(January 7th.13) The UK’s premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce that British Middleweight Leeroy Barnes has signed to an exclusive multi-fight deal ahead of BAMMA 12, which takes place at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 9th March 2013.

Leeroy Barnes is a BAMMA fan favourite who has been on a roll since BAMMA 8: His imposing offensive against Jack Marshman saw him take the former British champion the full distance. Barnes returned at BAMMA 9 to submit UK veteran, Matt Ewin, after a late injury withdrawal saw Barnes facing a dramatically more experienced opponent.  BAMMA 10 saw Barnes take another well weathered fighter the distance, losing on decision to top 10 ranking Denniston Sutherland.

Leeroy Barnes said:

“I’m really happy with the deal. BAMMA have looked after me in the past and it only made sense to sign with, in my opinion, the top European promotion so I can fight the top guys and put on exciting fights that the fans want to see. I’m really happy with the deal that my management, Elite MMA Agency, and BAMMA have struck up and I’m sure BAMMA are happy to boast having the UK’s most handsome MMA fighter under contract.”

BAMMA’s Managing Director, Ashley Bothwell, said:

“It’s great to have Leeroy continue on our roster. He’s a dedicated and tenacious athlete, who never backs down from a challenge and always looks to take tough fights against challenging opponents. This and his aggressive style in the cage make him an exciting fighter to watch. He’s also an entertaining character that always comes to fight and who the fans love.“

BAMMA 12 will feature on Channel 5 and 5* in the UK;  and will be televised on AXS-TV in the US, The Fight Network in Canada, Red Media in Russia, TV Esporte Interativo in Brazil and Setanta in Africa.

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Jay Cee – @JayCeeMMA

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*This is an official BAMMA press release. A press release is an announcement of an event, performance, or other newsworthy item that is issued to the press.