Eryxgear, a sports clothing company, has become the inaugural sponsor of HW1 Fitness Gym in Loughborough, an initiative by MMA figures Dan Hardy and ‘Judo’ Jimmy Walhead. The gym is enhancing its facilities, including a new fight cage, and aims to nurture amateur talent, fostering an ambitious MMA community aligned with Eryxgear’s vision.
Eryxgear sports clothing company is the new sponsor of HW1 Fitness Gym in Loughborough, the first of its kind for a UK sports brand.
Teaming up with Loughborough’s finest gym, HW1 Fitness is the vision of British MMA pioneers Dan Hardy and ‘Judo’ Jimmy Walhead.
Their state-of-the-art gymnasium will host a fully matted martial arts centre on the first floor.
The gym is undergoing ongoing upgrades and will also be transformed into a modern MMA facility complete with a new fight cage and recovery facilities.
The infamous Eryxgear logo will be at the centre of their new cage, and brand owner Richard Wragg will spend time with the upcoming fight team to document their journey into the professional ranks.
Eryxgear logo in the centre of the octagon
Speaking exclusively with Richard Wragg, he had this to say:
“HW1 is building something really exciting. With an elite coaching team, rising amatuer talent, major facility upgrades and strong links to Loughborough University, it’s exactly the kind of ambitious MMA community Eryxgear wants to support.”
For more information on HW1 or Eryxgear, just click on the links.
The Combat Sports Initiative (CSI) is expanding its impact through the new Combat Sisters program, aimed at combating violence against women and girls. In collaboration with organizations like Ms Muay Thai.UK and The Jessica Project, CSI will host a special combat sports training session for over 40 women. The initiative, supported by Royal Navy and Marine personnel, focuses on instilling values such as discipline and responsibility in young people while promoting personal safety and empowerment for women. With plans to extend the program to London and Scotland, CSI remains a vital force for positive change in communities, addressing issues like knife crime and youth violence.
The Combat Sports Initiative continues to grow and deliver far-reaching social impact. The anti-knife crime project now includes the Combat Sisters programme as part of a national campaign to end violence against women and girls.
This demonstrates the positive impact that Royal Navy personnel can have within local communities while enhancing their reputation as a force for good.
This will be a special session delivered in collaboration with Ms Muay Thai UK and Gym King Women, with guest coaches and brand ambassadors joining them to deliver combat sports training to 40+ women.
Amber getting ready for sparring
Speaking exclusively to Combat Sports Initiative Ambassador Amber Kitchen said:
Combat Sports Initiative has been a powerful force in supporting the next generation and helping to tackle knife crime and youth violence. I’ve been incredibly proud to be part of its journey for around three years, and it’s been amazing to see how much the initiative has grown and the positive impact it’s had on so many young people.
Dennis and the team go above and beyond to ensure the message is clear and reaches those who need it most. They help young people build confidence, discipline, and a sense of empowerment while showing them that positive choices and opportunities are available.
These guys are modern-day heroes. At a time when communities across the UK need positive role models and meaningful change, their work is making a genuine difference in young lives.
The event is designed to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where women can learn practical combat sport skills, build confidence and develop greater awareness of personal safety.
The session is also part of a wider national movement to help end violence against women and girls, using sport and female empowerment as tools to help women feel stronger, safer, and more confident.
Importantly, this event also shows how the Royal Navy can be a force for good in communities, using its skills, values, and people to make a positive difference and support initiatives that empower and protect.
Royal Navy volunteer at Combat Sport Initiative programme
The Royal Navy and Marines are excited to bring together coaches and ambassadors for what promises to be a powerful, positive session. Speaking exclusively with Emma, who helps run the Ms Muay Thai.UK Instagram page, she said:
Ms Muay Thai’s mission statement is to create more opportunities for women to train, spar, compete, and grow, while bringing women together and strengthening the Women’s Muay Thai scene.
**This special event will be held on: **
Sunday 27th September
11:00 – 12.30
Unity Thai Boxing
152 Market Street
Newton-le-Willows
WA12 9BU
Through Combat Sports Initiative (CSI), instructors from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines do far more than teach sports: they instil the values of discipline, respect, and personal responsibility in young people. Over the past year, thousands of participants have attended CSI sessions across regions including Merseyside and Teeside.
