Official Statement Re. Lee Murray, and Jeremy Bailey!

Cage Rage 17: Ultimate Challenge. Saturday 1st July 2006 Wembley Arena

Due to the recent incidents involving Lee Murray and Jeremy Bailey the statement below has been prepared by Cage Rage promoters Andy Geer and Dave O’Donnell.

“Cage Rage’ is the trade marked tournament brand of Mixed Martial Arts Promotions Ltd [MMAP], which specialises in the promotion of full contact, mixed martial arts, aka ‘Cage Fighting’ MMAP does not personally manage either Lee Murray or Jeremy Bailey. The relationship with both of these fighters is strictly professional.

Both Lee Murray and Jeremy Bailey have fought in ‘Cage Rage’ tournaments since its inception in 2002. Before the Securitas incident in February Lee Murray was due to fight for the British middle weight title this Saturday the 1st July at ‘Cage Rage 17’ as the headline fight. Having had no news of Lee, MMAP was forced to change the ‘top of the bill’ to a World Light Heavy Weight title fight between British favourite Ian "The Machine" Freeman and our current World champion Dutchman, Melvin Manhoef.

Jeremy Bailey was also due to fight this weekend which now looks unlikely.

‘Cage Rage’ contests are professional, fully licensed and insured tournaments. In less than a decade, no-holds-barred fighting has gone from a novelty spectacle to a worldwide sport. It has produced athletic superstars but it unfortunately sometimes finds itself in controversial situations, which are not welcomed by MMAP.

This weekend sees ‘Cage Rage’ make the move to Wembley Arena where MMAP will promote the largest cage fighting event that has ever been held in Europe. MMAP’s priorities are currently focussed on this event and ensuring that it will showcase the best British and International fighting talents. It is not MMAP’s business to comment on the private lives of two men who have happened to fight in ‘Cage Rage’ events.

MMAP will continue to put on the best mixed martial arts shows in Europe and to present MMA as the highly skilled sport it is, both for the fighters and most importantly, the fans.”

Dave O’Donnell and Andy Geer.