Batchelor ready 'to show the world' on PFL debut

Levi Batchelor had a 9-1 record as an amateur

Pontypool's rising MMA star Levi Batchelor will make his Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut on 5 July against unbeaten Belgian-Tunisian prospect Fahdi "The Gladiator" Khaled in Brussels.

The bantamweight bout pits two undefeated fighters against each other, with both men boasting 2-0 professional records and looking to make a statement on one of the fastest-growing stages in mixed martial arts.

Batchelor, 23, said: "He's a dangerous opponent. It just goes to show once you get to this stage, you can't pick and choose who you fight."

The event marks the PFL's first major card in Belgium and continues the organisation's European expansion, building on its growing global profile with stars such as former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and British standout Dakota Ditcheva among its ranks.

For Batchelor, the opportunity represents a major step in his young career and one he is relishing.

"It's a bit surreal," he added. "The PFL was never something I thought too much about - it always seemed so big and glamorous in the MMA world.

"As soon as the opportunity came, I jumped at it. I know I'm ready, I'm grateful to be here, and I'm going to put on a good show. It's the start of something special."

Training out of the renowned Shore MMA gym in Abertillery, south Wales - the same camp that has produced Jack Shore, Oban Elliott and Brett Johns - Batchelor has an impressive pedigree.

The Welshman enjoyed a decorated amateur career with a 9-1 record, capturing titles in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions on the Cage Warriors Academy Wales circuit.

"They've all said to me 'You're more than ready for this step', even before I turned pro," said Batchelor.

Both of Batchelor's professional wins have come via TKO, underlining the striking ability that has made him one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from the Welsh MMA scene in recent years.

"I'm more than ready for this level," he added.

"I'm going to shock a lot of people on the night. It's going to be an interesting match-up - but I'm looking forward to it."

Now, with the eyes of the MMA world turning to Brussels, the Welshman is embracing the moment and the chance to make his mark on the international stage.

"I've never been in a more perfect position to take this chance and show the world who I am," he said.