Building on this success, the team of dedicated volunteers now plan to expand the programme into London and Scotland. CSI is firmly established as one of the UK’s most dynamic and impactful youth engagement programmes.
The Royal Navy and Marines are incredibly excited to bring together coaches, ambassadors, and women from the local community for what promises to be a powerful and positive session.
Combat Sports Initiative continues to grow and deliver far-reaching social impact. The anti-knife crime project now includes the Combat Sisters programme as part of a national campaign to help end violence against women and girls. This demonstrates the positive impact Royal Navy personnel can have in local communities while further enhancing their reputation as a force for good.
About Combat Sports Initiative
The Royal Navy’s flagship youth engagement programme uses sport, fitness and combat sports activities to help tackle knife crime. Through Combat Sports Initiative (CSI), instructors from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines do far more than teach combat sports; they instil the value of discipline, respect, and personal responsibility in young people. Over the past year, thousands of participants have attended CSI sessions across regions including Merseyside and Teeside.
Building on this success, the team of dedicated volunteers now plan to expand the programme into London and Scotland. CSI is firmly established as one of the UK’s most dynamic and impactful youth engagement programmes.
Speaking exclusively with Royal Navy’s Warrant Officer Dennis Harrison, he said:
The Combat Sisters workshops aim to encourage more women and girls to take part in combat sports and empower them by creating “a safe space for them to express themselves.”
He said they hoped to hold more events in the future. Harrison also said the Royal Navy has worked alongside The Jessica Project as part of its work supporting the wider campaign to help end violence against women and girls. The Jessica Project is a survivor-led not-for-profit organisation supporting recovery from sexual violence and domestic abuse.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said Combat Sisters is the latest community project in Northern England driven by Royal Marines and Royal Navy personnel. It builds on the Combat Sports Initiative, which tackles crime and gang activity in major cities and has run for more than three years.
The Combat Sisters Programme
As part of its wider commitment to ending violence against women and girls, the Royal Navy has worked alongside Ms Muay Thai.UK. The Jessica Project is a survivor-led not-for-profit organisation that supports recovery from sexual violence and domestic abuse.
Combat Sisters is the latest community initiative in Northern England to be delivered by Royal Marines and Royal Navy personnel. The programme builds on the success of the Combat Sports Initiative, which has used sport, fitness, and combat sport activities to tackle knife crime and gang-related violence in major cities for more than three years.
Through practical training, mentorship, and engagement, Combat Sisters aims to empower women and girls while promoting confidence, resilience, and personal safety.
Service Volunteers Making a Difference
A dedicated team of Service Volunteers leads the project, giving their spare time and annual leave to deliver events that create meaningful, lasting impact in local communities. Their commitment reflects the Royal Navy’s broader dedication to supporting young people and building safer, stronger communities across the United Kingdom.
**This event has now SOLD OUT. ** To be on the waiting list, please get in touch with Ms Muay Thai.UK
The cage doors shut at Raged UK 24 inside the MECA Swindon, and what followed wasn’t just a fight card; it was a proving ground.
This was fighters fighting. No fluff. No easy nights.
The main event delivered exactly what you want when everything’s on the line. Armands Gruznovs didn’t just win; he dragged Hany Musleh into deep water and drowned him with a third-round rear-naked choke. That’s grit. That’s composure. That’s a man who knows how to close.
Then you’ve got Emma Jefferson stepping up and taking the flyweight strap the hard way, three rounds, no shortcuts. Lottie Matthews pushed her, but Jefferson stayed sharp and walked out with gold. That’s championship mentality.
Elsewhere, finishes came fast and violent. Dan Lucas wasted no time gaining a first-round submission; statement made. The mat belonged to the hunters all night: choke after choke, fighters snatching necks like it was second nature. No hesitation. No mercy.
This card had a theme: if you made a mistake, you paid for it.
Takeaways
Grappling ruled the night; if your ground game wasn’t tight, you got exposed.
