Report - Pedro Carvalho vs. Daniel Weichel Targeted for Bellator 257 On April 16th.

Mandatory Credit: Bellator MMA

A featherweight matchup between most recent title challenger, Pedro Carvalho and veteran former two-time title chaser, Daniel Weichel is currently in the works for a Bellator 257 event on April 16th. -- with the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut set to host the showcase. 

Attempting to return from his first defeat under the Scott Coker led banner, Portuguese finisher, Carvalho challenged, current two-weight world champion, Patricio Freire at Bellator 252 as part of the Bellator featherweight Grand Prix format, dropping an opening round knockout defeat. The loss snapped a six-fight unbeaten run for the 25-year-old. 

German submission standout, Weichel also featured in the above mentioned, Grand Prix dropping at the quarter final stage in a unanimous decision loss to upcoming title chaser, two-time foe, Emmanuel Sanchez. The loss marked Weichel's third defeat in his last four walks under the Bellator banner. Both men have campaigned and called to stand opposite each other over the course of the last few weeks, and according to an initial report from MMA Fighting reporters, Guilherme Cruz and Damon Martin, a pairing is currently targeted. 

Carvalho, a longtime feature at Straight Blast Gym Ireland under head coach, John Kavanagh burst onto the Bellator scene back in May of 2018 -- enjoying a four-fight unbeaten streak before clashing with Brazilian standout, Freire.

Debuting with a split decision win over Daniel Crawford, Carvalho then picked up a gullotine win over Luca Vitali, a knockout victory over Derek Campos, before a submission stoppage of UFC alum, Sam Sicilia. From his eleven wins, Carvalho has notched six separate submission triumphs.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the renowned, Din Thomas, 36-year-old grappling sensation, Weichel has himself lodged a staggering twenty-two submission wins in his career. A fifty-two fight professional veteran, Weichel holds an eye-catching 40-12 professional résumé.

A nineteen year professional, Weichel has scored notable wins over the likes of Dennis Siver, Magomedrasul Khasbulaev, Pat Curran, Georgi Karakhanyan, the above mentioned, Sanchez, Carvalho's teammate, Brian Moore, and Saul Rogers during his storied career. Weichel is also a former M-1 Global featherweight champion.

Bellator 257 takes place on April 16th. -- with undisputed light heavyweight champion, Vadim Nemkov rematching former UFC contender, Phil Davis for the championship. Former UFC title challengers, Yoel Romero and Anthony Johnson also clash on the card, making their promotional debuts in the opening round of the light heavyweight Grand Prix.