Fight UK 5 Event Report
by Ben Cartlidge

The fifth instalment of the electric Fight UK franchise, from their new home at the Athena in Leicester recorded for Premier Sports, set out to deliver an entertaining bill of fights but, on a night of incredible MMA, the card exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Martin Sheridan – The comeback kid

The main event of the evening saw highly touted Dean Trueman take on Martin Sheridan in an action packed bout between two unbeaten prospects.

Trueman seemed to have the measure of his opponent from the opening bell and was soon imposing his powerful wrestling game. Sheridan looked to have survived some early trauma and came back stronger at the end of the first round but there could be little doubt of who had walked away victorious.

Sheridan looked the fresher of the two in the second round but was still unable to halt the takedowns of his energetic foe. Trueman, however, began tiring on top and Sheridan looked to lock in a triangle choke and very nearly secured a dramatic win.

The two stood back up and it was Sheridan, clearly energized from his earlier success, who took the initiative landing some textbook knees to the body that wilted Trueman in the corner. The bell rang for the end of the round but the tale of this fight was perfectly illustrated in the contrasting postures of fighters preparing for the final round.

Trueman came forward in the third and secured another high impact takedown but was unable to make it count, which left the door open for Sheridan who duly pounced. Trueman struggled to adjust but Sheridan seized the opportunity to lock on a dramatic rear naked choke victory in the third.

After his bout Sheridan commented, “He felt strong in the first but I knew I’d hurt him when I caught him with those knees so I had to keep coming forward.”

Edwards overcomes plucky Zwiefka

UTC’s Leon Edwards came into this catchweight bout after an opponent change left him with little time to prepare but he soon put the pressure on Pavel Zwiefka.

Edwards dropped his opponent with a plethora of different shots, including a left hook and a crisp head kick in the second, but Zwiefka would not stop coming forward and ploughed onwards undaunted.

Pavel’s best moments came in the third when he landed some great uppercuts and right hands but Edwards backed up and shot underneath for a lightning takedown which effectively sealed the round.

Zwiefka shouldn’t hang his head, however, as it was a remarkable display of heart against a very disciplined and dangerous foe in Leon Edwards.

Clarkson proves too much for Webster

There was a touch of the David Brent about Lloyd Clarkson as he strode into the ring to some classic Tina Turner but, when the action started, there could be no question as to who was simply the best.

Webster never really got comfortable with Lloyd’s aggression and, after a brief halt for an accidental foot injury; Clarkson dropped Webster like the proverbial bad habit to take a quick TKO victory.

“I wanted it to go longer because I’ve bought quite a few friends to see this one but a win’s a win and it’s on to the next one!” – Lloyd Clarkson

Emotional Foster records impressive victory

Total Dojo’s Josh Foster took no prisoners against Dan Monroe as he showed a smooth transitional grappling game.

Monroe’s hands looked sharp but he was clearly out of his depth on the ground as Foster took hold of an arm and locked in a great arm bar finish.

Foster, speaking after his fight, revealed that he had lost his Nan this morning and dedicated this fight in her memory much to the appreciation of the watching audience who greeted him with rapturous applause.

Hallam blasts Watkins

Matt Hallam certainly wasn’t being paid by the hour to open up the professional card as the Team Wallhead juggernaut destroyed Dan Watkins in a little over a minute. Watkins struggled to deal with the power of his opponent who picked his shots and finished with some jack hammering ground and pound.

The best of the rest

Carl Booth continued his impressive run and took the vacant Fight UK Amateur Welterweight belt in the process, as he demolished Jack Hill in just twenty seconds.

Booth landed a colossal knee very early on that put Hill squarely on Dream Street and followed up with some big shots to force the stoppage.

Andrew Shim showed improvements stood up but didn’t have an answer for the grinding work from UTC’s Sean Kelly. Shim struggled to keep the fight upright and Kelly imposed his will throughout three rounds to outwork his man for the nod.

Ranjeet Baria showed some fantastic grappling as he took Kevin Flannigan down and relentlessly pursued the submission. Flannigan did well initially but left his neck exposed for a split second and Baria, in a fashion not dissimilar to Genki Sudo vs. Leigh Remedios, spun round to take the back and took the rear naked choke in the process to cap off an impressive victory.

UTC prospect Ed Ansah put on an incredibly competent display against James Connolly as he showcased great striking and takedowns in equal measure. Connolly looked to make things happen stood up but was beaten to the punch frequently and, in the second round, was caught by a very slick triangle choke after a great scramble on the floor.

Darren Higgins showed his Spartan like work ethic as he outworked Callum Jones with a great variation of takedowns and, in the opening bout, Jan Mojik started well against Dan Lambert but picked up a knee injury following a takedown that forced him to withdraw.

Fight Awards

Fight of the Night – Dean Trueman vs. Martin Sheridan
Submission of the Night – Ranjeet Baria
Knockout of the Night – Carl Booth
 

Fight UK 5 Full Results