Cee Jay Hamilton: Ready to Put Bellator Bantamweights on Notice
With Bellator set to make their return to action on Friday, April 02, 2021, one of those fighters looking to showcase their skills and stun the world is bantamweight Cee Jay Hamilton. Set to make his debut under the Bellator lights, Hamilton is no stranger to fighting on big stages. A two-time national championship collegiate wrestler out of Marion Military Institute, Hamilton has the base and skills to put the Bellator bantamweight division on notice.
The Road to MMA
Hamilton was the 2007 and 2008 National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) national champion in the 125-lb division. Still feeling those competition vibes as many world-class athletes do, Hamilton sought a way to continue to compete. “I came into combat sports after wrestling in college. I was looking for another sport with high-level competition and I tried a Thai class out and the rest is history!” Hamilton told MyMMANews.
In order to make this journey as successful as possible, Hamilton has surrounded himself with the best team possible. “My whole coaching staff and teammates have really molded for this moment. From my head coach Chuck Cawthon, my second Jimmy Fowler, my training partner Brandon Webb to my strength and conditioning coach Ryan Haley and wrestling Coach Jim Robinson. Every single one of these people has helped me in every way possible” said Hamilton. Cawthon runs one of the most successful martial arts gyms in the country in Contemporary Martial Arts, located in Georgia. Fowler runs Jimmy Fowler’s Revolution Martial Arts and Performance Fitness where he is a BJJ blackbelt.
Ready for the Big Stage
Many times a fighter is not quite ready for the big stage and bright lights that come with a Bellator. Hamilton has shown he is more than ready thus far in his career. In 2017, Hamilton competed on the Dana White Contender Series against rising UFC star Casey Kenny, who just recently lost a narrow split-decision to Dominick Cruz. Aside from also competing under the LFA banner, Hamilton most recently competed for Combate Americas where he was victorious at Combate 40. “I believe experience with big promotions helps to a certain degree but your mindset has to be in tune as well so it goes hand in hand,” added Hamilton.
Huge Opportunity at Bellator 255
Bellator did not task Hamilton with an easy debut as he is set to battle Magomed Magomedov, former ACB champion. In the recent inaugural Bellator fighter rankings, Magomedov came in ranked as the #5 bantamweight. “My mindset is free and clear. He’s a formidable opponent as well as I. I can only control what I do and that’s what I’m solely focused on. Sprinkle some fun in there and that’s the perfect recipe for Friday night!” stated Hamilton. “Fans can expect a fun-filled war. I can guarantee you this will be one of the more exciting fights of the night!” With the skillset and attitude of Hamilton, it will not be a surprise to see Hamiton victorious and have a very impressive Bellator career.
