Luke Trainer returns against unbeaten Roland Dunlap at PFL Tampa

England's Luke Trainer returns to action on August 22 when he faces undefeated American Roland Dunlap in a light heavyweight clash at PFL Tampa, on a card headlined by Cris Cyborg's retirement fight against Ketlen Vieira.

Trainer (10-1) heads into the contest riding the momentum of one of the biggest wins of his career after submitting former PFL light heavyweight champion Rob Wilkinson in the opening round back in February. The victory extended his winning streak to five and lifted the Brit to number three in the PFL light heavyweight rankings.

Reflecting on that performance, Trainer said: "I just took out number three, a former champion. He's never been finished in the first round and has never been submitted. I did both of those things."

He added: "To be honest, I strangled Rob in one round and didn't get touched. I would love every fight to go like that."

Standing opposite Trainer will be one of the division's fastest-rising prospects. Dunlap (7-0) makes his PFL debut after extending his unbeaten professional record earlier this year.

A former US Marine and two-time high school state wrestling champion, the American compiled an outstanding 159-9 amateur wrestling record before becoming a three-time All-American. He most recently headlined APFC 18 at the Isleta Resort and Casino in Albuquerque, claiming the promotion's middleweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over five gruelling rounds, showcasing every aspect of his MMA game.

Despite Dunlap's credentials, Trainer remains full of confidence heading into the matchup.

"The matchup is fine. Everyone at this level is good, everyone is a puzzle to figure out. I believe I can beat anyone in the world."

The Surrey fighter has also been studying his opponent extensively ahead of their meeting.

"I've studied Roland non-stop for the last six weeks and will continue to do so. His online presence has nothing to do with the fact that we are trying to kill each other."

Trainer is also a regular training partner and teammate of fellow PFL light heavyweight Simeon Powell, who recently defeated Emiliano Sordi at PFL Sioux Falls. Powell returns to action against second-ranked Dovlet Yagshimuradov on July 31, and victories for both British light heavyweights over the coming weeks would see them continue climbing the rankings, potentially bringing the pair closer together in the division.

Trainer vs Dunlap forms part of PFL Tampa on August 22, with the event headlined by former featherweight champion Cris Cyborg's retirement fight against Ketlen Vieira.