Mixed Martial Arts debut for
Hefford
- and comeback by Pele Reid
Kings Norton Thai Boxer Peter Hefford makes his MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) debut
at the Aston Event Centre on Sunday February 20th
in what promises to be a baptism of fire.
Reigning Commonwealth Light Middleweight Thai Boxing Champion, 34-year-old
Hefford is putting his reputation on the line in the fast growing MMA, which
combines aspects from many different combative contact sports including boxing,
wrestling, jiu-jitsu and karate.
On a bill that includes two of the world’s best MMA stars from the Netherlands,
popular Hefford is bound to win most home support as he takes on Neil North from
Brighton over energy-sapping rounds of five minutes duration.
Victory is gained along similar lines to boxing or kickboxing. A fighter can win
by knock-out, on points, by technical knockout (referee, doctor, or corner
stoppage), or disqualification. Common though in MMA is a contest won by
submission, similar in some respects to wrestling, when a fighter feels he
cannot go on any further, either due to a hold, punches, or sheer fatigue.
“I thought I’d try something different”, said Hefford. “MMA is a real test, but
my fitness is good and I wouldn’t be going into it unless I’d been training
properly for it. Some MMA fights go to ground very quickly, which is when the
holds come into play, but whatever happens I’ll give it my all”.
Ross Mason from Redditch, a training partner of Peter Hefford, will also receive
plenty of local support when he takes on Bosnian fighter Amir Subasic.
Undefeated by a UK opponent, 27-year-old Mason is determined to prove his worth
in the international arena.
“I’m looking forward to this and hope to have plenty of support from the
Redditch area”, he said. “I won’t be rushing into the holds because if I get the
opportunity, I’ll punch and use my kicks, but as and when the fight is in close
I’ll be ready”.
Pele Reid comeback In addition to the MMA bouts, the jam-packed bill also features an
intriguing K-1 heavyweight kickboxing bout between Birmingham’s Pele Reid and
Scotland’s Duncan Airlie James. Reid simply cannot afford to slip up.
Top of the bill is the eagerly awaited MMA contest between Stoke-on Trent’s Ross
Pointer and Valentijn Overeem from the Netherlands, whilst James Zikic, perhaps
best known for his K-1 appearances in the West Midlands, takes on another
Dutchman Melvin Manhoef.
Doors open at 5pm. First bout at 6pm
Tickets are priced at: Adults £25 or £35. VIP £75 or £100
Available from:
www.midlandboxoffice.com Tel: 01902 552 121
WIN TICKETS FOR THE MMA
EXTRAVAGANZA
We have
THREE pairs of tickets to
give away.
For your chance to win simply answer the following question: -
Question: What does MMA stand for?
Click here to send us
your answer (please put "Martial arts"
as the subject and remember to include your name and address so that we
can send the lucky winners their tickets).
The draw will take place on 10th. February 2005
GOOD LUCK!!
Check out
for a great choice of competition prizes
If you wish to contact us either :
PHONE 0845 166 8709 (local rate from anywhere in the UK)
OR +44 (0)121 444 4723 OR e-mail Editor@birmingham101.com
