Tasmanian based promotion Valor will return to Launceston’s historic Albert Hall on June 15th for Valor 5, which will see their first ever champion crowned.
Three local fighters and one Victorian are set to vie for the inaugural Welterweight Title in a four-man one-night elimination tournament, at what is set to be the promotions one year anniversary show.
Callan Potter from the Renegade Gym in Melbourne arguably holds the most experience going into the competition. In his career to date, the 28 year-old has faced notable fighters Richard Walsh and local standout Nick “Banjo” Patterson. “The Rockstar” earned his place in the tournament with a 47 second Rear-Naked Choke submission of Alex Oliver back in early December at Valor 3.
Launceston local Damon Upton-Greer will go into his 6th promotional appearance riding a two-fight win streak after submitting Kyle Facey and David Butt both with second round Arm-Bars at Valor 3 and 4 respectively.
Following his sole career loss to Upton-Greer, David Butt bounced back with the promotions equal second fastest Knockout at Valor C series 3. Butt took just 35 seconds to finish Fred Howe and subsequently stake his place in the championship tournament.
Recently replacing the now unavailable Troy Coull in the tournament’s final spot is three time Valor fighter and former Middleweight Nick Denholm of East Coast MMA in St Helens. Denholm last fought at Valor 4 in February where he was submitted by Andrew Brumby, he will now look to get back on track after making the drop in weight for a shot at the Welterweight strap.
Tournament matchups will be randomly drawn on the night prior to the show.
Valor 5 is also slated to feature the return of accomplished local boxer Steven Maxwell. Maxwell will look for his first MMA win against Valor 2 headliner Jerrick Panes after getting unanimously outpointed by David Simmons at Valor C-Series 3.
Welterweight Title Tournament Participants:
- Damon Upton-Greer
- Nick Denholm
- Callan Potter
- David Butt
Fight Card to Date:
- 77kg – Welterweight Tournament Final
- 70kg – Steven Maxwell vs Jerick Panes
- 66kg – Richard Graham vs Ethan Duniam
- 55kg – Christina Tatnell vs Nicole Maxwell
- 77kg – Ben Barrett vs Jason Maluga
- 77kg – Dan Hyatt vs Aaron Hume
- 77kg – Welterweight Semi Final #2
- 77kg – Welterweight Semi Final #1
