Thompson Brothers Win Titles

Kevin Thompson and Martin Thompson both claimed titles at Strike and Submit 5 at The Lancastrian Suite, Federation Brewery, Gateshead.

Kevin, 26, from Whitehaven, claimed the Strike and Submit Euro light-heavyweight crown while 22-year-old Martin, the UK light-heavyweight champ, moved up to heavyweight to take the European title.

Martin Thompson told the News and Star newspaper:

“We were delighted,” Martin said. “We took about 70 people over there with us so had a good following. Kevin now has won seven fights and lost only one, so he’s doing well. We had to do interviews before the fights as they are going out on an American TV channel.”

On the night - Kevin Thompson was the first brother into the cage. He blew away his opponent Karl Roche in thirty three seconds to claim victory. The finish came when Roche was forced to tap out due to a rear naked choke.

Martin Thompson was matched against Italian Muay Thai specialist Matteo Minonzio. Despite his opponents fearsome appearance, “The Ox” didn’t hesitate and took the fight to his opponent. Once the pair went to the canvas, Matteo Minonzio was subjected to a tremendous ground and pound assault. Finally, the Italian could take no more and submitted, sparking celebrations from the Cumbrian fans in the sold out venue.

The Thompson brothers played a huge part in the most successful Strike and Submit show to date. The Gateshead promotion, run by Michael Surtees, has a growing reputation as a place to see top quality Mixed Martial Arts action in the North East of England. Previous visitors to Strike and Submit include UFC veterans Colin Robinson and Per Eklund.

The UK MMA website hurtbusiness.com described Strike and Submit 5 as:

“..a night that generated more excitement than a coach load of eight year olds invading Blackpool Pleasure Beach after injecting blue Smarties and Tizer into their eyeballs.”

The main event of the evening was a clash for the Strike & Submit British Welterweight title between Peter Irving and Lee Doski. Lee Doski previously held the belt, but gave it up due to injury. Peter Irving claimed the title at Strike and Submit 4: The Eruption when he defeated Kevin Reed by way of rear naked choke.

Doski had high hopes of winning the title back, but his challenge was unsuccessful. Peter Irving put on an impressive performance, knocking Doski out thirty nine seconds into the second round.

Three film crews attended Strike and Submit 5. The BBC were there, filming a piece on the show for their Inside Out show. Inside MMA also had their cameras at the Lancastrian Suite. The third crew were the team filming Strike and Submit’s in-house DVD.

Plans are already well under way for Strike and Submit 6 in April. The highlight promises to be the £1000 Challenge, 84kg Tournament. As usual, the action will take place at The Lancastrian Suite, Federation Brewery, Dunston, Gateshead. The impressive venue was a total sell out for Strike and Submit 5 and, with the promotion going from strength to strength, punter would be advised to get their tickets early if they want to see the next one.