Highland Martial Arts Centre head coach Houston buzzing after Bellator debut was confirmed against Michael 'Venom' Page in France next month
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Ross Houston cannot wait to step back into the cage after his debut fight for Bellator was officially announced.
The mixed martial-artist signed with Bellator, one of the biggest MMA promotions in the world, early this year after leaving Cage Warriors.
He had reached the top of the mountain in his former home, becoming world champion of the welterweight division by defeating Italian fighter Stefano Paterno by split decision.
The only time Houston has not won in his nine-fight professional career is when his title defence against Nicolas Dalby last June was ruled a no contest, with the Hitman being out of action the entire time since.
Highland Martial Arts Centre’s head coach only has a few weeks to wait though, as he will co-headline Bellator’s first ever show in France.
His opponent will be Michael “Venom” Page on Saturday, October 10 – and Houston cannot wait.
“It has been a long time coming, because it has been just over a year since I last fought,” he said.
“I’m just buzzing to get back in there to be honest, and he’s the guy I wanted to fight.
“I asked for Michael Page. That’s what people need to remember, there’s been a lot of talk, people saying I’m stepping up, but I asked for the fight.
“I put it out there, and I was a bit shocked when the name got put to me properly, but I’m delighted with it; onwards and upwards.”
Houston was originally set to debut in June against Neiman Gracie, but that was never announced and fell through because of the pandemic.
So there is a sense of relief that his debut is finally confirmed, and maybe even more so that he does not have long to wait?
“I’m delighted that it’s only three weeks away,” Houston added.
“If it had been another 12 weeks to wait, it would have felt like forever.
“I’m ready to go now, it’s going to be a nice addition to the year getting this win.
“I’ll go out the week before, have a Covid test and quarantine for 48 hours. After that, I’ll be ready to fight. I’ll just do what I’m told and get the job done.”
Read the full edition of today's Highland News here.
