Words and photo by James Bovington
A Bramley fighter is setting a challenge for up to 30 people to take part in an amateur MMA bout – and raise money for charity at the same time.
Reading about Bramley brothers Jack Alderson and Josh Tilley promoting the benefits of amateur MMA earlier this week moved Bramleyās Luke Johnson to contact WLD.
He said: “I enjoyed winning myĀ Ultra MMAĀ bout in the cage at The Village Hotel in Headingley so much that Iāve signed up again and am looking forward to training starting on 17thĀ February for a show on 11Ā April. I want to encourage up to 30 others from west Leeds to give it a go to prove just how courageous they can be.
“Iād always enjoyed watching the UFC and at 26 I wondered how Iād handle myself in the cage.
“I wanted to experience a combat sport even just once to learn how physically and mentally tough I could be while setting an example for my son. Heās nearly two.Ā I wanted to show him you can challenge yourself to overcome fears and anxieties. I now want to gain further experience and see where I can go as a fighter.”
Training will take place twice a week atĀ Bad CompanyĀ gym which relocated to Bramley in December and competitors are expected to sell a minimum of ten tickets to the show.
“Everyone chooses their charity,” explained Johnson, 27. “Last year I supportedĀ Stray AidĀ which cares for stray dogs and this year Iām fundraising forĀ Jacquis MillionĀ supporting Leeds Hospitals Charity.Ā This is in memory of work colleague Michelle Richmond, who passed away aged 58.”
UltraĀ MMAĀ bouts are three two-minute rounds. Itās amateur MMA so fighters can only strike the head when upright.
Novice fighters prepare mentally day by day knowing that for everyone nerves will be normal, but the intense training helped me gain confidence.Ā
“I canāt wait for the April show because itās an exhilarating experience as fighters feel like UFC stars with the crowd going crazy encouraging us on,”ā concluded” added Johnson.Ā
Those interested in competing should contactĀ Bad CompanyĀ on Facebook or at 07885 270267 or visitĀ the website.
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