Prospects are coming through fast and fearless with no respect for records, just action.
Raged UK is still breeding real fighters who are hungry, raw, and dangerous.
Swindon didn’t just host fights it witnessed careers ignite.
Bare Knuckle Boxing closes out a historic 2025 when it returns to the Land of the Red Dragon, Friday, 5 December, for BKB 49 at the Vale Arena in Cardiff. In the main event, Wales’ own undefeated Liam Rees defends his Super Lightweight title against one of the hottest fighters in BKB, #1 contender Rolando Dy.
In the co-main event, someone’s 0 has to go when undefeated Light Heavyweights Keiron Harding and David Winiarski meet in the Trigon.
Plus, two of BKB’s top rising stars face off when Simey Doherty takes on Kallum Skhane.
Also, this will be Jack ‘The Hammer’ Marshman’s retirement fight in front of his home crowd. Marshman promises to put on one hell of a great fight for his fans and retire with the all-important win. Standing in his way is none other than Paul Hilz, who knows only one way: coming forward. This has all the hallmarks of ‘fight of the year’ with both men knowing the only way is forward, and the only way out is to be knocked out.
Full fight card
Liam Rees vs. Rolando DY
Keiron Harding vs. David Winiarski
Keiron Harding vs. David Winiarski
Simey Doherty vs. Kallum Skhane
Lucas Browne vs. Aaron Ashton
Paul Hilz vs. Jack Marshman
Troy Palmer vs. Dorian Darch
Dan Matthews vs. Steven Rouke
Robert Koky vs. Tom Pratt
Geraint Goodridge vs. Ruairi McCarthy
Joe Randall vs. Iestyn Edwards
Shaun Rafferty vs.Ethan George
If you missed our last interview with Jack Marshman before his last fight against Daniel Lerwell, where Bare Knuckle Mobb Rob and I interview Jack before his fight against Daniel Lerwell, you can watch it here.
Originating in South Florida with backyard legend Dada 5000, whose backyard fights gained worldwide popularity online, BKB was founded to harness the excitementbare-knuckleckle fighting into a more structured product for a wider, more mainstream audience. Since 2015, BYB has worked diligently to grow the reach of bare knuckle on both a domestic and international level, hosting events in Wyoming, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana, New Mexico, Colorado, England, Wales and Dubai, and is continuing to work with athletic commissions throughout the United States and globally to expand the fanbase growing sport of bare knuckle fighting.
In the past two years, BKB (originally BYB) has purchased the UK-based BKB, world’sld’s oldest professional bare knuckle boxing company, and in doing so merged the organizations to create the largest bare knuckle boxing company in the world in terms of roster, library and distribution; ushered in ethical and legalized gambling to the sport; acquired the rights to the historic and prestigious Police Gazette Diamond Belt which now serves as the Bare Knuckle Boxing World Championship; and brought bare knuckle boxing to lineal television on both sides of the Atlantic, including the recent deal with VICE TV and in the UK with TalkSport.
Saturday, 25 October, Raged UK MMA held their third event of 2025. Boasting 17 amateur fights and 3 amateur title fights, this was one event not to be missed.
Raged UK MMA team photo -Credit Team Photographer
The venue was packed, and if the crowd was anything to go by, then we were all in for a treat; after all, amateurs are the future of the sport.
Full results
Dahen Shahab def Christos Dumbuya via beginning of round 2 as unable to continue
Lorenzo Ercoles def Abudulwhahid Aiden via Unanimous decision
Tyler Hawson def Kai Catwell-Rocca via RNc 1:11 round 3
Ben Bates def Shay Steel via TKO 2:37 round 1
Falah “Akran” Ayoub def Mirulleh Ahmadil via Unanimous decision
Askan Salehi def Joe Sligh via Unanimous decision
Mohhamad Sharif def Adam Stewart via GNP 2:38 round 1
Ryan Brinkley def Gerald Synod via GNP 1:08 round 1
A-Jay Harrhy def Lewis Champman via Unanimous decision
Mikolaji Ivanchuk def Job Salomao Rigon via Unanimous decision
Nico Cavilla def Jakub Szymanczyk via Unanimous decision
George Bartlett def Rich Nottingham via Medical Stoppage round 3
Lottie Matthews def Tilly Churrazo via Unanimous decision
Cole Marr def Matthew Oliver via KO in 0:09 seconds, round 1
Vacant amateur super featherweight belt
Shoriful Islam def Kayden Rudman via Armbar 2:35 round 2
Vacant amatuer bantamweight belt
Aaron Palmer def Charlie Gregson via TKO 0:11 seconds round one
Vacant amatuer lightweight belt
Felipe Albuguerque def Tate Groves via D’arce choke
We had taken 18 months out of the writing aspect of the sport we cover, MMA. We have branched out into some new opportunities, and we still come together to say NOW IS THE TIME TO GO BACK TO WRITING IN AND ABOUT MMA!
