A number one contender bout for the BAMMA Lonsdale lightweight title was confirmed for the BAMMA 30 over the weekend as former champion Rhys McKee (5-1) will face SBG's Richie Smullen (3-0) for the next shot at current champ Tim Barnett.
A BAMMA press release read:
The 3Arena prepares for action on 7th July as BAMMA 30: Philpott Vs. Walsh features the Lonsdale Lightweight contender showdown between Rhys ‘Skeletor’ McKee and Dublin's own Richie Smullen. With Ireland's two biggest Lightweight prospects facing off against each other for the right to face Champion Tim Barnett, this bout has huge implications for the Lightweight division.
Rhys ‘Skeletor’ McKee (5-1) sets about reclaiming the Lonsdale title which he dropped to Barnett at BAMMA 28, which most observers considered a huge upset. The Next Generation N.I fighter beat a group of credible fighters en route to the title win last year. The author of many a highlight reel finish, Skeletor has something to prove and at BAMMA 30 he will set out to remind everyone that his talent is not to be doubted.
Richie Smullen (3-0) competing since 2013, Smullen made his debut at BAMMA 26: Saadeh vs Young, handing ‘The Carlow Kid’ Andrew Murphy his first pro loss. Another standout prospect from SBG, Smullen has never gone the distance in his pro career, winning all inside the distance via either submission and TKO. Coach John Kavanagh believes that Smullen is the next big star to emerge and a talent that everyone should keep a close eye on. With the biggest test of his career in front of him, if Smullen beats McKee on July 7thhis arrival on the global MMA stage will be announced.
