This coming weekend, Coventry will play host to a significant martial arts event – the Almighty Fighting Championship (AFC). The AFC, renowned for being one of the most esteemed combat shows in the nation, will be presenting its AFC 36 event at the Sport Connexion on May 18. This extraordinary occasion will serve as a hometown show for AFC founder Ray Thompson, who is delighted to bring the event to his place of origin.
Since its inception in 2016, AFC has been staging regular events in various major cities across the UK including Liverpool, Leeds, and Newcastle. In the rapidly expanding realm of MMA, organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the United States, and Cage Warriors in the UK have laid the groundwork for emerging entities like AFC to offer a platform for young fighters commencing their MMA journey.
Ray Thompson conveyed his enthusiasm about bringing the show to Coventry, affirming, “MMA has been a passion of mine for as far back as I can recall, and with the shows achieving success across the northern region of the country, it is an incredible prospect to bring it to my hometown. We provide young fighters with the opportunity to initiate their journey to ascertain if they can mirror the success of individuals such as Leon Edwards or Tom Aspinall.”
MMA has undergone notable evolution over the years, asserting itself as a legitimate contender to more conventional combat sports such as boxing. According to Ray, “MMA is the purest form of combat there is,” with a diverse array of fighting styles and techniques, rendering it an enthralling spectacle for aficionados of the sport.
The event will showcase both amateur and professional fights, with more than thirty fighters slated to participate in front of numerous spectators. The featured match will be an amateur light heavyweight bout between Dan Jones and Owen Cartridge, a native of the West Midlands. Owen, representing Intensity MMA, exudes confidence in his ability to prevail in the bout.
With the doors set to open at 3pm and the initial bout scheduled for 3.30pm, attendees can anticipate a remarkable atmosphere and a gripping experience. Tickets are available for purchase online, commencing at £40. This is an event that enthusiasts and supporters of combat sports should undoubtedly mark on their calendars and not miss.