After taking 18 months off the writing aspect of MMA, we have stayed passionate about MMA – well, I started this site in 2012 about MMA and the fighters that were in the sport but as yet not in the UFC, so I have a history of MMA fighters before some would say made it!
I have a new contributing writer on board who is fantastic and amazing with his words, hailing from America we have Terrell Sylvester who has done previous work with Combat Sports UK (Anteriorwright1 on FB) check him out there then make sure to come back to Five Rounds with Emma. As we will be full of content before you can say ‘where the fu*k did she come from and who the fu@k is she’.
That statement is true, though I started writing for other outlets to get my foot in the door, so to speak. After two years, my good friend and the one who believed in me from the start and to this day onwards, Jonathan Millard, you may know him as ‘The voice of the Vale’ since he is a ring announcer for boxing & some MMA shows, if it were not for him, I don’t know what i’d be doing by now. He encouraged me to carry on in the sport even though those early days (5 years worth) were when I had abuse aimed at me via social media platforms, this was by men in other outlets in the industry. Then one male person took it upon himself to write a whole status about me on FB ( he didn’t have the nerve to tag me -pussy), and the amount of abuse from grown men left under that status was appalling and soul-destroying. It wasn’t until my good friend and fighter, who I have watched his career from the start, called me up to say what was going on – in the end, it came down to ME being in a predominantly male space and making more waves than him – jealousy!!! For 5 years, I endured abuse like this daily.
Move on to 2020 that person was not around in fact he was in jail for domestic abuse for the second time so no wonder he thought he could bully me!!
As COVID hit, the whole world had to make changes, and those changes forced us on Five Rounds with Emma to re-evaluate how we could contribute to the MMA scene. TIKTOK found the answer when we were ordered to stay at home, so video content grew massively, and so did Zoom calls.
Today, we will incorporate our writing with videos (if needed) on our YouTube channel, Five Rounds with Emma. Also, we will embed the code in the writing here, so you don’t have to search the Internet for the specific content we have shown.
I thank all my loyal fans who have stayed with me from the beginning and through all the times to now. The sport needs fans, and I love engaging with each and every one of you on social media. You can find me on ‘X’ (although I don’t really post there any more), Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and TIKTOK, plus don’t forget this website for news, results, press releases, and exclusive interviews.
The ‘Night of Champions’ held by Raged UK MMA on 2 September 2023 at The MECA in Swindon electrified the atmosphere with 20 intense bouts, crowning six new champions. The event highlighted the vibrant local MMA community, spurring interest and potential future collaborations while showcasing thrilling combat sports talent that captivated audiences.
The atmosphere was electric at The MECA in Swindon on 2 September 2023, as Raged UK MMA held its much-anticipated ‘Night of Champions’. This Swindon MMA event was a spectacle of skill and determination, drawing an enthusiastic crowd eager to witness the crowning of six new MMA champions. With a fight card boasting 20 intense MMA bouts, the event was a testament to the high calibre of combat sports talent present, leaving attendees and fans on the edge of their seats. As the night unfolded, the energy in the arena was palpable, showcasing why live MMA events continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Join us as we delve into the highlights and unforgettable moments of this truly electrifying evening.
Electrifying Atmosphere at MECA Swindon
On 2 September 2023, the MECA in Swindon became the epicentre of combat sports excitement. The ‘Night of Champions’ event, organised by Raged UK MMA, transformed the venue into a cauldron of adrenaline and anticipation.
