GLOUCESTER RANGE FIGTHERS

Trio success

Three martial arts stars of the future returned  from a 'Southern Aggression' tournament in Weston Super Mare with victories, and their coach is predicting bigger things to come.

Gloucester trio Steve Cunningham, Jacob Blythe and Ch'e Mills all entered the mixed martial arts competition and with the sport now receiving a high profile on national television they are on the brink of fame.

The three fighters train under the watchful eye of Mark Weir at his new gym on the Morelands Trading Estate, Bristol Road and their coach was delighted with the triple success.

Cunningham was the first to fight when he met hometown favourite Danny Irwin in a rematch, the Gloucester man made quick work of his opponent by submitting him with a guillotine choke and demonstrating how much he has improved since their encounter.

Next up was unbeaten Blyth, whose bout with Robert Mitchell went the distance, but after edging the first round Weir's protege went on to outclass his opponent for a comfortable win.

Mills entered the cage next to face Polish fighter Robert Zelinski, who has only ever lost once in six fights. But this record did not phase Mills, whose win lasted 23 seconds. He foiled an attempted takedown by the Pole and a quick combination ended with a kick which knocked his rival out.

Weir believes all three fghters deserved their wins and stressed that this is just the beginning. He said ' I believe that Gloucester has some of the strongest fighters in the country and I intend to prove this in the months to come.'