Brett Johns has his Bellator MMA debut set.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Johns will face Matheus Mattos at Bellator’s May 21 event, which is expected to take place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. MMA DNA was first to report the bantamweight booking.
Johns begins the next chapter of his career following a seven-fight run with the UFC. “The Pikey” went 5-2 in the octagon, which included wins Joe Soto, Tony Gravely and Montel Jackson, while his losses were to current champion Aljamain Sterling and perennial contender Pedro Munhoz. The 29-year-old is also a former Cage Warriors bantamweight champion.
Mattos will make his second Bellator appearance and is looking to pick up his first promotional win. “Adamas” dropped a unanimous decision to Magomed Magomedov at Bellator 254 in December. The TUF Brazil Season 4 contestant won four of five prior to his Bellator debut, with the lone loss coming to former UFC champion Petr Yan at ACB 71 in September 2017.