A key middleweight matchup is in the works for May 21.
MMA Junkie confirmed with a person with knowledge of the plans that [autotag]Fabian Edwards[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Austin Vanderford[/autotag] is currently targeted for Bellator 259, which takes place on that date at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The person asked to remain anonymous since Bellator officials have yet to formally announce the contest, which currently features verbal agreements in place but does not have a signed bout agreement.
Vanderford (10-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) is currently ranked No. 3 in Bellator’s official rankings, while Edwards (9-1 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) checks in just behind at No. 4.
Vanderford took to Instagram to offer an angle for the matchup, joking that it featured Paige VanZant’s husband vs. Leon Edwards’ brother.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNTXRkxJdem/?igshid=19dah151ztejl
Vanderford looks to keep his perfect professional record intact in the contest. ‘The Gentleman” fought most recently in November, scoring a decision win over Vinicius de Jesus at Bellator 251. It was Vanderford’s lone 2020 appearance after going 3-0 in 2019 to kick off his Bellator run.
Meanwhile, Edwards looks to rebound from the first setback of his career, a split-decision loss to Costello van Steenis – who is currently ranked No. 5 in Bellator’s rankings – at Bellator Europe 8 this past September. Prior to the loss, Edwards had rattled off nine consecutive wins to open his professional career.
With the targeted addition to the card, the Bellator 259 lineup now includes:
- Champ Cris Cyborg vs. Leslie Smith – for women’s featherweight title
- Fabian Edwards vs. Austin Vanderford
- Georgi Karakhanyan vs. Adam Piccolotti
- Brett Johns vs. Matheus Mattos
- Christian Edwards vs. Ben Parrish