THACKERVILLE, Okla. – It’s been an interesting few days for Norbert Novenyi.
He started the week part of the prelims at Bellator 218. But Friday, just three fights into his pro career, he’ll open up the main card. Novenyi (3-0 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) takes on Will Lavine (1-1 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) in a middleweight bout to start the televised portion thanks to two other fights falling off the card during fight week.
He’ll take it, and wants to take full advantage of the opportunity to introduce himself to the U.S. crowd. The Hungarian fighter trains in England with Bellator standout Michael “Venom” Page and the team at London Shootfighters, and his father won an Olympic gold medal in wrestling in 1980.
His dad’s also done some acting, including a role in the Arnold Schwarzenegger-Jim Belushi action film “Red Heat” a little more than 30 years ago. And because of his father’s stature, Novenyi said it can be a little tough on him back home with many fans presuming he’s getting a leg up in Bellator because of his famous pedigree.
Hear Novenyi talk about that, as well as his Friday fight, in the video above. Then don’t miss Bellator 218, which takes place at WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, Okla. The main card airs on Paramount and streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.
For more on Bellator 218, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.
