CONNELLY-"SHAOLIN" CAMPBELL HEADLINE UNIFIED 31

Apr 10, 2017

EDMONTON — Tristan Connelly isn’t wasting any time in defending his Unified MMA Lightweight Championship.

After taking out defending champ Garret Nybakken at Unified 30 in March, Connelly is set to put his title on the line against UFC vet Shane “Shaolin” Campbell in the main event of Unified 31 on June 9 in Edmonton.

“Shane is going to bring it, and I’m going to bite down on my mouthguard and swing for the fences too,” the Vancouver product says. “It’s going to be a back-and-forth brawl, but I’m going to wear him down and take him out in the fourth or fifth round.

“I’m going to come out on top and bring my title home, where it belongs.”

Not so fast, says Campbell.

Hot on the heels of a five-fight run in the UFC and a dynamic TKO win at Unified 30, Campbell is feeling better than ever. He has his sights set on returning to the pinnacle of international MMA competition, and he’s excited his road back to the UFC’s Octagon goes through Connelly.

“This is a big opportunity for me to showcase my skills in front of Edmonton and hold it down for my city. I’ve got a big team behind me, and I’ve gotta lead by example,” Campbell says.

“Tristan is just holding my belt,” he continues. “He’s just another body. Another stepping stone for me.”

Tickets go on sale April 20.