The British Association of Mixed Martial Arts (BAMMA) announced Thursday that plans have been finalized for a middleweight contest between Jack Marshman (8-0) and Carl Noon (7-1) to decide the promotion's first ever British Title. The bout has been scheduled for September 10th at BAMMA 7 in Birmingham, England.
The news officially confirms BAMMA's introduction of a separate British Title into the promotion's fold, with the eventual purpose of developing a British champion in each weight class. The separate titles will carry the same set of rules and implications, except they will be contested with three five-minute rounds, instead of the usual five five-minute round championship format.
"The introduction of a British Title allows us to develop the ever growing pool of talent in this country," BAMMA president Liam Fisher explained in a press release. "Now we can give up-and-coming fighters a legitimate champion status to aspire to before they reach the level of fighting on a World stage."
Marshman is a talented up-an-coming prospect out of Tillery Combat MMA Academy, carrying an undefeated 8-0 record despite only fighting professionally for 18 months. A member of the British Armed Forces and former Army Boxing champion, "Hammer" has is renown for his fight-ending ability, having finished all eight of his opponents, including seven by way of knockout.
He will square off against Noon, a gifted fighter who is riding high on a seven-fight win streak. Undefeated in the last three years, the fast rising prospect trains at Team Kaobon alongside BAMMA lightweight champion Rob Sinclair and featherweight champion Mark Adams. Like Marshman, Noon is notorious for a free-wheeling style that has resulted in first round finishes in five of his seven victories.
BAMMA 7 will be held September 10th at The National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England. It is headlined by a middleweight contest between Jim Wallhead (21-6) and Frank Trigg (21-8).