MMA fighter Iain ‘Rollo’ Rollason is hoping to get a shot at the big time, as he aims for a multi-fight deal at Bellator FC.

The Workington martial artist is set to defend his amateur MMA title before stepping into an eight man pro tournament.

The light heavyweight bout against Norway’s Berat Berish, who is stepping down in weight, is scheduled for three three-minute rounds on the card from Vision MMA Combat UK in Carlisle.

Rollason captured the Almighty Fighting Championship light heavyweight belt in Leeds back in March against a tough short notice opponent in Tom Field, from the Manchester base of SBG.

Following that fight he will step into a tournament under the Euro Fight Night banner where the overall winner will receive a shot at the upper echelons of the sport with a multi-fight deal at Bellator FC, the biggest rival MMA promotion to the UFC. EFN is John Kavanagh’s promotion, the Irish martial artist is coach of UFC star Conor McGregor and SBG Ireland.

The first and second fights are both just one round with the final fight over two rounds.

“One night, one tournament,” said Rollason, who insists he is up to the task.

“I’m fighting the top up and coming guys in the UK. That states that I’m up there with them.”

He believes he has made the improvements needed for the step up since his crowning moment in Leeds.

And he thanked his coaching team at Tapout Knockout gym, including Trevor Cunningham, Dan Parks, Paul Cunningham, Martin Sewell, Pat Carr and Gareth O’Leary. He also gave a special thanks to his fiancée Amy Brennan.

Rollason also receives support from the Hungry Caterpillar, sports therapist Mandy McGee, Al’s Kitchen Deli and Graham Holliday Roofing. Anyone looking to sponsor Iain to cover the costs of his medical expenses can visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/iain-rollason