While the second part of Bellator’s Hawaiian double-header gets most of the attention with Bantamweight Grand Prix first-round matches taking place, at Bellator 278 tournament’s alternate, Josh Hill will take on Enrique Barzola.
Josh Hill and Enrique Barzola to Square Off at Bellator 278
Bellator 278 takes place April 22 at Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii and the main card will be broadcasted live on Showtime. The matchup was reported by MMA Junkie which was informed by people with knowledge of the booking but asked to remain anonymous as the official announcement is yet to be made.
Hill, who sports a 21 – 4 professional MMA record, earned his alternate status by knocking out Jared Scoggins at Bellator 272 back in December. This was his fifth win within his last six fights, with the sole loss coming by way of a unanimous decision against the next bantamweight title challenger, Raufeon Stots at Bellator 258.
Barzola, who has a 17 – 5 – 2 record, had his promotional debut at Bellator 273 in January, when he defeated former Bellator Bantamweight champion, Darrion Caldwell with strikes, serving him his first TKO loss in his career. The UFC alumni made his way through the second season of the TUF Latin America programing and stacked up a record of 8 – 3 – 1 inside the Octagon.
With the news surfacing that Sergio Pettis will have to drop out of the Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix, this fight could result in a new combatant joining the $1 million tournament.
Bellator 278 and Bellator 279 are set for the same location and venue. The two-night doubleheader serves as Bellator’s first return to Hawaii since December 2019, and its promotion’s third tenure in the islands overall.
The Current Bellator 278 Lineup Features:
Enrique Barzola vs. Josh Hill
Cee Jay Hamilton vs. Jared Scoggins
Main Photo via Bellator MMA.
