Battling Bateman prepares for clash of styles
The 24-year-old Humberston-based fighter, who is a member of Neal Lofts' Fight Ministry gym in Bradley's Corner, Grimsby, will face Arish in the Octagon ring at the Barnsley Metrodome on Saturday, February 20.
Stablemate Jack Grant will make his MMA debut on the undercard.
Bateman, a finalist in the Virgin One US TV Series The Ultimate Fighter, won his second pro bout against Leeroy Barnes – from Wolfslair Gym in Widnes – by knock-out in October last year. He lost his debut bow against Barnes' clubmate Wayne Murray last May.
Lofts says Bateman's opponent, who has three wins and one draw to his name, should produce an "interesting" clash of styles.
"Ali Arish is an Olympic-standard wrestler who has represented his country," he said.
"Iran has historically produced some of the world's finest Olympic wrestlers and this promises to be a typical grappler verses striker match-up.
"Obviously, we have been working on take-down defence, but our strategy will be to impose James's game on Arish.
"The Iranian's last two fights were slowly paced and inactive, with his opponents being very tentative and weary of the take-down.
"We will give the take-down specialist the respect he deserves, but James will be looking for the knock-out while also willing to go the three rounds of five minutes."
Meanwhile, Grimsby fighter Louie Chapman is back in action at Hull's Gemtec Arena on Sunday, February 21.
And at that show, another Fight Ministry man – Andy Craven – will make his debut in the cage.
Chapman, whose semi-pro record includes three victories, one draw and a defeat at welterweight, is set to drop down to lightweight when he joins Bateman in the pro ranks.
Both fighters are being lined up for a high-profile weekender, scheduled for May 22 and 23, at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
Chapman's opponent for his pro bow is still be to arranged, but Bateman is likely to face German MMA fighter Sven Heising, who is based at Pride gym in Dusseldorf.
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