Taking inspiration from ancient history, Fight Nation Championship (FNC) is set to showcase the modern gladiators of mixed martial arts in a truly iconic setting. The stage for their upcoming event will be none other than the remarkable Pula Arena, a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater nestled in Croatia.
Similar to the famous Colosseum in Rome, the Pula Arena was constructed between 27 BC and AD 68. This ancient structure has already played host to previous FNC events, and on September 2nd, it will once again witness the action as Jordan Barton defends his featherweight title against UFC veteran Rony Jason.
Barton, with a record of 8-3-1, had a stint under the Bellator banner from 2021 to 2022. His claim to the featherweight title came in May when he secured a first-round knockout victory over Daniel Bazant. Now, he stands ready to defend his hard-earned championship against the formidable Rony Jason.
Jason, boasting a record of 16-10 with 1 no contest, has an impressive resume. He rose to prominence as the victor of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil in 2012, triumphing over Godofredo Pepey in the final. His UFC journey was marked by victories over Sam Sicilia and Mike Wilkinson, although a loss to Jeremy Stephens halted his momentum. At 39 years old, Jason is determined to carve a successful path in his post-UFC career.
Headlining FNC 12 is the heavyweight championship clash between Ivan Vitasovic (11-5-1) and Michal Andryszak (22-5). This encounter promises to be a thrilling showdown, further adding to the excitement of the event. Fans of the sport can catch all the live action on the official website of Fight Nation Championship.
The decision to hold this event in the historic Pula Arena serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of gladiatorial combat. By bringing modern MMA fighters into an ancient arena, FNC bridges the gap between centuries, celebrating the valor and skill of athletes from both eras. As the fighters step into the octagon within these ancient walls, they continue a tradition of combat while creating a new chapter in the arena’s storied history.
