By James Bovington
Novice MMA fighters who participated at the recent Ultra MMA event organised by Bad Company gym in Bramley are delighted to have raised almost £11,000 for a range of charities.
The event was held at The Village in Headingley.
Bramley’s Jodie Warburton said: “I enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish.
“Fight night was fun. I loved having a big crowd there helping everyone get the adrenaline pumping. I felt confident because I’d trained hard proving the saying ‘train hard and fight easy. I knew my opponent was a grappler and wanted to get me to the floor, so I had a game plan of strike her and keep her in my reach. I followed it and it worked.
“My opponent Kaci was the youngest participant, and I have total respect for her and everyone else who climbed into that cage.
“I am an older woman for this at 42 and proud that I managed to complete the eight weeks training. I wanted to see if I could withstand the physical and mental challenge of MMA.
“I’d always loved watching female fighters like Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. I’m from a family of fighters and have a cousin signed with Cage Warriors UK. I’ve trained karate for eight years but wanted to know how I’d fare with MMA.
“Losing an uncle to cancer spurred me to sign up. I’d previously done various challenges for cancer charities but perhaps tamer such as shaving my hair for MacMillan.”
At 19, Wortley’s Jamie Farrer was the youngest male participant. Jamie said: “I play ice hockey and that’s tough, but MMA’s highly challenging. Everything was top class including the training.
“My dad said MMA’s great for turning boys into men and keeping us busy. My mum was a bit nervous, but she loved seeing me prove that I had the courage to fight, and I showed my friends just what I’m made of.”
University student Max Kitson from Manchester was Jamie’s opponent. He said: “This has tested me to the limit and now I’ve got the war wounds to prove it which was all part of the fun. Both Jamie and I hope to continue with combat sports.”
Luke Johnson, 27, enjoyed his 2024 Ultra experience so much that he competed again this time raising money for Jackie’s Millions in memory of a colleague.
“I’m delighted to have got a submission win by Americana which is apparently complex,” said Johnson.
Jodi Warburton added: “The whole evening was well planned and professional and there’s no doubt that all who came to support us novice fighters had nothing but great things to say about what was an exciting and exhilarating event.
“I’d encourage people to sign up as the training is amazing and you get to meet some great people while improving fitness. There’s nothing like the buzz you experience at the event. Don’t be out off by age or ability as you’ll be coached so well and supported by everyone around you and it’s as safe as it can be.”
Event referee Stefan Joachim agreed. ‘For some this will have been the best night of their lives. My job is to make sure that everyone goes home happy and to work the next Monday. These obviously an element of risk but these bouts are very much for novices, and I’ll stop a fight when I judge it’s necessary even if no one has tapped out.”
Louis Blair from IMA in Seacroft and Tom Crosby from AVT in Morley provide eight weeks coaching co-ordinated by Jon Leonard from Bad Company. If interested in training from September for the November event sign up here.
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