Martin Thompson’s Ultimate Title Shot

WHITEHAVEN ultimate fighter Martin Thompson is preparing for a light heavyweight British title shot next month.

Thompson, who also plays rugby for Wath Brow Hornets is heading to Strike and Submit on July 8 to take on Batley’s Ian Rush in his first ever title bout.

His brother Kevin will be able to hand on a few tips about the experienced Rush, as he defeated him earlier this year to take his first title.

Kevin lifted the Total Combat British Light Heavyweight belt after winning two gruelling fights in a four man fight-out, to win the title and £1,000 cheque.

The mixed martial artist, who fights out of the No Holds Barred Club in Whitehaven, is raring to go. And promoter Mark Hodgson, of the Hokushinko Fight Academy, in Workington, who helped him get the fight, is confident he will go well.

Hodgson said: “This will be a good chance for Martin. Rush was supposed to be fighting Dave Wilson but he pulled out with injury so it goes by ranking and Martin was the next up.”

Martin is also hoping to be in action at the next War in Workington 4 event, scheduled for August 11 at Moorclose Sports Centre. And it could be attracting a very special guest – in the form of top British UFC star Michael Bisping.

Bisping, who shot to fame as the light heavyweight winner of the US reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter, is in talks with promoter Hodgson to be a special guest for the event.

In early 2006 Bisping began his ultimate fighting career in the states as a contestant on the Ultimate Fighter 3, shown in Britain on satellite station Bravo, under the coaching of former UFC light heavyweight champ Tito Ortiz.

And he went on to win the final, defeating Josh Haynes by technical knockout in the second round, and winning a six-figure UFC contract.

He has links to the area as his former training partner Alex Cook, of St Bees, is currently helping Hodgson coach at the Hokushinko Fight Academy, in Workington.

Cook, who is a successful mixed martial arts fighter in his own right, will referee War in Workington IV at the town’s Sports Centre, in Moorclose. And an added bonus will be that the fights will take place in a cage for the first time.

Bisping’s trainer, from the Wolfslair Gym in Widnes, Brazilian Mario Neto is travelling up to Workington for a seminar on June 24 at the Hokushinko Fight Academy.

Tickets, priced £20 are available from Hodgson on 07971737234.

Source: www.whitehaven-news.co.uk