Nick Newell: I'm no Kimbo Slice Jr., Aaron Chalmers when it comes to Corey Browning

In less than one year, Corey Browning has built a reputation for stopping Bellator prospects.

This past fall, Browning (5-2 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) put a beatdown on Kevin Ferguson Jr., the son of Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson, in his fourth professional fight.

Four months later, Browning handed reality show star turned MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers his first professional loss.

Browning’s next opponent, Nick Newell, knows a lot about bucking the odds. A congenital amputee, he’s built a career beating fighters free of physical deficits, working his way up to a title shot in World Series of Fighting against current UFC star Justin Gaethje.

As he approaches his Bellator debut Saturday night, Newell (15-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) can see why he’s been paired with Browning. But when he compares his experience alongside his opponent, he can’t see an upset.

“When I go out there, it’s about me performing,” Newell told MMA Junkie. “He beat two guys, and you probably want me to talk some trash about these guys.

“I actually loved ‘Kimbo.’ I was a big ‘Kimbo’ fan. So I always root for his son. I think he has a big future, but he doesn’t have the composure yet. He’s not there yet. He kind of fell apart, and Browning was able to beat him because of that.

“I’m not the same person. I’m a veteran. This is my 21st fight overall. I just don’t see that happening. And the other guy, I never watched the ‘(Gordie) Shore,’ but he’s a tough guy. He just looks like he’s all heart and no composure. New fighters versus a veteran. A different animal.

“He’s stepping in with a whole different beast. I’m not a prospect. I’m already proven. I’ve already won a world title, and I’ve fought for another world title. I fight guys that are top-five in the world. So for me, it’s different. You can’t compare me to these guys.”

Newell expects his debut to set up contract negotiations for a long-term deal with Bellator. After falling short on Dana White’s Contender Series, he’s looking for the biggest fights possible on the biggest platform. Right now, that’s Bellator, and Browning is the audition to make his home.

Bellator 225 takes place Saturday at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Conn. The main card airs on Paramount and streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.