Akonne Wanliss

Akonne Wanliss is Ready to Put the Fight World on Notice

Bellator returns to Milan for its Euro Series with Bellator Euro Series 8: Edwards vs Van Steenis. Aside from the battle of middleweights clashing in the main event, the rest of the card is stacked with talent. One of those names to watch is competing on the prelims. If you have not already, Akonne Wanliss, is a name to keep an eye on. So far in Bellator, Wanliss is 2-0 with two finishes. His last victory was a D’Arce Choke in the first round in November 2019.

Ready for the Tough Challenge to Ascend

After dominating the competition in his run to this point, he will face a tough test in seasoned veteran Alfie Davis (13-3.) Wanliss is ready for the challenge. “I’ve enjoyed performing on one of the biggest MMA stages of the world. I see every bout as super important anyway, so this one is no different, in fact, I’m loving the fact in only my 6th professional bout, he is 13 -3, on a 4 fight win streak in Bellator, regarded as entertaining and I get to go out there, unleash the force and take him out! That excites me, the opportunity to leap up in the rankings and establish myself even more so,” Wanliss told MyMMANews.

Training Through COVID

The COVID pandemic has affected the training and ability of organizations to host events. As with many fighters finally getting to compete, Wanliss is more than ready to use the rest of 2020 to prepare for his 2021 run. “Yes, it’s been WAAAYY too long, I was expecting to be out fighting 5 times this year, making some big leaps in the division,” Wanliss stated. “I stayed busy by training, used my back garden, and was lucky enough to have an ex-boxer living next door. So we put in work, most days three hours, come rain or shine we trained! So I know my skills have leveled up during all this time off and I can’t wait to show that come Saturday. I’m EXCITED!”

Star on the Rise

So far in his brief time as a professional, he has finished all four of his wins by way of finish. Through the span of his four victories, Wanliss has made quick work of his opponents with a grand total of just over six minutes. His last bout was a D’Arce Choke victory in less than one minute. That victory came over a veteran in his own right of Tim Barnett. The stars will be out on the main card, but tomorrow’s stars, such as Wanliss, will be out in the prelims of Saturday’s Bellator card.

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Matt Bricker
I am a life-long MMA fan who has been a fan since UFC 1. I was born in Illinois but raised in South Louisiana, home of many great mixed martial artists. I started martial arts at the age of 4 and continued into my adult years where I served nearly 10 years in law enforcement. I feel my job is to convey the stories of the MMA fighters we enjoy to watch and share their stories with the world. Follow me on Twitter @LAknockoutMMA