky Dalton has a big opportunity to right the wrongs and immediately get back on track on Friday night at BAMMA 28.
In February of last year Dalton reintroduced him with a dominant and impressive win at BAMMA 24 after almost four years away from the game. With this win he regained his status as one of Irish MMA's most promising fighters and with his popularity and 6-0 record he had all the ingredients to make a star.
However, disaster struck in his next fight. Two months after his comeback fight we took on Gary Morris and after getting cut in the first round the doctor stepped in a called the fight off, resulting in the first loss of his budding career. Then in October of last year Dalton stepped up a weight class and faced the very solid Peter Queally. After three hard fought rounds the judges awarded the decision to Queally and Dalton suffered his second straight loss.
On other occasions Dalton could've walked away with wins in both of these fights. The cut that resulted in the doctor stoppage might not have happened or had the Queally fight went different then he might have had his arms raised. Regardless though, the books have been written and results have been recorded.
Dalton (6-2) will face UFC veteran and TUF winner Jonathan Brookins (15-10) on Friday night and with this it brings the opportunity to reestablish himself.
Brookins is a named guy, the type many 'local' fighters dream of fighting in order to work their way up the ladder. The 31-year-old has faced the likes of Dustin Poirier, Michael Johnson, Jose Aldo and Charles Oliviera. Now Dalton can etch his name onto that resumé.
No one doubts the quality Brookins can fight at but he is 2-4 since leaving the UFC in 2012 and has lost his past three fights, albeit against some really tough opposition and has often taken a fight on very short notice.
Dalton will have his work cut out for him though. Brookins is a very tricky opponent with some slick grappling and is incredibly durable with only Jose Aldo stopping him with strikes.
Can Dalton score the biggest win of his career to date? We will find out on Friday night.
