FIVE fighters from a new martial arts club at Warrington took part in their first cage matches at Telford – refereed by UFC and Cage Rage legend, Ian “The Machine” Freeman.
The night produced mixed results for Warrington Mixed Martial Arts Club, which only opened in March, with one win, one draw and three losses.
But head coach Dean Saitch said he was pleased with the performances.
Mike Harrison, aged 17 fighting at 76kg under amateur rules produced a thrilling first round victory, hurting his opponent with powerful leg kicks before winning by knockout late in the first round.
Stephen Withnell, aged 27, fighting at 92kg under semi-professional rules earned himself a draw after trading heavy punches with his opponent for the majority of the fight.
Dan Hassall, aged 33, fighting at 79kg lost by keylock submission in the first round. Mike Burton, aged 30, fighting at 80kg was beaten by armbar submission in the first round. Stephen Kelly, aged 31, fighting at 105kg suffered a second round submission by smother choke.
All three were fighting under semi-professional rules.
Amateur rules allow strikes (punches, kicks and knees) to the body. No strikes to the head and no elbows at all.
Semi-Professional rules allow strikes to the body and the head. No elbows are allowed and no strikes to the head when on the ground.
Coach Saitch said: “This was the first time out for all the lads and I’m really pleased with how they all performed. Some of them were matched up against much more experienced fighters but everyone gave a great account of themselves and are all looking forward to their next fight”.
Fighters from Warrington MMA will be in action again in March. Anyone interested in joining the club or watching the next event should visit the club website www.warringtonselfdefenceacademy.com
FIVE fighters from a new martial arts club at Warrington took part in
their first cage matches at Telford - refereed by UFC and Cage Rage
legend, Ian "The Machine" Freeman.
Cage fighters compete for first time
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