Overview of the Night of Champions
The ‘Night of Champions’ lived up to its name, delivering an unforgettable experience for MMA enthusiasts. The event showcased 20 intense bouts, each contributing to the electric atmosphere.
Raged UK MMA curated a diverse fight card featuring seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. This mix ensured a night of unpredictable and thrilling matchups.
The crowd’s energy was palpable from the opening bell to the final knockout. Cheers, gasps, and thunderous applause punctuated each significant moment in the octagon.
The Buzz Around the Swindon MMA Event
Swindon’s MMA community had been excitedly buzzing in the weeks leading up to the event. Social media platforms were ablaze with discussions, predictions, and fighter interviews.
Local businesses joined in the hype, with gyms offering special training sessions and restaurants creating fight-night specials. This community involvement amplified the event’s significance beyond just a sporting spectacle.
The ‘Night of Champions’ also attracted attention from MMA fans across the UK. Many travelled to Swindon, turning the event into a celebration of British combat sports.
Highlights from the Fight Card
The ‘Night of Champions’ delivered on its promise of high-octane action. From technical grappling exchanges to explosive knockouts, the event had it all. Let’s dive into some standout moments with fans on their feet.
Six New MMA Champions Crowned
The ‘Night of Champions’ lived up to its name, with six new champions emerging victorious. Each title fight delivered intense action and unforgettable moments.
Ryan Southern defeated Laszio Berecki via rear-naked choke at 1:35 of round one to become the Raged UK Amateur Featherweight Champion.
Avarias ‘Chowie’ Gaciauskas defeated Stephen Todman via Guillotine at 2:29 of round one to become the Raged UK Amateur Middleweight Champion.
Ryan Lockyer defeated Sam Cooper via rear-naked choke 1:41 of round one to become the Raged UK Amateur Welterweight Champion.
John Watson defeated Jamal Vincent via Unanimous Decision to become the Raged UK Amateur Lightweight Champion.
Lewis ‘The Foot’ Long defeated Ashley Griffiths via Rear naked choke 0:31 of round one to become the Raged UK Welterweight Champion.
Craig Rawlins defeated Matt Holland via Guillotine 2:15 of round one to become the Raged UK Middleweight Champion.
The Impact of Live MMA Events
Live MMA events like the ‘Night of Champions’ are crucial to the sport’s growth and development. They provide a platform for athletes to showcase their skills, inspire the next generation of fighters, and unite communities through shared passion. Engaging the Local Combat Sports Community
The ‘Night of Champions’ event significantly impacted Swindon’s combat sports community. Local gyms reported a surge in new memberships in the days following the event, with many citing the inspirational performances they witnessed.
The event also provided valuable exposure for local fighters. Several Swindon-based athletes were featured on the card, giving them a chance to compete in front of their hometown crowd and gain recognition.
Promoting Future Swindon MMA Events
The success of the ‘Night of Champions’ set the stage for future MMA events in Swindon. Raged UK MMA has already hinted at plans to return to The MECA in early 2024.
Local businesses have expressed interest in increased sponsorship opportunities, recognising the economic boost such events bring to the area. This support could lead to even bigger and better events in the future.
The buzz generated by the ‘Night of Champions’ has also caught the attention of larger MMA promotions. There are whispers of potential collaborations that could bring international talent to Swindon, further elevating the town’s status in the MMA world.
Raged UK MMA 16 returns to The MECA in Swindon on Saturday 2nd September 2023 where they will be making six new champions
Raged UK MMA 16 returns to The MECA in Swindon on Saturday, 2nd September 2023, where they will be making six new champions and, therefore, titled “Night of Champions”.
Boasting a massive fight card of 20 fights, Raged UK MMA 16 will be guaranteed to see a beautiful night of violence and what appears to be the best fight card set to date, with promoter Gary Turland going above and beyond to make sure the fight fans in Swindon will be talking about this card for years to come.
As with previous Raged events, if you cannot make the event in person,Fightworld TV hosts a live PPV to watch as the action unfolds.
Five Rounds with Emma 
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