Billstein replaces injured Bor, challenges Savov for the title
It was intended to be the night of redemption for Slovenia’s own Bor Bratovz (9-4 MMA, 7-1 WFC), but unfortunately it wasn’t supposed to be. The popular Ljubljana native was scheduled to face reigning WFC middleweight champion Svetlozar Savov (13-5 MMA, 4-0) in a rematch of their 2011 battle.
In their previous encounter, the Bulgarian made quick work of “Playbor”, submitting him with a guillotine choke inside the first round. The loss was a painful one for Bratovz, who had gone undefeated in WFC prior to that.
Yesterday the 32-year-old all-round fighter informed WFC that he had aggravated a shoulder injury he had suffered earlier this year. Following a fractured collarbone, Bor had a metal plate inserted into his shoulder. That metal plate has now come loose and will require another surgery to be repaired.
One man's sorrow is another man's joy as Germany’s Jonas Billstein (13-3 MMA) will now receive the opportunity to challenge Savov for the title. The 23-year-old Cologne native is the reigning champion of Germany’s biggest promotion – German MMA Championship – and has competed four times under the Bellator banner in the United States. 9 of his 13 wins have come by way of knockout.
“I’m very happy about the opportunity to fight for WFC”, Billstein told wfc.si. “I’ve been following the promotion for quite a while and was close to fighting here three years ago and I’m glad that I finally have the chance to do so. Svetlozar Savov is a fantastic opponent with a very well-rounded game – I can’t wait to test my skills against his and put on a great show for the WFC fans!”
In the co-headliner, Montenegrin “Psychopath” Vaso Bakocevic will take on Austrian submission specialist Christian Draxler. In kickboxing action, Algeria’s Mury Derbal will take on Maribor’s own Aleksander Stankov.
Tickets are already on sale at the Kolosej BTC ticket office