AAMMA 23 Preview: James Ballinger vs James Morton

Continuing our preview of the upcoming Absolute Action MMA is another key match-up between James Ballinger (0-3 Pro, 11-8-1 Amateur) vs. James Morton (0-0 Pro, 7-1 Amateur). Ballinger who fights out of Georgetown MMA is looking to score his first victory since turning pro back in June 2011 again Morton. Morton fights out of Team JG, home of Strikeforce fighter Jorge Gurgel, will be making his Professional debut this weekend having come off a very impressive Amateur career. This bout is slated to be the co-main event and is one of two professional fights taking place this weekend with the other being Eric Moell vs. Chris Sallie which we previewed a few days ago.

Ballinger comes into this fight with nearly triple the amount of fights than Morton has which brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Ballinger vacated both of his titles which included the Amateur AAMMA Bantamweight and AAMMA Featherweight titles before turning pro. During his amateur career Ballinger would jump back and forth between the bantamweight and featherweight divisions in during the latter part of his amateur career is calling the featherweight division home as a pro. Out of his 23 fights Ballinger has only been to decision twice with every other fight ending in submission. Ballinger does come from a great team but I know he struggles with ground opponents so Morton will be a true test for Ballinger.

Morton who is becoming a fast raising star in the local MMA circuit and is known for his trademark fight shorts is looking to prove to everyone that he is ready for the professional ranks. Morton is riding a three fight win streak before turning pro looks to extend that streak against Ballinger this weekend. Morton, who also vacated his Amateur AAMMA Lightweight title before turning pro, has excellent cardio having gone the distance five out of his eight fights and even having a dance-off with Brittany Skelton after their fight for the title which lasted five rounds. I think this will be a great matchup for Morton who hasn’t gone up against anyone with as much experience inside the cage as Ballinger has.

This will definitely be a ground war between the two fighters. In the end we will see who has the better ground work to fend the other off a sneak in a submission. I’m really looking forward to seeing this fight this weekend.