Massive cage fighting event coming to Coventry this weekend

A major martial arts event is happening in Coventry this weekend. Almighty Fighting Championship (AFC) has built up a reputation as one of the most respected combat shows around and is considered one of the country's biggest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events.

AFC started in 2016 and hosts regular events across major cities such as Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle. A special event, AFC 36, will take place on May 18, with Coventry’s Sport Connexion set to host a hometown show for AFC founder Ray Thompson.

MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with organisations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in the United States, and Cage Warriors in the UK, paving the way for up-and-coming organisations such as AFC to be a starting point for young fighters kicking-off their MMA journey. Ray, who was born and raised in Coventry before moving to Bridlington in North Yorkshire several years ago, is excited to be putting on a home town show.

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“I really can’t wait to bring the show to Coventry this month,” Ray admitted. “MMA has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, and with the shows being successful all over the north of the country, it’s amazing to be bringing it to my home town. We offer young fighters the opportunity to begin their journey to see if they can become the next Leon Edwards or Tom Aspinall.”

The world of MMA has changed a lot since Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legend Royce Gracie won the first UFC title in the early 1990s. Over the years the sport has emerged as a genuine competitor to the more mainstream industries such as boxing.

Ray said: “MMA is the purest form of combat there is - with a lot of potential for explosive fights and knockouts through striking styles such as boxing and kickboxing, to more technical finishes to fights, with on-the-ground styles like wrestling and Jiu Jitsu which can lead to submissions. Spectators get to see such a variety of styles combined, giving it an excitement you don’t get from other combat sports.

“People coming to AFC for the first time can expect an amazing atmosphere - the crowd is always electric and that gives the fighters a real boost. This is an event fight fans will not want to miss.” The event will consist of amateur and pro bouts, with over thirty fighters set to put their body on the line in front of hundreds of spectators.

But at the top of the bill will be an amateur light heavyweight bout between Dan Jones and the West Midlands own Owen Cartridge. Hailing from the Black Country, Owen, fighting out of Intensity MMA, is predicting he will emerge victorious from the occasion.

The 26-year-old said: “I’ve had a great camp and I’m feeling the best version of myself so I believe I’ll get the win and that belt will be coming home with me. This is my first time headlining a card so I’m new to being centre stage. Although my experience from my previous fights will help me as I’ve competed in some hostile places and came out with results.

“I enjoy the buzz of the atmosphere and the roller coaster of emotions the day brings and seeing how other fighters act and prepare before making the walk to the cage.” Doors open at 3pm with the first fight being at 3.30pm.

Tickets prices start at £40 and can be purchased online here