Jaylon Bates ready to takeover Bellator MMA bantamweight division
Bellator MMA bantamweight Jaylon Bates opens up on the bantamweight division and previews his Bellator 274 matchup.
At just 25-years old, Jaylon Bates has been through plenty in his life, and entering the fifth professional fight of his career, he’s ready to make a statement to the Bellator MMA bantamweight division.
Bates comes into Bellator 274 where he’ll take on Chris Disonell and hopes the fight not only begins to put him on a bigger stage in the 135-pound division, but he’s hopeful for a busy year of activity as well. Ahead of the fight, Jaylon Bates spoke with MyMMANews about his upcoming fight, his future in the bantamweight division, and working with Team Body Shop and head coach Antonio McKee, father of featherweight champion A.J. McKee.
Most recently, Jaylon Bates picked up his second consecutive armbar submission victory at Bellator 268 in October, and now faces another test wit an opportunity to prove his standing among all other bantamweights in the division. With Bellator MMA announcing a Bantamweight World Grand Prix Tournament which will determine the next champion, the 135-pound division will be in the spotlight for most of the year, which offers young bantamweight fighters like Bates the opportunity to make a statement even if they’re outside the tournament.
With the nickname “New Breed” attached to him, the 25-year old is hoping to separate himself from the names already known in the division, while also showcasing a new talent that can shake things up in the division. In order to do that, he’s joined Team Body Shop, most known for head coach Antonio McKee and his son, top pupil, and Bellator MMA featherweight champion, A.J. McKee. From the first day that he joined the team, Bates said he knew that it was home for him, and he has zero plans of going anywhere else.
Watch the interview above to hear Jaylon Bates discuss fighting for a greater purpose, his fight at Bellator 274, and what Team Body Shop means to him.
